Jordan Thomas tackles human nature’s influence on the cow-calf operation. He says the focus on calf numbers likely keeps cows in the herd that don’t belong. Extended calving and hay-feeding seasons are a symptom of this tendency. Long hay-feeding seasons and long calving seasons are really just manifestations of the same fundamental problem” - Source: BEEF, January 2020. … [Read more...]
Milk filters, teat dips really matter
In order to help prevent infection to dairy cows, dairy pros must address cleanliness practices in barns and parlors. Greg Strait, Penn State extension educator, addressed milk filters as an indicator then emphasized teat dipping, cow prep, cleanliness of free stalls, and cleanliness of bedded pack and more during a recent discussion. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 11, … [Read more...]
Taking the temperature of big game
This title begs a comedic question, “How do you take the temperature of a moose?” The answer is, of course, “Very carefully!” But to Jeff Martin, PhD, and Dan Thompson, PhD, how large game responds to rising temperatures provides key insights into the future sustainability of moose and bison populations on landscapes where increased warming is a concern. Source: Drovers, … [Read more...]
Titers and other vaccine considerations for horses
David Ramey, DVM, wishes discussions about equine vaccines were easy. Instead of being a simple linear vaccine equation, it has a lot of +/- variables in it. This makes discussions about vaccines fraught with all sorts of nuance and complications, he says. The result is that many throw up their hands rather than talk about them. Not simple, the horse vaccine equation looks … [Read more...]
Rescue animals, TIME’s 2020 pet of the year
Pets will return to the White House when president-elect Joe Biden takes office. One of them is the rescue dog, Major. Rescues, rehomes and adoptions peaked during the pandemic and it’s a trend likely to continue. TIME shares stories, trends and metrics. Source: TIME, December 9, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Building rapport with cats; the eyes have it
The human animal bond continues to generate more questions and research. A recent study, “The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat-human communication,” < link > has shown for the first time that it is possible to build rapport with a cat by using an eye narrowing technique with them. Source: PHYS.ORG, October 7, 2020. Link. This study is the first to … [Read more...]
Can cats and dogs get along?
William, 7, got his dog. Now, sister Violet, 5, wants a cat. Their parents have heard for ages that dogs and cats don't get along. Yet, many homes have cats and dogs living peaceably together. The authors offer tips and a deliberate process for a multi-species household. Source: Puppies & Pooches, December 22, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This article is suitable for social … [Read more...]
Burial records reveal most popular pet names
Analysis of 115 years of pet burial records reveals the changing trends in how Americans name and relate to their best friends. Princess is the most popular overall pet name in the U.S. and is in the top-10 most popular dog names since the 1960s, but has never been the number 1 name in any single decade. Tiger is the most popular cat’s name of the last 115 years. Max was the … [Read more...]
Cyber security and data protection updates from Lucca Veterinary Data Security
Sponsored Content Clint Latham, JD, champions managing data security and cyber security for veterinary practices. As our society continues increase dependency on data and internet technology, staying informed and acting to increase security is critical. We’ve linked the most recent updates from the Lucca Vet blog. Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Security blog. Link. … [Read more...]
Poultry owners seek qualified veterinary practices
Backyard poultry continues to increase in popularity. Poultry owners often find it difficult to secure veterinary services and guidance as most poultry DVMs are deployed in large operations. Companion animal practitioners can take poultry under their wing by incorporating into their practice medical care for these birds and by counseling clients on proper fowl husbandry.” - … [Read more...]
What B2B buyers rely on to make purchase decisions
Whether buyer or seller, David Dodd offers perspectives on decision making in a series he started in September 2020 < link >. “The pace of change in some aspects of B2B marketing has been so rapid over the past fifteen years that it’s far too easy to lose sight of the fact that many of the core principles of marketing and buyer behavior have changed very little. The tools … [Read more...]
The fallacy of more education
Far too often we believe that more education will solve every problem. It will not. If it did, we would have achieved 100 percent compliance years ago and this entire column would be unnecessary. Source: Vet-Advantage, December 2020. Link. When you mention vaccines or preventatives, your customer will begin to formulate an attitude about that subject. The attitude they adopt … [Read more...]
Veterinary Integration Solutions introduces Consolidate That! podcast
Complimentary Content Consolidate That! is a new podcast from Veterinary Integration Solutions that is hosted by Dr. Ivan Zak and Ryan Leech. It focuses on critical corporate topics in the veterinary business. The episodes will center on improving clinical care, customer and employee experience, combining proven processes with modern technology, and ways to expand … [Read more...]
Word of mouth still important despite AT&T TV ad
For as long as I can remember, animal owners have chosen friends or family members as the first persons they contact when they have a question about their animals, because of trust. These interactions encompass unintentional word of mouth. A current TV ad from AT&T ends with likely sarcasm with the statement, “Word of Mouth advertising. . . it’s what they did before … [Read more...]
VetWatch’s week 52 report shows continued promise
Complimentary Content The final week for 2020 reporting for VetWatch shows the canine and feline core vaccine indices ended at a robust 9.0 percent YTD growth across the 32,000+ practices and shelter locations in the Animalytix Marketplace. Other key findings include: Revenue growth year to date for the week remained positive in all areas of the country, averaging … [Read more...]
Pet retailers adjusting for 2021
Countless pet retailers shifted to online sales during the last year. Three articles from Pet Business contain considerations for veterinary practices, as well. Source: Prepare your pet store for 2021 (and beyond), Pet Business, November 30, 2020. Link. Invest in an eCommerce platform eCommerce platform seamlessly integrated with the point of sale platform and … [Read more...]
AVMA seeking comments on educational criteria for technicians
The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities is considering changes to three educational standards and accepting public comment on the proposed edits through March 1, 2021. Changes to the following standards are under consideration: Standard 1 - Institutional Accreditation Standard 2 – Finances Standard 3 - Organization and … [Read more...]
7 important things to know about rabbits
We’ve learned new pet owners often need basic husbandry guidance to understand pet needs. Eve Cohen, DVM, shares rabbit information important for those owning or considering acquiring a rabbit: Rabbits are social animals Rabbit’s life expectancy Rabbits are prey animals Housing: outdoors vs. indoors Safe flooring Rabbit nutrition Bunnies aren’t … [Read more...]
Drs. Weese and Anderson continue review of Covid-19 in animals: Plus, the new variant
In a recent post < link > we shared the first six blog posts in a series from Scott Weese, DVM, and Maureen Anderson, DVM. Since then, their review of Covid-19 in animals by family has continued. They also address the new variant SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7. Source: WormsandGerms Blog. COVID-19 in Animals Review. Part 7: Cattle, November 10, 2020. Link. SARS-CoV-2 in … [Read more...]
Updated OVMA guidance document: Covid-19 and veterinary clinics
Here is the latest version of the OVMA’s document, “A guide to mitigating the risk of infection in veterinary practices during the COVID-19 pandemic” Source: , January 4, 2021. Link. January 2021 Practice Guide to Mitigating the Risk of Infection During the COVID-19 Pandemic … [Read more...]
Dairy farming; being cruel to animals is a perception and sometimes a reality
Multiple animal activists groups have argued for years that dairy farming is no less than animal cruelty. Despite their actions being denounced by dairy owners, industry groups and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, activists are making headway. Market forces and the coronavirus pandemic are helping their cause, too. Scientists are working to show ways the … [Read more...]
Global leaders take action to control ASF
Disease surveillance is table talk today, but most of it is not actionable. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Organization for Animal Health united in late October to launch The Global Control of ASF Initiative to keep African swine fever at bay. The program helps swine professionals in multiple capacities to coordinate and strengthen control … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the bulls this winter
Their seasonal work may be done, but bulls need attention to recover body conditioning and breeding soundness during winter months. Cassidy Woolsey shares information from a December Beefwatch webinar series featuring Kacie McCarthy, cow-calf specialist at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Source: Progressive Cattle, December 29, 2020. Link. “Coming off the breeding … [Read more...]
Backyard wildlife; Beware the January thaw
Commentary In some parts of the U.S., we usually have three or more days where winter temperatures moderate and we thaw out. At the same time, daylight hours are increasing. This period begins the breeding season for some wildlife species. Skunks, raccoon, foxes, bobcats and coyotes start looking for mates and food, and they’re driven by hormones and hunger. Breeding … [Read more...]
Shepherding off the coast of Maine remains unchanged for eons
Interested animal health pros will find this photo-filled story interesting, if not memorable. Experience how the Wakeman family works to maintain the traditions of island shepherding, which have been unchanged for centuries. Source: New York Times, December 31, 2020. Link. Historical evidence suggests that sheep have been raised on Big Nash Island for more than 300 years. … [Read more...]
Equine coronavirus: An emerging enteric virus of adult horses
Dr. Nicola Pusterla, DACVIM (LA), reviews equine coronavirus (ECoV) and what we need to know about this enteric virus. There is no need to panic about zoonoses. She says ECoV is genetically distinct from the human SARS-CoV-2 and there is no evidence to indicate that horses could contract SARS-CoV-2 or that horses may be involved in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to other animals or … [Read more...]
Best air purifiers for pet dander and allergies
Potentially 20 percent of people have allergies to pets, writes Joelle Klein. For those who do, air purifiers may provide added support for removing dander, hair and odors. Klein shares products independently selected and reviewed by the Daily Paws editorial team. Source: Daily Paws, December 29, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Air purifiers can help owners with allergies avoid … [Read more...]
Nail trimming 101 (includes video)
An industry colleague recently said, “. . . the ability to trim a dog’s nails should be a prerequisite to being allowed to own a dog!” While his point was extreme, basic nail care can be easily managed at home with proper education and training. Teresa Manucy, DVM, shares information about how to trim, equipment and the process. A demonstration video from Katy Nelson, DVM, … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen demystifies vaccinations
Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, tackles myths about pet vaccines in the latest edition of Is This a Thing? My pet got all of its shots Cats don’t need vaccines The internet says lepto vaccine is not needed It’s better to titer first so vets don’t just give vaccines to make money My pet is so old it doesn’t need vaccines any … [Read more...]
Talkatoo’s 7-day trial offer gaining popularity
Sponsored Commercial Content Voice-to-text has gotten easier for animal health pros whose previous experiences with off-the-shelf software fell short of expectations. Talkatoo has upped the game in voice-to-text technology. A free 7-day trial lets prospective users experience how well the program captures even veterinary medicine terms. Source: Talkatoo. Link. Try it … [Read more...]