The Journal of Epidemiology recently published a study that supports the growing pile of evidence to suggest that Facebook use may be linked to unhappiness. The result: Facebook use was significantly correlated with declines in overall well-being over the years, as well as the more specific categories of physical health, mental health and life satisfaction. But wait, there’s … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2017
Study suggests potential for pathogen transmission via feed
In preliminary findings, a study conducted by Pipestone Applied Research and South Dakota State University shows the potential for PRRS and other viruses to contaminate and survive in feed ingredients, including soybean meal and dried distillers’ grains. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 12, 2017. The study results suggest a subset of contaminated feed ingredients could … [Read more...]
The art and humor of horseracing (includes videos)
Just for fun! Triple Crown season stirs interest in a whole population of persons who are not yearlong enthusiasts. This article offers a different twist on what makes the perfect racehorse. Source: Horse Network, May 8, 2014. Veteran British collage artist and filmmaker John Stezaker’s 2012 work, “Horse,” offered a rapid succession look of every racehorse advertised for … [Read more...]
Pet owner offers perspective on errant pet deaths
Our team at AHD found this article refreshing, mature and honoring of the veterinary profession. Stephanie Colman shares her pet loss, the professionalism of her veterinarian and notes the suicide trends among veterinarians. Source: Whole Dog Journal, May 2017. We may not always be happy with the services rendered by our veterinarians, but only rarely is this caused because … [Read more...]
Multi-dog household research in progress
The dynamics in multi-dog households is different in every home, but rarely studied. Most research tests dogs in a laboratory and looks at interactions between animals that don’t know each other. This will be interesting to watch. Source: Science Daily, April 24, 2017. Canisius College professors Christy Hoffman and Malini Suchak decided to take a different approach in … [Read more...]
You’ll never bitch again about walking your dog
Payam Mohebi, the star veterinarian of Tehran, Iran, is running for city council and the election is this Friday. He may win or get 60 lashes. Mohebi is shown on campaign posters with a stray dog. Ruling Iranian clerics consider dogs impure. Taking one for a walk can get an owner arrested and the dog seized and perhaps killed. Source: New York Times, May 16, 2017 … [Read more...]
Canines offer great listening training
It is widely acknowledged that the number one cause of communication breakdown is ineffective listening skills. We talk at each other rather than with each other. However, there is hope. It comes in the form of our canine friends. Source: Vet-Advantage Magazine, April 2017. When humans communicate, we use words, our voice and our body to convey our message. Behavioral … [Read more...]
Rented chickens hatch backyard bonanza
If a client asks where to buy some chicks so they can start gathering eggs in the backyard, renting may be a better option. Yes, renting. Rent the Chicken was launched in 2013 and has been expanding since. The service offers two to four layers, feed, a waterer and a coop for a specified rental period. When the time is up, its personnel pick things up. Source: John Deere’s … [Read more...]
New technique for injecting the navicular bursa studied
French veterinarian Knut Nottrott and his colleagues wanted to develop a novel technique for injecting the navicular bursa that avoided penetrating the deep digital flexor tendon. They researched using a lateral approach to injecting the navicular bursa under ultrasonographic guidance. It avoids the need for radiographs. Source: Modern Equine Vet, April 2017, page 3. The … [Read more...]
Be cautious about weeds that are toxic to horses
We thought this article would be good content for websites, blogs, newsletters and social media. Whether a retail store or veterinary clinic, the information about plants that are toxic to horses is good to review. Considering the wacky weather this spring, normal ground cover may be stressed from flooding, fire or cold snaps. Nightshade is especially opportunistic. Source: … [Read more...]
Pets on the go
This commercial post is thought provoking for any animal health pro challenged to service an increasingly mobile pet population. A recent study reveals some behaviors among pet owners that present new opportunities for reaching pets and their owners. Source: Trone Brand Energy, May 4, 2017. Pet parents are on the go, but still want to spend as much time as possible with … [Read more...]
Squirrels were once one of America’s most popular pets
Just for fun, we include this history of the pet squirrel. In the 18th and 19th centuries, squirrels were fixtures in American homes, especially for children. Ben Franklin and President Warren Harding were especially fond of their pet squirrels. Source: Atlas Obscura, April 28, 2017. From the 1920s through the 1970s many states slowly adopted wildlife conservation and … [Read more...]
Adjust artificial insemination practices during heat stress
If hot weather arrives during the AI season, some management and breeding alterations may be helpful. Research with rumen temperature boluses has shown that the core body temperature of beef cows peaks at two to five hours after the highest daytime temperature. Elevated core body temperatures have been implicated from other research in reduced pregnancy rates in heat stressed … [Read more...]
Feral hogs: bad beasts, good treats
We continue to watch developing feral hog management challenges. They probably do more than $1.5 billion damage nationwide each year, according to the USDA. The problem is only getting bigger. From 1982 to 2012, the invasive species spread from 17 states to 36. It turns out that feral hogs are tasty. Their popularity is growing for a few slaughterhouses that supply chefs and … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – 6 milestones for backyard chickens
The backyard chicken craze is growing rapidly. Veterinarians and retail associates are frequently challenged to help new chicken growers succeed. Purina offered this content promotionally, but we found the life stages information worthy of referencing. Source: Morning Ag Clips, April 25, 2017. As we get started on the journey with baby chicks, it’s important to look forward … [Read more...]
Ear tags profiled
This article is valuable to help industry pros understand non-electronic ear tag options. It is a good guide to compare various brands of ear tags. Source: American Dairymen, April 2017, page 32. … [Read more...]
Another reason for tick control
A tick-borne disease recognized since the 1950’s may become the new threat to humans. Powassan virus, which is a far rarer and more deadly pathogen than the bacterium that produces Lyme, is also transmitted by the deer tick. A flavivirus like mosquito-borne West Nile, it is not clear if the virus is a threat to pets. Still, the principles of tick population control and One … [Read more...]
The next crises in rural America may be mental health
Mental illness isn’t confined within city limits. One in five residents of nonmetropolitan counties in the U.S. had some form of mental illness in 2015, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. Plus, 1.4 million non-metro residents had serious thoughts of suicide in the same year. Increased opioid addiction and prescription drug abuse are just two … [Read more...]
Scarce or abundant?
In today’s competitive society there are winners. If there are winners, there must be losers. Couple that mentality with the focus on “me” and you have the ingredients for the paucity of effective leadership in business, government and society. Effective leaders, while rare, exhibit a remarkable similarity in behavior. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, April 29, 2017. Collectively, … [Read more...]
Cows witnessing wolf attacks suffer PTSD-like symptoms
Cows that have witnessed wolf attack display physical signs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A new study from Oregon State University affirms this and is also the first study to reveal PTSD biomarkers in cattle. The findings have been published in the Journal of Animal Science. Source: Progressive Cattleman, May 4, 2017. Wolf attacks create bad … [Read more...]
Your customized news feed could make you dumber
Much of the information you consume on the internet is filtered. For example, Google and Facebook have algorithms that attempt to figure out what things you like and are most likely to click on. This affects the sorts of search results and newsfeed items you see. If we’re only served up stuff we like, could it mean that the internet increasingly massages our ideological and … [Read more...]
The future of equine parasite control
No new anthelmintics with newer modes of action have been introduced since the early 1980s. Anthelmintic resistance continue to increase in cyathostomin and Parascaris spp. parasites. While resistance is slow to develop, work by Dr. Gene Lyons clearly illustrates that once it appears in a parasite, it is there to stay. We can expect resistance to at least one drug class to … [Read more...]
Cleaning protocols promote calf health
Management practices impact overall herd health in any livestock operation. Cleaning procedures and written protocols are imperative to raising healthy calves and will lead to increased average daily gain and decreased disease incidence. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 28, 2017. Although equipment may look clean, in reality it may be caked with invisible bacteria. … [Read more...]
Understanding the stocker
Stocker, or backgrounding, provides vital production and marketing system values to the beef industry. Stocker production happens in a variety of situations and environments throughout the country. As such, the stocker sector is an essential shock absorber for the beef industry but little data exists to analyze the segment. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, March 29, … [Read more...]
Heat stress even affects unborn calves
Heat stress can have a huge impact on unborn calves that reaches well into their adulthood. “Cooling is pretty important for the fetus,” says Geoff Dahl, a dairy physiologist with the University of Florida. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 30, 2017. Unborn calves of heat stressed dams will have lower birth and weaning weights, and might produce 2,500 lb. to 3,000 lb. … [Read more...]
May is Lyme awareness month
Steve Dale offers information about Lyme awareness month. He exposes the role mice have in the increased risk. 2017 will likely be a record Lyme year. We can do more to protect dogs than we can ourselves More than anyone or anything - blame increased mice for increased Lyme Source: Steve Dale Pet World, May 9, 2017. … [Read more...]
Parasites likely to win again in 2017
There’s that “c-word” again – compliance. Don Jergler indicates mild weather and lackluster client compliance continue to favor parasites. He discusses fleas, ticks and heartworm, including perspectives from the Heartworm Society and major manufacturers of for pets and parasite control products. Source: Veterinary Practice News, May 2, 2017. While part of the U.S. is under … [Read more...]
Therapy certification for cats
Caroline Golon offers the basics of the therapy cat certification process. To train as an official cat therapy team, you need to meet minimum requirements, which vary by the certifying organization. Most programs also require that the cat be able to wear a leash and harness, mostly for the cat’s own safety. Source: Catster, May 4, 2017. Obviously, not all cats make good … [Read more...]
Cull ornery, grumpy cows
Culling cows assertively is one of the more effective strategies for improving cow herd profitability and satisfaction. University of Florida animal scientists have found that cows with poor dispositions are less likely to conceive when mated with bulls. Disposition had previously been associated with reduced artificial insemination results. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, … [Read more...]
4 puppy biting survival strategies
Behavioral problems are a significant factor in pets not being retained. Biting and nipping complaints are among the more common ones. There are things you can do to manage a nippy puppy until your it outgrows this important developmental stage. Animal health pros can share these tips in blog posts, new pet kits, newsletters and social media. If you sell chew toys, consider … [Read more...]