Dr. Kevin Hankins, DVM of Zoetis technical services group, asserts the threats from deadly equine diseases like West Nile and rabies is closer than we think. Don’t leave horses exposed. Help protect them with annual vaccinations against the five core equine diseases: Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Rabies Tetanus West Nile Source: AQHA, October 5, … [Read more...]
Fear Free resources for the home (videos included)
The Fear Free movement continues to gain momentum. We stumbled on to Fear Free Happy Homes on Twitter. Housed on this website are videos and information to help pet owners create their own fear free environment. Consider registering and using the videos in social media, on websites and as part of school educational programs. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, October 7, … [Read more...]
Value-added calves are the result of good pre-conditioning
According to survey numbers, the value of pre-conditioning or back-grounding calves post-weaning is growing rapidly. Since its inception, the Beef Quality Assurance program has given beef producers a template on how to do things right. More than one-third of producers are BQA certified according to the survey results. Source: Beef, October 2017, page 22. Dan Thompson, DVM, … [Read more...]
Vasopressin and oxytocin affect canine aggression
Many hormones influence canine aggression, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Arizona titled, “Endogenous Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Aggression in Domestic Dogs”. Karen London, PhD, discusses study findings and future treatment potential. Source: The Bark, September 30, 2017. The study findings are no surprise given that the hormones testosterone … [Read more...]
Don’t overlook warning signs of Cushing’s Disease
Horse owners will appreciate receiving this content via social media posts, websites and newsletters. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, discusses the signs that could be linked to early PPID. She also promotes using local veterinarians if one of these signs is suspicious. Source: Horse Network, September 30, 2017. The sooner the disease is diagnosed the easier it is to treat. Pergolide … [Read more...]
Harvest season and safety on the roads
Here are 10 things a farmer hopes you will consider and act on when you are following equipment on the road. It’s a good reminder for sales representatives and veterinary teams that travel by automobile. Source: Beef, September 25, 2017. Warnings and reminders about equipment size, speed, visibility and watching for lights and signs on the farm implements are part of the … [Read more...]
Awesome dentistry tools
Our industry has been pushing pet dental care for more than 20 years. Greater understanding of the human-animal bond is helping to grow the potential for dental care. Mary Berg, BS, RVT, RLATG, VTS, a well-known dental educator, talks about three handy products and reinforces the use of a soft bristle brush. Source: Firstline, August 4, 2016. See Berg’s review of: … [Read more...]
Oral health care vital for rabbits
Dental disease is a common disorder in pet rabbits. Because the teeth are such an essential part of rabbit digestion and overall health, rabbit owners need to provide an appropriate diet and regular veterinary visits. Source: Herald & Review, September 23. 2017. The best way to prevent dental disease and keep the teeth healthy is to feed an appropriate diet. Krista … [Read more...]
Leman conference honors Morrison, urges co-opetition
The 2017 Leman Swine Conference, which ended September 28, was dedicated to the legacy of Bob Morrison, a student of Allen D. Leman who died recently in a tragic accident. His concepts of learning and working together were evident throughout the sessions. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 22, 2017. Kevin Shultz reports that Leman 2017 did not disappoint. It offered … [Read more...]
Ketamine; time for a review
Ketamine is a common, safe, injectable anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. In 1999, it became a Schedule III non-narcotic substance under the Federal Controlled Substance Act. Veterinary teams need to review the licit and illicit aspects of ketamine, how to deter and report theft associated with illicit demand and weak regulations, and the legal requirements surrounding the … [Read more...]
Cesar and National Dog Week
This week is National Dog Week. Cesar Milan offers some things you can do that dogs will appreciate. It is not too late to post this for customers on social media, websites or even signage. Source: Cesar’s Way, September 24, 2017. Cesar gives five ways to celebrate dogs during this week — and every other week of the year: Let your dog be a dog Stop being so … [Read more...]
Help cows and heifers during fall calving
Managing the amount of time heifers or cows are in labor before getting help is a challenge ranchers face during calving season. Glenn Selk offers some timing perspectives. Consider using this article in discussions with cow producers this fall. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, August 23, 2017. Research information shows that calves from prolonged deliveries are weaker and … [Read more...]
Everything dairy; Journal of Dairy Science, October 2017
Animal health pros servicing dairy farmers, dairy veterinarians or marketing products for dairy use need to skim the studies in this month’s issue. Our team found two papers of interest: Dairy calf management—A comparison of practices and producer attitudes among conventional and organic herds Effect of prepartum exercise, pasture turnout, or total confinement on hoof … [Read more...]
Review BRD protocols now
Jim Sears, DVM with Bayer Animal Health, reminds producers to review and train on the bovine respiratory disease protocols before a shipment of cattle arrives. He offers a few simple tips to simplify your protocol decisions and help operations be efficient in treating BRD: Make protocols as simple as possible. Be objective – when selecting products, evaluate why each … [Read more...]
A game plan for the difficult conversation you have been putting off
Carrying an issue without resolution is like carrying debt. You’ll eventually have to pay the principal (by having the difficult conversation), but the longer you wait, the more interest you’ll pay in anxiety and dread. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 12, 2017. Life is full of difficult conversations, particularly if you’re invested in having a great team at work. … [Read more...]
Reboarding existing employees
Robert David makes a strong case for continuous boarding of new and current employees. He discusses the ways technology has changed how we work, but also how employees approach their work and careers. Source: SmartBrief, July 31, 2017. Organizational effectiveness initiatives should be geared toward continuous onboarding of employees, and this is especially the case for … [Read more...]
A quadrillion reasons those microbes matter
When cattle are fed, producers feed an ecosystem of bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Rumen microbes work together to break down what a cow eats, turning the feed into energy and protein. Keeping microbes flourishing can keep cows productive and in the herd. The numbers are mind-boggling. Source: Beef, August 24, 2017. Three main microorganisms are responsible for breaking down … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Fall equine wellness (includes video)
Zoetis has provided the American Quarter Horse Association with material about preparing horses for the risks of fall season. Annual spring vaccinations help offer disease protection and can activate an immune response. Now that it’s almost fall, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) vaccination guidelines recommend at-risk horses be vaccinated for equine … [Read more...]
“Let cats scratch” says the AAFP
Revising its previous 2015 position statement on declawing, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) now strongly opposes onychectomy as an elective procedure. The AAFP’s position stresses the need for veterinary teams to educate cat caregivers, as many are unaware that declawing is a surgical amputation of the third phalanx. Scratching is a normal feline … [Read more...]
Avoid things that kill or hurt cats
Client education is a continuous challenge in veterinary practice or in a retail environment. Many new pet owners have little or no awareness about common risks. Articles like this that review risks to cats at home make good content for websites, social media posts or new pet kits. Source: Catster, September 5, 2017. The three most common cat injuries are represented by … [Read more...]
AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines revised
The 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines were developed to help support veterinary teams as they determine protocols for each of their patients’ risk factors, life stage, and lifestyle. Published in the September/October edition of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA)—and for the first time, as an online educational resource for the veterinary … [Read more...]
AAHA calls for photos
Need a break from the everyday race? Consider a photo shoot in your practice showing your team using AAHA Press products. Then submit them for consideration in the AAHA Press Catalog. Source: AAHA Red, September 8, 2017. Get creative! Ask one of your favorite reps to help you. The deadline for submissions is September 21, 2017. … [Read more...]
Flood resources now available
A new pamphlet for preparing, responding and recovered from flooding is now available from the University of California’s vet school. You can get it here. A second pamphlet deals more with dairy farms and evacuations due to flooding. Get it here. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 8, 2017. Following one of the wettest seasons on record in California, the University of … [Read more...]
Sleep better when dogs are in the bedroom, not bed
Mayo Clinic research scientists recently conducted a study to determine how sleeping with dogs impacts sleep quality. The findings of this small study indicate those who kept their dogs in their bedroom experienced better sleep, compared to those who didn’t. Those who slept with their pet in bed suffered from lower quality of sleep. Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, … [Read more...]
Engage more clients, retain more clients
Customer engagement and experience management are key value drivers to client retention. Value delivery methods are critical to ensure clients keep your business top of mind. An engagement program with multi-touch messaging and a strategy to drive client loyalty will help create success. Source: MWI Messenger, September 2017, page 9. Client engagement creates loyalty. Equal … [Read more...]
Household cleaning products that are not safe for dogs
As the human-animal bond strengthens, our homes can become risky, especially with cleaning products . Furniture wax, cleaning wipes, even disinfecting sprays are part of the products reviewed in this article. Consider using the information on websites, blogs or in social media posts. New pet owners need this information, as well. Source: Dogster, August 23, 2017. Several … [Read more...]
Help clients build recordkeeping systems
We liked this article which begins with the reality of “fire truck” rural practice. Jake Geis shares how the fire truck calls can become opportunities to show clients how to keep better health records. He recommends the veterinarian take the initiative to do some of the recordkeeping to help increase profitability and provide more job satisfaction. Source: Beef, September 1, … [Read more...]
Cat food variety growing rapidly
While kibble remains the mainstay, the cat food category is expanding with new options as manufacturers seek to meet customers’ varied demands. Nutritional science, as well as consumer and feline preferences, drive the trends and appear to be following the trends in dog foods for increased numbers of natural offerings and unique protein sources. Source: Pet Product News, … [Read more...]
Zombie dogs or mangy coyote? (graphic image)
Chicago residents are reporting mangy coyotes as zombie dogs. Sarcoptic mange causes the coyotes to lose hair and develop infections. The infections can degrade their eyesight, which may cause these normally nocturnal animals to become active during the day. Source: Bellevue News-Democrat, August 31, 2017. Police are warning persons that mange is contagious to animals. It … [Read more...]
FDA urges veterinary caution when reading epinephrine labels
The FDA is alerting animal health pros about the potential for dosing errors when using human-labeled products such as epinephrine. To avoid dosing errors, veterinarians should carefully review the label on an epinephrine product to determine if the strength is expressed as mg/mL or as a ratio. The FDA ordered the removal of ratios expressing the drug’s strength (such as … [Read more...]