Confining animals to a barn, limited area or coop creates air-quality challenges for the animals and the people who care for them. The discussion of occupational exposures limits for humans versus animals is valid and applicable to most of these settings. This review summarizes the impact of air quality on swine production and discusses the main factors related to air … [Read more...]
Stem cell use growing, more work to do
With clinical use of stem cells in veterinary orthopedics growing, Nicole S. Amato, DVM, DACVS, offers answers to the question, “What does the current evidence show regarding efficacy?” She discusses terminology, stem cells sources and harvesting and clinical impact. Amato’s discussion of advantages and disadvantages leads to a conclusion. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCT) … [Read more...]
Consumers REALLY want brands and culture to mix
This article is important to marketers, sales teams and business owners. Twitter’s new study, “The Impact of Culture < link >,” emphasizes how much consumers expect and even want brands to be culturally relevant: aligning well with cultural events, promoting trends that define today’s culture and supporting social issues that benefit everyone. Brand involvement in … [Read more...]
The state of ransomware attacks (infographic)
You can be held hostage any day by a ransomware attack. Small businesses are especially vulnerable to ransomware. There are different and evolving types of ransomware attacks, often beginning with something as simple as a malicious link in an email. Use this information to better understand the potential threats and see some tips on how to protect your network. Source: … [Read more...]
Americans are unprepared for Real ID. There’s less than one year to prepare
Come October 2020, U.S. travelers will require a Real ID or approved passport to board domestic flights. All Americans traveling by air will need a Real ID to board a flight within the U.S. on and after Oct. 1, 2020. Exceptions include citizens under the age of 18, who are traveling with a compliant companion who is 18 years old or older, those who only need their ID for … [Read more...]
Commercial content: Antech launching AI-powered veterinary diagnostic
Antech Diagnostics will soon offer its RenalTech test across the VCA North American network of veterinary clinics and hospitals. The product will be the veterinary industry's first artificial intelligence-driven predictive diagnostic tool for companion animals, according to David Eaton, director of product development. RenalTech allows users to predict CKD (chronic kidney … [Read more...]
PHP reminder program successful in reactivating inactive clients
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Focusing on the bond between the practice, the pets and their owners, instead of the services a practice provides, has proven successful. Two years ago, the Partners for Healthy Pets Inactive Client Program, a client-centric email reminder program was initiated. 1612 practices enrolled 126,576 previously inactive … [Read more...]
Visualizing social media use by generation (Infographic)
There are 4.4 billion social media users today. Ashley Viens describes how it has altered the way we interact both online and offline . She also notes the rate of social media growth is slowing, though use is still growing. From 2017 to 2018, the average person increased usage by three minutes per day, while becoming a new user of 0.8 social media accounts. What happens in a … [Read more...]
Opinion – Star Wars tech featured at NAVC E-Commerce Summit
Imagine a pet owner talking to a virtual assistant via Alexa about a problem with their dog at 3:00 a.m. which sets up a live phone call from a veterinarian only minutes later. Or, having your cellphone notify you that your dog is barking excessively because the house is on fire or a stranger has entered. These and other technologies had attendees riveted as presenting … [Read more...]
Cloning dogs in the present tense
John Woestendiek provides a chronology of dog cloning progress and realities. It is following an arc much like in vitro fertilization did in the 1970s. Today, cloned dogs are being churned out at a rapid clip and at less expense than ever before in South Korea, Texas and China, he says. Costing as much as $50,000 . . . you’re not getting the same dog; you’re not getting a pet … [Read more...]
In-house diagnostics making gains
Clients expect test results faster than ever before. Learn the benefits for the patient, client, practice and clinician of keeping testing in-house. Source: Vet Practice, September 12, 2019. Link. The animal diagnostic market is a major and flourishing sector; it accounts for 22 percent of the entire veterinary market and is worth US$4.2 billion globally. INSIGHTS: Newer … [Read more...]
Hate distractions? Good. Your perception of reality is at stake
If you’re trying to pay attention to multiple things, you’re not going to be as good at it versus if it were one at a time. It’s not just being slowed down . . . it might affect what you’re perceiving in the moment.” We are constantly inundated with push notices, texts, flashing signs, banners or the next tab. All this distraction may come at a massive cost. It’s not only to … [Read more...]
We ARE being watched
'Who is watching you?”' is the cover story of the current issue of Consumer Reports. Our increasingly digital world has created mountains of data and there are few laws to safeguard the information. There are ways to take better charge of your privacy. We’re sharing three topics below that are available without subscriptions. Source: Consumer Reports, October 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Smartphones help teach clinical ophthalmology
Lucien V. Vallone, DVM, DACVO, shares various applications using of smartphones for teaching ophthalmoscopy skills in veterinary medical training programs. He outlines techniques for fundus and anterior segment imaging that generally do not require the purchase of accessory equipment. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2019. Link. Advancing smartphone technology is allowing … [Read more...]
8 tips to help get your video game plan on
Eighty percent of Internet traffic comes from people streaming videos. As video has exploded, so have the tools to create and share them. Have you got your video game plan down? Falcon.io’s Maxwell Gollin shares pro tips on eight video formats. Source: Falcon.io. August 13, 2019. Link. With live video, "build anticipation by leading into something you’ll … [Read more...]
CAPC Top Ten Cities Report for the month of August
The Top Ten Cities report for August 2019 shows the cities with the highest percentage increase in positive heartworm tests: Orange, CA Paul, MN Fontana, CA Cleveland, OH Omaha, NE Syracuse, NY Milwaukee, WI Tacoma, WA San Jose, CA Cary, NC Source: CAPC, September 10, 2019. Link. Although these cities are broadly disseminated across the United … [Read more...]
Three possible pathways for African swine fever to enter US
How easy is it for African swine fever (ASF) to enter the U.S.? Patrick Webb, DVM and National Pork Board director of swine health Programs, explains three ways it can enter. Dr. Scott Dee’s studies on feed ingredients coming in from China are discussed, as well as the important role diagnostics play in trying to rule in or rule out a foreign animal disease. Source: The Pig … [Read more...]
Rumen soup, a jigsaw of cow gut microbes
Agricultural Research Service scientists and their cooperators are using high tech tools to better understand the microbial "soup" of the cow's rumen. The rumen is the first of four stomach chambers where tough plant fibers are turned into nutrients and energy. Derek Bickhart, a research microbiologist, estimates there are more than 30,000 species of rumen-dwelling organisms. … [Read more...]
Boosting immunity in cattle may mean more productivity
Barry Bradford with Kansas State University presented new information from his study of immunometabolism at the American Society of Animal Scientists in July. He researched inflammatory responses during times of stress, especially those that impact on liver health. The interactions between normal organ function and the immune system are becoming much tighter than we used to … [Read more...]
VHMA to gather in Arizona (includes video)
Veterinary hospital managers will meet in Glendale, Arizona, for the 2019 VHMA Annual Meeting and Conference, September 26 through 28. The theme, Embracing the Future of Veterinary Management, will focus on education, innovation and technology. VHMA 2019...it's all about embracing the future of best practices to ensure that individuals and practices thrive. < video link … [Read more...]
E-Commerce Summit features speakers from Chewy, Nestle-Purina
Ornel Cotera from Chewy and Thomas Schwarztrauber from Nestlé Purina North America lead a list of speakers that highlight the value of the E-Commerce Summit that will take place September 17 and 18 in Kansas City, MO. The summit is designed for senior executives, national account and channel teams from animal health manufacturers, distributors, hospital consolidators and … [Read more...]
New product awards showcased at SuperZoo by WPA
Revamping the New Product Showcase Award categories, the WPA named a winner in each of seven categories: Innovative (never-before-seen solutions) Lifestyle (products designed to improve pets’ health and well-being) Shelf Appeal (packaging that stands out and clearly conveys the product’s benefits) Point of Purchase (in-store displays that grab shoppers’ … [Read more...]
Billions being spent on convenience services, including pets
Americans love convenience services. A recent Finder.com survey shows a massive increase in spending across convenience categories. Although fewer reported spending on pet services, 29 percent of Americans spent $50.8 billion per year on pet services such as dog walking and grooming. This averages $703 per person, according to survey findings. Source: Pet Product News, … [Read more...]
475 attend Animal Health Investment Forum
Early and mid-stage companies seeking to develop new solutions and technologies for animals met last Tuesday for the Animal Health Investment Forum < link >. Eleven companies were selected to share their innovations involving biotechnologies, long-acting options, digital technology and devices to improve animal care. The Innovation Award for the best presentation went to … [Read more...]
Realistically unplugging
Rashan Dixon, a senior business systems analyst at Microsoft, says being plugged in at all hours comes with a cost. Our addiction to technology can be so overwhelming that it jeopardizes everything from our health to our relationships, even our careers and businesses. He shares five reasons he distanced himself from technology: Tech increased the amount of stress and … [Read more...]
When dentals cause back pain (includes video)
Dental procedures can place extensive stress and strain on the bodies and minds of veterinary team members. These may lead to musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain. Poor posture and improper ergonomics cause repetitive strains that begin with nerve compression and inflammation. Over time they manifest trauma with accompanying aches, pains and fatigue. Veterinarians and … [Read more...]
The search for the ideal starter stem cell
Stem cell therapies continue to advance. The holy grail, however, is to be able to regenerate failing organs and tissues. Tobias Deuse, MD, and his research group believe they now know why some transplanted cells are rejected. He believes the solution is to engineer stem cells lacking any immune features. Source: The Conversation, August 19, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Animal … [Read more...]
How-to videos educate dairy personnel
A series of how-to videos from Dairy Herd Management is available to help educate dairy personnel about key practices. Titles include: Culture to achieve a bacteriological cure Identify cows with mastitis Protect the cow after milking Properly attach milking units Prepare a cow for milking Get anovular cows pregnant Pay attention to injection … [Read more...]
E-Commerce Summit reconvenes in KC
Following the success of its 2018 inaugural gathering, NAVC Media will host the second annual E-Commerce Summit at The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri, September 17-18, 2019. The dynamic two-day conference will focus on changing consumer dynamics, retail trends, blending channels, emerging care models and best practices affecting business strategy. Source: … [Read more...]
Opinion – Transforming business; what and why
Animal health businesses have traditionally grown with a more-better-faster mindset. We’ve integrated computer, telephone and internet advancements to extend existing brick and mortar platforms. Now, a new generation of boundary-breaking entrepreneurs are following disruptive models that turn the way we traditionally ran businesses on its head, writes Rebecca Livesey. They … [Read more...]