A rabid bat was found alive at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It is the second rabid bat found in San Diego County so far this year. Last week we shared a report on an imported dog infected with rabies. There are still a few states that do not require an owner to vaccinate their pet for rabies. These states may delegate the decision to the local governments. In addition, … [Read more...]
AAFP releases updated Feline Senior Care Guidelines
This new release provides a comprehensive update from the heavily referenced 2009 AAFP Senior Care Guidelines. The Guidelines address the importance of veterinary visits a minimum of every six months for cats 10 to 15 years old. This allows veterinary teams to best track and manage health-related issues and detect disease early. Healthy senior cats over the age of 15 should be … [Read more...]
The immense power of a handwritten note
Gina Hamadey shares a non-traditional perspective on handwritten notes of gratitude. She shares the benefits to the writer where most past resources have focused on the receiver. Writing the notes not only offered me a short-term feeling of calm, it made it easier to channel positive emotions in general.” – Gina Hamadey Source: Elle, June 9, 2021. Link. Our collective … [Read more...]
Listen like you mean it
Self-awareness is so key to our listening practices. We all have personal blockers to staying present and empathetic in conversation. However, when we get to know ourselves, we can more easily be there for others, writes Ximena Vengoechea. No matter the question you ask, remember that silence is your friend.” - Ximena Vengoechea Source: Next Big Idea Club, June 11, 2021. … [Read more...]
Reacting versus responding. There is a difference.
Veterinary media sources are full of articles about stress, overwork and meeting those challenges. Brad Stulberg’s article on reentry stress is relatable to more situations. The only real constant in life is change. And when confronted with it, most people respond or react, says Stulberg. Responding tends to be advantageous. You rarely regret deliberately responding to a … [Read more...]
Assessing the value of service learning for veterinary students
Guest Contributor - John Weale, DVM MS Finding better ways to educate veterinary students is currently a hot topic in animal health. The Tufts at Tech Clinical Rotation at Cumming Veterinary School of Medicine was the site of a study to assess student confidence levels working in accessible care before and after participating in a service-learning-based community veterinary … [Read more...]
Forget the rookies, bring up the reserves
Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, advocates for the dependable and experienced veterinary team members. She suggests focusing first on retention and advancement, including training allowances to advance skills. Then the team will be stronger to bring on and train the rookies, she says. Find out each team member’s Why. Give them the materials, the resources & the means to go get the … [Read more...]
Talk frankly with clients about anesthesia
Some clients fear for their pets when anesthesia is required. Starting with preoperative blood work is a key step that allows for client education and gives them confidence the pet will be okay. Lynda Paul, LVT, VTS, CVPP, shares common concerns from pet owners and how to help them understand the processes involved in treating their pet. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, … [Read more...]
Using cross-species vaccination approaches to counter emerging infectious diseases
The last two decades have seen multiple animal health business units spun off from traditional pharma company ownership. In this paper, the authors highlight a ‘One Health vaccinology’ approach. They present key areas of synergy in human and veterinary vaccinology that could be exploited to accelerate the development of effective vaccines against shared health … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes IBPSA members
Members of the International Boarding and Pet Services Association will begin receiving the weekly Animal Health Digest Bulletin in July. Pet boarding and daycare is a multi-billion-dollar business segment. The IBPSA is the pet boarding and daycare industry’s only professional business association. More than 1,000 businesses are members, including 140 veterinary … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 24, 2021
Last week’s most read post(s) – two posts tied for most-read Confidence requires a PLAN, Source: AHD, June 15, 2021. Link. Udder conformation, increasing concerns for farmers, Source: AHD, June 15, 2021. Link. Vaccine workshop leads veterinarians in foot-and-mouth disease planning Source: Feedstuffs, June 17, 2021. Link. The vaccine exercise was part of … [Read more...]
Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome: silent, deadly in cows
Details surrounding Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome, including contributing factors, continue to be a mystery. Considered an emerging, highly fatal intestinal disease of adult cows, HBS is a growing concern to dairy producers, veterinarians and nutritionists. It is also known as the sudden death disease of dairy cattle. Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Wether considerations and boy bands
No, it’s not a misspelling. As a capon is to a rooster, or gelding to a stallion, a wether refers to a buck goat that isn’t anymore. How to get that job done is not without controversy. Karen Kopf writes about neutering goats using elastrator banding. Source: Backyard Goats, June 14, 2021. Link. One of the greatest risks of banding goats is tetanus since the band creates an … [Read more...]
Salmonellosis in horses (includes podcast)
In summer, it is typical to see increased prevalence of Salmonella sp. in horses, says Brandy Burgess, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVPM. Scientists think it is related to a sort of stress, such as heat stress. It is found everywhere. Different strains wax and wane in different areas at different times of the year. A large proportion of horses shed the bug … [Read more...]
Regenerative medicine for the equine athlete
Helping equine athletes reach their full potential and maintain optimal health is the goal of sport horse medicine, writes Tori Bilas. Horses can reap the benefits of self-derived biologic treatments well before a serious injury occurs that could derail training or require a lengthy recovery. Regenerative medicine is used to treat or prevent joint disease and soft tissue … [Read more...]
Keep horses cool this summer
Heat is just as hard on horses as it is any animal. Did you realize a horse can lose up to 15 liters of fluid an hour on hot and humid days? Sandra TenBroeck, University of Florida State Extension horse specialist, compiled a list of tips that are helpful to new and experienced riders. Source: University of Florida State Extension, June 18, 2021. Link. In cool to moderate … [Read more...]
Honeybees on the move
The USDA report on bee movement adds an additional dimension to beekeeping and survival as more animal health pros are engaged in bee health initiatives. Similar to food animals, bees experiences stress during transportation and more risks as they are deployed in monocultures. Honeybees fall into veterinarians' purview because of the VFD rule and changes in FDA policy on … [Read more...]
Teach cats to wear a harness
Cat owners may enjoy their cats more when they can take them safely outside. Habituating a cat to a harness and then to a harness-plus-leash takes time and needs to follow specific steps says Nicole Ellis. Source: Catster, April 17, 2021. Link. Also see: Choosing a harness for a cat, Tufts Catnip, April 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Rabid dog imported into U.S. sparks multi-state investigation
One of 33 dogs and one cat imported by an animal rescue organization from Azerbaijan to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on June 10 has tested positive for rabies. Health officials are checking on the other animals in the shipment and are still tracking down the pets’ new owners. Tthe investigation is focused on Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey and New … [Read more...]
Turn down the volume on pets’ firework and thunderstorm fears
Complimentary Commercial Content Don't ignore your pet's fear out of the mistaken belief you will reinforce it and make it worse, writes Marty Becker, DVM. The key is to stay calm and not get all worked up yourself, but instead provide calm attention like how you normally interact with him. Becker has updated his previously published article for 2021. Source: Dr. … [Read more...]
Bright Minds nominations sought by The Bridge Club
Complimentary Content To honor the best thinkers, innovators and paradigm shifters in veterinary medicine, The Bridge Club is launching Bright Minds, an event celebrating innovation in veterinary medicine during the 2021 WVC Convention. Nominations end June 30, 2021. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. Nomination Categories: Out of the Box Thinker - an individual who … [Read more...]
Early registration ending for WVC Annual Conference
Complimentary Commercial Content The 2021 WVC Annual Conference is scheduled for September 6 – 9, 2021 in Las Vegas. Live and supplemental virtual opportunities will gather animal health pros to collaborate, network and learn. Early registration discounts end June 30, 2021. We are excited to get people back to learning in-person and celebrating the Veterinary Industry. Our … [Read more...]
Antelligence, ATS to reintroduce Animal Health Industry Training
Complimentary Commercial Content This unique educational opportunity is designed for individuals who are relatively new to animal health and will benefit from a comprehensive overview of the entire industry. Initially the program will be offered virtually. Live programs will be available as venues open post-Covid. Source: Antelligence, June 18, 2021. Link. The program … [Read more...]
Preparing for show season
For animal enthusiasts, livestock shows and fair events will kick off within the next six weeks. While veterinary teams provide health checks and certifications, animal health pros’ expertise will be valued beyond services and tactics. Given the increasing popularity of backyard rabbits, chickens and goats, the audience for show season preparation is not solely livestock … [Read more...]
Words and phrases to avoid in a difficult conversation
Sometimes it is hard to get out of our own way. When you’re in the middle of a difficult conversation, it’s common to focus solely on yourself: your ideas, your viewpoint, your feelings, writes James Detert. A “me-centric” approach can backfire. To achieve your goal, you need to think beyond yourself. Detert has found that people often forget when navigating a difficult … [Read more...]
Creating boundaries in our everyday work (podcast)
The animal health industry is rightly concerned about mental health and stress in the veterinary work environment. When you’re struggling with these issues, the day-to-day routines of a work environment can be a lot, but recognizing and enforcing boundaries help navigate work and stress. This podcast is a conversation with author and activist Roxane Gay about work and mental … [Read more...]
Responsible antimicrobial stewardship
It is unclear how recent FDA guidance for antimicrobial drug oversight may affect companion animal practices, yet stewardship of the right drug for the right bug remains a priority for all animal health professionals. Practicing responsible antimicrobial stewardship involves striving to prevent antimicrobial resistance and an unnecessary impact on the microbiome by … [Read more...]
Early heatwave a reminder to think about employee needs, too!
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness in people. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, its sweating mechanism fails and it is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t have to be working outside all day to get too hot. The same goes for … [Read more...]
We’re colleagues. Sometimes friends, but not family.
Justin Pot says, “Your company isn’t a family, and I think pretending otherwise is unhealthy and unproductive. Family loyalty isn’t based on performance because that would be absurd.” Companies are different. They don’t employ people out of love or loyalty because companies, by definition, can’t feel those things. Your company employs you because what you do is valuable—at … [Read more...]
Manage or coach?
Somewhere along the way, we learned that giving employees free snacks, a meditation room and allowing a day to bring one’s pet to work was the new enlightened workplace. The result is that only 20 percent of fulltime employees worldwide are engaged in their work. Source: Gallup, May 27, 2021. Link. Imagine if all businesses worldwide could double real employee engagement … [Read more...]