Last week’s most read AHD posts How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== Feral pigs are biological time bombs. Can California stem their ‘exponential’ damage? Source: Los Angeles Times, April 1, … [Read more...]
Smithfield Foods awarded for net-zero, operational excellence projects
Despite criticism about carbon footprints, sustainability, factory farming and various waste concerns, animal production giant Smithfield Foods is making gains via its daily pursuit of operational excellence. Smithfield Foods, Inc. was awarded 2022 Manufacturing Leadership Awards by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, a division of the National Association of … [Read more...]
Bulls, time to go to work
Spring calving is well underway. Producers are focused on saving new calves and attending to the momma cows’ health. Away from all this commotion are the bulls, some old, some new. They’ve been maintained but are they ready to perform. Bull health and conditioning is critical to the next generation of offspring. Heather Smith Thomas shares the importance of transitioning … [Read more...]
From freshening to dry off keep cows and calves cool
Despite snow drifts and frozen ground in some areas, it’s not too early to plan to avoid heat stress. The U.S. dairy industry loses $1.5 billion annually due to heat stress. The authors share tips for the whole herd. With afternoon humidity of 60-70 percent and temperatures at 75-77°F, cows may already begin to experience the effects of heat stress.” Source: Dairy Business, … [Read more...]
Kinesiology tape might improve horse propulsion, core strength
"Already recognized as having potential therapeutic benefits in human athletes, kinesiology tape might be more effective in horses than in people.” - Sophie Biau, PhD Source: The Horse, April 5, 2022. Link. Whether in horses or humans, scientists suspect kinesiology taping on the skin might stimulate the fascia—connective tissue surrounding the muscles—as well as the … [Read more...]
Equine tongue wounds are more common than most people realize
It’s good to be aware of the many ways a horse can injure his tongue. Often, injuries are not discovered until some other issue requires a oral exam. Bleeding is the most immediate sign of a tongue injury, but you may not see a lot of blood. Bruce Connally, DVM, and Tia Nelson, DVM, share the ways tongue injuries happen, tongue anatomy and how to recognize tongue injury side … [Read more...]
Science explains puppy dog eyes
There’s no doubt puppy dog eyes capture our attention. Citing research comparing fast twitch muscles in wolves versus dogs, Anne Burrows, PhD, says her findings suggest dogs’ faces have evolved anatomically to improve their connections with people. Source: NBC News, April 5, 2022. Link. Domestic dogs and humans are adept at accurately understanding one another’s facial … [Read more...]
Top-searched product attributes for pet food according to NielsenIQ
Pet owning consumers are seeking specific product attributes, and they are changing the way they shop for products. There is an increasing shift toward omnichannel options and e-commerce outlets, writes Jordan Tyler. The NielsenIQ researchers dug into frequently searched terms that will interest animal health pros. In the top-searched attributes for dog food and treats, the … [Read more...]
Burst the myths about raw food diets for dogs and cats
Raw feeding isn’t new, but it is widely misunderstood. This author looks at five common falsehoods about feeding dogs and cats a raw food diet. He touts the raw dietary option as one of the more nutritionally beneficial choices but also acknowledges challenges. Proper raw diets for dogs and cats are made up of meat, bone, organ meats, vegetables, and supplements. All these … [Read more...]
5 ways to combat your imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome has been discussed for years. Many think they're never good enough. This belief leads them down an unhealthy path towards inferiority complex and low confidence. The author shares ways to combat imposter syndrome and boost self-confidence. A recent study found that up to 82% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their life.” Source: My Vet … [Read more...]
Considering HPAI and highly pathogenic diseases (podcast)
There are animal health pros who will never deal with poultry or fowl. However, a recent interview with Mark Bienhoff, DVM, can help all of us understand the challenges, risks and prevention strategies required when dealing with highly pathogenic animal diseases. He shares his perspectives on likely fomites including: People and vehicle traffic Dust particles Viral … [Read more...]
Survey shows pet owners unaware of vet technicians’ roles during vet visit
An important survey led by the NAVC and VCA Animal Hospitals, with support from NAVTA, revealed striking misconceptions about the role, responsibilities, education and skills of veterinary nurses/technicians. 47 percent of pet owners did not know that the role of the credentialed veterinary nurse/technician includes performing medical tasks and procedures 73 percent … [Read more...]
The latest on age and gonadectomy
A lot of confusion remains about spaying or neutering dogs. There is even conflicting evidence about whether it should be done at all. Timing of gonadectomy surgery is not one size fits all. Counseling with pet owners is an important component of decision making. There is no single or definitive source of information on effects of gonadectomy for each breed, and most current … [Read more...]
AAHA’s updated Pain Management Guidelines: A paradigm shift in managing pain
The 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats mark the first update of the guidelines since 2015 and there have been big changes. Tony McReynolds shares some of the most important changes from discussions with members of the pain guidelines task force including: incorporation of the last eight or nine years of research and development and understanding in pain … [Read more...]
Stop asking how someone is doing and what to say instead
Saying, “How are you doing,” is a simple question but does anyone really want to know? Further, does the person asked wish to reveal a candid answer? Kristin Hendrix advocates a positive approach for responding and suggests we ask for people to share something positive. Source: Leadership Vitae, March 24, 2022. Link. Tell me something good.” … [Read more...]
Introspection is the hard work
The more your leadership power grows, the more strength it will take to harness that power. The surest way to keep hubris at bay is to honor the work required to be a good leader with a continual regimen of honest self-evaluation and deliberate self-development. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, February 9, 2022. Link. Humility is essential to mental and spiritual fitness and … [Read more...]
Veterinary compensation varies across U.S. states
Complimentary Content In newly published research by Galaxy Vets, DVMs in Delaware earn the highest average salary ($132,304.00) compared to the lowest average DVM salary, which is in New Mexico ($76,645.00). The article also contains a state-by-state comparison table of veterinary salaries. Location does play a role in what a veterinarian can earn. As does the type of … [Read more...]
How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you
Non-verbal communication skills are vehicles to success in this digital age. But, without a response, communication is not effective. While it is frustrating and sometimes disappointing, not getting a response doesn’t mean they’re ghosting you. Forty-seven percent of emails are opened or discarded based on their subject line alone. Rebecca Zucker shares key things to keep in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 24, 2022
Last week’s most read post Preconditioning starts when the calf hits the ground. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 17, 2022. Link. =================================== Click here for a free 7-day trial --> Link #TalkatooTerry Your dog can go vegan – but cats are natural born killers Source: The Guardian, … [Read more...]
Tips to reduce dairy farm expenses
Dairy veterinarians are often asked about cost reductions. Certainly, fuel prices now add more cost to equipment and cost of goods requiring transportation. Making small financial changes can certainly add up to big savings. The author shares where to focus to help shave some costs while maintaining production levels and producing high-quality milk. Source: The Bullvine, … [Read more...]
Texas A&M lab: Pets have been getting Covid-19, too
Research on 600 animals from homes where a person had Covid-19 shows about a quarter of the pets sampled since June 2020 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. One quarter of those infected pets were symptomatic with what is described as a very mild illness that resolved without veterinary interventions. Gaining support from the CDC, the lab’s SARS-CoV-2 surveillance will continue, … [Read more...]
Poor sleep linked to $44 billion in lost productivity
The importance of high-quality sleep to the economy is evident. With about 155 million full- and part-time workers in the U.S. workforce, the 7 percent who report poor sleep over the prior month represents an estimated 11 million persons in the formal workforce who are executing their jobs with substandard levels of restfulness. Source: Gallup, March 18, 2022. Link. Story … [Read more...]
Amazon privacy settings you should enable
Many of us are not aware of our Amazon privacy settings. We could be sharing too much information with the company. Settings can be changed at any time. Charles Slocs shares the importance of privacy settings, browser history and more . . . Amazon has made it very easy for its users to view and change all of their privacy settings.” Source: Tech Source Online, December 5, … [Read more...]
How craving attention makes you less creative
This TED talk is good for introspection and consideration. Trying to gain followers and likes only to be left feeling inadequate and less creative can be addictive. In his candid TED talk, Joseph Gordon-Levitt explores how the attention-driven model of big tech companies affects our creativity. . . . <there is> a more powerful feeling than getting attention. . . it’s … [Read more...]
Solutions to toxic situations
Like many business challenges, the solution to toxic situations involves making changes. And with personal issues, the best starting point is found within us. Consider the following suggestions when facing your next people challenge. Source: Inc, February 20, 2022. Link. What's the proper way to handle such toxic people? It's to put into practice one smart principle of … [Read more...]
Galaxy Vets announce 24-hour work week, same as full-time
Galaxy Vets is introducing a 24-hour workweek. All employees, as well as the relief workforce, who commit to at least 24 hours over seven days in any of Galaxy Vets’ general practice, ER or telemedicine settings are eligible to receive a full benefits package and equity. We are taking this step because we want our people to be able to afford a better work-life balance and … [Read more...]
Help your employees be ambassadors
Many leaders and companies are facing consequences of the great resignation. New ways of hiring and retaining employees are being developed, tested and implemented. But are we engaging the old and new team members as ambassadors for our business? It is a good question for animal health pros at all levels. Think about it! “Engaging your employees as ambassadors goes beyond … [Read more...]
It’s National Pet Poison Prevention Week
In 2021, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center saw a 22 percent increase in call volume. It’s team analyzed more than 400,000 cases they received. They’re now sharing the top 10 toxin groupings. It is also organized in an informative infographic suitable for social media, newsletters, bulletin boards and exam room posting. Download and share the Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2021 with … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 17, 2022
Last week’s most read post Gen Z wants this more than flexibility at work. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 10, 2022. Link. =================================== Delta variant of COVID-19 found in cat Source: My Vet Candy, March 11, 2022. Link. This apparent interspecies transmission is the first published example … [Read more...]
Benefits and challenges with multi-species grazing
Land use and stewardship are two of the hot topics producers and landowners face. Adaptive grazing with more than one species of livestock can multiply regenerative benefits, shape landscape, and add income to operations. Source: Noble Research Institute. Link. Adaptive grazing uses higher livestock densities for short durations between long periods of rest to allow complete … [Read more...]