Opinion It is difficult to avoid thinking about how poorly we engage veterinary technicians when reading Mike Bertolino’s comments about upskilling. While some animal hospitals support the advancement of veterinary technicians’ education and certifications, one might conclude we’ve been doing it wrong. Advancing vet tech skills and certifications without a career growth … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 19, 2022
Last week’s THREE most read posts Celebrate graduations. Link. Pandemic lessons for all. Link. 30 is not the new 20. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 12, 2022. Link. =================================== CAPC 2022 annual pet parasite forecast Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022, page 50. Link. AHD first … [Read more...]
Protect pigs with proper ventilation
Many parts of the U.S. have already experienced temperatures in the 80’s. Five tips from Mark Oberreuter are good reminders to ensure hogs have an optimal environment during hot weather. Have your fans, shutters and other cooling system components ready, so that if hot weather is expected, your pigs can stay cool and at their highest levels of productivity.” Source: PORK, May … [Read more...]
Review: the effects of dust on feedlot health and production of beef cattle
We know feedlot dust affects cattle health and performance. 2022 weather forecasts indicate drought conditions are likely in prime cattle feeding geographies. Research helps us understand the effects of dust and what to do about it. Dust is not just dirt and sand that becomes airborne. Groups of cattle produce organic dust and particulate matter at a relatively high … [Read more...]
Implanting nursing calves bumps weaning weights
Production costs continue to rise making decisions about management practices important. Paul Beck says research shows implants given during the suckling phase will increase average daily gain of steer calves by approximately 0.10 pound per day. The increase in gains by implanting heifers is slightly better at 0.12 pounds per day. Implanting calves before weaning is cost … [Read more...]
Springtime skin problems in horses
Horses can develop allergies, infections and other skin conditions at any time of year, but some are more common during the warm, wet spring weather. Heather Smith Thomas reviews four equine skin problems that are common in spring. This article and previous AHD posts providing information on hives <Link> and an allergy infographic <Link> offer animal health pros … [Read more...]
Biology of the chicken: 4-part series
Chickens show up on Nat Geo Wild’s veterinary shows more frequently these days. Whether it’s the Critter Fixers, Drs. Schroeder or Dr. Pol, it is obvious chicken enthusiasts require considerable education and support from their veterinarians. This four-part series from Backyard Chickens is a good set of resources for beginners or those who need a review. Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
Washing pet toys and accessories reduces risks
Developing a cleaning schedule for dog’s toys and bedding can help keep pets and people healthy by reducing the number of bacteria and allergens in the environment. It’s good practice to wash dog’s toys every couple of weeks. How often?? Between the bacteria that live or pass through your dog's mouth and those that live and reproduce in the biofilm left on his toys, there are … [Read more...]
Reminder: Protect pets from toxic blue-green algae
Toxic blue green algae risks to pets hit the news in 2019. The EPA indicates it is a risk in all 50 states. A recent story from St. Louis NPR exposes the challenges of testing bodies of water to keep the public and pets safe <Link>. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares what we need to know about harmful algal blooms and how to keep pets safe in this … [Read more...]
Engaging veterinary technicians improves practice success
Unless you’ve been hiding, the industry buzz about using veterinary technicians better is familiar. Having credentialed veterinary technicians on veterinary teams with the skills needed is a critical part of building an efficient practice. However, efficiency only comes when those skills are used effectively. The AVMA continues to promote and support increased involvement … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club: Handling nutrition objections (videos)
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jodi Davis, senior manager of university relations for Royal Canin, addresses the emotional nature of nutrition for pets, especially centered around obesity and how to address issues with owners. The virtual event is presented in three YouTube videos. Nutrition questions top the list of veterinary students and are part of everyday … [Read more...]
Tips to make car travel pet friendly
Vacation season is almost here. Traveling with a pet can be enjoyable with preparation and planning. The tips shared here can make the whole experience more enjoyable and hassle-free for the pet and passengers. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
Mella Underarm Pet Thermometer approved for Fear Free preferred product program
Complimentary Commercial Content Pets and pet parents agree taking pets' temperature is the worst part of vet visits due to vets taking temperatures rectally, which causes fear and anxiety for the pet. Having a non-invasive thermometer makes it easier to take temperature in a clinical setting and is more comfortable for both pets and pet parents. Mella Pet Care makes two … [Read more...]
Pet retailers asserting their position with pet owners
Opinion There is little doubt marketing efforts represented in the following articles will deflect attention from preventive medicine and potentially reduce some pet owners’ abilities to afford primary veterinary care. It is not my intention to condemn retail offerings. Rather, animal health pros need to consider how we approach and educate pet owners about the essential … [Read more...]
Study: Taking a one week break from social media improves well-being, depression, anxiety
At the end of one week, researchers studying abstaining from social media found significant between-group differences in well-being, depression and anxiety. The intervention group fared much better on all three metrics. These results held even after control for baseline scores, as well as age and gender, shares Cal Newport. . . . the simple study design and the clear effects … [Read more...]
The 7 types of rest every person needs (TED Talk)
Sleep and rest are not the same thing, although many of us incorrectly confuse the two. Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, shares seven key areas of your life where rest should equal restoration. Source: TED, Idea series, May 2021. Link. Also see: Seven hours of sleep is ideal for most adults, Health, May 9, 2022. Link. Getting too little or too much sleep starting in middle age … [Read more...]
3 veterinary careers that offer balance between professional growth and personal life
If you’re feeling stressed, you are not alone, says Jeff Horvath, MBA, SHRM-SCP. He writes about the opportunity to seek settings in which you practice and experience new types of cases without compromising your goals for a work-life balance. Those are: Urgent care Emergency medicine Veterinary hospice and palliative care Source: DVM 360, May 13, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Depressed or burned out? Experts discuss the differences.
If you've been feeling numb or overwhelmed and can't tell whether you're depressed or burned out, this article may help you understand the differences and how they're treated. Generally speaking, burnout is focused and related to occupational areas, while depression can be triggered, exacerbated, and maintained by a variety of factors like genetics, negative life … [Read more...]
CDC: Test before you travel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its domestic travel recommendations and now advises all travelers to consider taking a Covid-19 test as close as possible to the departure time of a trip, but no more than three days prior to the trip. Source: Northstar Meeting Groups, May 17, 2022. Link. The CDC continues to recommend that all people . . . properly … [Read more...]
KC Animal Health Corridor announces dates, speakers for 2022 Animal Health Summit
Gathering live again, the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor will welcome industry leaders and guests at the 2022 Animal Health Summit August 29th through August 30th at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City, Missouri. The Summit theme, The Way, represents the answer to the question, “Where do we go from here?” The summit will feature industry thought leaders … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 12, 2022
Last week’s most read posts The Great Resignation is becoming a great midlife crisis. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, April 28, 2022. Link. =================================== The cost of pet care for cats is often underestimated Source: Catster, April 22, 2022. Link. Cost findings for annual and lifetime spending are … [Read more...]
Disease outbreak in BLM facility: Wildfires, dust storm and wind indicated
Source: Paulick Report, May 7, 2022. Link. A highly contagious, equine respiratory disease outbreak began on April 23 at the Cañon City Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse and Burro Facility in Colorado. We noted the explanation of outside horses being brought into a vaccinated herd during relocation caused by fire and drought. … [Read more...]
Record-breaking temperatures, raging fires, drought. It’s just NOT GOOD!
Source: CNN, May 9, 2022. Link. We believe it is important to consider the potential consequences and get prepared for challenges now and through the second quarter of 2022. … [Read more...]
Hybrid approach helps maximize colostrum quality
Achieving high levels of circulating IgG in newborn calves may be easier by boosting maternal colostrum with commercial colostrum replacer. It give calves the best of both worlds when it comes to maximizing passive transfer of immunity. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 6, 2022. Link. With excellent dry-cow vaccination and colostrum protocols in place, supplementing … [Read more...]
Sound hospital pen strategies can improve outcomes
Good hospital pens are crucial for effective, efficient treatment of sick cattle to get them back to their home pens quickly, writes Heather Smith Thomas. One size doesn’t fit all. After interviewing different veterinarians, she shares different ways hospital pens are managed to meet the universal objective of reuniting sick livestock with their pen mates. Antibiotics are … [Read more...]
Hives in horses may not need treatment
Horses encounter skin conditions as do other animals. Urticaria is one of the more common skin diseases in horses. A healthy immune system normally keeps the barrage of ever present of microorganisms at bay, writes Nancy Loving, DVM. Hives are a clinical sign rather than a specific disease, she explains. But when a horse’s immune response overreacts to a noninfectious cause, … [Read more...]
Project Hive Pet Company ties pet toys to saving bees
Project Hive Pet Company has a line of five treats and five toys that generate revenues and associated company donations to the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. To date, the partnership has resulted in more than 2 million square feet of healthy bee habitat planted, with a goal of planting 50 million square feet over the next five years. Source: Pet Food Industry, April … [Read more...]
Plant insectary strips of pollinator-friendly plants
Our April 26 post about mason bees drew a lot of attention <Link>. Leah Smith shares ideas for insectary strips in Hobby Farms. Looking at the plants listed, apartment dwellers with an outside deck or window can also provide nectar yielding plants that contribute to feeding the bees. Gardeners should plan to add a row of flowers alongside their veggies as well. In … [Read more...]
Dog behaviors are strongly inherited (1 of 2)
Researchers believe they have found 11 DNA regions associated with dog behavior. Their research is one of the first papers to include impressive dog genomics work using mixed breed dogs. On average, breed accounts for only about 9 percent of the variations in any given dog’s behavior . . . heritability for the behaviors studied was 25 percent . . .” Source: New York Times, … [Read more...]
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group and PSIvet announce partnership
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™, provider of the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program has established a partnership with PSIvet which services more than 5,500 independent veterinary practice members. The partnership will help support the mission of helping pets live longer, healthier lives. With our pet insurance partnership, PSIvet member practices will have additional … [Read more...]