Last week’s most read post: Manage or coach? Source: AHD, June 22, 2021. Link. The legal ramifications of a pet-friendly office Source: National Law Review, June 21, 2021. Link. Workforce and workplace considerations. Authorization requirements. Guidelines to establish. Why you should read old emails Source: Forge, August 2020. Link. “Emails are … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2021
Historical perspective on drought consequences
The drought conditions in the western U.S. are a daily topic as new high temperatures are recorded, and water and forage resources are being consumed. Greg Henderson shares how drought affected cow herd numbers a decade ago. Source: Drovers, June/July 2021. Link. Drought forces cattle producers to cull their herds. Evidence is mounting that this drought-induced cycle could … [Read more...]
Experimental vaccine cocktail protects cattle from Johne’s disease
Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed an experimental vaccine that protects cattle from the bacterium that causes Johne’s disease. The chronic intestinal disorder is most prevalent in dairy herds and costs the U.S. industry more than $220 million in losses each year. Source: Morning Ag Clips, June 28, 2021. Link. Trials with dairy calves, detailed in the … [Read more...]
Senior horses need to play too
Regardless of a horse’s age, physical and mental status stimulation through horseplay provides benefits to health and longevity, writes Jason Fowler. This activity promotes well-being via the regular production of dopamine. Source: Equine Wellness, November 2019. Link. When it comes to horseplay, the main goal is dopamine production for a horse’s mental and physical … [Read more...]
Can house dust mites induce enteropathy in dogs?
Marie A. Chartier, DVM, DACVIM, shares an excerpt from a study that evaluated the role of the house dust mite, a common environmental allergen, in allergic inflammation in the GI tract in dogs. The results suggest that house dust mite allergens may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy. Source: Clinician’s Brief, April/May 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider … [Read more...]
Relationship changes in multi-dog households
Karen B. London, PhD, explains how previously harmonious dog-to-dog relationships shift as dogs age. Her thoughts provide added considerations as our industry gears up for social anxiety issues. Younger dogs who’ve been deferential to older dogs often start to assert themselves as they mature and become more confident while the older dog weakens or declines.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Diets and dietary supplements for anxiety in dogs
Dietary treatments for anxiety in dogs vary. Jessey Scheip LVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP, presents therapies for anxiety that vary from appropriate diets with probiotics to those with supplements and how they work. Every animal is different; fortunately, multiple options are available to help each patient achieve the best quality of life possible.” - Jessey Scheip LVT, VTS … [Read more...]
AAHA on separation anxiety
Canine separation–related distress is one of the more studied canine behavior problems. But little data has come to light that really helps us to predict who may develop separation-related problems or how to prevent them, writes Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, DACVB, DACAW. We all love that our dogs love us and want them to be with us, but separation anxiety leads to an enormous amount … [Read more...]
Chatfields talk rabies with Mission Rabies CEO (podcast)
Drs. Jenifer and Jason Chatfield bring their energy to a revealing discussion about rabies with podcast guest Luke Gamble, BVSc DVM&S FRCVS. Gamble is CEO of Mission Rabies and Worldwide Vet Services. Gamble shares his experiences with providing veterinary services in countries without adequate veterinary care and prevention. He shares the alarming incidence of rabies … [Read more...]
Rabies; imported dog last week, now a bat in a zoo
A rabid bat was found alive at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It is the second rabid bat found in San Diego County so far this year. Last week we shared a report on an imported dog infected with rabies. There are still a few states that do not require an owner to vaccinate their pet for rabies. These states may delegate the decision to the local governments. In addition, … [Read more...]
When the kitten becomes a cat
Client education is a challenge for veterinary teams and the pet services industry. Resources on the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Homes can help set expectations as that cute new kitten becomes a cat. Sources: First year of life, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Lifetime of care, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. INSIGHTS: Today’s pet owners routinely seek information on the internet. … [Read more...]
AAFP releases updated Feline Senior Care Guidelines
This new release provides a comprehensive update from the heavily referenced 2009 AAFP Senior Care Guidelines. The Guidelines address the importance of veterinary visits a minimum of every six months for cats 10 to 15 years old. This allows veterinary teams to best track and manage health-related issues and detect disease early. Healthy senior cats over the age of 15 should be … [Read more...]
The immense power of a handwritten note
Gina Hamadey shares a non-traditional perspective on handwritten notes of gratitude. She shares the benefits to the writer where most past resources have focused on the receiver. Writing the notes not only offered me a short-term feeling of calm, it made it easier to channel positive emotions in general.” – Gina Hamadey Source: Elle, June 9, 2021. Link. Our collective … [Read more...]
Listen like you mean it
Self-awareness is so key to our listening practices. We all have personal blockers to staying present and empathetic in conversation. However, when we get to know ourselves, we can more easily be there for others, writes Ximena Vengoechea. No matter the question you ask, remember that silence is your friend.” - Ximena Vengoechea Source: Next Big Idea Club, June 11, 2021. … [Read more...]
Reacting versus responding. There is a difference.
Veterinary media sources are full of articles about stress, overwork and meeting those challenges. Brad Stulberg’s article on reentry stress is relatable to more situations. The only real constant in life is change. And when confronted with it, most people respond or react, says Stulberg. Responding tends to be advantageous. You rarely regret deliberately responding to a … [Read more...]
Assessing the value of service learning for veterinary students
Guest Contributor - John Weale, DVM MS Finding better ways to educate veterinary students is currently a hot topic in animal health. The Tufts at Tech Clinical Rotation at Cumming Veterinary School of Medicine was the site of a study to assess student confidence levels working in accessible care before and after participating in a service-learning-based community veterinary … [Read more...]
Forget the rookies, bring up the reserves
Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, advocates for the dependable and experienced veterinary team members. She suggests focusing first on retention and advancement, including training allowances to advance skills. Then the team will be stronger to bring on and train the rookies, she says. Find out each team member’s Why. Give them the materials, the resources & the means to go get the … [Read more...]
Talk frankly with clients about anesthesia
Some clients fear for their pets when anesthesia is required. Starting with preoperative blood work is a key step that allows for client education and gives them confidence the pet will be okay. Lynda Paul, LVT, VTS, CVPP, shares common concerns from pet owners and how to help them understand the processes involved in treating their pet. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, … [Read more...]
Using cross-species vaccination approaches to counter emerging infectious diseases
The last two decades have seen multiple animal health business units spun off from traditional pharma company ownership. In this paper, the authors highlight a ‘One Health vaccinology’ approach. They present key areas of synergy in human and veterinary vaccinology that could be exploited to accelerate the development of effective vaccines against shared health … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes IBPSA members
Members of the International Boarding and Pet Services Association will begin receiving the weekly Animal Health Digest Bulletin in July. Pet boarding and daycare is a multi-billion-dollar business segment. The IBPSA is the pet boarding and daycare industry’s only professional business association. More than 1,000 businesses are members, including 140 veterinary … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 24, 2021
Last week’s most read post(s) – two posts tied for most-read Confidence requires a PLAN, Source: AHD, June 15, 2021. Link. Udder conformation, increasing concerns for farmers, Source: AHD, June 15, 2021. Link. Vaccine workshop leads veterinarians in foot-and-mouth disease planning Source: Feedstuffs, June 17, 2021. Link. The vaccine exercise was part of … [Read more...]
Summer feed spoilage – something to consider for any animal
Amber Friedrichsen shares approaches to packing, inoculating, sealing and removing feedstuffs during hot summer weather. She focused on stored forages in this article. Heat considerations are applicable to feed for any animal as they can absorb moisture and deteriorate in the heat.” – Kirk Augustine Starchy forages, such as silage, are susceptible to aerobic instability. Wet … [Read more...]
Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome: silent, deadly in cows
Details surrounding Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome, including contributing factors, continue to be a mystery. Considered an emerging, highly fatal intestinal disease of adult cows, HBS is a growing concern to dairy producers, veterinarians and nutritionists. It is also known as the sudden death disease of dairy cattle. Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Wether considerations and boy bands
No, it’s not a misspelling. As a capon is to a rooster, or gelding to a stallion, a wether refers to a buck goat that isn’t anymore. How to get that job done is not without controversy. Karen Kopf writes about neutering goats using elastrator banding. Source: Backyard Goats, June 14, 2021. Link. One of the greatest risks of banding goats is tetanus since the band creates an … [Read more...]
Salmonellosis in horses (includes podcast)
In summer, it is typical to see increased prevalence of Salmonella sp. in horses, says Brandy Burgess, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVPM. Scientists think it is related to a sort of stress, such as heat stress. It is found everywhere. Different strains wax and wane in different areas at different times of the year. A large proportion of horses shed the bug … [Read more...]
Regenerative medicine for the equine athlete
Helping equine athletes reach their full potential and maintain optimal health is the goal of sport horse medicine, writes Tori Bilas. Horses can reap the benefits of self-derived biologic treatments well before a serious injury occurs that could derail training or require a lengthy recovery. Regenerative medicine is used to treat or prevent joint disease and soft tissue … [Read more...]
Keep horses cool this summer
Heat is just as hard on horses as it is any animal. Did you realize a horse can lose up to 15 liters of fluid an hour on hot and humid days? Sandra TenBroeck, University of Florida State Extension horse specialist, compiled a list of tips that are helpful to new and experienced riders. Source: University of Florida State Extension, June 18, 2021. Link. In cool to moderate … [Read more...]
Honeybees on the move
The USDA report on bee movement adds an additional dimension to beekeeping and survival as more animal health pros are engaged in bee health initiatives. Similar to food animals, bees experiences stress during transportation and more risks as they are deployed in monocultures. Honeybees fall into veterinarians' purview because of the VFD rule and changes in FDA policy on … [Read more...]
Teach cats to wear a harness
Cat owners may enjoy their cats more when they can take them safely outside. Habituating a cat to a harness and then to a harness-plus-leash takes time and needs to follow specific steps says Nicole Ellis. Source: Catster, April 17, 2021. Link. Also see: Choosing a harness for a cat, Tufts Catnip, April 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Rabid dog imported into U.S. sparks multi-state investigation
One of 33 dogs and one cat imported by an animal rescue organization from Azerbaijan to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on June 10 has tested positive for rabies. Health officials are checking on the other animals in the shipment and are still tracking down the pets’ new owners. Tthe investigation is focused on Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey and New … [Read more...]