Lead by example may be a cliché, but it also an effective way to develop future leaders, as my friend Scott Mastley points out. Perhaps more than ever before, it is crucial that your actions are consistent with your words. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, February 18, 2021. Link. Be yourself and be accountable for your actions. INSIGHT: Today’s leaders are responsible for … [Read more...]
Billions of cicadas may be coming soon to trees near you
Starting sometime in April or May, depending on latitude, one of the largest broods of 17-year cicadas will emerge from underground in a dozen states, from New York to Illinois and south into northern Georgia. Cicada exoskeletons are difficult to digest and can cause dogs to suffer serious consequences if eaten.” - AKC Source: The Conversation, March 12, 2021. … [Read more...]
AAFP announces new eConference
The American Association of Feline Practitioners announces an eConference: Spring into Feline Medicine. This three-day virtual live CE event is scheduled for Sunday, April 18; Wednesday, April 28 and Saturday, May 8. The three-day series will feature speakers with feline expertise presenting a variety of topics including behavior, nutrition, senior care, CKD, endocrinology, … [Read more...]
Heartworm review and update
Whether living in endemic or nonendemic areas, heartworm remains a top priority parasite for dogs and cats. Andrew R. Moorhead, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology), reviews the life cycle and strategies for prevention and treatment. It is crucial to test all dogs for microfilariae at the same time as antigen testing.” Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2021. Link. Treatment … [Read more...]
Why vet med might really kill you: Dr. Jen’s Top 5 deadliest pathogens
Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the Vet recently shared her video presentation about zoonotic diseases. Sponsored by Virox Technologies® her presentation was part of the recent Viticus Animal Health Virtual Summit. . . . while this video is focused on veterinary medicine and those working in animal health, the information is just as useful for pet parents! - Jenifer Chatfield, … [Read more...]
Winnie the Pooh’s timeless resilience tips
Oh, bother!” – Winnie the Pooh Nearly 100 years since he was created, Pooh’s simple wisdoms still make us think about the importance of friendship, love and courage. Karen Nimmo shares the best of Pooh-isms still relevant in 2021. Source: Medium, January 21, 2021. Link. Could be worse. Not sure how, but it could be.” — Eeyore … [Read more...]
34 percent of Americans take daily naps – here’s how they can help
Research shows power naps are great stress buffers. They boost the immune system and reduce the level of cortisol in your blood, refreshing you and refueling your engine. 81 percent of employees experience the afternoon crash an average of 3.2 days per week” Source: Forbes, March 13, 2021. Link. Studies at the Salk Institute show that brain activity, memory, and the power … [Read more...]
March is National Sleep Month
Take this month to think about your sleep habits. Consider how much they affect your well-being and take a step to improve them. Sleep is an essential component of wellness, and there are innumerable factors that influence sleep and sleep patterns. Few things impact mental health more than sleep. Sources: National Sleep Foundation. Link. Sleep Foundation, One Care Media … [Read more...]
A year into the pandemic, the profession is feeling the strain
NOMV stands for Not One More Vet, the largest veterinary support group in the world. It has more than 28,000 members worldwide who provide peer-to-peer mental health support and suicide awareness. AAHA’s Tony McReynolds shares discussions following several recent suicides in the veterinary community. . . . the veterinary profession had significant struggles prior to the … [Read more...]
Raising capable and empowered pet parents
The efforts to educate and raise capabilities in animal owners are as important as building capabilities in employees. In this context. compliance takes on a new, more appropriate meaning. Kudos to the MWI Animal Health team for providing this thoughtful article. Teach clients how to be better partners in their pet’s health care and THANK THEM!” Source: MWI Messenger Focus - … [Read more...]
Capability building should be a strategic weapon in business
OPINION Almost every week we see articles promoting using veterinary staff more effectively. It takes time and trust to progressively delegate tasks to professional or support staff. The real-world use of skilled professionals is not plug and play. It is a long-term effort to develop and improve skills of team members at all levels. Liz Hilton Segel discusses the … [Read more...]
Hoo-WHOoo won the 2020 World Nature Photography Awards?
We’ve never met an animal health pro who did not appreciate nature photography. We’re sharing this post first. Enjoy! The mission of the World Nature Photography Awards is to celebrate the world’s best nature photographers while showcasing nature’s beauty to a wider audience. Source: World Nature Photography Awards. Link. In 2021, WNPA will continue to support two climate … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 11, 2021
Ionophores help control coccidiosis and more Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 4, 2021. Link. Ionophores promote calf health and performance through a combination of disease control and improved feed efficiency. They also have shown numerous benefits in dry, transition, and lactating cow rations. 5 signs indicate the time to consult a professional obedience … [Read more...]
Managing parasite resistance; ‘set it and forget it’ no more
Ron Popeil popularized the 'set it and forget it' phrase in TV infomercials. The phrase could have been used to describe parasite control methods from past decades. Cattlemen and those who work with and educate them can no longer trust a one-and-done parasite control plan. Not unlike antibiotics, our industry needs to use parasite control products judiciously as a component … [Read more...]
Will removing dairy cows help stop climate change?
Researchers from Virginia Tech and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently tested this hypothesis: Eliminate U.S. dairy cows and you’ll lessen climate issues. They found that if the dairy herd were somehow removed from the U.S., greenhouse gas emissions would only be reduced by about 0.7 percent. Milk production contributes approximately 1.3 percent of all U.S. GHG … [Read more...]
Knock out ketosis
Ketosis contributes to wide ranging losses. A single case of ketosis costs dairy producers an average of $298. The most common metabolic disease in cattle, two common, differing etiologies of early lactation ketosis are in play: the animal’s inability to adapt to an early lactation energy deficit – one to two weeks limited energy intake – three to six weeks The use … [Read more...]
Colorado State University offers foaling course for owners, managers and students
Foaling and Foal Care is a continuing education course designed to provide horse owners, broodmare managers and foaling attendants an overview of normal foaling, dystocia, routine care of the newborn foal and other important topics. Recommended participants are those responsible for attending pregnant mares through the birth process. The virtual curriculum provides guidelines … [Read more...]
Legal guide to horse care for horse owners
There’s more to owning a horse than feed, water and housing. Horse care administration and documentation is also important. By having accurate and available emergency information, by having appropriate vaccination and health policies, by confirming insurance coverage, and by keeping a medication logbook, horse owners, barn owners, and trainers can protect themselves and their … [Read more...]
Landrace Bankhar dogs being redeveloped to strengthen Mongolian nomad lifestyle
Varieties or types of plants or animals that have developed over time to suit the conditions of a local area are called landrace. For 15,000 years, Bankhar dogs protected livestock and livelihoods on the Mongolian steppe. Nearly lost, the revered dogs are making a slow and intentional comeback. Source: Atlas Obscura, February 23, 2021. Link. Also see: Bankhar Dog … [Read more...]
National Pet Dental Health month is over. What’s the message now?
Opinion A leading veterinary professional is focusing on oral care at home. But are clients getting the message? A recent experience indicates oral care is not top of mind*. Johnathon R. (Bert) Dodd, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, shares the importance of oral health care for pets. He focuses on gingivitis, daily oral care at home and annual teeth cleanings by veterinarians. . . . … [Read more...]
Pig flu antibodies could guide human flu treatment
The Pirbright Institute has generated the first pig antibodies against swine influenza that protect against infection and recognize the same parts of the flu virus as human antibodies. This work reinforces the use of pigs as powerful models to predict human responses in infection and vaccination, according to Professor John Hammond. Source: PORK, March 5, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
How tuberculosis reshaped our immune systems
Tuberculosis has killed more people in the past 2000 years than any other disease, and it has sickened many more, writes Ann Gibbons. Archaeogenetic research helps identify which TB pathogens that have changed our DNA and made us more resilient. “Infectious diseases are the strongest evolutionary pressure humans have to face. . .” Source: Science, March 4, 2021. … [Read more...]
Beyond burned out and beyond self-care
Today’s level of burnout is the result of an existing problem made exponentially worse, says Jennifer Moss. The pandemic was an accelerant. Combating burnout may feel like an impossible task, especially after months of emotional fatigue, but if you’re armed with the right tools, it can be easier than you might think. Despite how massive the burnout problem is, it’s never too … [Read more...]
More pets, fewer vets. Now what?
A staggering one in four employees plans to leave their employer after the Covid-19 pandemic subsides, according to a new survey. Already short of qualified workers, the veterinary practice industry faces big hurdles according to Bob Lester, DVM: Cost of care Cost of education Wellness in both people and pets AND The workforce shortage Source: Vet … [Read more...]
All segments of industry should agree – cruelty, neglect are NEVER acceptable
This blog post by Temple Grandin, PhD, MS, Colorado State University animal welfare specialist, is worth your time, no matter which segment of the industry you represent. It is time for us all to agree on these issues. Animal welfare and neglect are important considerations for all animal health pros regardless of the animal species involved.” It needs to be made very clear … [Read more...]
Preparing for future disruption
Whether we have another Covid-19 surge or not, veterinary practices can use the experiences of the last year to prepare for what is ahead. Many of the adjustments made are likely to become part of normal services. MWI Animal Health provides an outline of items to consider. Hybrid service models using digital tools are predicted to continue in animal health as in human … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 4, 2021
Why does my dog stare at me? Source: PetMD, July 6, 2020. Link. A stare is normal dog behavior that is used to communicate some type of emotion, want or need. Why do cats knead? Source: PetMD, January 21, 2021. Link. Whether a cat is making biscuits to show affection or to claim a person as their own, kneading is a natural, instinctual and common … [Read more...]
How to respond when an employee discloses a mental health condition
It takes a lot of courage for an employee to disclose they have a mental health condition. Navigate the conversation carefully. Start by thanking them for telling you, but don’t make a big deal about the disclosure. It’s important to treat it like you would any other medical issue. It’s important to keep in mind that the employee likely had to overcome a lot of fear to talk … [Read more...]
Use data to drive commercial herds of the future
Complimentary Content from recent NEOGEN® Table Talk NEOGEN’s genomics team recently led an expert discussion aimed at educating producers about the benefits of Igenity® Enhanced, a data management tool designed to promote genetic predictions to improve herds for generations. Source: NEOGEN®. Link. This is an opt-in event at no charge. The Table Talk speakers cover: … [Read more...]
Frozen ground? Jacket the calves.
A commonly used rule of thumb is to put jackets on dairy calves as another level of protection when the ground is frozen. They help insulate them from winter temperature swings at least until their rumens develop and generate heat from fermentation activities. Source: The Bullvine, March 1, 2021. Link. Calf jackets are most useful for calves under 3 weeks of age and … [Read more...]