Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons, most of which signal an underlying issue. Dog owners with poop eaters devour information and tips to stop this disgusting behavior. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, discusses the whys of coprophagia and ways to stop the behavior. Source: PetMD. Link. Also see: Why do dogs eat poop? Animal Health Digest, August 31, 2016. … [Read more...]
Safety reminder about home appliances and animals in the home
We’re home more now. Chris Doscher reminds us that appliances can pose risks for pets in the home. Putting some simple precautions in place will ensure they stay safe. Including family members in the safety checks is also important. Source: Animal Wellness, March 4, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a good reminder to share on social media or in newsletters. … [Read more...]
Baby chick demand could spell trouble
There is a pandemic-caused rush to buy baby chicks during these shelter-in-place weeks, according to the New York Times. Many are first-time owners, which raises concerns about improper care, cruelty and disease risks. People making last-minute decisions to raise chickens may not know what they’re getting into. . .” Source: New York Times, March 28, 2020. Link. New chicken … [Read more...]
Scary Times Success Manual can help you now
Transforming current anxieties and fear into strategic growth, progress, and achievement is the objective for this manual from Dan Sullivan. The 10 strategies he shares can support your creative thinking, communications, and actions as you navigate the months ahead. Feel free to share widely at his request. We believe there is something in his 10 strategies for … [Read more...]
Swine disease management and COVID-19
THANK YOU, Jennifer Shike and Cassandra Jones, PhD, for sharing the challenges of managing swine PEDV and PRRS in the context of our current COVID-19 pandemic. Jones believes suppression should be the strategy. “Even then, we’re looking at June or July as peak of this thing, and 8X more critical care beds needed than we have available.” Cassandra Jones, PhD, Kansas State … [Read more...]
Laughing at yourself tied to great leaders, reduces anxiety
The coronavirus has pushed our society into new territory. Being comfortable and confident enough that you can laugh at yourself builds trust within a team and with customers. This ability may bring your team closer. It may also alleviate some of the anxiety associated with chasing unattainable perfection, especially in these times. Source: Inc, November 29, 2018. Link. Anne … [Read more...]
Flea and tick wars: the time is NOW
Leigh Hofmeister, DVM, provides a short history of flea and tick challenges before the modern-day preventatives hit the marketplace. She compares oral and topical forms and reinforces the need for clients to use them to protect their pets. Let’s try to keep the flea and tick wars between brands and not return the battleground to the environment versus the pet. Reports in … [Read more...]
Ferrets, cats, some dogs susceptible to COVID-19 infections
Scott Weese, DVM, shares important information about ferrets and SARS-CoV-2 from a recent study. They can get sick and become fomites. He also summarizes a new study that looked at susceptibility of a wider range of animals including dogs, cats, ferrets as well as pigs, chickens and ducks. Ferrets and cats remain our main focus, both in terms of keeping infected people away … [Read more...]
Isolation, distancing and PPE protocols ‘old hat’ to livestock production
It is easy to marvel at how under-appreciated, yet familiar and expected biosecurity is to the livestock community: Swine producers learned to shower in and shower out of facilities years ago as part of their efforts to reduce swine disease and stop massive death losses due to farm-to-farm fomite exchanges < link > Progressive dairies manage mastitis incidence … [Read more...]
Gilt management is key to more pigs born, saved
Litter size increases from better genetics have challenged hog producers to keep piglets alive from birth to the ready-to-market stage. Uniformity is also a consequence, although the genetics have produced more efficient pigs. Ron Ketchem and Mark Rix share results from analyzing data from 407 farms in North America where production was >25 pigs weaned per mated female per … [Read more...]
Shepherd discusses birth position and lambing problems
Lyn Brown has 20 years’ experience with lambing. His herd averages about 50 lambs each year. He discusses birth position knowledge as a proactive learning measure for shepherds. His suggestions are positioned as stopgap measures for emergencies when veterinary care is unavailable or delayed in response to lambing problems. . . . the most important thing you need to be able to … [Read more...]
6 Reasons for Hair Loss in Cats
With few exceptions, alopecia is a symptom of a disease or condition in cats. Kellie B. Gormly talked with veterinarians and shares common reasons cats lose their hair. Cat owners will appreciate information like this during the social distancing period. Share it on social media and in newsletters. Source: Catster, March 3, 2020. Link. Common reasons for hair loss in cats … [Read more...]
Monitoring blood glucose in patients
There is no single method or combination tests shown to have significant clinical benefits, writes Thomas Schermerhorn, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM). He stresses the importance of a monitoring program that is practical and tailored to meet individual patient needs and owner abilities, circumstances and treatment goals. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2019. Link. Reliance on a … [Read more...]
Cone of shame study raises welfare implications
Nearly 80 percent of pet owners reported a poorer quality of life in their companion animals while an Elizabethan collar was worn. The effects were captured in a range of welfare domains including nutrition, environment, health, behavior and mental state. Client awareness education was recommended. Source: Vet Candy, February 29, 2020. Link. Owner thoughts were captured on … [Read more...]
Fomite control: you, me, us, them, plus where they have been
Fomite: fo-mite Noun (plural fomites) (medicine, epidemiology). def: An inanimate object capable of carrying infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites), and thus passively enabling their transmission between hosts. < link > Media coverage, though sometimes raucous, is a necessary tool to help communicate the importance of the need for societal … [Read more...]
Pet grooming businesses deemed non-essential. Need some extra help?
Original content Groomers have been shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, animal shelters, pet supply retailers and veterinary clinics may need temporary help during this crisis. Groomers could provide temporary support to help receive animals from owners’ cars, infection control processes, bath prepping, home deliveries and more. These animal health professionals … [Read more...]
BabelBark/BabelVet® announces free support to transition to telehealth
Complimentary Sponsored Content Fueled by shelter-in-place orders and social distancing recommendations, medical professionals are turning to telehealth platforms to maintain client-patient interactions and screen to determine if a physical visit is needed. Telehealth in today’s COVID-19 context is relatively new. Vertical integration is a mainstay of platforms in general, … [Read more...]
Stay resilient in challenging times: webinar for veterinarians and vet teams
Complimentary Sponsored Content Resilience experts, Sandy Asch and Joy Fuhrman DVM, MBA, CPA, have combined forces to present a four-part webinar. Focusing on resiliency, the speakers share ways to rise above panic, fear and worry. Learn methods to weather life and business storms with grace so you stay whole and emerge on the other side stronger, wiser and more … [Read more...]
Don’t try to fix anything right now
The ability to sit with uncertainty is a valuable asset. In these unpredictable times, it is a necessity, writes Kathleen Smith, PhD. She shares two steps to cultivate a skill that has never been more vital: Recognize your anxiety fixing Work on your cognitive flexibility Source: FORGE, March 23, 2020. Link. You can’t control the future, but you can begin to work on … [Read more...]
Puppies!!!!!! Celebrate National Puppy Day any day you want
Last Monday was National Puppy Day. It was created to highlight puppies that need adopting and abuse in puppy mills. Kudos to The Atlantic for capturing the day and making it available for us to enjoy. Take a few minutes, view the photos FULL SCREEN and smile BIG. Source: The Atlantic, March 23, 2020. Link. When so much of the world is focused on stories that can create … [Read more...]
Posture, movement, variety matter working from home
Before you buy the new office chair, desk or start remodeling, consider what Arianne Cohen shares about managing your office responsibilities from home. Source: Fast Company, March 23, 2020. Link. Cue the stabbing back pain and weird neck spasms. . . . the same desk habits that suited you at the office will not work at home, where you move much less. Also see: How working … [Read more...]
Getting cats to take a pill (Video)
Videos attract attention of animal owners. Pilling cats is easy for veterinary team members but, some pet owners get unnerved by that mouth full of teeth. Consider using one of these videos to support proper pilling at home. Also, including a reminder about oral care would be applicable since the cat owner will be looking at the mouth cavity while pilling. If your database … [Read more...]
Getting our minds around pandemics and their history
Context is key when seeking to understand how our current situation with SARS-CoV-2 fits in the overall view of pandemics. The selections below warrant a hard look. “F-E-A-R has two meanings: 'Forget Everything and Run' or 'Face Everything and Rise.' The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar Source: Visualizing the history of pandemics, Visual Capitalist, March 14, 2020. … [Read more...]
AVMA advocating for veterinary practices as essential businesses
Although many businesses have temporarily closed, the AVMA is advocating for veterinary hospitals and ambulatory practices to be considered essential businesses and remain open during periods of mandated business closures, This is because veterinary hospitals “provide important animal and public health surveillance, deliver essential medical care for ill animals, and ensure … [Read more...]
Horses, horse owners and coronavirus (podcast)
Complimentary Sponsored Content from Merck Animal Health Dr. Nicola Pusterla, an equine infectious disease expert from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, talks about coronaviruses and answers key questions in late February 2020. Can horses contract coronavirus? What is equine coronavirus? How is equine coronavirus spread? How … [Read more...]
AAHA’s NEWStat: Special COVID-19 edition
See what AAHA provides for member practices to deal with the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Source: AAHA NEWStat, March 17, 2020. Link. How to communicate with staff and clients about COVID-19. AAHA responds to COVID-19 virtually What’s up with that dog in Hong Kong who keeps testing positive? Plus, visit NEWStat’s COVID-19 page for regular updates and new … [Read more...]
Leading and working through a pandemic
HBR is publishing daily articles and resources on how to manage yourself, your team, and your company through the coronavirus crisis. The resources are provided at a dedicated Coronavirus Special Coverage page < link >. HBR opened access for these resources to all visitors, so this content can be easily shared with your own teams, colleagues and network. Source: … [Read more...]
Owner contact guidelines algorithm for COVID-19 pandemic
Brief Media’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Indu Mani DVM, ScD, shares the algorithm developed by J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, for the benefit of veterinary clinic teams, their clients and animals. It is a step-by-step COVID-19 protocol for receiving patients in small animal veterinary clinics. Keep disinfecting and be safe.” – Indu Mani, DVM, ScD Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
EPA expands COVID-19 disinfectant list
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The new expanded list adds nearly 200 products. This includes 40 new products that passed through the agency’s expedited review process. Source: PORK, March 16, 2020. Link. To … [Read more...]
Understand how to manage employee safety
Wondering how to manage employee safety and sick leave during the coronavirus pandemic? You should. Employers are obligated to protect their workers from communicable diseases and should follow the CDC's recommendations, including: Encouraging employees with respiratory illness to stay home Be prepared to separate sick employees Routinely clean frequently touched … [Read more...]