The Asian longhorned tick is the only known vector for Ikeda in the U.S and is known to be present in 11 states. Theileria orientalis (Ikeda genotype), Ikeda for short, can be fatal to cattle. A solid tick control program is one of the better things a producer can implement to minimize the risk of the Asian longhorned tick and Ikeda and prevent their introduction into the herd … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2022
Foot rot can be a problem in dry or wet conditions
Foot rot in cattle can be a problem whether conditions are wet or dry. The bacterium responsible for it is always present in healthy skin. But it needs an injury or wet skin to cause problems. With ongoing drought in some regions and waterlogging in others, reminding beef and dairy cattle owners to be on the lookout for foot rot is good counsel. Source: University of Florida … [Read more...]
Goats and chickens may not mix
Rebecca Sanderson shares how keeping goats near chickens could result in a positive Johne’s disease test. She shares the story of Stacy whose sick goat housed close to chickens became ill with a strain in the Mycobacterium avium complex which includes Johne’s disease Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium. Source: Backyard Goats, August 22, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider … [Read more...]
Ringworm can easily be mistaken for girth gall
Girth gall is commonly associated with dirty tack and poorly groomed horses. But even horses with the cleanest tack get sores. Sometimes these are ringworm, not poor skin care. Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal skin infection that is easily passed from horse to horse on shared equipment. It can also be passed by a rider’s boots, which would rest on the horse just behind … [Read more...]
Outdoor cats’ hunting instincts may increase risk of Tularemia
Russ Daly, DVM, MS, DACVPM, shares how the hunting and maternal instincts of outdoor cats could increase the risk of Francisella tularensis, the bacteria that causes Tularemia. Rabbits and rodents can be infected with the bacteria, as can ticks. He shares the symptoms and advocates for tick prevention, careful handling of cats appearing ill and increasing risk awareness of … [Read more...]
Those may be tears of joy from your dog
New research from Japanese scientists suggests that a dog’s eyes may well up with tears of happiness when reunited with its owner after a period of absence. Tears in dogs have not been linked with emotion before. We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions . . . oxytocin was discovered as a possible mechanism underlying it . . . “ - Takefumi … [Read more...]
The latest in diagnosis and management of Malassezia dermatitis
Skin conditions are always in the top 10 reasons dogs and cats see a veterinarian. The yeast genus Malassezia is always secondary to another skin disease, writes Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP. He shares his expertise in identifying and treating Malassezia when present with other skin diseases. Source: DVM 360, August 19, 2022. Link. Disorders that affect the barrier … [Read more...]
Unidentified parvo-like virus killing dogs in Michigan
All animal health pros need to be aware of this situation. The unidentified virus affects puppies and older dogs. When the animals are tested by veterinarians, the initial test for parvo is negative. Usually, the dogs die within three to five days. Dogs have been sent to The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy, which did show parvo. The … [Read more...]
What pet owners need to know about vital signs
Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Oncology), reviews recent research about vital signs and explains how pet owners can help their veterinarian obtain accurate vital sign measurements including home blood pressure, temperature and overcoming fears. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center via AAHA NEWStat, August 17, 2022. Link. Tactile assessment of nose temperature is … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 22, 2022
Inflation fears, global pet care trends, rude pet owners stressing professionals, making videos for your business, leading pet resort rebranding and more . . . There is still time to register for the IBPSA Flow Business Conference (for the pet care industry) to be held in Orlando, Florida September 22, 2022 - September 24, 2022. <Link>. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, … [Read more...]
Some sugar substitutes affect blood glucose and gut bacteria
In a new study, human participants who consumed sugar substitutes showed an altered microbiome and spikes in blood glucose. However, the effects of the sweeteners on blood glucose are likely highly personalized, Eran Elinav says. But the results suggest these compounds don’t just pass through the body, as some originally thought. Source: Scientific American as seen in AAHA … [Read more...]
Screen apnea? Learning how we breathe. (video,podcast)
The term screen apnea was coined in 2007 by a former Apple executive who realized she was holding her breath when it came time to check her inbox. She learned she wasn't alone. Musicians, power lifters, sharpshooters, moderators and yes, animal health pros, often take a deep breath and hold it anticipating the next action. We breathe 25,000 times a day. How we breathe has … [Read more...]
Why thinking hard exhausts you and what can be done about it
Should you keep pushing yourself when your mind is telling you to slow down? Scientists believe they’ve found what’s happening in your brain after a hard day of thinking <Link>. What is happening, writes Jason Feifer, is not pretty. It's not an energy problem. It's a brain problem. They are not computers that work forever . . . our minds need a rest.” When our brains … [Read more...]
Mandatory vacations may be in order
Despite their elevated stress levels, more than 50 percent of American workers end up leaving paid vacation days unused. Source: BBC, July 31, 2022. Link. The goal of mandatory time off is to foster a working culture that encourages rest, removing barriers – both perceived and overt – that prevent workers from leaving the office. In this way, companies hope they can … [Read more...]
Stop the high turnover in the front office (video)
Author, speaker and advocate Amy Newfield, VTS (ECC), wants to stop the ongoing turnover of the front office heroes in veterinary practices. These positions have the highest turnover rates in hospitals. Most veterinary receptionists are treated poorly. They aren't paid well. There is limited to no career path for them. They take on the stress of clients, veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Client sticker shock (video series)
Complimentary Sponsored Content We’ve heard about sticker shock in the context of judging a client’s pocketbook for years. Recently, several sources have analyzed and shared cost of care information associated with pet ownership. The intent of these studies is to help veterinary teams understand the costs of caring for pets and to help them proactively discuss costs with pet … [Read more...]
Client trust, human-animal bond and meeting client concerns
The last article in a three-part series from Wendy Hauser, DVM, pulls together the challenges veterinary teams face when dealing with clients’ expectations and paradigms. Twenty four percent of dog owners and 35 percent of cat owners don’t seek regular health care for their pets according to the AVMA. The primary reasons were the expense and the lack of the perceived value … [Read more...]
Chats with Chatfields – Them’s the RULES! Behavior at the vet’s office.
Complimentary Sponsored Content Inspired by a TED Talk from Melanie Bowden, DVM, Drs. Jenifer and Jason discuss frustrated clients, depressed veterinarians and everything in between. They share three basic guidelines, aka rules, to help everyone on the animal care team to work together to take care of the pets we all love! Source: Chats with the Chatfields, Episode 30, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 18, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – 10 years and counting elevating care for cats. Link. Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023. Link. Changes coming to compounded animal health medication. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 11, 2022. Link. =================================== Dog … [Read more...]
Upcoming leadership program for STEM professionals
K-State Olathe is offering a leadership series designed to help attendees improve their management skills. Source: K-State Olathe. Link. Participants will discover their own strengths and communications style, learn conflict resolution skills, understand how to connect with team members across differences, and develop future-focused strategies to achieve lasting results. … [Read more...]
Allen D. Leman Swine Conference slated for September 17-20.
The 2022 Leman Conference will feature sessions covering everything from foreign animal disease and biosecurity to Prop 12 and gene editing for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Internationally acclaimed for bringing science-driven solutions to the complex challenges facing the industry, the event garners hundreds of participants from over 20 countries each … [Read more...]
2nd Annual IPVA Summit kicks off ahead of Fetch KC August 25th
Independent veterinarians represent a large portion of the animal health marketplace, are frequently multi-species practices and are supported by the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association. The association has scheduled a day of learning to help independent veterinary hospital owners and managers improve efficiencies, leverage technology to their advantage and improve … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club to discuss ending the puppy mill battle
TBC live event on Zoom: August 24th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CDT. Register here <Link>. Professionals in veterinary practices often see firsthand both inhumane and humane operations. This conversation with Mark Cushing, JD ,is about ending the puppy mill battles and why they can’t all be humane, along with what the future holds for puppy mills. Source: The Bridge … [Read more...]
National Dog Day is August 26
There is still time to promote National Dog Day. The National Today website offers fun facts about dogs and their owners. Source: National Today. Link. Scroll down to see the top 3 Dog Day survey insights. … [Read more...]
National Cat2VetDay is August 22
National Take your Cat to the Vet Day is promoted annually to help remind cat owners of the importance of veterinary care for their felines. Support the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Homes efforts by sharing #Cat2VetDay on social media, in newsletters and client communications. Also consider an interview or article with local media. Source: Cat Friendly Homes, August 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Still time to register and attend KC Animal Health Corridor Animal Health Summit
The KCAHC’s 2022 Animal Health Summit returns to a live venue August 29 through 30. The Summit offers two days of networking and one-on-one business partnering, plus presentations by industry thought leaders and panel discussions with emerging company personnel. Source: KC Animal Health Corridor. Link. Scroll down to view the full agenda. … [Read more...]
Prussic acid toxicity risk, a problem in drought areas, after rains
Clark Roberts shares the importance of keeping an eye on cattle that graze where Johnsongrass is present, due to the risk of prussic acid toxicity. Anything that physically stresses Johnsongrass, such as drought in summer or freezing in the fall, can increase the amount of prussic acid in this invasive forage plant. Secondly, with rain after drought, or warm temperatures after … [Read more...]
Preventing parasites from peaking this fall
Complimentary Sponsored Content Videos made by industry partners allow for a fresh approach to seemingly age-old discussions.” – Kirk Augustine Fall deworming can setup cattle for a healthier, more productive winter. Boehringer Ingelheim Cattle Health shares three tips for creating a successful, cost-effective program in an informative and easy to share You Tube … [Read more...]
U.S. hog production: Rising output and changing trends in productivity growth
Opinion Consider a quick scan of the latest hog production report from USDA’s Economic Research Service. Beyond reading the simple summary <Link>, scan the full report introduction and conclusions <Link> to better understand how this animal health segment has met challenges and continued to thrive. The report shows productivity growth and structural change, … [Read more...]
Keep horses’ feet healthy with these tips
Horse feet? Hooves to most. Regardless, the health of those four appendages makes or breaks the value and life quality of a horse. Horse and Rider shares three articles on hoof health, care and whether to shoe or not. Consider sharing these articles with horse owners on social media, in newsletters and with equine hobby groups. Sources: Why hoof cracks happen, Horse and … [Read more...]