SUMMER - MVMA Members Honored

32 Pages·2012·5.33 MB·English

michigan veterinary medical association
MVMA Members Honored
Sheri Fandel, MVMA Director recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award and
of Operations, received the the Honorary Alumnus Award from the college.
Honorary Alumnus Award which
is given to a non-alumnus mem- Dr. Susan Holcombe, DVM,
ber of the college community received the Pfizer Distin-
who has been both distinctive guished Teacher Award. This
and distinguished in one or more of the college’s award winner is selected by
mission areas—teaching, research, or service. the students and presented
In recognition of sustained excellence over time to a CVM faculty member for
and the great service she has brought to MSU, the displaying outstanding teaching ability, leader-
college officially named her an honorary alumnus. ship, and high moral character. Dr. Holcombe is
Sheri has worked serving veterinarians for more a professor in the Large Animal Clinical Sciences
than 30 years and has been at MVMA for over 23 Department and is also active on the Board of
in this issue . . .
years. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic MSU fan Trustees for the Michigan Animal Health Founda-
3 State Agencies Call on CDC to Help and works tirelessly to assist MSU faculty, staff , tion, MVMA’s nonprofit arm.
Investigate Animal Disease
and students in a wide variety of ways. She has
5 Leptospirosis: A Case for been a great source of support for Michigan vet-
Vaccination erinarians and is dearly loved by MVMA members AWARDS TO MVMA RESIDENT AND INTERN MEMBERS
9 How Is a Cow without a Tail NOT and MSU colleagues. MVMA is pleased to announce awards given to our
Like a Fish without a Bicycle? resident and intern members.
10 Six Trends to Watch Thomas Mullaney, DVM,
received the SCAVMA Award n Dr. Kristen Gervais, SCAVMA Award for Interns
16 News Notes
for Excellence in Teaching. The n Dr. Henry O’Neill, SCAVMA Award for Residents
Student Chapter of the American
special insert Veterinary Medical Association
MAHF Annual Report
Excellence in Teaching Award AWARDS TO MVMA STUDENT AFFILIATE MEMBERS
is presented to a faculty member recognizing the MVMA is proud of its many senior student
18 Illegal Practice Survey Results
instructor’s ability to integrate clinically relevant members who received awards as they gradu-
21 Mackinac Island Veterinary information and to communicate well with ated. These students are the future of veterinary
Conference
students. Dr. Mullaney is a professor of pathobiol- medicine.
29 Member Benefi ts Spotlight ogy and diagnostic investigation and is Associate
Director of the Diagnostic Center for Population n Dr. Joann F. Greenfield, Beachnau Dairy Clinical
and Animal Health at MSU CVM. He is also a past Proficiency Award continued on page 2 .
volume vii • number 2 • summer 2012
. “MVMA Honors Members,” from front cover
n Dr. Kim De La Peza, Boehringer Ingelheim Merial Pain Management Award
Cardiology Award n Dr. Kevin T. Kroner, McBath Family CVM
n Dr. Adam S. Dorr, Bovine Clinical Award, American College of Veterinary
Professional excellence. Proficiency Award Surgeons Award–Small Animal, and Wade
Compassionate care.
n Dr. Christian D. Weder, Butler Schein O. Brinker Orthopedic Award
Animal Health Cardiology Award, Small n Dr. Ashley M. Taylor, Moxley Award for
2144 Commons Pkwy., Okemos, MI 48864-3986 Animal Clinical Sciences Proficiency Excellence in Equine Medicine
tel [phone] · fax [phone]
Award, and Veterinary Emergency Critical n Dr. Brittany N. Erbe, SCAVMA Community
email [email protected]
facebook www.facebook.com/ilovemyvet Care Society/Abbott Award Service Award
twitter www.michvma.org n Dr. Chelsey B. Shivley, CVM Alumni Coun- n Dr. Meghan L. Collins, Spirit of Tucker
cil Student Leadership Award, and The Big Award
Published quarterly in March, June,
September, and December. Medicine Award for LA Clinical Sciences n Dr. Alexander D. Lane, VTH Student Cus-
Deadlines are the first of the preceding month. n Dr. Ericka L. McCarthy, CVM College Feed- tomer Service Award and Theriogenology
ing Program Nutrition Award Award
editors
n Dr. Lisa M. Reinhardt, Dr. Arthur D. Marosi n Dr. Crystal DeGroot, Ziegler Caring Award:
Karlene B. Belyea, MBA
Sheri Fandel Surgery Award and Spirit of Tucker Award Female
n Dr. Heather A. Grodi, Dr. Robert F. Lang- n Dr. Benjamin M. Berry, Ziegler Caring
2012 mvma officers & directors
ham Diagnostic Pathology Award Award: Male
officers
Dr. Susan Sayles, President n Dr. Jessica A. Perpich, Dr. Robert F. Lang- n Dr. Jenee M. Daws, American College of
Dr. Ralph Huff , President-Elect ham Diagnostic Pathology Award Veterinary Anesthesiologists Award and
Dr. Therese Burns, 1st Vice President
n Dr. Caitlyn M. Carter, Dr. Samuel Pollock American College of Veterinary Internal
Dr. Julie Cappel, 2nd Vice President
Dr. Frank Carmona, Immediate Past President Clinical Pathology Award Medicine Award–Large Animal
Dr. Nancy Frank, AVMA Delegate n Dr. Carrie C. Jacobs, Ethicon Surgery n Dr. Joshua R. Leven, American College of
Dr. Kathleen Smiler, AVMA Alternate Delegate
Award (for LCS orthopedic surgery) Veterinary Internal Medicine Award–Small
Karlene B. Belyea, MBA, Chief Executive Offi cer
n Dr. Eric M. Zellner, Ethicon Surgery Award Animal
directors representing districts (for SCS orthopedic surgery) n Dr. Olenka M. Bilyk, American College of
Dr. Matthew Taylor, (1) Southern n Dr. Srijana Pradhan, Glassen Memorial Veterinary Ophthalmology Award
Dr. David Butts, (2 & 3) Michiana & Southwestern
Foundation Award for Excellence in Com- n Dr. Teresa C. Rasoulpour, Phi Zeta Award–
Dr. Melissa Owings, (4) Jackson
Dr. Lauren Gnagey, (5 & 9) Washtenaw & Livingston parative Ophthalmology Highest GPA
Dr. Shirene Cece-Clements, (6) Wayne n Dr. Michelle T. Kenney, Glassen Memorial n Dr. Hannah J. Carruthers, Phi Zeta Award–
Dr. Tari Kern, (7) Macomb
Foundation Award for Excellence in Small Second Highest GPA
Dr. Andrea Switch, (8) Oakland
Dr. Jamie Snow, (10) Mid-State Animal Medicine and American College of n Dr. Kimberly M. Sabo, Production Medi-
Dr. Rebecca Kursch, (11) Western Veterinary Internal Medicine Award–Small cine Scholar’s Certificate
Dr. Kurt Dunckel, (12) Saginaw
Animal n Dr. Christy L. Hencken, Veterinary Cancer
Dr. Kevin Stachowiak, (13) Thumb
n Dr. Jamie M. Perrault, Glassen Memorial Society Award for Proficiency in Clinical
Dr. Jacob Langendorfer, (14) Northeastern
Dr. Bruce Cozzens, (15) Northern Foundation Award for Excellence in Small Oncology
Animal Surgery n Dr. Elizabeth A. Dombrowski, Zoo and
directors representing associations
n Dr. Katherine C. Hughes, Hutton-Riley Wildlife Award
Dr. Mike Thome, MI Equine Practitioners
Dr. Steven Bailey, Southeastern Michigan VMA Equine Award, American College of Veteri- n Dr. Kristin M. Spink-Hauger, Zoo and
nary Surgeons Award–Large Animal, and Wildlife Award
at-large directors
Dr. Jeremy Boge, Food Animal
Dr. Charles DeCamp, MSU CVM
Dr. Lori Penman, Lab Animal Medicine
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STATE VETERINARIAN’S BULLETIN
clinical signs, with the majority of cases
state agencies call on occurring from August to November for
both 2010 and 2011.
n In an urban area of southeastern Michi-
CDC to help investigate gan, 8 of 14 sites of canine ictero cases
were found to have active rat populations.
Rat trapping was conducted and success-
animal disease ful at some sites. Six rats were trapped;
five were suitable for testing, and all were
positive for Leptospira icterohaemor-
rhagiae.
The follow-up on leptospirosis is still on-
An ew collaborative eff ort was imple- ously documented outbreak of Leptospira going. CDC and state agencies will be look-
mented when Centers for Disease icterohaemorrhagiae in the Detroit area. The ing at an education and outreach program
Control and Prevention (CDC) agreed cases of leptospirosis in 2011 led the group based on results of a veterinarian survey
to send an Epi Aid team to Michigan to help to think this historical concern might be conducted this winter. MDARD continues to
investigate an outbreak of leptospirosis in re-emerging. receive reports of canine leptospirosis. This
dogs. In a One Health approach, MDCH initi- tells us there is room for improvement in
This story started in the fall of 2011 when ated contact with CDC to request some help. preventive measures. Fortunately, no human
the Michigan Department of Agriculture Help came in the form of a three-person Epi cases have been reported.
and Rural Development (MDARD) began Aid team for two weeks in December. Two Overall, this case is a good example
receiving an increased number of reports of of the team members, Dr. Jenna Webeck of how a collaborative eff ort using a One
canine leptospirosis. At the same time, the and Jessie Clippard, were already stationed Health approach can make a diff erence for
Michigan State University Diagnostic Center in Michigan at MDCH. The third, Dr. Mark animals and people. On the animal side,
for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH), Lehman, came up from Atlanta, Georgia, to a disease was identified and follow up
in conducting the testing of canine samples, participate. The team’s goals were: was—and is—being conducted to stop the
could see a spike in the number of cases of spread of disease to dogs. On the people
a certain type of leptospirosis—Leptospira n To better understand the epidemiology of side, expertise from human public health
icterohaemorrhagiae. “Ictero” as it is com- leptospirosis in Michigan was key in conducting the investigation and
monly called, can cause serious illness, n To identify sources of infection generating results.
especially in dogs. Ictero is known to be n To educate people to reduce their risk and Additionally, changing people’s behavior
associated with rats. the risk of infection to their pets related to canine vaccination and rat control
Since leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, may prove to be ongoing strategies to
it was not long before MDARD, DCPAH, and As a result of the CDC eff ort, we learned prevent disease. Finally, the environmental
the Michigan Department of Community that: side of this disease outbreak cannot be over-
Health (MDCH) were sitting around the table looked. The ictero cases were focused in an
having a serious conversation about the n There were 23 cases of canine leptospiro- urban area and rats were shown to be a fac-
implications of lab results and number of sis in 2010 and 61 in 2011 (as of December tor in disease spread. Thanks to reporting by
reported cases. 2011). This includes suspect, probable, veterinarians, a great diagnostic laboratory,
Fortunately, Michigan has Dr. Carole and confirmed cases. people with expertise on urban rat control,
Bolin leading DCPAH. Dr. Bolin is an expert n The greatest proportion of cases were se- great cooperation from city officials and city
in the area of leptospirosis including a rovar Grippotyphosa followed by serovar employees, and good cooperation between
historical perspective in Michigan. Also, Bratislava. agriculture and public health, we have a
fortunately, MDARD has a staff person, n The number of cases of serovar Ictero- chance to enhance prevention of canine
Mel Poplar, with previous experience haemorrhagiae was elevated in 2011 leptospirosis and to protect public health.
and expertise in rats, rat control, and compared to 2010. Isn’t that what veterinary medicine is all
leptospirosis. Historically, there was a previ- n There was seasonality of the onset of about?
the michigan veterinarian • summer 2012 3
Large number of Leptospira (dark pink) in kidney tissue from a rat trapped in Detroit area aff ected by outbreak.
DIAGNOSTIC CENTER FOR POPULATION & ANIMAL HEALTH
Leptospirosis
specialize. Bolin says the work appealed to
her because of its global reach and many
diff erent subtleties. In fact, Bolin’s work
has taken her all over the country and the
A CASE FOR VACCINATION
world—including early collaboration with
the CDC in Central and South America
after El Niño rains resulted in flooding.
When people in Nicaragua began dying
Who ya gonna call?” isn’t just a refrain of pulmonary hemorrhage, the CDC was
from the “Ghostbusters Theme asked to help thinking it might be one of the
Song,” it’s a question asked daily hemorrhagic fevers. It turned out to be lep-
by veterinarians and public health officials tospirosis. At the time, the CDC didn’t have a
facing individual cases as well as outbreaks. robust program for leptospirosis and turned
Dr. Carole Bolin, Director of the Diagnostic to the USDA. Bolin continued to work with
Center for Animal and Population Health the CDC on a similar outbreak in Ecuador
(DCPAH) at the MSU College of Veterinary and then on outbreaks in the United States
Medicine, says it’s a natural instinct to and elsewhere.
come to DCPAH when an outbreak occurs in
Michigan. But when more than 20 cases of AN UNUSUAL SITUATION
leptospirosis were reported in the Detroit area With the recent outbreak in southeast
this past fall, Bolin’s direct line was ringing. Michigan, Bolin says, “We could compare
Bolin’s expertise and experience with this outbreak to others in Detroit and other
leptospirosis goes back to 1987 when she areas.” What made this incident unusual
was at the USDA and was the leader of the was that many of the dogs aff ected were pets
research program on leptospirosis, an area rather than strays. Typically with Ictero-
in which few people in the United States haemorrhagiae infection, stray dogs are
4 the michigan veterinarian • summer 2012
more likely to be infected due to increased former two-way vaccines. Today’s vaccines
contact with rats and areas where rats have are second-generation vaccines that are
urinated—rats may or may not be symptom- associated with fewer adverse reactions.
atic, but shed the bacteria in their urine. DCPAH conducts more than 20,000 tests
These cases were also unusual because each year for the diagnosis of leptospirosis
of how quickly the infected dogs were in dogs and the data available from this
becoming ill and dying. Normally, dogs with testing is helping to convince dog owners
leptospirosis will be somewhat lethargic, and veterinarians of the need to vaccinate
less anxious to play, less interested in food. against this important disease of dogs. “This
But many owners don’t see this as a reason is part of our outreach to aff ect practice,”
to visit the vet. Then symptoms progress says Bolin.
quickly into profound lethargy where ani- But there are still holdouts—Bolin esti-
mals may be difficult to rouse. At this point, mates that approximately 50% of veterinary
owners will usually seek medical treatment practices don’t routinely vaccinate for lep-
and the infection is treatable. In the recent tospirosis. All of the Detroit-area dogs who
cases of leptospirosis in the Detroit area died had either not been vaccinated or were
however, many of the animals had stopped strays whose histories were unknown.
urinating, were dehydrated, and their liv- There also is widespread worry expressed
ers had shut down in just a few days after by owners and breeders of small and toy
presenting initial signs. breeds about perceived susceptibility to
adverse reactions to the vaccine. In fact,
A BRIEF HISTORY OF LEPTOSPIROSIS many of the animals who died as a result Bolin was able to isolate the organism from
IN THE UNITED STATES of the recent outbreak were of those breeds the kidneys and thereby confi rm the rats as the
cause of the outbreak. Isolating the organism is a
Leptospirosis was more common in dogs in where there is some hesitancy to vaccinate
procedure which requires highly specialized culture
the 1950s and 1960s and widespread vac- for leptospirosis. While it is true that small methods. The isolates were then sent to the CDC for
cination of dogs led to a decrease in the inci- dogs tend to have more problems with all further identifi cation.
dence of disease. Vets educated in the 1970s types of vaccines, separating vaccines and
and 1980s typically didn’t hear much about spreading them out is the preferred method
it because it was no longer a worry. The that have been turned loose because owners
“This is not a case of
decrease in the number of cases led to a de- can’t care for them any longer.” But, she
crease in vaccination rates. But then pockets vaccine failure. It’s a case cautions, “There is no reason why Detroit is
of canine leptospirosis started appearing special.”
of failure to vaccinate.”
around the country. As word spread among There is something we can all do. Canine
veterinarians regarding the new cases of this leptospirosis became a rare event once
old disease, more testing of sick animals of vaccination for these breeds and is touted because of widespread vaccination.
was done. This testing pointed to the fact by members of the American Animal Hospi-
that the new cases of canine leptospirosis tal Association Vaccine Group. Visit DCPAH online at animalhealth.msu.
were caused by three types of leptospirosis Evidence from a large study conducted edu to access a free guide, “Leptospirosis:
not covered by existing vaccines. to document adverse reactions to vaccines What Every Dog Owner Should Know.”
These new serovars were those associ- by breed and weight of the dogs and type
ated with raccoons, possums, and skunks. of vaccine demonstrated that there is no
Lo and behold, urban sprawl had put greater chance of reaction to the leptospiro-
household pets in closer contact with wild sis vaccine. “We have data now to combat
animals whose habitats were being en- anecdotal reports and can do a better educa-
croached upon. Because the vaccine didn’t tion campaign,” Bolin observes.
protect against the new kinds and some
small risks associated with the vaccine had WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
been observed, many vets stopped vaccinat- While cases of leptospirosis continue to be
ing for leptospirosis altogether. reported, this type of outbreak could occur
in other cities where high-foreclosure rates
“TO VACCINATE OR NOT TO VACCINATE?” have resulted in empty properties. Animal
SHOULDN’T BE A QUESTION Control is also a factor. Bolin describes the
New four-way vaccines, first released in situation in the Detroit area as “a perfect
2002, provide protection against four types storm—an explosion in the rat population,
Magnifi cation showing individual Leptospira in
of leptospirosis and have replaced the vacant buildings, trash” as well as “animals tissue.
the michigan veterinarian • summer 2012 5
board of directors update
The MVMA Board of Directors met on ANIMAL WELFARE were made to accommodate MVMA’s sug-
March 21, 2012. Highlights of this meet- MVMA’s Animal Welfare Committee has gestions. sb 574, the Puppy Lemon Law, has
ing are included below. been working to put together another come out of committee. MVMA was able to
Animal Welfare Conference to be held on incorporate several veterinary amendments
PROGRESS ON STRATEGIC PLAN November 19, 2012, in the MSU Pavilion. and is neutral on this bill.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE Speakers are being finalized and more
AND 2012 STRATEGIC PLANNING information will be available soon. PROVIDING VETERINARY EDUCATION:
The Leadership Development Committee Dr. Cathy Anderson and Karlene Belyea A FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE
worked with MSU CVM on the Spartan are moving forward with a new presentation Dr. Jim Lloyd gave a presentation to the
Leadership Weekend with Rick Debowes designed to help veterinarians, shelters, board on the rising cost of veterinary medi-
which occurred on February 24–26. The and rescue groups build good working cal education and the increasing debt loads
event had a good turnout and was a fun relationships with each other. The first of graduating veterinarians. Although the
learning experience for all. The Committee draft of the presentation was given to the situation is worrisome, viable repayment op-
also had a day-long session at the Michigan MSU CVM Classes of 2013 and 2014 and tions exist for these escalating debt loads. In
Veterinary Conference with speaker Dan was well-received. The Animal Welfare combination with recent income trends for
Ilgen and Media Training occurred for the Committee hopes to take the presentation to veterinarians, these options provide a basis
MVMA Board of Directors. veterinarians and other groups. The session for cautious optimism for the future.
The Power of Ten Leadership Academy is called Building Bridges: Developing Good
is moving forward to help MVMA educate Relationships Between Veterinarians and FUTURISTIC THINKING
ten young leaders through a variety of Animal Care and Control Agencies. MVMA’s President Dr. Susan Sayles in-
programs. Interactive educational sessions formed Board members that a new recurring
will include communications, diversity and LEGISLATIVE UPDATE agenda item called “futuristic thinking”
cultural competence, media training, per- The MVMA Legislative Advisory Committee will be on each Board agenda as a way to
sonality assessments, legislative training, voted to support sb 891-892 and hb 5230- encourage a brief brain-storming session
animal welfare, relationship building, work/ 5231 Regulation of Large-Scale Commercial at each meeting. The hope is that the
life balance, and generational issues. The Breeders which was drafted by the Michigan Board will begin thinking about where the
first session will be held jointly with AAVMC Humane Society (MHS). Comments and veterinary profession is going in the next
as a two-day event on June 29–30. concerns were sent to MHS and changes five years and what MVMA should be doing
6 the michigan veterinarian • summer 2012
MVMA President Dr. Susan Sayles (left), addressed the Class of 2012 as they graduated on Friday, May 4
MSU CVM Class of 2012 Graduates
Congratulations to the class of 2012! way? By joining the Michigan Veterinary
front row (left to right): Drs. Frank Carmona, You’ve made it! So what comes next Medical Association you have a network
Ralph Huff , Nancy Frank, Therese Burns, Jamie
for you, Doctor? of colleagues. You’ll have access to all the
Snow, Susan Sayles, Andrea Switch, Shirene Cece-
Clements, Lauren Gnagey, Becca Kursch Many of you may not have considered recent grad information on our website,
what you will do now. Sure, you will be but you will have access to so much more!
back row: Karlene Belyea, Drs. Lori Penman, Bruce
taking that first job, but there is more to You can help to make a diff erence in the
Cozzens, Tari Kern, Steve Bailey, Mike Thome, Kurt
life than just working, even if you are an future practice of veterinary medicine by
Dunckel, Julie Cappel, Kevin Stachowiak
intern! I encourage you all to take some staying connected and sharing your voice.
camera shy: Drs. Matt Taylor, David Butts, Melissa time in the next ten days to imagine what Your time is limited, believe me I
Owings, Jacob Langendorfer, Jeremy Boge, Charlie
great things might be in store for you. understand. I spend countless extra hours
DeCamp
Dare to dream what you want for your reading about that challenging case and
future and write it down. Life becomes trying to balance work with time for my
to prepare for these changes. Issues brought busy and it is easy to get caught in the husband and daughter. Sports, 4-H, PTO,
up at the March meeting included: hustle and bustle and lose sight of where running my business, and taking time
you are going. Maybe your next dream for myself is really difficult. I know that
n Practitioners need to learn about urban is to own a practice, or become board I have gained more from my experience
poultry medicine since this is a growing certified. Perhaps you’d really like to give with organized veterinary medicine than
area (according to MDA). time to a charity like a rescue group or any of the time I have put into it. It has
n Guidelines to assist veterinarians in a humane society. I would encourage been worth it. Your commitment can be
responding to clients asking for prescrip- you to consider membership in a local only a couple hours per year so it doesn’t
tions to be filled at Walmart, etc. would be veterinary medical association or even have to be hard but the rewards can be
helpful. serving as an officer. We have many great great. We are here to help you make a
n Social-media issues in the workplace have opportunities at the Michigan Veterinary diff erence!
become a concern for veterinarians. Medical Association for committees, task The Michigan Veterinary Medical
n New revenue sources for veterinary prac- forces and just member feedback through Association welcomes you to the greatest
tices should be explored. surveys too. profession in the world! Enjoy your day,
n Preventative care for animals is one of the Once you have set that goal, consider dream about the future, and join us for a
most important areas that veterinarians how you will achieve it. What if you have wonderful journey. Congratulations for all
should be emphasizing. questions or need a mentor along the you have achieved!
the michigan veterinarian • summer 2012 7
8 the michigan veterinarian • summer 2012
How is a cow without
to the cow, the milker or the product, and
there is perhaps harm to the cow, do farmers
a tail NOT like a fish
continue to dock tails? When science does
not support a practice, do we ignore the sci-
without a bicycle?
ence for the sake of convenience? Or do we
do the right thing and abandon the practice?
Dr. Janice Swanson said in the Michigan
If you Google “Why do cows have tails?” support any of these claims. No diff erences Dairy Review (July 2009), “The insistence to
you come up with the anti-joke “Because were found in cow cleanliness, udder cleanli- continue a practice when it is ill-supported
my pet rock stopped breathing.” That adds ness, or somatic cell count. And, with regard scientifically and by the veterinary medical
a whole new dimension to the issue of tail to milker comfort, the simple practice of community, casts doubt on the ethical bear-
docking in cattle—one that is perhaps out of trimming the switch aff ectively addresses the ings of an industry. Consequently, public
the realm of animal welfare, so we will have inconvenience of a dirty tail. Although, cows confidence can be easily manipulated and
to go with something a little more science- with docked tails were cleaner right next to eroded.”
based. the base of the tail, no other area, including I can’t really answer the question of why
Cows use their tails in three major the udder, was cleaner in cows with docked farmers continue to dock tails in the face
ways—communication, locomotion, and fly tails. So, the science says that tail docking of science that says there is no benefit and
removal (response to skin irritation). So the does not benefit the human, the cow, or the may be harmful. However, I can give you
tail is not a useless appendage that should product—and may be harmful to the cow. one reason a farmer gave me for why he no
be removed in a cavalier fashion. These are Denmark, Germany, Scotland, Sweden, longer docks tails: “We stopped docking
behaviors that are important to the cow. If the United Kingdom, and some Australian tails when we started giving tours. We found
you are paying attention, you will find that states prohibit tail docking. The American we couldn’t explain to the public why we did
a cow who is rapidly snapping her tail back Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) it, so we had to stop.”
and forth is angry, and that she will likely position on tail docking is “AABP opposes There you have it folks: If you can’t
kick you. Not only do cows communicate the routine tail docking of cattle. Current explain it simple, maybe you shouldn’t be
with each other via the tail, they try to scientific literature indicates that routine tail doing it.
communicate with humans, too. Humans, docking provides no benefit to the animal”
however, sometimes do not listen. (Approved by the AABP Board of Directors Lana Kaiser MD, DVM, has a beef practice, raises
Tails can be docked in a variety of ways. on March 13, 2010). Maine Anjou and Red Angus, and is a member of the
MVMA Animal Welfare and the Food Animal Practice
The use of an elastrator band is the most So why, if there is no documented benefit Committees.
common, resulting in a short stump after
one third to two thirds of the tail necroses
and falls off . If the behavioral uses of the
tail are ignored for a moment, there may
be acute or chronic pain associated with
tail docking—depending a bit on how one
interprets pain or stress in cattle. While the
eff ect of tail docking on communication and
locomotion have not been examined, it is
clear that cows with docked tails have more
flies and more fly avoidance behaviors. We
all know that flies are annoying.
Why do people dock tails? The practice
of tail docking dairy cows originated in New
Zealand, under the notion that docking tails
prevented the spread of leptospirosis to milk-
ers. Current evidence suggests that a cows’
tail has little or nothing to do with leptospiro-
sis in milkers, and tail docking is no longer a
common procedure on New Zealand dairies.
A variety of benefits have been ascribed
to the practice of tail docking, including
improved cleanliness, udder health, milk
hygiene, milk production, and milker comfort
(convenience). However, the science does not
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trends to watch
Veterinary hospitals have 40% of medical care to patients, increase clients’
appointments unfilled.1 Treading perception of value, and generate ongoing
water—following the same business revenue.
practices—isn’t a long-term option in today’s
economy. With new approaches come new 2. INCREASING USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA.
opportunities. Trends to watch in 2012: Today, 77% of veterinary hospitals have
websites and 43% are on Facebook.1 Clients
1. CHANGING OUR LANGUAGE FROM are looking online, so drive them to your
“WELLNESS” TO “PREVENTIVE CARE.” website with a “trusted links” section. Face-
While it’s impossible to predict when pets book has 800 million users with half logging
will become sick or injured, you can antici- on daily. Facebook’s average user has 130
pate when patients will need preventive friends. Twitter has 300 million users, while
care. Exams, diagnostic testing, vaccines, 3 billion videos are watched on YouTube
and parasite preventatives are renewable each day. See my 4-month-old kitten,
care that can fill open appointments. Caymus, play fetch at www.youtube.com/
Wellness services and products generate watch?v=BS3u1_xYTfE. Bakerstown Animal
38% of revenue.2 Just as you refill medica- Hospital in Bakerstown, PA, has videos of
tions, think about which wellness services wellness exams at http://www.youtube.com/
need refills, too. Changing your language watch?v=YZvHDaIJ45s&feature=mfu_in_
to “preventive care” can provide better order&list=UL.
10 the michigan veterinarian • summer 2012