Rudeness in the workplace can seem subtler than harassment or bullying. In fact, it may even seem routine. Mounting research, however, demonstrates that rudeness can harm employees’ well-being and work performance. If rudeness feels like a threat, it uses cognitive resources to focus attention on processing unpleasant interactions, according to Amir Erez, a management professor … [Read more...]
Lack of sleep is killing us
A catastrophic sleep-loss epidemic is causing a host of potentially fatal diseases, according to professor Matthew Walker, director of the Centre for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley. In a recent interview, he warns that sleep deprivation is not being taken seriously enough by employers and everyday people alike. According to his research, there is … [Read more...]
Tips for a successful weaning/preconditioning program
Planning now for spring calf weaning and preconditioning makes sense before producers are taxed with the work of calving. Weaned and preconditioned calves can bring more dollars at sale time. As veterinarians meet with producers for VFD consultations, preconditioning is a topic that adds value to the compliance visits. Source: Beef, September 7, 2017. There are numerous … [Read more...]
NAVTA bi-weekly updates
Cannabinoid research, new tests for tick-borne diseases and reminders about Micotil 300 safety are among the content offered in this issue from NAVTA. See what material is important from the vet tech/nurse groups’ perspectives. Source: NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly, September 26, 2017. INSIGHTS: Micotil 300 was introduced in 1992, so there is a need to re-educate today’s … [Read more...]
Harvest season and safety on the roads
Here are 10 things a farmer hopes you will consider and act on when you are following equipment on the road. It’s a good reminder for sales representatives and veterinary teams that travel by automobile. Source: Beef, September 25, 2017. Warnings and reminders about equipment size, speed, visibility and watching for lights and signs on the farm implements are part of the … [Read more...]
Awesome dentistry tools
Our industry has been pushing pet dental care for more than 20 years. Greater understanding of the human-animal bond is helping to grow the potential for dental care. Mary Berg, BS, RVT, RLATG, VTS, a well-known dental educator, talks about three handy products and reinforces the use of a soft bristle brush. Source: Firstline, August 4, 2016. See Berg’s review of: … [Read more...]
Humping is normal feline behavior
Cat humping is a behavior that can freak people out. Jane A Kelly assures cat owners that this behavior is normal for male and female cats. She addresses some of the reasons for humping and offers ideas about how to productively stop the behavior. Source: Catster, September 19, 2017. If a cat suddenly starts humping, he may feel stressed by changes in his home environment, … [Read more...]
Dealing with dry eye
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition that commonly referred to as dry eye. The medical term means inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissues from drying. Ian Herring, DVM, offers an easy flowchart to focus on the most common etiologies. Sales representatives, think Schirmer tear tests. Source: Clinician’s Brief, May 2017. Dr. Herring offers a set of … [Read more...]
Red maple leaves dangerous for horses
Red maple leaves contain toxins that bind to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that normally carry oxygen throughout a horse’s body. This destroys the cells and leads to organ failure within 48 to 72 hours. Green leaves that fall and wilt, when a branch falls during a summer storm, for instance, are most toxic, but those that wilt naturally in autumn are also … [Read more...]
Oral health care vital for rabbits
Dental disease is a common disorder in pet rabbits. Because the teeth are such an essential part of rabbit digestion and overall health, rabbit owners need to provide an appropriate diet and regular veterinary visits. Source: Herald & Review, September 23. 2017. The best way to prevent dental disease and keep the teeth healthy is to feed an appropriate diet. Krista … [Read more...]
Leman conference honors Morrison, urges co-opetition
The 2017 Leman Swine Conference, which ended September 28, was dedicated to the legacy of Bob Morrison, a student of Allen D. Leman who died recently in a tragic accident. His concepts of learning and working together were evident throughout the sessions. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 22, 2017. Kevin Shultz reports that Leman 2017 did not disappoint. It offered … [Read more...]
Soft-sided dog crates: best and worst of 2017
Animal health pros are frequently asked for their opinions on products. Stephanie Colman discusses soft crates and compares different crates sold today. This article would be valuable as a social media post, in a new pet information packet or as website content. Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 2017. Coleman looks for supreme ease of use, both in terms of how quickly I … [Read more...]
Mobile device impacts
Whether at work, in a meeting, at the dinner table or at the movie theater, mobile devices are an ever-present distraction. The world has been rewired. And, nobody wrote a user’s manual. The first article here shares study results from teens and parents in Japan and the U.S. The second addresses reasons we become addicted to phones which may be tapping into our basic … [Read more...]
Delay weaning to reduce behavior problems in cats
The age at weaning affects a cat’s later behavior. Early weaning increases aggression and stereotypic behavior. Based on a study conducted at the University of Helsinki, the recommended weaning age of 12 weeks should be raised by at least two weeks. Source: Phys.Org, September 13, 2017. The detrimental effects of early weaning have been studied in other animal species, but … [Read more...]
Researching what dogs think
Peering into a dog’s brain, researchers like neuroscientist Gregory Berns can see how it reacts to stimuli such as hand signals, sounds and smells. Activity in the reward center can show whether dogs prefer human affection over food, and which ones may not be fit for duty as service dogs. Source: National Geographic, September 2017. Berns launched the Dog Project at Emory … [Read more...]
Ketamine; time for a review
Ketamine is a common, safe, injectable anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. In 1999, it became a Schedule III non-narcotic substance under the Federal Controlled Substance Act. Veterinary teams need to review the licit and illicit aspects of ketamine, how to deter and report theft associated with illicit demand and weak regulations, and the legal requirements surrounding the … [Read more...]
Veterinary well-being initiatives move forward
Keeping industry professionals healthy is the focus of two announcements this month. AAHA just introduced the Healthy Workplace Culture Initiative. A major part of the initiative’s launch is the 20-page “AAHA’s Guide to Veterinary Team Wellbeing,” available at http://bit.ly/2jKCw5i. Additionally, The AVMA announced that Dr. Jen Brandt joined the staff as the association’s … [Read more...]
Cesar and National Dog Week
This week is National Dog Week. Cesar Milan offers some things you can do that dogs will appreciate. It is not too late to post this for customers on social media, websites or even signage. Source: Cesar’s Way, September 24, 2017. Cesar gives five ways to celebrate dogs during this week — and every other week of the year: Let your dog be a dog Stop being so … [Read more...]
Manage anxious horses
The Horse staff talked to veterinarians, researchers and equine professionals about causes of anxious behavior in horses. They sought solutions to improve safety for horses, riders and bystanders. Here are possible causes the professionals shared: The horse's vision is compromised The horse is in pain The horse's tack doesn't fit The diet is out of whack The … [Read more...]
Dealing with snarky comments
Passive-aggressive comments that mask anger lurking beneath the surface constitute snark. It seems like the world is getting snarkier all the time. But that doesn’t mean you must let those jabs drag you down or stress you. Source: Forbes, September 8, 2017. Everyone has the ability to build bigger mental muscles so they can handle tough circumstances and snarky people in a … [Read more...]
The answer to why
All kinds of things make us happy at work: hitting a goal, getting a promotion, landing a new client, completing a project; the list goes on. But happiness is temporary. The feeling doesn’t last. Nobody walks around energized by the memory of a goal hit 12 months ago. That intensity passes with time. Instead of looking for happiness at work, consider what is fulfilling about … [Read more...]
Help cows and heifers during fall calving
Managing the amount of time heifers or cows are in labor before getting help is a challenge ranchers face during calving season. Glenn Selk offers some timing perspectives. Consider using this article in discussions with cow producers this fall. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, August 23, 2017. Research information shows that calves from prolonged deliveries are weaker and … [Read more...]
10 steps for milking excellence
Each year, regardless of milk price, the top 20 percent to 25 percent of dairy producers show some profit per cow. Pamela Ruegg, DVM, identified 10 smart things dairy farmers do to achieve milking excellence: Set performance goals. Rapidly identify problems. Milk clean cows. Standardize milking routines. Train staff. Maintain and update milking systems. … [Read more...]
Help clients understand therapeutic diets
Elisa Jordan writes about discussing therapeutic diets with clients and addressing their benefits, effectiveness, cost and necessity. Emphasizing the medicinal qualities of such diets help pet owners understand exactly what they’re paying for and how they’re actually treating their pets. Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 25, 2017. A problem surrounding these diets, … [Read more...]
Pain and P3 remnants
Sixty percent of declawed cats have residual P3 fragments according to a recent study. Back pain, inappropriate elimination, biting, aggression and barbering occurred more often in cats with retained P3 fragments. Only increased biting and inappropriate elimination habits were seen in cats without them. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, June 2017. This study’s findings may … [Read more...]
Everything dairy; Journal of Dairy Science, October 2017
Animal health pros servicing dairy farmers, dairy veterinarians or marketing products for dairy use need to skim the studies in this month’s issue. Our team found two papers of interest: Dairy calf management—A comparison of practices and producer attitudes among conventional and organic herds Effect of prepartum exercise, pasture turnout, or total confinement on hoof … [Read more...]
Review BRD protocols now
Jim Sears, DVM with Bayer Animal Health, reminds producers to review and train on the bovine respiratory disease protocols before a shipment of cattle arrives. He offers a few simple tips to simplify your protocol decisions and help operations be efficient in treating BRD: Make protocols as simple as possible. Be objective – when selecting products, evaluate why each … [Read more...]
A game plan for the difficult conversation you have been putting off
Carrying an issue without resolution is like carrying debt. You’ll eventually have to pay the principal (by having the difficult conversation), but the longer you wait, the more interest you’ll pay in anxiety and dread. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 12, 2017. Life is full of difficult conversations, particularly if you’re invested in having a great team at work. … [Read more...]
Reboarding existing employees
Robert David makes a strong case for continuous boarding of new and current employees. He discusses the ways technology has changed how we work, but also how employees approach their work and careers. Source: SmartBrief, July 31, 2017. Organizational effectiveness initiatives should be geared toward continuous onboarding of employees, and this is especially the case for … [Read more...]
Rabies is still a public health issue
Despite that rabies continues to be a public health threat, some animal health pros fail to recognize its persistence. Vaccination alone is not the "silver bullet" for continued control of this nearly 100 percent fatal disease. If vaccination is the foundation of rabies control, then animal control is the cornerstone of it. Source: Vetted, April 14, 2017. Since the 1960s … [Read more...]