How calves are fed and managed can affect their lifelong health and productivity. The Dairy Herd editors cover four early life areas to help calves now and throughout their lives: Tips to improve colostrum What to provide for calves so they can perform Keep scours down when feeding volumes go up Feeding transition milk; another tool in the toolbox Source: Dairy … [Read more...]
Resiliency trumps size on smaller dairies
Sometimes bigger is not better. That is one conclusion that can be drawn from a recent University of Minnesota study of small- to medium-sized dairies. The study data set combined animal health, production and farm financial data to help dairy farms create more financially sustainable operations. Financial resiliency was defined using the adjusted net farm income ratio. … [Read more...]
SID feeding of indoor cats may improve health
Obesity is the most common nutritional problem affecting cats. In research likely to surprise veterinarians and cat owners*, cats that ate one meal a day were more satisfied, which could result in less food-begging behavior. The study results also suggest cutting back feeding frequency could help reduce the risk of obesity by controlling cats' appetite and potentially making … [Read more...]
The dilemma of pandemic pet pounds
The challenge of obesity in dogs has been exacerbated by the pandemic lockdown. The WFH messages promoted to date involve pets getting more exercise, but Kim Kavin’s Washington Post story indicates many dogs have packed on extra weight. On the other hand, dogs that have lost weight might have a few aches and pains from the increase in activity. Dog owners should work with … [Read more...]
Decoding vaccine titers in companion animal practice
Sara E. Gonzalez, DVM, MS, provides a literature-based review of the limitations and benefits of this type of testing and guidance for interpreting results. In the summary comments she shares: The gold standard laboratory techniques for detecting circulating blood antibody titers against the core canine vaccine antigens and FPV are VN and HI. Core vaccine titer testing … [Read more...]
Catching up with VIP’s Drs. Shawn and Ivan
It is easy to fall behind on things we want to do. Listening to podcasts remains an excellent opportunity to learn from animal health pros who are pushing forward and helping to invent the next generation of animal health. Drs. Shawn Wilkie and Ivan Zakharenkov invite and discuss current and future trends while applying their veterinary and entrepreneurial experiences to the … [Read more...]
Infection control. Back to basics.
Commentary What? Again? Yes, absolutely! The topic of infection control and disinfection products, protocols and methods dominated media and discussions starting in February 2020. Medical and veterinary hospitals hurried to update protocols, train staff and implement checks and balances to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Through all the confusion, animal health … [Read more...]
7 ways BtoB content can change everything
Guest contributor Brendan Howard educated and entertained dvm360 business section readers for years where he built a loyal following. He now freelances and agreed to share some of his business-to-business (BtoB) content expertise with animal health pros. Here’s a sample. You’ll find the rest of the article at the link. Source: 7 ways BtoB can change everything, October 8, … [Read more...]
Zooming as the norm
With more people than ever working remotely, it feels like we’ve been in more meetings than normal in 2020. The desire to sync up with our teams more often when we are all working from our homes makes sense. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, September 9, 2020. Link. That is, start your meetings by making sure everyone on the call understands the Purpose, the Outcomes, and the … [Read more...]
The conversations continue at The Bridge Club and The Bridge Club Pets
The Bridge Club remains true to its origins to provide virtual opportunities to connect, engage, learn and grow. Now with a professional version and a pet owner version, the coming weeks provide opportunities for animal health pros and pet owners to meet. Click on the link below and then register by clicking on individual conversation topics. Source: The Bridge Club … [Read more...]
Pyrethrins vs. pyrethroids: what’s the difference?
Complimentary Commercial Content Cassie Krejci is right. There are a lot of py-words out there to break down: pyrethrum, pyrethrins, permethrin, pyrethroids. She shares the differences and helps clear up possible confusion. Source: MGK.com. Link. Pyrethrins are broad spectrum and kill a wide variety of insects, while pyrethroids tend to have longer residual effects and … [Read more...]
Speaking of nasal swabs, moove over
Bovine respiratory disease researchers are diligently working to reduce diagnosis time for the variety of pathogens involved with the disease. Current test results can take days to be returned. Purdue University researchers are seeking to shorten that time to about 30 minutes. Bovine respiratory disease can be triggered by a number of bacteria and viruses, making treatment … [Read more...]
4 categories help cats thrive for 5 types of cat owners
September was Happy Cat Month, an event created by the CATalyst Council to improve cat wellness by focusing on happiness. The council promotes helping cats live their best lives by focusing on four major categories: health, enrichment, safety and value. The hunting behavior of cats is frequently a topic for songbird enthusiasts. However, understanding how cat owners view … [Read more...]
Proofing a dog’s training
The 3-D approach to proofing a dog’s training involves challenging the dog with what it does at home without distractions in a distracted environment. Kathy Santo explains the three major categories of proofing: Distraction Duration Distance The reality of dog training is that proofing is the way to take your training from “works at home, sometimes” to “works … [Read more...]
Dog training services are more important than ever
All the time we’ve spent at home with dogs isn’t as beneficial as we initially thought. Trainer Dale Buchanan is seeing an increase in adult dogs that are suddenly developing serious behavior issues related to stress and anxiety. He suggests these changes are likely coming from the stress and anxieties of their WFH owners. The dogs are most likely over-stimulated and … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen launches Is this a Thing?
Complimentary sponsored content Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, just launched the first episode in a unique YouTube series she calls, “Is this a thing? Veterinary Translations for Pet Owners!” Her new effort will serve to bridge the communication gap between pet owners, animal care professionals and veterinary medical teams. By addressing the basic … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes Virox Animal Health
Commercial, Sponsored Content Please welcome Virox® Technologies Inc., Animal Health, as a Supporting Sponsor of Animal Health Digest. Its team established an assertive position to ensure product inventories were available and disinfection education continued uninterrupted as the pandemic began and remains with us. Distributor animal health pros tell us Virox has been and … [Read more...]
Renew the discussion of standardizing veterinary technician credentials
Covid-19 has quieted the discussion of veterinary technicians versus veterinary nurses. But, the need for standardized credentials is more apparent now than a year ago. As practices expand staffing to accommodate more flexible schedules and increasing pet owner numbers, the need for veterinary technicians has increased exponentially. Kenichiro Yagi MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), … [Read more...]
Clear expectations needed for best results
Our expectations are world-class customer service.” Does this mean we answer your call within three rings? Does it mean our customer service representatives are multi-lingual? Does this mean our customer service department is open 24/7/365? Does it mean the customer is always right? Exactly what does it mean? It illustrates the need to set clear expectations. Rachel Botsman’s … [Read more...]
More research needed on honesty
The title was enough to catch my attention, especially considering the confusion of the last several months. As citizens of the world, we’re obsessed with lying and lies right now. What’s real, what’s fake, and what’s deliberate and deceitful manipulation?” Author Judi Ketteler proclaims everybody wants the truth, but nobody wants to be honest. She says we know about lying … [Read more...]
The endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids
Beyond obvious regulatory challenges, there is a definite need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of cannabis use in animals. The challenge for pet owners and veterinarians is to become educated with about the endocannaboid system and cannabis administration. Gary Richter, DVM, MS, provides an introduction to understanding how the endocannabinoid system functions and how … [Read more...]
Does your practice have a pricing problem?
In the early 1990s, a wise distribution leader faced off with a veterinarian irate over 5¢ difference in a bottle of oxytocin. He asked the vet, “. . .would your customer notice a 10¢ increase in your price on oxytocin?” Floundering, the vet answered, “no. . . but that’s not the point!” This story is a backdrop to where Karen Felstad, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM, starts the article … [Read more...]
Mortality is extremely complicated. So is sample size.
When conducting studies where mortality is an important outcome, let's revisit how we go about answering the question "how many?" The authors remind us that simply recognizing the limitations of our knowledge is a critical step. This leads us to their discussion on ultimately decreasing pig mortality. Some of their logic may help us better understand our current situation … [Read more...]
Intervention® disinfectants receive approval against ASFv
Virox™ Animal Health has received EPA approval for the use of of Intervention® use against African Swine Fever virus (ASFv). The addition of the ASFv claim provides confidence that Intervention will be highly effective in the event of an outbreak in North America. When used as directed, Intervention is non-toxic, non-irritating, and readily biodegradable. Source: Virox™ … [Read more...]
CattleFax CEO shares beef industry outlook
Occasionally, it is important to revisit how we got to where we are. Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, shared similar perspectives at this year's virtual Feeding Quality Forum. “It’s not been a straight line,” he said. On the global stage, the U.S. is the top beef and poultry producer, and third in pork, dominating meat trade overall. The reason, he said, is because the lion’s … [Read more...]
Some perspective on drive-through or curbside services
COMMENTARY Louis Sullivan (1856-1924) helped pioneer and change the face of architecture. This quote is attributed to him, “form follows function.” In this context, writer Mark Wilson reviews fast food chains’ $290 billion race for the perfect drive-through. What does this have to do with animal health? Drive-throughs have been a staple of fast-food revenue for decades, … [Read more...]
RBG, champion of women’s rights, dies
Commentary “Change is needed not only to inspire the women of our profession, but also to ensure that the culture of the profession moves forward. We must reject the dogma that has challenged the changing gender proportions of veterinary medicine and work to represent what is actually going on at the grass roots,” writes Simon R. Platt, BVM&S, Diplomate ACVIM … [Read more...]
This week is National Dog Week
National Dog Week was established in 1928. It was the brainchild of Captain Will Judy, a veteran of World War I and an ordained minister who devoted his life to educating Americans on the spiritual bond connecting humans and canines. As the publisher of Dog World magazine, he used it to urge his readers to treat dogs with kindness and respect. National Dog Week…has had the … [Read more...]
Don’t wait! Fix by 5 Months reduces feline issues.
Performing a spay or neuter before a cat reaches maturity has benefits beyond preventing unwanted pregnancy. Reiterating the value of the Feline Fix by Five initiatives launched in 2016, the author reminds us of best practices to help manage the health and welfare of cats, plus curtail the ongoing overpopulation in our country and the world. Source: Veterinary Practice News, … [Read more...]
Dealing with clingy cats
Chronic clinginess can lead to full-blown separation anxiety for some sensitive cats, says Nicholas Dodman, BVMS. The constant stress not only puts your cat at risk for illness, but also makes his quality of life marginal at best. He offers several ways to address unwanted behaviors. . . . rather than pushing the cat away, stop what you’re doing and give him your full … [Read more...]