Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 23, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 23rd AHD Bulletin – A poor guide to dog allergy medications. Link. Spring health check for senior horses. Link. A dog walk temperature chart for every season. Link. ===================================== Can dogs ‘catch’ yawns from … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2024
12 complications when dental health is ignored
Dental month ended but educating pet owners about oral health and dental disease requires an everyday effort from animal health pros. James Rhys Clarke presents the consequences of neglected dental health in this article complete with photos. Consider sharing it on social media and in newsletters including products you know work to improve oral health. Source: Top Dog Tips, … [Read more...]
Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (part 2)
Sponsored Content Last week we introduced the first post in a series to show how some veterinary teams position and present pet insurance in ways that fit well with their current practice routines and protocols <Link>. While a 2022 survey showed more than 90 percent of veterinary practices wished that more of their clients were covered by pet insurance, only about … [Read more...]
House Appropriations Committee funds $5 million for veterans’ equine therapy
Funding initiatives to help Thoroughbreds find a second career is a top priority for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association . . . to be able to do that while aiding Veterans is a big victory.” – Tom Rooney Source: Paulick Report, May 24, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Trupanion’s 29 percent rate increase approved by California Department of Insurance
The rising cost of veterinary care amplifies the need for Trupanion to price correctly, bringing California residents more in line with those rising costs. The new rate goes into effect in July 2024 adding to the previous 12 percent rate increase in June 2023. Source: GlobeNewsWire, May 17, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Everfur launches Fur-Forward diagnostics kit: Advanced metabolomics to monitor pet health
With just a sample of a pet’s fur, Everfur analyzes its unique molecules to help determine fur quality, brain health, digestion, immunity, and potential disease risks. Everfur's proprietary approach leverages metabolomic science to provide comprehensive health assessments for dogs and cats by analyzing over 200 unique molecules within a pets' fur. Metabolomic testing offers … [Read more...]
FDA confirms Elanco’s methane-reducing feed additive meets safety, efficacy requirements
The U.S. FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Elanco’s Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle. Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow's rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow … [Read more...]
$1 million grant funds agencies to detect new strains of PRRS
A $1 million USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant will help researchers leverage the Swine Disease Reporting System to detect new strains of PRRSV. A new, web-based tool called the SDRS BLAST tool, allows veterinarians, producers and other users to compare genetic sequences of PRRSV with those in the SDRS. Source: The Pig Site, May 9, 2024. Link. “For the … [Read more...]
Reviewing the basics of needle care
Changing needles every 10 animals is a good rule when injecting cattle, writes Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM. She reinforces the importance of needle care, proper sizing and biosecurity measures when cattle producers are injecting animals. Note the graphic showing needle selection based on weight of cattle, route of administration and viscosity of product. Source: Progressive … [Read more...]
Breeding ratios for chickens and ducks
Now that Easter chicks and ducklings are growing up, backyard poultry keepers need to know how many roosters or drakes to keep for their flocks to thrive. Doug Ottinger shares the most effective ratios in this article: For chickens use 1 to 2 roosters per 10 hens For ducks use 1 drake per 5 hens Source: Backyard Poultry, May 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Extruded feed supports a healthy gut in horses
Includes Commercial Content Understanding the comprehensive benefits of extruded feed can help nurture happier, healthier horses who are ready to meet their full potential in every aspect of their lives. From foal to senior horse, pelleted feeds can improve the absorption of vital nutrients, provide more calories for growth, development, and performance, and may help lower … [Read more...]
Review: DMSO use in horses
Christine Barakat shares seven things you might not know about dimethyl sulfoxide and how it is used in horses. The FDA approved DMSO in 1970 for topical use on horses and dogs and we’re still learning about this industrial solvent now classified as an NSAID. Source: EQUUS, May 3, 2024. Link. Equine veterinarians regularly use the chemical “off-label” in other ways to treat … [Read more...]
Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication
Researchers have unraveled the role the microbiome plays in a form of feline communication using their anal glands. Unique glandular secretions can repel rivals, attract mates and mark territory. Researchers’ findings revealed diverse microbiomes within the anal glands of domestic cats that are uniquely individual and that vary with the age and weight of the feline … [Read more...]
Seeing allergies through a One Health lens
Calling for a bigger view of product and treatment choices, Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, urges veterinary teams to evaluate plans by the individual animal, consider the owner’s capacities and ensure proper antimicrobial stewardship practices. Ensuring we select appropriate therapies to manage dermatological manifestations of allergies and other skin conditions … [Read more...]
Glyphosate in dog food
Laura Ward, BSc, shares perspectives on bioaccumulation of chemicals in foods we and our pets eat. Specifically, she says glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide applied to the leaves to kill plants and grasses, is found in a vast amount of human and dog food. She notes glyphosate does not accumulate in meat from animals as it does in plants. Wards is not trying to cause … [Read more...]
Updated canine neutering guidelines
Researchers at the University of California-Davis, have updated their guidelines on when to neuter 40 popular dog varieties by breed and sex. Five breeds have been added to research begun in 2013 that questioned early neutering due to increased risk of joint diseases and certain cancers. The updated guidelines emphasize the importance of personalized decisions regarding the … [Read more...]
2024’s best dog calming treats for anxiety
Includes Commercial Content A team of experts assessed 48 brands of dog-calming treats based on the key ingredients, customer satisfaction and overall value choosing three as best in class. Dana J. Cook shares facts and some of the latest research on the key ingredients that have proven to relieve dog anxiety, promote calmness and minimize aggressive behaviors: Hemp … [Read more...]
How to determine the best approach to separation-related behaviors in dogs
When a dog exhibits separation-related behaviors, the first objective is to determine the underlying cause, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. Understanding these behaviors and what causes them offers the best chances of a successful outcome before implementing an approach to deal with them. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles … [Read more...]
Becoming a better client for the veterinarian
Lacey Fahrmeier, DVM, shares ways clients can help foster stronger connections and mindful adjustments with their veterinarians. Although focused on issues with rural livestock veterinarians, her five steps also apply to companion and equine practice clients as well. Veterinarians only have so much bandwidth. If you don’t want your vet to burn out, you probably need to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 27, 2024
Strategies to remain customer-centric, unlocking exceptional service, McKinsey's top 28 AI business growth tools, Walmart adding pet telehealth to Walmart++ and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Honing your ambivert side
The ambivert is somewhere between an extrovert and an introvert. Suzanne Degges-White, PhD, shares characteristics of the ambivert leader and ways to hone those skills and strengths. Ambiverts bring the best of both worlds to leadership due to their diverse strengths.” Source: Psychology Today, May 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
It’s time to mean it when you ask, ‘How’s it going?’
Jennifer Shike shares thoughts about the people in her life who truly “see” her. Those who aren’t too busy or preoccupied to notice how she’s really doing and ones who won’t speak the question lightly. . . . We need to do a better job of celebrating with people when they are happy, to take time to sit with people when they are struggling and need to be better at noticing when … [Read more...]
Overcoming negativity
Seventeen simple words and a ton of psychology research about the best way to escape negative thinking. Source: Inc., May 17, 2024. Link. According to a massive recent study with one million participants, positive, happier people are simply more likely to be successful in life." INSIGHT: If you want to feel better yourself, focus on helping others feel better … [Read more...]
Why it might be less expensive for every employee to have their own health plan
Could health plan autonomy with company support be a better option for employees than current group plans? Deanna Cuadra shares how individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements may benefit employees and employers. She shares pros and cons to ICHRAs and traditional group coverage. Source: ebn, May 22, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Beyond getting a yes, factors that restrict adherence
A recent pet experience allowed me to watch a dozen pet owners and their pets come and go from a veterinary office. Over half of the pet owners returned to their cars and sat in the parking lot for several minutes, displaying what could be described as a 1,000-yard stare. Others seemed to share the visit results with a passenger or via a phone call. THERE IS A LOT to process … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 23, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 16th AHD Bulletin – Cheese by-product turned into plastic. Link. What do your customers value? Link. Biofilms affect animal health. Link. ===================================== Seven simple ways to improve your memory Source: Better Report, … [Read more...]
Kansas Department of Agriculture set to host animal health workshops
With sessions targeted for producers and veterinarians, as well as emergency management and county officials, the Kansas Department of Agriculture workshops will take place across the state. The workshops will focus on: The role of the county in a disease response: how to respond to a livestock truck rollover, disposal of dead animals and sheltering animals in case of … [Read more...]
Boehringer Ingelheim and Detroit Horse Power announce education partnership
Through riding and caring for horses in a safe and enriching space, Detroit Horse Power provides under-resourced youth with opportunities to learn valuable lessons about perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence and self-control. As part of the agreement to expand the non-profit’s existing programming in the areas of horse health and equine industry careers, … [Read more...]
Miniature poodle wins 2024 best in show at Westminster
Sage, a four-year-old female miniature poodle from Texas and handled by Kaz Hosaka is the first female dog to be named Best in Show since 2020. Hosaka will end his 45 year showing career with Sage’s win. The runner-up Reserve Best in Show went to a German Shepard. Source: Daily Paws, May 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Rural Media Group’s Patrick Gottsch passed away May 18, 2024
Patrick Gottsch, the founder and president of Rural Media Group, passed away May 18, 2024, at the age of 70. He was a champion of rural America, devoting more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table. Rural Media Group, Inc. is the parent company to RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel, and Rural Radio 147. Source: … [Read more...]