Randy Blach earned the 2022 Industry Achievement Award for his relentless focus on the data and how it can deliver solutions to producers. He was recognized at the recent Feeding Quality Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. Source: BEEF, August 24, 2022. <Link> … [Read more...]
The nearer the bone, the sweeter the meat
Commentary My first thought reading this was, “don’t forget to invite me to dinner!” The authors explain the lack of research evaluating the impact of bone on beef palatability and whether it depends on quality grade as the impetus for a taste study. Their findings are shared in the article linked here. . . . bone status had minimal impact on palatability traits. … [Read more...]
7 things to think about when it comes to BRD
Bovine respiratory disease remains the costliest disease in the U.S. cattle industry. Despite research and years of work trying to manage for the disease, the industry struggles to address it. Rhonda Brooks, Bovine Practitioner editor, assembled experts to offer seven ways to help manage BRD. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, August 25, 2022. Link. Here are seven factors – from … [Read more...]
Checking a horse for sand (video)
One of the reasons causing a horse to be skinny could be sand in its stomach. Mike Hughes demonstrates how to float horse manure to determine if sand is part of the problem. Source: Mike Hughes Horsemanship. Link. … [Read more...]
Evaluation of initial antimicrobial therapy for cats with bacterial urinary tract disease
A multicenter study conducted to evaluate initial antimicrobial therapy in cats diagnosed with upper or lower bacterial urinary tract infections at veterinary practices in the U.S. and Canada includes prescription data for 5,724 visits. See Table 1 for the most prescribed antimicrobials or antimicrobial combinations over the three-year study period. The results indicate … [Read more...]
Environmentally friendly ways to dispose of dog poop
From the AHD archives, Stephanie Colman shares her investigation into the most environmentally friendly ways to dispose of our dogs' feces. Source: Animal Health Digest, August 15, 2017. Link. Despite desires to contribute less overall product to landfills, the most realistic method for safe pet waste disposal is still putting it in the trash. … [Read more...]
Dog food myth-busting
Nancy Kerns addresses the seven most common dog food myths and misconceptions. Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 2021. Link. . . . read the fine print on the labels. Which nutritional adequacy standard does each candidate meet? How much fat and protein do they contain? What ingredients are they made of?” Also see: Do dogs have taste buds? Pet MD. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA scattering rabies vaccines for wildlife in 13 states
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun scattering millions of packets of oral rabies vaccine from helicopters and planes over 13 states from Maine to Alabama. The major aim is to keep raccoons from spreading their strain of the deadly virus to states where it hasn’t been found or isn’t widespread.” - Jordona Kirby. Source: Associated Press, August 26, 2022. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 29, 2022
Benefits and care in pet condos, pet inflation 2022 over 2021, marketing plus ecommerce in the pet market, monkey pox, business scams and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 29, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Bubble Wrap® was originally designed to be what?
Packaging, refrigerated storage plus shipment and cost containment were topics of presentations at the KCAHC #AHSummit 22. One common packaging product used is Bubble Wrap®, first created in 1957 as a product that started life as 3D wallpaper. Source: The Packaging Company, January 2018. Link. Sealed Air Corporation was formed in 1960, with Bubble Wrap® as the cornerstone of … [Read more...]
The latest VIP Podcasts. Listening, learning from industry leaders and innovators
Complimentary Content Ivan “Zak” Zakharenkov, DVM, and Shawn Wilkie have produced 34 podcasts this year. Their discussions with industry leaders and innovators cover some of the challenges they’re facing and how to address them. The podcasts are easily accessed on the VIP website. Source: Veterinary Innovation Podcast. Link. … [Read more...]
When is it time to apologize at work?
In professional settings, apologies can get complicated. You don’t want to apologize too often for minor mistakes, but you don’t want to be the one who refuses to apologize for anything. Context of the mistake is important when considering an apology. This post offers guidance on when to apologize and alternative statements for, “I’m sorry.” Source: Grammarly blog, August … [Read more...]
The road to fulfilment can be curvy (podcast)
The road to leadership often is murky instead of straight. Often open and light instead of intense and full of hustle. However, it is always focused on meaningful relationships instead of the next rung on the ladder. Source: Linked In, August 12, 2022. Link. You’ve got to figure out your recipe for fulfillment. It’s not the same as anyone else’s. So, it’s your job to … [Read more...]
Dechra Pharmaceuticals acquires Med-Pharmex
Dechra Pharmaceuticals (LSE: DPH) has acquired Med-Pharmex Inc. Med-Pharmex is a leading veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Pomona, California. The total consideration paid was US$260.0 million on a debt-free and cash-free basis and was subject to normal closing adjustments. Source: NewsnReleases, August 30, 2022. Link. I am delighted that we have completed the … [Read more...]
Each time you place an order for a product, the labor cost is $17.25
Complimentary Commercial Content In a recent post, Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, CVBL, takes a non-traditional approach to calculating cost per SKU when replenishing inventory in an animal hospital. Using a loaded cost of $23 per hour for inventory personnel, she estimates 45 minutes to order, unpack, receive, record, pay the invoice and keep track of an item each time it is … [Read more...]
2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines focus on what’s essential for each individual dog
Complete with a mascot, infographic and guidelines-at-a-glance poster, the newly published 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines will help veterinarians and their teams create personalized and comprehensive vaccination plans for individual patients. The guidelines contain updates on recommended vaccination protocols based on age, lifestyle, and the increasing prevalence of … [Read more...]
KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations
Kudos to the KCAHC team; Corridor committee; Spencer Breithaupt, Chairman; panel participants; speakers and presenting companies. Congratulations to: Scott Campbell, DVM, who was awarded KCAHC Iron Paw <Link> Vidium Animal Health for being selected as the 2022 Innovation Award recipient for @vidiumah which provides veterinarians and pet owners more tools to manage … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 25, 2022
Last week’s most read post Confronting your biases (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 18, 2022. Link. =================================== Help bring the dairy farm into the classroom Source: Discover Dairy. Link. The Adopt-a-Cow opportunity for this year closes on September 15th so there’s still time to let … [Read more...]
Planning for winter grazing
Cattle producers across the country are experiencing the end of forage as fall approaches. Whether limited forage is caused by drought or poor rotation, Denise Schwab offer ideas to help extend the grazing season as fall approaches. High feed costs coupled with high fuel costs makes extended grazing options important to consider.” Source: FEED-LOT, August 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Asian longhorned ticks and Theileria: What you need to know
The Asian longhorned tick is the only known vector for Ikeda in the U.S and is known to be present in 11 states. Theileria orientalis (Ikeda genotype), Ikeda for short, can be fatal to cattle. A solid tick control program is one of the better things a producer can implement to minimize the risk of the Asian longhorned tick and Ikeda and prevent their introduction into the herd … [Read more...]
Foot rot can be a problem in dry or wet conditions
Foot rot in cattle can be a problem whether conditions are wet or dry. The bacterium responsible for it is always present in healthy skin. But it needs an injury or wet skin to cause problems. With ongoing drought in some regions and waterlogging in others, reminding beef and dairy cattle owners to be on the lookout for foot rot is good counsel. Source: University of Florida … [Read more...]
Outdoor cats’ hunting instincts may increase risk of Tularemia
Russ Daly, DVM, MS, DACVPM, shares how the hunting and maternal instincts of outdoor cats could increase the risk of Francisella tularensis, the bacteria that causes Tularemia. Rabbits and rodents can be infected with the bacteria, as can ticks. He shares the symptoms and advocates for tick prevention, careful handling of cats appearing ill and increasing risk awareness of … [Read more...]
Those may be tears of joy from your dog
New research from Japanese scientists suggests that a dog’s eyes may well up with tears of happiness when reunited with its owner after a period of absence. Tears in dogs have not been linked with emotion before. We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions . . . oxytocin was discovered as a possible mechanism underlying it . . . “ - Takefumi … [Read more...]
The latest in diagnosis and management of Malassezia dermatitis
Skin conditions are always in the top 10 reasons dogs and cats see a veterinarian. The yeast genus Malassezia is always secondary to another skin disease, writes Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP. He shares his expertise in identifying and treating Malassezia when present with other skin diseases. Source: DVM 360, August 19, 2022. Link. Disorders that affect the barrier … [Read more...]
Some sugar substitutes affect blood glucose and gut bacteria
In a new study, human participants who consumed sugar substitutes showed an altered microbiome and spikes in blood glucose. However, the effects of the sweeteners on blood glucose are likely highly personalized, Eran Elinav says. But the results suggest these compounds don’t just pass through the body, as some originally thought. Source: Scientific American as seen in AAHA … [Read more...]
Screen apnea? Learning how we breathe. (video,podcast)
The term screen apnea was coined in 2007 by a former Apple executive who realized she was holding her breath when it came time to check her inbox. She learned she wasn't alone. Musicians, power lifters, sharpshooters, moderators and yes, animal health pros, often take a deep breath and hold it anticipating the next action. We breathe 25,000 times a day. How we breathe has … [Read more...]
Stop the high turnover in the front office (video)
Author, speaker and advocate Amy Newfield, VTS (ECC), wants to stop the ongoing turnover of the front office heroes in veterinary practices. These positions have the highest turnover rates in hospitals. Most veterinary receptionists are treated poorly. They aren't paid well. There is limited to no career path for them. They take on the stress of clients, veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Client sticker shock (video series)
Complimentary Sponsored Content We’ve heard about sticker shock in the context of judging a client’s pocketbook for years. Recently, several sources have analyzed and shared cost of care information associated with pet ownership. The intent of these studies is to help veterinary teams understand the costs of caring for pets and to help them proactively discuss costs with pet … [Read more...]
Client trust, human-animal bond and meeting client concerns
The last article in a three-part series from Wendy Hauser, DVM, pulls together the challenges veterinary teams face when dealing with clients’ expectations and paradigms. Twenty four percent of dog owners and 35 percent of cat owners don’t seek regular health care for their pets according to the AVMA. The primary reasons were the expense and the lack of the perceived value … [Read more...]
Chats with Chatfields – Them’s the RULES! Behavior at the vet’s office.
Complimentary Sponsored Content Inspired by a TED Talk from Melanie Bowden, DVM, Drs. Jenifer and Jason discuss frustrated clients, depressed veterinarians and everything in between. They share three basic guidelines, aka rules, to help everyone on the animal care team to work together to take care of the pets we all love! Source: Chats with the Chatfields, Episode 30, … [Read more...]