Janet Garman’s article on castration appeared a few weeks after we updated our readers on how dehorning and castration guidelines have been updated to include pain mitigation <link>. Garman’s review is a good reason to communicate about pain management to animal owners. Castrations are routinely done on the farm without veterinarian support, so determining how to … [Read more...]
Bovine Veterinarian: What to expect from the 2020s, 8-part series
Veterinarians provide their thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities for success during the 2020s in this insightful series. Their comments are a directional microcosm facing bovine practices, as well as veterinary practices in general. . . . veterinarians serve as forward-looking change agents in animal agriculture, as they continuously evaluate new systems, products, … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society seeks individual clinic data
Veterinarians are urged to take time to submit clinic data to support the 2019 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey. Each veterinary practice that submits data on the number of animals tested and diagnosed over the 2019 calendar year enables the AHS to create a more comprehensive and useful map” - Chris Duke, DVM, president AHS Source: DVM 360, January 28, 2020. Link. Survey … [Read more...]
Fire ants getting busy, especially after heavy rains
Sponsored by Neudorff USA Already fired up by warmer weather, red imported fire ants will become even more active and dangerous after recent heavy rains in southern states. Livestock, poultry and pet owners are advised to watch for the telltale mounds the pests build. Newborn calves and foals are especially at risk in … [Read more...]
The 50-plus crowd is not dead yet!
Bill Murray’s Jeep ad during Super Bowl LIV may be an exception to marketers’ assumptions that 50-somethings are desperate for companionship, struggle with health decline and ruminate on their own deaths. When people in the 50-plus demographic are shown in ads, they’re sometimes presented in a negative light, says Vaughn Ensley. Portrayals of those over 50 are negative 28 … [Read more...]
Super Bowl Ads: 5 best, 5 worst
How ‘bout those C H I E F S! It has been a wild week in the KC Animal Health Corridor. Even veterinarians were celebrated in the Super Bowl ad from WeatherTech <link>. Jeff Beer says the $6 million to run a Super Bowl ad thanking the veterinarians that saved Scout, WeatherTech’s CEO’s dog, is either genius or a waste. Source: Fast Company, February 2, 2020. Link. The … [Read more...]
New BVDV-PI rule in Texas
The Texas Animal Health Commission adopted a rule to mitigate the risk of uninfected cattle being exposed to bovine viral diarrhea virus persistently infected cattle. . . . newly adopted rule defines which cattle are classified as BVDV-PI . . . requires the seller of a BVDV-PI animal to disclose the status in writing to the buyer prior to or at the time of sale. Source: … [Read more...]
Choosing and administering oral electrolytes to calves
Robert Corbett, DVM, says not all calf electrolytes are created equally. Additionally, ingredients are expressed in a variety of ways that make label comparisons difficult. He shares what a good oral electrolyte should include and how to feed them. Note that he warns against mixing with milk or milk replacer emphasizes spacing electrolyte administration between milk … [Read more...]
Saying goodbye, a horse owner’s difficult decision
It is relatively uncommon these days for a horse to die of natural causes, writes Natalie Voss. At some point a horse owner, along with their veterinarian, will need to decide when it’s appropriate to euthanize. . . . it is best to think about end-of-life plans for horses regardless of age” Source: Acreage Life, March 2020. Link. Predetermine what is an acceptable quality of … [Read more...]
JAVMA, February 1 edition
It is always interesting to see what is being studied in our animal health industry. We noted the following: Tick paralysis in a free-ranging bobcat (Lynx rufus). Link. Tick paralysis has not previously been reported in felids outside Australia, according to the author. The cat recovered likely much to the chagrin of wild birds, small mammals and some small pets in his … [Read more...]
Ticks responsible for 7 of 17 U.S. vector-borne diseases
Thomas Mather, PhD, believes everyone should be better educated about ticks and able to identify the small number of tick species in the United States that threaten human health. “Different ticks carry different diseases in different parts of the country,” he explained. . . . if <people> saw how many ticks are waiting on twigs and leaves and in the brush . . . they would … [Read more...]
Opinion – Caretaker training improves animal welfare
Samantha Marais presents the value of employee training and how it improves pig welfare. From this, we can assume that training people to care for animals of any species likely increases animal welfare. Our industry routinely separates food animals, companion animals, equine and poultry. Universally however, people receiving proper and continuing education about animals in … [Read more...]
Opinion – Lawsuit over popular dog food brand exposes label confusion
You can decide if the litigation described in this article is necessary or accurate. The context is important, as is what animal health pros can learn from it and the inherent call to action, which is pet owners need nutritional counseling and guidance. There is no question that pet diet labels have become more confusing over time pitting marketing perceptions against … [Read more...]
One Health certification available for DVMs, physicians
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association is offering a 20-module online certificate program for physician and veterinarian members to become certified as One Health Practitioners. The course is free to WSVA and AVMA members as well as human doctors. Source: DVM 360, December 4, 2020. Link. The hope is that both veterinarians and physicians will eventually take the … [Read more...]
Benefits of Fear Free featured in New York Times
“Fear free” veterinary care ideally addresses the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals. It is not a new concept. Idaho veterinarian Marty Becker took the approached and started the company Fear Free. It certifies veterinarians, technicians and sometimes entire practices after online training. More than 39,000 professionals and 113 practices been certified “fear free.” … [Read more...]
High-performance people grow high-performing practices
High-achieving people, those who can grow your practice, seek development. And, all employees have a psychological need to learn and grow as human beings. Development at work satisfies a person's drive for career and social well being. Source: Gallup Workplace, December 19, 2019. Link Organizations can foster commitment and improve engagement by meeting employees' basic … [Read more...]
Could the use of diverse languages affect veterinarian influence?
Our team sees a plethora of material when curating information for animal health pros. Our December post, Veterinary medicine; whitest profession in America <link> came to mind as I recently sorted content. Andy Kiersz and Ivan De Luce present a map showing the most commonly spoken languages in every state, excluding English and Spanish. In the ensuing text, the language … [Read more...]
Vet clinics must address needs of dogs in lower-income households
The middle class is being hollowed out, because the less affluent are getting less affluent, shared Steve Ballmer during a Numbers Geek podcast <link>. He also noted single people without children account for 43 percent of all of the households in America. Meanwhile, the AVMA Veterinary Economics Division has been working to understand factors affecting veterinary visits. … [Read more...]
18 positions for in-flight snoozing
Animal health pros travel increases in January and February as convention season brings in the new year. Often, the rigors of convention living steal sleep. Natalie Compton shares sleep positions that help air travelers snooze. Source: Washington Post, January 15, 2020. Link. There’s no best way to sleep on a plane. There’s no right way, either. There are, however, many … [Read more...]
How to ask for an email introduction
It’s been a week since returning from VMX and associated get-togethers. The stack of business cards has hopefully been part of the catch-up work for those to whom you made promises. The challenge now is how to follow up with those interesting people you met after being introduced briefly by a friend or colleague. Ruchika Tulshyan shares considerations when writing a … [Read more...]
Rethinking dairy footbath use
The dairy business is carried on cows' hooves. Digital dermatitis (DD, also known as hairy warts, strawberry warts) remains the number 1 cause of lameness in dairy herds with increasing concern among feedlot cattle. Hoof trimmer Jamie Sullivan suggests DD remains prevalent due to the way we have been trying to prevent or treat the lesions in the first place. He shares research … [Read more...]
Choke in horses, a slow-motion disaster
Choke in horses is a blockage of the esophagus rather than the airway, writes Laurie Bonner. It occurs when a horse tries to ingest inadequately chewed feed or something he cannot swallow properly. Most instances of choke clear on their own but may be a sign of something that needs attention. Bonner shares reasons, risks and prevention tips that include having a veterinarian … [Read more...]
More support needed for diabetic cat owners
Alex Gallagher, DVM, MS, DACVIM, shares startling takeaways from research titled Priorities on treatment and monitoring of diabetic cats from the owners’ points of view <link>. While veterinarian recommendations were considered the second most influential in their treatment decision, Gallagher provides alarming details: Fewer than 50% of owners reported their … [Read more...]
Health problems can cause behavior changes in dogs
Carol Osborne, DVM, says a change in a dog’s normal behavior is a red flag. Most people assume that unusual behavior is caused by stress, boredom or some other external situation. However, it could also signal a medical condition. She discusses behavior aberrations and conditions that could be underlying causes. Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, January 26, 2020. Link The … [Read more...]
A crucial blind spot in vet medicine
A reader sent us this article. The placebo effect is a well-established phenomenon in human patients. In veterinary medicine however, it’s an underappreciated one. The particular way it plays out in veterinary care highlights how unconscious cognitive biases can mislead humans when we care for other species. The most likely explanation is what’s known as the caregiver … [Read more...]
Pet food labels have more sizzle than substance
Nebulous terms create confusion on pet food labels, especially when ridiculous terms are used to describe a product. Most of these terms have no legal definition or if they have been defined, they are a mismatch to popular definitions. The author discusses a list of terms to ignore or rethink when choosing food for your pets: Human-grade Premium Organic Holistic … [Read more...]
Opinion – 2020 Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET)® Report from Banfield®
Banfield® Pet Hospital has again shared information from their internal data this year on the importance of weight management in pets as it relates to osteoarthritis. The entire veterinary industry continues to benefit from a better understanding of clients, pets and prevalence of conditions. Thank you Banfield! Excess weight in pets is a growing problem (no pun … [Read more...]
Opinion – Conflict debt and the rubber room
Adults in a workplace are bound to have differences of opinions. These differences can cause disruption unless there is a process to manage things. I have used a rubber room exercise and often took the role of referee. Simple rules were established up-front and visibly displayed: Establish the discussion topic(s) as narrowly as possible Set a beginning time Set an … [Read more...]
How great listeners actually act
Most people describe a great listener as someone who is like a sponge and accurately absorbs what you are saying, Instead, the authors have found that good listeners are like trampolines. They are someone you can bounce ideas off of. Rather than absorbing your ideas and energy, they amplify, energize and clarify your thinking. Source: Harvard Business Review, July 2016. Link … [Read more...]
Good managers encourage employees to share opinions
In nearly every dimension of business success, the manager makes the difference. From diversity and inclusion to productivity and retention, the manager plays a singular role in the life of an employee. In fact, Gallup's analysis has shown that the quality of a manager accounts for 70% of the variance in team engagement. Source: Gallup, December 30, 2019. Link [ä]. Only a … [Read more...]