Shivers, a chronic neuromuscular condition in horses, dates back centuries, but its causes remain a mystery and it remains untreatable. Research studies by Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR finally created a definition of the disease that differentiates it from other neurological diseases horses experience. By the definition we presented, shivers horses always … [Read more...]
Grooming pet ferrets
Grooming pet ferrets includes bathing, drying, nail trimming, coat brushing, ear cleaning and teeth brushing writes Lianne McLeod, DVM. She explains the various processes while ensuring the mustelid remains as calm as possible. Formal attire is optional. 😉 Source: The Spruce Pets, May 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Dogs versus cats: Which is most loved?
Even with striking differences between countries, scientists found that people appeared to care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries across all measures. The study appeared in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Source: Vet Candy, October 31, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet brands that matter, according to Fast Company
The pet business, whether retail or veterinary, is full of brands that provide solutions, revenue and services. Fast Company’s Brands that Matter listing includes several animal health industry companies this year. Each brand is judged on relevancy, cultural impact, ingenuity and business impact to be included in the listing. Petco, Mars, Chewy and Maev are among 165 … [Read more...]
A new type of skin hypersensitivity in dogs
A recent retrospective study looked at dogs with skin lesions in high grass contact areas to establish if they have a version of a pruritic condition found in humans. Contact dermatitis is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when chemicals known as haptens come into contact with skin. Dogs that develop reactions to contact with grass may experience a similar … [Read more...]
Ever persistent canine parvovirus. DVM 360 panel discussion.
Complimentary Commercial Content A panel of experts discusses the ongoing challenges when treating canine parvovirus including sharing how prevalent the disease remains and the emotional toil on staff members. The panel digs into parvo treatment options across the spectrum of veterinary medicine as well as their limitations. The discussion continues to introduce an … [Read more...]
Digging for secrets from the raccoon in your garbage
Commentary We have consistently urged animal health pros to consider the risks at the intersections of wildlife and our domestic animals. This post from October 2022 is one of many examples <Link>. In the article below, scientists are investigating what many of us have asserted for decades despite anthropomorphisms that diminish warnings about wildlife as … [Read more...]
Extension cord safety
Cold weather brings out the space heaters and heat lamps in many animal housing locations. Karen Kopf shares safety measures for barns that also apply to coops, kennels and other animal enclosures. She says permanent use of extension cords is not advised for safety reasons. Source: Backyard Goats, November 27, 2022. Link. Cords usually fail in one of these ways: … [Read more...]
10 common dog behavior problems and solutions
Thoroughly understanding the most common dog behavior problems is the first step to solving and preventing them. A solid foundation of obedience training will help dog owners prevent or better control many of these issues, writes Jenna Stregowski. Source: The Spruce Pets, February 22, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like this help pet owners identify and address behavior … [Read more...]
The importance of intake protocols
Complimentary Content It takes a community of advocates to ensure individual pets and pet populations are given the best protection options. A unified message of prevention, risk identification and consistent questioning during intakes is essential for managing risk. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, shares the importance of intake protocols focusing on opportunities … [Read more...]
Etiquette guide will improve your email communication
Speaking of email, here is help you can use. Since the pandemic, we now regularly video conference, use instant messaging and text. Still, email is the primary tool for connecting, often for the first time. Like it or not, it’s important. Three experts offer tips for getting the most from office email. Source: The Washington Post, November 1, 2023. Link. Take a few seconds … [Read more...]
The top 10 passive-aggressive workplace email phrases (infographic)
Face-to-face chatter with coworkers in the break room is often replaced today by streams of emails and instant messages. From these, a new form of language has emerged, one that can drastically impact our work environment; passive-aggressive communication. Sound familiar? Ayaz Nanji shares email phrases that are considered untoward. Source: Marketing Profs, August 29, 2023. … [Read more...]
Scientist says body language has surprising influence in job interviews
A recent post from Patrick T. Malone reminded us of the importance of body language individually and as an observer <Link>. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzica says a fundamental component of social and political skills involves displaying the right kind of verbal and nonverbal communicational signals to improve how we come across to others. Source: Fast Company, October 26, … [Read more...]
Only the tough veterinary practice managers survive
Wendy Hauser, DVM, says the job of practice managers has become infinitely harder than it used to be. She shares factors that are impacting these valuable team members and some ideas to deal with the challenges. Source: Animal Health News and Views, October 1, 2023. Link. Often overlooked is the need for practice managers to step in for missing team members, sometimes as … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention nonadherence prevalent in the U.S., study finds
Commentary Some articles are painful to read. Despite at least 40 years of pushing compliance, myriad options for heartworm prevention, educational TV, online and print advertising and efforts by veterinary clinics, these compliance metrics represented are distressing. Maybe it is time to quit mincing words or images and portray heartworm infection realistically with … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 23, 2023
Personalized pet tech for anxiety, getting more reviews, 1st employee-owned vet clinic, the importance of follow-up, sales cycles and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Four recommendations to address hypocalcemia post-calving
According to Jesse Goff, DVM, subclinical hypocalcemia occurs in nearly half of all cows during the first 24 hours after calving. He believes metabolic alkalosis is the cause in subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia. Goff discusses reducing potassium and binding dietary calcium precalving, as well as providing a readily available, soluble calcium source to the cow immediately … [Read more...]
Sale day: 9 factors that influence cattle price
Fall is busy for cattle producers and this year’s market promises to be very strong. Reminding producers of the economic benefits shared in Paige Carlson’s article could increase their revenue as calves or culls are sold. She shares a list of the nine most influential variables when it comes to receiving the best price for cattle as tracked by South Dakota State University … [Read more...]
2 men survive wild pig attacks. Barely.
NOTE: This is a cautionary tale for animal health pros and their customers who like to hunt wild pigs, hike in the woods or have gardens next to brushy cover. Sharing this article will help increase understanding of how dangerous feral hogs can be. James Dean and Monte Sullivan survived horrific wild pig attacks in 2019 and 2022 respectively. They shared their harrowing … [Read more...]
Equine boots and wraps revisited
Applying leg protection during exercise remains a risk versus reward situation, says Luke Brock. His study team from Middle Tennessee State University measured temperature increases in limbs during exercise where horses were equipped with a variety of common leg protection. <Study> results support the hypothesis that convection cooling is impaired by boots and wraps … [Read more...]
Pessimist or optimist? Researchers study horse personalities.
The link between motor laterality and emotion is well established in humans and rodents, Now researchers studying cognitive bias in horses found that they differ in their laterality depending on the emotionality of test situations. When horses were stressed, or challenged with frightening objects such as umbrellas, they displayed increased left laterality, a indicator of … [Read more...]
Equine night vision nowhere near as good as many people believe
Neuroscientist Janet Jones, PhD, shares vision challenges horses have that refute the common perceptions of horse owners. A horse’s eyes require 45 minutes to adjust from brightness to dark or from dark to bright. Depth perception is affected as well. Source: EQUUS, September 21, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters to help horse … [Read more...]
The dangers of killing frost in equine pastures
A killing frost makes plants in pastures overly sufficient in nonstructural carbohydrates. Horses that eat the plants are more prone to laminitis, obesity, Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome. It likely okay to allow horses to graze 7 days after a killing frost if the plants or grass are green and taller than 3 to 4 inches. However, grazing should stop when the … [Read more...]
Yes. Dogs can make you sick.
Dogs are great for us in unlimited ways. Some research suggests they may even help us live longer. But they can cause minor to serious illnesses via bites, nips, scratches and licks on our faces. Source: The New York Times, October 17, 2023. Link. If you own a dog, you can reduce your risk of illness by making sure it’s fully vaccinated and that it receives regular care from … [Read more...]
Body language
At parties, speaking with friends and at work meetings, some people are oblivious to real communication going on around them without words. Source: AXIOS, October 12, 2023. Link. Become a student of people in small group settings, be it card games, parties or work. I mean actively trying to spot human ticks, tells and patterns.” INSIGHTS: Almost 90 percent of in-person … [Read more...]
A perspective on telehealth from medical
As telehealth grows in animal health, the perspectives from human health implementations can provide perspective. Telehealth has proven its value and is clearly here to stay. However delivering healthcare digitally has many nuances and challenges, especially for medical coding professionals, writes Angela Comfort, MBA, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P. Source: ICD10monitor, October … [Read more...]
Is payroll an expense or an investment in your business?
Sabrina Starling, PhD, asks an interesting question worth thoughtful consideration. She says “Payroll is an expense if team members are unaware of the importance of the business they work for being profitable and their ability to impact profitability. When they understand why it should matter to them that the business is profitable and how they can impact profit, payroll … [Read more...]
The customer experience is the sales experience
Twenty-five percent of the purchasing decision is determined by the overall sales experience, writes Scott K. Edinger citing a McKinsey study. He reminds us that frontline sales and customer-contact professionals are in a position to directly affect decisions about services and products. And, they may be the only one if the customer does not perceive value in the … [Read more...]
FDA approves first treatment for Giardia duodenalis in any animal species
Ayradia (metronidazole oral suspension) has been approved for the treatment of Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs. Ayradia is the first FDA-approved treatment for Giardia duodenalis for any animal species. <the> approval means there is an approved product for dogs that has known safety and effectiveness for this species and is manufactured to quality … [Read more...]
Yelloh, formerly Schwanns, to offer frozen pet food delivery
Carnivore Meat Company’s Vital Essentials brand partnership with Yelloh! will provide pet owners with options to buy high-quality, premium butcher-cut protein for their pets. Yelloh and Vital Essentials share the same commitment to superior food quality and safety standards. Source: Vital Essentials, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]