Last week’s most read posts Petflation: Inflation’s impact on pet industry. Link. 988 mental health hotline is live. Here’s what to know. Link. Collaboration offers digital cattle record access. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Link. =================================== How much should I spend to keep my … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2022
Impact of housing environment and management on pre-/post-weaning piglet productivity
Newborn piglets have limited energy reserves, poor ability to regulate their own body temperature and a high surface area to volume ratio. Factors in their environment such as temperature, humidity and drying time affects their first eight weeks of life. The summary shares livability perspectives including, farrowing, the creep area, transportation from farrowing and placement … [Read more...]
ASF moves in two distinct ways based on European incidence
Using European African Swine Fever historical data and spread patterns, Dennis DiPietre and Lance Mulberry hope to gain insight into the unique pathways, natural blocks and accelerated spread corridors within the U.S. In the EU, ASF moves in two distinct ways: The first case or two appear suddenly in an area with no discovered disease nearby. The disease gradually spreads … [Read more...]
Measuring lameness prevalence in dairy cows: Effects of case definition and assessment frequency
Identifying lameness is challenging. Without routine assessments, on-farm and consistent case definitions, understanding the percentage of dairy cows lame at any one time makes it difficult to determine the effect of lameness prevalence. Still, lameness at any level can cause pain, reduce milk production, shorten longevity and diminish reproductive performance. Researchers … [Read more...]
Checking pregnancy status early* can help with culling decisions
Cows that get pregnant early in the breeding season tend to stay in the herd longer than those who get bred late in the season. And those cows are also more productive as they produce calves with heavier weaning weights over the long term, according to Brad White, DVM and Bob Larson, DVM. Earlier preg checks may have some economic value as well. Source: BEEF, July 20, 2022. … [Read more...]
The secret language of heat stress: What dry cows are telling you.
Dairy farmers and veterinarians are noticing the effects of heat stress in the dry cow herd. While dry cows can stand a bit more heat than the milking herd, their comfort is important for optimizing future production. Research has shown that dry, pregnant cows or nulliparous pregnant heifers exposed to heat stress will make less milk in their next lactation, and their gestated … [Read more...]
Preventing thumps
Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, thumps for short, is a metabolic disorder in horses. Typified by rhythmic twitching of the muscles near a horse’s flanks, thumps is a warning that his internal calcium reserves are running low. Laurie Bonner and Melinda Freckleton, DVM, share how to address active thumps in horses when they occur and how to avoid future incidents in horses … [Read more...]
The all-important prepurchase exam of a horse
Chris White, DVM, shares what to expect and the value of a pre-purchase exam of a horse a client is considering buying. There’s nothing worse for DVMs than performing a post-purchase exam on a horse that didn’t receive a PPE and delivering the news that a new equine companion has terrible navicular changes or severe kissing spines” - Chris White, DVM Source: The Horse, July … [Read more...]
When traveling with a pet, plan, plan, plan
Traveling with a pet can be fun but making it so for all the humans and pets on a trip takes sound planning. This well-illustrated article offers basic pet traveling tips and a reminder about all-important microchipping. Source: The Washington Post, July 23, 2022. Link. When planning a trip with your furry family members, there’s a lot to consider to ensure a successful … [Read more...]
Study provides more evidence that dogs can read our intentions
No surprise for most animal health pros. Findings from a preliminary study support the idea that dogs are tuned into our thoughts as well as our actions. Source: Science, July 21, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Toxidromes for working dogs, plus the Beagle Brigade
Here is a primer for first responders with little to no training in emergency care of working dogs and veterinarians who have very little training on recognition of the clinical signs of many of the toxic agents to which working dogs are exposed (*e.g., the Beagle Brigade). With the increase in working dogs in the field it is imperative that we provide them with a similar level … [Read more...]
Dogtopia catering to a new breed of pet owners
Instead of going all in with a human baby, millennials are easing into parenthood with pets, or starter babies, which the generation affectionately refers to as fur babies. Neil Gill, CEO, president of Dogtopia, says millennials are taking pet parenthood seriously and they are not going it alone. They are seeking services to help them cater to their dogs’ needs beyond the … [Read more...]
Seniors 4 Seniors pairing adults and cats in their senior years
The nonprofit Feline Urban Rehab and Rescue is run by the Seniors 4 Seniors program. Started in 2020, the program serves older people who want to adopt cats but face financial obstacles. FURR, based in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has 11 pairs of senior citizens and cats, specifically chosen based on the cats’ dispositions and the applicants’ living habits and preferences. … [Read more...]
Microbiological quality and presence of foodborne pathogens in raw and extruded canine diets and canine fecal samples
A Chilean study sought to determine pet food safety based on the presence of zoonotic pathogens in extruded and raw meat-based diets. The researchers also sought to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp., C. jejuni, and L. monocytogenes in canine fecal samples. Moreover, the genetic relationship between bacteria isolated from pet food and fecal bacterial isolates was … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 25, 2022
China seeing pet industry growth, pet grooming insurance, Hill’s Pet Nutrition returns for the fifth consecutive year as a national sponsor of Clear The Shelters, inflations affect on small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites – July 25, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Veterinary summer: Back in full swing
Summer pet safety and traveling with pets is all about preparation and education, writes Dawn Singleton-Olson. She reminds us of ways clinics can reach out to pet owners and make sure they have the products on hand for prevention and treatment. Doing so will set them up for a successful summer especially if they are traveling with their pets. Source: Vet-Advantage, June … [Read more...]
Grief balloon ends up scaring a pony
A recent Facebook post is a grim reminder how dangerous balloon releases are to animals. Here is an edited version of that post. To the person who sent balloons skyward. I am sorry you lost your dad, but I am afraid the balloon didn’t reach him. Instead, I might have lost a pony. This was in our horses’ field. The balloon string got stuck in our pony’s mouth. When he put his … [Read more...]
Preventing burnout
All it takes is a little self-reflection on how burnout has manifested for you before. Then set new boundaries with coworkers and yourself. Source: Fast Company, July 6, 2022. Link. Once you set those on and off hours, it’s time to hold yourself to them—especially if you’re working from home. Try creating a ritual that signals you’re done working for the day, like closing your … [Read more...]
AAHA and Petabyte Technology bring live benchmarking to the veterinary profession
The AAHA and Petabyte Technology have teamed up to bring the veterinary community AAHA Benchmarking. It is the first digital tool that uses live practice information management system data and advanced benchmarking analytics to practice performance insights compared to the broader veterinary industry. Petabyte’s software implements sophisticated algorithms that standardize … [Read more...]
The oral microbiome, new in the clinical practice of dentistry
Includes Complimentary Commercial Content The oral microbiome is an exciting and expanding field of research, writes Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD. He is looking to understand the role of the microbiome in the alteration of functional and metabolic pathways associated with the diseased states as results from Basepaws testing is analyzed. Basepaws Dental Health … [Read more...]
VHMA’s look at DVM productivity, efficiency
More than 100 veterinary hospital managers provided information to create the feedback data for the July 2022 VHMA Insider’s Insights. The data confirms many of the now routine industry reports that note staffing issues, pressure to see more patients and longer hours. 63 percent believe their DVMs are significantly or somewhat more productive 31 percent said their DVMs … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 21, 2022
Last week’s most read posts 7 important facts about mosquitos and horses. Link. Consolidation trends of veterinary practices acquired by corporate groups are important to observe. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Link. =================================== Antivenin: Five myths to remember this … [Read more...]
Practical culling strategies
Ellen Crawford shares the importance of assertive culling strategies, and the role veterinarians can provide to producers. Culling parameters should remove cattle that do not help the farm or ranch meet its goals. That’s where veterinarians can help producers avoid emotional decisions versus logical business decisions. Operations that are more resilient to drought generally … [Read more...]
Beware of blister beetles
Blister beetles secrete cantharidin to defend themselves from predators through a process called reactive bleeding. Cantharidin is also released when beetles are crushed. Blister beetles are members of a family of plant-feeding insects (Meloidae) that contain cantharidin, a toxic defensive chemical that protects them from predators. Accidentally crushing a beetle against … [Read more...]
Manure-eating worms could aid dairy industry and climate concerns
Fascinating! Royal Dairy in Royal City, Washington, cleans and reuses its water more than 10 times before the water leaves the farm. The dairy has also cut its nitrate pollution and lowered its greenhouse gas emissions, all thanks to a new kind of wastewater filtration system powered by worms. Called vermifiltration, every day, half a million gallons of farm wastewater is … [Read more...]
Collaboration offers digital cattle record access
Superior Livestock Auction and Zoetis are collaborating to offer BLOCKYARD™ technology to cattle producers. The platform creates a digital copy of an animal, so wherever an animal goes, its data can follow. BLOCKYARD™ allows registered users to: Share genomic insights to inform price discovery, management, selection and breeding decisions Communicate genetic merit for … [Read more...]
Managing worms on summer pastures
Sandy Stuttgen, DVM, shares perspective on nematode management during different weather conditions and grazing approaches. Ostertagia, Cooperia, and Haemonchus nematodes’ life cycles occur within cattle and on grass. Using fecal egg counts and knowing when the L3 larvae will be most prevalent can help producers manage worm loads. As a rule of thumb, when weather conditions … [Read more...]
A horse’s tongue, a sensitive and important organ
Jillian Sinclair shares why the tongue matters and how to protect it. A horse’s tongue can be injured in a variety of ways. Harsh bit use, sharp hardware on buckets, habitual chewing and even accidents during dental procedures can all damage a tongue. Source: Horse and Rider, July 14, 2022. Link. It’s always a safe option to have a veterinarian conduct any oral exam.” … [Read more...]
10 things you can do for a horse with heaves
Equine asthma, commonly known as heaves, is not something to be cured. EQUUS editors provide common sense actions to help manage individual horse comfort and respiratory health including: Wetting or steaming hay Changing stalls and bedding Increasing ventilation Consider adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement Source: EQUUS, July 9, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Use … [Read more...]
Equine practice carries high risk of injury
According to a British study, equine veterinary practice carries the highest risk of injury of any civilian profession. Panelists Drs. Louise Batt and Tovah Caldwell discuss safety in the veterinary practice with AAEP’s Practice Life podcast host Mike Pownall. Source: AAEP Practice Life, June 24, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]