Snow and ice can cause ice balls to build up on horses’ hooves. Horse owners will appreciate this reminder when you share it on social media and in e-newsletters. When snow and ice get packed under a horse’s hoof, it warms up slightly against the sole, then freezes readily against the cold metal of the shoe. . . Walking on an uneven mass even for a short time can cause a … [Read more...]
Best animal photos of 2018
Even after more than 100 years of photographing the natural world for National Geographic, wildlife photographers are still capturing animals in ways they’ve never been seen before. Some of the best wildlife photos this year were of birds. Source: National Geographic. Link. Enjoy! … [Read more...]
Cat scooting causes and actions to take
Usually seen in dogs, cats also scoot or drag their butts on the ground. Jackie Brown addresses what causes the itchy posteriors and what to do about it. Source: Catster, December 21, 2018. Link. Brown discusses these reasons for cat scooting: WormsAllergiesAnal gland issues INSIGHTS: We would add poor backside grooming to the list. Consider this article for … [Read more...]
You need a plan, not just a resolution (includes video)
Julie Compton addresses the dynamics of resolutions and shares tips from author John Norcross: Plan ahead (but be realistic)Trigger rewards in your brainEliminate triggersRearrange your environmentGet social support Mess-ups are normal. They should strengthen, rather than hinder, your resolve. Source: Better, December 29, 2018. Link. Your brain forms habits around … [Read more...]
Ways 3D printing helped animals in 2018
From animal prosthetics to implants to even robotic assistance for bees, 3D printing has helped animals as much as it has helped people. Read standout stories from 2018 about how 3D printing has helped our animal friends to live their best lives. Source: 3D Print.com, December 24, 2018. Link. As 2019 progresses, there will undoubtedly be many more instances of 3D printing … [Read more...]
Crate reasoning
Nancy Kerns shares her experiences with dogs and crates during last year’s California Camp Fire. She further underscores the importance of crate training for all dogs. If for no other reason, teach your dog to be comfortable in a crate for emergencies. Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 2019. Link. . . . the dogs who obviously had experience in crates were far less … [Read more...]
The veterinarian’s holiday survival checklist
Cherie T. Buisson, DVM, CHPV, shares tips to avoid making the holidays more stressful than needed. This list works for all animal health pros. The holidays are always stressful, even for those of us who love them. Source: DRANDYROARK, December 7, 2018. Link. Here are a few tips to surviving all the cheer and chaos: Postpone Cut back Make it Take a break Keep it simple … [Read more...]
Raptor anesthesia
Jenna Larios, LVT, and Monica Madera, DVM, provide information required to understand some of the major considerations of raptor anesthetic protocols, analgesia, anatomy and physiology, and physical restraint. Overall, the approach to avian/raptor anesthesia differs from that of mammals though the principles remain the same. The major differences are in regard to the avian … [Read more...]
Drovers’ Top 10 Cow-Calf Stories of 2018
From anaplasmosis to low-stress animal handling and deworming to BQA requirements Sara, Brown gives us a look at the top cow-calf stories of this year. Source: Drover’s, December 13, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
DO NOT FEED NUTS to dogs
Pet owners frequently search "are peanuts safe for dogs?" Bottom line, certain types of nuts can cause poisonings, an upset stomach or an obstruction in a dog's gastrointestinal tract which can lead to life-saving surgery and unexpected veterinary expenses. According to Nationwide pet insurance, walnut poisoning is one of the most common claims for toxic … [Read more...]
Catios, one solution to the indoor/outdoor dilemma (includes video)
Catios are becoming a popular trend in feline enrichment and safety. Cat owners who wrestle with the indoor/outdoor dilemma can have the advantages of both worlds with a safe outdoor enclosure called a catio, or cat patio. Source: Modern Cat, December 5, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS:A variety of catio resources are available including DIY plans for those who want to … [Read more...]
Must-have chew toys
Animal health pros are frequently asked about the best toys for pets. Keep this article handy as a guide for helping dog owners ‘chews’ a toy or four for their dog(s). Consider posting it on social media or including it in an e-newsletter ahead of the Christmas holiday. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 10, 2018. Link. Here are some tips on selecting the best chew toys … [Read more...]
Vets offer holiday travel tips for pets and their owners
NinaZahn talked with Zoetis’ Dr. Daniel Edge, DVM, about holiday travel with pets. Share this article via social media or e-newsletter to help save an animal and its owner undue stress. In addition to your pet’s food and medications, this includes bringing medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other … [Read more...]
Let the sleeping dog lie
Catherine Ashe, DVM, discusses sleep in dogs. She notes the various influences on how much they sleep, as well as sleep patterns. She quotes one source who estimates that dogs sleep anywhere from 48 percent to 58 percent of the time. Her perspectives make good social media, e-newsletter and website content. The truth is, sleep varies dramatically between individual canines … [Read more...]
Myth: The liquid at the bottom of a meat package is blood (includes video)
If you’re working in the kitchen, you’re likely to hear something about the juice from packaged meat. Most of us have been taught that it is blood. Not so! But we still need to handle it with care. The liquid which can sometimes be found at the bottom of a meat package is what meat scientists call “purge,” is a combination of water and meat proteins that drain from meat. … [Read more...]
Your attention span is shrinking
Cognitive decline is real and can begin as young as age 45 even if you are healthy. Cynthia Green, PhD, offers advice for rebuilding our attention span and our ability to focus. Constantly switching between activities and attempting to multi-task (which no one is really good at) is exhausting for the brain, draining it of the energy needed to focus. Result: We make … [Read more...]
How often should I wash my office water bottle?
Susan Whittier, director of Columbia University’s Clinical Microbiology Lab said, “Water bottles and coffee mugs should be cleaned with soap and water at the end of each day. . .” She also recommends cleaning the mugs and bottles during the day, too. Source: Science of Us, November 27, 2018. Link. Keep the lid on as much as possible, to protect against the crumbling, moldy … [Read more...]
The silky, Milky, totally strange saga of the spider goat
This is not click bait! It’s a transgenic story of something that seems to be going right and a potential source of natural fibers that are stronger than Kevlar. The only outward difference between spider goats and your garden-variety ruminants is in their milk: It contains elements of golden orb spider silk. Source: Modern Farmer, September 2013. Link. This special silk is … [Read more...]
Why dogs slobber
Catherine Ashe, DVM, explains what drool is and why dogs do it. She also discusses normal and abnormal drool in a format that can be used on social media, in e-newsletters and with clients whose dogs slobber. Source: Whole Dog Journal, November 28, 2018. Link. Unfortunately, if you’ve adopted a large or giant breed dog with floppy lips, slobber is going to be a regular part … [Read more...]
Dry period: important phase for dairy cows
Anna Bradmueller and Donna M. Amaral-Phillips discuss the importance of managing dairy cows during the dry period. They provide good reminders for discussions with dairy producers. Source: Dairy Herd Management, November 26, 2018. Link. Drying off cows abruptly, administering veterinarian-recommended dry cow therapy, and using a teat sealant will help protect cows from … [Read more...]
Dairy how-to: pay attention to injection sites (educational video)
Even though dairy cows are raised for milk production, nearly all dairy animals end up in the beef supply chain at some point. That makes proper animal handling and drug administration important to avoid injection site lesions that can damage the carcass. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 20, 2018. Link. We want to try and do all of our injections in the neck,” says … [Read more...]
Diuretics help cats and dogs
Diuretics are useful in a number of clinical conditions to manipulate renal function and extracellular fluid volume and composition. David F. Senior, BVSc, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA reviews the classes of diuretics and their clinical use. The article provides a good review for veterinary hospital team members worthy of a lunch n’ learn discussion. Diuretics increase tubular … [Read more...]
Dog food: guidelines for how much and when
There is no universal dog feeding guide calculator, writes Melvin Peña. With more than half of U.S. dogs overweight or obese, it is important for dog owners to better understand some guidelines for how much to feed their four-legged friends. People have trouble making the distinction between need and desire for food . . . Source: Dogster, October 12, 2018. Link. Suggested … [Read more...]
More than backup needed for good computer security
There is no 100 percent guarantee to make computers and networks secure,. However, you can take steps to provide reasonable security, writes Joseph Axne. He offers seven areas to determine if your hospital or business has security gaps that need filling. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, December 2018/January 2019, page 8. Link. Using a layered approach to computer … [Read more...]
Celebrating animal health pros with thanks!
Our team at Animal Health Digest extends best wishes to animal health professionals, their families and friends for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. Through floods, hurricanes, fires, drought, growing disease concerns, expanding vector threats and advancing technologies, animal health pros continue to find ways to serve animals and animal owners. THANK … [Read more...]
Packing the perfect suitcase
We’re an industry on the go. Managing the amount of luggage you need is important and can be cost effective. Paring down can make travel more enjoyable. Your trip will be easier—and cheaper—if you take less and pack efficiently Source: Consumer Reports, November 1, 2018. Link. Follow these steps to pack your suitcase like a pro: Make a List—Strategically Pare Down … [Read more...]
5 wisdoms that rule the herd
Raising cattle happens in many different ways. Sarah Brown shares five rules of wisdom to keep in mind: Work with a good veterinarian and be fanatic about animal health. You get what you pay for Cull out the crazy cows Good fences make better neighbors Plan for tomorrow today. Source: Drovers, November 7, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider these five wisdoms … [Read more...]
6 tips for managing canine and feline diabetes
Even though diabetes is treatable, pet owners are asked to do a lot to manage their pet's disease, making communication with the veterinary team essential, writes David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM. He shares six ways you can help your clients manage their insulin-challenged pets. Source: DVM 360, November 18, 2018. Link. Explain the goals of therapy for diabetic pets. Go … [Read more...]
VetPartners; Benefits of a loyalty program
Managing the client churn rate is important to develop and maintain practice income. Loyalty programs can be effective retention vehicles. Existing customers have the potential to spend more. A lot more!” Stacee Santi, DVM Source: VetPartners Blog, October 11, 2018. Link. Not all loyalty programs are created equal, and if you aren't strategic about it, you can easily build a … [Read more...]
Feeding weed by-products to pigs
No! the pigs don’t get high but some say the market for legal cannabis by-products may add value to pork production. What I do taste is juicier pork, and a more resistant texture – there’s no mushiness involved.” Source: PORK, November 2, 2018. Link. Feeding byproducts of the legal marijuana industry is of interest to many in the pork industry,” says Anna Dilger, associate … [Read more...]