What Did He Say???

Pfizer Animal Health's Dr. Dennis Horter recently presented DiSC communications training to Badger Veterinary Hospital staff.  DiSC personality profile/behavior assessments enable better understanding of personality styles and behaviors, ultimately improving communications and enhancing relationships.

Improved understanding of behavior styles allows staff to approach others in a manner more meaningful to the person they are interacting with.

For example:

• The "D" personality is direct, to the point.  They have better understanding of and respect for information that is given in bullet points.
• People making decisions based on emotion are "I" personalities.  "I's" typically prefer interactive communication styles.  They want to be involved in the decision making process!
• Patient and calm describes the "S" personality.  They like to receive information in an organized and methodical demeanor.
• "C" personalities are thorough and analytical, preferring detailed, written information handed to them.  They need to read, understand and evaluate prior to making a decision.

The challenge?  EVERYONE has a primary personality type and its hard delivering information in a style that's not normal to us.  We're willing to take the challenge, how about you?

Badger Saves Christmas!

Badger Spirit!

Is Japanese Encephalitis Next?

In 2002, West Nile Virus hit the upper mid-west horse population with a vengeance.  Our practice examined ten cases in 7 days; 50% died.  Those surviving battled an extremely difficult illness for 5-7 days with significant expenses to owners.  West Nile cases, afflicting both horses and humans, are still sporadically reported.  West Nile immunization is standard in our practice; thankfully we haven't seen a case since 2003.  


In addition to West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, is another mosquito-borne encephalitis virus afflicting horses in the upper mid-west.  The American Association of Equine Practitioners lists these two viral diseases in its core vaccine recommendations: http://www.aaep.org/core_vaccinations.htm. Similar diseases, rarely occurring in the United States include Western Equine Encephalomyelitis and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis.  


Another encephalitis; Japanese Encephalitis, as pointed out by Drs. Peter Timoney and Stacy Oke, may be the next mosquito borne viral disease afflicting North American Horses; http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20319.


Our best recommendation to horse owners?  As we approach the upper mid-west's mosquito-borne disease season height (late summer to early fall) make sure your horse's immunizations are up to date!