Commentary The animal health industry is generous with support resources. Thank you! I’ve lost count of the continuing education credit opportunities offered in the veterinary market. My last look showed 25 new programs were offered in September. This doesn’t include innumerable podcasts and YouTube videos being promoted, nor does it account for myriad free CE programs … [Read more...]
Quality of life exams
“Quality of life exams should be approached as an open, objective conversation,” says Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. “Client owners need to be prepared to answer questions and not anticipate being judged. . . there is no right or wrong outcome, no good or bad news . . . there’s just what comes out of the conversation.” When a pet owner finds themselves being … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 3, 2022
Pandemic-era pet ownership boom continues, why the next 10 years of e-commerce will smash the last 10, securing small business grants, securing and optimizing small business technology, quiet quitting, small business loan options and more . . . Congratulations to the IBPSA Pet Care Business Excellence Award winners. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 3, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Make fire prevention a priority during National Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week is October 9 – 15. This Farm Progress article is a timely reminder about fire risks and fire safety from an on-farm perspective. There are plenty of in-town risks, as well. Be sure to remove debris from air ducts and around HVAC units and keep outdoor break areas clutter-free. Fire extinguishers should be checked annually. The most important … [Read more...]
Risk, revolution and preventive medicine
Preventive veterinary medicine may not be the newest clinical approach, it has surely stood the test of time better than any other, writes Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. She shares the progression of veterinary medicine and the integration of preventive measures which are expanding in the current context. Chatfield urges veterinarians to consider, “putting … [Read more...]
Pandemic? Likely too early to say it is over.
Covid-19 has caused more than one million deaths in the U.S. and 6.5 million deaths worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, some want to say the pandemic is over. IDSE editorial advisory board members shared their opinions on the pandemic’s status with Marie Rosenthal, MS. “I don’t know what to call the current period, but it’s not the … [Read more...]
Simmons: Animals are the solution to the world’s problems (video)
Speaking at the 2022 Ag Outlook Forum, Elanco’s Jeffrey Simmons shared his vision for a better future by 2030, environmentally, economically and nutritionally. He believes more sustainable livestock production should be considered as a contributor to solutions, not as a problem. Animals are the connecting link between the three major global issues; the health crisis, food … [Read more...]
Please stop flushing live goldfish down the toilet
Here’s an example where consumer education is needed. Goldfish finding their way into bodies of freshwater, accidentally or on purpose, is no new phenomenon. These fish are not native to North America but come from eastern Asia and have no natural predators here to curb their growth. Goldfish and lots of other things should never be flushed into the sewer systems. Source: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 26, 2022
Keeping pet influencers in mind, grooming good and bad from dogs’ points of view, business tech, pet brands to watch from SuperZoo 2022, pet food as health food, and more . . . The recent IBPSA FLOW Business Conference benefited over 300 owners and general managers, 40 vendors and offered deliverables from 28 speakers. Hosted by the Chatfields, the conference <Link> … [Read more...]
A 10-point email audit for strategic planning
Covid-19 and its aftershocks threw a big wrench into marketing operations, but it wasn’t the only factor reshaping the email landscape. Corporate restructuring, the Great Resignation, a new focus on owned data, economic and political upheavals and the continued evolution of marketing technology all have left their marks on many email programs. Here's an email blueprint for the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 22, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – September is National Pet Health Insurance Month. Link. Chewy’s autoship sales hit all-time high in Q2. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 15, 2022. Link ====================================== Bird flu now in 40 states Source: Successful Farming, September 19, 2022. Link. Threat … [Read more...]
When stray voltage strikes and dealing with it
No one likes to get an unexpected electrical shock. Animals hate it even more than people. Areas constructed indoors or outdoors where wire mesh or other conductive elements are embedded in or placed under concrete, bonded to all metal structures and fixed nonelectrical equipment have the potential to become energized unless the equipotential plane is properly grounded. The … [Read more...]
Capsule camera allows an inside look at horses
Fascinating! Looking inside a horse’s intestinal tract may soon be as simple as getting him to swallow a tiny camera, waiting for it to pass through his digestive system and then downloading the images it captures along the way, shares Christine Barakat. Source: EQUUS, September 9, 2022. Link. Images captured by capsule cameras were clear and useful, showing all major … [Read more...]
Pawty time – Golden Retrievers celebrate
Last week we shared the Golden Zoomies webinar, part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime study. The foundation recorded the event program for those who did not attend and created a video about the 10th anniversary of the study. Tiffany Grunert, MPS, CDI.D, APR, provided some study updates: Just under 2,000 dogs … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 19, 2022
Flow Business Conference starts in Orlando today! Pet owners spending $300 per month, Fetch by The Dodo, Galaxy Vet’s approach to practice ownership, avoiding burnout, Amazon launching small business grant program, social media marketing for small businesses, rural DVMs needed, loyalty programs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Dealing with plastics. 2,4,5. . .Let’s review.
Plastics in packaging and containers have made myriad products more secure, visible and easier to transport. They continue to be a hot topic in environmental circles. Consider reviewing the recycling number coding system and put guides in break rooms at clinics or retail establishments. Plastic products are typically labeled with a number surrounded by the recycling symbol. … [Read more...]
Breeding the right cow for robots
Dairy farmers often forget to consider herd genetics when making investments in automated milking systems. Some conformation traits are easy to select for, but behavioral traits are more challenging. The authors share several conformational and behavioral characteristics a robot-ready herd should possess. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 7, 2022. Link. With good herd … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
PET scans help determine if horses are sound enough to run, or not
Positron emission tomography (PET) produces particularly detailed three-dimensional images. The technology was first developed for humans in 1974 is most used to detect the presence and spread of cancer. The sesamoid bone is of high interest for us because the majority of breakdowns that happen are due to fracture of this little bone at the back of the ankle, the sesamoid … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 1, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Stop the high turnover in the front office (video). Link. Wendy Hauser, DVM: Client trust, human-animal bond and meeting client concerns. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 25, 2022. Link. =================================== 28 pet food industry mergers and acquisitions 2022 Source: … [Read more...]
Randy Blach receives CAB Industry Achievement Award
Randy Blach earned the 2022 Industry Achievement Award for his relentless focus on the data and how it can deliver solutions to producers. He was recognized at the recent Feeding Quality Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. Source: BEEF, August 24, 2022. <Link> … [Read more...]
Pigs and airflow – how important is it and how do we optimize it? (podcast)
An important component of having good health is proper air quality and airflow in swine barns. Brett Ramirez, PhD, discusses proper airflow, the importance of air quality in new and old barns, and other things to consider when designing a new swine facility. Source: Swine It Podcast, August 30, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Ventilation is as important for farm workers as it is … [Read more...]
Knowing what equine lab tests to take can speed diagnoses
Kimberly S. Brown discusses lab testing with Toby Pinn-Woodcock, DVM, DACVIM, in this episode or Disease Du Jour. The objective is to help veterinarians in the field better understand which samples to send to the lab to help diagnose a sick horse. Knowing what samples to take, how to store them properly and how quickly they need to get to a lab is critical in learning more … [Read more...]