Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 26th AHD Bulletin – Habits that annoy coworkers and ways to mitigate them. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. KC Corridor’s Emily McVey wins 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award Source: … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2023
On the lookout for JEV
Jennifer Shike shares industry’s concerns that Japanese encephalitis virus could migrate to the U.S. establishing the disease in domestic and feral swine populations. Transmitted similar to West Nile, aircraft and cargo ships are the most likely pathways of JEV introduction via infected adult mosquitoes. Source: PORK, January 13, 2023. Link. Vigilance is essential . . . the … [Read more...]
Understanding calf vigor and suckle response
Elizabeth Homerosky, DVM, MSc, DABVP, set out to find a solution to quickly identify compromised calves and help predict whether a calf will acquire optimal passive immunity. Her research sought to identify compromised calves immediately after birth to allow the producer ample time to provide an intervention, if needed. Her study data revealed calves with a weak suckle … [Read more...]
Dairy herd size keeps climbing
Changing economics and shrinking margins on dairy’s home front have been strong drivers in herd demographics throughout the United States. Cory Geiger shares some of the history of herd growth going back to a 1992 census of licensed dairies. In just 8 years, U.S. herd size has gone from 200 to over 300 cows per herd.” – Cory Geiger Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 10, 2023. … [Read more...]
10 things you may not know about ground beef
If you’ve ever wondered . . . the USDA dictates what can and cannot be labeled as ground beef and that information is published in the Code of Federal Regulations. They call those rules ‘standards of identity’ and they apply to labels of ‘chopped beef’ and ‘hamburger,’ as well as ground beef. Source: Mom at the Meat Counter. Link. … [Read more...]
Rabbit math: 1 + 1 = 42
Before the local farm supply store fills up with baby bunnies, this beginners’ guide to rabbit husbandry and management may help with decision making as Easter approaches. Source: Grit, May 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Easter is April 9th which means rabbit breeding that takes place in the next two to three weeks will likely show up in stores by early March. Consider this as a … [Read more...]
Keeping ahead of laminitis
Complimentary Commercial Content HAYGAIN® is sharing an informational leaflet horse enthusiasts can download. It reviews scientific literature and best practices in managing equine laminitis including: The laminitic foot Sugar and obesity Early warning signs of laminitis Balancing diet and welfare in laminitis cases Easing laminitic foot pain Source: … [Read more...]
Ramey’s perspective on cleaning sheaths . . . or not
David Ramey, DVM, provides plenty of comic relief as he shares his experiences with male horse sheaths, client expectations, smegma, beans and potential health issues. I do know why clients have me clean the sheath . . . It’s because it can be a pretty dangerous thing to do in some horses . . . and I have sedatives . . .” Source: David Ramey, DVM, January 24, 2023. … [Read more...]
Wet-dry cycle and its effect on the horse hoof
Edward Busuttil DVM CertAVP, PgCertVPS, MRCVS, shares a basic understanding of the composition of the horse hoof wall to explain its response to hydration in this nicely illustrated article. He discusses how the mechanical properties of the hoof are directly affected by high moisture content. Source: theequinedocumentalist, January 11, 2023. Link. Studies have shown us that … [Read more...]
Enforcement of anti-doping medication control to begin March 27, 2023
The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit that serves as the enforcement agency for the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program submitted doping rules to the FTC which were published in the Federal Registry on January 26. The rules are available for public comment on the Federal Register through February 9th. Source: BLOODHORSE, January 30, 2023. Link. Under the … [Read more...]
Keeping cats hydrated
An average 11-pound cat should drink about a cup of water daily. Tracey L. Kelley shares information to help cat owners understand their cats’ hydration needs and conditions that might cause a cat to not drink. This article would make good content for a newsletter or social media post. Source: Daily Paws, November 30, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Is catnip safe for cats?
Cat owners often wonder if catnip is safe for cats given they often appear to be high or drugged. Catnip is non-toxic to cats, even when ingested, writes Jenna Stregowski, RVT. She shares: The euphoric effects of catnip typically last up to about 15 minutes and are harmless. Catnip is not addictive and there is no evidence of long-term effects. Nepetalactone in … [Read more...]
AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month
The AVMA shares dental health is a critical part of pet’s overall health, noting dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Check out the AVMA dental care resources on the AVMA website which promote home care, share what to expect at the veterinary clinic, support anesthesia and urge pet owners to have their pets’ mouth checked annually. Source: AVMA. … [Read more...]
OSHA 300A Summaries should be completed and posted by February 1, 2023
Employers with more than 10 employees are required to complete OSHA Form 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses for 2022 by Feb. 1, 2023, and to post it and keep it posted until April 30, 2023. The 300A log summarizes work-related injuries and illnesses employees experienced during the prior year. Source: JDSUPRA, January 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Loss of epigenetic information can drive aging, restoration can reverse it (video)
Fascinating! For the first time, an international study in mice demonstrates that degradation in the way DNA is organized and regulated, known as epigenetics, can drive aging in an organism, independently of changes to the genetic code itself. We hope these results are seen as a turning point in our ability to control aging. This is the first study showing that we can have … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites – January 30, 2023
Dog walkers making $100K, pet segment ecommerce growth projection, an interview with a DVM social worker, a five-year vision on reworking the pet well-being industry and more . . . Source: IBPSA FastBites, January 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How to stop overthinking when you’re about to spiral
Overthinking is a negative habit that anyone can fall into, yet some people are more prone to it than others. Renee Cherry shares tools to shift an overthinker’s mind away from rumination and its negative potential on health and daily relationships. Source: SHAPE, January 25, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Introverted? Avoid these 4 things.
Introversion is often regarded as a deficiency, writes Alex Mathers, who reminds us it is a trait with its own benefits. He shares four potential pitfalls than can derail introverts, Introverts are enjoying something of a resurgence thanks to the web, and a renewed interest in the powers of introverts in the mainstream.” Source: Medium, October 30, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Mental health and productivity
Recent research reveals 40 percent of U.S. workers report their job has had a negative impact on their mental health in the prior six months. Source: Gallup, December 16, 2022. Link. The foundation for improving mental health among workers is employee engagement.” INSIGHTS: Building trust is key. … [Read more...]
No silver bullet to solve the nationwide livestock vet shortage
Reinforcing what most animal health pros already know, Sarah Coleman provides subscribers of Hobby Farms magazine with an in-depth review of the livestock veterinarian conundrum. We’re sharing it considering the publication’s reach to more than 100,000 rural and ruralpolitan subscribers. Source: Hobby Farms, November/December 2022. Link. A number of factors are creating … [Read more...]
4 in 5 workers say they’re unlikely to apply for a job without salary range
Research indicates including pay ranges in job postings can reduce recruiting costs, as applicants are more likely to pay attention to these postings. . . . <companies> that embrace the practice may find themselves moving more quickly in the direction of pay parity, a prime DEI goal for many companies. Source: HRDIVE, January 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
45 Vet Camp scholarships funded to build future veterinarians
“Let’s get the word out to schools, youth groups and local media!” Vet Set Go and VCA are expanding their 2023 essay contest to be the biggest yet. The contest will award 45 students from across the U.S. a scholarship prize package to attend Vet Camp. Winners of the online essay contest will receive a scholarship to attend the Auburn University Junior Vet Camp from June 18 - … [Read more...]
VMX 2023 celebrates 40 years, doubles attendance
Congratulations to NAVC’s VMX team! More than 28,000 veterinary professionals from 78 countries attended the recent conference including over 9,500 first-time attendees. The conference provided approximately 1,300 hours of continuing education in virtual and on-site sessions. During the event, Gene O’Neill, NAVC CEO, announced upcoming community-based NAVC live events, “pop … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 19th AHD Bulletin – Important small talk. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. MWI Animal Health’s Steve Shell clarifies announcement of AB name change Source: AmericsourceBergen MWI Animal Health, … [Read more...]
Bigger is not always better
A high rate of piglet mortality is a consequence of selecting for sows that have large litters. New research will focus on breeding for survival until weaning and survivability to slaughter. Source: The Pig Site, January 18, 2023. Link. The negative side effects of sows giving birth to large litters, often with more piglets than productive teats, means that managerial … [Read more...]
Evaluating the efficacy of intranasal flunixin in piglets
It is common practice to castrate piglets shortly after birth. The procedure is routinely done without any pain management treatments as there are no FDA approved drugs to control pain in pigs. Preliminary research from the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, showed the off-label use of intranasal flunixin meglumine mitigated pain post-castration … [Read more...]
K-State researchers show value of adding shade to cattle pens
Cattle seek shade, use breezes and their respiration to blow off as much heat as they can on hot days Sometimes that’s not enough. A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, and a team at Kansas State University conducted a multiyear trial researching how shade structures in pens can help cattle in high heat events. Data from the ongoing study shows cows with available shade had an increase in … [Read more...]
Foal pneumonia requires aggressive management to avoid long term effects
We’ve assembled three articles addressing pneumonia for consideration during the foaling season now underway. Pneumonia is very common in foals and can affect up to 10 percent of all foals, writes Nimet Browne, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVIM1. Although foal pneumonia can be quite severe, with aggressive management foals can recover and go on to lead normal lives. A foal’s immune … [Read more...]
Study investigates frozen versus cooled semen in horses
A small study presented at the annual British Equine Veterinary Association Congress addressed the viability of frozen, thawed versus fresh, cooled semen used for breeding horses. The team also revealed some discrepancies in what is being used given collection and shipping time realities. While not all semen from stallions is freezable, the real-world conditions study showed … [Read more...]
Rethinking how we keep horses in stalls
Although most horses accept and adapt to less-than-optimal living situations, the evidence is mounting that it’s time to redesign the basic box stall says Nancy Moffitt. She summarizes research on how confinement affects the well-being of horses. . . . box stalls that may seem cozy and comfortable to us are <likely> wrong for our beloved horses . . . too small and too … [Read more...]