Congratulations to the NAVC team for its success with its first VMX. The attendee summary shows solid improvement in the ratio of exhibitors to conference attendees. The theme, Your Education. Your Experience. Your Conference. is apparent in the VMX video which offers a flavor of the event. For veterinary team members, the educational opportunity was further enhanced by the … [Read more...]
CDC begs people to stop cuddling chickens
More people are now getting salmonella for reasons we’ve noted on AHD multiple times: showing too much love for their backyard chickens. Last year, 23 percent of the people who reported contracting salmonella from homegrown fowl had recently kissed their chickens (seven percent) or snuggled them (16 percent), shares Dr. Megin Nichols. Nichols investigates salmonella and E. coli … [Read more...]
Beware the whites of K-9 eyes
Wide, bulging eyes that show the whites of dogs’ eyes is a behavior referred to as whale eyes. Jill Breitner explains whale eyes are a sign of fear that shouldn't be ignored. Source: Dogster, January 23, 2018. If you even think you see whale eyes, err on the side of caution. Stop what you’re doing, assess the situation and proceed to redirect the dog to something else to … [Read more...]
10 human foods dogs can eat
Rose Frosek shares healthful people foods that can be shared, guilt-free, with dogs. This list can be used on social media, in newsletters and websites. Who knows? Maybe, if the dog eats green veggies, so will the children. Source: Modern Dog. Remember that treats and other additions to your dog’s regular meal should comprise no more than 10 percent of their daily intake. … [Read more...]
AAEP publishes updated infectious disease guidelines
Most of the changes in existing guidelines highlight updated sampling and control measures. The AAEP’s Infectious Disease Committee also amended suspected case guidelines for respiratory, neurologic and clostridial diarrhea to outline appropriate actions and steps for suspected cases, along with several resource documents for sampling and equine herpesvirus. Additionally, … [Read more...]
Animal Health Digest receives Bronze VETTY Award
Our AHD team is pleased to be recognized with a 2018 Bronze VETTY in the category of Digital Education Tool, B2B/Trade. The VETTYS are the first and only animal health marketing awards competition created by NAVC. The competition focuses on products and services available through veterinarians or that support the veterinary profession, including pharmaceuticals, pet foods, … [Read more...]
Kitten knowledge makes things easier on them and you
Two articles address the topic of dealing with kittens that are frequently found on our doorsteps. Consider the perspectives as you answer questions from those who wish to save an abandoned litter or adopt a new kitten. For would-be cat owners, this information can be new and helpful. Source: What You Should Do If You Find A Kitten. Modern Cat. I hadn’t realized that … [Read more...]
8 fun scent games dogs love
Smell is the most powerful sense dogs possess. It is fully developed at birth. Dogs have up to 300 million sensors compared to six million in humans. The part of the dog brain that analyzes smells is 40 times bigger in dogs than humans. As pet owners, we frequently forget to include scent games as part of activities with our animals. Steve Duno shares some that owners can play … [Read more...]
5 signs of canine boredom
Rather than whine around the house complaining there’s nothing to do, dogs who stay at home alone sometimes decide to amuse themselves with activities that are not funny to their owners. Teoti Anderson share five signs of dog boredom that are easily shared on websites or social media. Source: Modern Dog. Anderson shares five typical signs of dog boredom, as well as what … [Read more...]
VMX 2018 was no small undertaking
Almost as if produced by Disney, the VMX conference is certainly XXX-sized. So are the smiles of participants and exhibitors as both seemed willing to engage. The only drawback of a large footprint venue is that many participants are not ready for the amount of walking required. You know the tradeshow is huge when golf carts are used on main thoroughfares to transport attendees … [Read more...]
Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in the books
More than 7,500 cattlemen and cattlewomen blazed a trail to Phoenix last week for the 121st annual 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Including the 25th anniversary of Cattlemen’s College and the learning experiences that go with it, BQA and environmental stewardship awards were also presented. Throughout the event, new acquaintances were made and friendships were … [Read more...]
Back-to-back conventions offer learning and conversation opportunities
Convention season is here. Many industry personnel will be crisscrossing the country for convention activities, continuing education, customer interactions or group meetings aligned with the events. The same is true for AHD team members. Rick Purnell, AHD editor will join AHD founder/president, Kirk Augustine at the Cattle Industry Convention and Trade show January 31 … [Read more...]
3 reasons why you should bring your dog to work
Richard Moran discusses dogs at work in the context of them being good for our health. He speculates on the ups and downs of packs of dogs roaming a workplace compared to the hypothesis that dogs and work are a good combination and could lead to a happier and more productive culture. Perhaps love from a dog could help make the job better and make you more … [Read more...]
Alexander Hamilton’s deep advice
Alexander Hamilton sent his son Philip the following letter in 1800. It laid out a set of rules that Philip should follow to make the most out of his legal training after his graduation from college. Impractical in society today? Maybe. But it is worthy of consideration for our children and for ourselves. Note the focus Monday through Friday and the weekend freedom from … [Read more...]
Vets must be part of decision to use supplements to help cats with arthritis
Arthritis is inevitable as cats’ life expectancy increases. In one study, researchers analyzed X-rays of the spines and limbs of 100 middle-aged or elderly cats living in U.S. homes. The images revealed that 90 percent of those cats over the age of 12 showed radiographic signs of arthritis. A variety of over-the-counter nutraceuticals have gained widespread popularity for … [Read more...]
46th annual Iowa Pork Congress sells out (slide show)
Iowa Pork Congress, one of the first livestock events of year takes place annually. The activities and seminars address the issues of the pork market, production challenges and often set the tone for the upcoming year. Among the notable topics Cheryl Day highlights are: Are we manure poor? Increasing the Pork Checkoff rate Trade and exports Pork and table fare … [Read more...]
An ounce of prevention helps foals
“The first six months of a foal’s life have the greatest impact on his athletic ability and monetary value,” Amy Jergens, DVM, says. “Yet this stage is largely ignored, leading to a significant number of deaths and avoidable complications.” Source: Western Horseman. Jergens shares information in the following areas of early foal care: The first exam Instilling … [Read more...]
How to fly with cats
Catnip addresses air travel with felines and offers tips to help make this experience as worry-free as possible. The most important things are to plan ahead and arrive early at the airport on travel day. Source: Tufts Catnip, March 2017. Airlines have a wide range of different policies concerning cats traveling in the cabin, so it is essential to contact the carrier well in … [Read more...]
Before running a photo contest
Many veterinary hospitals and retailers promote pet photography. Some of these photos are used in files and some end up on bulletin boards or social media. Jeff Wignall offers tips on taking adorable pet photos in this article. Pet owners will appreciate getting these, along with a photo contest announcement via social media, websites and newsletters. Source: BottomLine Inc, … [Read more...]
Ex-racehorses are not for beginners (includes video)
Just for fun! Nick Bull’s video of his runaway experience with an ex-racehorse underscores the reality that thoroughbreds retired from racing may not make the best horse for a novice rider. Source: Horse Network, March 2017. Retired racehorses are not for everyone. While thoroughbreds are some of the most willing and loyal partners on the planet, at the core they are … [Read more...]
Lack of sleep can make you sick
Researchers believe that improving sleep habits could help reverse conditions influenced by disrupted sleep schedules, such as insomnia. The article shares the top six damaging side effects caused by lack of sleep: Sleep disorder Low vitamin D Weight gain High triglycerides High cholesterol Source: University Health News, January 17, 2018. Our circadian … [Read more...]
Cesar: Your dog is an addict
Our brains and our dogs’ brains have been designed to reward us for experiences that release certain chemicals that make us feel good. Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, dogs and humans return to those experiences for the pleasure we get. Cesar discusses unhealthy habits and how to address them with our canine companions. Source: Cesar’s Way, January 21, … [Read more...]
Ideas for cats who won’t eat
Finicky cats were made famous by 9 Lives’ spokescat Morris in the 1970s. JaneA Kelley offers some tips for getting today’s Morrises back on feed. Information on this common issue will be appreciated in social media posts, newsletters or as website content. Source: Catster, January 17, 2018. Here are some things to try when a cat won’t eat: Make sure the cat is healthy … [Read more...]
Baxter Black on farriers (video)
There are a lot of skilled people cowboy poet Baxter Black admires. He’s fairly skilled in some areas (he is a veterinarian and rancher), but he lacks in others. One talent that always alluded him was horseshoeing skills. Source: Drovers, January 15, 2018. In addition to veterinarian, rancher and poet, Baxter Black is an agricultural entertainer. For over 25 years he has … [Read more...]
AQHA’s 2017 highlights
2017 was filled with incredible moments for our industry, according to AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines. The American Quarter Horse Association is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization. Its headquarters are in Amarillo, Texas. Source: AQHA Daily, January 8, 2018. The summary of activities and events shows an active membership and … [Read more...]
Horse body clipping basics are important
Though it’s often an essential part of good horse management, clipping can be a daunting task. The authors offer questions and tips to help horse owners when clipping is required. Consider this article for a social media post or as information when educating horse owners and horse enthusiast groups. Source: Horse Network, October 2017. Topics cover: considerations … [Read more...]
The top 10 funnies of 2017
Just for fun, the DVM 360 crew reviewed its content to bring you the top cartoons and articles of this year. Source: DVM 360, January 2, 2017. We especially liked No. 3: The anatomy of a veterinary nurse. Also see: DVM360’s top 17 of 2017, January 2, 2017. See the articles that captured the attention of industry professionals across the country. INSIGHTS: Sales … [Read more...]
Sponsored: Sample water supplies properly
Water quality affects animal health from the backyard to the largest confined operation. Jesse McCoy of Neogen Corporation writes about how to properly sample a water supply. Source: National Hog Farmer, November 30, 2017. Several considerations must be taken when sampling the site. The first is the sample must be the best representation of the water coming in to the … [Read more...]
Help bees get through winter
Angi Schneider shares it’s a good idea to give domestic bees extra help to survive the winter, especially if you are bee farming in areas that have severe winters. She discusses hive types and winterization protocols. Veterinary teams and retailers may want to keep information like this handy for new beekeepers. Source: Countryside Daily, January 8, 2018. Keeping the queen … [Read more...]
These are horses, not teddy bears
Thomas Gumbrecht shares a story of horse care, animal temperament and a momentary lapse of judgement that resulted in getting kicked by an old friend. It is a good reminder to be present around horses or any animal. Source: Horse Network, January 3, 2018. As she passed, I noticed something on her underside and instinctively reached out to touch it. I forgot for a moment … [Read more...]