Consumption of colostrum is critical for newborn piglets. We know that. We also know farrowing can last over several hours creating variability in individual piglet vitality. Various interventions are implemented for late born pigs in farrowing units across the U.S. A recent study in more than 600 piglets examined relationships among birth characteristics, early nursing … [Read more...]
Video captures mare bonding with new foal
Rachel Reilly, an Iowa equine photographer, recorded the moment a mare and her newborn foal first bonded. Remember to turn on the sound when playing the 15-second video. Source: PetHelpful, May 18, 2022. Link. Video loads slowly in article. … [Read more...]
Surprising findings about why horses paw
Researchers have suggested pawing behavior in horses may have nothing to do with boredom, rather possible discomfort associated with exertion. Horses were more likely to paw in the afternoon, after they had been exercised, and they were less inclined to engage in the behavior on Sundays, when they were not exercised at all.” Source: EQUUS, May 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How and why to take a horse’s pulse
Horse owners will appreciate learning about pulse rates as a horse health indicator. Teaching them during an exam to monitor pulse is an excellent way for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to engage with them. A horse at rest will typically have a pulse rate between 30 and 40 beats per minute. If a horse who hasn’t just finished exercising has a pulse rate of 50 beats … [Read more...]
Morris Animal Foundation highlights the top 10 toxins for cats and dogs
Pet owners need to be reminded of possible toxins, including foods that are commonplace in and outside our homes. Summer activities can upend pet schedules, change caretakers and remove oversight of pet activities. Consider this update for social media and newsletters. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, March 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Ways to measure, promote employee satisfaction
Complimentary Sponsored Content Many practice leaders claim they prioritize the happiness of their teams. But can they measure how well they deliver their intent? Join Ivan Zak, DVM, and guests gather to better understand a structured approach to collecting feedback. Expect to hear ways to measure and promote employee satisfaction, common mistakes businesses make when … [Read more...]
Dark shadows and the neighbor’s new chicken coop
Personal experience A neighbor has constructed and populated a small backyard chicken coop about 100 yards from the back fence in my yard. Within a few days, I saw more hawks and owls circling the area, resting in the tall oaks and casting shadows as they flew over our neighborhood. Startled by the shadow of a swooping red-tail hawk I watched a massive one dive-bomb … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 23, 2022
Health risks to people and pets from chemically scented products, puppy boom driving profits. . . creating havoc, cybersecurity ideas for small business, hotel chain to offer dog walking services, pet food humanization requires more capacity to meet demand and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Preventing screentime-induced headaches and neck pain
Common themes for people who work in front of screens are neck and shoulder problems, eye discomfort, worsening vision, a sense of exhaustion and tiredness after a while, plus many people report headaches. Before you take a couple NSAID capsules, try out these tips from Erik Peper, PhD. Source: goop, May 19, 2022. Link. Peper says: If you use a laptop, almost by … [Read more...]
Writing thank you emails after an interview (samples included)
Some say the Great Resignation is really a Great Reshuffling of the work force. Regardless, how we follow up after an interview is critical to securing a new position. The author offers templates for rapid follow-up. Start your follow-up as soon as humanly possible by writing a killer interview thank you note.” Source: The Muse. Link. Your thank you note sets the tone as your … [Read more...]
Why is it so hard to shut up?
People clearly struggle with zipping their lips, especially in times of stress. We’ve all heard phrases like “open mouth, insert foot” or “don’t dump all your dumb at once.” Jennifer V. Miller offers 18 ways to think before you speak. She uses THINK as an acronym for pausing before you talk. Whenever you want to say something, be sure to “think” about it before saying … [Read more...]
Never miss a good chance to shut up
Patrick T. Malone will return in a couple weeks. In his place, we’re sharing thoughts on silence from John P. Weiss. Working alongside Patrick over the years, silence is a skill he masterfully demonstrates in nearly every interaction. Silence allows the what else? thoughts to surface and be available to discuss. Weiss’ reflections on silence are less about decision trees, … [Read more...]
1 in 3 Americans think pandemic is over
Despite an uptick in Covid-19 cases in the U.S., Americans are feeling more optimistic about the trajectory of the pandemic. This latest wave of optimism that the end of the pandemic may be in reach is higher than last summer prior to the arrival of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in the U.S. It remains to be seen how the pandemic plays out in the coming months. Source: … [Read more...]
Upskilling is do or die, but employees also need a career path
Opinion It is difficult to avoid thinking about how poorly we engage veterinary technicians when reading Mike Bertolino’s comments about upskilling. While some animal hospitals support the advancement of veterinary technicians’ education and certifications, one might conclude we’ve been doing it wrong. Advancing vet tech skills and certifications without a career growth … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 19, 2022
Last week’s THREE most read posts Celebrate graduations. Link. Pandemic lessons for all. Link. 30 is not the new 20. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 12, 2022. Link. =================================== CAPC 2022 annual pet parasite forecast Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022, page 50. Link. AHD first … [Read more...]
Biology of the chicken: 4-part series
Chickens show up on Nat Geo Wild’s veterinary shows more frequently these days. Whether it’s the Critter Fixers, Drs. Schroeder or Dr. Pol, it is obvious chicken enthusiasts require considerable education and support from their veterinarians. This four-part series from Backyard Chickens is a good set of resources for beginners or those who need a review. Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
Reminder: Protect pets from toxic blue-green algae
Toxic blue green algae risks to pets hit the news in 2019. The EPA indicates it is a risk in all 50 states. A recent story from St. Louis NPR exposes the challenges of testing bodies of water to keep the public and pets safe <Link>. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares what we need to know about harmful algal blooms and how to keep pets safe in this … [Read more...]
Engaging veterinary technicians improves practice success
Unless you’ve been hiding, the industry buzz about using veterinary technicians better is familiar. Having credentialed veterinary technicians on veterinary teams with the skills needed is a critical part of building an efficient practice. However, efficiency only comes when those skills are used effectively. The AVMA continues to promote and support increased involvement … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 16, 2022
Purina's selections for start-ups accelerator, beginners’ SEO for small business, connecting Black-owned pet businesses, kennel shortages ahead of summer holiday season, the latest in CBD for pets, Mars executive talks consumer-led innovation and much more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Study: Taking a one week break from social media improves well-being, depression, anxiety
At the end of one week, researchers studying abstaining from social media found significant between-group differences in well-being, depression and anxiety. The intervention group fared much better on all three metrics. These results held even after control for baseline scores, as well as age and gender, shares Cal Newport. . . . the simple study design and the clear effects … [Read more...]
The 7 types of rest every person needs (TED Talk)
Sleep and rest are not the same thing, although many of us incorrectly confuse the two. Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, shares seven key areas of your life where rest should equal restoration. Source: TED, Idea series, May 2021. Link. Also see: Seven hours of sleep is ideal for most adults, Health, May 9, 2022. Link. Getting too little or too much sleep starting in middle age … [Read more...]
3 veterinary careers that offer balance between professional growth and personal life
If you’re feeling stressed, you are not alone, says Jeff Horvath, MBA, SHRM-SCP. He writes about the opportunity to seek settings in which you practice and experience new types of cases without compromising your goals for a work-life balance. Those are: Urgent care Emergency medicine Veterinary hospice and palliative care Source: DVM 360, May 13, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Depressed or burned out? Experts discuss the differences.
If you've been feeling numb or overwhelmed and can't tell whether you're depressed or burned out, this article may help you understand the differences and how they're treated. Generally speaking, burnout is focused and related to occupational areas, while depression can be triggered, exacerbated, and maintained by a variety of factors like genetics, negative life … [Read more...]
Counter cyclical leadership
Leading counter-cyclically in tough times means knowing when to stop pushing, knowing when to lead with empathy and make things lighter, not heavier. Source: Medium, May 3, 2022. Link. The best way to communicate difficult news is to be straightforward. INSIGHT: You don’t have to wait a lifetime to leave people better than you found them.” … [Read more...]
CDC: Test before you travel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its domestic travel recommendations and now advises all travelers to consider taking a Covid-19 test as close as possible to the departure time of a trip, but no more than three days prior to the trip. Source: Northstar Meeting Groups, May 17, 2022. Link. The CDC continues to recommend that all people . . . properly … [Read more...]
Hybrid approach helps maximize colostrum quality
Achieving high levels of circulating IgG in newborn calves may be easier by boosting maternal colostrum with commercial colostrum replacer. It give calves the best of both worlds when it comes to maximizing passive transfer of immunity. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 6, 2022. Link. With excellent dry-cow vaccination and colostrum protocols in place, supplementing … [Read more...]
Project Hive Pet Company ties pet toys to saving bees
Project Hive Pet Company has a line of five treats and five toys that generate revenues and associated company donations to the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. To date, the partnership has resulted in more than 2 million square feet of healthy bee habitat planted, with a goal of planting 50 million square feet over the next five years. Source: Pet Food Industry, April … [Read more...]
Plant insectary strips of pollinator-friendly plants
Our April 26 post about mason bees drew a lot of attention <Link>. Leah Smith shares ideas for insectary strips in Hobby Farms. Looking at the plants listed, apartment dwellers with an outside deck or window can also provide nectar yielding plants that contribute to feeding the bees. Gardeners should plan to add a row of flowers alongside their veggies as well. In … [Read more...]
The best mentorships help BOTH people grow
Opinion We’re living in a time where change comes at breakneck speeds. Rapid changes require us to learn new skills and ways to work, meet the desires of four generations working together and likely radically remodel infrastructures. One might say our future successes will be dependent on how well we engage, share, collaborate and learn from one another. We’ll need … [Read more...]
Pandemic lessons for all
Your attitude determines how you approach opportunities and ongoing success. Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022. Link. The key to capitalizing on the current situation is in your attitude, the value you bring, and your talent. INSIGHT: Business history is replete with organizations and individuals that have grown and prospered in challenging times. … [Read more...]