Horses will appreciate their caregivers following this advice when selecting and using his blankets this winter: Check the fit of blankets each year Consider getting your horse “underwear” Multiple blankets? Mark them according to the appropriate conditions for their use If temperatures fluctuate, blanket for the anticipated high of the day Remove blankets … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2019
Why do some vaccinated horses still get sick? (podcast)
Elizabeth Davis, DVM, explains how vaccines prime the immune system and why some horses might still get sick. The idea of vaccination is intended to provide, in a very safe way and at a small level of exposure to the immune system, so that on future exposure to the immune system at the time of disease challenge, that the horse is is protected. Source: The Horse, October 22, … [Read more...]
Junk in, junk out applies to feed too
The adage about computers and data applies to forage value and production. We recently posted about hay consumption < link > and mud at hay feeding locations - link >. Lynn James shares Progressive Forage's top 2019 articles chosen by readers whose priorities include high quality forages. Source: Progressive Forage, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: One of these … [Read more...]
Understanding swine gut microbiome at different growth stages
What pigs are fed and at which growth stage makes a difference in the swine gut microbiome, according to new research. University of Arkansas researchers completed a comprehensive longitudinal study that remarkably expands the understanding of the swine gut microbiome and addresses ecological questions: How does the swine gut microbiome change from birth to market across … [Read more...]
Increased feeding frequency in dairy cows shows promise
Underscoring dairy cows as production animals, researchers sought to measure the results of feeding up to three times per day or more. Feed delivery frequency affects feed intake, digestive physiology, animal health, hormonal profile, milk production, resistance to thermal stress and economic returns. Source: The Bullvine, December 4, 2019. Link. . . . in the 3x feeding … [Read more...]
More work needed with beef cattle health
The U.S. beef industry has consistently increased production and productivity for decades. Cattle health has gotten worse. You read that right. Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University livestock marketing specialist, says respiratory disease is the biggest health problem in the industry. Data shows that average feedlot death loss has practically doubled from 0.82 percent in … [Read more...]
Don’t let barn fires happen
Barn fires in North America occur predominantly in the winter months. Supplemental heating, increased bedding, fuel containers and aging electrical wiring are common reasons animal barns and shelters catch fire during winter months. This article focuses on dairies but horse barns, kennels and coops are also susceptible. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 9, 2019. Link. A … [Read more...]
Chickens don’t like snow, but sweaters aren’t needed
Chickens hate snow, says Marissa Ames. However, they possess an amazing tolerance for cold. She shares winter preparation considerations to help chickens fare well without much squawking. Draft-free coop Good air circulation Warm bedding Fresh water Dry food and grains Something to do Source: Backyard Poultry, November 19, 2019. Link. People have kept … [Read more...]
Ketamine, K-holes, pony medicine and disassociation
In the past few years, ketamine has found its way back into needy nostrils, writes Anna Silman. She describes the off-label uses of ketamine over the past 50 years. A Schedule III drug for veterinarians, ketamine is still a concern when clinics are vandalized or when inventory shortages are discovered. We’re sharing this article so veterinary teams can see the attraction and … [Read more...]
Opinion: the dental divide
The holidays are a great time for veterinary teams to make some decisions about dentals < link >. Melissa Detweiler, DVM, discusses the challenges of her love/hate relationship with common oral health procedures and the conversation and marketing that go with it. Beyond the gold standard, she says are two options; skip it or treat what she can. I believe there is another … [Read more...]
Things veterinarians want every cat owner to know
Sophia Mitrokostas shares an excellent list of topics veterinarians want cat owners to know. Beyond seeing what the DVMs interviewed prioritized, this article and list are worth sharing with new cat owners. Source: INSIDER, November 15, 2019. Link. Caring for cats and kittens isn't always straightforward. Veterinarians shared key things every cat owner should know: One … [Read more...]
Rodeos in the exam room
Gina Singleton, DVM, shares a fun poem about dealing with petrified patients in the exam room. Here’s an excerpt. His owner is coaxing him, trying to soothe. The tech's tossing treats, but he won't improve. You try to be patient, you give them a smile, but you say to yourself, "Looks like we'll be here a while." Source: VETTED, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
48 million pets need a regular vet
The relationship counts says, Matthew Salois, PhD, citing recent metrics from the AVMA’s most recent Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook < link >. Based on the research, he is confident developing a strong veterinarian-client bond can help get more pets into practices on an ongoing basis for the preventive healthcare we know they need. Salois also noted the … [Read more...]
7 ways to make holidays safe for pets
Keeping pets safe over the holidays takes common sense, reminders of the obvious and planning. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers seven basic tips that are easily shared with customers. In addition, AVMA offers its Holiday Pet Safety Page <link> that has extensive information about protecting pets that customers will also appreciate. Source: AVMA. Link. … [Read more...]
Train your brain to perform better under pressure
When we’re under pressure, there are predictable consequences, shares Art Markman: The tendency to focus on all the things that could go wrong, ignoring the positive Our desire to perform at a high level limits the amount of information you can hold in mind at one time, which can limit the complexity of what you can accomplish mentally. Source: Fast Company, December … [Read more...]
The doctor will call you back after nap time
There is no reason to apologize for napping at work, writes Mike Paul, DVM. Daytime drowsiness can affect concentration, attention to detail, mood, productivity and creativity. He advises to avoid thinking of napping as lost time or feel guilty for indulging in daytime sleep. Source: Veterinary Economics, September 15, 2019. Link. According to the National Sleep Foundation, … [Read more...]
Find your perfect moment
A perfect moment is one that you utterly and wholly feel where the very concept of time recedes into the distance. It’s where you and your surroundings are alive, brimming with tiny details of mesmerizing beauty. Source: LinkedIn Pulse December 4, 2019. Link. I realize now that Perfect Moments can happen anywhere, anytime. The difference is me, and whether I choose to be … [Read more...]
TIME: Best inventions 2019
Working in the life sciences, animal health pros are a curious bunch. Whether or not water from air, portable solar power or ultrasound to go become mainstream in animal health, TIME’s best inventions of 2019 are worth a look. Source: TIME, November 21, 2019. Link. To assemble the 2019 list, TIME solicited nominations across a variety of categories from our editors and … [Read more...]
8 best pet movies of 2019
Liza Brooke recommends eight pet movies for families and friends to watch during the holidays. She offers a wide selection of pet movies released in 2019 that span live-action dramas to hilarious animated films. Here’s her list: A Dog’s Way Home The Secret Life of Pets 2 The Queen’s Corgi A Dog’s Journey The Biggest Little Farm Spy Cat The Art of Racing … [Read more...]
Phones, airplanes and airplane mode
As animal health pros travel for the holidays and upcoming conventions, Sven Bilén shares the developing use of cellular phones on airplanes. He explains the risks and rationales for no live calls while flying. Switch your phone to airplane mode when in the air Source: The Conversation, November 16, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: With Bilén’s explanations, it will be easier to … [Read more...]
Reduce mud at hay feeding locations
Paralleling methods used to build roads through swamps, Mark Hilton, DVM, shares methods for using hay pads to keep cattle less muddy as winter hay feeding begins. He also shares the benefits of limiting 24/7 free access to hay and includes study results. Source: BEEF, November 2019. Link. When asked, 100 percent of beef producers who have built hay pads and now use time … [Read more...]
How much hay will a cow consume?
Forage quality will be a determining factor in the amount of forage consumed, writes Glenn Selk. He discusses the variables producers must consider when calculating winter feed needs for their cattle. Source: Drovers, November 4, 2019. Link. Excellent forages, such as good alfalfa, silages, or green pasture provide a combination of increased nutrient content and increased … [Read more...]
Fair Oaks Dairy; what’s different now? (video)
Mike McCloskey says he didn’t think it would ever happen on their farm. Now, months after the allegations, he shares the changes made including more video oversight, intense animal welfare training and additional veterinarian resources. Fair Oaks Farms is a dairy and agri-tourism destination in Indiana. It prides itself on opening up its operation, being transparent and … [Read more...]
ASF: Full depopulation may be the only option (podcasts)
Veterinarians from Pipestone Veterinary Services discuss historical and future perspectives on swine disease elimination at the herd, regional and national level in two Swine Time podcasts. Sometimes hog producers have become better stewards, and sometimes just the change in the production systems has helped elimination, or at least have diminished the occurrences, of diseases … [Read more...]
Finding a doc for the flock
Ana Hotaling provides guidance for poultry raisers about finding an avian veterinarian. For veterinary hospitals or retailers, a little leg work will help good dog and cat clients who raise chickens find a DVM before they need one. If your veterinary team is ready to serve the poultry raising public, this article helps identifies five connections who need to know you service … [Read more...]
Control the herd, manage the horse (video)
Kimberly Brown shared a video via Linked In that features Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, discussing the dynamics of parasite control for one or two horses while still maintaining the population-control focus. Bottom line, he says to control the parasites in all the animals at a location using a herd approach first. Source: Linked In. Link. INSIGHTS: Share Nielsen’s message … [Read more...]
Equine workers risk respiratory problems
Not all horse work is done outdoors. Nancy Hoffman discusses the risks to horse people from dust, mold and allergens from hay, bedding and associated dirt. She makes a case for wearing dust masks and reviews the two main categories of masks, their features, functions and benefits. Source: Horse Network, December 2, 2019. Link. Remember, . . . you’re going to be breathing … [Read more...]
Skip the bran and other winter horse feeding tips
Christine Barakat shares simple tips to keep horses happy and healthy when the weather turns cold. Even seasoned horse owners will appreciate these reminders, including the snow saucer tip for hauling hay. Source: EQUUS, November 25, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this for social media, newsletters and targeted mailings to horse owners. … [Read more...]
Why dogs kick their feet after pooping
It is instinctive, right? Jake Rossen shares the basics about this strange behavior which looks like a dog is covering his poop. He reminds us this is territorial behavior, not poop embarrassment. By kicking up the area, the dog mixes pheromones from the feet and creates a visual disruption to signal other dogs of territory boundaries. The pheromones from the kicking are … [Read more...]
Cleaning the stuff dogs use daily (video)
Gear dogs use every day often harbor mold and bacteria. Here's how to clean dog bedding, toys, food and water bowls, collars and other dog stuff. The short video is very suitable for social media, newsletters and pet owner communications. A little effort from pet owners to maintain dog gear goes along ways to prevent the possibility of more serious issues. Source: Web MD. … [Read more...]