Should you keep pushing yourself when your mind is telling you to slow down? Scientists believe they’ve found what’s happening in your brain after a hard day of thinking <Link>. What is happening, writes Jason Feifer, is not pretty. It's not an energy problem. It's a brain problem. They are not computers that work forever . . . our minds need a rest.” When our brains … [Read more...]
Mandatory vacations may be in order
Despite their elevated stress levels, more than 50 percent of American workers end up leaving paid vacation days unused. Source: BBC, July 31, 2022. Link. The goal of mandatory time off is to foster a working culture that encourages rest, removing barriers – both perceived and overt – that prevent workers from leaving the office. In this way, companies hope they can … [Read more...]
Stop the high turnover in the front office (video)
Author, speaker and advocate Amy Newfield, VTS (ECC), wants to stop the ongoing turnover of the front office heroes in veterinary practices. These positions have the highest turnover rates in hospitals. Most veterinary receptionists are treated poorly. They aren't paid well. There is limited to no career path for them. They take on the stress of clients, veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Client sticker shock (video series)
Complimentary Sponsored Content We’ve heard about sticker shock in the context of judging a client’s pocketbook for years. Recently, several sources have analyzed and shared cost of care information associated with pet ownership. The intent of these studies is to help veterinary teams understand the costs of caring for pets and to help them proactively discuss costs with pet … [Read more...]
Client trust, human-animal bond and meeting client concerns
The last article in a three-part series from Wendy Hauser, DVM, pulls together the challenges veterinary teams face when dealing with clients’ expectations and paradigms. Twenty four percent of dog owners and 35 percent of cat owners don’t seek regular health care for their pets according to the AVMA. The primary reasons were the expense and the lack of the perceived value … [Read more...]
Chats with Chatfields – Them’s the RULES! Behavior at the vet’s office.
Complimentary Sponsored Content Inspired by a TED Talk from Melanie Bowden, DVM, Drs. Jenifer and Jason discuss frustrated clients, depressed veterinarians and everything in between. They share three basic guidelines, aka rules, to help everyone on the animal care team to work together to take care of the pets we all love! Source: Chats with the Chatfields, Episode 30, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 18, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – 10 years and counting elevating care for cats. Link. Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023. Link. Changes coming to compounded animal health medication. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 11, 2022. Link. =================================== Dog … [Read more...]
Upcoming leadership program for STEM professionals
K-State Olathe is offering a leadership series designed to help attendees improve their management skills. Source: K-State Olathe. Link. Participants will discover their own strengths and communications style, learn conflict resolution skills, understand how to connect with team members across differences, and develop future-focused strategies to achieve lasting results. … [Read more...]
Allen D. Leman Swine Conference slated for September 17-20.
The 2022 Leman Conference will feature sessions covering everything from foreign animal disease and biosecurity to Prop 12 and gene editing for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Internationally acclaimed for bringing science-driven solutions to the complex challenges facing the industry, the event garners hundreds of participants from over 20 countries each … [Read more...]
2nd Annual IPVA Summit kicks off ahead of Fetch KC August 25th
Independent veterinarians represent a large portion of the animal health marketplace, are frequently multi-species practices and are supported by the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association. The association has scheduled a day of learning to help independent veterinary hospital owners and managers improve efficiencies, leverage technology to their advantage and improve … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club to discuss ending the puppy mill battle
TBC live event on Zoom: August 24th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CDT. Register here <Link>. Professionals in veterinary practices often see firsthand both inhumane and humane operations. This conversation with Mark Cushing, JD ,is about ending the puppy mill battles and why they can’t all be humane, along with what the future holds for puppy mills. Source: The Bridge … [Read more...]
National Dog Day is August 26
There is still time to promote National Dog Day. The National Today website offers fun facts about dogs and their owners. Source: National Today. Link. Scroll down to see the top 3 Dog Day survey insights. … [Read more...]
National Cat2VetDay is August 22
National Take your Cat to the Vet Day is promoted annually to help remind cat owners of the importance of veterinary care for their felines. Support the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Homes efforts by sharing #Cat2VetDay on social media, in newsletters and client communications. Also consider an interview or article with local media. Source: Cat Friendly Homes, August 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Still time to register and attend KC Animal Health Corridor Animal Health Summit
The KCAHC’s 2022 Animal Health Summit returns to a live venue August 29 through 30. The Summit offers two days of networking and one-on-one business partnering, plus presentations by industry thought leaders and panel discussions with emerging company personnel. Source: KC Animal Health Corridor. Link. Scroll down to view the full agenda. … [Read more...]
Prussic acid toxicity risk, a problem in drought areas, after rains
Clark Roberts shares the importance of keeping an eye on cattle that graze where Johnsongrass is present, due to the risk of prussic acid toxicity. Anything that physically stresses Johnsongrass, such as drought in summer or freezing in the fall, can increase the amount of prussic acid in this invasive forage plant. Secondly, with rain after drought, or warm temperatures after … [Read more...]
Preventing parasites from peaking this fall
Complimentary Sponsored Content Videos made by industry partners allow for a fresh approach to seemingly age-old discussions.” – Kirk Augustine Fall deworming can setup cattle for a healthier, more productive winter. Boehringer Ingelheim Cattle Health shares three tips for creating a successful, cost-effective program in an informative and easy to share You Tube … [Read more...]
U.S. hog production: Rising output and changing trends in productivity growth
Opinion Consider a quick scan of the latest hog production report from USDA’s Economic Research Service. Beyond reading the simple summary <Link>, scan the full report introduction and conclusions <Link> to better understand how this animal health segment has met challenges and continued to thrive. The report shows productivity growth and structural change, … [Read more...]
Keep horses’ feet healthy with these tips
Horse feet? Hooves to most. Regardless, the health of those four appendages makes or breaks the value and life quality of a horse. Horse and Rider shares three articles on hoof health, care and whether to shoe or not. Consider sharing these articles with horse owners on social media, in newsletters and with equine hobby groups. Sources: Why hoof cracks happen, Horse and … [Read more...]
Forget a rooster rescue, create a bachelor pad instead
Backyard poultry raisers often find themselves with too many roosters. The ideal ratio of roosters to hens is one rooster to 10 hens. Too many roosters can create havoc in a flock. Chris Thompson shares alternatives to rooster culling, rehoming or relinquishing excess roosters to a rescue. He writes about separate housing for roosters noting sequestering birds in a bachelor … [Read more...]
Ultrasound screening shows potential for early bucked shin diagnoses
Tiny stress fractures and new bone formations occur in racehorses’ legs as they enter training at about two years old. This condition, called bucked shin, occurs in about 70 percent of the animals, leading to pain and delays in training schedules. Japanese researchers developed a method to screen for bucked shin using ultrasound instead of traditionally disruptive X-ray … [Read more...]
Equine joint injections: case by case
It’s well known that horse medicine is practiced on a per horse basis. When considering joint injections, the approach can be complicated by a horse’s age, purpose and health. Chris White, DVM, shares how veterinarians approach various scenarios. While joint injection techniques are well-documented, the tricky part is what goes into the syringe. Gone are the days of simple … [Read more...]
Don’t forget to check the chip
Check the Chip Day was celebrated August 15th. By encouraging clients to have their pets microchipped, veterinary hospitals can improve the odds that a pet that goes missing while in their care will be found. . . . regularly updating contact information on the pet’s microchip is almost as important as implanting the chip itself.” Source: AAHA NEWStat, August 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Tooth resorption in cats and dogs
John R. Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, discusses the phenomenon of tooth resorption in cats and dogs. Investigative studies indicate 20 percent to 70 percent of cats experience resorption. TR can be classified as internal resorption or external resorption. Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 11, 2022. Link. Know there is a staging system developed to describe the severity of the … [Read more...]
Pit viper envenomation in a dog
A venomous bite is called an envenomation. Venomous snakes found in the U.S. include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins and coral snakes. Each year, an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S., and about five of those people die <Link>. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, approximately 150,000 dogs and cats in … [Read more...]
The three most common and preventable canine maladies
With simple observation and proactive management, dog owners can prevent the three conditions that most frequently compromise dogs' quality of life, writes Nancy Kerns. She says many dogs will suffer from one of these common disorders: Obesity Dental disease Over-long nails Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 9, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Note the cutlines under the … [Read more...]
Living with the Budweiser Clydesdales
Warm Springs Ranch sits just off Interstate 70 halfway between Kansas City and St Louis, Missouri. Amy Trout manages the ranch home where most of the Budweiser Clydesdales live. She shared what her job is like overseeing the horses' care and breeding with Insider’s Asonta Benetti. If you’ve not toured the Clydesdales’ home, it is worth the trip! Budweiser has been using … [Read more...]
Cave explorers rescue lost dog from 500 feet underground
Comments: How Abby the dog was rescued will put a smile on your face that lasts all day. The photos alone are worth a look. A long-lost dog awaited Gerry Keene when he was 500 feet underground exploring caves near Perryville, Missouri, recently. The dog was skinny with matted fur and was curled up on a rock slab, too weak to even whimper. Keene knew he had to save her and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 15, 2022
Home Again celebrates 3 million lost pets being reunited, Hands2Paws app aims to match owners with their perfect dog breed, pet app engagement jumps 73 percent over previous year, Pets at Home sees omnichannel and subscription sales rise, Chewy expands insurance offering with launch of CarePlus and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 15, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Ask for what you need at work
Cold requests are difficult in our careers and relationships. Deborah Grayson Riegel covers four strategies to get the most out of the early days of a new relationship: Apply the magic 5:1 ratio of healthy relationships. Make requests, not demands. Get curious about what “no” means so you can get to a “yes” Cultivate a positive affect Source: Harvard Business … [Read more...]
10 veterinary trends worthy of attention
Bob Lester, DVM, shares trends in the veterinary profession he is watching. He outlines 10 of the galvanizing issues facing veterinary medicine: The workforce shortage The rise of the connected pet Regulatory The bond Veterinary education Consolidation Work-Life Segmentation Preventive care Team health care delivery Source: Today’s Veterinary … [Read more...]