Animal health pros know the value of internship programs. The AQHA offers three paid internships each summer, spring and fall, plus an international internship each summer. Applications for this summer are due by April 12, 2017. Internships provide college-age professionals with the chance to gain practical experience in a real-life setting. Source: AQHA, February 17, … [Read more...]
Expanding training spaces for Fido
Denise Fenzi shares thoughts and ideas for expanding dog training into new environments. The excerpt from her book reminds readers of the value and additional distractions from simply by changing locations. She says to create controlled distractions for the dog to hold his attention longer than stuff in the environment might. You can order the book if you want. The information … [Read more...]
Cats have to play
Behaviorist Marilyn Krieger reminds us that playing is a lifelong activity for cats. She says playing is intrinsically rewarding. If it wasn’t, cats wouldn’t play. Source: Catster, February 24, 2017. Cats of all ages should be encouraged to play — but always within their limits. Playing is a lifelong activity that teaches skills, promotes health, fights boredom and is fun. … [Read more...]
Grieving for a dog is hard
Cesar Milan discusses the emotions and challenges for losing a canine companion. He shares that the loss of a dog represents multiple losses at the same time. Source: Cesar’s Way, March 8, 2017. The biggest loss is the unconditional love that they give us and which we have earned over their lifetimes. We probably have no relationships — especially not human ones — with such … [Read more...]
Take quiet walks with dogs
Nicole Wilde recommends being silent when walking with dogs. Taking a break from rambling chatter shows how useful body language cues can be and see how it is much easier for a dog to focus on a verbal cue such as, “Come!” when it’s not floating amid a sea of other words. Source: Modern Dog, February 23, 2017. Dogs observe our body language so much more than we realize. … [Read more...]
Bedding, bugs and teats
In spite of solid progress to lower somatic cell counts on dairies, many farms continue to struggle with clinical mastitis. In fact, clinical rates of mastitis have nearly doubled over the last two decades, from about 13 cases per 100 cows to 24, says Pam Ruegg. Cow-to-cow mastitis spread is not the core challenge today. Rather, herds must now deal with bacteria that live and … [Read more...]
Coprophagia season coming
As temperatures warm in parts of the U.S. so do the winter deposits of fecal material in yards and parks. For some dogs who are coprophagic, this is akin to an Easter egg hunt for tasty treats. This article offers some insight on the subject. Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2015. (partial access) Coprophagia, the consuming of fecal matter, is a frequent complaint by dog … [Read more...]
Software and gadgets enhance work and play
Technology plays a tremendous role in how animal health pros manage their days at work and home. This article reviews technology advancements that include drone security, video doorbells and key finders. It is followed by good automotive-related news and hacks. Source: Repertoire, February 2017. Pages 50-53. … [Read more...]
Understand the value therapeutic diets
The legitimacy of veterinary prescription or therapeutic diets is frequently scrutinized. While ingredients of these veterinary diets may appear similar, considerable testing goes into their formulations to be able to be called a therapeutic or prescription diet. This article covers considerable ground to explain the differences and reasons for veterinary oversight and the … [Read more...]
UPS drivers don’t turn left
To UPS, the shortest distance between two points must avoid crossing oncoming traffic. We found this article intriguing. You likely will, too. Source: The Conversation, January 2017. It seems incredible that not turning left can lead to such significant savings. The TV series Mythbusters tested this idea and confirmed that, despite many more turns, the policy of only … [Read more...]
End of Life Care Guidelines web conference closes February 26
This webinar will feature the goals of hospice care and ways to provide optimal compassionate care during this delicate, yet enriching time. The VetFolio conference is presented by Dr. Brenda Stevens and Dr. Kathleen Cooney. Source: VetFolio, February 18, 2017. After this Web conference, the participant should: Become familiar with the scope of end-of-life care … [Read more...]
The NDC number explained
Corina Posey explains the origins and meanings of the National Drug Code numbers we see on products. There is a lot of information in those unique 10-digit, three-segment NDC identifiers. Source: Animal Health Solution, February 2017, page 60. … [Read more...]
Make your mornings suck less
For some, mornings are the worst part of the day. Vanessa Van Edwards shares five ways to make mornings more enjoyable: Success begins before you step out of bed Spend the first hour of your day like a robot Postpone your morning cup of coffee Absorb energy from the sun’s rays Wake up packed and ready to go Source: Science of People, February 2017. Mornings … [Read more...]
Quiz: Surgical Instruments
Challenge yourself and your knowledge of instrumentation using this fun quiz. Consider choosing sides and starting a veterinary team or sales meeting with it as a game or contest. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, November/December 2016. How many of these commonly used surgical instruments can you correctly identify on sight? … [Read more...]
Audiobooks may calm dogs
Audiobooks played in a recent study conducted by researchers at Hartpury College in the United Kingdom resulted in dogs spending more time resting and less time displaying vigilant behaviors. This is a new dimension beyond the considerable studies on how music effects dogs. Source: The Bark, February 11, 2017. The book used in the experiment was The Lion, The Witch and The … [Read more...]
Rainrot diagnosis becomes high tech
Rainrot can be nothing more than a pesky irritation that comes along with the rainy/wet season of the year. It has the potential to become more serious if not managed. Formerly, diagnosis was limited to evaluating skin scrapings under a microscope, but new technology may improve diagnosis; all at lower cost than cytology. Source: Equus Magazine, December 2016. In chronic … [Read more...]
Disease outbreaks – are farriers carriers?
When a disease outbreak is announced, farms, horse owners, shows and other equine entities reconsider their ways of working for a time in hopes of preventing further spread of the disease. Farms will quarantine horses that return from shows, cancel events and other such preventative measures. However, how often do they consider the farrier appointments? Typically, farriers … [Read more...]
Joining an organization can help animal health pros
Multiple organizations advocate for the animal health profession and provide an array of services and benefits to members. Keith Loria sorts out the acronym alphabet soup and explains who is who and who does what. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 31, 2017. Veterinary professionals, regardless of specialty or job path, can join an association—or multiple … [Read more...]
10 secrets to keep your veterinary nurses happy
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, went behind the scenes and has deep, confidential conversations with veterinary surgery and anesthesia nurses. From these discussions he developed a list of behaviors that will keep them smiling. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 27, 2016. How to keep your surgery and anesthesia nurses happy during the new year and beyond: Get … [Read more...]
Disinfect tube feeding equipment to prevent disease spread
While esophageal feeding of colostrum can revive weak goat kids, washing hands and disinfecting equipment thoroughly between uses is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases like Johne’s, mycoplasmosis and CAE. Follow these steps to effectively disinfect syringes and tubes: Rinse immediately after use Wash with warm soapy water to remove all debris Dilute 1 ounce … [Read more...]
Take steps to reduce abortions this kidding season
Q-fever, Chlamydiosis and toxoplasmosis are common causes of infectious abortions in goats. Prevention strategies include vaccinating, feeding antibiotics and quarantining new purchases until after kidding. Herds with multiple abortions in a short time frame or abortion rates in excess of three percent to five percent of the total number of pregnant animals should submit … [Read more...]
SAD affects dogs, too
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a well-known human ailment. Darker, drearier, winter days may cause low moods. New research reveals it seems to affect dogs too. “Lethargy, an increased appetite, irritability and a reluctance to go outside and exercise are typical behaviors exhibited by dogs in the colder months when natural sunlight is at a minimum.” Source: Dogs Today, … [Read more...]
Biter or catnip-er
Cat owners will appreciate the perspective in this excerpt about biting in cats. A cat may be a mild biter during play or may mean business when she chomps down, inflicting pain and drawing blood. In either case, biting behavior must be corrected. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, January 30, 2017. Biting may have become a very effective means of communication for a cat. She may … [Read more...]
Tunes calm dogs
Dogs were generally less stressed when they heard music, and they showed a slight preference for reggae and soft rock according to researchers at the University of Glasgow. Source: The Washington Post, January 27, 2017. The study, published in the journal Physiology and Behavior, built on previous research by the same team that found shelter dogs hearing classical music … [Read more...]
Bugs in the kibble
Insects are a promising source to generate protein sustainably and with a low carbon footprint. Bühler Insect Technology Solutions, located in China, has begun operations to develop scalable, industrial solutions for the rearing and processing of insects to provide novel protein sources for livestock, human and pet food. Source: Petfood Industry, January 17, 2017. One … [Read more...]
15 life hacks that could help you
Sara Todd writes, small, seemingly mundane changes you make to your daily routine can deliver returns. They can work for busy veterinary practices and seven-day-a-week retail employees. Source: Quartz, December 2, 2016. Here is a sample of the hacks Ms. Todd shares: I started planning my outfits for the week on Sundays I stopped mindlessly scrolling through my … [Read more...]
Stay calm, listen to the dogs
Dogs are not fully colorblind. They have limited color vision, similar to humans with red-green colorblindness. They’re particularly good at seeing shades of blue, although they don’t have the same range when it comes to seeing shades of gray. When it comes to dogs’ metaphorical vision, they live in a world that is entirely black and white, says Cesar Milan. Source: … [Read more...]
Kentucky Horse Park celebrates Man o’War centennial
2017 marks the 100th birthday of Man o’War, and the Kentucky Horse Park is honoring the legend with a yearlong series of events celebrating his centennial. They kick off March 29, the date Man o’ War was foaled. Source: Horse Network, January 25, 2017. Man o’ War is a true American icon, born in Kentucky before going on to capture the country’s imagination by winning 20 of … [Read more...]
Eagle gets cancer operation at 46
Jess, a 46 year old wedge-tailed eagle, had a growth on his eyelid. It was considered harmless when discovered in 2015, but it recently flared up and required surgery. Learn how ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Turner and his team operated and treated this squamous cell carcinoma. Source: The Age, January 16, 2017. There's a good chance Jess is the first wedge tailed eagle to … [Read more...]
2016 beef stats available in one spot
Ever wonder where’s the beef? This infographic has information galore on the status of the beef herd rebound, production stats, sales prices, trades, exports and more. Source: Progressive Cattleman, January 2017. Overall cattle inventory hit 91.9 million head, a jump of 2.1 million head, or 2.4 percent more than 2015. The U.S. total beef cow inventory also jumped just more … [Read more...]