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...]
MWI Animal Health completes integration with Shepherd Veterinary Software
Industry News MWI Animal Health, part of Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), today announced that Shepherd Veterinary Software, which offers a veterinary practice information management software, is now fully integrated with MWI’s AllyDVM client engagement platform. Shepherd users can now take advantage of AllyDVM’s expansive service offerings including robust client … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health, novel canine oncology therapy now available to board-certified veterinary oncologists
Industry News Gilvetmab, which previously received conditional license approval for the treatment of dogs with mast cell tumors and for treatment of dogs with melanoma, is now available to board-certified veterinary oncologists across the United States. Gilvetmab is a caninized monoclonal antibody used to treat dogs with MCTs and melanomas. It is an ideal systemic … [Read more...]
Heel flies and cattle grubs are still a problem
In some regions of the U.S., cattle grubs are making a comeback. Cattle grubs are the larval form of heel flies that resemble honeybees in size and shape but are colored like a bumblebee. Heel flies pester cattle, hovering and darting around their legs. Two species parasitize cattle: Hypoderma bovis and H. lineatum. Control of adult heel flies is nearly impossible as they … [Read more...]
Today’s calves need more animal husbandry
Commentary There is a lot to think about in Kevin Shultz’s article shared here. The beef industry has long been focused on pounds produced and at what cost. He shares reasons beef producers need to shift gears on calf health. . . . nothing trumps good old animal husbandry.” Selective breeding that optimizes genetics, improvements in pharmaceuticals as health management … [Read more...]
Do adult cicadas actually feed on anything?
Cicadas are a curious insect and their exoskeletons were often found near cherry and apple trees in my childhood backyard. We’re sharing this for those who are curious, too. USDA-ARS researchers are trying to answer a long-standing question about cicadas. Beyond understanding their every-so-often emergence and sometimes deafening waves of escalating high-pitched chirps, the … [Read more...]
NPIP certification matters when buying chicks
A chicken hatchery with a National Poultry Improvement Plan certification has been tested and found to be clean of salmonella, mycoplasma and low-path avian influenza diseases at a basic level. NPIP-certified hatcheries are essential to large-scale poultry farming and the backyard flock alike. Source: Backyard Poultry, March 2019. Link. Farms and hatcheries that volunteer … [Read more...]
Stallions need to socialize
Social contact for horses is not just nice to have, it’s a fundamental need, says Anja Zollinger. Isolating a stud is not healthy even though it minimizes conflict and the risk of injuries. She shares how a Social Box system reduces stress levels by enabling stallions to engage in natural behaviors resulting in actions indicating improved welfare. Source: EQUUS, October 10, … [Read more...]
Study examines impacts of 3 styles of feeding horses
Horses with access to free choice feeding or a slow feeder spent more than half their day doing natural activities such as foraging, according to results from a Morris Animal Foundation study. Taking care of horses means more than just giving them a place to stay, food and water. It means giving them an environment where they can do things that are part of their natural … [Read more...]
Rebound gastric hyperacidity in horses after discontinuing omeprazole
Omeprazole is often used to treat equine gastric ulcer syndrome and is effective when the horse is being dosed daily. Once treatment stops, the ulcers may recur rapidly. Glandular ulcers may recur as rapidly as within three days. Tapering the medication dose is unlikely to minimize this rebound effect as previously thought. Australian researchers found gastrin production in … [Read more...]
K-State nanotechnology takes a bite out of mosquitoes
Kansas State University entomologists have developed a way to couple silver, an antimicrobial, with zein, an agricultural waste product to kill mosquito larvae. If nanotechnology can be employed to control pests, it will greatly reduce the use of pesticides in the environment. And if researchers can find the right carriers for these nano-insecticides such as products that may … [Read more...]
AAFP releases 2023 Feline Palliative Care Guidelines
The guidelines provide a comprehensive summary of how to approach and support cats’ and caregivers’ needs. They emphasize the need for empathy, kindness and understanding during what is a challenging time for cats and their human caregivers. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, October 16, 2023. Link. The guidelines resulted from collaboration between the American … [Read more...]
Webinar: An introduction to regenerative medicine: PRP and PRF
Sponsored Content A recent post <Link> shared how PRP and PRF therapy are expanding options for veterinarians as one of multiple physical medicine approaches to treatment and recovery. AHD sponsor, Jorgensen Laboratories partnered with Enso Discoveries to provide Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin kits branded as Rebound PRP/PRF kits. Having watched … [Read more...]
Catster, Dogster media brands acquired by Pangolia
Pangolia, a digital media and e-commerce startup, has announced an all-cash acquisition of the Catster and Dogster brands from Belvoir Media Group. Pangolia is a digital-first content producer, which allows them to keep costs low and talk to pet families in places they wouldn't otherwise be able to reach. Acquisitions like this mean beloved brands can be sustainable for … [Read more...]
OnePoll research, pet care more stressful than being a parent
Most people think that taking care of a pet is more stressful than being a parent, according to a new study of 2,000 pet owners. Over half think their fur pals are also experiencing stress. Source: New York Post, October 3, 2023. Link. Pet parents’ top stressors: My finances – 54 percent My job/career – 49 percent My ability to take care of my pet – 42 percent … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 16, 2023
FLOW conference post-mortem, social media bundle, best places to work in pet industry, small business tips, pet care more stressful than parenting, MARS to help with veterinary shortage, scaling small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The benefits of continuous education for career advancement: A perspective for adults
Updating skills and knowledge is a key factor noted by human resource leaders, especially as technology advancements are imbedded in how business is done. Investing in continuous education is investing in yourself. In a rapidly changing work environment, your commitment to learning can be your most valuable asset, providing benefits that resonate throughout your career and … [Read more...]
Teens spend average of 4.8 hours on social media per day
Social media scrolling is a growing problem for all ages but especially teens. The need to put the phones down is also consistent with Forbes’ article on time blindness <Link>. Gallup’s data is consistent with the literature on digital addiction. It shows that teens who spend more time on social media rate themselves as being less conscientious. A second, upcoming part … [Read more...]
3 takeaways from the Veterinary Innovation Summit
The annual Veterinary Innovation Summit, organized by NAVC, took place October 9th to 11th in Kansas City, Missouri. Animal Health Digest asked industry veteran Brendan Howard to attend on our behalf and to share takeaways from the presentations. We’re all in the same boat. Excited and wondering. Fearful and anxious. Exhausted at the speed of change and uncomfortable with the … [Read more...]
Stop giving advice
Have you ever given someone the best advice and they completely ignored it, or they got defensive and angry with you? Advice requires permission . . . and aggressive listening.” – Suzie Price Source: LinkedIn Pulse, September 18, 2023. Link. Through the art of asking questions, you develop and strengthen the relationship. INSIGHTS: Seek first to understand. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 5, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 5th AHD Bulletin – Could one Walmart store change the entire pet industry? Link. Self-evaluation. Link. These habits can cut the risk of depression in half; study/recording. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Thoughts worth repeating from the 2023 Leman Swine Conference
The annual Leman Swine Conference remains an important opportunity for swine production professionals to exchange experiences, challenges and views. Jennifer Shike shares an overview of key points and quotes that represent what’s on the industry’s minds. Biosecurity is more than just controlling what is coming into a herd – don’t forget what is coming out.” – Karine Talbot, … [Read more...]
Danish entry systems: What steps are we skipping?
In a recent study, Abby E Schuft, PhD, and her team evaluated three educational methods to teach protocols for a biosecure barn entry and exit. They evaluated the number of errors, length of time to complete and how the education method affected compliance over time. Biosecurity takes constant training, continual reminding and frequent auditing to reduce errors. Source: … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the bulls
Jobs done, herd sire health and nutrition need to be managed through winter so bulls are in prime condition when spring arrives. Chris Clark, DVM, says post-breeding season can be a good time to do an overall health evaluation and ensure biosecurity as well. Source: BEEF, October 5, 2023. Link. Consider managing bulls in groups by age and nutritional needs. Depending on … [Read more...]
Publication details comparison study on winter cow care
Best management practices for winter care of bred cows aren’t always evident, especially if they are subjected to wintery conditions common in the Upper Midwest. An Iowa State University study evaluated the effects of winter grazing compared to confined winter care of beef cows to determine if conditions would have any impact on the physical condition of the cow or the calf … [Read more...]
Bird flu is back among commercial poultry flocks in U.S.
We shared concerns about the potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza infections to return as this fall’s bird migration began <Link>. It appears HPAI took a summer break but has returned to commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota and Utah. Fears are mounting that HPAI may possibly become a regular seasonal event. The virus may be present in wild birds and … [Read more...]
Bedding basics and options
Commentary Farm and stable visits filmed for Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows often reveal less-than-ideal conditions for the animals being housed. Bedding is critical for individual animal comfort, environmental safety and general management of biological risks. Heather Smith Thomas and Christine Barakat present the pros and cons of various stall bedding options in this … [Read more...]
Equine vet, emphasis on laminitis treatment is misplaced
The exact cause of laminitis remains unknown and once the pathological progression is in process, it doesn’t matter what caused it, shares Dallas O. Goble, DVM, DACVS. He admits it is impossible to prevent all cases of laminitis, but believes that attention to certain factors can greatly reduce the number of cases including these areas: Hoof care Exercise Nutrition … [Read more...]