GlobalVetLink (GVL), Ames, Iowa, has migrated its online animal health documentation platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS) joining companies such as Airbnb, Netflix and GE. The transition from a traditional data center to AWS allows GVL to better support current users, improve certificate creation, enhance technology and features and gain help with customer data security and … [Read more...]
New findings with bovine pinkeye
Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories discuss pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Their laboratory experiences are further explained by electron microscope photography showing how M. boviculi attaches to M. bovis. Although the company suggests further research, results suggest M. bovoculi does not attach well to the surface of … [Read more...]
What a dog can teach us about customer service
Customers, prospects and their companions are not compliance issues that need to be corrected based on arbitrary rules. Nor are employees. In fact, excellent customer service and happy employees go hand in hand. You simply don’t get one without the other. Ask Charlie Mitchell. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. The station manager could have turned his encounter with Charlie … [Read more...]
Protect yourself from mosquito, tick and other bug bites (video)
The CDC reports the rate of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases has tripled over the past decade. Share this video on websites, social media and in targeted e-blasts. Include a pet message as well. Source: NBC News, June 8, 2018. Link. The video shares 5 tips for protecting yourself from bugs: Cover up Use insect repellent Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug … [Read more...]
Take Your Pet to Work Week starts June 18
Take Your Pet to Work Week kicks off June 18. The event with Take your Cat to Work Day™ on Monday and ends Friday with Take Your Dog to Work Day®. Pet Sitters International has a free toolkit filled with tips and promotions to help celebrate the week. Plus, the website offers all the social media information you could want. Source: Pet Sitters International. Link. May 23, … [Read more...]
Coyote range expanding across North and Central Americas
News stories about coyotes snatching pets are not unusual these days. It’s no wonder. Despite widespread management as a pest species, coyotes have expanded their geographic range by an estimated 40 percent since the 1950s, at least twice as much any other North American carnivore during the same time period. Source: ZooKeys, May 22, 2018. Link. Various interacting factors … [Read more...]
Hormones by the numbers
Amanda Radke addresses myths surrounding beef and hormones. This information is well-referenced and realistic. Use it to reeducate yourself and share it with consumers who blame animal-based protein for hormonal problems. Source: BEEF, May 8, 2018. Link. A pre-pubescent girl would have to eat 10.7 steers’ worth of beef and a pre-pubescent boy would need to 8.2 steers’ worth … [Read more...]
New research shows cattle resist oral exposure to CWD
Cattle fed extremely high oral doses of chronic wasting disease (CWD)-infected brain material or kept in heavily prion-contaminated facilities for 10 years showed no neurological signs of the disease according to University of Wyoming Department of Veterinary Sciences researchers. The long timespan of the research is important, as CWD is a slow disease and these results are … [Read more...]
Equine influenza: know the threat
“Equine influenza is the second most common virus in horses, following equine herpesvirus-4,” says Dr. Nicola Pusterla, an internal medicine specialist at the University of California - Davis. “Young horses and older horses are more susceptible,” he says, “And infection would depend a bit on the (virus) strain too. Of horses exposed to the virus, a very high percentage will … [Read more...]
Protect bees from summer heat
Bees work to keep their hives at 95 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, according to Angi Schneider. But, when the sun bares down and the temperatures near 100 degrees, bees have to work to cool the hives to stay alive. She offers these recommendations to protect bees from the summer heat: Place hives where some afternoon shade will protect the hives Paint hives white and … [Read more...]
AVMA offers resources for elective spaying and neutering of pets
There is evidence to support neutering felines not intended for breeding. However, the same is not true for canines. The AVMA has developed resources to help veterinarians in the decision-making process. These resources will help continue to facilitate discussion and dissemination of new developments about gonadectomy. Source: AVMA. Link. As the risks and benefits of … [Read more...]
Cracking the window won’t help
Parking in the shade on a sunny day won’t necessarily save a pet left in the car from heatstroke, or worse. A new study of temperatures inside parked cars shows that a car parked in the sun would reach lethal temperatures faster than one parked in the shade, but even in a shaded car, heat buildup could prove deadly. Source: AAHA NEWStat, May 31, 2018. Link. Dr. Ernie Ward, … [Read more...]
Do dogs understand time?
Are dogs just very good at guessing, or do they really understand and keep track of time? Matt Soniak explores the topic in this interesting article. Source: Pet MD. Link. A review of research on the subject by psychologist William Roberts found ample evidence that many different animals are sensitive to time. “They can learn to go to a particular place for food at a … [Read more...]
The most important thing to teach dogs
Before you dive into this article, write down your top three answers to test yourself. Nicole Wilde admits that not biting, potty skills and socialization are important for dogs. But for day-to-day living the most important thing you can teach them is how to ask politely for what they want. This article is sound advice for pet owners and is worth using for social media … [Read more...]
Tooth resorption: Name it to tame it
There are three types of tooth resorption in cats and six types in dogs. And all of them are treated differently, says Dr. Mary Krakowski Volker, DVM, DAVDC. Treatment depends on the type of resorption present. She notes we don’t use the same names for dogs or cats. Source: Veterinary Medicine, DVM 360, May 23, 2018. Link. There are stages of tooth resorption in cats that … [Read more...]
5 end-of-life myths about pets – BUSTED
Cherie Buisson, DVM, CHPV, has devoted much of her time to veterinary hospice and palliative care. She routinely hears many end of-life-myths. She shares five of them with comments to help animal health pros better understand end-of-life care. They’re not in pain because they’re not crying If pets are eating, they have a good quality of life There is a perfect time … [Read more...]
Don’t confuse empathy and kindness
Kindness is certainly a quality to be admired and the world would be a better place if we were kinder to one another. However, there are many situations when being kind is the most unproductive, disrespectful and frankly, the unkindest thing you can do to another human being. Source: Fast Company, May 23, 2018. Link. Here’s what empathy is: It’s putting yourself in someone … [Read more...]
Why we need to take pet loss seriously
Guy Winch, psychologist, speaker and author, addresses pet loss and the grief it can cause animal owners. Animal health pros will recognize the context and may find comfort knowing that human issues are being recognized. Source: Scientific American, May 22, 2018. Link. While grief over the loss of a cherished pet may be as intense and even as lengthy as when a significant … [Read more...]
June is National Pet Preparedness Month. Let’s get chippy!
Sarah Wooten, DVM, says it is time to target new clients and all clients in your database who don’t have a microchip on file with succinct, powerful communication that will cause them to take action. She offers a script to help animal health pros promote microchipping and motivate owners to act. Source: DVM 360, May 14, 2018. Link. Also see: Ready.gov. Link. The Pet … [Read more...]
Tips and tricks for cleaning fans
Dan Veeneman offers tips cleaning large ventilation fans in dairy operations. His advice can also be applied to any ventilation fan on the farm, in shops or at home. Source: Progressive Dairyman, May 16, 2018. Link. Keeping fans, curtains, inlets and baffles clean will go a long way in extending the life of your ventilation equipment. Fans will lose up to 30 percent of … [Read more...]
Make RV travel stress-free for dogs
Memorial Day weekend signals the start of the vacation season and with it the RVs come out of storage to hit the road. Planning will keep RVing dogs happy and safe. Liz Palika offers ideas in the following categories for those traveling with their pets: Where will the dog ride? The right dog stuff Stop often on the road Stopping for the night Daily routine … [Read more...]
Differentiating Cushing’s and EMS
There is no ideal, one-size-fits-all testing method to differentiate between these two diseases, says Kelsey Hart, DVM. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s disease) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) are by far the most common endocrine disorders in horses. In fact, a recent study results suggest that up to 30 percent of horses of some breeds … [Read more...]
Protect horses and owners from leptospirosis
It is important for horse owners to understand the risk of leptospirosis to their horses, pets and themselves. Diane Rice discusses Lepto sp. in this worthwhile article. Consider it for websites, newsletters, social media posts and materials for riding clubs, stables or 4-H and FFA groups. Source: The Horse. Link. Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide, … [Read more...]
SWAG is good, but more is needed
Jessica Peters, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, shares her perspective on what is needed to help support dairy producers beyond hats, pens and trinkets. Her perspective is worthwhile, especially if you call on dairies or market dairy products. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 23, 2018. Link. Why not collaborate with farmers to help them produce and distribute fun, informative … [Read more...]
Read the calving signs
Seventeen percent or more of cows need help to deliver a calf. Calving challenges affect the cow and calf’s health, production and fertility. Recognition of normal calving behaviors and the labor process is important for cow welfare and needs to be part of farm labor training. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2018. Link. Calving behavior research shows cows want a secluded … [Read more...]
BRD is a battle we may never win
Burt Rutherford makes a case that BRD or BRDC will likely never be eliminated. His opinion was formed after reading a research study that indicates over 21 percent of cattle are effected by BRD. While BRD costs the industry $800 - $900 million annually, the challenge is making changes in how calves are managed prior to weaning, he says. Source: BEEF, May 22, 2018. … [Read more...]
7 tips for veterinarians to handle delusional parasitosis
Lori Hehn, DVM, discusses a human disease or syndrome, where an owner believes that they or their pets are infested with a parasite or organism that isn't there. Delusional parasitosis is a mistaken belief that one is being infested by parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, spiders, worms, bacteria or other organisms. Source: VetPrep. Link. Dr. Hehn knows veterinary team … [Read more...]
Heartworms are real
Some pet owners simply don’t believe heartworms are a risk for their pet. Erika Ervin, CVT, discusses how she approaches non-believers. Whether it is lack of knowledge, money or misinformation, heartworm protection remains critically important for dogs and especially cats. Source: FIRSTLINE, May 13, 2018. Link. At the end of the day, the only way to gain credibility with … [Read more...]
Flies spread PEDV year-round
Pig producers have another good reason to think about fly control. A study conducted earlier this year confirms that even a few flies have the ability to infect pigs with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Source: PORK, May 23, 2018. Link. This new research shows flies pose a year-round risk for disease transmission, creating a new paradigm. A disease risk reduction … [Read more...]
Proper etiquette helps makes texts effective
Texting is increasingly being used for business. If not done appropriately it can cause misunderstandings and reflect poorly on the person sending the text, as well as their company. Source: Smart Meetings, June 21, 2016. Link. Sometimes, people get frustrated when they send texts about urgent, important matters but don’t hear back right away. Realize that the person you are … [Read more...]