Clinicians must be able to identify nonvital teeth to recommend appropriate treatment, writes Kendall Taney, DVM, DAVDC, FAVD. He shares his top 5 methods for assessing tooth vitality: Visual inspection of the crown of the tooth Sensibility and vitality testing Dental radiography Direct examination of the pulp Histopathic evaluation Source: Clinician’s … [Read more...]
Invest one minute to avoid bites, scratches (includes handout)
Phil Seibert, CVT, underscores the importance of prevention and caution for veterinary professionals. His tips for handling an injured or stressed animal in a vehicle are also applicable to waiting and exam rooms: Approach the patient from posterior side. Put a slip leash on the animal. Always apply a muzzle. Use a portable stretcher or cart. Source: FIRSTLINE, … [Read more...]
Proper storage critical to vaccine efficacy
“Producers cannot afford to overlook the importance of how they store vaccine and handle it prior to injection,” says Glenn Selk. His article is a good reminder during hot summer months. It is important for producers to monitor storage temperatures. Veterinary clinic and retailer staffs need to be diligent in managing the cold chain for items that need refrigeration. If the … [Read more...]
New technology holds promise for monitoring sows
Advancements in technologies are sometimes blamed for taking jobs. But in the U.S. swine market, monitoring sow health prior to farrowing is a 24/7 business that often doesn’t get done. Now, new technologies in precision livestock farming may help by monitoring sows’ individual behavior. Source: National Hog Farmer, August 6, 2019. Link. Technology in the farrowing room will … [Read more...]
African swine fever virus inactivated by Virox products
Virox Technologies®, the creators of the patented technology Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®), recently conducted an independent efficacy test against African swine fever. AHP technology is found in the Intervention farm disinfectant, known as Intervención in Mexico, and Prevail disinfectants in Canada. The results give swine producers an improved option from the points … [Read more...]
Zoetis, CSU launch Incubator Research Lab targeting biotherapeutics for cattle
Zoetis and Colorado State University have agreed to establish a research lab that will be used to help develop alternatiives to antibiotics for food-producing animals. Ray Goodrich, professor and executive director of the Infectious Disease Research Center says, “Our agreement with Zoetis represents the beginning of an era of collaboration, cooperation and innovation between … [Read more...]
Beyond Lyme, more tick-borne worries
The order Rickettsiales contain species Anaplasmataceae and Rickettsiaceae)that infect dogs, according to Brian Herrin, DVM. These intracellular bacteria pathogens are transmitted by a variety of tick vectors, maintained in wildlife and domestic reservoirs. They can cause clinical disease in humans, dogs and other domestic animals. Herrin discusses basic epidemiology, clinical … [Read more...]
Differing views create Lyme wars
Endemic or not in any geography is no longer easy to define. It seems the medical community is at odds with its approach to diagnosis and treatment. Parallel to the human discussion is the ongoing debate about vaccinating dogs. These two articles are helpful resources for making decisions about Lyme prevention, treatment as well as addressing animal owner questions. One thing … [Read more...]
Modern approach to developing farmer rapport can pay dividends
Telling farmers what to do and expecting them to “just do it” doesn’t always work. Sarah Tomlinson, veterinarian with Westpoint Farm Vets in Ashbourne, England, shares her approach as part of the farm team. A few keys are to let farmers talk first, explaining the “why and how” and motivational interviewing, which, if you never heard of it before, involves a little bit of … [Read more...]
Ongoing training essential to animal welfare
Good animal care must become a habit and part of the culture, writes Dave Sjeklocha, DVM. Training workers and family members on animal handling and care has never been more important. Documenting this training equally important. And we must continue to train, retrain and redocument, he says. Dr. Sjeklocha recently reviewed recent activities by animal rights groups. He … [Read more...]
How you say it matters more than what you say
Educating clients about programs, procedures and treatment is an important part of what animal health pros do. Helpful resources are available on the Partners for Healthy Pets website or veterinary teams < link >. For clinic teams, communication training is essential to alert individuals about verbal habits that may interfere with how their message is received. Source: … [Read more...]
Speed up the Deal
Deals now are better than deals later. You would prefer to win now than four months from now. Better results now are better than results later. This is true for your dream clients, too. They would prefer their challenges be dispatched sooner rather than some time in the future, and their opportunities realized earlier. Source: The Sales Blog, July 30, 2019. Link. Stop … [Read more...]
Group calls for national CWD strategy
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) strategies have historically been managed state by state. The fatal prion disease is now in 26 states and continues to spread. So far, fears it could cross species barriers to affect livestock or humans have not come to fruition. It has not been found in animals other than deer, elk and other cervids. Recently, a multidisciplininary team of … [Read more...]
Goats can’t safely eat everything
You may think goats can eat nearly everything. Katherine Drovdahl, MA, CA, CR, CEIT, DipHlr, QTP, tells us differently. Knowing what to feed goats involves education. Even good plants can develop into a dangerous toxic condition called enterotoxemia if goats overeat on any plant they are not used to. She shares a few common toxic plants and suggests consulting a local … [Read more...]
Heed OSHA heat stress requirements for dairies
Dairymen always worry about cows dropping milk production because of the heat, but may forget to keep workers cool, as well. Anna-Lisa Laca shares the Cal/OSHA rules for helping employees avoid heat stress when the temperature exceeds 80° F. Source: Milk, July 16, 2019. Link. Remember: When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, employers must implement "high heat" procedures, … [Read more...]
3 Vs drive U.S. chicken purchases
Versatility, value and variety are just a few of the categories that chicken ticks the box for in consumers’ eyes, according to new research presented at the 2019 Chicken Marketing Summit. Of course, taste is important for chicken and all meat buyers. However, it was less important to consumers of plant-based products. Lots of interesting protein stats, plus protein industry … [Read more...]
Boehringer Ingelheim introduces BVDVTracker.com
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an ongoing challenge facing the cattle industry. The virus often goes undiagnosed and the consequences are severe. To help producers address the challenges BI launched BVDVTracker.com. The website’s mission is to support veterinarians, producers and industry professionals in the control of BVDV. Source: Drovers, July 16, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Where’s the beef?
Greg Henderson shares shares the top 25 counties and some individual county metrics to help us understand the population dynamics in cow country. Source: Drovers, July 4, 2019. Link. Nebraska, with 1.9 million beef cows, the fourth-largest state by beef cow numbers, is home to the nation’s top four beef counties. Texas is America’s top beef cow state. Missouri is the … [Read more...]
Lack of understanding of livestock production driving trends
According to market intelligence firm IRI, 57 percent of U.S. consumers are motivated to purchase products based on factors within social strategy and cultural alignment. Animal welfare certifications on packaging and companies that promote responsible production are moving rapidly to capitalize on the growing influence of millennial and Gen Z purchasing power. For … [Read more...]
China approves use of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s African swine fever diagnostic workflow
China has approved Thermo Fisher Scientific’s PCR-based workflow to detect, monitor and help limit the spread of African swine fever (ASF). PCR is the preferred ASF testing method there. It allows for earlier detection of the virus compared to other diagnostic methods. The Thermo Fisher ASF workflow passed stringent validation protocol carried out by China’s Ministry of … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the horses’ salt
Like shade and fresh water, salt is essential for horses, especially in hot weather. Salt is lost via their sweat and if it’s not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may develop, leading to low blood pressure or even neurological or cardiovascular problems. This is good to use in social media, newsletters and discussions with horse owners. Source: EQUUS, July 25, 2019. … [Read more...]
Select the perfect horse shampoo
Fair and show season is well underway. Add challenging weather and it is likely that horses may experience skin issues. Eliza R. L. McGraw offers savvy considerations for horse shampoos and bathing. The article is a good resource for use in social media, newsletters and with horse owners seeking the best product for their animals. Source: EQUUS, April 25, 2005. Link. … [Read more...]
The scoop on Insulin Lispro in cats
Insulin Lispro has been tested successfully in dogs as an alternative to regular insulin. Insulin lispro is a new-generation, short-acting insulin that is more rapidly absorbed in humans following subcutaneous injection and contributes to improved diabetic control when compared to regular insulin. Andrew Bugbee, DVM, DACVIM, reviews results of a cat trial where lispro and … [Read more...]
Pay attention to arthritic dogs’ diets
Arden Moore shares information from two veterinarians that will help some dogs with arthritis. Both agree that keeping dogs trim is a top priority. Food heals or harms . . . what and how much you put in a dog’s food bowl does impact the dog’s quality of life.” Source: Dogster, July 8, 2019. Link. Jean Hofve, DVM, identifies these five safe “arthritis-fighting” foods: … [Read more...]
Pig ears recalled
Lennox Intl Inc. voluntarily recalled its Natural Pig ears because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to an FDA posting. The recalled products affected were shipped to nationwide distributors and/or retail stores from May 1 to July 3, 2019. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products . . … [Read more...]
Cancer, yards and pets
Weed killer and other common lawn maintenance chemicals are dangerous for family pets. According to a study from Tufts University, bladder cancer, convulsions and other conditions have been linked to exposure to insecticides and fertilizers. It is important to educate owners about potential dangers in their yards. Source: St George News (via NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly), … [Read more...]
Lyme disease, an unlikely bioweapon
Recent public communications fueled talk of lyme disease being a bioweapon that escaped or was placed into ticks. Ticks can indeed carry infectious agents that could be used as biological weapons but there has been no release of the Lyme disease agent or any other onto American soil, accidental or otherwise, by the military, writes Sam R. Telford III, ScD. Source: The … [Read more...]
Gen Z decoded
Leah Halverson, owner of Ten Acre Marketing, offers one of the more succinct descriptions of a Gen Zer in her latest blog entry. By living the power of her 14-year-old niece who DoorDashed a Wendy’s lemonade “because I wanted one,” Halverson’s astonishment and realization of the gutsiness of Gen Z offers a wakeup call to any of us serving this market segment. Source: 11th … [Read more...]
Teach new technology to older employees
Older workers shouldn’t be dismissed because they lack tech savvy. They need to be educated to become tech savvy which allows them to simultaneously exploit the knowledge of experiences and new skills. Baby boomers may be reluctant to dive into digital tools. But they should be encouraged, because they still have so much to offer.” Nick Candito Source: Entrepreneur, July 12, … [Read more...]
Rust, dust are not good retail looks
Brian Conrad, CVPM, does not advocate veterinary clinics try to copy or be like the box stores. Veterinary hospitals are about education and deliberate, methodical recommendations, while big box stores focus on product choices and other options. Conrad says it is important is to showcase what you have to offer regardless of how much space is dedicated to retail … [Read more...]