Stopping The Spread Of Equine Illnesses Begins With Communication

The American Association of Equine Practitioners reminds owners that vigilance demands proper communication among all barn workers at the outset of an outbreak.

“Even when there is any possibility that a horse may have been exposed to or is coming down with a contagious disease, inform the farrier before he or she begins work,” says Julia Wilson, a veterinarian based in Stillwater, Minn. “This allows the farrier to reschedule or work on the suspected horse last, allowing the farrier to clean and disinfect all tools and clothing prior to the next day.”

Mobile Devices Shouldn’t Be The Sole Manager of Your Practice

The mobile phone seems as common a tool for the modern farrier as any other found in the shoeing box. And although mobile technology continually improves, don’t rely on these devices to be the sole instruments used in operating your footcare business. David Nicholls, a farrier from East Sussex, United Kingdom, warns that it took him much investment in mobile devices to realize the best option for a computerized work station in his shoeing rig remains a mobile phone, laptop and portable printer. He says tablets and mobile phones currently lack the processing and memory power of a laptop to run all facets.

Late Breaking News And Views…

An American Association of Equine Practitioners survey found the most common reason for switching to a different veterinarian: dissatisfaction with the former vet’s “communication style, personality or demeanor” … New York…