Heritable trait research continues to be a scientific frontier in animal production decisions and stewardship of animals as a resource. Too many ovarian follicles, at too young of an age, likely means a shortened herd life for dairy females.” Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 2017. Link. Follicle numbers are a moderately heritable genetic trait in dairy cows which may … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2023
American Angus Association releases cow longevity prediction
Expected progeny differences have been applied to improve the genetics of beef cattle for almost four decades. The new Functional Longevity research expected progeny difference trait’s purpose evaluates how long Angus cows will stay in the herd and how many calves they will produce. At its most basic, functional longevity looks at how long a sire’s daughters will stay in the … [Read more...]
Livestock are NOT dumb and are worthy of scientific attention
Commentary Ignoring livestock has been a “missed opportunity” by the scientific community, according to Christopher Krupenye, PhD. Krupenye seems unfamiliar with the special connections made with the animals of 4-Hers and livestock show enthusiasts. In an article covering scientists who are probing the mental and emotional lives of animals we’ve lived with for thousands … [Read more...]
Terms from the poultry farming glossary
There’s a flock of terms used when describing birds on poultry farms. Elsbeth Upton offers a glossary to help us keep the keets, poults, peachicks, cygnets and squabs properly assigned to the right birds. Source: Backyard Poultry, April 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Last week’s post about variations in peafowl garnered a lot of views <Link>. … [Read more...]
What’s new in preventing and treating laminitis in horses?
Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis is a form of laminitis that develops in the face of high circulating insulin levels. It can typically be managed but only if diagnosed quickly, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc. She reviews interesting research including the use of radiographs to monitor and measure changes in the lucent zone which is parallel to the coffin bone. Treating acute … [Read more...]
Fine-tuning horseback riding senses to recognize lameness
Not all riders pick up lameness cues from the saddle. Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, offers 10 cues for horse enthusiast to learn. A bit more attention may help avoid more serious injuries. “With guidance, people can become much more aware of these subtle signs in the saddle,” shared Sue Dyson, Vet MB PhD. Don’t try to ride it out!” Source: The Horse, December 12, 2023. … [Read more...]
Correcting cat shenanigans
Includes Commercial Content Veterinary team members need to be aware of what cat owners and retail advocates are reading. After all, the veterinarian is the last to learn there is a problem with a cat at home. Education is critical, writes Nora Caley, who shares some products that can be used to help curtail some of the behavior problems in this retailer-focused article. … [Read more...]
Tips for socializing dogs with other dogs
Holiday gatherings can be challenging, but adding pets to the mix can be an ordeal, especially if socialization training has been ignored. Cammi Morgan shares tips to help pet owners realize their responsibility to properly socialize their dogs. She includes comments about puppy age, vaccination, dog park safety and approaches for undersocialized dogs. Be realistic . . . dogs … [Read more...]
Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in dogs are linked (video)
ICYMI. The link between respiratory and gastrointestinal illness in dogs has been well documented, writes Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM. She says treating respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases at the same time works. Long-term studies of dogs undergoing airway surgery and medical treatment of gastrointestinal disease show improvement with interventions.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Behavior tips to make owners and handlers better
Samuel Ceisler is right. There is always something we can learn about how and why dogs behave the way they do. Whether owner, dog sitter, boarding kennel staff member, vet clinic employee or veterinarian, one of Ceisler’s behavior tips will be something new or something you forgot. He breaks down the most common dog behaviors and what they mean so you can figure out exactly … [Read more...]
Which U.S. pet owners spent the most on pet food in 2022?
Baby boomer pet owners spent the most on pet food, but Gen X was close behind, and their level of pet food spending rose the most from 2021 to 2022. Source: PETFOODIndustry, December 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Improving bandaging efficiencies
Commentary Fans of the Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows frequently get to see animals bandaged. It is fascinating to see various veterinarians apply bandages and how they often explain what they are doing with layers and yards of materials. Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, shares his tips for effectively using bandages for post-operative patients in this article and … [Read more...]
Altering a colleague’s treatment plan without judgment is an art (podcast/video)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discuss the often delicate subject of altering long-term treatments or medications for patients without implying previous approaches weren’t consistent with the current evaluation. . . . re-evaluating a pet's treatment plan requires tact and consideration for the client and the owner . . .” Source: Clinician’s Brief, Veterinary … [Read more...]
Keeping it simple
These invaluable tips for success are thought-provoking. But the real question is, do we apply this advice practically to improve our situation? Source: Inc., November 20, 2023. Link. Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do.” INSIGHTS: If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. … [Read more...]
Discussing pet insurance with pet owners
Includes Complimentary Commercial content An AVMA policy encourages proactive pet insurance education, writes Ricky Walther, DVM. As more research is published on how the overall quality of pet care is enabled, practice teams need to be better prepared to get clients on board. In the articles below, Walther, the chief medical officer at Pawlicy Advisor, shares ways to … [Read more...]
ABCs of instrument care
All instruments require proper point-of-use care and diligent inspection EVERY time they are used, writes Rick Shultz. He shares proven best practices including a handy ABCs infographic. This article is good content to review at a team meeting. Consider asking a sales representative or senior veterinary technician to facilitate the discussion. Instruments are expensive … [Read more...]
Underutilized and underappreciated
Editor’s note. It is common to get a call from Wendy Hauser, DVM, to discuss a recent experience or something that has been on her mind. Using vet clinic staff to the fullest is often a part of those discussions. Improving the use of veterinary technicians requires helping them work at the top of their credentials, BUT without hospital leaders advocating for, cultivating … [Read more...]
Cat Friendly Practice improves feline visits and laboratory testing, diagnoses increase
Keeping with the paradigms of business process measurement, a team of researchers compared Cat Friendly Practices with non-CFP control practices to determine whether CFPs had an increased proportion of clinical visits, number of visits per cat per year and inclusion of diagnostic testing. The results are compelling and support the CFP disciplines. The average revenue per … [Read more...]
Wallet share is growing in Chewy’s autoship customer segment. Yes, wallet share!
Commentary The paradox of pet owner spending remains perplexing. However, Chewy’s successes show the convenience of sourcing a wide range of inventory online and a growing comfort with the services. On one hand, nearly two-thirds of pet owners say inflation has made it more difficult to pay a surprise vet bill and they’re nervous about rising prices of vet costs, … [Read more...]
Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women
The Forbes 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics: money, media, impact and spheres of influence. It includes political leaders, the heads of major companies and more. Each of these 100 women are helping to shape the policies, products and political fights that define our world. Barbie is 100th on the list. Source: Forbes, December 5, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 30, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 30th AHD Bulletin – Washers and dryers require more frequent cleaning than you think. Link. Be curious. Link. What scents are dangerous to cats and dogs? Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Milking robots increase management effectiveness
Ninety percent of the time when I’m working with farms, their challenges are not robot-related, writes Andy Lenkaitis, despite perceptions that dairy workers will lose knowledge of the individual cows. Robots deliver a consistent milking experience for the cow, offer more schedule flexibility and help dairymen focus on being a cow person again.” Source: AG Proud, September 5, … [Read more...]
Pros, cons of using darts in cattle management
While pneumatic darts can be helpful in some settings, Rhonda Brooks’ article shares the reasons why darts are not chosen by producers or veterinarians. She provides a good review of dart use, benefits and risks worthy of review by animal health pros and their clients. Source: Drovers, November 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Peafowl varieties easily confused
George and Sonja Conner share information to explain all the varieties in peafowl in a modern context. The two main peafowl origins are derived from the green peafowl (Pavo muticus) and the India blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus). While there are many phenotypes today, all of the known color and pattern mutations have been from Pavo cristatus which include cross breeding with green … [Read more...]
An expert’s view on calming products for horses
Horse owners can choose from several types of products formulated to help calm horses. Animal behaviorist Bonnie Beaver, DVM, DACVB, DACAW, discusses feed supplements, pheromones and aromatherapies marketed to promote calmness in horses. She emphasizes the need for caution and veterinarian counsel. Source: EQUUS, July 12, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Recent advances in equine CT
Elizabeth Acutt, DVM, shares how veterinarians are applying computed tomography in equine medicine and what they’re learning about its use. She explains the differences between the two main types of CT scanners: the fan beam and the cone beam. Source: The Horse, November 28, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
One third of dogs have a behavior issue, study shows
Zazie Todd, PhD, shares results from a Danish study suggesting we need to pay more attention to behavior issues in dogs. The most common issues were related to fear and disobedience, which included jumping up, barking and not coming when called. Aggression was reported less often in this study than in other studies and was typified by actions toward other dogs, not … [Read more...]
Cold weather nutrition for hard-working dogs
Includes Commercial Content One thing often overlooked in the gun dog care equation is cold-weather nutrition. Working farm dogs experience similar needs. Top-quality dog food plays an important role in fueling performance and in fueling warmth and can’t be understated during cold weather. Seth Bynum, DVM, shares perspectives on the Purina Body Condition System to help … [Read more...]
Weese: Paxlovid use in dogs? No evidence, many concerns.
Scott Weese, DVM, responded quickly to media rumors about Paxlovid used to cure a dog with respiratory disease. Paxlovid is an antiviral that we know basically nothing about in dogs. We don’t have dosing or safety info, don’t have evidence that the respiratory disease we’re encountering in dogs is caused by a virus that’s susceptible to Paxlovid. So, I don’t see its use being … [Read more...]
The average pet owner has 72 “pet panics” per year
A survey of pet owners revealed respondents worry about their pet’s well-being an average of three times per day, and they spend about five hours away from their four-legged friend on any given day. The most common pet panics were revealed to be throwing up unexpectedly, falling off a chair or couch, or slipping out of their leash outside. Almost two in five admit they lose … [Read more...]