Life can be rough at times and Covid-19 scares and protocols don’t help. They add to everyday stress. Our bodies aren’t designed to constantly be under that pressure. We have to learn healthy ways to deal with the stressors that don’t go away, says Dr. Seth J. Gillihan. “Key is being able to process the stress, so it's not building to a breaking point.” It can feel like … [Read more...]
Realizing the full potential of veterinary nurses
Kate Boatright, VMD, presents ways today’s veterinary nurses can boost practice efficiencies and improve client experiences. Veterinary nurses are patient care specialists. Their skills should be engaged in every aspect of patient care. . . . veterinary nurses are one of the most underutilized and, often, underappreciated resources. Don't let their skills atrophy!” Source: … [Read more...]
Covid-19: Here to stay
It is more evident Covid-19 is here to stay. It transmits easily, readily develops new strains and is as tough as flu, HIV and measles. Experts recommend we must realize that our lives will not be the same from now on, even with effective vaccines fully available and distributed worldwide. Quite literally, a new Covid-19 industry is developing to address the goods and services … [Read more...]
Why pigs don’t wear masks
Opinion Relating the challenges of pandemic mask wearing may be a reach, but swine veterinarians and producers have been fighting Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS) since the late 1980s. Most animal health pros realize the importance of pathogen reduction. Air filtering has become a primary method of reducing risks in swine units where herd density … [Read more...]
Overtime pay for dairies is closer than you think
Dairy farming is not a 40-hour per week job, but with labor laws becoming more restrictive, employers may have to treat it as such. Dairy personnel must keep cows healthy, but the economics of overtime or additional workers will likely have dairy owners between a rock and a hard place. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 4, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: For dairy veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Year-round chicken care calendar featured
Kenny Coogan provides a chronological guide for chicken care. It shows the commitment required to manage a flock. With Easter coming soon, this is a good resource to use on social media and in newsletters. Source: Backyard Poultry, February 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Economic value of U.S. insect pollination services much higher than previously thought
The economic value of insect pollinators was $34 billion in the U.S. in 2012, much higher than previously thought, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. They also found that areas that are economically most reliant on insect pollinators are the same areas where pollinator habitat and forage quality are poor. Source: Swanson … [Read more...]
When to call the vet for a horse
The veterinarian is too often the last to know when something is amiss with an animal. Harry Werner, VMD, shares four levels of concern when horse owners are confronted with a sick or injured horse. The category lists will help horse owners focus their thinking and decision-making based on specific clinical signs and circumstances. He also recommends proactive planning and … [Read more...]
Justine Lee, DVM, discusses Leptospirosis sp. on Pet Life Radio
Complimentary In a recent episode of ER VET, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, discussed canine leptospirosis. She says, “If your dog lives in the city and weighs ten pounds or more it is at risk. Tune in to learn about this deadly disease!” Resources like this are great for client education, social media posts and newsletters. Source: Pet Life Radio, ER Vet. Link. The … [Read more...]
Amateur sleuths find kidnapped dogs
Using tactics that would have made Sherlock Holmes proud, employees, friends, friends of friends and strangers all helped save a dozen kidnapped Portland, Oregon, dogs February 2nd. As doggy day care owner Sunni Liston handed a dog to its owner, a thief got in her van and took off with her phone, purse and the dogs in her charge. Thanks to phone tracking, social media and brave … [Read more...]
Giving feline injections at home is easy
Cat owners may be more squeamish about needles and injections than cats when home injections are required for diabetes or advanced kidney disease. Whatever the reason for the injections, keep in mind that cats don’t have needle phobia. The pet is not going to fear the shots.” Source: Tufts Catnip, January 13, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: It is often hard to be an expert in your … [Read more...]
7 ways to help a shy cat
Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, is a pioneer in cat behavior consulting and has shared her expertise in eight books. She says shy or timid cats need help feeling comfortable. She offers tips to help shy ones come out of their shells. Source: Modern Cat, Link. INSIGHTS: Timidity is a common problem, especially for newly adopted cats and kittens. Consider this article for social … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet presents the top 5 deadly bugs in practice
Sponsored by Virox® Technologies Animal Health Chatfield’s talk will explore the top 5 deadliest pathogens seen in everyday practice and how to prolong your life despite them. Speaker: Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM Event: Viticus Virtual Summit Date and time: February 18, 2021, 2:55 p.m. EST. Registration: Link. Source: Virox® Technologies … [Read more...]
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean YOU have to be cold
Much of the U.S. is experiencing gelid (also known as extremely cold) weather. Stephanie Thurrott shares ways to embrace the cold months learned from people who live in Sweden, Iceland and Canada. Eh?! Source: Today, December 10, 2020. Link. Also see: Brrrrr! How cold is too cold for pets? AHD, January 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Talking to yourself can improve career growth
Self-talk is one of the more effective tools to thrive at work, home or play, writes Bryan Robinson, PhD. The silent conversations we have with ourselves can make or break our happiness and success. He says the simple act of talking to yourself in the third person, helps with self-control and yields benefits of calm, clarity and confidence. Source: Forbes, February 3, 2021. … [Read more...]
Redesigning the farm entry to enhance biosecurity
The heart of an effective biosecurity program is the adoption of standard protocols and a proactive mindset to maintain disease prevention at the forefront of farm activities. Producers can decrease the introduction of harmful pathogens and enhance biosecurity measures by redesigning the farm employee entrance to include an additional dry changing room. The risk of introducing … [Read more...]
Covid-19 vaccine trial participant shares story
Longtime industry pro Janice Keene shares her experience as a participant in the Covid-19 vaccine trials. Familiar with the process of developing livestock vaccines, she confidently joined the 44,000 people worldwide involved in the Pfizer/BioNTech trial. The best way to protect the people you love is to get the vaccination yourself.” – Janice Keene Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
Hoof wall and coronary band injuries in horses
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Craig Lesser DVM and AFA Certified Farrier, discusses hoof wall and coronary band injuries in horses in this episode of the Disease Du Juor podcast. Source: EquiManagement, January 28, 2021. Link. Topics covered in this podcast include: What are the most common hoof wall issues veterinarians see and solution? Abscesses Hoof … [Read more...]
Dispose of dead poultry properly
It is inevitable animals die. Whether by disease, predator attacks or inclement weather, getting rid of the remaining carcasses is a challenge for owners. Ann Accetta-Scott writes about disposal and major factors to consider. It’s not as simple as burying dead animal bodies. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 2020. Link. . . . the death of a chicken or entire flock requires … [Read more...]
Supplements dogs may be missing in their diet
Opinion The article below contained a red-flag sentence: “This article brings you all that is worth knowing about dog food nutrients and how to tell if your pet dog lacks them.” No author or references were included. Good intentions aside, information like this concerns me for pets, pet owners and the veterinary teams who find themselves dealing with an owner’s … [Read more...]
Banfield leaders discuss key pet health trends of 2020; top predictions for 2021
Complimentary Commercial Content Banfield Pet Hospital president Brian Garish and Chief Medical Officer Molly McAllister, DVM, share perspectives from trends supported by 2020 medical records data. They include: a strong increase in juvenile pets pet happiness skin issue treatments increases due to pet anxiety significant growth in telemedicine role of … [Read more...]
Proactive pet health insurance education increases satisfaction of veterinary teams and clients
Complimentary Sponsored Content – Part 1 of a February 2021 series Our industry has continually improved health insurance products, treatments, and methods over time that better the lives of animals and owners. Surprisingly, owner acceptance of pet health insurance remains low despite evidence insured pets receive health care more frequently. Moving beyond low … [Read more...]
CAPC urges clinics to reach out assertively
The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends proactive veterinary client outreach in 2021. Starting now will help adjust for pandemic scheduling delays created last spring and will ensure all pets are tested and protected. Our concern is that the delayed veterinary visits in 2020 may cause difficulties in pets getting access to healthcare in 2021.” – Chris Carpenter, … [Read more...]
Microbiome could help defeat Covid-19
COMMENTARY Bugs have always intrigued me, but I still struggle with pronunciation and spelling. We share this article because trends show people want to feed their pets like they feed themselves. Articles like this one could be part of the reason. Source: The Conversation, January 25, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
One mask, two masks, no masks – You?
Commentary Common sense? How many layers? Leakage control? Cleanliness? And then there are those who don’t give a hoot. The mask debate continues. Dr. Fauci: Double masking against mutant coronavirus just makes common sense. Source: Today, December 3, 2020. Link. Multiple layers and a snug fit are essential to making sure your mask is effective at protecting you and … [Read more...]
Reducing digital dermatitis starts with hygiene, hygiene, hygiene
Jamie Sullivan discusses how to create an effective digital dermatitis control plan to keep this endemic spirochete bacteria at bay. He focuses on four key elements of reducing incidence: Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene Nutrition Dry cow and transition cow footbath Walk heifer pens: Source: Progressive Dairy, January 19, 2021. Link. Understand how the bacteria … [Read more...]
Treating deadly acute enterotoxemia in baby calves
Recognizing the symptoms and acting fast is usually the only way save a calf when toxins take over its gut. Heather Smith Thomas writes about this fatal condition and the urgency required to save a calf before it goes into shock. A calf may die of scours and dehydration with a viral intestinal disease, but some bacteria produce deadly toxins that affect the calf more … [Read more...]
Spotting stress in horses in their eyes
Horses in challenging situations blink less often than horses who are calm, according to researchers at the University of Guelph. Visual clues are important in all species for animal owners and veterinary teams to ensure proper handling and safety for the animal and us. Source: EQUUS, October 22, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is good information to share with new horse … [Read more...]
Know your NSAIDS for horses
EQUUS editors provide a crib sheet to show horse owners which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work best for specific types of discomfort in horses. Source: EQUUS, December 22, 2020. Link. The crib sheet is a rundown to which NSAIDs work best for different types of discomfort that your horse may experience. INSIGHTS: Concise, this article will fit well with social … [Read more...]
5 horse adoption myths
Although perceptions are changing, there are still some stigmas about adoptable horses, says Pat Raia. She discusses some of the myths that create resistance to adopt some of the estimate 10,000 horses in 800 or more horse adoption agencies operating in the U.S. today. Source: Horse Illustrated, June 2018. Link. … [Read more...]