An annual breeding soundness exam is vital to ensure bulls will be fertile and physically sound at turnout, writes Wyatt Bechtel. Good genetics are useless if the bull is unable to perform his job when covering a cowherd or group of heifers. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 27, 2019. Link. Bechtel shares the four parameters to a breeding soundness exam and what … [Read more...]
Antibiotic-free production puts pigs at extreme disease risk
A new study reveals what we suspected. “No one has ever done an experiment of this size under representative conditions comparing antibiotic-free production to production strategies utilizing judicious use of antibiotics,” says researcher Scott Dee, DVM. Dr. Dee and the team from Pipestone Applied Research report a new study confirms antibiotic-free production strategies leave … [Read more...]
Advancements improve long-term outcomes for navicular syndrome (includes video, fact sheets)
Navicular syndrome is an overly simple name for a complex condition that is most accurately described as podotrochlosis or podotrochleitis, says Tracy Turner, DVM. Veterinarians believe navicular is caused by mechanical stress and strain due to the constant pressure between the navicular bone and DDFT, which leads to the degeneration of those and other structures that make up … [Read more...]
Safety, efficacy key to stain and odor control product purchases
Despite the large brand variety in the stain and odor control category, animal owners prioritize safety and efficacy as key factors to consider when selecting these products. Lindsey Getz discusses the category with retailers so they better understand selection, differentiation and the educational needs. Dealing with odors, stains and waste removal is a reality of pet … [Read more...]
The best way to feed a cat
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the best way to feed cats is to replicate normal feline feeding behaviors, such as hunting and foraging),and to feed frequent small meals that the cat can savor alone. Source: Catster, March 25, 2019. Link. Also see: How to Feed a Cat, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Cats prefer to eat multiple small meals … [Read more...]
Quiz: Test your brain tumor knowledge
Thanks to advanced imaging and diagnostics like MRI- and CT-guided biopsy, along with improved neurosurgical techniques, veterinarians are increasingly able to diagnose and treat brain tumors, writes Mark Troxel, DVM, DACVIM. Brain tumors are common in cats and dogs. Test your knowledge of meningiomas and other neurological lesions with this quiz. Source: Clinician’s … [Read more...]
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome not prevented by drugs
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a chronic, progressive disease with a range of clinical signs, including disorientation, changes in social interactions, alterations in sleep–wake cycles, house soiling (in a previously house-trained pet) and changes in activity and learning, writes Margaret E. Gruen, DVM. Therapeutics used to treat cognitive dysfunction syndrome are typically … [Read more...]
Veterinary dermatologists share best practices for diagnosing and treating otitis
The DVM 360 staff asked veterinary dermatologists from coast to coast to give us their best diagnostic and treatment advice for chronic otitis. The result is a clinical consult on various strategic elements for addressing otitis. Source: Veterinary Medicine, March 14, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: We found the recommendations of Darin Dell, DVM, DACVD, about involving the entire … [Read more...]
The business of dogs (infographic)
TruDog created an informative infographic. We highlighted some data that caught our attention: Role in the Family Best Friend: 66% Snuggle Buddy: 59% Guardian: 37% Child: 33% Therapist: 25% Source: TruDog, 2019. Link. 67% of millennials consider their pet their “fur baby” ― and treat them accordingly How Much Is Spent Every Month on Pets? … [Read more...]
Tick removal resources here in time for tick season (includes videos)
Tick season here. Resources are available to help pet owners deal with tick removal and media will cover this topic as spring lets us get outside with our pets, friends and families. These resources about tick removal work well for social media, in-clinic education and e-newsletters. Source: Pets-WebMD. Video: How to Remove a Tick From Your Pet. Link. Video: How … [Read more...]
Prepare for chickens before bringing them home
Local farm stores are now featuring baby chicks. Rachel Hurd Anger asserts it is imperative to be prepared before bringing chicks to a new home. She offers seven areas of preparation to ensure a nurturing environment. Consider this article for social media posts or e-newsletters to help animal owners prepare for new chicks as well as the Easter bunny. Source: Hobby Farms, … [Read more...]
Get back on track when your day gets derailed
More the norm than anomaly, stuff derails us from our planned schedules. Deb Knobelman, PhD, shares ideas to manage frustration and getting overwhelmed when the unexpected happens. A change in schedule does not mean the whole day is ruined. Source: The Medium, September 2018. Link. With the right framework plus the right mindset, anything is possible. . . . the perfect plan … [Read more...]
When you need a good laugh (SPARK videos)
NAVC’s Spark team captured situational stories from veterinarians that reveal how laughable some situations become when dealing with people and their animals. You’ll find these enjoyable and worth a few minutes for some comic relief. Source: NAVC Spark, March 27, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Kudos to the Spark team for capturing the stories and the expressions as veterinarians … [Read more...]
Reduce the stigma of mental health issues at work
Experts tell us that one in four adults will struggle with a mental health issue during his or her lifetime, write Diana O'Brien and Jen Fisher. Those suffering may hide it at work for fear that they may face discrimination from peers or even bosses. The authors share five ways managers can help drive a more empathetic culture and help overcome the stigmas people … [Read more...]
Evaluate your affect on your team
Do you have a positive impact on your team or do you just get in their way? Effective leaders constantly evaluate their performance, especially as it relates to the people they serve. And, they are ruthless when it comes to self-evaluation. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, March 21, 2019. Link. The good news is that as a leader, you have the greatest influence in motivating your … [Read more...]
7 strategies to manage a micro-manager
Micromanagement is a big driver of dissatisfaction and attrition in the workplace, writes Victor Prince. He typifies a micromanager as someone who focuses more on how you do a job than the results. He offers seven strategies to manage a micromanaging manager: Diagnose the situation Channel their energy Focus on the future Build trust through transparency Demand … [Read more...]
2+2 programs expand the reach of veterinary education
Kaitlyn Mattson explains how veterinary colleges partner with universities to educate students across state lines. The approach may help states without a veterinary college retain their talent and meet the need for more veterinarians. Her article shows various 2+2 programs and participating schools. Prospective veterinary students from states that lack an AVMA Council on … [Read more...]
Discover why dog owners do not use heartworm preventives
Ceva Animal Health US is sponsoring a 1-hour webinar presented by Vetsymposium. The free event features presenters who will discuss why only one fourth of dogs get heartworm prevention. Attendees gets one hour of CE credits and will: Gain an understanding of why owners choose not to give their dogs heartworm preventives from their clients' perspectives. Learn about the … [Read more...]
Multiple reasons prevent access to veterinary care
The recent study, Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy <link to report>, identifies the need for solutions that allow more people to obtain veterinary care for their animals. The study also sought understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and practices veterinarians have about access to care. The highest level of agreement expressed … [Read more...]
Mr. Rodgers is still relevant
Tres Roeder, MBA, grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and says the lessons he learned shaped his attitudes and informed his business life. 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of Fred Rogers’ children’s show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which aired from 1968 to 2001. Then, as now, Fred Rogers modeled the best in all of us and reminded everyone of the good and … [Read more...]
Hoof issues identified in dairy heifers
We haven’t worried about hoof issues in heifers, until now. Corkscrew claw syndrome is an emerging heifer hoof issue and common rearing practices may be to blame. The syndrome was most prevalent in heifers housed in freestall barns. “What’s good for cows, and how we have learned to manage cows, isn’t necessarily good for heifers,”Nigel Cook, MRCVS. Source: … [Read more...]
Live streams show consumers modern pig farming
The National Pork Board and South Dakota State University (SDSU) are collaborating to show consumers how pigs are raised. Speakers who are part of the pork checkoff’s Operation Main Street can include a live-streaming video tour of the SDSU Swine Education and Research Center in presentations to civic groups, culinary, pre-vet students, chefs and others. Source: … [Read more...]
U.S. pork essentially free of veterinary residues
It’s official. Veterinary drug residues in pork do not pose a health concern to U.S. consumers. Results from a survey recently published by an Agricultural Research Service scientist, found almost no veterinary drug residues, and none at levels that approached U.S. regulatory limits. The survey included more than 1,000 pork kidney samples. Source: Feedstuffs, March 21, … [Read more...]
Gaming helps employees understand biosecurity risks
Researchers sought to discover how human risk attitude affects the adoption of biosecurity and the ability to control disease spread. Using video games called digital field experiences, a team from the University of Vermont discovered the weakest biosecurity point in swine operations is the personnel. The findings will likely apply to other production scenarios as well as in … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal well-being IS as people problem
Taking care of animals is more challenging today because we know more about their needs and behaviors. Still, day to day management often falls into the category of chores. It should instead rise to the category of opportunity. With consumer and ecological pressures rising, we’ve been seeing a variety of changes in how we care for animals. Yet, one common denominator to … [Read more...]
Easy equine fitness plan (includes video)
Equine veterinarian Melinda Freckleton, DVM, helps a reader with divided time develop a schedule to exercise her out-of-shape horses. Her guidance is worthy of social media posts and inclusion in e-newsletters. Before you embark on any fitness program, make sure that each of your horses is sound and ready to ride. Is he healthy? Is he shod or trimmed … [Read more...]
DVM develops scale to help determine the right time to say goodbye
Alice Villalobos, DVM, is an oncology veterinarian in Hermosa Beach, CA. She has dedicated much of her career to helping pet owners manage end-of-life issues for their pets. In fact, she created an animal hospice program she named “pawspice,” which focuses on extending a pet’s quality of life. To help owners make these tough decisions, Villalobos created a decision tool based … [Read more...]
Opinion – AVMA shares regional stories
Several regional stories get covered by the AVMA SmartBrief. Cancelled equine events, Lyme disease incidences, infection and parasite prevention and itchy pets all received recent media coverage from local sources. Last week we highlighted two stories published by mainstream media sources: TIME about anti-vaxxers <link> and USA Today about pet obesity … [Read more...]
Quiz: Are you a cat at heart?
Just for fun, see if you have the personality of a cat. Tally your answers to five questions to determine what kind of cat personality you possess and what type of cat would be your best match! Source: Modern Cat, March 21, 2019. Link. Also see: Video: Cats Chasing Shadows! Link. Check out this funny compilation of cats playing with shadows! … [Read more...]
Explaining cat behavior problems and how to handle them
Cats, like us, have their good days and not-so-good days. Cat behavior problems almost always have an underlying cause, writes Angela Lutz. She identifies frequently seen cat behavior problems and offers ideas to handle them. Aggression toward humans or other cats Litter box problems Excessive vocalization Urine marking Source: Catster, March 13, 2019. … [Read more...]