December is the time to reset the feeding schedule to dusk hours for cows bred to spring calve, says Glenn Selk. Known as the Konefal method, adjusting the feeding schedule limits night-time calving when observation is more challenging and when temperatures usually lower. University studies have confirmed this method moves calving to daylight hours in as many as 85 percent of … [Read more...]
New tracker technology for cows resembles fitness trackers
A new type of fitness tracker may help farmers keep track of their livestock. The new technology, in the form of a smart ear tag, produces similar data to those delivered by consumer smart watches. GPS enabled, the high-tech ear tag allows farmers to track the location of individual animals remotely via internet capabilities. Source: BEEF, December 7, 2018. … [Read more...]
Drovers’ Top 10 Cow-Calf Stories of 2018
From anaplasmosis to low-stress animal handling and deworming to BQA requirements Sara, Brown gives us a look at the top cow-calf stories of this year. Source: Drover’s, December 13, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Marburg virus could become global threat. CDC tracking bats.
The Marburg virus is as fearsome as its cousin, the Ebola virus. It kills up to nine in 10 of its victims. Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) that inhabit caves throughout Uganda are natural reservoirs for the virus and it can be excreted in urine, feces or saliva. A team of CDC researchers is using GPS trackers attached to male bats to track what they do nightly. … [Read more...]
When euthanizing livestock is necessary
JoAnn Alumbaugh shares some perspective on the potential challenges of euthanizing livestock following weather events, wildfires and in the face of an epidemic disease following the 2018 USAHA meeting. Unlike a foreign animal disease outbreak. . . the reason to euthanize after a fire or blizzard is to end animal suffering. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 31, … [Read more...]
Use NSAIDs appropriately with horses
NSAIDs are some of the most common medications given to horses. They are prescribed for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis (OA). While an important part of joint health management,” says Boehringer-Ingelheim’s Britt Conklin, DVM, “they have to be used appropriately.” Source: AQHA, December 13, 2018. Link. Dr. Conklin urges horse … [Read more...]
Controlling ammonia volatility in poultry litter
Moisture is the number-one variable poultry producers must manage to help control ammonia production, thereby boosting bird health and performance. The inherent challenges that accompany ammonia have not changed. However, it often seems that producers have become accustomed to its impact, just as desensitization to ammonia’s smell occurs. Regardless of the size of the … [Read more...]
DO NOT FEED NUTS to dogs
Pet owners frequently search "are peanuts safe for dogs?" Bottom line, certain types of nuts can cause poisonings, an upset stomach or an obstruction in a dog's gastrointestinal tract which can lead to life-saving surgery and unexpected veterinary expenses. According to Nationwide pet insurance, walnut poisoning is one of the most common claims for toxic … [Read more...]
Catios, one solution to the indoor/outdoor dilemma (includes video)
Catios are becoming a popular trend in feline enrichment and safety. Cat owners who wrestle with the indoor/outdoor dilemma can have the advantages of both worlds with a safe outdoor enclosure called a catio, or cat patio. Source: Modern Cat, December 5, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS:A variety of catio resources are available including DIY plans for those who want to … [Read more...]
9 top-rated orthopedic dog beds
The biggest waste of money when it comes to dog beds is being cheap, writes Cynthia Foley. There’s a lot to consider when searching for the right bed for an individual dog. She discusses weight, sleeping style, bedding materials, washability and sizing. Pet beds are a frequent last-minute purchase around the holidays. A dog bed that is properly matched to the dog’s size and … [Read more...]
11 free puppy handouts
Add these new (or new to you) handouts to your new-client packets or put them on your website or in social media: Parasite prevention: Is that client’s puppy bugged?Why puppies need vaccinesDental health: Protect your puppy’s pearl whitesFeeding: What’s for puppy’s dinner?Enrichment: Don’t let boredom ruin your puppy’s brainTop 5 tips for teething puppiesThe secret to … [Read more...]
Kick start selling skills with marketing tactics
Whether you carry a bag, handle the phone, receive animal owners at the front desk or meet them in the aisles, selling skills are important. They differentiate you from competitors. Jacob Dillon shares marketing tactics and tips that you can use to kick start your sales skills and improve the outcomes of your actions: Sell benefits instead of featuresKnow your customer … [Read more...]
CRM is not dead
Succeeding today means developing and nurturing relationships more than it references efficiency, writes Denis Pombriant. He shares perspectives on why CRM is still important. If you haven't rethought your CRM deployment in a while, or if you thought you had everything done; think again. Source: CRM Buyer, December 1, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: There’s little doubt large … [Read more...]
Great students don’t necessarily make great employees
School and work environments are quite different, and the strategies that help students excel throughout their academic life aren’t necessarily the same ones that lead to success in a working life. Stav Ziv shares some perspectives on the challenges of transitioning to the workforce: Not being used to hearing ‘not good enough’ and not knowing what to do when it happens Being … [Read more...]
Harshness can be helpful
The world can be quite the harsh place. It does you no good to avoid that fact, to hide from it, or to pretend it's untrue. Look directly at the harshness, at the ugliness, at the unfairness. Process it and understand why it's there. Then use it to improve. Source: Forbes, January 25, 2017. Link. All the brilliant work, great accomplishments, shattered glass … [Read more...]
When an argument gets too heated, here’s what to say
Productive conflict is a hallmark of high-performing teams. Some teams struggle to communicate dissenting opinions without triggering resistance and defensiveness, writes Liane Davey. They fall into unproductive conflict by invalidating one another as they argue. IF you can validate your teammate’s perspective, expertise, and feelings, you will keep the conflict focused on … [Read more...]
Can veterinary insurance could save the veterinary technician?
Tiffany Bartlett, LVT, BAS, reviews research on the value of veterinary insurance to determine if it could help make the sustainable career choice for veterinary technicians. She discusses potential confusion between hospital wellness plans and pet insurance and exposes educational needs for veterinary technicians and hospital staff members. Source: NAVTA Journal, … [Read more...]
How clean is that stethoscope?
A new study in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology underscores the importance of adhering to rigorous infection control procedures beyond handwashing. The study was conducted in a human hospital intensive care unit. Itcompared single-use stethoscopes to traditional reusable stethoscopes carried by medical personnel. All stethoscopes were significantly … [Read more...]
Replicating the cleaning power of cats’ tongues
What scientists study is amazing. Add technology and a 3D printer and the cleaning power of a cat’s tongue becomes a viable product development opportunity. A cleaning brush inspired by new research on the unique structure of a cat’s tongue is on the way. Source: AAHANEWStat, November 29, 2018. Link. Cats’ scratchy tongues enable them to keep themselves so clean. … [Read more...]
Must-have chew toys
Animal health pros are frequently asked about the best toys for pets. Keep this article handy as a guide for helping dog owners ‘chews’ a toy or four for their dog(s). Consider posting it on social media or including it in an e-newsletter ahead of the Christmas holiday. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 10, 2018. Link. Here are some tips on selecting the best chew toys … [Read more...]
Vets offer holiday travel tips for pets and their owners
NinaZahn talked with Zoetis’ Dr. Daniel Edge, DVM, about holiday travel with pets. Share this article via social media or e-newsletter to help save an animal and its owner undue stress. In addition to your pet’s food and medications, this includes bringing medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other … [Read more...]
Choosing the right Christmas wishes
Merry Christmas to our 20,000-plus readers. We’ve enjoyed curating content for our animal health pro followers in 2018. We’ll return to our regular weekly schedule on January 3, 2019. Finding inspiration for holiday greetings can be perplexing. Hallmark writers provide a guide for greetings and share ideas about what to write in your holiday cards. Source: Hallmark, … [Read more...]
Are small dogs inherently finicky eaters?
Small dogs are perceived to be more finicky eaters by their owners. In research on the topic, small dogs were found to be less focused on their food and easily distracted. While an obvious commercial summary, some of this information may help animal health pros help small dog owners with diet choices. The small dogs showed greater differences compared to the medium dogs in … [Read more...]
Positive influencing pays off
The influence of leaders on their environment, and the people around them, is difficult to overstate. Like magnetism, the leader’s disposition and decisions affect everybody in the vicinity. If you're a leader, it's a good idea to remember some of the many ways you can influence. Source: Forbes, December 4, 2018. Link. Although a spirit of "meeting in the middle" is often … [Read more...]
Music that helps you be more productive
Jared Lindzon writes about music in the workplace and its influence on productivity. The choices must address human and animal needs in animal health facilities. We’ve added sources for your consideration that address productivity, personnel and animals. ¯ . . . music is preferred over any other background noise in the workplace. . . A continually changing music stream is … [Read more...]
Opinion – Healthcare disruption trends may impact animal health
The article referenced sheds insight on how human medicine development might play out in animal health. . . . technology and cost pressures are causing a“shift left” in health care... Technology is transforming how we do business at a remarkable pace and breadth of innovation, from vertical integration to virtual reality. A POLITICO working group brought together a group … [Read more...]
Beyond NSAIDS, multimodal pain considerations
There’s more to chronic pain management than NSAIDS, writes Robin Downing, DVM. She reviews how omega-3 fatty acids and microlactin, along with managing normalizing body composition help address inflammation and pain. To manage inflammation and its associated pain from a multimodal perspective means we must recognize all the ways inflammation can arise and how we can … [Read more...]
Equine surgeon survey: injuries are to be expected
Injuries rob us of time, add medical costs and diminish the joys of life. While accidents happen, some injuries are easily avoided. Rose Kennedy describes the most common injuries from the most important areas of your life: home, work and sports <link>. The five most common work injuries are: OverexertionSlipping/trippingFalling from heightsReaction injuriesFalling object … [Read more...]
Calcium needed to strengthen eggshells overnight
Urban chickens sometimes make eggs that have weak shells.Eggshells are a primary defense against food-source bacteria and an important indicator of chicken health. Kathy Shea Mormino explains the development of healthy, strong eggs and why a nighttime calcium source is necessary for strong egg development. . . . while building an eggshell a hen can use and replace the … [Read more...]
Condition cows now
Though we try to reduce calorie intake during the holidays, it’s the opposite for cows. They need more calories to regain good body condition and prepare for the upcoming calving and lactation period. It’s not so much that it’s needed for calving,but we want them at least at a BCS of 5 at breeding and most cows will lose body condition as long as the calf is at her side. . … [Read more...]