Updating skills and knowledge is a key factor noted by human resource leaders, especially as technology advancements are imbedded in how business is done. Investing in continuous education is investing in yourself. In a rapidly changing work environment, your commitment to learning can be your most valuable asset, providing benefits that resonate throughout your career and … [Read more...]
Teens spend average of 4.8 hours on social media per day
Social media scrolling is a growing problem for all ages but especially teens. The need to put the phones down is also consistent with Forbes’ article on time blindness <Link>. Gallup’s data is consistent with the literature on digital addiction. It shows that teens who spend more time on social media rate themselves as being less conscientious. A second, upcoming part … [Read more...]
Signs of time blindness and how to cope with it
Some people have difficulties accurately perceiving passing time. Those challenged with regulating their internal clock may have what psychologists refer to as time blindness. Although usually a common indicator of ADHD, studies show that our perception of time is closely related to our well-being and emotional states, and changes in these can influence how we perceive how time … [Read more...]
Get to the point
The most popular and fastest-growing type of meeting is the brief and efficient 15-minute block. Source: AXIOS, October 2023. Link. 90 percent of people admit to daydreaming during long meetings, and 75 percent say they are doing other work.” – Harvard Business Review INSIGHTS: Be ruthless with starting and finishing on time. … [Read more...]
Employers say they value their own older workers, but overlook older applicants
There is plenty of evidence that workers aged 45 years old and older can thrive in the workplace. Employers can fill needed roles and boost organizational performance by changing hiring practices to embrace candidates of all ages. But hiring managers seem to ignore how well older workers perform, learn and stay with a company*. . . . about 89 percent of employers said their … [Read more...]
Veterinary forensics comes of age; veterinarians not prepared to handle animal abuse
Florida International University's master’s degree program in veterinary forensic science investigation is the second degree program of its type. Veterinary forensics deploys veterinary medicine to investigate possible crimes against animals, such as abuse and neglect. Animal violence is often linked to domestic violence and abuse. VIN’s two-part series on veterinary … [Read more...]
3 takeaways from the Veterinary Innovation Summit
The annual Veterinary Innovation Summit, organized by NAVC, took place October 9th to 11th in Kansas City, Missouri. Animal Health Digest asked industry veteran Brendan Howard to attend on our behalf and to share takeaways from the presentations. We’re all in the same boat. Excited and wondering. Fearful and anxious. Exhausted at the speed of change and uncomfortable with the … [Read more...]
National Veterinary Technician Week turns 30 (video)
National Veterinary Technician Week is October 15 through 21 and it’s the 30th anniversary of the event. All next week, veterinary technicians will be celebrated for their continued contribution to veterinary medicine and the veterinary team. Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS, shares the origins and meaning of vet tech week and this year’s theme, Pearls of Wisdom … [Read more...]
Stop giving advice
Have you ever given someone the best advice and they completely ignored it, or they got defensive and angry with you? Advice requires permission . . . and aggressive listening.” – Suzie Price Source: LinkedIn Pulse, September 18, 2023. Link. Through the art of asking questions, you develop and strengthen the relationship. INSIGHTS: Seek first to understand. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 5, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 5th AHD Bulletin – Could one Walmart store change the entire pet industry? Link. Self-evaluation. Link. These habits can cut the risk of depression in half; study/recording. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Bird flu is back among commercial poultry flocks in U.S.
We shared concerns about the potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza infections to return as this fall’s bird migration began <Link>. It appears HPAI took a summer break but has returned to commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota and Utah. Fears are mounting that HPAI may possibly become a regular seasonal event. The virus may be present in wild birds and … [Read more...]
Bedding basics and options
Commentary Farm and stable visits filmed for Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows often reveal less-than-ideal conditions for the animals being housed. Bedding is critical for individual animal comfort, environmental safety and general management of biological risks. Heather Smith Thomas and Christine Barakat present the pros and cons of various stall bedding options in this … [Read more...]
Equine vet, emphasis on laminitis treatment is misplaced
The exact cause of laminitis remains unknown and once the pathological progression is in process, it doesn’t matter what caused it, shares Dallas O. Goble, DVM, DACVS. He admits it is impossible to prevent all cases of laminitis, but believes that attention to certain factors can greatly reduce the number of cases including these areas: Hoof care Exercise Nutrition … [Read more...]
Prevalence of GI ulcers in dogs treated with long-term NSAIDs
The prevalence of chronic GI injury associated with NSAID administration in dogs is unknown, therefore regular recheck examinations are needed for dogs receiving chronic NSAID therapy, writes Sue Hudson Duran, RPh, MS, PhD, DICVP, FSVHP, FACVP. She emphasizes educating owners about NSAID risks and only prescribing NSAIDs specifically labeled for use in dogs. Source: … [Read more...]
Is CBD a better option than NSAIDs?
Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, CRPM, FAAMA, presents evidence that indicates CBD is safer and demonstrates a more diverse spectrum of beneficial mechanisms than some of its pharmaceutical counterparts. In short, dogs and cats do not die from CBD and generally do not develop other common side effects that can happen with NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Source: Veterinary … [Read more...]
Play behaviors in dogs: the good, the bad, the ugly
Teoti Anderson shares how to tell if dogs are playing nicely or if it is time to intervene. If one dog is trying to avoid the other, cowering, trying to hide or getting cranky, this is not a good match. Intervene before it escalates. Never let dogs work it out on their own . . . it’s a myth that every dog should love every other dog.” – Teoti Anderson Source: Modern Dog … [Read more...]
How do cats purr? New finding challenges long-held assumptions.
A new experiment suggests that purring, like meowing and hissing, is a passive phenomenon that plays out automatically after cats’ brains provide the initial signal to purr. Fibrous “pads” in the vocal cords allow cats to make low-frequency sounds, which they don’t seem to consciously control. Source: Science, October 3, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chewy’s PetMD launches symptom checker
Complimentary Commercial Content Chewy launched Symptom Checker, a free digital tool that helps pet parents get answers to some of the most common questions related to pet health symptoms. The goal is two-fold: deliver expert veterinary advice simply and quickly, alleviating pet parents’ stress and panic during times of need help better educate pet parents so they … [Read more...]
Zoetis innovations to improve canine OA, ease of administration of pruritus treatment
Complimentary Commercial Content Zoetis has announced the recent U.S. commercial launches of Librela™ (bedinvetmab injection) and Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet). The products are the first and only FDA-approved treatment formulations in their respective categories and address individualized care and health needs of dogs with specific and diverse … [Read more...]
PPN announces product finalists for Editor’s Choice Awards
Commentary Fifity six pet products are running to win Pet Product News’ Editors’ Choice Awards. For animal health pros, these products offer opportunities to see what retailers are selling and promoting through OTC channels. Some of these products may generate questions from pet owners. Source: Pet Product News, October 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted 50 percent of the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 9, 2023
Prepping for the holidays, traditional ads versus social media, micro influencers, hidden small business costs, law seeks to regulate boarding facilities and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 9, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Comedy Pet Photo winners announced
“A Llfe Changing Event,” a snapshot of rescue kittens Alex and Max, won first place in this year’s Comedy Pet Photography Awards. The worldwide event celebrates the positive role pets play in our lives. Take a look. You’ll smile. Source: People, August 16, 2023. Link. Also see: Comedy Pet Pet Photography Awards. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet owners delay veterinary care but may spend $700M on Halloween
Commentary An NRF survey shows $700M is projected in pet Halloween spending this month, yet last week we shared a report that found 72 percent of veterinary service providers are seeing owners delay pet care due to ongoing economic concerns <Link>. The juxtaposition of economic commitments is bizarre, not surprising, but mind-boggling.” Additionally, it is National … [Read more...]
California Governor signs Assembly Bill 1399 to expand access to veterinary telehealth
A new law empowering licensed veterinarians in California to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship through video technology will take effect on January 1, 2024. AB 1399 will help address the critical veterinary shortage happening nationwide by providing greater access to veterinary care for California pet owners. Source: ASPCA®, October 10, 2023. Link. While … [Read more...]
Medical waste can be risky business
Managing medical waste is the entire team’s responsibility. Team members should be aware of and follow specific guidelines when dealing with infectious waste, biohazardous waste and anatomical or pathological waste, writes Sandy Walsh, RVT, CVPM. She shares what constitutes hazardous waste, how to handle, store and dispose of it, liabilities and various resources available on … [Read more...]
How some employers are showing support as student loan payments resume
Student loan debt is an important consideration for the animal health industry. It has been identified as a factor in veterinary suicides as well. After a three-year moratorium, student loan payments are resuming. A new study shows more employers are providing student loan repayment support in an effort to attract and retain workers. Dawn Kawamoto shares pros, cons and risks … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 5, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 28, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 28th AHD Bulletin – Top 5 severe adverse effects of antimicrobials. Link. The 7 repro mistakes dairy producers can’t afford to make. Link. Emotional intelligence and teams. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
ICYMI – FDA releases new 5-year antimicrobial stewardship plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine new five-year plan kicked off October 1st. It is intended to build upon the progress of the previous plan for FY 2019-2023 and advance the FDA’s three main veterinary stewardship goals: Align antimicrobial drug product use with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship Foster stewardship of … [Read more...]
6 ways to protect horses from red maple poisoning
The danger posed by wilted or dried red maple leaves has long been known but evidence is growing that, under the right circumstances, other types of maple leaves can poison horses as well.” – Helena Ragone, PhD Source: EQUUS, September 27, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like this are important reminders for busy horse owners. Consider using them for social media and … [Read more...]
How does long-term NSAID use affect the horse’s gut microbiome? (Podcast)
Purina’s Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD, describes the potential effects of long-term NSAID use on the horse’s gut microbiome. Research has shown there are changes to the microbiome of a horse on chronic NSAID administration . . . " - Robert Jacobs, MS, PhD Source: The Horse, September 25, 2023. Link to excerpt (2:08) Listen to the full recording of Ask The Horse Live Q&A, … [Read more...]