Veterinary teams and representatives who service them need to be prepared to answer questions from animal owners about home remedies and product safety. In addition to print circulation readers, consider the Facebook following which includes 760,000 “likes”. Source: Dogs Naturally, March 18, 2016. You know those spot-on flea and tick products are bad for your dog, right? … [Read more...]
Technology improves equine lameness evaluation
Equine lameness exams have historically been performed by a clinician who assigns subjective lameness score value to what he or she observes. While this method has been somewhat effective, opinions and abilities to see a lameness can vary greatly between veterinarians. Tools now exist to provide for a more objective evaluations of lameness. Source: The Paulick Report, March … [Read more...]
Eliminate bottlenecks
Spinning too many plates or work with a perfectionist? Check out some good remedies for removing bottlenecks in personal, team and business productivity. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 23, 2016. Bottlenecking puts your career and reputation at risk and takes a significant emotional toll. Learn four root causes of it and their solutions: 1) plate-spinning; 2) people … [Read more...]
Make sure employees have a life outside work
Long workdays, extended after-hours time for patient care, customer events and emergency visits tax personal time for animal health pros. Yet, research shows that improving personal time improves work results. The authors of this article offer suggestions for managing in a more friendly and balanced environment. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 25, 2016. We are … [Read more...]
Tap water may endanger dogs
“Could your dog’s water give him joint disease?” is the question posed by this article. It presents correlations between the findings of a 2014 research study (Neurobehavioural Effects of Developmental Toxicity) published in The Lancet, one of the world’s most distinguished medical journals. The study added fluoride to a group of developmental neurotoxins such as arsenic, lead … [Read more...]
Inflammatory biomarkers: horses’ early warning system?
Developing research into equine soft tissue damage and biomarker identification could help veterinarians and trainers identify or prevent these injuries. While research is still ongoing, there have been important discoveries about Serum Amyloid A (SAA), a protein released from the liver at the early stage of inflammation. Currently, this is more of a method to ensure that a … [Read more...]
5 myths about colic debunked
There are many common “understandings” about causes and treatments surrounding the most common medical condition of the horse: colic. Some of these “understandings” developed logically, but most simply aren't based on facts. David Ramey, DVM, presents a better understanding of these common myths and the facts, or lack thereof, on which they are based. Source: Horse … [Read more...]
8 things to know about ransomware
Ransomware attacks are more common than we think. Hackers are becoming more aggressive than before. When launched, ransomware encrypts your data and makes it unusable until you pay a ransom to hackers who may or may not release a key to your files. The basics of ransomware and eight ways to protect against it were presented this week during the radio program Air … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Only data security mitigates system breaches
Data breaches don’t happen quickly says Paul Hugenberg. They take weeks and months. Hackers are patient and spend all the time they need to get the data they want. They know 80 percent of your data is outside the view of existing controls. Applying proper classification to sensitive data can help you put proper controls around it to reduce risks. Source: InfoGPS Networks, … [Read more...]
‘Super worms’ a new threat to equine health.
Commonly used equine deworming practices are changing. While it is still important to deworm foals on a bi-monthly basis due to their lack of immune development, it may no longer be necessary to follow longtime-used bi-monthly deworming practices for all adult pasture horses. All adult horses are still susceptible to the damage caused by red worms and tape worms thus, all … [Read more...]
Younger generations like to learn from videos
See how Gen Z and millennials consume media in this infographic taken from the annual Acumen Report from Defy Media. "The results prove younger audiences' increasing appetite for video that's satisfying a diverse set of needs, and the importance of understanding preferences or risk being easily tuned out,” Andy Tu, Defy Media executive vice president of marketing, … [Read more...]
Feline leukemia recommendations reviewed
Veterinary teams can use this article to discuss their knowledge and practice recommendations about feline leukemia. Without prevention, the life expectancy of any cat that contracts FeLV is short. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) The incidence of feline leukemia has declined significantly since the introduction several decades ago of a vaccine designed to … [Read more...]
Stem cell therapy promising for feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Stem cells and their regenerative abilities are intriguing to veterinarians and university researchers. They have potential to be useful in everything from healing wounds in dolphins to easing arthritis in pigs and horses. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) In a clinical trial led by Dr. Boaz Arzi — a dental surgeon and researcher with the UC Davis School of … [Read more...]
Canine calming products reviewed
There is a plethora of items positioned as solutions for the barking, quaking, biting, and cowering some dogs exhibit. But just like humans, dogs are individuals with their own genetic make-up and experiences that play a part in their reactions. Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, Tufts Cummings School’s Animal Behavior Clinic, addresses issues, perceptions and products that target … [Read more...]
Dog-friendly prepping for spring
Spring is here. Animal health pros know the dangers of pets returning to activities outdoors. Pet owners appreciate reminders. Share these common risks as spring activities begin via websites, blogs or newsletters. Source: The Bark, March 19, 2016. Spring comes with a few cautions for companion animal owners. Areas to note: In the house, in the driveway, in the yard, new … [Read more...]
Buckets can endanger horses
Bucket handles can be dangerous. The vivid photos and short text explain how horses get eye and nostril injuries from buckets. Anyone dealing with horse owners needs to see this information. Including a “bucket check” reminder in annual checkups or farm visits is a good practice for veterinary teams. Source: Stable Management, March 7, 2016. Lurking in every barn is a … [Read more...]
Editorial – The annual physical questioned
We are fortunate in animal health in that we don’t deal with third-party pay and actuarial oversight of preventative care, yet. Annual physicals are the most common reason that U.S. residents see a doctor. Apparently, not all agree with their necessity or value. This information about human care decisions may signal a cloud of opportunity for our markets. Conversely, it may … [Read more...]
15 signs a dog is in pain
Pain and pain management remains a significant topic in animal health. Clients have received immeasurable amounts of information over the years. Still, new is often perceived as better. Here’s a blurb with 15 pain symptoms from Dr. Petty’s Pain Relief for Dogs. Source: Modern Dog, Spring 2016. (direct link unavailable). Pet owners are urged to see their veterinarian if they … [Read more...]
Shy and boisterous dogs warrant attention
This pair of articles will catch dog owners’ eyes. Thus, both are important to animal health pros who service dog owners, offer behavior training or support training classes. Chronic timidity limits a dog’s life quality and can become dangerous for others if the dog acts out of aggression. Incessant barking, jumping up and destructive chewing are on the other end of the dog … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Hit heartworm with a one-two punch
Heartworm incidence in pets is increasing. John McCall, MS, PhD, Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, says it’s time for a new approach – fight the vector, or mosquitoes, as well as heartworms. Ceva Animal Health began an extensive campaign to educate the veterinarian community on McCall’s groundbreaking research … [Read more...]
Clipper blade contamination studied
Infections acquired during a hospital visit (nosocomial infections) and the objects that are contaminated with infectious organisms and serve in their transmission (fomites) led researchers to study clipper blades. Contaminated clipper blades have been cited as potential fomites in veterinary and human medicine. The study also reviewed cleaning, disinfection and storage … [Read more...]
Flexible endoscopy useful in some dogs
Scientists researched flexible endoscopy in awake dogs to determine if the instrument is effective, safe and tolerated in dogs with swallowing problems. Note the study used large and giant breed dogs. Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research, March 2016. Page 294-299. (direct link unavailable) Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: FEES appeared to be a feasible … [Read more...]
Internet dog food myths debunked
Recent pet food recalls have caused significant chatter around the worldwide web. Caroline Coile, PhD, addresses eight common topics where misinformation dominates. Source: AKC Family Dog, March/April 2016, Page 14. (direct link unavailable) While the internet can be a great source of information, using trustworthy sources backed with scientific research is important. Here … [Read more...]
Pet insurance important to revenue
Pet insurance is often considered as revenue insurance for veterinary hospitals. It cushions perceived high costs and may actually improve compliance. This article reviews how one practice saw nearly a five-fold increase in the number of clients with pet insurance. We’ve also included a comprehensive story from AAHA Trends, Veterinary Preventive Care Plans. Source: … [Read more...]
Give good phone
Phone etiquette is important, says Jeremy Keen, DVM. Presenting a relaxed, positive and service-minded personality regardless of how busy we are is critical to client satisfaction. The same goes for retail associates, dealers and telephone persons in distribution or manufacturer call centers. Any phone call we handle is the image of our company in that moment. Source: … [Read more...]
Prep for career changes
Mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, downsizing and ladder-climbing all cause career changes. Whether you are 25 or 55, this piece presents solid reminders for all animal health pros. Source: Money, April 2016, page 24. (direct link unavailable) Whether you have sought change or have been forced to make a change it can strain your finances at least in the short term. The … [Read more...]
What’s the buzz?
Barb Crabbe, DVM, discusses the three main threats mosquitoes pose to horses: Eastern equine encephalomyelitis Western equine encephalomyelitis West Nile virus These diseases are part of five diseases recommended for annual vaccinations from the AAEP core vaccination guidelines. The others are rabies and tetanus. Source: Horse and Rider, April 2016, pages 52-59. … [Read more...]
Vets + nutrition ≠ lack of knowledge
Amy Farcas, DVM DACVN takes on perceptions that veterinarians do not know much about nutrition. She presents a strong case that veterinarians’ nutrition deficiencies are not knowledge-based. Instead they represent a communication issue. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, March 10, 2016. While nutrition is absolutely present in the veterinary curriculum in the US, talking about … [Read more...]
4 gifts from veterinary medicine
It takes time to see where Dr. Andy Roark is going with this metaphor. Considering we’re nearing the end of the first quarter of 2016, we need to see how well we have been taking care of our dog team. All animal health pros should heed the wisdom here and consider if it is time to rotate our dogs. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, September 15, 2015. On your first day working with … [Read more...]
Laminitis – special report
Horse owners will read and mull over the information shared in this laminitis special report. Two main articles discuss 1) the increasing prevalence of the endocrine form and its relationship to grass and forage and 2) keys to preventing laminitis. There’s no doubt that many questions could be asked of veterinary teams, dealers and retailers as a consequence of reading and … [Read more...]