Steve Errey addresses the realities of returning from a vacation or time away from work. He offers some ideas to make the return easier: Clean Before You Go Remember Resistance is Futile Find the Fun Keep in Touch Change Things Up Chuck it Out Remember How You Were Source: The Muse, May 30, 2017. How you are on vacation is typically how you are when … [Read more...]
What is a product recall?
The regulatory affairs group at Henry Schein Animal Health explain product recalls, various recall levels and processes required to complete them. Veterinary clinic staff members with fewer than five years’ experience will appreciate this overview. Source: Animal Health Solution, 2Q2017, page 22. A product recall occurs when a manufacturer, or the FDA determines that an … [Read more...]
Increased client compliance rewards for patients and practices
Dr. Karen Felstad, Gary Glassman, Dr. Marsha Heinke and Fritz Wood are featured in this 12th article of a series generated from the Henry Schein Animal Health 2016 Solutions Workshop. They discuss the elements of customer compliance and the need for a team plan. Source: Animal Health Solution, 2Q2017, page 8. When you have a plan, a way to measure it, activities to support … [Read more...]
Fitness dos and don’ts for senior dogs
C. J. Puotinen shares a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts when helping an aging dog resume a more active lifestyle. He reminds us that reasonable diet and exercise management balanced with time and effort is worth learning for the dog and owner. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 2016. Exercise is essential for dogs of all ages. It helps maintain muscle tone, a healthy … [Read more...]
Feline hyperthyroidism reaching epidemic levels
When Dr. Mark Peterson started veterinary school in 1972, feline hyperthyroidism didn’t seem to exist. He treats nothing else today. This article traces the beginnings of research into the condition, to the treatment and to the links it may have to our own health. Source: New York Times Magazine, May 16, 2017 (paywall). A steady drumbeat of research links the strange feline … [Read more...]
Digital boundaries benefit everyone
Technological advances have improved our access to information, speed to market, competitive intelligence, and enhanced our successes. On the darker side, technology has blurred the lines between our work lives and our personal lives. This often causes us to be busier, but less productive. So, setting digital boundaries can help everyone. Source: Forbes, May 15, 2017. While … [Read more...]
A good veterinarian-producer relationship is priceless
The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) has increased interest in creating or improving relationships with veterinarian. Joe Paschal, an Extension livestock specialist with Texas A&M University, offers some down-to-earth perspective about the value these relationships can offer. Source: Progressive Cattleman, May 16, 2017. Since your veterinarian is not as familiar with … [Read more...]
One-legged sleeping mystery solved
Atlanta biologists Young-Hui Chang of Georgia Tech and Lena ting of Emory University wanted to find out how Flamingos can sleep standing on one leg. Their findings that were published in Biology Letters this week are surprising. Source: The Washington Post, May 24, 2017 (paywall). The duo began examining them, when something happened. Chang held one of the cadavers up by … [Read more...]
Arrogance or insecurity?
Are those flare-ups of smug self-righteousness your mind’s attempt to spare you from feeling vulnerable? Most of the time, arrogance is used to cover the fear that we’re not really worthy, that we don’t measure up, writes Ted Leonhardt. It’s fear turned upside down and masquerading as superiority. It isn’t too hard to see, but in practice, it can be tough to correct. Source: … [Read more...]
Dental products you can recommend with a smile
Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows compiled this list of food, treats and more that are proven effective at maintaining the health of pets' teeth. She says that only 32 dog and 12 cat products have been approved by the VOHC. Click through to see what this means to you. Two of the 10 products showcased are manufactured by AHD Sponsor, Addison Biological Laboratory. Source: … [Read more...]
Cesar: separation anxiety is your fault
When your dog is separated from you, he gets anxious and acts out. So, who causes it? Two words. YOU DO! Cesar Millan explains how pet owners winding up their animals before leaving and upon returning can create separation anxiety. Source: Cesar’s Way, May 21, 2017. In a related article, he shares 5 tips to help dog separation anxiety: Before you leave the house, … [Read more...]
DECISION: write emails with military precision
By adopting military email etiquette, you will introduce a kernel of clarity to your correspondence and that of your colleagues and clients. Kabir Sehgal learned how to structure emails to maximize a mission’s chances for success while in military service. He now successfully applies the same techniques in a corporate setting. Source: Harvard Business Review, November 22, … [Read more...]
Foxtail: high risks for dogs
Nancy Kerns expresses the dangers of this prevalent grass to our canine friends. She writes, every single strand is lined with gnarly microscopic barbs that catch on anything they touch, from fur to collars, clothing to bare skin. When the barbs come in contact with anything, they propel the strand forward, pushing the sharp-tipped seed at the end forward. As the plants dry out … [Read more...]
Healthy weeds for horses
Not all weeds are bad, according to Casie Bazay. To horses or other herbivores, they’re all simply plants. While it’s true that some plants are toxic and should be kept out of our pastures, others that may be considered weeds, can be beneficial for horses to consume. Articles like this make good content for blogs, newsletters, websites and information packets for horse … [Read more...]
EPM continues to be a threat
Advances in diagnostics and treatments have greatly reduced the number of horses who succumb to Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This potentially debilitating neurological disease remains a threat to horses throughout the United States. Its range is spreading, too. Finding more effective ways to prevent and treat this disease continues to challenge … [Read more...]
Canine house soiling can be fixed
Clients are often intolerant of house soiling, such as indoor urination, defecation or marking in adult dogs. Puppy owners may arbitrarily impose a deadline for house training without seeking veterinary advice and may relinquish the puppy if expectations are not satisfied. Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB, discusses diagnosis’ and treatments. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February … [Read more...]
Join the veterinary well-being community
Knowing the mental health stressors within the veterinary profession, the AVMA has gathered and created resources to help measure compassion satisfaction, compassion stress and compassion fatigue, and identify areas where to focus on self-care. In addition to personal wellness tools, it also offers a self-assessment tool and training to identify and help at-risk … [Read more...]
Plague still poses risks
The widespread impact of the “black death” is not likely to be repeated in our time. However, plague still poses substantial risk to exposed humans, including pet owners and veterinarians. Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague, is maintained in various wildlife populations, particularly wild rodents, and is spread through close contact and fleas. Spillover infections of domestic … [Read more...]
Periodontal therapy in dogs using products marketed for veterinary use
Several different bone augmentation products are available for veterinary use. While there is not one class of product ideal for every treatment option there are good options that must be supported by long-term commitment to oral health by the owner. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2017 (abstract only). Also see: Table of Contents, JAAHA, May/June 2017 … [Read more...]
The latest from EVE
We got a bit behind in posting the latest from the AAEP’s Equine Veterinary Education editions. We’ve linked the April and May issue Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers for your review of the abstracts. We did like Dr. McKee’s article on ethical practice. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, April 2017. Equine Veterinary Education, May 2017. Also see: Ethics: … [Read more...]
The science behind equine boots and bandages
There is little research about the inner workings of the equine leg when wraps and boots are applied. It is a growing field that needs more research before we fully understand it. Source: The Horse, May 2017, (partial access only). Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA went to some of today’s top equine biomechanics researchers to get a better grasp on the science of the wrap and to … [Read more...]
Strangles requires strict health protocols
Strangles, caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi), is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in horses. Control of outbreaks requires strict isolation protocols and hygiene measures. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, March 2017, (abstract access only). Also see: Lessons learned from a strangles outbreak on a large … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s changing face
Imagine cow cameras in the parlor so dairy consumers can view on their smartphones cows on a dairy being milked. Tom Haren thinks consumers will also influence how we house cows. His reasons for the change: transparency, sustainability and technology. Dairy site size will likely shrink while dairy enterprises will grow substantially. Source: Milk, March 2017. Automation … [Read more...]
Looks like parvo, acts like parvo, tests negative: Cryptosporidium parvum
Brandon Sinn, DVM, shares information on a troublesome protozoan named for its parvo-like symptoms, Cryptosporidium parvum. He indicates Cryptosporidia burrows into the base of the intestinal villi and eventually moves them off similar to parvo. The result is profuse, bloody diarrhea. Professionals have observed a recent increase in protozoa infections in kennel operations … [Read more...]
Enterococcus sp.: 450 million years to become a super bug
It’s a tale of evolution. Scientists estimate that Enterococcus originated about 425 million to 500 million years ago, around the time when animals first moved from the ocean to land. The dangerous bacteria might have originated from an ancestor that lived in the guts of the first animals to walk on land, according to a new study. Source: Live Science, May 11, 2017. The … [Read more...]
Top pet food companies for 2017
Mars, Nestle’ Purina, Big Heart, Hill’s and Blue Buffalo top the list of U.S. and global leaders in the pet food industry. Mars and Nestle’ Purina combine for more than $29 billion in domestic sales eclipsing the combined sales of the remaining companies. Source: Petfood Industry, May 2017. This exclusive list of top 50 pet food companies, part of PetfoodIndustry.com’s Top … [Read more...]
49.6% of people enjoy their jobs
People who are satisfied with their jobs simply do a few things differently than everyone else. They don’t necessarily have the best managers or a to-do list full of very important items. Here’s what sets them apart: They don’t seek perfection They set career goals They play to their strengths They have friends at work Source: The Muse, May 12, 2017. If you’ve … [Read more...]
The doctor will see your iguana now
Not every clinic deals with cows, canines or kittens. Veterinarians at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine In New York City see everything from iguanas to guinea pigs and even kinkajous. This is an interesting, short read with insight into what goes on in a practice specializing in exotic species. Source: The New York Times, May 12, 2017 (paywall). The surgery ground … [Read more...]
Mizzou maps feline genomes, identifies source of illnesses
The research, named the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Initiative, aims to sequence the entire genome of 99 cats. Getting halfway there has already given the University of Missouri research team insights into genetic mutations that lead to serious health conditions. Source: Kansas City Star, May 10, 2017. One study found a genetic mutation responsible for progressive … [Read more...]
First screw flies, now cattle fever ticks
The Texas Department of Agriculture has allocated an additional $3.7 million in funds to the existing $8.5 million allocated for 2017 to combat the spread of the cattle tick fever in South Texas. The ticks spread intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites that cause Babesiosis. Source: The Monitor, May 9, 2014. Cattle fever ticks are known scientifically as Rhipicephalus … [Read more...]