The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) has increased interest in creating or improving relationships with veterinarian. Joe Paschal, an Extension livestock specialist with Texas A&M University, offers some down-to-earth perspective about the value these relationships can offer. Source: Progressive Cattleman, May 16, 2017. Since your veterinarian is not as familiar with … [Read more...]
Arrogance or insecurity?
Are those flare-ups of smug self-righteousness your mind’s attempt to spare you from feeling vulnerable? Most of the time, arrogance is used to cover the fear that we’re not really worthy, that we don’t measure up, writes Ted Leonhardt. It’s fear turned upside down and masquerading as superiority. It isn’t too hard to see, but in practice, it can be tough to correct. Source: … [Read more...]
Dental products you can recommend with a smile
Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows compiled this list of food, treats and more that are proven effective at maintaining the health of pets' teeth. She says that only 32 dog and 12 cat products have been approved by the VOHC. Click through to see what this means to you. Two of the 10 products showcased are manufactured by AHD Sponsor, Addison Biological Laboratory. Source: … [Read more...]
Cesar: separation anxiety is your fault
When your dog is separated from you, he gets anxious and acts out. So, who causes it? Two words. YOU DO! Cesar Millan explains how pet owners winding up their animals before leaving and upon returning can create separation anxiety. Source: Cesar’s Way, May 21, 2017. In a related article, he shares 5 tips to help dog separation anxiety: Before you leave the house, … [Read more...]
DECISION: write emails with military precision
By adopting military email etiquette, you will introduce a kernel of clarity to your correspondence and that of your colleagues and clients. Kabir Sehgal learned how to structure emails to maximize a mission’s chances for success while in military service. He now successfully applies the same techniques in a corporate setting. Source: Harvard Business Review, November 22, … [Read more...]
Make time for equine in a mixed veterinary practice
Kyle Palmer, CVT, shares the challenges and solutions to scheduling in mixed equine and companion animal practices. His experienced view is that equine clients are not more, or less, bonded to their horses than their companion animal counterparts. Yet, for some reason they need a different approach. Source: DVM 360, April 24, 2017. Designated equine staff members. It's just … [Read more...]
EPM continues to be a threat
Advances in diagnostics and treatments have greatly reduced the number of horses who succumb to Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This potentially debilitating neurological disease remains a threat to horses throughout the United States. Its range is spreading, too. Finding more effective ways to prevent and treat this disease continues to challenge … [Read more...]
The latest from EVE
We got a bit behind in posting the latest from the AAEP’s Equine Veterinary Education editions. We’ve linked the April and May issue Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers for your review of the abstracts. We did like Dr. McKee’s article on ethical practice. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, April 2017. Equine Veterinary Education, May 2017. Also see: Ethics: … [Read more...]
Strangles requires strict health protocols
Strangles, caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi), is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in horses. Control of outbreaks requires strict isolation protocols and hygiene measures. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, March 2017, (abstract access only). Also see: Lessons learned from a strangles outbreak on a large … [Read more...]
Looks like parvo, acts like parvo, tests negative: Cryptosporidium parvum
Brandon Sinn, DVM, shares information on a troublesome protozoan named for its parvo-like symptoms, Cryptosporidium parvum. He indicates Cryptosporidia burrows into the base of the intestinal villi and eventually moves them off similar to parvo. The result is profuse, bloody diarrhea. Professionals have observed a recent increase in protozoa infections in kennel operations … [Read more...]
The doctor will see your iguana now
Not every clinic deals with cows, canines or kittens. Veterinarians at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine In New York City see everything from iguanas to guinea pigs and even kinkajous. This is an interesting, short read with insight into what goes on in a practice specializing in exotic species. Source: The New York Times, May 12, 2017 (paywall). The surgery ground … [Read more...]
Current bird flu strain increases pandemic risks
With bird flu surging, people in the U.S. need to do more to prevent a possible pandemic. The U.S. Government Accountability Office says efforts to protect chickens and turkeys from bird flu rely on voluntary and often inadequate measures by poultry producers. Controlling the virus in poultry is the main way to reduce human infection and prevent a pandemic, the GAO … [Read more...]
Five lessons for all marketers from the departure of Coke’s CMO
In what has created yet another acrimonious title, Coke’s firing of its CMO is a warning to marketers at all levels. Source: Marketing Profs, May 12, 2017. Here's what all marketers can learn from this shakeup: Now is not the time to get comfortable Your investments are under greater scrutiny You're tasked with changing the perception of your role It's time to … [Read more...]
Cats’ tails tell tales
Our team couldn’t resist the pun. Cat blogger Jane A Kelly shares eight ways cats talk with their tales tails. Source: Catster, May 11, 2017. A cat’s tail is an amazing and beautiful thing. Not only is it an anatomical wonder, it’s an excellent tool for feline self-expression. Even the most obtuse of humans can learn the secrets of this behavior — “tail talk,” if you will — … [Read more...]
Horses and food allergies
Eleanor Kellon, VMD, indicates true food allergy has never been formally proven in horses. A major difficulty is diagnostics. If only by chance, the blood IgE tests are bound to get it right sometimes but research really does not support their use as a diagnostic tool. Source: Horse Network, May 10, 2017. The horse cannot be allergic to a food he has never been exposed to, … [Read more...]
2017 Masters of the Pork Industry
This issue celebrates the innovation and dedication of pork industry leaders whose commitments have established deep roots in and influencing the pork industry. Read the career choices and experiences of: Jan Archer, President of National Pork Board Kent Swartz, Iowa State Diagnostic Lab Brad Freking, DVM, New Fashion Pork Max Rodibaugh, DVM, Swine Health … [Read more...]
Canines offer great listening training
It is widely acknowledged that the number one cause of communication breakdown is ineffective listening skills. We talk at each other rather than with each other. However, there is hope. It comes in the form of our canine friends. Source: Vet-Advantage Magazine, April 2017. When humans communicate, we use words, our voice and our body to convey our message. Behavioral … [Read more...]
The future of equine parasite control
No new anthelmintics with newer modes of action have been introduced since the early 1980s. Anthelmintic resistance continue to increase in cyathostomin and Parascaris spp. parasites. While resistance is slow to develop, work by Dr. Gene Lyons clearly illustrates that once it appears in a parasite, it is there to stay. We can expect resistance to at least one drug class to … [Read more...]
The top 10 sessions at CVC last year
Convention planners work hard to deliver great value from events that take you away from the clinic. This top 10 list from CVC sessions last year is interesting and informative. Source: Veterinary Medicine, April 28, 2017. The No. 1 CVC session was — Managing chronic otitis: Treating the difficult case and preventing recurrence (James Noxon, DVM, DACVIM) INSIGHTS: Sales … [Read more...]
Is marketing at fault?
This article is worthy of c-suite, marketing and sales management consideration. The finger-pointing on who is to blame is an age-old quandary, but author Bruce Scheer clearly exposes the opportunities being missed in marketing groups. He is also is spot-on regarding the issue with value connection. Source: Marketing Profs, May 3, 2017. That's one of the key reasons 37% of … [Read more...]
Infographics help marketing
Infographics are simplified images of a message or concept. We’ve used them for decades as pictorials, flow charts or diagrams. The best pictures convey a message better than written words. With about 65 percent of the population being primarily visual learners, infographics help people absorb and recall information best by seeing it. Source: MWI Messenger, May 2017, page … [Read more...]
Location, location, location and litter box placement
Never put the litter box near a cat’s food and water. This is one primary rule, according to Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like A Cat. She discusses litter box placement options in this excerpt from her book. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 24, 2017. Pick a spot in your home away from heavy traffic to provide your cat with a feeling of privacy and safety. However, don’t … [Read more...]
5 strategies to improve a cow’s immunity
Transition cows benefit from more attention and care. Barry Bradford, an immunity specialist from Kansas State University offers his top five strategies to help these cows: Manage body condition Housing Antioxidants Anionic diets Tweak immunity Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 24, 2017. INSIGHTS: Transition is an ongoing discussion at every level of dairy … [Read more...]
35th anniversary of National Pet Week®
The first week of May brings National Pet Week®. It celebrates the special bonds between pets and people, and encourages pet owners to ensure they provide all of their animal companions a complete lifetime of love. For the 35th anniversary, the AVMA spotlights seven specific needs every pet owner must consider to ensure that their pet lives the longest, healthiest life … [Read more...]
Don’t take parasites to pasture
Flies and worms lower cattle health. This can lead to major economic damage, so controlling parasites with insecticides and other management protocols is important. Producers prepare pastures by fertilizing, spraying, burning and inter-seeding. The same logic applies to preparing cattle for spring by controlling parasites early. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 14, … [Read more...]
$580 million of pet food supplements sold in 2016
Dog owners purchase the majority of pet supplements, buying three times as much as cat owners. Packaged Facts identified these five trends as factors shaping the pet supplements market beyond what we already know: Joint health, digestive health and condition-specific supplements have opportunity to compete with formulated pet foods and treats Supplement marketers … [Read more...]
New posts from Is My Practice Healthy?
Drs. Blach and Clark provide an interactive and educational venue to improve veterinary practice management. Many of their posts also relate to servicing clients as a representative or retail associate. Here are some recent posts we found valuable: Make sure your marketing fits your target market Focus on the customer Is this good for them or for you? Source: … [Read more...]
Pigs – a hobby farmer’s view
Every breed is unique, but producers should know what they’re getting when raising pigs for market pork. Rodney Wilson shares how he learned this all-important first lesson in our lifelong education about feed conversion efficiency: pigs can loosely be lumped into two classes, bacon pigs and lard pigs. Source: Hobby Farms, March 20, 2017. Today’s new and prospective hog … [Read more...]
Small talk can enhance the client-veterinary practice bond
Small talk plays an important role in everyday lives. In the veterinary practice, small talk is the first step toward building solid client–team relationships based on understanding and trust that result in improved patient-care outcomes. In subsequent meetings with the client, team members can refer back to what they learned from casual conversations about the client’s … [Read more...]
There’s something wrong in the neighborhood
Who you gonna call? Pest busters. Here’s a list of available products for parasite and pest management. Source: Beef, April 2017, page 20. Pest busters for 2017. … [Read more...]