We’ve linked you to the table of contents for this issue of JAVMA. The following summary is from the JAVMA news segment: Veterinarians, caught in a chronic opioid shortage, are turning to other anesthetics that may be less effective. In other news, the social climate at veterinary colleges is improving overall, but among students, sexism, racism, and homophobia may be … [Read more...]
Smithsonian exhibit shows viral vulnerability
The “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World” exhibit <link> in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History explains the perfect storm that we’ve brought upon ourselves: The more of the planet humans take over, the more we inadvertently make it a viral paradise, and a dangerous place for us to live. The exhibit shows that our vulnerability to viral infection depends on … [Read more...]
Don’t break the chain, the science behind lasting change
Do you remember your New Year’s resolution? Did you keep it? Aytekin Tank writes about how to keep your changes moving forward. He quotes what Jerry Seinfeld once said about his writing work. “Don’t break the chain.” “He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day. After a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain … [Read more...]
Opinion: Generation Z; Chasing butterflies
If you spent any time trying to understand millennials, then this article series will bring perspective about the next generation, Gen Z. The series focuses on brand practitioners, but since each of us manages our own brand, some of the information applies to every animal health pro. The authors compare Gen Z metaphorically to a butterfly. Some are in a state of metamorphosis … [Read more...]
Create a motivating environment
At some point, every leader has dealt with a person or worse, a group of people, who has lost motivation. It is frustrating. As much as we’ve been there ourselves, sometimes it’s hard to empathize with others who are disengaged from work and are unproductive as a result. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 22, 2018. Link. Despite these difficulties, it is possible for … [Read more...]
Developing leaders properly critical to success
Leadership matters! Most people at least implicitly understand this basic concept. People who have studied, and practiced leadership understand it at a deeper level. Developing and selecting individuals for positions of authority is one of the most important responsibilities of today’s leaders. Source: General Leadership, August 6, 2014. Link. The ability to be steady and … [Read more...]
30-year milestone for World Pork Expo in the books
“It’s hard to believe Expo has been around for 30 years,” says Jim Heimerl, NPPC president and producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “Just as the U.S. pork industry has evolved over the years, so too has Expo.” In search of new ideas and solutions for today and tomorrow, more than 20,000 producers, employees and industry professionals attended the 2018 World Pork Expo. Among the … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club to launch ICON Series
Expanding on its video-based community platform and live event strategy, The Bridge Club will launch the first event of a new ICON series during the AVMA Convention in Denver. The ICON event, featuring honoree Kristen Peck of Zoetis, will take place July 16, 2018. Advance ticket purchase and registration are required. Tickets are available now. <Ticket Link> Source: … [Read more...]
A guide to pets’ body language
Dogs and cats display common non-verbal gestures and postures. This article provides a downloadable, pictorial guide to help animal owners understand what a pet is trying to convey. Source: American Lifestyle, April 1, 2016. Link. Canines are usually very expressive, but their messages can get lost in translation. Felines can be a bit more mysterious with their body … [Read more...]
Latest NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly
Veterinary nurses easily outnumber veterinarians. See what is important to the NAVTA members in this edition. Source: NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly, June 19, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
AAHA recognizes 2018 veterinary students for excellence in primary care
AAHA has announced the 2018 recipients of the AAHA Awards for Proficiency in Primary Care. Our team at Animal Health Digest congratulates these students who have shown outstanding clinical proficiency in primary care. Source: AAHA. June 19, 2018. Link. “Primary care is the foundation of excellent veterinary medicine. The AAHA Awards for Proficiency in Primary Care … [Read more...]
Lead with medicine, not money
Naomi Strollo, RVT, addresses money in the veterinary hospital. She says it is important to lead with medicine and then empower your client service representative to manage some cost conversations. She offers some tips for these conversations, including emergencies: Explain what you want to do. Don’t assume price is the problem. Focus on consent, not cost. Offer … [Read more...]
Enjoy your failure
For many of us, graduation is barely visible in our rearview mirror. Those inspiring words spoken at graduation ceremonies are an even more distant memories. However, the occasional reflection back will clarify our vision moving forward. So, here is graduation reflection to consider as you tackle your next challenge. Source: GeorgiaPol.com, June 4, 2018. Link. In the end, … [Read more...]
Few domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly. More are needed.
An abusive relationship is tough, no matter the circumstances. Imagine having to choose between fleeing one with your pet or leaving it behind to an unknown fate. More domestic violence shelters are slowly opening their doors to victims and pets, yet only 3 percent do so currently. Construction is underway in New York City for the country’s first shelter custom-built for … [Read more...]
Team member discounts and the IRS
Practices can determine the discount provided to their team member. Even though discounts are a popular benefit, practice management must follow Internal Revenue Service regulations or owners, managers and team members may face hefty fines. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, May 2018. Link. Veterinary team members have always considered discounts a substantial benefit, but they … [Read more...]
HR and the #MeToo movement
We believed this topic required a longer post than normal. Workplace sexual harassment is not new and efforts to stamp it out have not made much of an impact. One analysis indicates “much of the training done over the last 30 years has not worked as a prevention tool—it’s been too focused on simply avoiding legal liability.” Human Resource Executive® reached out to five of … [Read more...]
Women can overcome being interrupted and talked over
Women are interrupted twice as often as men in meetings, writes Eleanor Beaton. She provides seven tips for women to get their voice heard: Interrupt back. Sit in the power seat Speak in shorter sentences Get feedback on your meeting style Cultivate allies Take credit Make direct eye contact and lean in Source: Inc., June 6, 2018. Link. No one likes … [Read more...]
Food label claims consumers are more likely to buy
Food labels impact the animal health industry overall. This survey shows how labels affect purchase intentions. More than half of shoppers surveyed say antibiotic claims have an impact on their purchase intent. With almost 30% saying such claims have a strong or high impact. Source: State of the plate, May 22, 2018. Link. Issues surrounding food animals and the protein they … [Read more...]
Vaccine protocols, protocol shifts and immune status
Robert Lynch, DVM, writes The area of most confusion related to herd health management on dairies continues to be the vaccine program. It is rare to find just one vaccine protocol for any farm. The protocol at the vet clinic is different from the copy in the main farm office, which is different from the copy back in the manager’s office. Lynch blames a lack of understanding … [Read more...]
Corralling pasture brush: A systems approach
Regardless of what kind of brush or overgrowth producers must manage, it has to be done properly to achieve desired results. Brush and trees are beneficial as shade for livestock and cover for wildlife, but dense infestations from fence to fence erode ranch profits due to limited forage production. Brush control is an expense against income in a changing economy, so its … [Read more...]
Quarter horse history emphasizes one type of horse
Quarter horse enthusiasts will enjoy the history, debates and stories in this two-part article. The discussion unfolds in 1950. Source: AQHA Journal, June 8, 2018. Link. There has never been but one type of Quarter Horse since the breed’s inception so many years ago. That description is lost through the various interpretations. But there was a time, not so many years ago, … [Read more...]
Prepare as avian disease makes headway in U.S.
As backyard chicken production grows, the recent diagnosis of Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in California’s Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is prompting warnings in Colorado. “Because the virus can live for a long time in the environment and can be spread by objects such as shoes, clothing and equipment, other flocks in close proximity can quickly become … [Read more...]
JAVMA’s latest issue
The June issue of JAVMA has something of interest for almost any animal health pro. We’ve shared three abstracts here: Clinic devises novel approach to employee’s child care conundrum, Link. Rabies exposures and pre-exposure vaccination practices among individuals with an increased risk of rabies exposure in the United States, Link. Quantification of vitamin D3 in … [Read more...]
The Phoenix Zoo: Diverse care for a diverse population (video)
For many veterinarians, zoo animals were part of their original dreams of becoming an animal doctor. It is at zoos that we encounter rare species, learn of captive populations held to preserve genetics and see species that pique our curiosities. The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including 30 species that are endangered or threatened. This diverse population … [Read more...]
These dogs sniff cybercrime
The Connecticut State Police is training dogs to sniff out the hard-to-detect chemical in electronics. They’re helping law enforcement personnel find child pornography on hard drives, find hidden phones, even track calls on SIM cards. This is worth a read simply to be reminded how sharp dogs can be trained to be. Source: CNET, June 11, 2018. Link. Where we might smell … [Read more...]
Underestimated canine flu cases increase exposure risk
The highly contagious canine influenza virus H3N2 currently causing outbreaks across the U.S. is of an avian origin compared to the first strain of canine influenza, H3N8, was an equine influenza. More than 2,600 dogs have come down with the flu this year, which Edward Dubovi, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, says is a gross underestimate. “I guarantee the … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLINK Joins Amazon Web Services for cloud solutions
GlobalVetLink (GVL), Ames, Iowa, has migrated its online animal health documentation platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS) joining companies such as Airbnb, Netflix and GE. The transition from a traditional data center to AWS allows GVL to better support current users, improve certificate creation, enhance technology and features and gain help with customer data security and … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes Jim Whitt
The AHD Bulletin welcomes Jim Whitt as a contributor to our team. Jim is a professional people provoker and one who believes and lives the transformational power of purpose. Source: Animal Health Digest. Jim helps people reach their full potential scientifically, psychologically and spiritually. We have no doubt you’ll enjoy and benefit from his contributions. Reach him … [Read more...]
Benefits, flexibility help retain employees
A recent Harris Poll of 800 employed adults affirms that lifestyle fit is key to attracting and retaining employees. About half of those surveyed would leave their job for a position with benefits that fit their needs, including more paid time off, enhanced healthcare coverage and a more generous 401(k) plan. Forty-two percent of participants said they would quit if another … [Read more...]
5 mindsets that contribute to poor results
John R. Stoker discusses five specific mindsets may cause you and others to behave in unproductive ways that diminish results and stifle your ability to work well with others: To be right, not wrong To be respected, not disrespected To be in control, not out of control To be appreciated, not unappreciated To be safe, not unsafe Source: SmartBrief, April 30, … [Read more...]