Complimentary Commercial Content Sometime last spring, Marty Greer, DVM, JD, shared she was working on updating her clinic materials for pet owners while her practice was closed during the early days of the pandemic. She offered the same Bridge Club networking group a welcome surprise in early December. Her materials updating work had expanded into a new book for puppy … [Read more...]
Covid’s holiday surge requires vigilence to disinfection protocols
Commentary with Commercial Sponsored content from Virox® Animal Health Veterinary clinic owners and managers frequently reference staff members who are worn down, tired and near exhaustion. Pandemic safety protocols have added much more diligence beyond 24/7 mask wear. Disinfecting protocols have been adjusted and remain a primary measure in curbing pathogen transfers. In … [Read more...]
That is logical
Becoming a logical person involves cultivating intellectual habits and skills that, though they may seem simple and obvious, are only achieved after years of struggle and education. Source: The 10 habits of logical people, Foundation for economic education, fee.org. January 21, 2018. Link. The authentically logical person keeps his logic rooted in truth and never lets it … [Read more...]
It’s okay to write down the unwritten rules
Many of us have struggled with the unwritten rules, the things you don’t ask or say. . . or the topics you dare not breathe a word about. Authors Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy say, “It’s good practice to write down the unstated cultural and emotional norms that exist within your team or company. They might have changed since you all started working from home, or perhaps … [Read more...]
Training Industry’s top 10 magazine and web articles from 2020
Like skiers racing ahead of an avalanche, training industry professionals have progressively adjusted learning strategies to address goals and objectives to support WFH and remote learning. Agile learning strategies used creativity and innovation to close skills gaps and prepare employees for immediate continuity and for future roles. Source: Training Industry, December 20, … [Read more...]
IVPA members join AHD subscribers
Beginning in January 2021, the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association will share the weekly Animal Health Digest Bulletin with its members. The IVPA represents more than 300 independent veterinarians who provide and lead professional animal health services in their communities. As is similar with other industries, the IPVA believes veterinary clients should have … [Read more...]
6 tips to identify calves susceptible to BRD
John Richeson typifies BRD as the most difficult mammalian diseases to manage in the world. He shared a more focused approach to managing feeder cattle risk and six things feeders can look for to identify high-risk calves. Targeted metaphylaxis is using certain metrics to try to predict whether an animal is going to be at greater risk for BRD, so we can make individual animal … [Read more...]
75 days to prep for calving
Say what?! It’s time to plan for calving season as the first of the 2021 crop will start dropping around March 1. Greg Henderson provides tips to help producers prepare: Assess the body condition of your cows and heifers Review the herd health plan Conduct an inspection of your calving facilities to make sure everything is in working order Check your calving … [Read more...]
Chip your pet, dammit!
King, a Chihuahua mix, disappeared from his San Antonio, Texas, home in 2014. Owner Debi Vazquez searched high and low and found no trace of him. This October, she got a call from the Broward County Humane Society in in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Animal health pros there found King, thanks to his microchip. Source: New York Post, November 5, 2020. Link. “It took nearly 23 … [Read more...]
Lyme disease ticks produce antibiotic that protects them from human skin bacteria
Vet Candy shares new research findings that help answer some questions about Ixodes scapularis, the deer tick. Puzzled by the ticks’ immune system, which keeps them safe from contracting pathogens themselves, a research team led by Univerisity of California’s San Francisco's Seemay Chou identified a natural pathogen of ticks and established a mechanism for it. “Ticks pass … [Read more...]
Signs and treatment of dog tooth infections
John Huff, DVM, FAVD, Dipl. AVDC, shares his perspectives on dog tooth infections, what causes them and things for owners to watch for. He names chewing on objects that are too hard for your dog’s teeth, which could be common dog-chew items like tennis balls, deer antlers, pig’s ears and rawhide as common culprits that can cause teeth to break and become susceptible to … [Read more...]
RFD-TV celebrates 20th anniversary (includes video)
Complimentary commercial content Founder Patrick Gosch’s conviction from 20 years ago is certainly as true today as ever. He set out to connect city and country for with rural programming that was being ignored by urban broadcasters. Today, Rural Media Group is the world’s leading provider of multimedia content dedicated to the rural and Western lifestyle. RFD TV is … [Read more...]
MaxiGuard® Oral Cleansing Wipes now available in 10 packs
Sponsored Commercial Content Responding to requests from veterinary clinics, Addison Biological Laboratories announced a new package size for the popular MaxiGuard® Oral Cleansing Wipes. The 10 packs are packaged in a convenient foil pouch < link >. Source: Addison Biological Laboratories, December 14, 2020. Link. There has been consistent, strong demand from … [Read more...]
2020 e-commerce surge carried pet food along for the ride
“One of the driving factors behind the e-commerce growth trends for pet food was the growth of millennial pet owners who were preconditioned to online shopping. The pandemic has taken this storyline and put it on steroids,” according to Tom Elliott citing a new report from Capstone Headwaters. In a related discussion, Fritz Wood, CPA and Vertical Vet's Dr. Ernie Ward … [Read more...]
VVCA unveils Veterinary Telemedicine Regulatory Map
Mark Cushing, JD, and Ali McIntyre, executive director of VVCA, share work done with the Animal Policy Group research team that helped create the most definitive, comprehensive and accurate state-by-state map of all laws and regulations, including COVID guidance from governors, about telemedicine or virtual care. <the map> is a living, breathing tool . . . not just for … [Read more...]
Opportunities, optimism for veterinary hospitals into 2021
Complimentary content from IDEXX Jay Mazelsky, president and CEO at IDEXX, recently shared his thanks and optimism in a LinkedIn post citing important trends from his company’s data insights. “Veterinary hospitals are providing more care for pets,” he said. A recent IDEXX study showed 77 percent of pet owners agreed that taking care of their pet’s health is as important as … [Read more...]
Telemedicine platforms expanding reach to animal owners
Complimentary Commercial Content The rush to meet pet owners in the cloud and expand veterinary virtual care has two new advances this week according to company press releases. whiskerDocs announced they will start telemedicine in four states beginning January 1. VCPR will be established virtually. FirstVet, brings on-demand telehealth to American animal owners’ … [Read more...]
So long, BEEF, Feedstuffs and National Hog Farmer. “It’s been a heckuva ride.”
BEEF, Feedstuffs and National Hog Farmer will suspend print publications with January 2021 issues. Some digital presence of each will remain. We’ve shared plenty of their articles and web postings since Animal Health Digest began and their contributions are appreciated. Source: BEEF, November 25, 2020. Link. By suspend, they mean that BEEF print, along with the print … [Read more...]
Animal welfare through an animal activist’s eyes
Dairy farmers met an activist during a recent Dairy Cattle Welfare Council webinar. Taylor Leach reports on the discussion, including the biggest three concerns from activists’ point of view: Individual calf housing Tie-stall barns Bull calf treatment Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 2, 2020. Link. Being aware of what animal welfare is – that it’s going … [Read more...]
The never-ending parasite dilemma
John Gillam, DVM, discusses parasites in ungulates including types, life cycles, treatments, testing and slowing down resistance. . . . understanding parasite treatment and the worms that can plague cattle is critical to developing healthy herds.” - John Gilliam, DVM Source: High Plains Journal, December 2, 2020. Link. “We actually select those parasite populations for … [Read more...]
Role of veterinarians, nutritionists changing on dairies
University of Kentucky Extension professionals say the role of veterinarians in the dairy industry is everchanging. The size and sophistication of dairies has reduced the hands-on need for exams and treatments. Now veterinarians play an intrinsic role in establishing protocols, especially as they relate to treatments with antibiotics, pain management and training farm employees … [Read more...]
Barn cats need care, too
Sarah Peakheart, DVM, shares tips for caring for barn cats. Her recommendations are especially applicable to cats who are easily handled. Tips related to improving the cats’ environment and safety are also beneficial, even for cats that are more feral. Source: The Bullvine, November 16, 2020. Link. Make plenty of noise before starting up your vehicles or farm equipment, … [Read more...]
50% of dog owners believe their pets have separation anxiety
Commentary To most animal health pros, study results revealed in People will come as no surprise. If anything, the WFH months has increased visibility to issues many pets were already experiencing and now owners want to address the issues. Results from the survey found that 53 percent of dog owners overall and 60 percent of hybrid workers believe that their dogs has … [Read more...]
Hold the emoji and other tips for successful email negotiations
Alena Komaromi shares the benefits of using emails in B2B negotiations. Some of her key points include: Instant access, often by many parties in an organization, which creates transparency Allows a rich diversity of materials to be used as attachments Suitable when gender, age, racial biases or linguistic issues could mar the process Source: INSEAD Knowledge, … [Read more...]
Habits and the Grand Canyon
I am not sure there is a way to adequately prepare yourself to see the Grand Canyon for the first time. But for those who have always lived nearby it is just a fact of life, part of the usual environment. Like a habit. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, November 18, 2020. Link Replacing a bad habit with a good one is not as easy as that sounds, but it is doable. You do not have to be … [Read more...]
Discuss treatment plans to avoid surprises
Emily Shiver, practice manager, CVPM, CCFP, shares proven tips to help present treatment plans and their financial components. Note the physical alignment, transparency, empathy, outcomes and acknowledgement elements she highlights. Presenting treatment plans with empathy and compassion helps to eliminate some of the stress of this delicate discussion. It also potentially … [Read more...]
Pet Business customer loyalty survey results
Results from a 2020 survey of persons using small businesses reinforces the importance of three factors important to boarding, daycare and groomers. These factors are familiar in veterinary surveys and important to consider as the clients are the same. Deliver high-quality service consistently: 62 percent said this is the most important trait Create a personalized … [Read more...]
VVCA Mark Five series compares telemedicine policies: AVMA, AAVSB, and VIC
Continuing his series about the dynamics of telemedicine in the veterinary space, Mark Cushing, JD, compares the policies of three organizations that set guidance for veterinarians. He first reminds us that the VCPR rules were established to create a legal basis for state boards to take disciplinary actions against a practitioner, NOT to protect animals under the care of … [Read more...]
Healthcare community learns about growth of telemedicine in veterinary care
The healthcare community is becoming more aware of the health value of pets for people. In a survey conducted by Xtelligent Healthcare Media, 11 percent of respondents identified pet ownership as a social determinant of health, five percent screen their patients for pet ownership and nine percent partner with organizations within the community to address the ups and downs of … [Read more...]
University of Georgia program teaching vet students about bees
One of the more uncomfortable side challenges with VFD rules remains the required interaction of veterinarians with apiarists when prescription drugs are needed. Dr. Jörg Mayer at the University of Georgia is leading the implementation of a first-of-its-kind program on bee medicine. Mayer recognizes many veterinary students have no relevant experience with some animals and that … [Read more...]