Corey Geiger explains why some dairy managers are using beef genetics in their dairy cow herds. Earlier use of heifers, sexed semen and improved pregnancy rates are part of the reasons for this shift in fertility strategies. This April, 4284 bulls were declared active by A.I. organizations . . . but only 1,074 of those bulls had milking daughters. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
Consolidation continues as nearly 3,000 U.S. dairy farms closed in 2018
Consolidation is happening throughout the animal health industry. Hoard’s team provides a series of articles that project a picture increasing cow numbers on fewer farms. While market conditions are a primary factor, attrition due to dairy farmers’ age, absence of succession options and carrying costs also contribute to this trend. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman. Dairy farm … [Read more...]
Treating Type One and Type Two equine wounds (includes video, photos)
Type One wounds, those that heal by first intention, are those that can be sewn up, says David Ramsey, DVM. Normally after a cut, there’s about six hours to reintroduce the edges of the skin to each other. Type Two wounds are healed by second intention because to close the skin granulation and epithelial, cell bridges must form. In the two articles referenced here, Ramsey … [Read more...]
Differentiating dog farts
Sassafras Lowrey shares perspectives on dog flatulence. She writes that the occasional fart from your dog shouldn’t concern us. However, excessive farting can be a symptom of something more serious. The articles here are good content for social media and e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, March 28, 2019. Link. Some amount of dog farts is normal for most dogs. However, excessive … [Read more...]
5 ways to stop dogs from begging for scraps
When your dog’s pleading eyes melt your heart, it’s easy to give in and toss a nibble from your plate. You tell yourself, “it’s just a taste.” What you’re doing instead is reinforcing begging behavior. Janet Miller says a few simple tricks can convince your dog to stop begging every time you eat: Do not give in Ignore the behavior Close the door Use the your-place … [Read more...]
How dogs know when you’re sick (video)
Dogs really do know when their humans are having a rough time. In fact, hey use a variety of signals to figure it out, writes Amanda Mull. Your pet can tell when you have the sniffles and domestic dogs have shown an aptitude for detecting both minute mood fluctuations and serious physical conditions. Dogs are preternaturally sensitive to changes in their people,” says … [Read more...]
Kitten season in full swing
This is the time of year when every unspayed, queen (female cat) is likely to have a belly full of babies or a litter by her side. Kitten season occurs because the queen has evolved into a seasonally polyestrous creature. This means she comes into heat only during a particular time of year, during which she is capable of having multiple pregnancies, writes Nancy Kay, DVM. Peak … [Read more...]
Cats know their names: why it’s harder for them than dogs
In a new study in the journal Scientific Reports, psychologist Atsuko Saito showed that cats know their names even when called by a stranger. She notes domestic cats are still evolving, thanks to closer human interactions as cats spend more time indoors. The inclusion of Japan's cat cafes as study sites was an interesting twist on behavior research. Source: National … [Read more...]
Dogs have masters. Cats have staff.
Collen Kirk’s recent paper investigated consumers' psychological ownership and their economic valuation of pets <link>. She discusses the juxtaposition of dogs versus cats and how that plays out in economic terms. Her results clearly show that the animal’s behavior is what makes people willing to pay and that psychological ownership is a driving factor in dog owners’ … [Read more...]
To engage or disengage: when issues become obstacles on social media (infographic)
Diane Martin discusses when and how to deal with bully-like behaviors on social media from persons whose comments indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding. She provides an infographic to help determine when it is acceptable for a brand or business to offer comment on social media and when it best to stay silent. Martin’s examples involve Ag and food supply examples. The … [Read more...]
Busting game-based learning myths
Gamification has been perceived as frivolous in workplace learning, writes Ryan Timpany. But, its considerable power to deeply engage learners in all demographics is benefiting learning and development teams. He reviews three common myths holding businesses back from exploring game-based approaches: Myth #1 - A serious subject can’t be conveyed, let alone taught, by … [Read more...]
Listening boosts compliance and loyalty
Encouraging clients to talk about their pet or lifestyle helps bond them to your practice and improves compliance, shares Amanda Donnelly, DVM, MBA. What she shares is an example of how open-ended questions can add situational information that is relevant to a pet’s lifestyle with an owner. Practice teams demonstrate compassion and learn more about a pet when they invite … [Read more...]
New website vets dog breeders and rescue dogs for consumers searching for pets
The company, Good Dog <link>, aims to bring transparency and accountability to the process of getting a dog. The company is centralizing pet searching onto one platform where only responsible sources are included. Each breeder, shelter and rescue that is listed is vetted based on a set of standards created by Good Dog’s advisory board of leading veterinary and academic … [Read more...]
Movement and travel requirements for small animals presented in webinar
Valerie Ragan, DVM, recently presented on the current regulations around animal movement, what changes may be on the horizon and what animal health professionals can do to prepare. The webinar and Q and A are provided by GlobalVetLink. AAVSB RACE-approved CE credit is available following the webinar by taking the quiz. Source: GlobalVetLink, March 18, 2019. Link. Small … [Read more...]
NPPC cancels World Pork Expo 2019 to avoid risk of African swine fever
The 32nd World Pork Expo has been cancelled to prevent any potential for African swine fever to enter the U.S. swine herd, despite negligible risk associated with holding the event, The health of the U.S. swine herd is paramount; the livelihoods of our producers depend on it. Prevention is our only defense against ASF, and NPPC will continue to do all it can to prevent its … [Read more...]
Opinion – New TV program, Animal ER Live, demonstrates the complexity of veterinary care
The launch of Animal ER Live on Nat Geo WILD is a game-changer for animal owner perceptions of veterinary hospitals, veterinarians and veterinary staff members. Animal ER Live joins current family friendly veterinary programs featured on the network that include Secrets of the Zoo, Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet and the network’s number-1 series, The Incredible … [Read more...]
Rethinking telehealth programs (includes video)
While telehealth is considered new to animal health, the human health industry is rethinking the programs to improve adoption and provide patients with top-notch care. Plus, industry leaders hope to enable providers, physicians and nurses the power to deliver it effectively. The trends and metrics are compelling, as well as the changing focus on deliverables. Such trends … [Read more...]
5 Ps of managing customer experience
Chad Storlie tackles the critical elements of managing customer experiences (CX). CX has come to the forefront in nearly every industry as companies seek to differentiate how they deliver their offerings to customers in a way that is unique to customer needs, fulfilling, immediate, low effort, information personalized, and a service that they would recommend and purchase … [Read more...]
Check bulls before they get turned out
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]