OPINION Two articles outline some of the challenges medical entities and doctors see as telehealth capacity expands. With human medicine already a few years into telehealth development, it is important to monitor the progress, challenges and perceptions. In this era of tele-everything, it is likely animal health pros can integrate telehealth more effectively, efficiently … [Read more...]
Student focus group zeroes in on the future dairy farms and public expectations for dairy cattle care
Undergraduate students studying dairy or animal science gathered in a focus group during a 2019 meeting to discuss the future of dairying. This research is important as our industry works to improve health and well-being of dairy farm workers and cattle, in addition to improving public perceptions of the business. This generation of students will lead dairy initiatives, set … [Read more...]
7 types of rest we need!
Sleep is a bodily function. Rest is more than that. Rest is to help you grow out of your exhaustion and thrive at what keeps you going. Rest should equal restoration in seven key areas of your life, explains Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.” - Bansky Source: Thrive Global, April 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 22, 2021
Feeding cattle seaweed reduces their greenhouse gas emissions 82 percent Source: My Vet Candy, April 19, 2021. Link. "We now have sound evidence that seaweed in cattle diet is effective at reducing greenhouse gases and that the efficacy does not diminish over time.” - Ermias Kebreab Even Moses knew about biosecurity Source: Watt … [Read more...]
Listening without getting defensive
Hearing is physiological. Listening is psychological. We listen to acquire knowledge and receive information. But it is easy to get distracted. One of the main distractions is how we respond to something we hear. Are we triggered? Are we half-listening while preparing to talk about our agenda? Or are we listening on autopilot? Jennifer Wolkin says we need to practice … [Read more...]
Tips for feeding, calving during wet and muddy conditions
Spring is a busy time for farmers and ranchers. Simple preparations now can help mitigate problems ahead of potential excess water. We can’t change the weather, but cattle producers can try to manage around wet conditions by preparing alternative livestock and feeding areas. Olivia Amundson and Taylor Grussing share ways to mitigate mud and moisture during calving … [Read more...]
Weaned calves worth $50 more than unweaned calves
Nearly 400,000 calves sold through Superior Livestock Auction during the summer of 2020. The weaned calves garnered about $50 more than their unweaned herd mates, based on sale price data analyzed from seven value-added programs. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, February 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Greg Henderson’s article shares the study results, as well as an overview of the … [Read more...]
Equine influenza virus – a review
EIV is rarely fatal, it is highly contagious and can lead to significant performance impairment and economic loss when outbreaks occur. Similar to influenza in other species, EIV is spread primarily via the respiratory route. The AAEP considers equine influenza virus a risk-based disease, meaning it is not necessarily warranted for every horse. For horses considered at risk, … [Read more...]
Horse cost calculator helps owners understand true ownerships costs
Beyond the initial purchase price, horse care costs accumulate daily. Helping owners budget for all the costs minimizes the cost of veterinary prevention and maintenance. Veterinary teams can use this calculator to position how pet health insurance or wellness plans fit into a horse care budget. Source: Horse Illustrated, May 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: The calculator is a good … [Read more...]
Communal dog water bowls: safe or not?
Communal water bowls come with some hidden risks, says Kaitlyn Arford. It is possible for dogs drinking out of communal bowls or fountains to be infected with diseases or parasites. Source: AKC, April 6, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters. While basic, Arford presents an easily understood message. … [Read more...]
Barn dogs
Realizing it would be beneficial to take a more methodical approach to her barn dogs’ health maintenance, Katie Frank created basic guidelines for keeping her dogs as happy and healthy as her horses. Source: EQUUS Extra. Link. INSIGHTS: This resource addresses the realities of acreage or farm life where species interact daily. Kudos for addressing dogs in the equine … [Read more...]
K-9 kibble enhancement guide
Adjusting dog diets with fresh, raw and organic foods is popular. This article is a guide, compares fresh foods as supplemental versus kibble elimination and reminds pet owners to balance portions to manage weight gains. Whether raw or lightly cooked, a mostly fresh food diet yields outstanding results, with clear eyes, beautiful coats, great teeth, sweet breath, calm … [Read more...]
Cats 101 resources, Fear Free Happy Homes
Complimentary Content More than 55,000 professionals have become Fear Free Certified and there are now more than 140 Fear Free Certified Practices. In addition to animal health professionals’ efforts, Fear Free Happy Homes provides resources directly to pet owners. One example is the Cats 101 kit created to help cat owners learn feline fundamentals. Source: Fear Free … [Read more...]
Let’s review NSAIDs
NSAIDs are commonly used in veterinary practice. Like most routine behaviors, it is good to routinely review the why and. Natalie Smith, DVM, and Claire L. Fellman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, provide their top five situations for judicious NSAID use, along with important considerations for patient safety. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2021. Link. NSAIDs are important … [Read more...]
Dogs needed for dog aging research, new studies
The Dog Aging Project is looking for more canine participants to include in ongoing community science research projects dedicated to understanding the biological and environmental determinants of canine aging. Researchers seek dogs, preferably puppies of both purebred and mixed breeds, in the following categories from a variety of geographies: Large breed dogs Giant … [Read more...]
IAMS launches first-of-its-kind NOSEiD app
Complimentary Content In honor of National Pet ID Week, April 17 through 23, IAMS is launching the beta version of the new NOSEiD mobile app, available throughout Nashville and the surrounding area. The NOSEiD app uses first-of-its-kind nose-scanning smartphone technology to help identify lost dogs by their unique nose print. Source: PR Newswire, April 19, 2021. Link. The … [Read more...]
National Pet Week is May 2 through 8
National Pet Week takes place the first week of May and there is a lot to celebrate. From cats, dogs and fish to lizards, snakes and tarantulas, there’s room for all. Enjoy! Source: National Pet Week 2021. Link. No matter how tough things may seem, pets eagerly provide comfort, sympathy and unquestioned understanding when we most need it. … [Read more...]
World Veterinary Day is April 24
World Veterinary Day is this Saturday! This year’s theme is The Veterinarian Response to the Covid-19 Crisis. Thrown into the pandemic, veterinarians worldwide stepped up to receive animals differently and still treat them according to proven protocols. Click the link below and you’ll find nine ways to celebrate World Veterinary Day. Source: World Veterinary Day 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Lest we forget . . . productive inactivity
The 2021 return to something considered more normal threatens some of what society has learned during pandemic challenges, WFH and forced pauses. In a recent blog post, Cal Newport contrasts our current states where ambition is intertwined with overload against how John Steinbeck embraced a sort of heroic inactivity. Source: Cal Newport, February 21, 2021. Link. Steinbeck … [Read more...]
Rural broadband plagued by poor mapping, high costs
Weaknesses in broadband coverage in rural areas were highly evident in 2020. House Agriculture Committee members heard from those who expressed the need to update maps on areas that remain underserved, as well as offer flexible funding to spread out costs to extend broadband coverage. Extended broadband coverage is important to extend the value of telehealth for all species, … [Read more...]
How to generate more clients at your veterinary practice
Opinion We held this article to position it now, one year post-Covid-19 shutdowns and the anniversary of the first wave of pet adoptions that followed. Robert Sanchez is no stranger to veterinary practices and his article is purposeful and valuable. He applies sales terminology to new customer acquisition tactics. Considering the timing, we believe it is important to … [Read more...]
Engage sales reps as resources
The great reps that call on your clinic are first interested in your success because they know it will aid their success. In my most recent column for Vet-Advantage magazine, I suggest ways reps can be of further help during this pandemic. You can start the process by engaging your rep in this conversation. Source: Vet-Advantage, February 2021 Digital. Link. They (Engaged … [Read more...]
4 things Gen Z and millennials expect from their workplace
To develop the next generation of organizational leaders, Ed Boyle says every employer needs to ask, “What do our younger workers want from the workplace?” Above all, Gen Z and millennials want an employer who cares about their wellbeing Gen Z and millennials want their leaders to be ethical Older millennials want open, transparent leaders Gen Z and younger … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 15, 2021
What bears can teach us about exercise habits Source: New York Times, April 7, 2021. Link. Like us, bears are inherently lazy. Scientists are finding out why. Their results are remarkable. The time has come to start training the pets for your return to work Source: CNN, April 11, 2021. Link. Millions of adopted pets have no sense … [Read more...]
U.S. dairy cows upcycle up to 306 million pounds of food waste every day
Cows have been targets of bad press in recent years. But thanks to the rumen, cows divert millions of pounds of food waste from landfills. In the process they turn byproducts into milk, meat and manure. Georgie Smith shares the benefits of upcycling tasks cows perform. Source: The Daily Churn, July 24, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Study reveals possible role of insects in ASF transmission
In a newly published study, African swine fever viruses have been detected in blood-sucking insects, particularly in those found on farms where pigs are present. While direct transmission was not conclusive, the study reinforces the need to consider insects in biosecurity efforts. Source: Feed Strategy, April 7, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Fly control has always been important … [Read more...]
Calves and flies don’t have to coexist
Calves are a popular target for fly breeding grounds because their bedding and feed are perfect havens for flies to multiply en masse. Entomologist Roger Moon and dairy producer Merri Post shared experiences and ideas about reducing flies and their impact on herd health. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 12, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: For salespersons and veterinary teams, … [Read more...]
Understanding Equine Cushing’s disease
Equine Cushing’s disease is a chronic, progressive endocrine disease seen in middle-aged to senior horses. More accurately labeled pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, or PPID, this is a disease of the pituitary gland. Anna O'Brien, DVM, discusses the pituitary gland, disease symptoms, diagnostics and caring for a Cushing’s horse. Source: Horse Illustrated, January 23, … [Read more...]
Improved treatment helps cats with chronic kidney disease
Two percent to 20 percent of all cats and 30 percent of cats over the age of 10 have chronic kidney disease. Recent advances in diagnostics and medical management mean veterinarians can now treat some cats for extended periods. Katie Burns shares information from various sources for controlling chronic kidney disease in cats. Diagnostics and treatments have improved and … [Read more...]
Environmental decontamination important to control ringworm
Dermatophytosis affects adoptable populations of animals, primarily puppies and kittens, writes Alison Diesel, DVM, DACVD. She shares results from a retrospective study of feline foster homes including cleaning processes for the location and multimodal therapies for the cats. Source: Clinician’s Brief, September 2020. Link. Positive Wood’s lamp fluorescence results will only … [Read more...]