Knowledge continues to increase about affects that obesity and emaciation have on animal health. This makes it important to strive to keep horses at an optimum body condition including how to body condition score (BCS) them. The authors share photos and tips to help horses with a BCS of 4 gain weight. Think about calories first!” Source: The Horse, January 28, 2019. … [Read more...]
Top e-collars for dogs
Often controversial, e-collars are used as training aids. The author reviews e-collar pros and cons for various brands. Dog trainers sometimes train dogs with e-collars to try and remedy unwanted behaviors. Some trainers say e-collars can be valuable to get dogs to obey when they are off leash, help keep them safe and locate a dog that is out of sight. Source: Puppies and … [Read more...]
Drug-resistant hookworms spreading in dogs, parasitologists warn
Veterinary parasitologists warn that multidrug-resistant hookworms are spreading in the U.S. and veterinarians should watch for persistent infections. Antoinette Marsh, PhD, cited study results that indicate dogs with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant hookworms are becoming widespread in the Southeast, and they have been documented in the Northeast and California. She said … [Read more...]
Smart cat scat is now here
Complimentary Commercial Content Health monitoring technology is now available in cats’ litter boxes and by monthly subscription. It promises to provide cat owners a visible health monitoring opportunity which is important as cats instinctively hide any illnesses. The company has engaged Martha Stewart as a Pretty Litter brand ambassador. It has been featured in media such … [Read more...]
Petabyte to partner with NVA to transform pet care experience for doctors, patients and their families
Complimentary Commercial Content The newly formed Petabyte consortium and partnership with National Veterinary Associates’ veterinary community of 1,200 independently managed veterinary hospitals and more than 100 pet resorts allows for software development collaboration. Petabyte smooths patient management for veterinary hospitals through its software, … [Read more...]
Make-a-Wish, Addie is ‘veterinarian for a day’ at OSU
You've gotta' watch the video! Addie, an 8-year-old cancer patient from Tulsa, Oklahoma, dreams of being a veterinarian. Thanks to Make-a-Wish Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she’s one step closer to realizing that dream. Last April, Addie spent a day with faculty, staff and students at OSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. From a … [Read more...]
New report: pet caregivers anticipate their largest expenses in the next 12 months
Most pet owners anticipate necessities like food and healthcare will rule their budgets next year, according to a recent report. Results show 84 percent of dog and cat owners expect to spend the most on food. Most pet parents will spend that on standard dry or wet food, with 80 percent confirming this is what they already feed their pets. 17 percent said that they cook for … [Read more...]
Usage rates for non-medical pet care services show positive trends
Complimentary Content Dog grooming is the marquee non-medical pet care service. Its usage rates rose from 25 percent in 2012/2013 to 41 percent in 2018/2019, dipping only slightly in the wake of Covid. Among dog owners overall, usage rates for nonmedical services edged up from 44 percent in 2012/2013 to 50 percent in 2019/2020, before dipping slightly due to the … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 2
Opinion In last week’s AHD Bulletin, we urged veterinary teams to consider spending more time with new and existing clients presenting new pets. We asserted the need for onboarding processes or guidelines as paramount to developing long-term relationships with pet owners, the health of pets and the revenue that flows from interactions with happy, engaged clients. AAHA’s … [Read more...]
Thoughts from the Veterinary Innovation Summit + NAVC Media eCommerce Summit
Opinion Among myriad thoughts captured during the Veterinary Innovation Summit, these present the most opportunity and challenges for veterinary teams in the next three to five years. Some are trends we see routinely as we curate content, but others are coming faster than previously perceived: Pet caregivers will drive how they wish to interact with veterinary clinics . … [Read more...]
You’re out of something. Get used to it.
Just-in-time inventory management was a great concept, even a great practice – until it wasn’t. Wasn’t IS now. Delays, product shortages and increasing costs continue to frustrate businesses of all sizes. The Great Supply Chain Disruption is a reality and it’s here. A Harvard Business School expert doesn’t see it getting better this year. Source: New York Times, August 30, … [Read more...]
Why working women need a ‘culture of inclusion’ right now
A study by McKinsey at the height of the pandemic found that one in three mothers were considering leaving the workforce or downshifting their careers to better handle childcare responsibilities resulting from the Covid-19 crisis. Now the Delta variant challenges the return to school for millions of children and their working mothers, and indeed all parents, writes Rebecca … [Read more...]
Fall alfalfa decisions have repercussions
Drought continues to be a concern for farmers and livestock producers. Forage availability and quality are integral to sustaining herd numbers and health. Kim Cassida shares alfalfa management tips. For animal health pros working directly with producers, consider using this article to open new discussions about nutrition and herd health decisions. You might find a local … [Read more...]
Have a horse? Prepare for the inevitable.
Sponsored Content Olympic equestrians faced tough challenges, including having to fly horses into Tokyo from pre-export quarantine in Europe. But the biggest challenges arose when the horses spooked or refused during performances because of sumo statues. Also, daruma dolls startled them and a horse got punched. These challenges underscore the health and behavior … [Read more...]
Protecting chickens from pododermatitis, bumble foot
Complimentary Content Stephanie Lamb shares the whats, whys, where and hows of bumblefoot, an inflammatory condition affecting a bird’s foot and common with backyard poultry. Bumblefoot has various levels of severity in chickens, ranging from mild redness and thinning of the scales to ulcerations and damage to underlying muscle, tendons and bone. Source: Chickens, August … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis: diagnosis & treatment
Leptospirosis is a thing, according to Dr. Jen the Vet. She says, “Every dog, EVERY dog is at risk for lepto. Every dog ought to be vaccinated for lepto.” <Link> But what needs to occur if a patient is presented with clinical signs consistent with leptospirosis? Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, provides a step-by-step guide to managing suspected leptospirosis … [Read more...]
Addressing the cost of care with clients
The Bridge Club will host Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA, Adam Hechko, DVM, and Wendy Hauser, DVM, AVP, vet relations with ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance* program to discuss helping clients prepare for and understand the cost of care over their pets’ lifetimes. Hechko brings his experiences from a pilot study lead by Hauser and featured in a 3-part sponsored content series* in Animal … [Read more...]
Ask a vet to help treat a dog with ear mites
Complimentary Content Ear mites can cause infection in a dog’s ear canals. If a dog is scratching, ear mites could be the cause. The folks at Tractor Supply Company compiled a well-written tip sheet about dealing with ear mites. It recommends veterinarians be the first stop. Source: Tractor Supply Company, August 27, 2021. Link. Always schedule a visit with your … [Read more...]
5 ways to manage the pressure you’re feeling on the job
We believe every person who interacts with customers or clients benefits from leadership resources and skills. Martin G. Moore says resilience is a core competency for leaders and shares five core principles to manage your emotions. Not only do you need to deftly regulate your own emotions, but you also have an obligation to the people you lead to stay calm and in control, no … [Read more...]
The more we give, the more we get
The most successful people in today’s uber-competitive world are givers, says Marty Becker, DVM. What I have found is that by helping others, I help myself. Giving without keeping a ledger has given me nothing but abundance in my life.” – Marty Becker, DVM Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 10, 2021. Link. It is our interactions with others that hold the key to our own … [Read more...]
Communicating without words
Nonverbal communications, including, but not limited to body language, have a significant, almost subconscious influence on most in-person interactions. The way you sit or stand, your hand gestures and your tone of voice call carry a message about your attitude and emotions. Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science. Link. More frequent and longer eye … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and AVMA have disaster resources for all. They’re especially helpful for Tropical Storm Henri victims.
Sponsored Content Tropical Storm Henri was a hurricane before it made landfall in Rhode Island last Sunday. We shared hurricane safety and check lists for pets in September 2020 <Link>. Large animal and livestock owners also need to think about how they will care for their animals during natural disasters. The AVMA offers disaster resources to help owners plan for … [Read more...]
VetWatch shares remix of pet ownership
Complimentary The VetWatch Commentary thru August 14th remains positive while a bit softer. Beyond the economic measurements, the veterinarian and pet owner sentiments section draws attention to findings from an eighth wave of M/A/R/C research and information from Packaged Facts and MRI-Simmons National Consumer Study that may disrupt some generalized assumptions: … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 1
Opinion First impressions and first visits set the tone for the future client-veterinary team relationship. Last week, we shared how veterinarians are addressing patient and client care at end-of-life and euthanasia decision points in Death and other client kindnesses <Link>. We agree, EOL support IS an important set of services to offer, provide or outsource. “It is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 19, 2021
Last week’s most read post 40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study. AHD Link. Cat2VetDay is August 22nd Source: Cat Friendly Homes. Link. In the United States, more than half of our 74 million cats are not visiting the veterinarian regularly. See the resources available for immediate use including, 5 reasons NOT to postpone … [Read more...]
Blow air in, not out
Flipping conventional exhaust fan practices on their head, Gordie Jones, a veterinarian and nutritionist, designed a way to blow fresh air in providing benefits year-round. His concept is, what he calls an “all-season, hybrid barn,” uses positive ventilation when it is needed to boost air flow in a naturally ventilated barn. Source: Dairy Herd Daily, March 19, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Cattle industry commits to climate neutrality
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association released the U.S. cattle industry sustainability goals during its annual convention and trade show last week in Nashville, Tennessee. Goals include: Demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040 Create and enhance opportunities that resulted in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic … [Read more...]
Learning through livestock: Pipestone Discovery Barn brings the farm to fairgoers (video)
The Pipestone Discovery Barn gives kids who don’t grow up on a farm a chance to learn more about where their food comes from. Visitors not only get to see the baby animals, they also witness them being born. Source: KEOLAND.com, August 13, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Intercept the annual rodent migration
START NOW to reduce the annual fall movement of rodents indoors. As the weather cools, rodents migrate to livestock and poultry houses seeking warmer conditions and food sources. The same migrations occur in cities, suburbs, ruralpolitan acreages, farms and ranches. Jim Eadie shares ways to get ahead of the migration using bait stations. He says early placement is vital … [Read more...]
Strategies to help horses work with a veterinarian
There are plenty of easy things to help get your horse ready for a vet day without drama or trauma, writes Allison Armstrong Rehnborg. Even under the best of circumstances, vet day can be a bit chaotic. Teaching a horse the basics of good manners is part of being a responsible horse owner. . . it’s not the vets’ job.” - Ryan Cottingim Source: Horse Illustrated, January 6, … [Read more...]