As a veterinary practice and its client base grows, employees turn over and team member roles get fragmented. Identifying top clients and consistently rewarding and reinforcing their behavior becomes increasingly difficult. Practices want to be sure these loyal, trusting best clients feel appreciated and valued. This is where a loyalty rewards program can come into … [Read more...]
10 obesity related conditions in fat pets
Nationwide reports that its members filed 1.4 million pet insurance claims for conditions and diseases related to obesity in 2017. They sorted through its database of more than 630,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 most common dog and cat obesity related conditions. Source: DVM 360, January 26, 2018. Nationwide data from 2016 showed more than 51,000 pet insurance … [Read more...]
AVJR, February 2018
Research about obese cats continues. The study titled Effects of weight loss with a moderate-protein, high-fiber diet on body composition, voluntary physical activity, and fecal microbiota of obese cats will be of interest to companion animal practices as they deal with obesity in cats. Source: AVJR, February 2018. (limited access) … [Read more...]
10 human foods dogs can eat
Rose Frosek shares healthful people foods that can be shared, guilt-free, with dogs. This list can be used on social media, in newsletters and websites. Who knows? Maybe, if the dog eats green veggies, so will the children. Source: Modern Dog. Remember that treats and other additions to your dog’s regular meal should comprise no more than 10 percent of their daily intake. … [Read more...]
“Hey,” “Hello,” “Hi” and other ways to start emails
The salutations we use to start an email affects the response rate, according to a recent analysis of 300,000 emails. While omitting a salutation on follow-up replies seems to be increasingly common, you are best off including an opening, at least in your initial email. Source: Quartz, January 22, 2018. Perhaps we should move past the era of formal salutations, as … [Read more...]
Transition cow diagnostics: 5 areas to focus
Dr. Mark Thomas returns to the basics when he works with veterinary students or on-farm staff. He focuses on five major areas that can be checked with limited equipment: Udder Uterus GI system (abomasum) Lungs Metabolic Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 3, 2018. Some might argue this oversimplifies the many organ systems and diseases that can affect a … [Read more...]
When to feed the good hay
Cows require additional nutrients during the month before calving. Crude protein needs increase as they move closer to calving, so feeding the highest quality hay just ahead of that time is best. Amy Radunz, University of Wisconsin associate professor, discussed hay quality and quantity with Sara Brown for this article. She shared two main take-homes for producers and their … [Read more...]
Treat cat bites and bite infections properly
It’s inevitable that those working or living with cats will need to deal with cat bites and the likely infection of the bite wounds. Andee Bingham offers perspective on cats that bite and treatment options for bite wounds. Source: Catster, January 26, 2018. Cat bites are exceptionally dangerous and prone to infection because a cat’s needle-like teeth can push bacteria deep … [Read more...]
Get better at being jealous
Kristin Wong likely has classmates and friends who envy her successes as a writer, just as animal health pros may feel jealousy or envy as colleagues receive honors, awards or get jobs they aspire to. Animal health has always been competitive at the DVM level. Competition is evident in manufacturers, suppliers and distributors and is now accentuated by mergers, acquisitions and … [Read more...]
Look for third-party certifications of pet food
Nancy Kerns speaks to the growing source verification and ethical source standards that are now part of pet food decisions. Suspicious of claims, she recommends looking for certification by a legitimate third-party auditor and references the number of companies that provide verification and certification of organic, socially, environmentally, and/or humanely responsible … [Read more...]
Lepto: important but potentially misleading
Suspected cases of leptospirosis deserve a comprehensive investigation, writes John Maday. Infertility issues are typically multi-factorial and may be difficult to diagnose, but the causes usually involve non-disease issues such as bull fertility, cow nutrition, genetics, toxins or others. Some producers can mistakenly assume they have a lepto problem and focus on that while … [Read more...]
Take stock of your inventory
Inventory is frequently the second-largest expense in veterinary practices. Now that year-end counts are completed and new promotions are launched, it is a good time to review Brian Conrad’s approach to getting inventory under control. He takes a pragmatic approach to eliminating duplications, applying usage reports and establishing parameters for stocking top items. He also is … [Read more...]
New parvovirus discovered within equine tetanus antitoxin
A recent report in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal detailed the discovery, genetic characterization and transmissibility of equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H)—a new virus associated with equine serum hepatitis. EqPV-H was discovered when a horse in Nebraska developed clinical signs of liver failure and died approximately … [Read more...]
AAEP publishes updated infectious disease guidelines
Most of the changes in existing guidelines highlight updated sampling and control measures. The AAEP’s Infectious Disease Committee also amended suspected case guidelines for respiratory, neurologic and clostridial diarrhea to outline appropriate actions and steps for suspected cases, along with several resource documents for sampling and equine herpesvirus. Additionally, … [Read more...]
Animal Health Digest receives Bronze VETTY Award
Our AHD team is pleased to be recognized with a 2018 Bronze VETTY in the category of Digital Education Tool, B2B/Trade. The VETTYS are the first and only animal health marketing awards competition created by NAVC. The competition focuses on products and services available through veterinarians or that support the veterinary profession, including pharmaceuticals, pet foods, … [Read more...]
Not all shedding is normal (includes handout)
Animal health pros frequently get questions about excessive pet hair shedding. It is generally normal or seasonal, but there are times to be concerned. Darin Dell, DVM, shares perspectives on causes of shedding. Source: Vetted, January 16, 2018. The first step when faced with an exam for “excessive shedding” is to determine if there is obvious alopecia or true thinning of … [Read more...]
Kitten knowledge makes things easier on them and you
Two articles address the topic of dealing with kittens that are frequently found on our doorsteps. Consider the perspectives as you answer questions from those who wish to save an abandoned litter or adopt a new kitten. For would-be cat owners, this information can be new and helpful. Source: What You Should Do If You Find A Kitten. Modern Cat. I hadn’t realized that … [Read more...]
The high cost of low action
Few things grow as effortlessly as a problem ignored, writes Steve Keating. Realistically, the things that aren’t working out well now only tend to get worse over time, and issues that remain unaddressed grow larger, not smaller. Doing nothing is easier, faster and cheaper until the bill comes due. And it always comes due. Source: Lead Today, January 22,2018. Problems … [Read more...]
Smartphone addiction, social media and our mental health
This may not be easy to read. The typical cell phone user touches his or her phone 2,617 times every day, according to a study by research firm dscout. And that’s just the average user. The study found that extreme cell phone users in the top 10 percent touch their phones more than 5,400 times daily. Our mental health is a factor of various variables. One such variable today is … [Read more...]
Proper dosage critical to cattle performance
Cattle producers know it, veterinarians know it and animal health pros know it. Proper dosage is important for medications and dewormers to perform efficaciously. The temptation to skimp on a dose or guess a calf’s weight is always there. Yielding to this temptation can negatively affect performance and health recovery. Writer Heather Smith Thomas offers a solid review of the … [Read more...]
VFD, one year later
To explore firsthand experiences and client challenges through the first year of the VFD rules, John Maday asked a group of bovine veterinarians from around the country to summarize their experiences. Mike Appley, DVM, believes the VFD has helped generate collaboration between veterinarians and clients in developing better disease-prevention protocols including vaccinations, … [Read more...]
Pain control product for cattle released
The first U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved product for pain control in a food-producing animal was released last month by Merck Animal Health. Banamine Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution) is approved for pain associated with foot rot and fever resulting from bovine respiratory disease and is applied as a pour-on. The product requires a prescription from a … [Read more...]
5 signs of canine boredom
Rather than whine around the house complaining there’s nothing to do, dogs who stay at home alone sometimes decide to amuse themselves with activities that are not funny to their owners. Teoti Anderson share five signs of dog boredom that are easily shared on websites or social media. Source: Modern Dog. Anderson shares five typical signs of dog boredom, as well as what … [Read more...]
Separation anxiety – a comprehensive package
Veterinary Medicine Essentials packages cover diagnostic steps, treatment plan guidance and the latest updates, plus resources to share with team members and animal owners. This collection of articles focuses on veterinary teams, yet it offers solid information for animal health sales pros. Source: Veterinary Medicine, June 15, 2017. The DVM360 team curated the best, most … [Read more...]
VMX 2018 was no small undertaking
Almost as if produced by Disney, the VMX conference is certainly XXX-sized. So are the smiles of participants and exhibitors as both seemed willing to engage. The only drawback of a large footprint venue is that many participants are not ready for the amount of walking required. You know the tradeshow is huge when golf carts are used on main thoroughfares to transport attendees … [Read more...]
Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in the books
More than 7,500 cattlemen and cattlewomen blazed a trail to Phoenix last week for the 121st annual 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Including the 25th anniversary of Cattlemen’s College and the learning experiences that go with it, BQA and environmental stewardship awards were also presented. Throughout the event, new acquaintances were made and friendships were … [Read more...]
Opinion – Local delivery may be an option
During a seminar explaining pet owner purchasing behaviors and confidence indicators, a colleague leaned over to me and said, “Florists deliver flowers locally, also pizza and now groceries, why don’t DVMs deliver pet supplies the same way?” His observation interrupted thoughts throughout the day alongside memories of how we used to do things before specialized small package … [Read more...]
Nearly all pet owners bought food in stores in 2017
Physical stores are not dead, despite industry fears of e-commerce taking over. 88 percent of dog owners and 93 percent of cat owners bought products in the category in a retail location in the past 12 months, according “Pet Food in the U.S., 13th Edition,” a report from Rockville, Md.-based market intelligence firm Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com. The … [Read more...]
Back-to-back conventions offer learning and conversation opportunities
Convention season is here. Many industry personnel will be crisscrossing the country for convention activities, continuing education, customer interactions or group meetings aligned with the events. The same is true for AHD team members. Rick Purnell, AHD editor will join AHD founder/president, Kirk Augustine at the Cattle Industry Convention and Trade show January 31 … [Read more...]
Microchips turn 30; adoption still slow
Great efforts have been poured into microchip technology. One can argue the chronology, but microchip technology has settled with dependable standards and equipment. Still, under 30 percent of dogs and fewer than 15 percent of cats are chipped. Various sources indicate that lost pets with microchips are returned to owners at rates two or more times higher than non-chipped … [Read more...]