Expecting a goat to live a decade or more is part of an informed decision for potential goat owners, writes Janet Garman. She shares shelter requirements, hoof care, health maintenance, vaccination and nutrition. Source: Backyard Goats, September 15, 2020. Link. While goats are hardy little ruminants for the most part, they do not tolerate wet weather as well as cattle and … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2020
Speaking of nasal swabs, moove over
Bovine respiratory disease researchers are diligently working to reduce diagnosis time for the variety of pathogens involved with the disease. Current test results can take days to be returned. Purdue University researchers are seeking to shorten that time to about 30 minutes. Bovine respiratory disease can be triggered by a number of bacteria and viruses, making treatment … [Read more...]
Fall colors signal risks for horses
Fall leaves, especially red maple, can be toxic to horses, livestock and small ungulates. While we enjoy the colors and fall activities, a wind-cast limb from a maple could provide toxic leaves in the pasture. Toxins, especially those in red maple, damage the hemoglobin in horses’ red blood cells, so they can no longer carry oxygen. Affected cells may rupture, clogging the … [Read more...]
Choosing a feline behaviorist from 4 types of specialists
All cat behaviorists are not equal. In fact, there are four recognized types of them, each with their own credentials: Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior Source: Tuft’s Catnip, September 18, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
4 categories help cats thrive for 5 types of cat owners
September was Happy Cat Month, an event created by the CATalyst Council to improve cat wellness by focusing on happiness. The council promotes helping cats live their best lives by focusing on four major categories: health, enrichment, safety and value. The hunting behavior of cats is frequently a topic for songbird enthusiasts. However, understanding how cat owners view … [Read more...]
Why dogs eat rocks and how to stop it
Rock eating by dogs can be the result of a medical, behavioral or psychological problem, writes Kaitlyn Arford. While boredom is frequently the reason, she reviews eating disorders and possible medical reasons for this habit that is also hard on teeth. Teaching dogs and puppies two important basic commands, “leave it” and “drop it,” is the foundation of successfully destroying … [Read more...]
Proofing a dog’s training
The 3-D approach to proofing a dog’s training involves challenging the dog with what it does at home without distractions in a distracted environment. Kathy Santo explains the three major categories of proofing: Distraction Duration Distance The reality of dog training is that proofing is the way to take your training from “works at home, sometimes” to “works … [Read more...]
Dog training services are more important than ever
All the time we’ve spent at home with dogs isn’t as beneficial as we initially thought. Trainer Dale Buchanan is seeing an increase in adult dogs that are suddenly developing serious behavior issues related to stress and anxiety. He suggests these changes are likely coming from the stress and anxieties of their WFH owners. The dogs are most likely over-stimulated and … [Read more...]
Warm beer = bad vaccine?
Monitoring the performance of refrigeration units is critical to vaccines and pharmaceuticals labeled for temperature control. Older units may develop inconsistent temperature zones with items freezing in one area and getting too warm in another. The context for the article is dairy, but almost any veterinary clinic or on-farm drug storage area can have the issues shared in … [Read more...]
Is feed a Trojan horse for the ASF virus?
Feed ingredients are the new “Trojan horse” that helps move the African swine fever virus and they could bring the worst pig virus in the world to North America, according to Scott Dee, DVM and director of applied research at Keystone Veterinary Services. Speaking at the recent Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, he says the way grain is dried in Asia allows it to get contaminated … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen launches Is this a Thing?
Complimentary sponsored content Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, just launched the first episode in a unique YouTube series she calls, “Is this a thing? Veterinary Translations for Pet Owners!” Her new effort will serve to bridge the communication gap between pet owners, animal care professionals and veterinary medical teams. By addressing the basic … [Read more...]
5 essential reads on how coronavirus spreads through the air
Challenging the ongoing confusion and behavioral apathy many of us are witnessing, Stacy Morford turned to scientists to help explain what aerosols are, how airborne particles can transmit the coronavirus and how to protect yourself. The articles were recently published in The Conversation. Source: The Conversation, September 23, 2020. Link. The 5 essential reads … [Read more...]
Lucca shares data security tools and legislation
Sponsored Content from Lucca Veterinary Data Security Clint Latham, JD, is adamant that veterinary clinics realize the importance of cyber security, understand their liabilities and use readily available tools to protect clinic data. Leaving data security to the IT guy is not enough, he says. Lucca Vet’s latest blog post explains a free security tool called Blacklight and … [Read more...]
Don’t become a case report
Scott Weese, DVM, reminds us that needle sticks are largely considered a regular event in veterinary medicine and mostly not a big deal. BUT . . . beyond the immediate discomfort lies the potential for one of the rare complications of or the transfer of an emerging disease, heaven forbid. Weese says that like a lot of things in infection control, the science of needle safety … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes Virox Animal Health
Commercial, Sponsored Content Please welcome Virox® Technologies Inc., Animal Health, as a Supporting Sponsor of Animal Health Digest. Its team established an assertive position to ensure product inventories were available and disinfection education continued uninterrupted as the pandemic began and remains with us. Distributor animal health pros tell us Virox has been and … [Read more...]
Renew the discussion of standardizing veterinary technician credentials
Covid-19 has quieted the discussion of veterinary technicians versus veterinary nurses. But, the need for standardized credentials is more apparent now than a year ago. As practices expand staffing to accommodate more flexible schedules and increasing pet owner numbers, the need for veterinary technicians has increased exponentially. Kenichiro Yagi MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), … [Read more...]
Clear expectations needed for best results
Our expectations are world-class customer service.” Does this mean we answer your call within three rings? Does it mean our customer service representatives are multi-lingual? Does this mean our customer service department is open 24/7/365? Does it mean the customer is always right? Exactly what does it mean? It illustrates the need to set clear expectations. Rachel Botsman’s … [Read more...]
Family commitments, bosses and work
Not all bosses understand when family commitments need to be balanced with work schedules and priorities. Rebecca Knight shares ideas to help mitigate the tensions when bosses are indifferent. Getting your boss to understand and support your needs comes down to clear, honest and frequent communication. If you’re willing to initiate that dialogue, you’re more likely to get … [Read more...]
More research needed on honesty
The title was enough to catch my attention, especially considering the confusion of the last several months. As citizens of the world, we’re obsessed with lying and lies right now. What’s real, what’s fake, and what’s deliberate and deceitful manipulation?” Author Judi Ketteler proclaims everybody wants the truth, but nobody wants to be honest. She says we know about lying … [Read more...]
The endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids
Beyond obvious regulatory challenges, there is a definite need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of cannabis use in animals. The challenge for pet owners and veterinarians is to become educated with about the endocannaboid system and cannabis administration. Gary Richter, DVM, MS, provides an introduction to understanding how the endocannabinoid system functions and how … [Read more...]
Does your practice have a pricing problem?
In the early 1990s, a wise distribution leader faced off with a veterinarian irate over 5¢ difference in a bottle of oxytocin. He asked the vet, “. . .would your customer notice a 10¢ increase in your price on oxytocin?” Floundering, the vet answered, “no. . . but that’s not the point!” This story is a backdrop to where Karen Felstad, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM, starts the article … [Read more...]
Welcome Lucca Veterinary Data Services as Supporting Sponsor
Sponsorship Announcement Please welcome Lucca Veterinary Data Services as a Supporting Sponsor of Animal Health Digest. Lucca’s founder, Clint Latham, JD, helps uncover the mystery of data security for DVM’s across the country. His efforts support independent IT professionals while simultaneously providing security and data insights to veterinary practices and … [Read more...]
Top 5 consequences of brachycephaly
Cute or not, dogs that look like they ran headlong into a wall at 60 mph have problems. Anne Fawcett, BVSc, MVS, MANZCVS, DECAWBM, shares how brachycephalic conformation is associated with multiple health problems, some of which can be life-threatening and most of which are lifelong. Awareness of the consequences of brachycephaly is important when advising pet owners about … [Read more...]
10 dog breeds known to turn on their owners
There are dog owners who swear their pet would never attack them. However, some dog breeds are more dangerous than others. The authors compiled a list of 10 of the most dangerous dog breeds often make headlines. We’re sharing them with animal health pros who want to offer additional safety and training information with owners of these breeds. American Pit Bull Terrior … [Read more...]
4 emotions chickens may be feeling
“The sky is falling, the sky is falling,” proclaimed Henny Penny (also known as Chicken Little) in the famous Danish children’s story. Henny Penny had an anxiety attack and emotionally ran hither and yon after an acorn fell on her head. Fast forward to 2020. . . Ana Hotling brings us a more modern day look at chicken emotions flock keepers may observe on a day to day basis. … [Read more...]
Handling cattle the right way
With winter around the corner, beef producers are working cattle, weaning calves and moving herds as harvest progresses. Two articles from the Angus Beef Bulletin refer to handling practices and animal husbandry. While we think cattle producers should know these things, handling clinics remain popular as in-person and online events Source: Training cattle for easy handling, … [Read more...]
Top livestock genetics closer to being available for all
Scientists have created cattle, goats and pigs that can serve as viable “surrogate sires,” male animals that produce sperm carrying only the genetic trains of donor animals. Published September 14 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this feat may speed available of desirable livestock characteristics and improve food production worldwide. The study is the … [Read more...]
Mortality is extremely complicated. So is sample size.
When conducting studies where mortality is an important outcome, let's revisit how we go about answering the question "how many?" The authors remind us that simply recognizing the limitations of our knowledge is a critical step. This leads us to their discussion on ultimately decreasing pig mortality. Some of their logic may help us better understand our current situation … [Read more...]
Intervention® disinfectants receive approval against ASFv
Virox™ Animal Health has received EPA approval for the use of of Intervention® use against African Swine Fever virus (ASFv). The addition of the ASFv claim provides confidence that Intervention will be highly effective in the event of an outbreak in North America. When used as directed, Intervention is non-toxic, non-irritating, and readily biodegradable. Source: Virox™ … [Read more...]
CattleFax CEO shares beef industry outlook
Occasionally, it is important to revisit how we got to where we are. Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, shared similar perspectives at this year's virtual Feeding Quality Forum. “It’s not been a straight line,” he said. On the global stage, the U.S. is the top beef and poultry producer, and third in pork, dominating meat trade overall. The reason, he said, is because the lion’s … [Read more...]