Last week’s most read post Customers speak with their wallets; beef producers can’t ignore the results. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, February 17, 2022. Link. =========================== UK’s veterinary workforce crisis deepens; registrants drop by over two-thirds Source: British Veterinary Association, … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2022
Get ready for calving
If everything goes right, very little is needed to support cows as they calve. However, its’s rare to have every calf born without any intervention. Miranda Reiman shares what is needed in a calving toolbox and other preparations to help cattle producers be ready for everything that might happen. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, February 2002, page 6. Link. INSIGHTS: This is … [Read more...]
Simple trick for keeping cattle calm
To reduce chute stress and increase worker safety, blindfolding cattle, horses and wildlife is a time proven, humane way to calm a restrained animal. Blindfolding may help avoid sedative use and the potential risks associated with them. The blindfolded animal is calmer and this strategy is also more humane than many other types of restraint. We know a blindfold works for other … [Read more...]
Ventilation video series for swine producers
Contains Commercial Content Proper barn ventilation is a key factor in promoting swine health and productivity. AP, an AGCO brand, developed a series of 14 short ventilation videos with tips to help producers unlock better year-round performance and improve animal health. Source: National Hog Farmer, February 10, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this resource to educate … [Read more...]
New study says opossums DO NOT like eating ticks
From websites to publications to social media, the idea that opossums help save humans from tick-borne ailments is broadly proliferated. Bret Collier, PhD refutes the tick vacuum designation citing study methods from a 2009 study versus a 2021 Hennessy and Hild study of wild opossum stomach contents. Source: Field and Stream, January 5, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Like the … [Read more...]
How equine supplements complement forage
Sometimes hay just isn’t enough, says Clair Thune. She shares how equine supplements can help horses get the nutrients they need to thrive. Source: Equine Wellness, February 2, 2022. Link. Look for products that provide at least 50 percent of the National Research Council guidelines for copper and zinc and 100 percent of the guidelines for vitamin E. Note that the amounts … [Read more...]
Why dogs bite and how to stop it
Behavior problems remain a primary reason dogs are relinquished or euthanized. Bite aggression is one of those behaviors that cause owners to give up on their dogs. Victoria Stillwell’s article is a good resource to share with dog owners. The most important advice says Stillwell, is to be your dog’s advocate and try not to put pressure on her to greet other people on walks … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation matters for dogs
. . . just 15 minutes of mental stimulation can have the same positive benefits of an hour of physical exercise in dogs.” The author outlines the top tips and tricks to ensure dogs’ mental health stays as fit as their physical bodies. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for newsletters and social media. It reinforces the need for exercise in … [Read more...]
Food puzzles for cats
Most, if not all, cats can adjust to food puzzles, given time, patience and proper staging of difficulty. The overriding objective should be to provide all food from puzzles. Food puzzles are considered important as part of a multimodal enrichment plan. Source: AAFP, LinkedIn, February 18, 2022. Link. This 2016 clinical review article presents puzzles of all kinds and their … [Read more...]
Top herbs that help promote dental health
Sharing symptomatic remedies, not cures, Greg Tilford emphasizes working with veterinarians, taking a hard look at the food an animal receives, and including an occasional raw bone to scrub off tartar and build healthy gleaming teeth. His list of favorite herbs, plus kelp are options he suggests that minimize discomfort while enhancing the health of the pet’s teeth and gums and … [Read more...]
Parents spending more time with children than their parents did with them
Opinion More than 60 percent of today’s parents spend more time with their children than their parents did with them, according to a OnePoll survey. Society has been asking for better parent involvement for decades. Is your business modeled to support today’s parents? . . . 74 percent of parents polled think it is more challenging to raise a child than when they grew up … [Read more...]
NAVC seeking feedback about advancing diversity, equity and inclusion
Complimentary Content We received an email inviting participation in a NAVC survey to capture opinions, challenges and desires related to DE&I. Feedback will help NAVC assess and advance areas of opportunity related to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the veterinary healthcare community. If you skipped over this, please take a few minutes to complete … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 22, 2022
Pop goes the Vet, vet student prints 3D prosthetics, pet-flation, IBPSA Crisis Care Committee reminder and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 22, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
5 ways to end a run-on conversation at work
Drawing the line in conversation can be difficult, but failing to do so can harm our relationships. Closing the conversation should be done sparingly, writes Ximena Vengoechea, who offers several techniques to effectively and politely end a conversation: Timeboxing Take a time out Use a diversion Acknowledge it is over Distance yourself Source: The Muse, … [Read more...]
Ghosting
When I first heard some of my younger colleagues talking about ghosting, I thought it was some type of a Ghostbusters slime game like silly string. (Okay, I’m old.) Unfortunately, it’s not a game. So, two thoughts – don’t do it to others and if it happens to you or, as Judith Humprey offers, here are a couple of strategies to handle it. Source: Fast Company, February 9, … [Read more...]
Tear down the walls
Highlighting facts that as many as half of U.S. pets won’t visit a veterinary practice this year, Bob Lester, DVM, says the veterinary profession risks becoming a service available only to wealthy animal owners. He shares a list of 15 current or near-future models that would help more families and their animals benefit from veterinary care. A spectrum of care approach might … [Read more...]
Truth sandwiches about dogs and cats
One of the objectives of Animal Health Digest is to provide visibility to the ever-increasing information and misinformation being shot into animal health media narratives daily. Zazie Todd, PhD, shares how to counter misinformation about companion animal behavior and topics. . . . there are a lot of incorrect ideas out there about how to care for or train your pet ; some of … [Read more...]
Alert! Highly pathogenic avian influenza now identified in 13 states and counting
Opinion It can be hard to know how to react to disease incidence reports. Animal health pros tendency to to ignore reports until we see a disease is a concern, yet HPAI continues to show up in poultry and non-poultry birds. The next HPAI incident may literally fly over your location today . . . the time to ACT* is NOW!” – Kirk Augustine In Maine, a new case reported was … [Read more...]
The science of gratitude
Whether you hope to boost your mood and mental health, protect your physical health or improve your personal relationships, a rich body of social science research has found that gratitude offers important benefits. Research shows gratitude isn’t just a pleasant feeling. Being grateful can also support greater health, happiness, and wisdom in ourselves and our … [Read more...]
5 texting etiquette rules to know
There ARE rules that guide texting behavior complete with widely accepted, yet unspoken, etiquette. The author shares tips in case you are accidentally sending mixed signals: Use emojis judiciously Watch your punctuation Don’t send a million texts Don’t use ALL CAPS Use the right laughter level Source: Word Genius, November 26, 2021. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 17, 2022
Last week’s most read post Emotions – make them work for you. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, February 10, 2022. Link. =========================== Dog breeds that shed the most Source: Puppies and Pooches, February 10, 2022. Link. Prospective dog owners not prepared for the constant vacuuming and brushing … [Read more...]
Customers speak with their wallets; beef producers can’t ignore the results
Speaking at the recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Convention, Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO, shared how value-added programs paying high premiums have boosted beef demand and spread wealth throughout the industry. Driven by premiums and value-added programs, CattleFax forecasts show strong price growth for calves, feeder calves, fed cattle and bred cows … [Read more...]
New direction in digital dermatitis treatment in dairy cattle
Research published in the Veterinary Record provides a clear welfare justification for giving NSAIDs to dairy cows with active digital dermatitis lesions, with significant milk yield benefits. The study suggests that the use of Ketofen in the treatment of pain and lameness associated with active digital dermatitis lesions may be beneficial for animal welfare as it is associated … [Read more...]
Best young farmers in America
The National Outstanding Young Farmers program has named winners for 2022 and 2021. Eight farming families were named for each year. Their farming profiles show the individual and collective diversification required for farming success. Take a look at the winners and other finalists listed. You may find one of your customers. Source: National Hog Farmer, February 15, … [Read more...]
What’s killing the chickens?
Wildlife predators are keeping close to dens in February as they anticipate new litters in March and April. Backyard poultry locations and pet food bowls left outside are easy targets for sustained nutrition during gestation and after litters are born. Gail Damerow shares ways to examine where, how and when a bird turns up dead or missing. Missing eggs are often an early … [Read more...]
Scientists explain why sudden equine deaths are hard to pinpoint
Efforts to explain the sudden death of especially racehorses took the form of a teleconference focused on the loss of Medina Spirit on December 6, 2021, at Santa Anita Park. The California Horse Racing Board hosted a media teleconference where veterinarians provided context to the investigation’s findings. It's not uncommon for sudden death cases to have no cause of death … [Read more...]
Treat the cat, not the test
Symmetric dimethylarginine is a biomarker used to assess glomerular filtration rate in the diagnosis, classification and monitoring of chronic kidney disease. Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP, presents acceptable analytical variability in SDMA immunoassay values and notes that clinician expectations for test performance expected much less variability than shown. When interpreting … [Read more...]
Retrospective evaluation of secondary wound healing for extraction of the maxillary first molar in dogs
A particular area of challenge of oral surgery in dogs is extraction and closure of the maxillary first molar (M1) in dogs. A retrospective assessment evaluated patients that had the maxillary first molar extracted with placement of a cruciate suture across the alveolus to achieve partial closure and secure the blood clot. Results . . . demonstrate that primary … [Read more...]
The evolution of computer speech
Sponsored Content Talkatoo, an AHD sponsor, recently shared an informative short video about speech recognition, software evolution and the continuous improvements in technology. Source: LinkedIn, February 8, 2022. Link. Talkatoo uses speech-to-text software to type out what you say in full and complete sentences with spelling and grammar corrections also being … [Read more...]
February 2022 is Responsible Pet Owners Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month highlights the key components of responsibility about pet ownership and how owners meet their animals’ needs including*: Food quality and portions Getting enough exercise, love and attention Proper identification Pet proofing and safety in home and yard Socialization beyond the home Regular veterinary check-ups * Our additions … [Read more...]