Complimentary commercial content from VETgirl and Merck Animal Health Natalie Marks, DVM, reviews common and uncommon presentations of leptospirosis in general practice, lab abnormalities not to miss and keys to successful therapy. The review includes clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs, signalment, what treatment is, and how to diagnose it. Also included is a brief … [Read more...]
Parvovirus cases spike
BluePearl, which operates 90 specialty and emergency pet hospitals in 21 states, has experienced a 70 percent increase in parvovirus cases. They relate the spike to the pandemic. AAHA’s Tony McReynolds dug into the situation and offers ways for practices to prepare. Source: AAHA NEWStat, July 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Neutering study lays out guidelines for 35 dog breeds
Our industry has struggled to answer questions about when or if to consider neutering for dogs because of great disparity between breeds. A new, 10-year study by researchers at the University of California – Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found vulnerability from neutering varies greatly depending on the breed, size and sex. Source: UC Davis, July 15, 2020. Link. “We … [Read more...]
Like us, vampire bats self-isolate when they feel bad
Vampire bats are social beings like we are. They like to groom each other and share food. But, when they feel bad, they call out less frequently and have fewer interactions with fellow bats. Researchers say it’s instinctual, not voluntary, and is similar to the lethargy we feel when we’re sick. Source: New York Times, July 22, 2020. Link. So, they concluded that it is more … [Read more...]
Pigs used to save human lungs
Here’s an exceptional extension to the human animal bond. While still in early development, using pigs to revive damaged human lungs is promising. By hooking up lungs that had been rejected for transplant to the pigs, research scientists were able to revive the lungs in 24 hours.” Researchers indicate there are two possible applications for this research. Pigs could be used … [Read more...]
Getting to the bottom of goosebumps
Scientists have found the same cell types that cause goosebumps are also important for regulating stem cells that regenerate the hair follicle and hair. In this study, we identified an interesting dual-component niche that not only regulates the stem cells under steady state, but also modulates stem cell behaviors according to temperature changes outside.” - Ya-Chieh … [Read more...]
10 fun facts about mosquitoes
Fun? Well maybe for an entomologist. ;-) Animal health pros are the perfect sources to CONFIDENTLY help animal owners decrease the risk from mosquito-borne diseases. But, products on the shelf or not discussed never repel or kill one of the pests. Talk about them. Mid-summer is the peak time for mosquitoes!” Source: The Outdoor Wear, July 16, 2020. Link. People with Type O … [Read more...]
Dictation platform built for veterinarians now available on Mac
Mac users are celebrating as Talkatoo announces it has finished production of its revolutionary dictation software in a version for macOS. Up until now, it was only possible to do so on Windows. Talkatoo’s voice dictation solution offers tremendous flexibility and convenience for vets everywhere, even on their personal laptops. . . Windows or Mac.” Source: Talkatoo. Link. … [Read more...]
4 tips for marketing to millennial pet parents
Ongoing studies demonstrate some millennials distrust advertising. MWI Animal Health shares four ways animal health pros can reach this group of potential or current clients. Build meaningful relationships Meet millennials where they are with high-tech communications Establish a strong social media presence Keep the conversation going Source: MWI Animal Health, … [Read more...]
The best advice? Ask more questions.
As a leadership mentor, I am often asked for advice about a wide range of business issues. The temptation is to immediately try to answer the questions. I have learned the best mentors slow down and ask a few of their own questions before trying to answer the questions they were asked. Source: Inc, July 19, 2020. Link. The Advice Giver is usually an established, busy person. … [Read more...]
Two types of toughness required for success
You can either experience baby steps as insulting frustrations or as small, precious achievements.” - Ross Ellenhorn, PhD Source: Forge, July 22, 2020. Link. Personal change is not about having one lovely nirvana-like moment of self-acceptance. It’s about accepting yourself where you are — and accepting the fact that, right where you are, you lack something you believe will … [Read more...]
Every horse on a farm is at risk
There are risk avoidance opportunities in health care for humans and animals. Even top-of-the-line biosecurity cannot prevent core disease sources from getting on a property and infecting horses. These diseases can lead to death, but vaccinations help avoid morbidity and mortality. Equine veterinarians discuss the five core diseases: Rabies West Nile virus (WNV), … [Read more...]
Equine wound management (podcast)
In this episode of Disease Du Jour, equine wound issues are presented by Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS, a technical services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health. Source: EquiManagement, June 18, 2020. Link. History and duration of wounding is important . . . there’s a difference between wounds that are acutely noticed versus one that has acutely occurred” – Earl Gaughan, DVM, … [Read more...]
First aid important to treat chicken and livestock eye problems
Commercial content with support from Vetericyn When our chickens and livestock get an eye injury, or any type of wound, Janet Garman grabs the first aid box. Every farm and home should have supplies ready when an injury happens. She shares a list of items for a first aid kit on the farm or acreage. In no way will first aid on the farm replace solid veterinary care for … [Read more...]
Toilet training cows?
What? YHTBKM, right? We had to share this one along with some tongue-in-cheek. Behavioral scientists’ research results concluded that cattle have the intelligence and neurophysiological foundations that make toilet training possible. The learning method of so-called operant conditioning, which is based on a reward for the desired behavior, has proven itself. Practical … [Read more...]
Don’t sweat it!
It is HOT! Heather Smith Thomas writes about heat’s impact on cattle and how shade makes a difference. She reminds us that planning is important. August and September frequently have periods of grueling hot weather across cattle country. Now, not later, is the time to establish shade to reduce heat stress. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, July 7, 2020. Link. Cattle need some … [Read more...]
Purdue developing rapid BRD diagnostic tool
Purdue University researchers are developing technology designed to reduce diagnosis time for bovine respiratory disease. BRD is one of the more costly cattle diseases and accounts for half of all North American feedlot deaths and robs beef and dairy producers of about $900 million a year. The new test can diagnose BRD in about 30 minutes, compared to the four-plus days current … [Read more...]
Have you herd? Ruminants in a sustainable food system (AABP podcast).
Animal health pros are an important part of the front line to manage perceptions and truth about animals, animal stewardship and the impact of animals on our environment. Sara Place, PhD, discusses greenhouse gas emissions, how cattle are a solution to providing a sustainable food source for humans, and why the Food and Agriculture Organization’s report on GHG production … [Read more...]
True or false? Hormones and steroids are added to chickens.
Commentary During recent calls with a dozen animal health pros, I asked about hormones and chickens referring to marketing on packaging in supermarkets. Only four of the 12 knew a definite answer. Let’s get this right once and for all! Fact: federal regulations prohibit the use of added hormones and steroids in all poultry. The chicken that is labeled “Raised without … [Read more...]
Help cat owners recognize an emergency
Cats don’t come with warning labels, and a person who doesn’t know the symptoms can’t be expected to recognize them” – Eric Barchas, DVM Barchas begins with a tip about what healthy gums look like and then shares a list of more common and serious cat emergencies that includes: Difficulty breathing Sudden paralysis of the hind end Known (or likely) ingestion of … [Read more...]
Right way to perform CPR on a pet
Veterinary teams need CPR training for animals just like we need training on how to perform CPR on a human. RECOVER, which stands for the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation, was developed by a group of emergency and critical care specialists from multiple veterinary schools across the globe based on evidence from scientific literature. Published in the Journal of … [Read more...]
Dogs and cats, plus string equal real problems
Animal health pros know what John Hutcheons, DVM shares. What is important is how he demonstrates the problems with string. Kudos to Dr. Hutcheons for using his camera and sharing the images. Keep string, yarn and other like materials away from pets. This includes frayed or damaged rope toys.” – John Hutcheons, DVM Source: LinkedIn, June 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Practitioners … [Read more...]
Pet pain points and tools for assessment
Pain! It’s one of the biggest challenges and important topics in veterinary medicine. Pets naturally avoid showing pain. Clients do not recognize pain and taking a pet to a practice likely masks pain even more with an adrenal response. Fortunately, there are now tools to identify and differentiate pain. Source: JAVMA, April 1, 2020. Link. Katie Burns shares these tools for … [Read more...]
Telemedicine content missing new VVCA references
Commentary More content appears nearly every week on telemedicine. In animal health there is an organization, albeit relatively new, that has been organized to help define virtual care in animal health and frequently not referenced in published content. That organization is the Veterinary Virtual Care Association < link > whose mission is to elevate the standard of … [Read more...]
Even B2B buyers want emotion in their content
Feelings? Yes, feelings! Jodi Harris says we should demonstrate deeper awareness and understanding of the positive outcomes and experiences our audience wants. Still, focusing on transactional behaviors we want to drive remains important to today’s marketing. It is true for B2B and B2C. Marketers need to adjust their content priorities so they can answer the new questions and … [Read more...]
From the streets to the swine barn
Our industry is full of success stories, many which never get told. Jennifer Shrike shares a story of a young woman whose childhood might have sent her spinning out of control. Instead, an innate drive, plus a few empathetic persons and a culture of helping hands sustained and buoyed Gracee Workman. From a bed on a concrete floor, to managing the Ohio State University swine … [Read more...]
Learn how to say “I’m sorry” professionally
Krister Ungerböck writes with a focus on developing leadership skills. Since we all need to lead at times, her advice is appropriate. She discusses apologies and the need to avoid using “sorry” or “I’m sorry” too casually and without meaning . . . a transparent throwaway. <people> expect and deserve authentic, thoughtful apologies when apologies are needed.’ Source: … [Read more...]
How vet professionals juggle kids and work
More questions than answers remain for parents as we look to the upcoming school year. Companies and parents are bracing for more childcare conflicts. With schools not fully reopening and day-care centers struggling to survive the pandemic they just don’t know what the future holds” – WSJ, July 19, 2020. Link. Understanding how peers are handling the issues may be helpful as … [Read more...]
Fast tracking psychological safety
“This is NOT a DRILL,” writes Natalie Richardson who says psychological safety has emerged as a golden child in the field of team development. She shares current challenges against a historical perspective along with five tested safety tools you can use to support teams and rapidly develop psychological safety. Psychological safety is defined as a shared belief among teams … [Read more...]
Improve your mental strength step by step
The current pandemic greatly demonstrates there is a real scarcity of mentally strong people. Spend more than a few minutes on social media and you will be exposed to meltdowns over trivial concerns. I wondered why, so I searched for advice on improving one’s mental strength. Source: Forbes, January 7, 2019. Link. Most of the articles on mental strength focused on what not … [Read more...]