Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 22nd, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 22nd AHD Bulletin – Quiet quitting or setting boundaries. Link. New graduates may have no idea how to behave in the office. Link. 11 signs a cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately. Link. Demand for Yaks growing. Link. Place keeper: 2023 … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2023
New heat stress app for pig producers
Heat stress in pigs costs the U.S. swine industry an estimated $481 million annually in revenue losses. HotHog, a new smartphone app that predicts heat stress in pigs is now available from USDA’s Agriculture Research Service. HotHog is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Hogs don’t sweat. They cope with heat through panting, while the caregivers adjust … [Read more...]
BVDV in wild hogs
Wild pigs can carry a number of infectious diseases including zoonotic diseases. A high seroprevalence rate of bovine diarrhea virus in wild pigs has been found in several U.S. states, according to a recent study by investigators at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Auburn, Alabama. Cattle are known as the dominant source of BVDV infection for pigs. … [Read more...]
Apps to help manage backyard chickens
One thing all chicken keepers need is a method to manage their birds. Ana Hotaling reviews four poultry-management apps backyard chicken keepers can consider to help them manage their flocks. Source: Hobby Farms, June 21, 2023. Link. Smartphone apps allow poultry keepers to easily add and modify flock information, keep track of egg production, and keep tabs on much more … [Read more...]
The two horse worlds
Although acknowledging some overlap, David Ramey, DVM, describes what he calls two horse worlds. The pleasure versus performance designations have a lot to do with the expectations of owners. Ramey asserts the owner of a horse that’s valued because he’s a very special individual who makes his human’s life better just by being there may look askance at the owner of a horse … [Read more...]
How does laminitis affect the hoof? (video)
Complimentary Commercial Content Mike Barker explains how laminitis affects the horse's foot. The video is part of a curation of hoof care highlights <Link>. Source: American Farriers Journal, YouTube, June 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Avoid algae in horse and livestock water troughs
Working to maintain algae-free water helps keep horses drinking as temperatures rise. Here are two resources addressing algae growth suitable for sharing with horse and livestock owners on social media or in newsletters. Frequent water tank cleaning is important, especially in warm months and especially with plastic tanks.” Clair Thunes, PhD, says most algae don’t pose a … [Read more...]
Dog food has become 40 percent more expensive since 2020
The cost of ingredients is one of the causes to blame for the price increase. These costs are heavily impacted by factors such as drought and transportation costs according to research by veterinarians.com. The research revealed that dry dog food has risen by 41% in cost compared to 2020, as well as: 55 percent of respondents said they had to cancel subscriptions for pet … [Read more...]
The 5 love languages of cats
Cats offer so many levels of emotion akin to humans, writes John Woolf. They show their affection in a multitude of ways, he says sharing subtilties and five ways cats express affection for owners. Reading a cat is different, to be sure, than reading a dog.” – John Woolf Source: John Woolf, Linkedin, June 26, 2023. Link. The love of a pet is one of the greatest joys a human … [Read more...]
11 years of dry versus wet cat food influenced cat health
Around eight years of age, metabolic or physiological changes are occurring that are having impacts on cat health, according to Emma Bermingham, PhD. Her 11-year study of the same group of cats has focused on the long-term effects of commercially available diets on cats’ health. . . . at eight years the cats bodyweights started to diverge. Cats on the dry kibble diet started … [Read more...]
10 pet safety tips for July 4th activities
July 4th celebrations may be fun for us, but they can be stressful for pets. Here are 10 common-sense tips to keep in mind for the holiday. Source: PetMD, June 24, 2023. Link. Here’s how to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July. Keep your pet indoors. Create a safe space for your pet. Prepare for noise phobias. Make sure your pet has an up-to-date ID. … [Read more...]
New VIP podcast episodes. Are you caught up?
Shawn Wilkie and Ivan Zak, DVM, began Veterinary Innovation Podcasts in July 2019. Since then, they have produced more than 150 podcast episodes featuring innovations and topics our industry is working to address. Podcasts from the last 30 days include: The power of AI in veterinary medicine. Link. Effective pet owner education. Link. Building high-performing … [Read more...]
Chewy expands CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings
Commercial News Item As B2C commercial offerings expand, animal health pros need to understand what is available to pet owners and what may influence decisions about preventative care and treatments. “ – Kirk Augustine Chewy recently announced the availability of CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings that feature expanded coverage options and prices from two providers, … [Read more...]
Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses
A scientist in Pakistan recently shared study results that indicate using platelet-rich plasma can be a safe, effective approach to hastening wound healing in horses. Muhammad Talha Sajjad, DVM, MPhil, PhD, found PRP gel encourages re-epithelialization and accelerates skin wound healing by promoting wound contraction and stabilization of the collagen fiber arrangement. … [Read more...]
How cats took over the world
Research on feline DNA clarifies our ancient relationship with cats. Some experts consider cats only "semi-domesticated" since they look and behave so much like their wild relatives. Cat DNA from archaeological sites across Europe, the Middle East and Africa shows cats lived with humans between 300 and 15,000 years ago. Population dispersal occurred with advances in agriculture … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 26, 2023
Pets and older adults, pet wellness’s effect on holistic approaches, software to manage pet businesses, a video discussion of pet trends and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 26, 2023. Link. In the video (10:03) Hunter Williams, Imke Wouters and Melissa Tischler discuss: The importance of pet nutrition Pet care beyond the basics The latest pet fashion … [Read more...]
Actor Michael Caine: Use the difficulty
Actor Sir Michael Caine shares some great perspectives in this short video clip. . . . when anything bad happens, you gotta' USE the difficulty.” – Micheal Caine Source: Aurelio Reis, Facebook reels. Link. INSIGHTS: Caine’s assertion resembles the proverbial phrase, “when life gives you lemons make lemonade.” … [Read more...]
The opposite of triggers, glimmers are all around us
A trigger is a person, place, thing or situation that elicits an intense or unexpected emotional response. Glimmers on the other hand are tiny micro-moments of joy that allow us to feel calm and give us a sense of inner peace. On the surface, glimmers may sound trivial says Deb Dana, LCSW, but they’re crucial to calming down our central nervous system. . . . glimmers can ease … [Read more...]
Agreement or commitment?
An agreement is a contract for mutual benefit. A commitment is deeper and more comprehensive. Commitments are worth the extra time and effort.” Source: gearsmagazine.com, March 5, 2021. Link. With commitment, there’s no going back – no limitation is recognized. It is the equivalent of the modern phrase, “I’m going all-in!” … [Read more...]
How to charge for technician appointments
When your practice uses technicians like physician assistants, technicians will work at the top of their licenses, improving job satisfaction and employee retention, says Wendy Myers, CVJ. She shares ideas on reallocating types of appointments from veterinarians to technicians and assistants. Of course, checking state guidelines on licensed technician and veterinary assistant … [Read more...]
AAHA announces 2023 AAHA Mentoring Guidelines
The July AAHA Trends provided the first look at the updated AAHA Mentoring Guidelines last published in 2008. “The 2023 guidelines present a modern blueprint to building a better culture for the profession,” according to Jessica Vogelsang, DVM. Now available on the AAHA website, the 2023 Mentoring Guidelines materials include a single page Guidelines at a Glance … [Read more...]
The cost of dying: Supporting employees through grief, despair and moving on
Grief and loss are part of our human condition and their effect differs between individuals. As a society, we are hesitant to talk about death and loss let alone address it in the workplace. One resource indicates as many as 31 percent of employers would welcome help on how to support bereaved employees, especially when it comes to making the first move. Unsupported grief in … [Read more...]
Skipping rocks and back to basics
Commentary . . . contains commercial content Every week our AHD team reviews hundreds of media items. Much of the content is about new, progressive trends or the personality of the month. When reading some recent pieces, I was reminded of helping my grandson learn how to skip rocks. The basic lesson starts with finding a flat rock, not too big, not too little . . . then … [Read more...]
Concerns rise as drought reduces hay supply
Early-season drought conditions across much of the country have affected the hay supply. Beyond basic availability, there are concerns about nutritional value, dependability of the hay source and what is in hay bought from an outside source. Whether buying hay for horses or cattle, there are important considerations to get the quality and value animals need. The five … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 22, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 15th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 15th AHD Bulletin – Dealing with no-shows. Link. Appearance and animal owner perception. Link. Sympathy versus empathy. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== … [Read more...]
Guiness’ smallest bull in the world (video)
Humphrey is a miniature Zebu Bull who is about 26.6 inches tall and weighs around 85 pounds. He lives at a farm outside of Kalona, Iowa, and has been the Guinness Book of Records world record holder for five years. Source: Power 96, June 19, 2023. Link. Also see: Interest in miniature cattle continues to surge, AHD, April 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Demand for Yaks growing
With producer grant funds from Southern Sustainable Research and Education, Yak production education and artificial insemination methods are being developed. Yaks require less forage, are easier to manage than bison, while providing a leaner meat and possibilities for fiber similar to cashmere.” Source: Acreage Life, July 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The effect of day-only versus day-plus-night cooling of dairy cows
We shared cattle heat stress reminders in a recent post <Link>. The results of a recent study showed the benefits of enhanced day+night cooling versus day-only cooling of dairy cows. Over the duration of the study, enhanced day+night cooling cows produced more milk, had lower rumen temperatures and reduced panting compared with day-only cooling cows. When temperatures … [Read more...]
35th World Pork Expo draws more than 10,000 people
Reports from three swine publications indicate the 2023 World Pork Expo was a success. Authors cite camaraderie, concerns about personal and professional health and touch on the top issues covered in seminars and presentations. Prop 12, labor, input costs, biosecurity, market opportunities and new technologies were topics of high interest, as were world-class BBQ and … [Read more...]
Tighten the calving window
To achieve more uniform calves, producers can use tighter calving windows to maximize the number of pregnancies early in the breeding season. Getting most of the cows and heifers bred early in the breeding period improves herd performance. Investing time and resources to tighten the calving window is beneficial, regardless of the size of operation or the breed of … [Read more...]