Commentary Beef may be what’s for dinner, but the beef replacement heifer inventory is the lowest in 50 years. For animal health pros working with beef producers, this is not a budgetary forecast disaster. There is a long-standing segment of the market that avoids the use of vaccines and preventatives. Now is the time to help producers optimize the value of each living … [Read more...]
Alfalfa hay linked to photosensitivity in horses
The type of hay a horse eats can influence his susceptibility to photic reactions. St. John’s wort, buckwheat and other plants have been found to contain compounds that can cause photosensitive reactions. Research published in 2016 from the University of California–Davis confirms that alfalfa hay can induce primary photosensitive reactions in horses, although the exact … [Read more...]
Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke in horses (podcast)
Jeanette "Jay" Mero, DVM, outlines the clinical signs of heat exhaustion and stroke in horses in these editions of the podcast. Consider sharing the podcasts with animal owners on social media and in newsletters now as horses are being transported to field activities, local fairs and shows or for rodeo events. Source: Ask the Horse Podcast, July 20, 2119. Link. (2:00) This … [Read more...]
Is culture always the answer when treating bite wounds in dogs?
Dogs with bite wounds from other dogs are commonly presented in companion animal practices, but use of culture and susceptibility testing and antimicrobial agents varies, writes Joshua B. Daniels, DVM, PhD, DACVM. The frequent prescribing of less than the recommended dosage observed in this study should prompt re-evaluation of dosages in clinic formularies as well as dosage … [Read more...]
Review covers new and traditional OA drugs for canine osteoarthritis
Tamara Grubb DVM, PhD, DACVAA, reminds us that chronic pain has no biological value or purpose. Her review covers new and commonly used existing drugs and compounds for control of osteoarthritis pain in dogs since new publications on most of the existing drugs are mostly non-existent. She examines the related scientific evidence and key features of current OA drugs and … [Read more...]
7 myths of veterinary oncology
Sharing her own experiences, Sarah Beedle, BS, CVT, offers perspectives on what some clients may fear when learning their pet has cancer. Just because a pet patient is diagnosed with cancer doesn’t mean the end is here.” Source: Patterson Veterinary, July 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
12 plants and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes
If the dry weather has burned out some landscape flowers, consider adding plants that repel mosquitoes ahead of the late summer and early fall biting frenzy. End-of-season discounts are generally available on remaining plants as fall approaches. . . . a lavender plant smells a whole lot nicer than a bottle of bug spray.” Source: Country Living, April 3, 2023. … [Read more...]
How to say “Thank You” for supporting your business
Every interaction with a customer or prospect is an opportunity to express gratitude for being chosen to address their wants or needs. Those words and phrases help build loyalty and leave the door open to serve the customers again. Annie Pilon shares ideas for saying thank you in person, online, with follow-up communications and more. Animal health pros consistently discuss … [Read more...]
Petco, Lowe’s in-store strategy updated, now nationwide
Following a three-state proof of concept, Petco and Lowe's are taking their in-store partnership nationwide with plans to offer pet products at almost 300 Lowe's home-improvement stores by the end of the year. Part of Lowe’s rural strategy, the in-store Petco sections will offer a wide range of pet products, from nutrition and supplies to medications, and even veterinary … [Read more...]
What employers need to know about the new I-9 form
Citizenship and Immigration Services has a new Form I-9 that employers should use beginning on August 1 when it will be available to download. It has been streamlined. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that allows the agency to create a framework under which employers can implement alternative document examination procedures, such as … [Read more...]
Customer trust in supply chains overestimated
Commentary Last week we urged veterinary clinics to consider adjusting their quantities on hand and reorder points ahead of the possibility of a UPS strike <Link>. While the strike appears to have been averted <Link>, our assertions were based on information similar to that shared in this article. Many of the Covid-19 pandemic-era supply chain challenges remain … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, nutritionists find value when working together
Swine production practices have advanced considerably in the last two decades. The historical large divide between veterinarians and nutritionists is progressively closing. AMVC swine veterinarian, Jason Hocker, and swine nutritionist, Trey Kellner, shared perspectives on finding value at the intersection of veterinary medicine and swine nutrition in pork production during the … [Read more...]
The bovine nasal fungal community and associations with bovine respiratory disease
Commentary Consider the end of a cow’s nose. Picture what it encounters throughout the day. A variety of environmental conditions exist when cows inhale dirt, pond water, silage, grasses, baled hay, another cows’ behind, cow manure, wildlife feces and so on. Effective identification and treatment of bovine respiratory disease is an ongoing health and economic issue for … [Read more...]
Nutrition for equine hoof health; feeding the foot
Commentary Horses, like us, need proper nutrition for healthy skin and nails (and hooves). The hoof is a living organ. A horse’s diet plays a crucial role in the quality and durability of the horn that makes up his hooves. Lynn Taylor, PhD, and Ashley Wagner, PhD, shed light on the dos and don’ts of feeding for optimal hoof health in this article. Today’s diet is … [Read more...]
Best joint supplements for dogs
Includes Commercial Content We were pleased to see some familiar brands in this article. Barri J. Morrison, DVM, reviews where supplements fit to help manage a dog’s mobility during the development of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. They are used alone or concomitantly with medications and other remedies. Joint supplements are one of the most common long-term, … [Read more...]
Educate, explain, encourage to make a difference in preventing parasites in cats
Veterinary technicians can save the day by educating cat owners on the dangers of parasites and importance of prevention.” - Janet McConnell, CVT Julia Burke summarizes key points from Connell’s presentation 2023 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention. She shared common feline parasites and the key role veterinary technicians play in educating pet owners to prevent … [Read more...]
What dog owners are learning about acupuncture for their dogs
Non-pharmaceutical treatments continue to be grow in animal health. Laser, red light, chiropractic, massage and acupuncture are physical medicine methods being used as treatments or adjunct support for animals with injuries. In this article, five styles of acupuncture for dogs are explained. Acupuncture is used to decrease pain, promote faster healing time, increase mobility … [Read more...]
Does dog food expire?
Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when it is not used up within four to six weeks. While dog foods don’t technically expire, foods past their “best by” or “use by” label dates are not as nutritious and are more likely to become moldy or otherwise compromised, writes Cindy Foley. The “use by” or “best by” dates are important enough to be considered as … [Read more...]
MSC-certified Alaskan pollock, insect protein added to Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
Complimentary Commercial Content Hill’s new Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin line extension delivers the same science-led, tailored nutrition and key benefits as the original Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin products, but now features more sustainable seafood according to Dr. Karen Shenoy. . . . new formulations of Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 17, 2023
Snoop Dogg’s pet care line now in Petco, Petsmart and Kohl’s, growing Camp Bow Wow interview with Heidi Ganah, pet owner views on obesity, Go Dog hires industry pioneer Amy Nichols, benefits from emergency animal boarding and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Author Douglas Mader, DVM, MSc, on the human-animal bond, his book (video)
Douglas Mader, DVM, MSc, talks about his 40 years of experiences, many species, inner city challenges and a team dedicated to the human-animal bond and its impact on all animals, whether they are great or small, furry, feathery or scaly. Mader’s book, The Vet at Noah's Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital is touted as memoir and drama. It describes … [Read more...]
Strategies to keep coworkers from being a meeting hog
Karin Hurt shares ideas for addressing team members who dominate meetings. She suggests enlisting the talker to help draw out those who don’t speak up. Source: Asking for a Friend, July 12, 2023. Link. Also see: How to help your team member speak up in meetings, Asking for a Friend, May 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Filtering is a critical skill
One of the hardest things to do in leadership, and life, is to filter out BS. Source: AXIOS, June 29, 2023. Link. You need one or two people (intimate truth-tellers) who know your warts and worst instincts. INSIGHT: Balance – you are not as bad as your critics claim, nor as good as your supporters believe. … [Read more...]
Brief Media is now VetMedux™
Brief Media has a 20-year history serving the veterinary business. Its anchor brands, Clinician’s Brief® and Plumb’s™ have consistently met the needs of veterinarians and veterinary teams. Acknowledging the changing needs of its constituency, VetMedux represents the evolution of a media company into a point-of-care partner operating alongside veterinarians to guide the most … [Read more...]
Straight talk about veterinary workforce issues
Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA president, addressed some of the major issues affecting the veterinary workforce during the AVMA convention. The article here provides a summary of her comments, including perspectives on what is termed as an abundance of misinformation currently driving conversations about veterinary supply and demand. Teller notably mentioned: Normalizing trends … [Read more...]
UPS is preparing contingencies ahead of looming strike. ARE YOU?
Commentary The impending UPS strike is a signal for veterinary hospitals to plan ahead. While we can hope the strike ends without delivery disruptions, adjusting inventory levels sooner rather than later is a solid strategy ahead of the August 1st strike date. For “A” and “B” products critical to day-to-day functions, moving reorder points to create a 30-day to 45-day … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 13, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 6th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 6th AHD Bulletin – Check your assumptions at the door to avoid medical gaslighting. Link. The hard truth. Link. Bear cam livestream returns for salmon run. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
100 years and a whole lot of Hereford bulls
Hereford World’s Herd Bull and Reference Edition celebrates 100 years of tracking and cataloging the best of the bald-faced Hereford breed. . . . a lot has changed in the last 100 years, but the Hereford breed remains strong and of interest to cattlemen worldwide. . . “ Source: Hereford World, July 2023. Link. NOTE: Photos courtesy of Hereford World. Description of bulls … [Read more...]
More on blue-green algae
The term blue-green algae is a misnomer, as this organism is, in fact, a single-celled organism called cyanobacteria. Here are some key takeaways from an article by Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT: Cyanobacteria can have almost any color although many bodies of water affected by this toxic organism have a pea-green color. The toxic strains of blue-green algae contain … [Read more...]
Viticus Group announces two new 2023 WVC Academy courses
Complimentary Commercial Content New WVC Academy courses have been announced by Viticus Group. The courses provide hands-on CE, learning from top instructors and skill development to meet the needs of patients in everyday practice. The new courses announced are: Feline Medicine, October 9-10, 2023. Participants receive hands-on training in relieving urethral … [Read more...]