The American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group introduces the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Assistant Scribe online training programs. They are designed prepare learners for careers in veterinary medicine. Participants will gain insights about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets … [Read more...]
Search Results for: crib
New thinking and approaches to cribbing
Researchers still aren’t sure why some horses crib while others managed the same way do not. Most agree that horses do not adopt this behavior by mimicking others. The current thinking is that an individual horse might have a genetic predisposition to crib, but the behavior isn’t triggered until he is subjected to stressors related to his lifestyle, shares Heather … [Read more...]
Walmart offering free telehealth to Walmart+ subscribers
Walmart has partnered with Pawp to offer Walmart+ subscribers one year of free pet telehealth services. Through the program, pet owners receive unlimited access to veterinary professionals via video or text. NOTE: Although the limited-time offer began on May 23, with Walmart+ subscribers having until November 19th to opt in, our AHD team was unable to get opt-in access … [Read more...]
New thinking about cribbing
Also called wind sucking, cribbing is a stereotypy, a repetitive, compulsive activity that serves no purpose for a horse and it poses health risks. Current thinking is that an individual horse might have a genetic predisposition to crib, but the behavior isn’t triggered until he is subjected to stressors related to his lifestyle. Source: EQUUS, July 20, 2021. Link. Horses … [Read more...]
IVPA members join AHD subscribers
Beginning in January 2021, the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association will share the weekly Animal Health Digest Bulletin with its members. The IVPA represents more than 300 independent veterinarians who provide and lead professional animal health services in their communities. As is similar with other industries, the IPVA believes veterinary clients should have … [Read more...]
Myths and truths of equine cribbing
Several factors that seem to contribute to acquiring a cribbing habit, says Tina Steward, DVM. Such as: Dietary lack of roughage Diet of sweetened feeds Long periods without feed Emotional and physical stress Genetic, heritable traits Lots of forage and friends are the best management tools for cribbers and cribbing prevention. Source: Dressage Today, … [Read more...]
Awkward doesn’t even begin to describe it
IF you talk to veterinary team members very long you’ll eventually hear about awkward situations they frequently encounter. The FIRSTLINE team gathered a few of these stories for this article. For salespersons and new clinic colleagues, stories like these are great icebreakers. To get a conversation started ask, “What happened this week that was awkward and challenging to … [Read more...]
New thinking about cribbing
Most owners want to stop their horses from cribbing. This is easier said than done. Cribbing has been a challenge for centuries with no known reason for this behavior. The horse places his upper teeth firmly on a hard object---be it a fence, stall door, water trough, or anything he can reach---pulls back, arches his neck, and gulps air into the upper part of his esophagus with … [Read more...]
Curbing cribbing in horses
Cribbing is a compulsive behavioral disorder in which a horse habitually bites down on a horizontal surface with its incisors and sucks in air, often making a grunting or gulping noise. Interventions address concerns that cribbing wears down the incisors and is linked to issues of unthriftiness, poor performance, dental issues, gas colic and strangulating lesions such as … [Read more...]
Compounded, DVM Rx treatment for FIP now available in United States and Canada AHD Staff
Stokes Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy, started selling a compounded prescription treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) on June 1. This allows veterinarians to prescribe medication for their patients and hopefully carry small amounts of the compounded drug on their shelves so that their sick patients can start treatment immediately. Source: AAHA NEWStat, June 5, … [Read more...]
A look into acidosis and liver abcesses
Liver abscesses are nothing new to beef packers, but the condition is more common in crossbreds. The incidence is rising in native and dairy-influenced cattle. There is not one clear cause of liver abscesses. However, it is widely accepted that they are more common in animals that experience ruminal acidosis, according to Kendall L. Samuelson, PhD, PAS. Samuelson describes … [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...]
Whisker fatigue in cats: what it is and how to help (video)
Because a cat’s whiskers are constantly transmitting information, there’s a theory that this can lead to whisker fatigue, writes Sarah Wooten, DVM. She explains the situations that lead to whisker fatigue and behaviors that can indicate a cat is getting sensory overload. It is thought that contact with everyday items can lead to whisker fatigue, particularly food and water … [Read more...]
Asian longhorned tick now in 19 states
Asian longhorned ticks, described by USDA as “invasive pests that post a serious risk to livestock,” are now in 19 states. The CDC says that ALT have been found in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West … [Read more...]
Top 5 uses for gabapentin in dogs and cats (podcast)
A survey of clinicians found that gabapentin use in veterinary medicine is similar to use in human medicine; 69 percent of respondents indicated they prescribe gabapentin on a daily or weekly basis, most commonly for acute and chronic pain (extra-label). Rebecca Reader, DVM, DACVAA, reviews her top five recommended uses for gabapentin based on mechanism of action and physiology … [Read more...]
CDC’s new HeatRisk tool
The CDC and National Weather Service have teamed up to roll out two experimental tools nationwide that will help public health officials and citizens to better prepare for dangerous heat: HeatRisk Dashboard and HeatRisk Forecast. Given the challenges heat brings to livestock production and companion animal safety, these tools can help animal health pros stay safe and more … [Read more...]
The AAFP and ISFM release new guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats
The 2024 ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines on the Long-term Use of NSAIDs in Cats from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine supports practitioners with decision-making around prescribing NSAIDs in situations of chronic pain to minimize adverse effects and optimize pain management for their feline patients. The … [Read more...]
Sedating horses for hoof care
Commercial Content Dr. Holly Helbig, a Zoetis veterinarian, detailed how to administer Dormosedan Gel orally for minor, non-painful procedures to be done on an anxious horse during the recent Zoetis Hoof-Care Product Knowledge Clinic. Some of the common uses of Dorm Gel besides shoeing are sheath cleaning, mane pulling, body clipping, hair trimming, bandage changes or … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 28, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 21, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 21st AHD Bulletin – AAFP updates position statements on the responsible breeding and indoor/outdoor lifestyle of cats. Link. Silent communication. Link. No excuses to skip prevention with cash cattle markets nearing historic highs. Link. … [Read more...]
Covetrus® adds next-generation, online prescription management solution to VetSuite
According to a recent Covetrus study, practices can double revenue and profitability by offering clients the convenience of in-clinic plus online pharmacies. This capability is important as consumers increasingly expect convenient ways to buy pet medicines and products. Covetrus vRxPro™ represents an evolution of the company’s current prescription management offering. It is … [Read more...]
The first insulin-producing cow could mean a new era in insulin production for diabetics
A new Biotechnology Journal study describes the development of the insulin-producing cow, a proof-of-concept achievement that could be scaled up after additional testing and FDA approval. “The study’s goal was to make proinsulin, purify it out to insulin and go from there, said Matthew B. Wheeler, PhD, but the cow processed it herself. She makes about three to one biologically … [Read more...]
How cats see the world. Let’s review.
Paul Miller, DVM, DACVO, explains how cat vision works, from the way they see the world to how it shapes their behavior. Like dogs, cats are red-green color blind. Their night vision is about 5.5 to 7 times better than humans in dim light but humans are more than 10 times better at detecting motion in daylight. Miller shares some signs of eye problems in cats owners may notice … [Read more...]
AVMA, AAEP release veterinary team, client relationship resource for equine practitioners
The newly released Effective Equine Care Guide outlines and describes complementary behaviors veterinary teams and clients can expect from one another to drive mutual trust and respect by building an inclusive environment for the best care of horses. Setting clear expectations on both sides, the single-page guide outlines matching expectations for veterinary teams and … [Read more...]
Could dogs have ADHD?
Many problem behaviors in dogs are anxiety-related, but some appear due to inattention or hyperactivity, says Deirdre V. Lovecky, PhD. She presents ADHD-like behaviors in two articles here using her own dog as an example. Rating scales and other methods of assessment that can help determine canine ADHD are included. Source: Psychology Today. Link. In part one, the literature … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
2024’s top farmers are not your grandad’s farmers
Commitment, flexibility, risk-taking and tech-savvy are words that describe progressive farmers in the 21 century. Outstanding Farmers of America chose four farm couples as next-gen leaders in agriculture. Source: Missouri Ruralist, February 20, 2024. Link. Commentary: Animal health pros must remember the state of agriculture and what is going on outside citified … [Read more...]
“Enshittification” is coming for absolutely everything
Providing a somewhat off-color, but witty read, the person who coined the phrase "enshittification," offers a commentary. Cory Doctorow explains what his phrase describes, the circumstances in society that enabled it to happen and what can be done to reverse it. Source: Financial Times, February 7, 2024. Link. There are four constraints that prevent enshittification: … [Read more...]
Disposing of dead poultry
Ann Accetta-Scott shares the importance of biosecurity when disposing of birds that have died due to disease or illness. Acknowledging geographic differences in laws, she describes burying, burning, off-site incineration, landfill and composting methods of disposal. This topic is especially relevant with the current prevalence of avian influenza infections. . . . proper dead … [Read more...]
Dealing with drug-resistant hookworms
ICYMI. Drug-resistant hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) are now widespread in dogs across the United States and have been identified in Canada. Hookworm anthelmintic resistance is no longer limited to a single antimicrobial. It has been documented for several common deworming drugs, including fenbendazole and febantel (benzimidazoles), macrocyclic lactones, avermectin/milbemycin … [Read more...]
Mutt mail. Subscription boxes for dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content The number of pet subscription boxes filled with items curated by pet loving marketers continues to grow. The Happy Puppy Tips team shares a few options in this article. Our AHD office dog, Li’l Buddy, is a benefactor of a family member who subscribes to one of these services for their Golden Retriever. A new toy or two comes home after every … [Read more...]