Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and other veterinary colleges are working to educate future veterinarians to be better stewards of planetary health. A focus on environmental issues is closely aligned with elements of climate change and veterinarians can make a positive impact, writes Robin Ferruggia. We’re looking at how … [Read more...]
Are we really busy enough to hire? (podcast)
Eric Garcia and Andy Roarke, DVM, discuss management adjustments versus the need for hiring in veterinary practices in this podcast. They question if practices are truly understaffed or if the desire to hire is to offset by non-managed inefficiencies. They explore ways to increase operational efficiencies and where technology can improve practice management. Source: Cone of … [Read more...]
Rats don’t care about property lines
Chickens are messy eaters. This creates a tempting smorgasbord for rodents, explains Maureen Mackey. She shares ways to reduce rat problems around chickens, tips from experts, coop construction advice and reminds us that they can carry serious diseases, including salmonella and leptospirosis. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 2021. Link. Rats rarely go beyond 300 feet of … [Read more...]
Strategies to help manage cognitive decline in senior dogs (video)
Like people, older dogs can show signs of age-related cognitive decline, shares Jerry Klein, DVM. With a growing population of senior dogs, combining diet, physical exercise and behavioral enrichment can help combat cognitive decline and the more serious cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Source: AKC, August 28, 2024. Link. Any time an animal shows noticeable changes to his … [Read more...]
FDA – defining VCPR, including telemedicine
The FDA recently published a Q&A page about federal requirements related to a veterinarian’s role in dispensing prescription animal drugs and establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in the course of practice. The page only covers the veterinarian’s obligations under federal law. Consult state licensing boards to determine if there are additional requirements … [Read more...]
Largest cattle feedlot in Nebraska to begin taking feeders later this month
Blackshirt Feeders is almost ready to take feeder cattle and meet the scrutiny head-on. Promoted as a “beyond a state-of-the-art” feedlot, it is anchored with a rolled, compacted concrete base to reduce odors and flies. It is designed to be easier to clean and eventually allow the tons of manure to be used by biodigesters to produce methane. Developers were required to retire … [Read more...]
Overcoming transit stress in feedlot cattle
Calves transported long distances can exhibit muscle fatigue and oxidative stress, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants that can ultimately cause cell and tissue damage, shares Stephanie Hansen, PhD. Her Iowa State University research team is investigating the role of trace minerals and vitamins in cattle health and welfare during long-haul transit. Vitamin C and … [Read more...]
Eyeworm emergence in cats, dogs in the U.S.
Muscoid flies like the house fly and stable fly, along with drosophilid flies like fruit flies, can transmit eye worm nematodes in the genus Thelazia. Many eyeworm species have been identified in the United States in dogs, wildlife, horses and cattle. Heather D.S. Walden, MS, PhD, shares the discovery of Thelazia callipaeda infections in cats and explains the importance of … [Read more...]
The prevalence and diagnosis of feline heartworm infection
It is estimated that feline heartworm infection prevalence is five percent to 20 percent of the canine infection prevalence in the same area. The authors review the challenges of diagnosing feline heartworm infections, the differences in life cycle and clinical aspects of feline heartworm infection versus dog heartworm infection. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, … [Read more...]
Allergy season, real or not?
Many things cause dogs to be pruritic that may not be a true allergy. Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds us that a pet can be allergic to anything, even hypoallergenic products. He suggests groomers can play a major role in minimizing or preventing conditions often considered allergies by focusing on repairing the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier is an amazing thing and often the … [Read more...]
New guidance for AMR gram-negative infections
Actions by our human counterparts affect how antimicrobials are considered in animal health and, therefore, become relevant for animal health pros. The Infectious Diseases Society of America recently updated guidance for treating antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative infections <Link>. The guidance updated recommendations for treating pathogens that cause various … [Read more...]
Insights on how avian flu crosses the species barrier
A new study from the Cusack group at EMBL Grenoble and published in the journal Nature Communications, sheds light on the different mutations that the avian influenza virus can undergo to be able to replicate in mammalian cells. Significant biological differences between birds and mammals normally prevent avian influenza from spreading from birds to other species. To infect … [Read more...]
Wildlife decision tree helps clinic staff deal with wildlife properly
As humans encroach on wildlife habitats, the likelihood of human and wild animal interactions, planned or not, continues to increase. The AVMA resources shared here provide veterinary clinic teams with a unified approach, including the importance of safety. Be sure to view the decision tree algorithm and fill in local contact information as shown <Link>. The form is … [Read more...]
Renting dairy cow uteruses, a possible new frontier for beef cattle show stock breeders
Proving that livestock producers are forward thinkers, Maureen Hanson shares an embryo surrogacy project that may help develop more revenue for a dairy and provide a dam for beef embryos sitting in tanks. Source: Drovers, August 9, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted a number of potential benefits from this collaboration, including synchronization of many cows together, … [Read more...]
Why equine disease reporting varies between states
Some equine diseases trigger alerts in some states but aren't reported at all in others, writes Leslie Barlow. She shares why disease reporting can be confusing including the alphabet soup of organizations involved in determining what to report or not. Barlow manages communications at the Equine Disease Communication Center. Source: The Paulick Report, August 20, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
West Nile Virus now a permanent U.S. resident
Until late summer 1999, few American horse owners had heard of West Nile virus. The story of how it was found, spread, monitored and prevented is worth reviewing. Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, writes the 25-year story of WNV in the U.S. in the feature linked here. Understanding the history informs our current situation as CDC data indicates 48 states and the District of Columbia … [Read more...]
How to gauge a company’s culture before accepting a job
Christine Korol, PhD, reminds us that job interviews are a two-way street. As much as the company is evaluating you, it is critical you are also evaluating whether this company is a good match for you. Her article shares good reminders of how to prepare for an interview and gain knowledge of the company with the position available. Source: Psychology Today, August 22, 2024. … [Read more...]
The puzzle of personality: who are you, really?
Human personality pioneer in the study of well-being, Brian R. Little, PhD, dissects the surprising differences between introverts and extroverts. He then explains why your personality may be more malleable than you think. You’ll enjoy his TED talk and maybe gain some perspective about yourself, a colleague, friend or client. Source: TED, February 2016. Link. [15:06] We’re … [Read more...]
5 key voluntary benefits on the rise in 2025
Voluntary benefits, which can span from disability coverage to gym memberships, are valued by employees and employers, experts say. With open enrollment around the corner, Dawn Kawamoto shares popular voluntary benefits noting their importance in retaining diverse, five-generation workers. Pet insurance was named in the five benefits highlighted. Source: Human Resource … [Read more...]
33 Pet companies make list of fastest-growing businesses in the U.S.
A broad range of pet businesses made Inc. 5000’s list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. They include corporate and group practices, nutrition companies and service providers. Consider reviewing what these companies are doing, providing and manufacturing. Many of the trends we see every week are reflected in their growth. Source: Pet Product News, August … [Read more...]
5 silent revenue drains and ways to plug them
Janine Malloy shares ways practices lose revenue in booking, serving and billing clients. The drains she presents become more problematic when staff members are not on the same page. Missed charges and no-shows remain a significant challenge, especially if the hospital is short-staffed. Source: DVM360, August 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
As PRRS-resistant pigs are introduced, producer urges caution, transparency
Iowa pork producer Mike Paustian, PhD, wants to avoid potential fallout that has accompanied other genetically modified pig introductions. He says the need to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and how to effectively implement this advancement within the pork industry is paramount before asking consumers to accept it. Only then can the industry help them understand how … [Read more...]
Reducing dairy emissions starts with manure
Stockpiled manure is typically spread in the spring and summer, but experts are urging dairy producers to find ways to get manure out in the summer. Deborah Jeanne Sergeant shares recommendations from experts to help reduce greenhouse gases from manure, curtail methane production and adjust diets to lower emissions. Manure and the gases that come from it represent 52 percent … [Read more...]
Equine PTSD: Dealing with trauma-induced behaviors in horses
A lot of traumatic things that can happen to a horse. Whether a trailer accident, a predator encounter or poor handling, these events lead to behaviors similar to post-traumatic stress disorder in humans. The author explains the process of dealing with the triggers, resulting behaviors and therapeutic approaches for veterinarians and horse owners as they intervene to help … [Read more...]
54 pet product manufacturers, service providers earn 2024 Pet Innovation Awards
The Pet Innovation Awards Program highlights the most innovative companies, services and products in the highly competitive pet care industry. The awards encompass a range of pet care industry categories, including apparel, grooming and cleaning, food and treats, health, housing, toys, training, retailers and services. Source: Pet Product News, August 2024. Link. The 2024 … [Read more...]
Study: Humans age dramatically at two key points in their life
Scientists have discovered that aging is not gradual or linear, and that humans age dramatically at two key points in their life in two accelerated bursts: first at the age of 44, and then again at 60. The study found decreases in the ability to metabolize caffeine and alcohol at 40 and again at 60. Analysis on separate male and female datasets found similar results suggesting … [Read more...]
The 5 sleep languages and sleep restlessness
We’ve shared sleep-related articles in Animal Health Digest <Link> before, especially since rest and sleep are essential to function fully and support emotional health. Julia Diddy’s article on the five sleep languages caught our attention, as did the information from The Sleep Foundation. While there may be plenty of time to sleep when you die, improving the value of … [Read more...]
Where confidence comes from and how to build more of it
Rebekah Brandes says, “Fake it ‘til you make it,” is a likely answer to building confidence but not sustainable. She reviews possible sources of self-efficacy, mastery, relationships and learning something new, including references from confidence experts. Source: Nice News, August 17, 2024. Link. Although it can be uncomfortable to try something new and expand our circles … [Read more...]
Seek to understand workflows before you pivot
Implementing a major change to a business used to happen once every five or 10 years, but with advancements in artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty and digital transformation, businesses must adapt much more frequently, writes Mike Chisholm. He shares the importance of understanding workflows, realizing the bottom-line significance of frontline employees and the value … [Read more...]
Considerations for cow bedding
Waterbeds for cows always conjures a comical mental image. But, considering dairy cows will rest in a lying position 14 or more hours per day <Link>, choosing the best bedding is an important decision for dairy producers. Amber Adams Progar reviews the pros and cons of different bedding types in this article. Source: Progressive Dairy, June 12, 2024. Link. Related: … [Read more...]