Nicole Spector shares seven ways to cope with crisis fatigue, which is an effect of unrelenting stress. “Crisis fatigue is when a stressful incident becomes enduring or chronic,” Eric Zillmer, clinical psychologist, says. “The reason for this is that humans are not equipped to deal with extensive periods of stress over long periods of time. Our defensive systems are designed to … [Read more...]
Mayo Clinic leader speaks out on effect of Covid-19
Human medicine and animal medicine approaches have become more amalgamated than ever before. Covid-19 restrictions have similar effects on any business that historically required customers to enter a brick and mortar location to be provided services. Gianrico Farrugia, president and CEO of the Mayo Clinic, discusses how Covid-19 spurred rapid transformation there and issues … [Read more...]
Updated Veterinary COVID Guidelines
Canada’s Ontario province has been very proactive and successful in managing changes to the practice of veterinary medicine in the face of Covid-19 risks. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association recently released its stage 3 set of recommendations for Ontario veterinary clinics. Scott Weese, DVM, says much of it applies more broadly as veterinary teams seek to balance the … [Read more...]
6 survival items to keep in your car
It’s important to keep emergency tools in your vehicle. As more of us return to driving regularly, this list offers good reminders. Survival items are not just for winter. They can be important during intense weather of any kind. Source: The Outdoor Wear, November 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA proposes new rules to combat organic fraud
While it is unlikely USDA will require labeling of any food containing carbon as organic, it has opened comments on a set of new organic rules. It hopes the rules will streamline operations, promote transparency and combat fraud, including the standardization of organic certificates. Source: Feed Strategy, August 9, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS – just for fun! Personally, I don’t … [Read more...]
Back to school time . . . maybe?
Commentary Historically, the end of August includes the rush to finish vacations, prep children for school, fall sports practices and moving young adults onto college campuses. Animal health pros often find themselves with extra time as Labor Day arrives and animal owners are focused on other things. This year? Who knows? One of the traditional activities to occupy this … [Read more...]
10 things we do that puzzle and scare horses
The authors share 10 common challenges we present to horses and typify human-to-horse interactions as a culture clash, of sorts. It is interesting that equine veterinarians are more at risk of workplace injury than a firefighter. Source: PhysOrg, July 31, 2020. Link. Horses rarely defend themselves out of malice but from react from fear. Understanding why horses find so many … [Read more...]
Lameness prevention starts in the heifer pen
At least two of the “famous five” causes of lameness; foot rot, digital dermatitis (DD), sole ulcers, white line lesions and toe lesions can have their origins in the heifer lot, according to Nigel Cook. Heel warts and toe lesions can start early. Providing the right environment early in life will help to prevent the hoof diseases and mechanical issues that can otherwise … [Read more...]
Stall size affects dairy cow rest
Like us, if a cow’s bed is not the right size, her ability to rest is negatively affected. Resting time is critical to optimizing milk production. Katelyn Allen shares information about stall size, stall use index and other factors for cow comfort. Design the stalls for the largest cow in the group or the stalls will determine the largest cow in the group eventually” – Dan … [Read more...]
Scientists reveal pheromones are key to harmonious pet relationships
Researchers discovered using dog and cat pheromones could be key to a happy household where both are living. Relationship challenges between a new pet and an existing pet is one of the main reasons for cats and dogs get taken to shelters for rehoming. Thought to be the first research of its kind, the results suggest that using the dog-appeasing pheromones had a more … [Read more...]
Research shows dogs understand words and intonation
We often hear, “I know Spot knows exactly what I am saying.” Dog owners spell out words like “walk,” “treat” or “ride” to avoid recognition by their dog. According to recent research, dogs not only understand the emotional tones of what we say, but also recognize and understand more words than previously known. <researchers>. . . demonstrated that dog brains can also … [Read more...]
Well-trained dogs have more freedom, more fun
Karen London, PhD, rejects ideas that dogs live wild, free and unencumbered by constraints on their desires and inclinations. In fact, she argues that by setting boundaries through training, we enhance dogs’ happiness. Trained dogs have better lives precisely because they are allowed more freedom. Source: The Bark, August 2020. Link. London shares why well-trained dogs … [Read more...]
Chinese ASF vaccine enters new development phase
China’s agriculture ministry reports positive results on a trial vaccine for African swine fever developed by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, according to the South China Morning Post. Officials say it is still too early to estimate when a vaccine will be available. Source: The Pig Site, August 19, 2020. Link. Results from the studies suggest that the increased … [Read more...]
Utah mink test positive for coronavirus. Plague reported in Lake Tahoe.
Once again reports of zoonoses are in the news. While the source to this mink infection is not known, it seems likely small rodents or their fleas were involved with the plague case. Source: Associated Press, August 17, 2020. Link. High mortality in two mink ranches prompted testing for Covid-19 virus. Five live mink tested positive. The Utah mink farms have also reported … [Read more...]
Veterinary tech associations’ role in public education
Christen Puckett-Smith, BS, RVT, and Kenichiro Yagi MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), have it right when they write, “. . . as credentialed veterinary technicians, we are walking billboards.” Their article focuses on association activities that help educate the public about the role veterinary technicians play in veterinary practice. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2020. … [Read more...]
VVCA inaugural summit sets the stage for virtual care
Congratulations to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association team on their successful Virtual Care Summit, which took place August 18. Concurrent with the summit, the organization launched an updated website <link>. A substantial set of educational options were offered. They included compelling speakers and animal health pros experienced in hands-off virtual medical care … [Read more...]
Labor union comes to private veterinary hospitals
A new labor contract covering 100 employees in a Vancouver, Washington, veterinary clinic is the first of its kind. One employee anticipates the labor contract will provide veterinary workers with protections, wage equality and establish a foothold for continued improvements in working conditions. The contract calls for: Base pay minimums. Differential pay for overnight … [Read more...]
Don’t skip that vacation
Rebecca Zucker reminds us of the reasons and benefits of taking time away from our daily work. The pandemic has changed many plans, but vacation benefits remain clear whatever you do: Improved productivity Lower Stress Better overall mental health Spurs greater creativity Source: Harvard Business Review, August 11, 2020. Link. Plans may look different than … [Read more...]
Work-life balance gives way to work-life integration
Companies all over the world are realizing that working from home is not only more efficient, but more suitable for the wants and needs of today’s workers, writes Matt Klassen. He shares two big changes we can expect to see in the future: Businesses will embrace flexibility Automation will be increasingly essential Source: Fast Company, August 16, 2020. Link. Company … [Read more...]
Whoops! That was a faux pas.
It was just a throwaway remark. You didn’t mean to offend. But now a colleague has indicated what was said was hurtful. So how should you respond after committing a microaggression? First, make sure the other person feels heard. Follow your colleague’s lead in the conversation; be curious and empathetic. Offer a sincere apology that expresses gratitude for their … [Read more...]
Empowering empowerment
Firms are finding out that transitioning from an authoritarian model to an employee-empowerment model is not easy. It requires new behaviors and new ways of thinking for executives and employees. Source: Forbes, August 4, 2020. Link. Empowerment is an active process. It involves coaching or teaching team members to self-serve, to make decisions, and to use less of their … [Read more...]
Flu season nears. Time for a flu-shot (video)
The most powerful tool we have to combat disease is vaccination, Robert Redfield, CDC director, said during a recent interview. Flu cases are expected to start increasing early in October and could last late into May. This makes September and early October the ideal time to get your flu shot. The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to reach peak effectiveness” Source: The … [Read more...]
Business air travel is evolving
There is much conjecture, yet limited consensus about what air travel will look like in the next normal. Natasha Frost discussed the evolution of business travel with leaders in the travel industry, covering safety, costs and the efficiencies of digital communications. Flying seems to have lower transmission rates than inside dining or religious services, among other ‘risky’ … [Read more...]
Chickens, Salmonella sp. and people
Raising chickens comes with built-in health risks for them and their keepers. In the United States, the CDC reports increased popularity of backyard poultry flocks has been associated with increases in live, poultry-associated salmonella outbreaks. Arizona veterinarian Stephanie Lamb, a boarded specialist in avian medicine, discusses the ins and outs of salmonella in … [Read more...]
Don’t scruff that cat and other things cat owners will appreciate
The articles gathered for this post are resources to help educate cat owners. Simple information can often improve the quality of life for a cat and its owners. The articles begin with a reminder that scruffing a cat is NOT a proper feline-handling skill. Source: Scruffing a cat is not the right way to restrain a kitty, Catster, August 3, 2020. Link. Scruffing can be … [Read more...]
Let them eat dirt
Eat dirt? That was an insult once upon a time. Fast forward to Emily Stein, PhD, who shares how a diverse diet, regular dental care and a little bit of dirt can help a dog’s gut microbiome thrive. She offers: Microbes from the mouth survive the stomach to impact gut function and gut health Growing friendly bacteria in the mouth leads to increased levels of friendly … [Read more...]
Keep older dogs fit with these activities
The aging German Shorthair-Labrador mix pictured here has earned a special place with a young dog lover. At 14, his routine still includes activities described in the article linked here. They have allowed him to live longer, live better and establish a bond with a growing boy. The authors share ideas on how to make a dog's senior years the best years of their lives: … [Read more...]
Managing heat stress in horses
Aubrey Moore reminds us that days with high temperature, plus high humidity put horses at the greatest risk for heat exhaustion. All horses are susceptible to overheating, regardless of their activity. . . . when in doubt, if you’re overheated, they’re overheated.” Source: The Horse Network, August 3, 2020. Link. The Fédération Équestre Internationale recommends continuous … [Read more...]
Birds and beef have a lot in common (video)
“The era of big conservation is over,” says Audubon’s Marshall Johnson. “It’s up to us to drive the outcomes for the next 100 years.” He explains the importance of cattle, grasslands and cattle ranchers participating in Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Initiative to conserve ecosystems and sustainability. Their efforts are third-party verified to bear Audubon’s “grazed on … [Read more...]
Hutches can contribute to calves’ heat stress
Producers who raise preweaned dairy calves frequently use calf hutches. For all their advantages, their lack of climate control makes heat stress monitoring and prevention important. Jud Heinrichs and Colleen Jones write about how high temperatures, excessive humidity and the sun take a toll on calves. Air movement, moisture, hair coat, bedding and rumination activity are … [Read more...]