Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 11, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 11th AHD Bulletin – Words are important. Link. Insects on farm animal menus. Link. whiskerDocs® 2nd patent: Integrated animal health records. Link. ===================================== 16 compliments you didn’t realize are actually pretty … [Read more...]
NAAVR launched to elevate and support veterinary client service pros
To support, empower and advocate for professionals who create exceptional veterinary client experiences, industry veterans Jill Clark, DVM, Debbie Boone, CVPM, and Rhonda Bell, CVPM, PCM, CDMP, seek to elevate the client service path as a viable and rewarding career within veterinary medicine. Source: North American Association of Veterinary Receptionists, April 4, 2024. … [Read more...]
Blain’s Farm and Fleet announces online system for direct ordering of prescriptions AHD Staff
A new online product, AnimalRx, is a direct result of FDA Guidance for Industry No. 263 and offers access for livestock producers with a prescription. Source: Successful Farming, April, 15, 2024. Link. The website shares the following about how they handle livestock prescriptions <Link>. "If you have a prescription from your veterinarian, simply add the item(s) to … [Read more...]
USDA approves Pradalex (pradofloxacin injection) solution for certain respiratory diseases in cattle and swine
Pradalex (pradofloxacin injection) is a 3rd-generation fluoroquinolone ranked as a critically important antimicrobial. The labeling of the drug includes a statement that it should be used only after considering other, non-fluoroquinolone therapeutic options. Pradalex is approved in certain ages and classes of cattle for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease associated … [Read more...]
Merck launches new activity monitoring technology, SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock
Merck announced the launch of its new activity monitoring system, SENSEHUB Dairy Youngstock <Link>, the industry’s first monitoring technology for dairy calves from birth through the first 12 months of life. The product makes it easier for dairy producers and calf managers to detect and locate calves and heifers who need attention based on animal behavior monitoring. An … [Read more...]
NOMV seeking 2024 annual awards nominations
Not One More Vet announced that nominations are now open for the NOMV Annual Awards. Nominations are due June 1, 2024. Several awards exist in the Individual Category and also the Group/Activities. Winners will be announced via a virtual awards ceremony in September 2024. The Gala Awards will be notified in advance and awarded at the Gala in Chicago on October 5, … [Read more...]
Marketing bulls as feeder calves rather than castrating costs producers
Kellie Curry Raper shares numbers that reflect an overall increase in the proportion of bulls coming through feeder calf sales. She shares data showing that not castrating bull calves costs producers as much as $56/head on 500-pound animals. Raper also reminds us of research indicating multiple animal performance benefits linked to earlier castration* including shorter … [Read more...]
Cull cows more valuable than ever
Cull cow weight and cull cow price have always been keys to profitability for beef producers. Culls are often forgotten. Gene Johnston shares tips for getting more money for old cows. About 20% of the total revenue of a cow herd comes from cull animals.” - Patrick Linnell, CattleFax Source: Successful Farming, April 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted Wayne Morgan's … [Read more...]
USDA: Test for bird flu before interstate transport of cattle
The USDA strongly recommends testing before cattle herds are moved between states, which should give more testing information and should mitigate further state-to-state spread between herds. Source: Successful Farming, April 15, 2024. Link. HPAI doesn’t affect dairy cows the same way as it does poultry. With proper veterinary care, cows are recovering.” - Nora Wineland, … [Read more...]
Evaluating fecal microbiota transplant for treating diarrhea in adult horses
Nancy S. Loving, DVM, shares the results of research that evaluated the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplants in equine enterocolitis cases. The technique involves feces collected from a healthy equine donor. After straining the material, the veterinarian administers fecal fluid to a recipient horse via a nasogastric tube. Conclusions from this retrospective study … [Read more...]
A calculator to determine colic risk in horses
EQUUS' 7-question survey can help determine a horse's chances of developing colic and provides ideas for what can be done to protect its health. The survey score will provide a rough estimate of colic risk and the content shares some management changes that may help reduce colic risks. Source: EQUUS, April 10, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Tools like this survey can improve the … [Read more...]
Essential nutrients cats need in their diets
We often hear, “a cat is not a small dog.” That phrase is especially meaningful when delivering the main things cats need in their diets. Rachel Giordano shares six vet-verified, nutrient essentials cats need in their diets, what they do and where they are found: Animal protein Fat Carbohydrates Water Vitamins Minerals Source: Catster, April 12, 2024. … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society updates heartworm guidelines
After thoroughly reviewing the latest research, the American Heartworm Society has updated its canine heartworm guidelines on heartworm prevention, diagnosis and treatment AND added a new section with "spectrum of care" information. Source: American Heartworm Society. Link. Download the summary here <Link>. AHS recommends annual antigen and microfilaria testing as well … [Read more...]
The AAFP and ISFM release new guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats
The 2024 ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines on the Long-term Use of NSAIDs in Cats from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine supports practitioners with decision-making around prescribing NSAIDs in situations of chronic pain to minimize adverse effects and optimize pain management for their feline patients. The … [Read more...]
It is important to count dogs’ teeth
Michael Jennings, VMD, DAVDC, writes about dentigerous cysts which are often seen in young brachycephalic dogs. They develop around an unerupted tooth when the epithelial lining covering the enamel produces fluid, causing expansion and destruction of surrounding bone. Jennings shares the importance of counting teeth, determining if a tooth is missing or unerupted and … [Read more...]
Addressing vaccine hesitancy with animal owners
Providing a commentary on vaccine hesitancy, Lori Kogan, PhD, shares research-backed cognitive biases that can affect pet owners’ vaccine decisions. Beyond the analytics, she reminds animal health pros vaccine-reluctant pet owners are not stupid; they simply make poor choices based on their fears and biases. She recommends veterinary teams learn to adapt their vaccine messages … [Read more...]
Amazon Pet Day is back to celebrate National Pet Month
Amazon Pet Day will return for its third year in celebration of National Pet Month with 48 hours of deals on pet products and supplies. The two-day sales event will take place on Tuesday, May 7th and Wednesday May 8th. Pet owners can start saving early, with deals beginning on April 23 including savings on pet-loved brands. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Working past retirement age is not easy
Americans over 75 are the fastest-growing age group in the workforce, more than quadrupling in size since 1964, according to the Pew Research Center. Forecasters expect that cohort of older, working Americans to double over the next decade. Source: CNN, April 14, 2024. Link. As more people than ever need to work longer to support themselves, workplaces will need to begin to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 15, 2024
Shelter crowding causes moratorium on dog breeding licenses in L.A., Gen Z impact on pet business being felt, minimum wages not a growth factor for small businesses, ways to combat feeling overwhelmed in business and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 15, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The hidden risk of letting AI decide – losing the skills to choose for ourselves (video)
Sharing dangers of outsourcing decisions to AI, Joe Árvai, PhD, says AI is mere keystrokes away from making people even less disciplined and skilled when it comes to thoughtful decisions. He recognizes the potential benefits in cybersecurity, health care and finance, where complex models and massive amounts of data need to be analyzed routinely and quickly. Still, Árvai warns … [Read more...]
Americans sleeping less, more stressed
Highlighting disturbing sleep and stress trends, Gallup shares Americans are sleeping less and are less satisfied with the amount they sleep. Gallup polling and other research show a strong connection between sleep, stress and overall health. The decline in sleep and the increase in stress levels in the U.S. are consistently worse for younger women than for men and older … [Read more...]
RESPONSIBLE pet imagery in marketing, advertising and outreach is important
The authors of this piece urge animal health pros to be vigilant in how we portray pets and their owners. They emphasize the need to do it in a positive and healthy environment. Using more responsible imagery to connect and engage with your pet-loving audience can go a long way toward influencing and changing behaviors for the better — improving safety and 'norms,' and helping … [Read more...]
USDA grant to help fund KSU scholarships to develop rural vets
The KSU CVM recently received a $250,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to create the Rural and Underrepresented Scholarship for Hopeful Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students program. Source: AAHA NEWStat, April 16, 2024. Link. Students from underrepresented groups and applicants from rural backgrounds … [Read more...]
Veterinarian says a receptionist has the hardest job in a hospital
The receptionist at a veterinary clinic has the most difficult job, writes Harris Fitzgerel, DVM, BS. They are the first face clients see when entering the clinic, the first voice they hear when calling, and the liaison between the back and the front of the hospital. Source: DVM 360, April 15, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Fitzgerel’s perspective is echoed by the recent launch of … [Read more...]
Chewy CEO on new technology in new veterinarian clinic care clinics (video)
Chewy CEO Sumit Singh discusses the launch of Chewy’s first veterinarian clinic, how it’ll help Chewy’s finances and more. He shares his perspective on veterinarian demand and matching DVM and customer experiences at scale. His comments about the effects of the pandemic on demand and the transition to e-commerce are notable. Animal healthcare is a new frontier . . . we’ve … [Read more...]
Equine Network Foundation established by Equine Network
The Equine Network has established the Equine Network Foundation, a non-profit organization with its first program focused on supporting equine welfare and rescue. Source: Equine Network, March 20, 2024. Link. To learn more about the Equine Network Foundation visit equinenetworkfoundation.org. … [Read more...]
whiskerDocs® announces second patent: Integrated animal health records
Processes outlined in a new patent can significantly improve providing health care for animals by leveraging advanced technologies in data analysis and machine learning. The systems and processes patent expands the assessment and management of pet health by utilizing new technology that supports personalized medicine, predictive modeling, early intervention and unique insights … [Read more...]
Insects on farm animal menus
Sharing her fascination for livestock innovations, Phibro’s Leah Dorman, DVM, writes about how insects may provide an alternate, sustainable protein source in livestock diets especially where soy is not easily grown. Source: Explore Animal Health, March 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Dorman is referencing controlled and mass-scaled production of insects for protein. Hobby … [Read more...]
Video game teaches cow handling
Mooving Cows is a 3D isometric mobile game that’s changing the way dairy farm employees understand and interact with cattle. University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Jennifer Van Os, PhD, developed the game with feedback from Wisconsin dairy farmers, including Spanish- and English-speaking staff on farms. It provides an alternative to traditional animal handling training … [Read more...]
Resource: Basic biosecurity practices for sheep and goats
Collaborating with USDA, the staff at the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners developed a biosecurity toolkit for use by DVMs and producers. The toolkit consists of six flyers, as well as a main poster. It’s free to download and can be used for client education. Source: AASRP. Link. … [Read more...]