More than 3,000 purebred Golden Retrievers across the U.S. are enrolled in a $32 million research project that is hoped to bring insights to the causes of cancers and other diseases common to Goldens and other breeds. They became part of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study before the turned 2 years old and will be tracked for life. Colorado State University and the Morris … [Read more...]
Humane Society helping pet, livestock owners during wildfires
As wildfires continue to rage in Southern California, pets, horses and livestock are part of the survivors and casualties. The Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai has been working 24/7 for more than a week to rescue animals and help owners drop off their pets and horses. No animal is turned away. Source: CBSlocal.com, December 13, 2017. In many cases owners of horses … [Read more...]
In celebration of lost words
Just for fun! At some point in their lexical histories, lost words’ original meanings died and have been revived into a mere semblance of their former selves. And we wonder why expatriates and newcomers have trouble assimilating. Source: JSTOR Daily, December 6, 2017. We tend to eagerly focus on the weird new expressions and linguistic innovations that enter the language … [Read more...]
Stay ahead of Coccidiosis in calves
Coccidia, a parasitic protozoa that colonizes in the intestinal tract of cattle, is one of the “biggies” of pathogens that cause scours in pre- and post-weaned calves. Eggs are produced internally and pass into the environment via shedding in manure. Nearly all animals on dairies will eventually be exposed to coccidia. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 7, 2017. If the … [Read more...]
Horse coughing may indicate trouble
Sometimes coughing in horses is harmless. It may be the first sign of serious trouble. Heather Smith Thomas reviews how to tell the difference. Notice the background information about the horse’s activities. These references will help veterinary staff members ask good questions when receiving a call from a horse owner. Source: Equus, October 5, 2017. Knowing when to call … [Read more...]
Tips to stop loose dogs from approaching you
Stephanie Colman discusses the challenge of meeting up with a loose dog while out and about with pets. Being approached by loose dogs, especially when their dogs are on leash, is a least-favorite experience for most dog owners. This information is good for social media posts, newsletters and to include in puppy class materials. Coleman offers five non-assertive strategy … [Read more...]
Cat litter offers new benefits
Sandy Robins shares recent trends in cat litter. This information is commercial, but knowing what is trending in this category is important for animal health pros who deal with cat owners. Source: Pet Age, December 4, 2017. New cat litter options include these categories: lightweight litters au natural litters diagnostic litters vibrant litters … [Read more...]
It’s not always safe to rub cat bellies
Dog lovers who visit homes with cats often get fooled by cats offering their bellies. There are lots of places cats like to be petted, but if you try to pet a cat’s belly, you’ll likely be met with claws and teeth. Source: Catster, December 8, 2017. There are some cats who love belly rubs, but they’re few and far between. The cat belly is a very vulnerable place. Unlike … [Read more...]
Senecavirus A gaining a foothold in the U.S. swine industry
Dr. Jack Shere, a DVM with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is concerned about the increasing prevalence of Senecavirus A (SVA) in the U.S. swine herd. SVA is a disease that mimics Foot and Mouth disease (FMD). This is why producers need to be more vigilant than ever when they see signs of blisters or lesions on pigs’ skin . Source: Pork, December 8, … [Read more...]
Telemedicine and its impact of veterinary medicine
The AVMA House of Delegates recently voted to implement a new policy regarding telemedicine. When using telemedicine tools, the veterinarian must have an established veterinarian–client–patient relationship (VCPR). Clients should be aware of the advice giver’s identity, location, licensure status, and potential privacy and security issues with electronic … [Read more...]
Elevating the role of veterinary nurses
It is important for animal health pros to understand the Veterinary Nurse Initiative and its empowerment for this work force. It aims to standardize the profession’s educational requirements, scope of practice, requirements to maintain the credential, and title protection, and to rename the role from veterinary technician to veterinary nurse. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, … [Read more...]
BarkBox continues upward sales clip (includes video)
BarkBox is a phenomenon in the consumer pet market. It has 500,000 delivery service subscribers and more than 4 million fans on Facebook and Instagram. BarkBox’s social media team creates original video content and shares relatable memes with its followers to remind them of the emotional connection humans have with their furry friends. In other words, the content that gets … [Read more...]
Not all dogs need cute winter coats
Winter coats for dogs are cute, but they likely aren’t needed? Carol Bryant discusses which dog breeds should wear coats in the winter and how to choose one. This is good information for pet owners that can be deliver via social media, newsletters and have available in-house. Source: Dogster, December 5, 2017. Bryant shares the following on canine couture: Fiction: All … [Read more...]
2016 antibiotic sales down 10 percent from 2015
The use of antibiotics in livestock production continues to be a hot topic with the threat of antibiotic resistance from superbugs. A new report indicates a reduction occurred even prior to the implementation of the VFD. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 18, 2017. FDA released a 2016 summary report December 7, 2017 on “Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in … [Read more...]
Keep military friends in mind this season
All of us at AHD thank you for helping make 2017 an achievement-filled year. As we close in on the holidays, it’s important to remember how blessed the time can be for those of us fortunate enough to gather with family and friends. While preparing for the holidays, take time to remember our service members and their families who are separated on our behalf. This … [Read more...]
Best books for last minute-holiday gifts
Here are 11 gift possibilities for someone in your network. Professional development books can be easily personalized individuals based on their contribution to your career or how you may be mentoring them. Source: The Muse, December 5, 2017. Titles include: The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills by Daniel Coyle High Performance Habits: How … [Read more...]
To get support for your CX vision, Just ASK!
Customer experience (CX) is a mainstay of business strategies. It is not a new concept, it is just that with the digital experiences added to it, CX can now occur much of the time without humans being directly involved. Krista Sheridan writes about changing the question from one of making people do things to letting people do things. In other words, asking for help. Source: … [Read more...]
Opinion – South Dakota cows grow human antibodies
Thank God for scientists who continue to work toward solutions instead of kowtowing to popular consumer trends. I wonder what the GMO-free folks will do when offered a non-antibiotic treatment grown from a GMO cloned cow with human DNA. Source: Drovers, November 1, 2017. SAB Biotherapeutics, based in Sioux Falls, uses cloned cattle with certain human DNA. The cows are … [Read more...]
Opinion – California raccoon distemper cases expose risks (includes video)
Cases of infected wildlife are not unusual. But, the human population encroachment into wildlife habitats has forced raccoons, skunks, coyotes and opossums to adapt to city living. In some areas, garbage cans, pet food dishes and potted gardens provide a more sustainable food supply than previous habitats. The result is an abundant, unbalanced critter population that inevitably … [Read more...]
Latest NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly
The NAVTA editors selected core articles and information related to: Shortcuts, mistakes and surgery prep Telehealth Anesthesia Basics and Recovery Source: NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly, December 5, 2017. Also see: NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly, November 22, 2017. Vet Tech Uses Massage to Help Pets … [Read more...]
Why dogs snack in cat litter boxes
A litter box is bad enough without having Muffy decide to go there for snacks. The reason for cat litter box treats is one of three topics in this edition of Fear Free Happy Homes. How Much Protein Does Your Cat Really Need? and Fear Reactions: Fight, Flight, and Freeze bookend the litter box phenomena. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, December 5, 2017. Handouts for … [Read more...]
Prevent holiday diarrhea in dogs
The last thing you need is a dog with explosive diarrhea when friends and family are gathered for the holidays. Unfortunately, many dogs experience gastric upsets around the holidays. Jackie Brown outlines some causes and some home remedies that will treat mild cases of dog diarrhea. Source: Dogster, November 29, 2017. The bottom line about holiday diarrhea in dogs: … [Read more...]
Shoppers spend more money, less time and other retail trends
Animal health pros often shy away from selling, but we are all managing transactions at some level. The industry is unsettled by significant demographic, economic, and technological shakeups. But there’s more at play as consumers, including us, are shaking things up. Our perceptions, expectations, and ultimately, behaviors are giving way to new shopping trends that retailers … [Read more...]
PEDV, PDCoV have taught hard lessons
Aaron Lower, DVM, reminds us that the swine industry is embarking on its fifth winter of managing porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine deltacoronavirus. As we enter the seasonal epidemic, it is important to review the key exclusion and management principles learned over the past five years. Source: National Hog Farmer, November 22, 2017. Sit down with your production … [Read more...]
Marketers, the future looks whack-a-mole
The number of consumer touch points is growing exponentially. Mike Herrick believes that for brands to keep up, they should rethink their marketing technology stacks. He cautions assumptions that mobile is a template for the post-mobile age. It’s not. Source: Martech Today, November 29, 2017. The truth, says Herrick, is that post-mobile computing will be an infinitely … [Read more...]
Comfort and growth do not co-exist
Comfort can produce complacency. Complacency creates a false sense of security. A false sense of security creates vulnerability that leads to decline and eventually destruction. Effective leaders know this and create some discomfort in their organizations because it leads to growth. Source: Pulse, November 21, 2017. It may surprise you that your job as an open-door leader … [Read more...]
Top urinary tract and prostate antibiotics
Articles like this one make great staff training and discussion tools. Seasoned veterinarians can help newer colleagues by sharing experiences while younger, less experienced DVMs bring new perspectives from their education or discussions with classmates. Encourage a trusted sales representative to help facilitate the discussions at a scheduled meeting. Source: Clinician’s … [Read more...]
Pick the right dog collar for safety and specialty
“Punishment gets compliance; reinforcement gets cooperation.” Animal health pros are frequently asked about dog collars. Each situation is different. Pat Miller offers collar advice from her force-free perspective. She says, “There are some types of collars we wholeheartedly endorse, some we support with caution and some that we regard as unnecessary and risky.” Source: … [Read more...]
Managing the skinny, older horse
Impending winter weather and loss of good pasture should make all owners of thin senior horses anxious. An underweight horse is a concern regardless of age, but seniors have additional considerations. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, shares perspectives on dentistry and nutrition. Source: Horse Network, November 23, 2017. Problems such as heart failure, kidney failure, liver disease or … [Read more...]
Feed bees so they survive the winter
The implementation of the VFD has increased animal health pros’ apiary concerns. Angi Schneider writes about feeding bees in winter to help them survive. Unlike other insects, bees do not hibernate during the winter or lay eggs that overwinter and emerge in spring. They stay active all winter long. Source: Countryside Daily, November 24, 2017. Once temperatures reach about … [Read more...]