Being a quick study doesn’t mean you’re the smartest person in the room. It’s that you’ve learned how to learn, shares Ulrich Bolser. He shares three practical, research-based ways to build your learning skills. Effective learning often boils down to a type of project management.” - Ulrich Boser Source: Harvard Business Review, May 02, 2018. Link. A growing body of research … [Read more...]
Veterinarians shouldn’t do it all
Prepping for National Veterinary Technician Week, Dana Varble, DVM, asserts animal health pros must make every effort to ensure those in our field have satisfying lifelong careers with opportunities for growth and advancement. Our industry faces an ever-growing shortage of veterinary nurses, technicians . . . consider investing time to help build career paths for team members … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts - Five metrics veterinary practices should track. Link. Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 8, 2022. Link. Top recommended veterinary products Source: DVM 360®. Link. 748 companion animal … [Read more...]
Pigs contract Senecavirus A through imported feed
A great amount of laboratory work has proven that viruses, including SVA, can survive well in feed but researchers have never had a real-world case where they could come to a strong conclusion that a new virus entered a country through feed imports. Until now. Scott A. Dee, DVM, MS, PhD, explains the significance of the discovery as a big-time wake-up call. Dee encourages … [Read more...]
Back-of-the-napkin cow math
We continue to see positive advancements in quality and productivity in the U.S. cowherd, says Nevil Speer. Still, the cow/calf sector has witnessed a sharp sell-off during the past three years including this year due to ongoing drought. Speer says the next few months will be critical regarding beef cow slaughter and where we end up for the year. Second, whatever occurs, … [Read more...]
Meeting the needs of the elder horse
Includes Sponsored Content In this issue of EQUUS Extra, seven key management challenges presented by advancing horse age are discussed. The intention is to increase the chances of an aging horse enjoying a longer, healthy and productive life. The key is to remain vigilant to subtle changes in their demeanor and condition and to catch developing issues before they grow out … [Read more...]
A critical time for osteoarthritis
One of the largest trends in animal health has been the rise in cases of osteoarthritis, writes Graham Garrison. Citing increasing obesity trends in cats and dogs, he shares facts gleaned from Banfield studies and key points from Jo Ann Morrison, DVM, MS, DACVIM. <increasing obesity> trends have created a critical moment for veterinary teams to adjust our tactics as we … [Read more...]
Owners buy smaller pet food packages as inflation rises
Increasing pet food prices have changed one aspect of pet food buying behavior for some pet owners. They are buying smaller packages of their preferred brands, saving money in the short term while missing out on bulk savings, according to NielsenIQ analysts. Source: Petfood Industry, September 8, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: For inventory managers the shift to smaller package … [Read more...]
AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day is September 17 (video)
The AKC offers 75 ways to be a responsible dog owner in this article that includes a video. Ideas range from initial pet selection to routine care and how to include various support networks in ensuring dogs are kept and maintained responsibly. Topics cover dog choice, ownership commitment, home preparation and house rules, establishing veterinary care, routine care, safety … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 12, 2022
Wearable tech trends for animals, inside aging dogs’ brains, premiumization of pet food continues to drive sales, dealing with cash shortages and funding, U.S. pet specialty businesses continue to see robust growth and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
You don’t have to be CEO to be a visionary leader
Commentary There are many layers of leadership in business and society. Animal health pros can lead by example when dealing with each other or with animal owners. Opportunities abound in smaller businesses to affect company direction, vision and help increase consistency among team members. In research for the HBR Leader’s Handbook, the authors identified three critical … [Read more...]
Employees, where are your manners?
Business etiquette is on the decline, according to those interviewed by writer Callum Borchers. He interviewed five business professionals who cite various reasons for the downturn, as well as potential negative consequences for poor manners. Potential hires, existing employees and hiring personnel share equal blame for the trend. Source: The Wall Street Journal, September … [Read more...]
Walmart goes after the pet parent market with The Dodo partnership
Pet parent targeting continues to increase in the strategies of pet specialty retailers like Petco, Pet Smart, and Chewy who have learned that many pet owners seek to pamper their dogs and cats like beloved family members. Walmart is looking to expand its reach in the pet category with a collaboration with pet-centric media brand The Dodo, a division of Vox Media. In … [Read more...]
Chewy’s autoship sales hit all-time high in Q2
Commentary For almost 25 years, home delivery and autoship options have been available for veterinary hospitals. The recent Q2 report from Chewy shows the importance animal owners place on recurring shipments and online access to healthcare and food products. Avoiding a decision IS a decision . . . failing to decide IS also a decision.” Source: Pet Product News, September … [Read more...]
September is National Pet Health Insurance Month
National Pet Health Insurance Month is intended to promote the importance of health insurance for cats, dogs and other pets, debunk myths surrounding coverage and introduce pet insurance to those unfamiliar with it. Now is a good time to actively support pet insurance to help pet owners deal with inflationary trends. Recommending insurance in the interest of the pet is no … [Read more...]
Munching on meal worms
Some say plant-based meat alternatives have lost their hype. Meanwhile, scientists are working to develop another protein alternative using mealworms. Source: PORK, August 26, 2022. Link. Containing high amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber and high-quality protein, insects can be considered both a nutritious and healthy food source, the article claims. Also … [Read more...]
What is the time, temperature needed to inactivate PRRSV, PEDV?
Using foggers in supply entry rooms for decontamination of fomites entering sow farms to mitigate risk is a common practice. However, recent research questions the efficacy of this method for pathogen inactivation, especially in complex situations where pathogens may be shielded by organic material or blind spots. In this study on time and temperature required for virus … [Read more...]
Choosing the right needle size to work cattle
Depending on the size of the animal, viscosity of the product and administration protocols, a variety of needles might be needed. Veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute share guidelines to help decide. Needle diameter, or gauge, varies depending on two factors: the size of the animal viscosity of the product Source: Drovers, September 2, … [Read more...]
Tips to minimize antibiotic use for mastitis
Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM, wants dairy producers to avoid immediately reaching for an antibiotic when mastitis flares up. She recommends taking a step back to analyze the situation. Antibiotic treatment of dry cows and of clinical mastitis cases accounted for greater than 75 percent of all antibiotic usage.” - Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 20, … [Read more...]
Ferrets provide rodent control in horse barns
Jagger and Slim Jim provide an unconventional form of rodent control at Amira Chichakly’s Saratoga barn. Source: Paulick Report, August 29, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Location, activities determine fall vaccine needs
Elizabeth Davis, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, presents the AAEP’s vaccine guidelines as fall approaches and horses get boosters or vaccines for the first time. She emphasizes the importance of core vaccines, plus evaluating risk-based inoculations based on lifestyle, geography, planned travel and more. Source: The Horse, August 25, 2022. Link. Consider all factors that keep horses … [Read more...]
Dynamics of gut microbiota development in the growing dog
As much as 70 percent of an individual dog’s immune system is in the gut and influenced by the microbiome. This review paper aims to provide an overview on the current knowledge of factors shaping the gut microbiota of young dogs. Evidence-based information is necessary to advise dog breeders and owners to promote a healthy microbiome and lifestyle in puppies*. Microorganisms … [Read more...]
2022 AAFP/EveryCat FIP Diagnosis Guidelines released
Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that can affect any organ in the body, and it is caused by the feline coronavirus. In publishing these Guidelines, the AAFP and EveryCat aim to provide veterinarians with the essential information necessary to provide a FIP diagnosis in cats including characteristics and pathogenesis of FIP, as well as numerous diagnostic testing … [Read more...]
Test yourself on which dog shampoo to use
Knowing how and when various shampoo products for dogs are used can provide multimodal interventions and support therapies helpful for dermatologic treatments. Source: Clinician’s Brief, May 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video)
Watch Temple Grandin, PhD, take an observational tour of a veterinary hospital with Fear Free founder Marty Becker, DVM. She describes what she sees, hears and experiences. Learn through Grandin’s firsthand observations to better see things from animals’ perspectives. . . . even small improvements can make a world of difference for cats and dogs.” Source: Fear Free, YouTube. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 5, 2022
Eco-friendly products from SuperZoo, Dolly Parton’s pet line, Bark’s pricing strategy, Petco launching fresh frozen pet foods, small business marketing ideas, veterinary hospitals facing staffing issues and more . . . Guide to IBPSA Flow Business conference is now available. Link. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Get to the point
And by the way, the point is the benefit that is important to your customer, not you.” Source: Vet Advantage, August 2022. Link. Avoid a data dump instead of an invitation to look at data is important to this practice. This behavior hopes something will resonate because the rep has no idea what is important in this practice INSIGHTS: In addition to reps, this applies to the … [Read more...]
Article raises concerns from AHD team
We believe veterinary teams will be asked to confirm the information in this article on using human CBD oil in pets. The article includes dosages and other assertions that are red flags for our team. Consider reviewing it, then decide if your team needs to discuss what is asserted in this article or how to address CBD use in pets. Source: Is human CBD oil safe for pets? Top … [Read more...]
Five metrics veterinary practices should track
KPIs are much more than numbers or visually appealing charts. They empower you to make informed, data-driven decisions. Lisa Jones and Kate Zirkle share five KPIs veterinary practices need to track: Revenue breakdown Profitability Customer behavior: Forward booking Patient activity Compliance data Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 2, 2022. Link. Just … [Read more...]
The Vet Watch™ Weekly Insight Report
Opinion We’re fortunate to have indices and dashboards like VetWatch™ to help monitor and understand trends in veterinary practices. Top line revenues are positive while client and patient numbers are weakening and likely an indication of retention challenges. Weekly hospital client and patient trends show revenue growth for the week ending September 3, 2022, at +4.7 … [Read more...]