Commentary Animal health pros aware of producer challenges make better partners and advocates when dealing with swine producers and systems. Articles like this offer a wider look at swine production and all the factors in play beyond what solutions we have available through animal health channels. Optimizing individual animals within various production stages remains the … [Read more...]
Marijuana is among the 2023 Top 10 pet toxins
Marijuana and carprofen were again among the Top 10 Pet Poisons for all species this year. They first appeared on the annual year-end list in 2022. In the 2023 case data, marijuana-related incidences accounted for the sixth-highest toxin overall for pets and was also sixth for dogs. The article includes the top 10 for cats and dogs. Chocolate was first for dogs and lilies was … [Read more...]
NOMVision December edition
ICYMI. The dedicated work continues to advance a veterinary profession that honors and elevates sustainable well-being. NOTE the request to participate in an online research study <Link>. Source: NOMV, December 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Dr. Kwane Stewart honored as 2023 CNN Hero
Kwane Stewart, DVM, was named 2023 CNN Hero of the Year last week during the 17th annual CNN Heroes Event that took place at New York City’s Museum of Natural History. The California veterinarian and Colorado State University graduate started serving unhoused people and their pets more than a decade ago. With the help of his brother, they founded Project Street Vet, a … [Read more...]
How to talk about your strengths and weaknesses in an interview
Includes Commercial Content When interviewing for a new job or a new role being confident in your strengths and weaknesses can help differentiate yourself from the competition. From humble beginnings in 1949 <Link>, the Clifton Strengthfinders have helped people identify and understand their talent DNA. Gallup’s Tim Hodges and Bailey Nelson share several strategies to … [Read more...]
Fired? Terminated? Ways to forgive yourself and move on
Not all annual reviews go as planned. Company market opportunities change, new management adjusts strategies or individual performance is not ideal. Getting fired or terminated can be a traumatic personal and career experience even if it may have been out of your control. Erica Lamberg shares what experts say are specific steps that can help ease the sting and get you on the … [Read more...]
Self-assessments. It’s annual review time.
The adage, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” comes to mind when reviewing Marlo Lyons’ guidance for preparing for annual reviews. She advocates doing a self-assessment ahead of time and shares five steps to create a self-assessment draft: 1) Focus on the entire year 2) Consider company and functional goals 3) Look for alignment with those goals 4) Seek … [Read more...]
I feel the need for speed
This is the era of speed, indeed. The winners will narrow their focus to the tasks that truly matter — and activate. Focus is a force multiplier on work." Source: AXIOS, November 30, 2023. Link. Too many people confuse motion with movement. INSIGHT: Knock it out and move on. … [Read more...]
Veterinary community invited to participate in Vet Med artificial intelligence survey
Complimentary Content Administered by the American Animal Hospital Association, the Digitail survey aims to explore the perception and utilization of AI tools among veterinary professionals. It will provide an opportunity for veterinary professionals to influence the future development of AI tools, ensuring they benefit both practitioners and patients. Source: Digitail, … [Read more...]
The role of the personality hire. Bringing the workplace vibes.
Commentary Often seen shouting “You’ve got to fight for your right to par-tee,” Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce is a unifying figure on and off the NFL gridiron. Unique personalities that click with staff and reflect corporate branding have a substantial business impact, especially when, like Kelce, they are also highly competent. In these two articles, … [Read more...]
Packaged Facts – pet industry is now “omnimarket,” not just “omnichannel”
Combining retail and pet services is becoming more common, according to Packaged Facts Pet Services in the US, 2nd Edition 2023. At the consumer level, franchising can combine some of the advantages of local, operator-owned with corporate efficiencies. At the industry level, franchising exemplifies how the pet market has entered a new era of multiple-front competition driven in … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 11, 2023
Fromm family’s Danielle Opetz, Pet care accessibility, longevity drugs to extend dog lives, small business insurance, APPA’s acquisition of online education and conferencing platform, small business sales trends and more . . . Resources to remember: IBPSA Infectious Disease Cleaning Standards Thrive Master Group for facility owners and general managers via Zoom, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 14, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, 2023. Link. Most read posts from the December 7th AHD Bulletin – Pay attention to others. They’re not thinking of you. Link. Lapsing client numbers increasing. Link. The average pet owner has 72 “pet panics” per year. Link. ============================================ Top 10 veterinary … [Read more...]
Controlling livestock diseases could reduce GHG emissions
Sick critters increase greenhouse gas emissions. Vaccination and better management increase production outcomes and ease burdens on the environment, according to a study, published in One Health Outlook. Researchers analyzed emissions caused by some of the most damaging, but preventable, livestock diseases around the world, including foot and mouth disease and PRRS. . . . … [Read more...]
Livestock are NOT dumb and are worthy of scientific attention
Commentary Ignoring livestock has been a “missed opportunity” by the scientific community, according to Christopher Krupenye, PhD. Krupenye seems unfamiliar with the special connections made with the animals of 4-Hers and livestock show enthusiasts. In an article covering scientists who are probing the mental and emotional lives of animals we’ve lived with for thousands … [Read more...]
What’s new in preventing and treating laminitis in horses?
Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis is a form of laminitis that develops in the face of high circulating insulin levels. It can typically be managed but only if diagnosed quickly, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc. She reviews interesting research including the use of radiographs to monitor and measure changes in the lucent zone which is parallel to the coffin bone. Treating acute … [Read more...]
Correcting cat shenanigans
Includes Commercial Content Veterinary team members need to be aware of what cat owners and retail advocates are reading. After all, the veterinarian is the last to learn there is a problem with a cat at home. Education is critical, writes Nora Caley, who shares some products that can be used to help curtail some of the behavior problems in this retailer-focused article. … [Read more...]
Tips for socializing dogs with other dogs
Holiday gatherings can be challenging, but adding pets to the mix can be an ordeal, especially if socialization training has been ignored. Cammi Morgan shares tips to help pet owners realize their responsibility to properly socialize their dogs. She includes comments about puppy age, vaccination, dog park safety and approaches for undersocialized dogs. Be realistic . . . dogs … [Read more...]
Behavior tips to make owners and handlers better
Samuel Ceisler is right. There is always something we can learn about how and why dogs behave the way they do. Whether owner, dog sitter, boarding kennel staff member, vet clinic employee or veterinarian, one of Ceisler’s behavior tips will be something new or something you forgot. He breaks down the most common dog behaviors and what they mean so you can figure out exactly … [Read more...]
Improving bandaging efficiencies
Commentary Fans of the Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows frequently get to see animals bandaged. It is fascinating to see various veterinarians apply bandages and how they often explain what they are doing with layers and yards of materials. Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, shares his tips for effectively using bandages for post-operative patients in this article and … [Read more...]
Altering a colleague’s treatment plan without judgment is an art (podcast/video)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discuss the often delicate subject of altering long-term treatments or medications for patients without implying previous approaches weren’t consistent with the current evaluation. . . . re-evaluating a pet's treatment plan requires tact and consideration for the client and the owner . . .” Source: Clinician’s Brief, Veterinary … [Read more...]
Keeping it simple
These invaluable tips for success are thought-provoking. But the real question is, do we apply this advice practically to improve our situation? Source: Inc., November 20, 2023. Link. Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do.” INSIGHTS: If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. … [Read more...]
Discussing pet insurance with pet owners
Includes Complimentary Commercial content An AVMA policy encourages proactive pet insurance education, writes Ricky Walther, DVM. As more research is published on how the overall quality of pet care is enabled, practice teams need to be better prepared to get clients on board. In the articles below, Walther, the chief medical officer at Pawlicy Advisor, shares ways to … [Read more...]
ABCs of instrument care
All instruments require proper point-of-use care and diligent inspection EVERY time they are used, writes Rick Shultz. He shares proven best practices including a handy ABCs infographic. This article is good content to review at a team meeting. Consider asking a sales representative or senior veterinary technician to facilitate the discussion. Instruments are expensive … [Read more...]
Underutilized and underappreciated
Editor’s note. It is common to get a call from Wendy Hauser, DVM, to discuss a recent experience or something that has been on her mind. Using vet clinic staff to the fullest is often a part of those discussions. Improving the use of veterinary technicians requires helping them work at the top of their credentials, BUT without hospital leaders advocating for, cultivating … [Read more...]
Wallet share is growing in Chewy’s autoship customer segment. Yes, wallet share!
Commentary The paradox of pet owner spending remains perplexing. However, Chewy’s successes show the convenience of sourcing a wide range of inventory online and a growing comfort with the services. On one hand, nearly two-thirds of pet owners say inflation has made it more difficult to pay a surprise vet bill and they’re nervous about rising prices of vet costs, … [Read more...]
Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women
The Forbes 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics: money, media, impact and spheres of influence. It includes political leaders, the heads of major companies and more. Each of these 100 women are helping to shape the policies, products and political fights that define our world. Barbie is 100th on the list. Source: Forbes, December 5, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 30, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 30th AHD Bulletin – Washers and dryers require more frequent cleaning than you think. Link. Be curious. Link. What scents are dangerous to cats and dogs? Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Peafowl varieties easily confused
George and Sonja Conner share information to explain all the varieties in peafowl in a modern context. The two main peafowl origins are derived from the green peafowl (Pavo muticus) and the India blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus). While there are many phenotypes today, all of the known color and pattern mutations have been from Pavo cristatus which include cross breeding with green … [Read more...]