Heather Thomas went coast to coast to gather information from professors and producers about calf dehydration. Dehydration, loss of electrolytes and decrease in blood pH (metabolic acidosis) are the three biggest problems with scouring calves, says Geof Smith, DVM. “Rehydrating those calves is critical,” he says. George Barrington, DVM, says that means supportive treatment … [Read more...]
7 signs calves are headed down a bad health path
Ann Hoskins might have used the term mindful in explaining the “look, listen, smell and feel” strategy to help identify those calves with subtle signs of sickness. The key is to closely observe calves in the moment without making assumptions or overlooking small signs. Source: Progressive Dairyman, March 1, 2018. It’s easy to miss these simple signs when you rush through … [Read more...]
How to tell a coworker their personal habits are disgusting
It’s inevitable. Bad habits creep into workplaces. Liz Ryan addresses a question from a reader whose coworker uses her desk as an extension of the bathroom. Maybe it is time for all of us to double-check our habits. Source: Forbes, March 9, 2018. Speak up, regardless of how socially awkward the situation., Ryan says. She shares 10 things never, ever to do at your … [Read more...]
New style bee hive is attractive to old and new beekeepers
Solving the challenges of harvesting honey without donning an uncomfortable bee suit, smoking out the bees and going through steps that could kill bees in the process, the popular Flow Hive is bringing bees and beekeepers to backyards. Considering bees fall under the VFD rules, understanding this technology is important for animal health pros. Source: Fast Company, March 9, … [Read more...]
Pay attention to antibiotic use in bees
Beekeepers and their veterinarians must pay close attention to how they use antibiotics in bees, says the FDA. The agency released recommendations for using antimicrobial drugs in question-and-answer form last year. The document is written to help DVMs and beekeepers in using approved VFD prescription products. Source: Infectious Disease Special Edition, January 12, … [Read more...]
Amazon embraces chaos for its efficiency
Amazon is an eight-ton gorilla that animal health pros watch, fear; yet use for personal purchases. Sara Kessler writes about the company’s elaborate systems that have completely redefined warehouse efficiency and customer convenience. Much of the efficiency is supported by technology, robotics and ultimately moving product to people, rather than moving people to the products … [Read more...]
Veterinary Medicine Essentials: diabetes mellitus
By assembling articles on cat and dog diabetes, the dvm360 team provides a package that covers diagnostic steps and treatment plan guidance. Along with the latest updates, they offer resources to share with your veterinary team and clients. Source: Veterinary Medicine, February 15, 2018. The package includes tips on which insulin to use, how to best monitor glucose … [Read more...]
Nasal discharge in dogs could be more than one thing. (diagnostic guide)
Douglas Palma, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), has a special interest in respiratory medicine. He trains interns and residents in internal medicine and is residency director for ACVIM. His educational experiences show in this diagnostic chart to help animal health pros move quickly toward a diagnosis when a dog is presented with nasal discharge. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February … [Read more...]
Chickens are now elite status symbols
We share this article so that we all better understand backyard chicken market challenges, especially those in Silicon Valley. Peter Holley references birds in diapers, deluxe coops outfitted with solar panels, automated doors and electrical lighting, as well as video cameras that allow owners to check on their beloved birds remotely. Source: The Washington Post, March 2, … [Read more...]
Touch birds. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
2017 was a record year for salmonella infections in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We’ve mentioned it several times in the Bulletin, but it the message to wash one’s hands after handling backyard birds needs repeating more than ever, according to Craig Coufal, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension poultry specialist. Source: High Plains … [Read more...]
9 phrases to avoid that will help you look more professional
It’s not always easy to write exactly what you want to say. We, yes even those of us at AHD, often fall back on words and phrases that come easily. Unfortunately, these often make us look weak and unprofessional. Danny Rubin offers nine words and phrases to avoid in our writing. Source: Ladders, March 2, 2018. As you compose emails, documents (and in conversation too), … [Read more...]
Equine law for 2018 and beyond
Julie Fershtman, one of the nation’s most experienced equine law practitioners, offers suggestions for horse industry persons. She warns against handshakes and to update working knowledge of equine activity liability acts. Source: Arabian Horse Couture Magazine, February 2018, page 64. Make 2018 a year of attention to legal matters to stay safe and protect yourself, says … [Read more...]
Opinion – The era of the buyer is underway
Consider this article in the context of telehealth and telemedicine for both B2B and B2C entities in animal health. But, think about B2C telemedicine in the digital context of voice-activated systems on counters in homes instead of a phone on your desk. Once again, I ask veterinary team members to accept sales as the creation of a transaction. Jay Malowney asserts, … [Read more...]
Bridge Club sells out with veterinary nurse initiative topic
The Bridge Club’s March 12th topic, Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Nurse: Answers to why the credentials and title are evolving, drew a sell-out crowd to listen to Ken Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM) and Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SHPH, co-chairs of The Veterinary Nurse Initiative. They presented rationales for changing the professional titles and an overview of the … [Read more...]
Loyalty is a two-way street
Employers seek loyalty and dedication from their employees. However, they sometimes fail to return their half of the equation. This can leave millennial workers feeling left behind and unsupported. Professional relationships are built on trust and commitment. Working for a boss who supports you is vital to professional and company success. Source: Forbes, December 8, … [Read more...]
22 ways to critique your customer interactions
Since most animal health pros are in the business of creating or enabling transactions, then the sales meeting description used in this headline can be more universally understood as interactions. Sean McPheat relates being asked the question, “. . . what do you do after a sales meeting that ensures the next one will be even better?” Source: MTD Sales Training, February 12, … [Read more...]
Spring is gas colic season
Some types of gastrointestinal disturbances are more likely during certain seasons. In spring, gas is the usual culprit of gastrointestinal disturbances. Gas colic develops when a horse ingests forage that is high in sugar, usually lush spring grass. Excessive fermentation then occurs in the gut, which creates a buildup of gas. Source: Equus, April 2015. Although gas colic … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content: Pheromones; the nose knows.
Our recent post about the Flehman response in cats led me to further investigate the pheromone topic. Googling produced several references on semiochemicals and their use in insect control. Most important was information provided by AHD sponsor, Ceva Animal Health, which helps clarify some of the confusion about pheromones and pheromone products: Pheromones are naturally … [Read more...]
Bridge Club gains momentum
No playing cards are needed to be part of this club. Participants join from their desks, living rooms and kitchen tables using their computers and cell phones. The venue replicates the roundtable discussions familiar to animal health pros at conventions and meetings. The Bridge Club has attracted interest and support from community partners. Dr. Dani McVety recently shared … [Read more...]
Off the Leash animated episodes (includes videos)
Rupert Fawcett's "Off the Leash," is a cartoon strip that features sweet and funny moments that represent our wonderful canine friends. It has now been adapted into animated episodes. These short videos are fun to watch, ironic and make good content for social media posts or websites. Source: Modern Dog, March 1, 2018. Featuring the secret thoughts and conversations of … [Read more...]
7 powerful things you should always be able to say about yourself
There are elements within ourselves that can either sabotage our success or lead us to greatness, shares Lolly Daskal. Whatever your role or aspirations in leadership, you should always be able to look at yourself in the mirror and voice these statements as truth, she writes. I am confident. I trust my intuition. I am honest. I am courageous. I am … [Read more...]
Dairy calves are naturally optimistic or pessimistic
Some calves are inherently optimistic or pessimistic, as are humans, a University of British Columbia study has found. The study also assessed fearfulness through standard personality tests and found that it and pessimism are closely related. Source: Science Daily, February 18, 2018. Sometimes we are tempted to see only the herd, even though this herd consists of different … [Read more...]
Study proves that dogs are good judges of character
A study recently published in the journal, “Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews,” found that dogs can tell when someone is being rude or mean to another person. Like humans, dogs then use this information to decide how to treat people. Source: Simplemost. Dogs in the study reacted negatively to humans who refused to help their owners. “We discovered for the first time … [Read more...]
Be a good coworker. Do more than say hello
As the workplace becomes increasingly social, coworker relationships are important to build a productive workplace. Michael Volkmann offers five ways to be a become a better coworker: Really get to know the new guy/gal Follow through Show gratitude Invest in spending time together Respect boundaries Source: Life Hacker, February 27, 2018. At the end of the … [Read more...]
Stem cell therapy has potential, but with cautions
Meredith Rogers, MS, CMPP, reviews the advances in stem cell therapies in veterinary medicine. She notes that clinical trials are few and most evidence of efficacy comes from anecdotal reports. Rogers says the biggest obstacles preventing more frequent use of stem cell therapy are access and cost. Beyond this, no guidelines currently exist with respect to stem cell therapy, … [Read more...]
Telehealth, is reality
Telehealth, or telemedicine, is not a specific service. It is a collection of resources to enhance care and education delivery. The term, telemedicine is often used to refer to traditional clinical diagnosis and monitoring that is delivered by technology. However, the term, telehealth is now more commonly used. It better describes the wide range of diagnosis and management, … [Read more...]
Feral cattle creating issues in California national monument
Sand to Snow National Monument lies approximately 50 miles north, northwest of Palm Springs, California, and about 50 miles east of San Bernardino, California. Rising from desert lowlands, its mountainous high desert and cascading streams create panoramic views, tranquility and solitude. But, recent visitors have been surprised by members of a herd of 150 feral cattle that are … [Read more...]
Size doesn’t matter; pigs are still pigs
Sara Brown addresses the teacup, or miniature pig fad. Some people bought the pets, not realizing that miniature pigs can grow to be 40 lbs. to 300 lbs. And they still have natural pig instincts. Rooting and raiding cabinets were just two examples of pig behavior for which people weren’t prepared. Source: Pork, February 27, 2018. The Humane Society of Missouri is asking … [Read more...]
One-health approach addresses obesity in pets, people
Obesity is a tough subject for human and veterinary doctors. This article highlights the findings of "Preventing Obesity in People and their Pets: A One Health Approach," from November 2016. The conference paired speakers from human and veterinary medicine to discuss obesity in humans and companion animals. These statements stuck in our review of the content: Physical … [Read more...]
Microfiber towels are favorites for chemical-free cleaning
Look beyond the commercial messaging in this article and you will likely improve your understanding of microfiber towels. We were surprised to find so many variables in microfiber types. Source: Today, March 1, 2018. From windows to bathtubs to floors, cleaning experts continue to recommend this specific cleaning tool. With millions of fibers, microfiber lifts and holds … [Read more...]