Consumption of colostrum is critical for newborn piglets. We know that. We also know farrowing can last over several hours creating variability in individual piglet vitality. Various interventions are implemented for late born pigs in farrowing units across the U.S. A recent study in more than 600 piglets examined relationships among birth characteristics, early nursing … [Read more...]
Acute moist dermatitis; it’s that time of year
Acute moist dermatitis, like most dermatologic conditions, is not imminently life-threatening but can result in significant patient discomfort. The authors share diagnosis, treatment and management of AMD. Dogs with heavy and dense undercoats are more susceptible to developing hot spots because of increased environmental temperatures and slow drying of the coat due to lack … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 23, 2022
Health risks to people and pets from chemically scented products, puppy boom driving profits. . . creating havoc, cybersecurity ideas for small business, hotel chain to offer dog walking services, pet food humanization requires more capacity to meet demand and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Writing thank you emails after an interview (samples included)
Some say the Great Resignation is really a Great Reshuffling of the work force. Regardless, how we follow up after an interview is critical to securing a new position. The author offers templates for rapid follow-up. Start your follow-up as soon as humanly possible by writing a killer interview thank you note.” Source: The Muse. Link. Your thank you note sets the tone as your … [Read more...]
Why is it so hard to shut up?
People clearly struggle with zipping their lips, especially in times of stress. We’ve all heard phrases like “open mouth, insert foot” or “don’t dump all your dumb at once.” Jennifer V. Miller offers 18 ways to think before you speak. She uses THINK as an acronym for pausing before you talk. Whenever you want to say something, be sure to “think” about it before saying … [Read more...]
Never miss a good chance to shut up
Patrick T. Malone will return in a couple weeks. In his place, we’re sharing thoughts on silence from John P. Weiss. Working alongside Patrick over the years, silence is a skill he masterfully demonstrates in nearly every interaction. Silence allows the what else? thoughts to surface and be available to discuss. Weiss’ reflections on silence are less about decision trees, … [Read more...]
Upskilling is do or die, but employees also need a career path
Opinion It is difficult to avoid thinking about how poorly we engage veterinary technicians when reading Mike Bertolino’s comments about upskilling. While some animal hospitals support the advancement of veterinary technicians’ education and certifications, one might conclude we’ve been doing it wrong. Advancing vet tech skills and certifications without a career growth … [Read more...]
Combatting ageism in the workplace
Age discrimination worsened during the pandemic, writes Theresa Hegel. The price of ageism is high with three fourths of older workers reporting seeing or experiencing age discrimination at work. Hegel offer five strategies to root it out of your company culture. Source: Advertising Specialty Institute, May 12, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Our team at AHD routinely suggests what … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 19, 2022
Last week’s THREE most read posts Celebrate graduations. Link. Pandemic lessons for all. Link. 30 is not the new 20. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 12, 2022. Link. =================================== CAPC 2022 annual pet parasite forecast Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022, page 50. Link. AHD first … [Read more...]
Protect pigs with proper ventilation
Many parts of the U.S. have already experienced temperatures in the 80’s. Five tips from Mark Oberreuter are good reminders to ensure hogs have an optimal environment during hot weather. Have your fans, shutters and other cooling system components ready, so that if hot weather is expected, your pigs can stay cool and at their highest levels of productivity.” Source: PORK, May … [Read more...]
Hay could be in short supply next winter
Experience is a good teacher if you pay attention. Kenny Burdine, University of Kentucky extension, cites challenges with hay supplies in 2007. He shares reasons why he thinks it will be prudent to ensure adequate hay stocks going into the winter of 2022-2023. Source: Hay and Forage Grower, May 17, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: A little coaching at the local coffee shop from … [Read more...]
Implanting nursing calves bumps weaning weights
Production costs continue to rise making decisions about management practices important. Paul Beck says research shows implants given during the suckling phase will increase average daily gain of steer calves by approximately 0.10 pound per day. The increase in gains by implanting heifers is slightly better at 0.12 pounds per day. Implanting calves before weaning is cost … [Read more...]
World Dairy Expo seeking media interns for 2022 event
World Dairy Expo is searching for college students who are passionate about the dairy industry to be part of the 2022 media team. Four students can attend WDE as media interns. This focused, hands-on opportunity might be just right for someone from a clinic’s client base or a representative’s customers. Source: The Bullvine, May 13, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Springtime skin problems in horses
Horses can develop allergies, infections and other skin conditions at any time of year, but some are more common during the warm, wet spring weather. Heather Smith Thomas reviews four equine skin problems that are common in spring. This article and previous AHD posts providing information on hives <Link> and an allergy infographic <Link> offer animal health pros … [Read more...]
Biology of the chicken: 4-part series
Chickens show up on Nat Geo Wild’s veterinary shows more frequently these days. Whether it’s the Critter Fixers, Drs. Schroeder or Dr. Pol, it is obvious chicken enthusiasts require considerable education and support from their veterinarians. This four-part series from Backyard Chickens is a good set of resources for beginners or those who need a review. Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
Engaging veterinary technicians improves practice success
Unless you’ve been hiding, the industry buzz about using veterinary technicians better is familiar. Having credentialed veterinary technicians on veterinary teams with the skills needed is a critical part of building an efficient practice. However, efficiency only comes when those skills are used effectively. The AVMA continues to promote and support increased involvement … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club: Handling nutrition objections (videos)
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jodi Davis, senior manager of university relations for Royal Canin, addresses the emotional nature of nutrition for pets, especially centered around obesity and how to address issues with owners. The virtual event is presented in three YouTube videos. Nutrition questions top the list of veterinary students and are part of everyday … [Read more...]
Tips to make car travel pet friendly
Vacation season is almost here. Traveling with a pet can be enjoyable with preparation and planning. The tips shared here can make the whole experience more enjoyable and hassle-free for the pet and passengers. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
Mella Underarm Pet Thermometer approved for Fear Free preferred product program
Complimentary Commercial Content Pets and pet parents agree taking pets' temperature is the worst part of vet visits due to vets taking temperatures rectally, which causes fear and anxiety for the pet. Having a non-invasive thermometer makes it easier to take temperature in a clinical setting and is more comfortable for both pets and pet parents. Mella Pet Care makes two … [Read more...]
Pet retailers asserting their position with pet owners
Opinion There is little doubt marketing efforts represented in the following articles will deflect attention from preventive medicine and potentially reduce some pet owners’ abilities to afford primary veterinary care. It is not my intention to condemn retail offerings. Rather, animal health pros need to consider how we approach and educate pet owners about the essential … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 16, 2022
Purina's selections for start-ups accelerator, beginners’ SEO for small business, connecting Black-owned pet businesses, kennel shortages ahead of summer holiday season, the latest in CBD for pets, Mars executive talks consumer-led innovation and much more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Counter cyclical leadership
Leading counter-cyclically in tough times means knowing when to stop pushing, knowing when to lead with empathy and make things lighter, not heavier. Source: Medium, May 3, 2022. Link. The best way to communicate difficult news is to be straightforward. INSIGHT: You don’t have to wait a lifetime to leave people better than you found them.” … [Read more...]
VetWatch™ Commentary, for Week 19 – thru May 14, 2022
Complimentary Content Trends from more than 32,000 practices and shelters help animal health professionals understand shifts in our industry’s business. The data captures purchasing trends reported for practices & shelters of core therapeutic and supply categories. The VetWatch™ weekly report provides the option to see trends by geographies, a significant benefit for … [Read more...]
5 employer strategies to help with rising inflation
Includes Commentary Inflation rose 8.5 percent year-over-year in March, the highest inflation rate since 1981, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employees are now looking to their employers for help as inflation challenges their lives, says Kathryn Mayer. She offers five ways employers might address inflation challenges. Coupled with the current … [Read more...]
KC Animal Health Corridor announces dates, speakers for 2022 Animal Health Summit
Gathering live again, the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor will welcome industry leaders and guests at the 2022 Animal Health Summit August 29th through August 30th at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City, Missouri. The Summit theme, The Way, represents the answer to the question, “Where do we go from here?” The summit will feature industry thought leaders … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 12, 2022
Last week’s most read posts The Great Resignation is becoming a great midlife crisis. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, April 28, 2022. Link. =================================== The cost of pet care for cats is often underestimated Source: Catster, April 22, 2022. Link. Cost findings for annual and lifetime spending are … [Read more...]
Hybrid approach helps maximize colostrum quality
Achieving high levels of circulating IgG in newborn calves may be easier by boosting maternal colostrum with commercial colostrum replacer. It give calves the best of both worlds when it comes to maximizing passive transfer of immunity. Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 6, 2022. Link. With excellent dry-cow vaccination and colostrum protocols in place, supplementing … [Read more...]
Keep manure samples cold
Research suggests the way horse manure samples are stored can have a significant impact on the accuracy of fecal egg counts. Comparing various preservation techniques, the researchers found the egg counts in refrigerated samples remained more stable than others. They recommend storing samples for no longer than a week before testing. Source: EQUUS, April 26, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Hives in horses may not need treatment
Horses encounter skin conditions as do other animals. Urticaria is one of the more common skin diseases in horses. A healthy immune system normally keeps the barrage of ever present of microorganisms at bay, writes Nancy Loving, DVM. Hives are a clinical sign rather than a specific disease, she explains. But when a horse’s immune response overreacts to a noninfectious cause, … [Read more...]
Project Hive Pet Company ties pet toys to saving bees
Project Hive Pet Company has a line of five treats and five toys that generate revenues and associated company donations to the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. To date, the partnership has resulted in more than 2 million square feet of healthy bee habitat planted, with a goal of planting 50 million square feet over the next five years. Source: Pet Food Industry, April … [Read more...]