Discussion at the The Bridge Club last week focused on AVMA 2018. Plus, Lori Teller, AVMA District 8 board member, shared the latest on VCPR and its role in telemedicine. She reviewed the role the VCPR plays in telemedicine and how all practices can now use it. She added: There is no reason not to engage in telemedicine There are many ways to use it: after hours, during … [Read more...]
Feline hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism is underdiagnosed and underreported
David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM, said that hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism are so common that if you look for them, you will probably diagnose either disorder in the next month. Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is seen in middle-aged cats, and there’s no sex predilection. In dogs, Addison’s is an autoimmune disease, but it is unknown if it is the same in … [Read more...]
Differentiating Cushing’s and EMS
There is no ideal, one-size-fits-all testing method to differentiate between these two diseases, says Kelsey Hart, DVM. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s disease) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) are by far the most common endocrine disorders in horses. In fact, a recent study results suggest that up to 30 percent of horses of some breeds … [Read more...]
SWAG is good, but more is needed
Jessica Peters, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, shares her perspective on what is needed to help support dairy producers beyond hats, pens and trinkets. Her perspective is worthwhile, especially if you call on dairies or market dairy products. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 23, 2018. Link. Why not collaborate with farmers to help them produce and distribute fun, informative … [Read more...]
BRD is a battle we may never win
Burt Rutherford makes a case that BRD or BRDC will likely never be eliminated. His opinion was formed after reading a research study that indicates over 21 percent of cattle are effected by BRD. While BRD costs the industry $800 - $900 million annually, the challenge is making changes in how calves are managed prior to weaning, he says. Source: BEEF, May 22, 2018. … [Read more...]
7 tips for veterinarians to handle delusional parasitosis
Lori Hehn, DVM, discusses a human disease or syndrome, where an owner believes that they or their pets are infested with a parasite or organism that isn't there. Delusional parasitosis is a mistaken belief that one is being infested by parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, spiders, worms, bacteria or other organisms. Source: VetPrep. Link. Dr. Hehn knows veterinary team … [Read more...]
Animal healthcare: The future belongs to the four-legged (includes video)
Jed Brody, Barclays’ vice chairman of global banking, reviews the animal healthcare sector evolution and why the pace of innovation shows no sign of slowing. This article and video present the perspective from the banking industry. Source: Barclays, April 11, 2018. Link. People are willing to spend endless amounts of money on their animals because they see them as true … [Read more...]
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend
Memorial Day takes place this Monday. This federal holiday was established to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Some version of the day has taken place throughout history. One of the first took place in 1865 in South Carolina. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. We urge you to take time this weekend to honor those who have offered the ultimate … [Read more...]
The world needs you to love reading
Niklas Göke is young, a German grad student and prolific contributor to Medium. In this post, he addresses the importance of reading and the need to fight to read even when you enjoy it. Explaining his perspective on reading and its link to culture he writes, Despite both the subjective and objective evidence, the demise of reading is not a very public issue. In the age of new … [Read more...]
Upcoming events at The Bridge Club
Brenda and Catherine have a robust schedule in the coming weeks. Here's a look at the currently schedule events: May 30, 2 pm CST An Ounce of Prevention: Education to Better Help Pets and Your Practice, with Host Dr. Jason Nicholas Register here June 6, 6 pm CST Who Owns The Pet Records, with Host Dr. Kerri Marshall Register here June 7, 2:30 pm CST The Economics of … [Read more...]
Dealing with allergy season
Animal health professionals suffer from allergies like others do. Still, we are required to do our best even when our eyes matter shut, or sinuses plug up. Nicole Spector’s allergy season tips will provide some relief for spring allergies sufferers. More laundry detergent, more shampoo and a good doormat are the [building blocks] of creating an allergy-free indoor … [Read more...]
Andy Roark DVM, discusses happiness in veterinary medicine (includes video)
Dr. Andy Roark talks realistically about moments of joy and the elements of happiness from his perspectives as a veterinarian. Known for his comical approaches, Roark is thoughtful and pragmatic in this video. Source: DrAndyRoark, October 4, 2017. Link. If we look and think that we should be snuggling puppies and kittens all day, we’re always going to feel like our lives … [Read more...]
Big heifers, like big steers, may limit beef demand
Bigger, heavier heifers may not be better for beef marketing. Over the past 50 years, the gap between steer weights and heifer weights has closed significantly. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension economist, reviews heifer development and the potential impact on beef demand. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2018. Link. Clearly, the industry continues to feed heifers … [Read more...]
7 hypoallergenic cats breeds help reduce allergies
Low-allergen, or hypoallergenic cats, are those that typically produce fewer allergens than regular cats. The operative word here is fewer. A protein, Fel D1, is the allergen in the cat’s saliva that causes problems for cat allergy sufferers. Some cat breeds produce less of it than others, making them hypoallergenic. Seven breeds are featured in this article Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
Use and care for microscopes properly to ensure accurate results
All veterinary team members responsible for preparing and viewing microscopy samples should be familiar with the different components of the microscope and the viewing requirements for each biologic substance. A well-maintained microscope ensures that samples are free from contamination and results are accurate. Daily cleaning and maintenance also protect the practice’s … [Read more...]
Virtual pig farm tour educates grade-schoolers (includes video)
The Nebraska Farm Bureau virtual field trip program recently helped second grade students in Nebraska experience some swine production steps. Students used the internet to interact with the swine producer and learn more about where their food comes from. Source: Nebraska Farm Bureau, May 11, 2018. Link. Getting an up-close look at a pig is not something everyone gets the … [Read more...]
Tom Gillespie, DVM, named among 2018 Pork Masters
Passionate aptly describes Dr. Tom Gillespie. Whether it is the pigs, production challenges, pork producers or global industry colleagues he can be counted on to help make pork production more efficient, safe and valuable. He is always ready for the next challenge. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 22, 2018. Link. For Gillespie, communication is one of the major challenges … [Read more...]
Align your job with your motives
Do you ever need to psych yourself up to go to work? If so, your job might not align with your personal motives. This is important because motives are the place from which you draw energy. Consider these five common motives to could identify what drives you. Source: Fast Company, April 30, 2018. Link. A mismatch in job and motives will wear you down and eventually cause you … [Read more...]
Training is better remembered when administered in small doses
Managing the forgetting curve is critical in training programs and life in general. Studies suggest that as much as 90 percent of information is forgotten within 30 days, and 70 percent of that loss happens within one day. Derek Smith reviews how corporate trainers are approaching this age-old problem. Source: Training Industry, May/June 2018. Link. To combat the forgetting … [Read more...]
Go ahead, skip that networking event
David Burkus asserts that networking events often fail to live up to their billing. He instead recommends getting involved in activities with a purpose or higher stakes. Source: Harvard Business Review, May 14, 2018. Link. The problem with networking events is that there’s no bigger purpose other than just having conversations with people, and without that bigger purpose — … [Read more...]
Pest busters for 2018
Here’s a great list of products available for animal pest control. From premise sprays to pour-ons managing insects is critical to production successes. Source: BEEF, May 2018], page 22. Link. Available products for parasites and pest management. INSIGHTS: Consider printing these pages to use as a handy reference when discussing products in these categories with … [Read more...]
JAVMA, May 15th Issue
Questions about prolonging an animal’s life, economics of a veterinary degree awareness about a veterinary career, summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study and features of horses treated for recurrent colic are some great items in this issue. Source: JAVMA, May 15, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Equine animal health pros will want to review the recurrent colic … [Read more...]
Vet tech nerd book works as a second brain
Julie Carlson, CVT, was tasked by her lab teacher to make a nerd book while in vet tech school. It is essentially a portable cheat sheet for day-to-day veterinary technician life in a note-card sized binder that fits in scrub pockets. Firstline has partnered with Carlson to start a series which will offer free, downloadable PDFs to use to put your own nerd book … [Read more...]
Veterinarian’s cat-handling tutorial goes viral (includes video)
Dr. Uri Burstyn, medical director of Arbutus West Animal Clinic and Vancouver East Veterinary Clinic, posts online instructional videos about caring for cats. His most recent video, “How to pick up a cat like a pro – Vet advice on cat handling,” has become a surprise hit, with nearly three million views on YouTube Source: Global News Online, May 14, 2018. Link. Burstyn … [Read more...]
Gen Z puts brands on notice
This spring’s high school graduates are the first Gen Z persons to enter the work force or colleges. Gen Z is bypassing the traditional political system and focusing on consumerism as a channel for change, according to a recent study. This generation is expecting brands to use their platform for good, especially as they feel the political system and politicians has let them … [Read more...]
Dogs and their owners may live forever
George Church, a biologist at Harvard Medical School, thinks he might be able to help dogs live longer lives and bring age-defeating treatments for humans to market at the same time. In fact, he has cofounded the company Rejuvenate Bio, to do it. It claims preliminary tests on beagles make animals “younger” by adding new DNA instructions to their bodies. Source: MIT … [Read more...]
Better be early
I have a magic pill to sell you. It will help you make more money, be happier, look thinner, and have better relationships. It’s a revolutionary new pharmaceutical product called Late-No-More. Just one dose every day will allow you to show up on time, greatly enhancing your life and the lives of those around you. Source: Forbes, August 2, 2015. Link. There’s a reason we set … [Read more...]
Erin Brenneman sharing farm life with a new generation
Our industry is blessed to have passionate advocates like Erin Brenneman, the city girl turned pig farmer and social media maven. Her story is lived out across the country on farms and livestock production locations, but few dedicate themselves to educating a new generation. This is a must-read for animal health pros. Brenneman’s passion helps people from all backgrounds … [Read more...]
Pet owners are alarmingly unaware about flea and tick dangers
Despite herculean efforts over more than two decades, a new study reveals 72 percent of pet owners don't research flea and tick prevention. Only half say they treat their pets year-round. Source: Pet Product News, May 9, 2018. Link. A new consumer study, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Merck Animal Health, reveals that there are knowledge gaps among U.S. pet owners … [Read more...]
How to manage insecure employees
Insecure employees are “hard to evaluate, hard to coach, and hard to develop,” says Ethan Burris, an associate professor at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, Austin. “The challenge is that insecure people are so concerned with how they look and how they are perceived that they either fail to solicit critical feedback or completely ignore it when it’s … [Read more...]