Commentary For those of us who grew up in or near the country, the Born of the Bond YouTube video clearly celebrates the commitment, connection and efforts of cattlemen and cattlewomen to their animals. It is as moving as some messages from the companion animal segment. Source: Born of the Bond, YouTube, Zoetis, October 29, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: The human animal … [Read more...]
Infectious respiratory disease in animal shelters
Commentary This discussion of respiratory disease in shelters and facilities where animals are commingled and frequently moved in and out is warranted and timely. Much to my surprise, disinfection disciplines were not mentioned. With pathogens are hard to identify and when immunity from vaccination of naïve animals takes 7 to 14 days to develop, disinfection is the core … [Read more...]
To pigs, water is much more than something to drink (webinar)
Complimentary commercial content Water, quality water is a core element to our existence and life quality. While the webinar focuses specifically on swine, much of the content is applicable to all monogastrics. The central role of water in the body, water requirements, water delivery and water quality issues are discussed by John F. Patience, PhD, Professor at … [Read more...]
U.S. consumer sentiment ebbs; producer prices maintain steady rise
Economists expect consumer sentiment will trend lower despite promising developments on experimental Covid-19 vaccines. Consumer sentiment is an economic indicator that measures how optimistic consumers feel about their finances and the state of the economy. In the U.S., consumer spending makes up a majority of economic output as measured by Gross Domestic Product … [Read more...]
The secret struggles of introverts in a remote workforce
Commentary Covid-19 has upset nearly every routine at work and at home. Introverts are perceived to be enjoying the privacy, but research tells a different story. Between our kids on hybrid schedules, swing schedules at work and aging parents isolated in retirement facilities, Mitchell Demeter has provided each of us something to consider, introvert or not. Source: Fast … [Read more...]
Carriers driving early Black Friday offers
Commentary The pandemic has changed Black Friday forever. Surcharges announced in August by the largest shippers are the penalty for not selling out early. The pandemic has caused shippers to fully reassess their supply chain strategy and their carrier mix. One way that delivery services hope to deal with the holiday crush is to push retailers to ship more packages early … [Read more...]
The first MiQLab diagnostic system placed at University of Pennsylvania
Complimentary commercial content “We are very excited to be placing our first completed commercial MiQLab system in the Penn Vet [school] microbiology laboratory for their evaluation. This is a tremendous step in delivering our technology into the veterinary market and beyond,” stated Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s CEO and Founder. Designed for in-clinic, point-of-care, … [Read more...]
Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards will make you smile
The annual Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards have become a tradition at AHD. From a turtle flipping the bird to langurs on bikes, you’ll get a kick out of these. Source: The Comedy Wildlife Awards 2020. Link. The seventh Comedy Wildlife Awards competition opens March 1, 2021. INSIGHTS: Get your cameras ready for next year! … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club with Shawn Wilkie
Sponsored Content If you’re tired of entering medical records and notes, then this will be the discussion for you. Talkatoo’s Shawn Wilkie, we will discuss the evolution of transcription and current progress in veterinary medicine. He’ll review the average amount of time practices spend on transcriptions and how having the right system in place will save a practice time in … [Read more...]
Washing livestock trailers with infection control certainty
Sponsored Content Regardless of the pathogens, transporting increases risks for all livestock. Livestock trailers pose a significant risk for pigs, cattle, horses and poultry as they are moved from one location to another. Cleaning with scoops, forced air or pressure washers is as best a first step to controlling pathogen spread from remaining residues before the trailer is … [Read more...]
Oral care at home, COHAT in the clinic
Opinion, Sponsored Content from Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Last week I asked the question, “What ever happened to COHAT?” an acronym Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. The logic made sense and leads to reasserting the need for in-home oral health to be presented as a priority. Dental exams are a component of COHAT often required more frequently … [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...]
Turn curbside customers into loyal clients
Commentary Tony McReynolds shares results from an appropriately robust discussion with industry consultant Josh Vaisman, CCFP, MAPPCP (PgD). Truly, curbside services are uncharted territory for veterinary teams. While no one really knows exactly what works and what doesn’t, I believe the secret sauce is as close as the treatment foo-foo coffee customers get at Starbucks. … [Read more...]
Disease du jour: Eastern equine encephalitis
Disease Du Jour content is sponsored by Merck Animal Health EEE is one of the most dangerous diseases on the planet for both horses and people," said Maureen T. Long, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, of Eastern equine encephalitis during her Disease Du Jour webinar/podcast. She emphasizes the role of veterinarians in surveillance of EEE in protecting humans, including the importance of … [Read more...]
Kitty’s worst day ever!
Personal experience Sassafras Lowrey shares fire safety and carbon monoxide reminders in the article below. Her article linked reminded me of an incident long-ago. My grandfather always had two or three cats that lived in and around his shop. The only heat for the shop was a Warm Morning wood stove near the steps to the upstairs loft. The stairs were open on one side … [Read more...]
Which is smarter, cats or dogs?
Brendan Howard returns with animal health content in a quick summary of a recent PBS NewsHour report < link >. PBS posed the question of pet intelligence to three scientists: a neuroscientist, a dog cognition expert and a cat behavior and cognition researcher. When one of these scientists counted the brain cells in these animals, there was a clear winner. Even with this … [Read more...]
What ever happened to COHAT?
Opinion In INSIGHTS a year ago I wrote this: Establishing COHAT language could help build veterinary dentistry. Mixed practices can take the lead by applying the acronym in a multi-species environment and including COHAT assessments as a line item on invoices and vet records. Moving away from labeling oral care as dentals made sense then and still does.” Source: COHAT is … [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...]
2 powerful words to empower animal owners
We received overwhelming responses to Kirk Augustine’s opinion post last week. He reflected on what he heard during veterinary tech week and identified a primary impediment blocking the full use of certified veterinary technician skills < link >. He also shared a spoiler alert for the two powerful words referenced here. Source: Animal Health Digest. Link. Asking “WHAT … [Read more...]
Virox® webinar: Recommended operational changes for veterinary practices
Sponsored Content TODAY, Thursday, 22 Oct, 2:00 p.m. EDT: Register here: LINK. Join Virox® Animal Health for a free webinar featuring a panel of four business operations advisors. They will outline human resources, OSHA safety, infectious disease and management changes for the veterinary practice 2020-2021 during Covid. Source: Virox® Animal Health. Link. Topics will … [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...]
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...]
Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for dogs
Opinion Regardless of accuracy, it concerns me when articles and videos* like this one are published in consumer publications. Regardless of how frequently metronidazole is prescribed by veterinarians, it is not yet approved by the FDA for veterinary use. * The video features Jerry Klein, DVM, AKC’s chief veterinary officer Source: AKC, September 21, 2020. … [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...]
Dr. Jen translates dog diarrhea and new puppy musts
Complimentary content Two new YouTube editions of Is this a Thing? are now available. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, talks about new puppies and dealing with diarrhea in her initiative to help pet owners understand veterinary jargon and be more comfortable communicating with veterinarians. Source: Dr Jen the Vet, YouTube. Link to YouTube channel. … [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...]
Celebrating veterinary technicians, nurses and assistants
Commentary This week our industry acknowledges the efforts of veterinary technician. Since 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week has taken place the third week of October. Its objectives recognize veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. Often tireless champions … [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...]