The severe stress calves experience stress during weaning and shipping is opportunity for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Despite producers’ and feedlot managers’ best attempts to manage the costly malady, mortality rates for feedlots continue to increase. John M. Davis with Beef Cattle Professional Services at Boehringer Ingelheim, suggests it is time to manage the disease … [Read more...]
October calves may come early
Warm temperatures can shorten the length of gestation for fall-calving cows and heifers. Oklahoma State University physiologists looked at two calving seasons’ worth of data on 60 Angus/Hereford crossbred cows calving in August and October. Gestation periods were nearly a full week shorter than normal for those calving in August the first year and four days shorter the second … [Read more...]
Rethinking red meat
New nutrition recommendations published in the Annals of Internal Medicine < link > say that red and processed meats are not bad for us, contradicting current guidelines. A panel of 14 persons working in various fields related to nutrition used a research approach that rates the certainty of the evidence. They focused on the absolute risk rather than the relative risk of … [Read more...]
Second dog? Be ready for something different.
Here are tips that single-dog owners need to read BEFORE they become a multi-pet household. Commitment, pet matching, second pet age and schedule adjustments are presented. Two can be trickier than one . . . unless you prepare. Source: Associated Press, October 5, 2019. Link. For many pet owners and pets, the process can be challenging. The cheerful bonding they’d hoped for … [Read more...]
9 common dog training mistakes
“Are YOU the problem?” Teoti Anderson asks before she offers tips about common dog behavior problems. Not using clear, consistent cues is a common mistake people make when training their dogs. Her nine common mistakes dog owners make reducing the value of dog training efforts make for a good resource for social media, newsletters and for new pet orientations: Leaving a … [Read more...]
Treat-training works better than praise, punishment
Dogs respond best to food treats instead of petting praise or punishment, according to researchers. Erica Feuerbacher has found that dogs will stay near a person who’s praising them for the same amount of time as if they’re being ignored. Punishment also works to change behavior, but can have serious side effects including damaging the human-animal bond. Source: Associated … [Read more...]
5 things veterinary experts say owners should stop doing to dogs
Most dog owners unintentionally do certain things that can hurt their pets, writes Marcelle Chastain, who discussed the topic with veterinarians. Here are the top five things: Feeding human food Reinforcing separation anxiety Letting the dog take control Placing food bowls out of a dog’s reach Too much or too little exercise Source: Inside Pets World, … [Read more...]
No answer to, “How many cats are too many?”
There is no magic number at which “how many” becomes “too many.” It’s more like a magic threshold one crosses at which point life goes from being “feline-friendly” to “feline-unhealthy.” The author discusses various elements of healthy cat socialization, bonding, space and resources. Source: PureWow, October 3, 2019. Link. Commenting on too many cats in one household, … [Read more...]
2019 PAW Report offers great insight
Seventy one percent of cat owners in the United Kingdom (UK) would like to change at least one of their cat’s behaviors, according to the 2019 Annual Paw Report <Link>. Based on surveys of UK residents, the report has useful insights for us all. Per the report, there is a decline in juvenile pets receiving vaccinations, and, perhaps less surprisingly, a large portion of … [Read more...]
Stem cell use growing, more work to do
With clinical use of stem cells in veterinary orthopedics growing, Nicole S. Amato, DVM, DACVS, offers answers to the question, “What does the current evidence show regarding efficacy?” She discusses terminology, stem cells sources and harvesting and clinical impact. Amato’s discussion of advantages and disadvantages leads to a conclusion. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCT) … [Read more...]
Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody!
We include articles about leadership and defining responsibilities in sources we review. A recent article reminded us of a poem credited to former CBS news anchor and poet Charles Osgood. His “Responsibility Poem” illustrates how important it is to take responsibilities seriously and to own them. The short version is shown here. We’ve linked two sources where the full … [Read more...]
Learn collaboration from Songland
We can learn something from television now and then. The new show, Songland, demonstrates how collaboration by amateurs and experts can take an idea for a song and turn it into a hit. When encouraged to collaborate, employees can take companies to chart-topping success. Source: Purpose Unlimited, October 8, 2019. Link. “A culture of collaboration engages employees. They … [Read more...]
Consumers REALLY want brands and culture to mix
This article is important to marketers, sales teams and business owners. Twitter’s new study, “The Impact of Culture < link >,” emphasizes how much consumers expect and even want brands to be culturally relevant: aligning well with cultural events, promoting trends that define today’s culture and supporting social issues that benefit everyone. Brand involvement in … [Read more...]
Commentary on general practitioners; JAVMA
Educators address a paradigm that being “just a general practitioner” is a lower status veterinarian compared to those who seek to post-graduate specialties. Kudos to the University of Georgia authors for emphasizing the challenges and importance of general practitioners in our industry. Source: JAVMA, October 15, 2019. Link. (Abstract) Also see: Table of contents, JAVMA, … [Read more...]
Reminder! National Veterinary Technician Week starts October 13
Next week we recognize the vital roles veterinary technicians provide to benefit veterinary practices, their clients and animal welfare. If you’ve not planned anything yet, you still have time. Source: AVMA. Link. National Veterinary Technician Week takes place in the third week of October each year. It was first celebrated in 1993. Also see: Where have all the nurses … [Read more...]
Suits, navigation and beer
Three articles consider the validity of suits for men, navigation challenges as we age and a perspective on beer labels’ value to civilization history. Perhaps one can provide fodder for a conversation with a colleague or customer. Source: How the power suit lost its power, Vox, September 30, 2019. Link. The suit has become a uniform for the powerless. Source: As we age, … [Read more...]
Mastitis hurts
Pain recognition and mastitis were discussed recently at the 2019 Total Dairy Seminar. Dr. Jim Reynolds, professor at Western University in California, outlined the welfare aspects of mastitis and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to reduce pain caused by a mastitis infection. Learn what behavioral changes Dr. Reynolds identified that indicate a cow is experiencing … [Read more...]
Key points on leptospirosis to share with animal owners
At the intersection of animals and humans, zoonotic diseases are public health concerns. Among them are multiple Leptospira species that can infect dogs, cats or human. These bacteria have worldwide distribution. The organisms are commonly shed in urine. Lepto infections are often initiated after ingestion of contaminated water. In one study, it was estimated that … [Read more...]
Top 5 keys to successful management of otitis externa
Ear conditions are usually listed in the top 10 reasons pets visit veterinarians < link >. Otitis externa is a common inflammatory condition that affects 15 percent to 20 percent of dogs and 4 percent to 7 percent of cats. Erin E. Aufox, DVM, and Elizabeth R. May, DVM, DACVD, explain their five steps to it: Classification Treatment Monitoring Maintenance … [Read more...]
Tighten up your bandaging skills (photo slides)
Tisha A. Harper, DVM, DACVS, discusses common complications associated with external coaptation*, and how can their occurrence be minimized. Along with general guidelines, she reviews common bandaging problems and complications. She also includes resources for educating clients about at-home bandage care. *External coaptation refers to the use of casts, splints, bandages, … [Read more...]
Embracing alternate sources for veterinary Rx
“We are not penalizing clients,” says Rebecca Kuester, LVT and practice manager, concerning writing prescriptions to be filled outside the clinic. Instead, clients receive education on counterfeit drugs, substitutions, product guarantees and online pharmacy options. Source: DVM 360, September 23, 2019. Link. . . . we put a special stamp on all our prescriptions heading out … [Read more...]
Technician use measured by VHMA
The VHMA’s September Insiders’ Insight Report < link > looks at how VHMA member practices use their technician staff; both credentialed technicians and non-credentialed veterinary assistants. Lack of training is the biggest barrier identified as to why these staff members are not fully used DVM resistance is identified by 36 percent of the respondents Most … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club discussion on the veterinary shortage
In the October 17 Bridge Club conversation, Mark Cushing, Animal Policy Group founder and Jim Lloyd, DVM, PhD, former University of Florida dean, will share new data and lead an insights-filled discussion about the near-term future of supply and demand, and what the profession can do answer the need. Source: The Bridge Club. Registration < link > Thursday, October 17, … [Read more...]
Commercial content: Antech launching AI-powered veterinary diagnostic
Antech Diagnostics will soon offer its RenalTech test across the VCA North American network of veterinary clinics and hospitals. The product will be the veterinary industry's first artificial intelligence-driven predictive diagnostic tool for companion animals, according to David Eaton, director of product development. RenalTech allows users to predict CKD (chronic kidney … [Read more...]
Dealing with pressing industry issues, Banfield Industry Summit (video)
Banfield Pet Hospital invites leaders in the animal care industry to come together and explore the industry’s most pressing issues every year. The SPARK video provides a look at the Summit and the issues discussed. Source: SPARK, September 27, 2019. Link. Here is a sampling of issues discussed at the Summit: 60 million pets not receiving regular veterinary care Vet … [Read more...]
Biosecurity in the spotlight
Without effective infection control, prevention and biosecurity (AAHA Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines) implemented in the veterinary primary care and referral settings, the clinician’s efforts at disease prevention and treatment are compromised and sometimes nullified. Practices struggle on several fronts, from identifying infectious animals before … [Read more...]
Adverse vaccine reactions in veterinary medicine: an update
Natalie Stilwell, DVM, MS, PhD, provides a review of the latest “need-to-know” adverse reactions information about vaccines for canine and feline patients. She reminds us that many cases are associated with either misuse of the vaccine or over-vaccination. Source: DVM 360, September 19, 2019. Link. Stilwell reviews a paper on the current understanding of adverse vaccine … [Read more...]
PHP reminder program successful in reactivating inactive clients
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Focusing on the bond between the practice, the pets and their owners, instead of the services a practice provides, has proven successful. Two years ago, the Partners for Healthy Pets Inactive Client Program, a client-centric email reminder program was initiated. 1612 practices enrolled 126,576 previously inactive … [Read more...]
Plan now for Veterinary Technician Week (October 13-19, 2019)
Veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and they play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare, according to the AVMA. Consider using the materials offered by the AVMA and NAVTA to promote the role and importance of this group of animal health pros. Use the images in social media and newsletters. Consider involving … [Read more...]
October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month reminds us of the responsibilities that come with ALL domesticated animals and pets. It us an opportunity to provide tips and tools to animal owners so they can be better prepared in the event of an emergency, illness or weather event. New smart home technologies can help keep dogs, cats and other domestic animals safe. Source: … [Read more...]