Nearly a month has passed since the successful VVCA Veterinary Virtual Care Summit. It is easy to return to daily tasks and forget to use resources offered during conferences. Here are two reminders. View the dynamic content summit sponsors made available in the Summit's virtual marketplace! It's open for registered participants until November 15,2020. Link. The VVCA … [Read more...]
Cushing’s Pet Nation is now available
Mark Cushing’s highly anticipated book, Pet Nation, is now available from a variety of sources. Cushing, heretofore best known for his work on animal policy as founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, LLC, brings pets into new light and the big changes happening right in front of us NOW. Pet Nation shows us not only what our love of animals says about our pets, … [Read more...]
LuccaVet helps understand the importance of securing data
Commentary Every communication with Clint Latham, JD, seems filled with new information about his perspectives about the legal side of data security. In a blog post, he outlined items practice owners should consider, including jurisprudence considerations. The law calls for companies to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures” – Clint Latham, JD Source: … [Read more...]
Differentiate your practice
One of the biggest challenges facing veterinary practices today is how to differentiate the practice from every other one in the marketplace. It is a challenge for everyone in the business-to-consumer category. Sometimes the answer lies in getting outside ourselves. Source: Vet-Advantage, August, 2020. Link I am going to suggest that you might further differentiate yourself … [Read more...]
The vet’s office; an economic bright spot in the U.S. health system
Animal hospitals appear to have pulled off something human hospitals have struggled to do: make patients feel comfortable seeking routine care, writes Sarah Kliff. Fueled by more comprehensive observation of pets while working from home and the massive wave of pet adoptions, volumes have taxed clinic teams nationwide. Source: New York Times, August 10, 2020. … [Read more...]
KCAHC Digital Animal Health Summit was successful and challenging
This year’s KC Animal Health Corridor Summit was forward-looking, thought-provoking and even disturbing at times, living up to its sound reputation. Congratulations to the KCAHC team and thank you for all those who contributed as presenters, panel members and participants. The overarching takeaway was that, to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly protein and pet … [Read more...]
As fall approaches insects, snakes get busy
September and October resemble spring when it comes to insect and snake activity. Two recent articles can help animal owners and animal health pros gain perspective and understanding, while potentially avoiding an issue. Source: How to tell a bee, wasp and hornet apart, Prevention, May 6, 2020. Link. Here’s how to tell bees, wasps, and hornets apart from their looks to … [Read more...]
Habits of older persons that young people don’t understand
Prior to the pandemic, generational challenges in the workplace was a frequent topic. These authors describe some of the quirks of an older generation. We’re living in a societal time when four generations are working concurrently side by side. Accepting that 50 is the new 40, then those over 50 may not recognize their own quirks and those under 50 may simply shake their heads … [Read more...]
Traditional direct mail campaigns still effective
Kiely Kuligowski says direct mail marketing still works in the mix of marketing options. Physical marketing by mail gives customers a unique, personalized experience that can help your business stand out from the crowd. She shares rationales and best practices for using direct mail. Source: Business News Daily, August 21, 2020. Link. Kuligowski says there are several reasons … [Read more...]
Keys to Leave no Trace trail riding
Randy Rasmussen outlines ways for trail riding groups to be environmentally responsible, especially in shared-use areas. He lists the following: Plan before proceeding Respect the environment Manage your horse’s manure Source: EQUUS, July 8, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider the number of youth groups that need volunteer hours as possible resources for beginning … [Read more...]
Rare case of fading elk syndrome found in central Iowa
Fading elk syndrome has long been associated with wapiti-type red deer hybrids farmed in New Zealand. The authors report on a case of naturally-acquired fading elk syndrome in a herd of 34 elk (Cervus elaphus) in Ames, Iowa, at the National Animal Disease Center. Fading elk syndrome, or chronic ill-thrift of elk, is a disease associated with abomasal parasitism with Ostertagia … [Read more...]
Facial, voice recognition coming soon to a farm near you
With accurate facial recognition technology for humans in almost 630 million facial recognition cameras throughout China, Chinese entrepreneurs see opportunity in applying the technology to livestock operations. Alibaba, China’s tech giant, is developing voice recognition technology for pigs to detect if they are in pain. Another company is working on an artificial intelligence … [Read more...]
Milk alternatives are missing a lot
“There’s a lot of things you’re missing out on if you’re not drinking milk,” said Yvonne Greer, a registered dietitian who recently shared her views on alternative milk beverages. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, August 24, 2020. Link. Coconut milk and almond milk . . . don’t have enough protein. So, if you’re substituting that to children, they’re not getting the same things they … [Read more...]
Check out the top 21 value-added beef programs
Value-added beef marketing programs can be divided into two categories, consumer-based programs and calf-based programs. Consumer programs provide animals that fit specific criteria while calf-based programs focus on procurement of specific value requirements. These programs help increase beef quality, while producers remain more engaged in the total marketing process. Jamie … [Read more...]
Microchips that monitor temperature work, but not yet ready for primetime
The dairy industry has anxiously awaited a day when calves would pass through a gateway where RFID-enabled readers would record health metrics by individual animal. The technology exists and works to record temperature passively, but according to recent research the temperatures recorded do not yet correlate to traditional rectal temps. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, … [Read more...]
Pain management for livestock gets closer (video)
Banamine® (flunixin meglumine) is the only pain medication labeled for use in livestock, yet companion animals experience most medical procedures with the use of short- and long-term pain management medications. Getting FDA approval for pain medications for livestock is complex because of rules intended to keep drug residues out of the food supply. Kansas State University … [Read more...]
10 most common warning signs of cancer in cats
Gerald S. Post, DVM, MEM, DACVIM (oncology), says early detection is key to effective discovery and treatment of feline cancer. He shares potential warning signs worthy of sharing with clients. While not a diagnosis, one of these signs is a call to action for cat owners to see a veterinarian. Source: Modern Cat. Link. INSIGHTS: Enumerated lists are well read by clients … [Read more...]
BAT helps reduce dog lunging
Gemma Johnstone discusses how Behavior Adjustment Therapy (BAT) can be used to curb dogs that lunge on the leash when meeting another dog or person. It’s an alternative training technique that uses functional rewards for handling reactivity also known as counter conditioning. Source: AKC, August 4, 2020. Link. The goal is to teach the dog that calm behavior around other dogs … [Read more...]
12 years of cat poop; parasites increasing
Beyond the obvious illnesses that parasites can cause in cats, there is also a zoonotic risk to consider. Nancy Vincent-Johnson, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVPM, reviews a 12-year retrospective study that helps identify the prevalence and types of parasites seen in cats. This study showed that the prevalence rate of feline parasitism continued to increase over the 12-year … [Read more...]
Pet owners need more education about proper handling of pet food
Many Americans don’t wash their hands after feeding or playing with their dogs and cats. They aren’t aware of the risk of contracting a foodborne illness from those activities. Results from a recent Purdue University study showed 78 percent of people were not aware of recent pet food recalls or outbreaks associated with foodborne pathogens in those foods. They don’t really … [Read more...]
Pet owners realizing cost of pet ownership
Commentary Read this article with a pet insurance or wellness program mindset. It’s past time for animal health pros to redouble our efforts to help pet owners understand the value of having a pet on an insurance plan. The amortization math is simple when put against normal costs of veterinary care before special needs. Thirty-three percent of Americans have or have … [Read more...]
Wildfire smoke can affect healthy lungs
Meteorologists predict the smoke from wildfires could potentially affect air quality in one-third of the western and midwestern states. A combination of high temperatures and elevated levels of particles from fires can affect even healthy lungs. For someone with lung damage or respiratory illness, moderate levels of smoke particulate can exacerbate respiratory problems, writes … [Read more...]
Biosecurity: You condone what you don’t coach
While this article focuses on swine production, the lessons are applicable to any animal health facility and its personnel. Clayton Johnson, DVM, says the role of the veterinarian is “all-encompassing” when it comes to biosecurity. He compares biosecurity to insurance. Source: PORK, August 21, 2020. Link. If you . . . observe something, and you don’t comment on it or take … [Read more...]
Rising mobile use among women is a concern
Working parents have been some of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to media reports, more than 50 percent of working parents are without childcare, and one in five said either they or their partner are considering leaving the workforce to care for their children. Women are reporting a 70 percent increase in mobile device usage compared to pre-pandemic and … [Read more...]
Growing during a pandemic
With social distancing and other safety measures in place, a virtual component to your business strategy is vital. Cost-effective and instantaneous, digital marketing can serve as a lifeline for business during these uncertain times. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, May 4, 2020. Link. Complementing the local outreach strategy, look for ways to inspire and champion your community. If … [Read more...]
Self-care tips for coping with crisis fatigue (includes video)
Nicole Spector shares seven ways to cope with crisis fatigue, which is an effect of unrelenting stress. “Crisis fatigue is when a stressful incident becomes enduring or chronic,” Eric Zillmer, clinical psychologist, says. “The reason for this is that humans are not equipped to deal with extensive periods of stress over long periods of time. Our defensive systems are designed to … [Read more...]
Mayo Clinic leader speaks out on effect of Covid-19
Human medicine and animal medicine approaches have become more amalgamated than ever before. Covid-19 restrictions have similar effects on any business that historically required customers to enter a brick and mortar location to be provided services. Gianrico Farrugia, president and CEO of the Mayo Clinic, discusses how Covid-19 spurred rapid transformation there and issues … [Read more...]
Updated Veterinary COVID Guidelines
Canada’s Ontario province has been very proactive and successful in managing changes to the practice of veterinary medicine in the face of Covid-19 risks. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association recently released its stage 3 set of recommendations for Ontario veterinary clinics. Scott Weese, DVM, says much of it applies more broadly as veterinary teams seek to balance the … [Read more...]
6 survival items to keep in your car
It’s important to keep emergency tools in your vehicle. As more of us return to driving regularly, this list offers good reminders. Survival items are not just for winter. They can be important during intense weather of any kind. Source: The Outdoor Wear, November 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA proposes new rules to combat organic fraud
While it is unlikely USDA will require labeling of any food containing carbon as organic, it has opened comments on a set of new organic rules. It hopes the rules will streamline operations, promote transparency and combat fraud, including the standardization of organic certificates. Source: Feed Strategy, August 9, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS – just for fun! Personally, I don’t … [Read more...]