Podcasts are communication options often considered in the face of pandemic restrictions. But, will a podcast reach its audience? Morning Consult surveyed adults who frequently listen to podcasts. Spotify and Apple are the favored platforms and demographics indicate white males and millennials are the largest audiences. The survey also considered the pros and cons of paid … [Read more...]
VVCA Mark Five series: VCPR Changes Since COVID-19
Complimentary Content In this second Mark Five video, Mark Cushing, J.D. covers the complex subject of how Covid affected telemedicine VCPR policies. Fortunately, veterinary medicine was declared essential across all of the United States. Three different types of took actions that affected they did something about telemedicine VCPR policy: 17 states suspended their … [Read more...]
The science behind the masks
Despite all the evidence face masks help protect us and others from coronavirus exposure, we occasionally run into doubters. This short animation vividly shows how even a simple mask works to reduce the virus spread. Source: The New York Times, October 30, 2020. Link. The public health debate on masks is settled, said Joseph G. Allen, director of the Health Buildings program … [Read more...]
Researchers discover a second key that makes SARS-CoV-2 so infectious
Researchers believe they have found another way the coronavirus gains entry into our cells. They discovered a receptor called neuropilin-1 gives the novel coronavirus a leg up in infecting our tissues. This particular protein is relatively abundant on cells lining the nasal cavity, making it a piece of cake for the virus to establish a home inside our bodies, raise a virus … [Read more...]
Cow Buoy pops up anew (slideshow)
No livestock person is happy about a downed cow. Getting one up is near impossible. Typical of the hands-on work of producers, Roger Swihart remembered and updated the original Cow Buoy creating the Cow Crane. Source: Missouri Ruralist, November 2, 2020. Link. You can see how it operates on the company website <video demonstration> INSIGHTS: Like portable chutes, … [Read more...]
Virtual reality grant to help increase interest in animal welfare
This is great news, but I wonder, “how will the scratch ‘n sniff be deployed”? Joking aside, congratulations to Nicole Anderson for a sizeable grant to use virtual reality to increase student interest and understanding of farm animal welfare. The funds will help develop four virtual reality modules that focus on operating commercial dairy and swine farms. Source: … [Read more...]
Finding someone who will choose to work for you
Complimentary Commercial Content Our industry needs more animal health professionals, especially ones who can work as veterinarians and veterinary nurses and techs. But, what does your employee wanted ad represent? is your ad all about you? Or does it express why someone will enjoy working for you? It's a Job ad, not a Job description!” That’s the premise of the … [Read more...]
FBI and DHS issue warning about ransomware, cyberattacks on hospital systems
Sponsored Content Cyberattacks don’t recognize borders, says Clint Latham, JD. Anytime health care industries are put in the cross hairs of cyberattacks, it also encompasses veterinary practices. He shares perspectives, outlines risks and discusses how to reduce possible damage. Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Security, October 29, 2020. Link. Also see: FBI warns … [Read more...]
Maybe we don’t need so much Zoom
Zoomed out? Beyond the social connections made during Zoom calls, most activities can be done by leaders, discussed in chat or dealt with by email. Yet, organizations are defaulting to virtual meetings instead. Zooming has taken over too many calendars. This article shares a flow chart to help answer the question, “Should this be a meeting?” Source: NOBL Academy, November … [Read more...]
VVCA series addresses telemedicine questions, challenges
Responding to feedback from veterinarians, veterinary techs and nurses, the Veterinary Virtual Care Association created a series of short videos by Mark Cushing, founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, and co-founder of the VVCA. In the first video he reviews the policies that govern veterinary telemedicine. His focus is on the basics of the veterinary client … [Read more...]
Clearing the air via filtration
Complimentary Commercial Content If we have learned nothing else in 2020, the risks from aerosolized infection agents should be near the top of the list. This article covers how Purafil, a Filtration Group company, adjusted its technology and focus to the pandemic along with a look at the importance of air filtration moving into 2021 and beyond. Source: Vet Advantage, … [Read more...]
Bricks and clicks; veterinary technology comes of age
Nearly a year before the onslaught of the Covid era, Bob Lester, DVM, wrote, “We are moving from bricks to clicks. Consumers are insisting, and we had better listen.” Quoting Abraham Lincoln, he advocated adopting emerging technologies sooner than later. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, February 2019. Link. Bricks have and will continue to serve a purpose, but bricks … [Read more...]
Managing password risk in veterinary practices
Sponsored Content Our readership of the data security tips from Clint Latham, JD, indicates how challenging digital security is for animal health pros in the office, on mobile connections and at home. This week Clint offers perspectives on password management. As he explains, the challenges remain, but with some planning, risk can be mitigated. Source: Lucca Veterinary … [Read more...]
Table Talk to provide information about canine genomic testing in veterinary practice
Complimentary content DNA testing options are continuously being developed for dogs and adoption of the technology is on the rise. Veterinarians can now use genomic testing to screen for common, actionable disorders to anticipate health issues and enable preventative care. Join Lindsey Kock, DVM, and Lauren Thorne of Neogen® for a free RACE CE approved Table Talk: … [Read more...]
Impediments to empowerment
OPINION National Veterinary Technician’s Week was filled with celebrations, acknowledgment and for me, discovery. Participating in two virtual roundtables encompassing virtual care and veterinary technician use, common threads became apparent as I listened: Veterinary teams are taxed and running on fumes Workflow and staffing models are in continual flux, including … [Read more...]
5 ways to optimize your pet’s health
Complimentary content Katie Woodley, BVSc, cVMA, GDVCHM, brings a collaborative mindset to integrative veterinary medicine. She combines western and eastern approaches to improving the quality of life for pets. A frequent guest on The Bridge Club Pets*, she anchors on food being the foundation for health. She asserts five steps to implement into pet's lives for optimal … [Read more...]
Hackers target webcams and cash flow
Sponsored Content Clint Latham, JD, addresses security issues in an effort to help the veterinary profession conquer the world of cyber security and ensure veterinary data remains secure. Two new posts cover webcam security and ransomware. Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Services. Link. 7 steps to determine if your webcam has been hacked, October 5, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
The future of veterinary telemedicine
Complimentary Content Roger Redman, DVM, and president of American Association of Veterinary State Boards shares his perspectives on telemedicine. He believes telemedicine isn’t just a part of the veterinary future, but that it guarantees the profession has one. He discusses VCPR, the expanded use of telemedicine platforms to facilitate access and the potential for dedicated … [Read more...]
Disinfecting or just cleaning? Contact time MATTERS!
Commentary With news media reporting a resurgence of Covid-19 infections this fall, it is time to revisit contact time. Best practices say to remove dirt then disinfect. But if the disinfectant used does not remain wet for the duration of its contact time, we are essentially just cleaning. Considerations in your community Conversations this week with the head nurse of … [Read more...]
CDC updates information on Covid-19 airborne risks (with video)
Well duh! The CDC now says people should also avoid crowded indoor spaces and ensure indoor spaces are properly ventilated by bringing in outdoor air. This update is a result of mounting evidence from super-spreader events. The guidance for physical distancing remains in place and needs further emphasis as winter drives more personal interactions indoors. The balance of … [Read more...]
Shop wisely. Your bank account is counting on you.
Online shopping is the rule, not the exception in 2020. With the holidays ahead and a few black Friday promos already behind us, H. Colleen Sinclair offers 10 tips for how to shop smart and spot scams including: Is it too good to be true? Check the business reputation Social media presence: Do they have one? Source: The Conversation, October 6, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Decoding vaccine titers in companion animal practice
Sara E. Gonzalez, DVM, MS, provides a literature-based review of the limitations and benefits of this type of testing and guidance for interpreting results. In the summary comments she shares: The gold standard laboratory techniques for detecting circulating blood antibody titers against the core canine vaccine antigens and FPV are VN and HI. Core vaccine titer testing … [Read more...]
Catching up with VIP’s Drs. Shawn and Ivan
It is easy to fall behind on things we want to do. Listening to podcasts remains an excellent opportunity to learn from animal health pros who are pushing forward and helping to invent the next generation of animal health. Drs. Shawn Wilkie and Ivan Zakharenkov invite and discuss current and future trends while applying their veterinary and entrepreneurial experiences to the … [Read more...]
7 steps to see if your webcam has been hacked
Things like snooping, webcam hacking and location tracking happen every day, but we are still not used to taking all the warnings seriously says Clint Latham, JD. He shares steps to ensure nothing phishy is going on. If you suspect someone is accessing your webcam without your consent, don’t ignore your sixth sense.” – Clint Latham, JD Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Security. … [Read more...]
Zooming as the norm
With more people than ever working remotely, it feels like we’ve been in more meetings than normal in 2020. The desire to sync up with our teams more often when we are all working from our homes makes sense. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, September 9, 2020. Link. That is, start your meetings by making sure everyone on the call understands the Purpose, the Outcomes, and the … [Read more...]
The conversations continue at The Bridge Club and The Bridge Club Pets
The Bridge Club remains true to its origins to provide virtual opportunities to connect, engage, learn and grow. Now with a professional version and a pet owner version, the coming weeks provide opportunities for animal health pros and pet owners to meet. Click on the link below and then register by clicking on individual conversation topics. Source: The Bridge Club … [Read more...]
Improvements in overnight monitoring care
Complimentary Commercial Content from Kevin Maher, VetMeasure Overnight monitoring care is often necessary for a veterinary patient and can be difficult for the veterinary team, animal owner and the animal. Today, there are options for pet wearables that practices can use to monitor various vitals including: a patient’s axillary temperature, respiratory rate (range), and … [Read more...]
Speaking of nasal swabs, moove over
Bovine respiratory disease researchers are diligently working to reduce diagnosis time for the variety of pathogens involved with the disease. Current test results can take days to be returned. Purdue University researchers are seeking to shorten that time to about 30 minutes. Bovine respiratory disease can be triggered by a number of bacteria and viruses, making treatment … [Read more...]
Warm beer = bad vaccine?
Monitoring the performance of refrigeration units is critical to vaccines and pharmaceuticals labeled for temperature control. Older units may develop inconsistent temperature zones with items freezing in one area and getting too warm in another. The context for the article is dairy, but almost any veterinary clinic or on-farm drug storage area can have the issues shared in … [Read more...]
Lucca shares data security tools and legislation
Sponsored Content from Lucca Veterinary Data Security Clint Latham, JD, is adamant that veterinary clinics realize the importance of cyber security, understand their liabilities and use readily available tools to protect clinic data. Leaving data security to the IT guy is not enough, he says. Lucca Vet’s latest blog post explains a free security tool called Blacklight and … [Read more...]