Dr. Kristine E. Burgess believes that some misconceptions about cats and cancer that need to be cleared up. While there are several treatment options available, it’s important to know that not all types of cancer respond well to treatment and some treatments are only available at specialty hospitals. Quality of life comes first. Source: Catnip, December 2018. Link. There … [Read more...]
5 wisdoms that rule the herd
Raising cattle happens in many different ways. Sarah Brown shares five rules of wisdom to keep in mind: Work with a good veterinarian and be fanatic about animal health. You get what you pay for Cull out the crazy cows Good fences make better neighbors Plan for tomorrow today. Source: Drovers, November 7, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider these five wisdoms … [Read more...]
6 tips for managing canine and feline diabetes
Even though diabetes is treatable, pet owners are asked to do a lot to manage their pet's disease, making communication with the veterinary team essential, writes David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM. He shares six ways you can help your clients manage their insulin-challenged pets. Source: DVM 360, November 18, 2018. Link. Explain the goals of therapy for diabetic pets. Go … [Read more...]
Dog DNA tests, valuable or just more confusion
A growing number of veterinary clients bring DNA reports with them to appointments. These tests are not subject to standards or regulations to ensure they are accurate or reliable. Finding a veterinarian that can interpret the reports is yet another issue. Sarah Zhang has written a situation analysis that has value for animal health pros. Source: The Atlantic, November … [Read more...]
Working with people who lack self-awareness
Self-awareness, knowing who we are and how we’re seen is important for job performance, career success and leadership effectiveness. It is in remarkably short supply in today’s workplace, writes Tasha Eurich, PhD. She offers perspectives and ways to deal with challenges caused by self-awareness issues. . . . although 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only 10 to 15% … [Read more...]
VetPartners; Benefits of a loyalty program
Managing the client churn rate is important to develop and maintain practice income. Loyalty programs can be effective retention vehicles. Existing customers have the potential to spend more. A lot more!” Stacee Santi, DVM Source: VetPartners Blog, October 11, 2018. Link. Not all loyalty programs are created equal, and if you aren't strategic about it, you can easily build a … [Read more...]
Keeping working dogs safe on hunts and outings
Hunting dogs encounter more risks than backyard pets, including toxins that we want everyone to avoid. Every year, hunting dogs in the U.S. die as a result of drinking from contaminated sources, ingesting harmful substances, trauma and getting lost, writes Toinette Strusinski-Broschay, DVM. Her tips for hunting dogs apply to dogs who go camping and hiking . Source: The … [Read more...]
Feeding weed by-products to pigs
No! the pigs don’t get high but some say the market for legal cannabis by-products may add value to pork production. What I do taste is juicier pork, and a more resistant texture – there’s no mushiness involved.” Source: PORK, November 2, 2018. Link. Feeding byproducts of the legal marijuana industry is of interest to many in the pork industry,” says Anna Dilger, associate … [Read more...]
Eye-in-the-sky hired help works for cattle producers
Drones provide potential for practical applications beef producers, according to Amanda Radke. She discusses four ways that a drone could enhance management practices on ranches. Collect more data with much less labor Aerial maps can improve land management practices Monitor livestock, fences and water sources Collect data on individual animals While drones … [Read more...]
Tame aggressive rooster behavior
Roosters can challenge chicken raisers. Beyond the crowing at odd hours, there’s the normal dominance behavior that translates to “rooster attack” for us humans. Beaks, flopping wings and spurs may be used when a rooster sees a person as an intruder. To a rooster, one who runs away, walks away, or hides is the loser. These behaviors are acts of surrender to him. Teaching … [Read more...]
People foods OK for cats and dogs
Elizabeth Scott, Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott collaborated to write two articles about which people foods are okay for cats and dogs. Share these on social media, websites and in e-newsletters. Source: Modern Cat and Modern Dog, October 2018. Links below: 11 people foods for cats. Link. Get snack-tastic! Creative, healthy treats for cats. 10 people foods for dogs. … [Read more...]
Challenges for antibiotics continue in ag (includes videos)
The pressure on antibiotic use in agriculture continues to rise. Veterinarians are seeing more cases of antibiotic resistance and are rushing to find ways to manage animals effectively without using antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. . . . the future of effective antibiotics isn’t certain for humans nor animals, says Bob Smith, DVM. Source: Drovers, November 5, 2018. … [Read more...]
Coaching for people who want to work with animals
Before you brush someone off about the challenges of becoming a veterinarian, share this article with them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain positions in the veterinary field are growing quickly. There are a variety of employment opportunities within the veterinary profession that do not require you to become an actual veterinarian. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, … [Read more...]
This is how you are unknowingly making people happy (slide show)
It’s the little things that help the most. A phone call instead of a text. Looking someone in the eyes when speaking to them. Lending a helping hand without being asked. Remembering a birthday. And, saying thank you. Source: Our Life in Brief, October 29, 2018. Link. Sometimes only one small and simple act of kindness can bring much joy and happiness to those surrounding … [Read more...]
Toe abscesses need more attention
Shane Terrell, DVM, believes there is a lot of opportunity to improve early detection and treatment of lameness in cattle. Although lameness falls significantly behind respiratory disease and digestive upset as a cause of morbidity and mortality, it is the third cause of health issues in feedlots. Education and early detection can reduce the overall impact of lameness on herd … [Read more...]
Winter hair growth in cattle signals time for lice control
Mark Hilton, DVM, discusses the two types of lice that live their entire life cycle on cattle. The growth of winter hair coats is a signal to cattle producers to consider lice control methods. He says injectable products that cover sucking lice need a pour-on to cover biting lice. He also cautions to be sure of dose requirements; one-dose or two-dose. Source: BEEF, October … [Read more...]
Ted Matthews is a crisis interventionist who helps farmers
Ted Matthews gets calls from farmers (and ranchers) all over the country who contemplate suicide. Holly Spangler, editor of Prairie Farmer, shares the amazing story of the work he does and the farmers who call him at their tipping point. He may be able to help one of your customers. Source: Prairie Farmer, September 20, 2018. Link. “First the vet called. Then I told the vet … [Read more...]
AQHA launches a new young-adult leadership development program
The American Quarter Horse Foundation announced a new program, AQHLead, designed for young adults, ages 19 to 34, to help support their development as young leaders in the equine industry. AQHLead grants of $5,000 will be awarded to 10 applicants for the inaugural class to offset participation costs. Participants will be partnered with a mentor from the American Quarter Horse … [Read more...]
What equine DVMs say about core vaccinations
Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, helps support horse owner education with this Zoetis sponsored article. Consider it for social media posts, e-newletters and website content. The high mortality rate, human risk, and vaccine efficacy have led veterinarians to identify five vaccines they consider “core:” West Nile virus, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus, and … [Read more...]
Be choosy about dog chews
Dog owners are constantly searching for safe chew items that satisfy their dogs’ instincts, keep their homes and possessions safe, and last longer than five minutes. That can be a tough order, especially with big dogs. The number of chew choices today are mind boggling—and not all of them are safe Source: Dogster, June 6, 2018. Link. There are no 100 percent totally safe dog … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from AAHA Red, AAHA NEWStat
We’re sharing sponsored content from recent AAHA Red and AAHA NEWStat issues, two media offerings available from AAHA Press, the publishing arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Stress less with the needle-less Bordetella protection, AAHA Red, October 22, 2018. Link. Forty percent of cat owners find veterinary visits personally stressful, AAHA Red, … [Read more...]
Muzzle is not a dirty word
Muzzles are one of the more effective safety tools veterinary teams use. Dr. Michael Miller shares his ideas about muzzling and dealing with clients whose dogs can benefit from muzzling. Source: DRANDYROARK, October 31, 2018. Link. . . . some people think when we muzzle a dog, it’s cruel. It’s not. It’s a matter of safety. We all love animals and love the patients we work … [Read more...]
Assertively address the issue of fat cats
Felines are faring worse than their canine counterparts, with more than a 169 percent increase in overweight cats over the past 10 years, writes Rachel Beck, referencing 2016 Banfield data. She provides a body score card, tips and tricks for talking with cat owners about their cat’s weight. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2018. Link. Prevention, demonstration, … [Read more...]
Know what to expect when a cat is expecting
Whether it’s a deliberate mating or an accidental encounter, a cat guardian needs to know what to expect when their cat’s expecting. Mother Nature dictates the kittens will put in an appearance once they’re ready and not before, usually in 63 to 68 days. Cat-owning clients will appreciate this week-by-week view of feline pregnancy. Consider it for social media posts, … [Read more...]
Winterize for pet safety
Falling leaves remind us that winter is coming. Krista Carothers shares tips from veterinarians to help keep pets safe as the temperature drops: Limit their time outside Know when winter gear is necessary Monitor working and older dogs Don’t assume your outdoor cat can cope in the cold Make sure indoor cats stay indoors Prepare your pooch for long hikes … [Read more...]
47,000 ticks on a moose and that’s an average
According to Dr. Peter J. Pekins’ research, warmer winter months increase the ability of ticks to acquire a moose host and survive winter months. While large numbers of ticks aren’t great for adult moose, they’re especially bad for moose calves, which can die from the onslaught. Source: New York Times, October 18, 2018. Link. The abundance of moose enables the ticks to … [Read more...]
Praise: the magic elixir
There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the experience of a compliment. Do we need to be able to receive praise well? Not in the same way that we need air to breathe or a roof over our heads, but it certainly makes for a better experience at work (or life in genera!) when you're able to receive and appreciate the value of a compliment. Source: forbes.com, October 23, … [Read more...]
Technology trend: Teledentistry expands preventive care
This article is thought-provoking given the new efforts in veterinary telemedicine. Minnesota’s dental industry is returning to a high-tech solution known as teledentistry, which allows dental hygienists to provide preventive care at low cost while supervised electronically by dentists at a different location. The trend comes as dental hygienists are taking on a greater share … [Read more...]
Employee safety, animal welfare drive invention of first robotic cattle driver
Cargill, with the help of renowned animal behavior specialist Temple Grandin and other experts, has created the industry’s first robotic cattle mover that improves animal welfare and employee safety. The robots move cattle from holding pens to harvest areas and reduce stress by limiting animal interaction with humans. Employees operate the robots from catwalks above the holding … [Read more...]
Philosophy professor questions ethics of some pet spending
Sandra Woien, philosophy lecturer at Arizona State University, speaks out on elements of the millions of dollars spent on pets. Citing the philosophy of effective altruism, she suggests if the money spent of pets was instead donated to a good cause, more good or utility could be produced. According to one estimate, about $440 million of pet spending in the U.S. was on … [Read more...]