Last week’s most read posts – Happiness and meetings. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 15, 2022. Link. ==================================================================== U.S. warns of escalating ransomware attacks Source: Security Affairs, October 2022. Link. U.S. government agencies warned that the Daixin Team cybercrime … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2022
Dairy cows need to lay down
If you notice very few cows lying down during a farm call, it may be time to discuss the importance of sternal recumbency and recumbent rumination. Rick Grant says in a cow’s perfect world over 80 percent of rumination should occur when the cow is lying down. Resting with the sternum, or breastbone, on the ground and a slight left-side preference is the cow’s optimal resting … [Read more...]
5 tips to winter cattle through a drought
How cattle owners in drought-affected regions graze and supplement cattle in dry spells have long-lasting economic and ecological effects. Noble Research Institute’s Ranch Manager Clark Roberts offers five tips to consider before making winter management decisions. 1) Consider culling 2) Know the quality and quantity of your forages 3) Know each animal’s demands 4) … [Read more...]
Prepare winter pigs to be summer hogs
Proactively thinking about pig management now will go a long way to having full-value hogs during warm weather and traditionally strong market periods, says Jordan Graham, DVM, MS. Pigs born from the late weeks of November through January have historically been the highest value weaned pigs and subsequent market hogs for the year, making how we manage health important to … [Read more...]
FDA approves revised Micotil 300 labeling
To decrease the risk of accidental human injection and other potential routes of exposure, Micotil 300 is now packaged inside a tamper-proof shroud. Access to the product requires a quick-connect device, which is provided with a tube-fed safety syringe by Elanco or its distributors. Safe use and handling instructions are attached to the shroud so that the user can review … [Read more...]
Dairy industry posts lowest positive drug residue yet; sets new standard
Data from the National Milk Drug Residue Database website dates back to 1994 and represents 99 percent of the U.S. milk supply. A recent report showed only 424 out of 3,879,182 samples tested positive for an animal drug residue. This is lowest positive test rate in the history of the program and it is also the fifth consecutive year fewer than 600 milk samples tested positive … [Read more...]
FDA releases 2021 report on antimicrobial use in livestock
The FDA instituted elements of veterinary oversight of antimicrobials in 2017. The recent 2021 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food-Producing Animals shows that compared to 2015 (peak year of sales), 2021 sales decreased 38 percent. Sales in 2021 versus 2020 decreased by less than 1 percent between 2020 and 2021. Source: National Hog … [Read more...]
How to keep goats warm in cold weather
Successfully keeping goats in the coldest conditions and climates is possible. It requires acclimation, nutrition, and habitation. Herdsmen also prepare housing to keep goats warm in cold weather and select sturdy breeds ahead of the season. Source: Backyard Goats, November 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Nearly 100 U.S. horses suspected ill with botulism, 45 have died
Horse owners are being asked to not feed Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes as U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with state departments of agriculture in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas, continue to investigate the illness and deaths of horses suspected to have contracted botulism from it. Source: The Paulick Report, December 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Variations in ivermectin absorption studied; diet variations suspected
A study from Poland suggests that a horse’s diet can affect how quickly he absorbs the medications he receives. Key takeaways: The researchers speculate that diet, rather than season of year, accounts for the variability in absorption The slower absorption rate had no effect on ivermectin’s efficacy The findings raise questions about how diet may affect the … [Read more...]
Force-free, fear-free nail trimming techniques for dogs
Nail trimming can be stressful for pets and their owners. The longer they wait, the more likely an untoward experience will occur. The resources below offer good guidance on conditioning pets to healthful nail care at home, where it care can be easily managed with proper education, training and patience. . . . the ability to trim a dog’s nails should be a prerequisite to being … [Read more...]
Excess vitamin D may be to blame for feline tooth resorption
The resorption-vitamin connection is only a hypothesis about feline tooth resorption. There may be other environmental factors that prove to be the triggers. The best way to handle a resorbing tooth is to extract it as soon as it’s noticed.” Source: Tufts Catnip, November 14, 2022. Link. Also see: Search results for: tooth resorption, AHD. Link. There are three types of … [Read more...]
Why cats purr. Understanding their love language.
Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, shares common reasons why cats purr and what they might be trying to tell us: Cats purr to draw us in Cats purr when they are blissful Purring may say the cat needs you Purring may be a sign of distress Purring can promote healing Source: Daily Paws, November 30, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Some dogs need a flu shot
Dogs can get the flu just like we can, and it spreads easily like our own strains says Kaitlyn Tullio, LVT, who told the dodo canine flu is highly contagious. She shared information about viral transfer risks, symptoms and vaccination. . . . for dogs social with other dogs, up to date flu vaccination could help keep them healthy and safe, especially during flu … [Read more...]
Manuka honey and silver in animal wellness and wound care
Commercial Content included It is common for pet owners to use over-the-counter antibiotic creams when their pet has a skin infection or a wound which often leads to overuse of antimicrobials. Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, MS, DACVIM, MBA, shares ways medical-grade manuka honey and silver are used as a first line defense for treating skin microbiome issues. Source: Pet Age, … [Read more...]
Key ingredients to look for in dog food and treats
Nutritional problems occur most often when dogs are fed imbalanced homemade diets or certain human foods. Dog foods or homemade diets derived from a single food item are inadequate to an overall balanced diet Source: DVM 360, August 25, 2022. Link. The 6 basic nutrients needed for a canine diet include water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.” – VCA … [Read more...]
Effective ways to treat pet behavior problems
Regardless of a pet’s age, the holidays have potential for behavior issues. Many of them can be avoided with consistent human behavior and proactive training. We’ve curated seven behavior articles from professional and lay sources that can be used to refresh knowledge of and approaches to behavior issues. The sudden onset of a new behavior or worsening of a previously … [Read more...]
Cannabinoids in veterinary medicine (video)
Complimentary Content For those who did not join live, The Bridge Club’s in-depth conversation with experts from across the profession addressed questions it has about cannabinoids. Cheryl Good, DVM, moderated conversation with guests: Mark Cushing, J.D. CEO, of Animal Policy Group Jeffery Pollard, DVM, DABVP, from the advocacy committee, Veterinary Cannabis … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 19, 2022
Testing the pet market’s recession-proof reputation, 2022 trends in small business funding, wearables as part of proactive pet care, how dog boarding supports domestic violence survivors and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, December 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
If you see a brown clump on your Christmas tree, throw it out immediately
If you discover a walnut sized/shaped egg mass, on your Christmas tree, don’t fret, clip the branch and put it in your garden. That brown clump is likely 100 to 200 praying mantis eggs. The inside temperatures cause them to hatch and then without a natural environment, they starve. Source: Elvis Duran, December 1, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Signs you may have a drinking problem
If you are always thinking about your next drink and it begins to interfere with other tasks in your life, this can be a sign that it’s time to seek help.” Source: Vet Candy, September 29, 2022. Link. Shauna Simmons shares some signs that you may have a problem and you should consult with an addiction expert. … [Read more...]
Gen Z, more connected than any generation, all about authenticity
Generation Z Vectors by Vecteezy"> Last week we shared “Gen Z speaks, writes differently than their bosses,” <Link> referencing an article from The Washington Post. In a related article, Melanie Gaboriault asserts Gen Z really is all about authenticity. Based on her experiences as a mom of three 15- to 18-year-olds, she says they prioritize social channels … [Read more...]
Creating an honest workplace
When leaders are confident enough to solicit and reward feedback, it encourages employees to say what they really think and to be willing to hear the opinions of others in return. Source: Fast Company, November 22, 2022. Link. Workplace candor is open and honest dialogue." INSIGHTS: When leaders are proactive and set the stage ,people feel psychologically safe to recover … [Read more...]
2023 vet med hiring and retention trends
What does 2023 hold for the veterinary profession in terms of hiring and retention?” Stacy Purcell answers with five veterinarian hiring and retention trends. Source: AAHA Newstat, December 18, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Helping animals in Ukraine: Galaxy Vets Foundation’s year in review
Complimentary Content The war in Ukraine caused a massive animal welfare crisis and limited access to veterinary care for millions of pets. Galaxy Vets Foundation’s first initiative, Animal Help Ukraine, was launched in spring 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Key facts: 275 veterinarians and techs/nurses from the U.S. and the world signed up to … [Read more...]
Middle managers are exhausted. Top teams need to listen.
Recent challenges required managers to stretch beyond the leadership skill sets that many possess or were trained for, says Denise Hamilton. . . . the past few years have been tumultuous and overwhelming for just about everyone, but middle managers have faced extraordinary challenges as businesses have gone from crisis to crisis . . . “ Source: MITSloan, December 16, 2022. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – The top pet products of 2022. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 8, 2022. Link. ====================================================== When coyotes attacked, a dog killed 8 of them, saving a flock of sheep Source: The Washington Post, December 9, 2022. Link. John Weirwille sprang out of bed early … [Read more...]
Swine barn workers should get vaccinated to protect pigs from the flu
Susan Detmer, DVM, PhD, is an advocate of human flu vaccination as a way to reduce human-to-pig transfer of influenza virus. Some of what is circulating of H1N1 in pigs is from years ago, but almost half of what Detmer sees annually comes directly from people into pigs. So, what’s circulating in the human population of that H1N1 gets into pigs yearly.” Source: Prairie Hog … [Read more...]
Scott A. Dee, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM, on his career (video)
Discussing his career transition intentions after 35 years, Dr. Dee will be staying with Pipestone and adjusting his focus on a subset of specific projects, including feed risk, U.S. SHIP, and our IMAGINE AMR study. He shares standout moments, major contributions, some untold stories, what he will miss most and more. Source: Swineweb, December 6, 2022. Link. (21 minutes) He … [Read more...]
Sow mortality: What are the main risk factors?
A recent retrospective observational study demonstrated that the disease status of the breeding herds, barn characteristics and whole-herd feed medication were associated with the sow mortality rate. The main causes of sow mortality in this study were sudden deaths (30.89 percent), lame deaths (29.10 percent), prolapses (26.96 percent) and other causes (13.05 percent), … [Read more...]