Last week’s most read post Confronting your biases (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 18, 2022. Link. =================================== Help bring the dairy farm into the classroom Source: Discover Dairy. Link. The Adopt-a-Cow opportunity for this year closes on September 15th so there’s still time to let … [Read more...]
Those may be tears of joy from your dog
New research from Japanese scientists suggests that a dog’s eyes may well up with tears of happiness when reunited with its owner after a period of absence. Tears in dogs have not been linked with emotion before. We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions . . . oxytocin was discovered as a possible mechanism underlying it . . . “ - Takefumi … [Read more...]
Unidentified parvo-like virus killing dogs in Michigan
All animal health pros need to be aware of this situation. The unidentified virus affects puppies and older dogs. When the animals are tested by veterinarians, the initial test for parvo is negative. Usually, the dogs die within three to five days. Dogs have been sent to The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy, which did show parvo. The … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 22, 2022
Inflation fears, global pet care trends, rude pet owners stressing professionals, making videos for your business, leading pet resort rebranding and more . . . There is still time to register for the IBPSA Flow Business Conference (for the pet care industry) to be held in Orlando, Florida September 22, 2022 - September 24, 2022. <Link>. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, … [Read more...]
Some sugar substitutes affect blood glucose and gut bacteria
In a new study, human participants who consumed sugar substitutes showed an altered microbiome and spikes in blood glucose. However, the effects of the sweeteners on blood glucose are likely highly personalized, Eran Elinav says. But the results suggest these compounds don’t just pass through the body, as some originally thought. Source: Scientific American as seen in AAHA … [Read more...]
Screen apnea? Learning how we breathe. (video,podcast)
The term screen apnea was coined in 2007 by a former Apple executive who realized she was holding her breath when it came time to check her inbox. She learned she wasn't alone. Musicians, power lifters, sharpshooters, moderators and yes, animal health pros, often take a deep breath and hold it anticipating the next action. We breathe 25,000 times a day. How we breathe has … [Read more...]
Why thinking hard exhausts you and what can be done about it
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
VHMA Insiders’ Insight KPI – August 2022
Noting revenue growth in July 2022 declined compared to July 2021, this month’s Insiders’ Insight addresses some key factors in veterinary practices. Revenue per client increased against dramatically declining new client numbers and increases in lapsing clients. It’s still not clear where the “veterinary economy” is going but I think it is definitely softening and practices … [Read more...]
Free webinar: Secrets for optimizing inventory and reducing inventory costs
Complimentary Commercial Content Inventory is one of the top expenses in veterinary medicine. Managed and replenished frequently it is an asset. Manage it poorly and it becomes a liability.” – Kirk Augustine Veterinary Care Logistics’ founder Nicole Clausen is ready to share some secrets for optimizing veterinary hospital inventory and reducing inventory costs. She’ll … [Read more...]
Confronting your biases (video)
No one wants to believe they have biases, but we all do, even if we don’t realize it. Source: LinkedIn, July 18, 2022. Link. . . . learn about unconscious biases, plus how to recognize and disrupt them. INSIGHTS: Separate your biases from your helpful experiences. … [Read more...]
Tips for controlling flies in livestock herds
Includes Commercial References Flies are a problem wherever you find them. For beef producers, there are four types that impact livestock herd health and productivity: houseflies, horn flies, stable flies and face flies. These are the same flies drawn to garbage, pet feces, roadkill, compost bins, backyard chicken coops and our outdoor activities that include food. Kansas … [Read more...]
Health and comfort for the aging horse
Aging isn’t a disease process. Many conditions associated with older horses are simply natural changes. Christine Barakat writes about the five health attributes most affected by age and how to prepare for them: Weight loss Arthritis Weakened immune system Loss of fitness Dental troubles Source: EQUUS, May 27, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this with owners … [Read more...]
Free – Level Up: Pain Management virtual summit August 16th
Complimentary Content Veterinary professionals will have the opportunity to learn the most up-to-date and effective methods of pain management at NAVC’s Level Up: Pain Management Summit Tuesday, August 16, 2022. The summit features three, hour long sessions hosted on VetFolio at no charge. Participants will learn the most up-to-date and effective methods of pain … [Read more...]
Otitis externa cheat sheet
Complimentary Sponsored Content from Dechra U.S. Ear problems are frequently in the top 10 reasons pet owners see a veterinarian. Darin Dell, DVM, DACVD, created a handy guide full of useful information for examination, cytology and treatment options for dealing with otitis externa. Source: Dechra U.S. Download here <Link> … [Read more...]
You may be genetically programmed to work with animals
Empathy for animals could be hardwired into your DNA, according to a study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Scotland’s Rural College. The 2018 study, published in the journal Animals, showed that people who display a greater-than-average compassion for animals are genetically different than those who don’t. This is the first study to show … [Read more...]
Dealing with despair
Despair comes quietly in our heads, hearts and bodies, but if we don’t handle it well, it can have negative impacts on our entire organization. Source: Forbes, July 12, 2022. Link. It is the leader's job to acknowledge differences and enable others to hold them, if those views do not conflict with the organization's vision, mission, and values. INSIGHTS: The pandemic, … [Read more...]
Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023.
The clock is ticking. Start now to educate producers ahead of this important transition to livestock antibiotics being available by prescription-only status. The new rule covers injectable tylosin, injectable and intramammary penicillin, injectable and oral tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethazine, and cephapirin and cephapirin benzathine intramammary tubes. Also, … [Read more...]
Anthrax confirmed in Colorado
The Colorado State Veterinarian's office has confirmed the first cases of anthrax in cattle in Colorado since 2012. The herds were located in Sedgwick County in the northeast corner of the state. Anthrax can occur naturally in Colorado's soil. Bacterial spores can lie dormant in the ground for decades and can emerge in greater concentrations after rainstorms, flooding or … [Read more...]
Protecting the swine herd
Complimentary Commercial Content Companies serving the swine industry take pig health as seriously as producers. The resources and industry support they collectively provide is important to animal health, production profitability, food safety as well as many One Health concerns. We’re sharing a recent YouTube video from Boehringer Ingelheim Swine Health, U.S. We believe … [Read more...]