Tim LaPara is an environmental engineer at the University of Minnesota. He and his students are investigating the environment, searching for antimicrobial-resistant genes in materials like human and animal waste. There, the bacteria compound the problem. There are predictions that antimicrobial resistance will actually be responsible for more deaths in the next 50 years than … [Read more...]
Human nurses take exception to using ‘nurse’ in veterinary medicine
The debate about the veterinary nurse initiative continues. Rachael Zimlich explains some of the objections from the human nurse perspective. We are not suggesting any pet owner will confuse a staff member in a veterinary clinic or hospital as a human healthcare practitioner. The issue at hand is the title 'nurse' and the connotations and respect that come with that … [Read more...]
Go ahead. Talk to yourself; its normal and good for you
Our AHD team members are remote. We occasionally reference times when we catch ourselves talking to ourselves out loud. Talking to yourself is normal and is good for your mental health. That is, if you have the right conversations, writes Wendy Rose Gould. If we speak out loud, it forces us to slow down our thoughts and process them differently because we engage the language … [Read more...]
Failures are essential to success
One of the hardest things for effective managers to do is to let one of their direct reports fail. The natural inclination is to jump in and save the day. But, you would never learn to ride a bike if you didn’t fall off a few times. So, failure is an essential part of success. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, October 1, 2018. Link. Success is important as it tells you that, what you … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during the holidays with these tips
Just in time for Halloween, candy and ghosts, here’s a nice resource from the American Veterinarian editorial staff. Use the Fast Facts Sheet in social media posts, e-newsletters and as handouts during pet visits. . . .this holiday season being a responsible pet owner means taking precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy well into the new year. Source: American … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pets are like family. But as health costs rise, few are insured that way.
Paul Sullivan takes a circuitous route through pet economics, market growth and the challenges of price versus value. References to pet owner attitude changes include contrasting the Snoopy generation of 30 years ago with the current Brian (Family Guy) generation. Sullivan’s perspectives are dashed with quotes, pet health examples, products and animal health companies. Two … [Read more...]
National Veterinary Technician week highlights vet techs
Our industry is celebrating the work of veterinary technicians all week long. The Firstline team offers free team training, appreciation and inspiration throughout this week. It’s a cacophony of notes, posters, videos and quotes to help make this entire week reflect the respect we have for the veterinary technicians and nurses on veterinary hospital teams. Source: FIRSTLINE, … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club celebrates veterinary techs every day of National Veterinary Technician week
The Bridge Club kicks off five consecutive days of technician-centric conversations focused on work/life balance on Monday October 15th. The schedule and links are below: OCTOBER 15, NOON CST – VET TECH WEEK: WORKING MORE THAN ONE JOB? YES, YOU CAN STILL BE SUCCESSFUL. Is work/life balance achievable? Hear from Julie Legred, CVT, and Beckie Mossor, RVT. <Register … [Read more...]
Thinking equipment before year end
The fourth quarter of each year brings thoughts of end-of-year inventories and opportunities to use Section 179 of the IRS code. It provides incentives for all types of veterinary equipment purchases. Pam Foster writes about how equipment features, function and capabilities have changed over the past decade with some expert help from Rick Warter, of MWI Animal … [Read more...]
Beef’s quality revolution featured
Consumer preference continues to drive innovation and quality in all food protein markets. Three papers from Drover’s review changes in how consumers buy beef, the impact of the national beef quality audits (NBQA) and how stockmanship helps shape consumer perceptions. Source: Drover’s. Meat, millennials, meal kits. Link. A generation of quality gains. Link. … [Read more...]
Do pets have parents, guardians, owners?
Does it matter what we call ourselves and our pets? What are the implications? Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB, analyzes the nomenclature, legal implications and nuances of our role with pets. No matter the label, every pet deserves to be as free as possible from: Discomfort and exposure Fear and distress Hunger and thirst Illness, disease, and pain Inability … [Read more...]
Leash, harness and halter guidance for better walks
Mikkel Becker reviews handy tools to help pet owners control the chaos of leashed walks. There’s a good chance that several clients are struggling in this area and may not know you can give them advice. Even if a dog comes in with all the right equipment, that doesn’t mean its owner is using it properly or that it’s working for the dog. Source: Veterinary Medicine, October 1, … [Read more...]
Chasing tail, fun or malady for felines?
Tail chasing in dogs is common and likely a game. In cats, however, it is less common, writes Michaela Conlon. Infections, allergies, hyperesthesia and stud tail are conditions where tail chasing is common. Cats can also chase their tails for a number of medical reasons,” Dr. Sasha Gibbons explains. “Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is … [Read more...]
Gecko makes bazillions of calls from vet hospital
A rogue gecko lit up phones for an untold number of folks recently. Veterinarian Claire Simeone, director of Ke Kai Ola, a Hawaiian monk seal hospital, made the discovery as she and a phone company rep tried to figure out what was causing incessant outgoing calls. Source: Associated Press, October 9, 2018. Link. The gecko was perched on a phone, making calls to everyone in … [Read more...]
Reclaim the lost art of handwritten thank-you notes
Bruce Weinstein shares three benefits of making a habit of hand writing thank you notes and a how-to guide too: Gratitude wows You’ll remain top of mind Monotasking is mindfulness in action Adding the practice of handwritten thank-you notes will take you to next-level success and help you make an even bigger difference in the lives of people you care … [Read more...]
Instant messages, e-mails burn 20 to 25 minutes each
It is common to hear colleagues wonder where the hours in the day went. Aaron Taube summarizes the time losses citing research from Microsoft. . . . 27% of the time one of the employees received an alert, they did not get back to the original task for more than two hours. . . Source: Business Insider, December 9, 2014. Link. . . . employees were able to more quickly … [Read more...]
Opinion – Harassment is common at meetings, yet most men are not sexual predators
The curation functions of AHD bring published information to animal health pros to increase awareness and, more importantly, help start new discussions or change behaviors. Since the media has spent considerable time recently focusing on misconduct, a study released by Meetings and Conventions in January provides an insightful backdrop for our industry to consider. It stated … [Read more...]
It’s time to review farm biosecurity plans (includes video)
Heavy swine disease pressure outside the U.S. is real. African swine fever, classic swine flu and foot and mouth disease are all being reported. Swine and cattle are implicated. All of these threats underline the need for U.S. producers and feed suppliers to review and increase biosecurity protocols to keep disease threats from affecting U.S. herds. The scale of dealing with … [Read more...]
19 veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation
The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential is recognized and respected by practice leaders and our animal health industry. Certification is provided by VHMA’s voluntary certification program that provides assurance of professional quality services. The exam is offered electronically to qualified CVPM candidates across North America. Source: VHMA, September … [Read more...]
Companies race to own customers’ experiences
Companies are recognizing the importance of delivering an experience that makes them stand out from their competition, writes Shep Hyken. There’s a lot riding on delivering a positive customer experience, he says. The company may define its brand promise, but it is the customer who decides whether or not the company delivered on its promise. Source: Forbes, July 15, 2018. … [Read more...]
Effective leaders have the right questions
A popular misconception is that effective leaders always have the right answers. Nothing could be further from the truth. However, they do have the right questions that stimulate the conversation where the right answers often emerge. As a starter, try these questions at your next staff meeting. Source: Inc., September 24, 2018. Link. No leader is perfect. However, the only … [Read more...]
Emotions impact farmers’, vets’ and all our decisions (includes video)
Farmers, purchasing agents, retail managers, veterinary hospital managers and veterinarians fit into the perspectives shared in this article. Jan Johnson says that all decisions are emotional, and we use facts to justify our emotional purchases. She shares a few of the emotional drivers she has observed: Pride Fear Grief Suspicion Confidence … [Read more...]
A look at Amazon in the pet consumables market
Zak Watts and Mike Bassani, director and consumables lead for Amazon Pets respectively, joined presenters during the inaugural NAVC E-Commerce Summit that took place September 19 in Kansas City. Amazon defines consumables as food and healthcare products such as parasite prevention and litter will be Amazon’s focus. Other pet items are available, but will not be critical. The … [Read more...]
Shadowing veterinary technician reveals skill, passion and dedication
Jen Reeder was floored by the passion, knowledge, and dedication of Jessica Krafthefer, CVT, whom she shadowed to better understand the role and challenges of veterinary technicians. It was a simple assignment that turned into one of the more eye-opening experiences of her life. It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, when I go home exhausted, I still want to come back,” … [Read more...]
NAVTA ready to celebrate Veterinary Technicians
October 14 – 20 is National Veterinary Technician week. Since 1993, the third week in October has been designated to acknowledge veterinary technicians. They are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. This special week provides opportunity to recognize veterinary technicians’ … [Read more...]
Don’t wash farm-fresh eggs
While Salmonella infections are rare from any egg, Ana Hotaling sought expert advice about the safety of farm-fresh eggs compared to supermarket eggs with regard to Salmonella. That advice is summarized in these safety practices for those who raise their own chickens: Keep your coop clean Collect eggs frequently Do not wash your eggs Throw away cracked … [Read more...]
Nigerian dwarf goats now approved as livestock dairy goat
4-H and FFA participants can now use Nigerian dwarf goats in livestock projects. The breed is experiencing a rise in popularity due to its small size and colorful markings. The goats have gentle personalities which makes them good pets, plus they are easy to handle and take little space. Source: Countryside Daily, October 1, 2018. Link. Most owners do not raise their goats … [Read more...]
Help customers handle bulls safely
Bulls represent only two percent of the cattle population, yet they are responsible for more than half of farmworker fatalities and are considered the most dangerous of all domestic animals. Source: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, 2018: Link. Recognizing aggressive bull behavior and always being aware of their presence are important factors that can help keep farm … [Read more...]
Foot rot or something else?
Mike Apley, DVM, discusses the importance of accurate case definitions, antibiotic stewardship and the differences between foot rot and hairy heal warts. His article is a good resource to include with fall VFD compliance visits. Control and therapeutic approaches to foot rot and hairy heel wart in beef cattle can be quite different. Planning to recognize the difference between … [Read more...]
Gait, lying down behavior and other factors influence dairy cattle lameness
It’s more than showing up with a limp. Lameness in dairy cattle costs productivity and economic losses. It affects other animal welfare factors including body condition, hock condition, and leg hygiene. Lameness may also influence resting and lying down behaviors as they seek comfort. Source: National Institutes of Health, November 2017. Link Gait changes and other behaviors … [Read more...]