Dog cloning is no longer science fiction. While cloning can duplicate genetics of one dog in another dog, there’s no guarantee of an exact copy. Cloning may become more accessible and affordable . . . but just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Source: Animal Wellness, October 31, 2024. Link. Image credit: The Guardian … [Read more...]
The importance of self-awareness and how to improve if you’re not
Tasha Eurich, PhD, defines self-awareness as “the ability to see ourselves clearly — to understand who we are, how others see us, and how we fit into the world around us.” Being in tune with yourself is especially important when it comes to your relationships with others. In the article here, Rebekah Brandes shares the whys of self-awareness and steps to improve if you’re … [Read more...]
Microinteractions and their cumulative impact on workplace success
Microinteractions refer to the daily subtle exchanges between colleagues, managers and staff, writes Dylan Taylor. They can significantly impact a company’s culture, practicality and overall success. Though brief, microinteractions can carry the weight of a company’s culture. Microinteractions, when handled thoughtfully, create a continuous feedback loop that reinforces … [Read more...]
Dealing with unconscious biases when hiring
Everyone carries implicit biases and they impact recruiting and hiring, shares Roy Mauer. He offers assertions from two inclusion and diversity experts who spoke during a recent conference. Bias is your own internal algorithm, based on assumptions and associations. Implicit bias does not mean being racist. Everyone has biases . . . The question is, how do you recognize it, and … [Read more...]
Weaning calves. Art or science?
There are some basic principles and practices that will give calves the best chance at navigating the weaning process, writes Zeb Gray. Whether done abruptly or gradually, he recommends producers define what their goals are beyond just separating cow and calf in the weaning process. He emphasizes the importance of a veterinary relationship considering any new antibiotic … [Read more...]
Fresh cows run a daily marathon
Three weeks before and three weeks after calving, dairy cows experience massive changes in nutrient and micromineral demands. An energy deficit is common in this period and cows struggle to take in more energy than they deplete. Jessica McArt, DVM, compares this energy challenge to marathon runners in this article. Her analogy might help explain the effects of transition to a … [Read more...]
Veterinarian shares what to know about splint bone injuries
Popped splints, or exostosis of the metacarpal or metatarsal bones, are a common finding in working and pastured horses alike. In this article, Fred Nostrant, DVM, discusses what horse owners should know about splint injuries. Consider his article for social media posts, newsletters and information for horse enthusiast groups. Source: The Horse, October 30, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
A fresh perspective on horse expenses
Complimentary, includes Commercial Content A recent study completed by Synchrony noted horse owners spend three to four times more than they initially estimated. Karen Hopper Usher provides a realistic overview of horse costs, where the expenses are derived and the importance of planning for expected and unexpected expenses. Source: The Horse. Link. In addition to … [Read more...]
Cannabis product use in cats, dogs in the U. S.
Understanding how pet owners think and use cannabis products gives animal health pros a look at their motivations for and perceptions of cannabis-derived product use. Whether treats, chews and oil-based tinctures are used, Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM, CVCH, emphasizes that using correct terminology is essential. CBD is not synonymous with cannabis; CBD is one of the 150 … [Read more...]
What do all those ‘biotics’ do?
Microbiome researchers have learned that microbiome health likely plays a key role in the overall health of pets. Veterinarians and pet owners can choose a probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic or postbiotic, but knowing which bug or brand is a good choice is difficult. The GI microbiome is a complex ecosystem, writes Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM, in this article. She shares some of … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat
Thanksgiving weekend is infamous in the veterinary world for causing a spike in pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea. Kate Basedow, LVT, reminds dog owners to use moderation and lists of Thanksgiving foods dog can share, to coach guest and restrict access to the cornucopia of foods available. Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 29, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: While pet owners … [Read more...]
Where North Americans shop online
U.S. consumers made 94.3 percent of the $1.170 trillion in online purchases by North American shoppers in 2023. Studying the Top 50, Digital 360 says incumbents face significant challenges from store-based retailers selling online, as well as marketplaces. Sales for the Top 50 online shopping sites grew by 10.4 percent in 2023. Source: Digital 360, October 22, 2024. … [Read more...]
More Gen Xers and Baby Boomers returning to school more than ever before
An increasing number of college students aren't kids anymore; they're older, writes Professor Lisa Chilcote Bacco. She shares how teaching and guiding this cohort requires a different approach that optimizes the life experiences of the older students. Bacco describes crystalized knowledge as a "superpower" that older students use in the classroom. It is a vast mental library … [Read more...]
Laser therapy’s many uses in small animal practice
As year-end approaches, some practices consider making capital expenditures on equipment. Lasers may be a good choice. Two recent articles, which include photos, share when, where and how to use lasers in various veterinary practice settings. Jason B. Pieper DVM, MS, DACVD, shares how CO2 lasers are used in veterinary dermatology. Michael C. Petty, DVM, asserts the benefits … [Read more...]
Signs of back pain in horses
A horse’s back changes with age. In the article here, Barb Crabbe, DVM, teaches about a horse’s back and how to keep it healthy as he ages. She begins with an overview of back anatomy and then describes the most commonly diagnosed back problems. Back problems are difficult to diagnose in horses and challenging to treat. Source: Horse and Rider, December 4, 2023. Link. You … [Read more...]
It may be fall, but mosquitoes are still buzzing
While fall tends to reduce mosquito populations, days above 50oF will prompt activity by those genera that hibernate. Emily Singler, VMD, says the uptick of heartworm-positive cases in unusual locations makes educating and encouraging clients about year-round heartworm prevention more important than ever. Source: AAHA NEWStat, April 9, 2024. Link. Related: 10 cases of … [Read more...]
WSU veterinary chaplain is one of few
There are few university veterinary chaplains, but Scott Cambell is the nondenominational chaplain at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His role reflects a growing recognition of the grief associated with a pet’s death and the toll veterinary care can take on people in the profession. He visits with clients, attends euthanasia proceedings and … [Read more...]
Infection control, prevention and biosecurity. Is your plan current?
AAHA’s Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines have been available since 2018. Having an ICPB plan is critical to ensure the safety of pets, pet owners and clinic staff. A lot has happened in the six years since the guidelines were published, making updating any current plans important. Emily Singler, VMD, reviews the steps to create an effective ICPB and its … [Read more...]
Dairy biosecurity starts with mentality change
Biosecurity consultant Dan Hougentogler shares the challenges of improving biosecurity practices on dairies, especially those with multiple species on the farm. One of the bigger issues is to get producers to take biosecurity seriously. Source: American Agriculturist, October 21, 2024. Link. Changing the mentality is really about managing people to reduce our potential for … [Read more...]
Study shows dead animal disposal practices can put swine farms at PRRS risk
“When it comes to dead animal handling, we know what we should do, but we aren’t able to do it adequately,” shared Igor Paploski, PhD, referencing discoveries from a study evaluating dead animal disposal practices and the associated risk of PRRS. The article offers tips for producers to minimize the risk of disease spread from dead animal handling practices. Farms that perform … [Read more...]
Cattle traceability rule set to take effect November 5th
Cattle ranchers and dairy farmers will be required to use electronic identification for their cows in certain cases under a disease traceability rule set to take effect November 5, 2024. Producers have long expressed concerns about cost and data privacy. In May, Congress approved $15 million to help producers comply with the rule and farms can receive electronic tags for free … [Read more...]
Leave the leaves!
Leaves, brush piles, fallen logs, plant stems and flower heads might not be growing anymore, but they aren’t trash. They are natural homes that support pollinators and other invertebrates and provide them with the shelter they need to survive the winter. Source: Xerces Society, October 5, 2024. Link. The authors share tips for autumn cleanup that still leaves space for … [Read more...]
Water-soaked hay improved asthma in horses
Hay and bedding are a common source of airborne particles in horse barns. In a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, researchers found that soaking hay with water before feeding was effective in reducing the clinical signs of asthma. To be effective, a specific protocol must be followed. The hay must be soaked for 45 minutes and any dried hay that … [Read more...]
Research: Cushing’s treatment improves quality of life, but does not prolong life
Research by Hal Schott, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, provides evidence that long-term treatment of PPID with pergolide, an oral medication, over a period of five years or greater produced clinical improvement in nearly all affected horses. His study examined 15 PPID positive horses over 9.5 years, with seven of those receiving a dosage increase from years 1.7 to 4.7. His research showed … [Read more...]
3 reasons pet owners stop feeding raw meat-based dog food
Research on why pet owners stop feeding raw diets revealed these main reasons: Gastrointestinal intolerance The onset of disease Lack of interest from the dog in eating raw food Source: PETFOOD Industry, October 16, 2024. Link. Upon discontinuing RMBDs, 65 percent of owners switched to dry food, followed by wet food (44 percent) and home-cooked diets (26 percent). … [Read more...]
Prioritize these 5 self-care habits
Taking care of yourself regularly is important for success, whether you run a store, serve clients or host a podcast, writes Joey Wilder. The tendency to focus on work, forgetting about self-care is problematic whether one is an entrepreneur or a professional. With the holidays approaching, his business boundaries comments are good counsel. Source: Entrepreneur, October 16, … [Read more...]
Pet industry adapts to economic challenges, new trends
The pet industry has become accustomed to steady, consistent growth at high levels throughout the range of products and services offered. Richard Kestenbaum says that's over. There will still be growth, but it will be more choppy and more selective. Certain product classes will grow. Others will shrink. Certain marketing channels will be an opportunity. Others not. Consumers … [Read more...]
Preventing inflammation in transition cows
Barry Bradford, PhD, recommends sound transition cow management steps to prevent acute inflammation. This article is a good reference when working with dairy producers and their herd teams. His five steps are: Manage body condition score Transition cow housing Antioxidants Anionic diets Tweaking immunity/inflammation: remember, the use of NSAIDs to treat … [Read more...]
Facial recognition app recognizes cow from 50 feet
Complimentary Commercial Content 406 Bovine leverages facial recognition technology to create ‘digital twins’ of cattle, enabling producers to pull up wellness, movement and treatment data by simply taking a photo of their animals’ heads. Source: Dairy Reporter, July 22, 2024. Link. RFD TV, August 15, 2024. Link. Video [13:13] Facial recognition is the newest form of … [Read more...]
Key technologies revolutionizing the dairy farm
Automation, robotics and AI in dairy farming are taking off. As sustainability, efficiency and consumer transparency become more critical, technological advancements targeting automation, data decision-making, animal welfare and more shape the future of modern dairies. It’s a game changer, writes Andrew Hunt. Source: The Bullvine, October 10, 2024. Link. Key … [Read more...]