Researchers continue to study various effects of postpartum clinical disease to dairy production. The transition period will make or break a lactation and quite possibly the entire productive life of a cow. Considering the performance of a dairy cow over several years and lactations makes disease incidents during her production lifetime important considerations. A recent … [Read more...]
AKC expands safe grooming certification program
The American Kennel Club recognizes the health and safety of pets when outside of their owner’s care remains a genuine concern for pet owners. Supporting continuing education for groomers, the AKC has expanded its AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification Program < link > with a Safety in the Salon Recertification Course. . . . recertification gives grooming professionals an … [Read more...]
COHAT is new acronym for dentals
In place of what have traditionally been called dentals is the new acronym, COHAT. It embraces the entire process to ensure that a pet’s mouth is healthy by diagnosing and fixing any issues that are present. “COHAT stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. The term helps convey the importance and value of having a pet’s entire mouth checked regularly,” … [Read more...]
Cats hurt too
Animal Pain Awareness Month wraps up this week < link >. The American Association of Feline Practitioners provides information for cat owners through its Cat Friendly Homes website < link >. We’re highlighting the article about ‘knowing when a cat is in pain‘ in support of this month’s theme. It is good information to share with cat owners on social media, in … [Read more...]
25 top feline-friendly cities
Real estate technology company, Redfin and pet insurance carrier, Trupanion recently announced the 25 most feline-friendly cities of 2019. The list includes cities in 18 states. Here are the top 5 cat-friendly cities: Corvallis, Oregon Spokane, Washington Orlando, Florida Bellingham, Washington Tulsa, Oklahoma Source: DVM 360, September 23, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Factoid. Computers were born in corn country
Computers and their capabilities have captured industrial capacity and our growing curiosities alike. Doug Jacobson, PhD, shares the story of the first computer. Named the ABC, it was built at Iowa State University (ISU). It is also home to the nation’s first public veterinary school, Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Boring Midwest? Maybe … [Read more...]
Visualizing social media use by generation (Infographic)
There are 4.4 billion social media users today. Ashley Viens describes how it has altered the way we interact both online and offline . She also notes the rate of social media growth is slowing, though use is still growing. From 2017 to 2018, the average person increased usage by three minutes per day, while becoming a new user of 0.8 social media accounts. What happens in a … [Read more...]
Corporate CEOs convene to re-align purpose with profit
It is possible for purpose and profit to coexist, but there must be intention. The Business Roundtable, a group of almost 200 CEOs of the largest U.S. corporations, recently issued a statement that fundamentally redefined the purpose of a corporation. It suggests that a new social contract is being struck between corporations and society. “for the benefit of all … [Read more...]
Bill Gates answers, “What should we never forget?”
Niklas Göke comments about watching the new 3-part documentary about Bill Gates on Netflix < link >. The interviewer asks question after question of Gates who answers directly and honestly. He was asked the question, “What was the worst day in your life?” The answer? “The day my mother died.” Göke shares the following: No matter who you are in this world, no … [Read more...]
Lenders offer varying options to help clients pay
When veterinary care challenges animal owners’ ability to pay, third party lenders have products to bridge the gap between an owners’ cash on hand and veterinary fees. Brendan Howard compares third-party loans and credit card options to veterinary clients. Source: VETTED, February 8, 2019. Link. Also see: A nay-sayer’s guide to pet insurance and third-party payment plans, … [Read more...]
Practicing narrative medicine; diagnostic listening
Narrative medicine is a young field in human medicine and even younger in veterinary medicine. Yet, some of the best veterinarians practice narrative medicine instinctively. Narrative medicine feels more like collaboration between the veterinarian and animal owner. <narrative medicine> is authentic engagement. . . diagnostic listening . . . rather than perfunctorily … [Read more...]
Focus on fungi
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated this week as Fungal Disease Awareness Week < link > to boost the public’s understanding of how these microscopic organism can make humans sick. In animals, fungal infections are a patchwork of different situations. Fungal infections can be devastating, and they continue to emerge more rapidly than ever . . . they … [Read more...]
U.S. antibiotic council member shares perspectives
Mike Appley, DVM, has served four years on the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria, < link >. He believes one of the biggest behavioral problems is that the problem always seems to be what someone else is doing, and what we are doing without fault. Antibiotic resistance is a real and pressing problem, and everyone needs to pitch … [Read more...]
Opinion – Addressing push-back on cows, emissions, planet benefits (video)
Our September 3, 2019 post, Cows really do benefit the planet! < link > ruffled some readers’ feathers. Each day our industry understands more about the impact we have on animals, food resources, the planet and, of course, human beings. In those posts, we offered information that debunks the 2006 United Nations claim that cattle were the greatest contributors to … [Read more...]
Tick study: One single tick, multiple pathogens of tick-borne diseases
Ticks can carry several different pathogens capable of several different tick-borne diseases, sometimes in a single tick, according to a study in mBio < link >. Notably, the lone star tick is a very aggressive tick that can transmit a bacterium that causes a disease known as Ehrlichiosis. The lone star tick has also been implicated in cases of a novel form of meat … [Read more...]
Pheasants, horses, turkey in 3 Pennsylvania. counties infected with EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)was found in pheasants, horses and a wild turkey in Pennsylvania's Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties, according to state health and agriculture officials. The mosquito-borne disease is carried by birds, can also infect people and equids, and can be fatal. Source: Associated Press, September 22, 2019. Link. So far this year, nine deaths in the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Star Wars tech featured at NAVC E-Commerce Summit
Imagine a pet owner talking to a virtual assistant via Alexa about a problem with their dog at 3:00 a.m. which sets up a live phone call from a veterinarian only minutes later. Or, having your cellphone notify you that your dog is barking excessively because the house is on fire or a stranger has entered. These and other technologies had attendees riveted as presenting … [Read more...]
PIJAC issues statement on use of pet vaccinations
According to its statement last fall, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) supports the judicious use of vaccines in pets in order to protect both animals and humans from disease and death. This position complements the views of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the … [Read more...]
In-house diagnostics making gains
Clients expect test results faster than ever before. Learn the benefits for the patient, client, practice and clinician of keeping testing in-house. Source: Vet Practice, September 12, 2019. Link. The animal diagnostic market is a major and flourishing sector; it accounts for 22 percent of the entire veterinary market and is worth US$4.2 billion globally. INSIGHTS: Newer … [Read more...]
Hate distractions? Good. Your perception of reality is at stake
If you’re trying to pay attention to multiple things, you’re not going to be as good at it versus if it were one at a time. It’s not just being slowed down . . . it might affect what you’re perceiving in the moment.” We are constantly inundated with push notices, texts, flashing signs, banners or the next tab. All this distraction may come at a massive cost. It’s not only to … [Read more...]
Understand your voice
Your voice makes a big impression. Its pitch, speed and volume determine how people view your professionalism, whether to trust you and if you’re emotionally stable. How you sound may be more important than your words, writes Susan Berkley. She discusses improving our vocal persona, while improving how we use our voice. . . . your voice can either enhance the impact of what … [Read more...]
More veterinary technicians = higher practice efficiency
Recent AVMA analytics reveals that veterinary hospitals with more technicians and other non-DVM staff are likely to operate more efficiently. The optimal mix of non-DVM and DVM staff depends on several factors, including: practice type and size the demand for veterinary services in an area the availability of qualified veterinary professionals: professional and … [Read more...]
Veterinary technicians; heroes, heroines in scrubs
It’s been said, “the poop rolls downhill.” In most vet clinics, the technicians catch it. But these talented professionals frequently make the day, save a case and step in to help animal owners understand what’s going on. Kudos to the dvm360 staff for collecting some real-life experiences as the 2019 National Veterinary Technician Week approaches October 13-19. Source: … [Read more...]
The real meaning of customer-centricity and how to develop it (includes video)
Like a well-written elevator speech, Denise Lee Yohn discusses how to implement a customer-centric operating model. She promotes cultivating a culture that embraces a customer-focused mindset and values. Beyond “a customer is always right,” customer centricity is about identifying your most valuable customers and then organizing and operating around them. Source: SmartBrief, … [Read more...]
Embarrassment is fuel. Use it.
Anthony Moore says most people are living on someone else’s terms. They live to avoid fear, risk and embarrassment. He offers ideas to stop being afraid of looking stupid and consistently live the life you want. Source: The Ascent, May 20, 2019. Link. Just because you fail doesn’t make you a failure. So much of this life is process; getting a little better/smarter every … [Read more...]
Feed tags offer nutritional information
Every bag of livestock feed and mineral sold has a tag attached that offers an analysis of the product, ingredients and feeding directions. This may seem like basic information. But, for youngsters or those starting out in the livestock business with no background, these labels are a good start to ensure their livestock get a sound nutrition regimen. Source: Noble Research … [Read more...]
New foot-and-mouth disease vaccine granted license by The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute has granted MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the U.S.) an exclusive commercial license for a new vaccine to protect livestock against several serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. Offering greater stability than current FMD vaccines, it’s less reliant on a cold chain during distribution which is hugely beneficial in regions … [Read more...]
A good bed can improve dogs’ health and well-being
Providing pets with a high-quality bed or blanket can be a crucial building block for health and well-being. The most important benefits of beds and blankets are: They improve sleep quality They speak to dogs’ nesting instincts They offer security on-the-go Source: Animal Wellness, September 6, 2019. Link. When choosing a bed for a pet, how the pet sleeps helps … [Read more...]
Farm-wise parasite control strategies
Mares midway in their second trimester makes them a top parasite control priority on horse farms. It is important to consider all the horses on the farm, but remember each horse has its own needs , writes Sarah Evers Conrad. Avoid blanket parasite control strategies. They have led to widespread drug resistance in parasite populations. There’s really no way to build a parasite … [Read more...]
Protect horses from lyme disease
Fall brings a fervent tick quest < link > that reinforces the need to limit horse exposure to ticks. There is no lyme vaccine approved for use in horses. However, some veterinarians have vaccinated horses with canine vaccine < link >. Laurie Bonner shares ways to reduce horse exposure to ticks including daily removal, pasture care and using tick repellent on … [Read more...]