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...]
Work with vet to control parasites in goats
Successful parasite management is essential to maintaining a healthy goat herd. While parasites are naturally present in most goats, they become disruptive to health and productivity in large quantities. Goat owners can prevent parasitism by keeping a clean environment and frequently rotating pastures. Working with a veterinarian to analyze fecal samples, deworming strategies … [Read more...]
Rethink the concept of dangerous dogs
New research suggests it’s time to stop thinking of dogs as either safe or dangerous. In most cases canine aggression seems to be a learned response to a particular situation, not a personality characteristic, since a dog that growls or bites in one situation may not do so in other contexts. The article references a large survey from Rachel Casey et al, at the University of … [Read more...]
Canis vertigus, the dog that powered kitchens
In the 17th century, one breed of dog was created as a high-tech solution to a household need. The now-extinct turnspit dog, or Canis vertigus, was common in European kitchens from the 16th century until the mid-1800s. Source: Saveur, January 19, 2017. Turnspit dogs are described as “long-bodied, crooked-legged, and ugly dogs, with a suspicious, unhappy look about them. … [Read more...]
Puppies like baby talk
A recent study of human voices suggests that puppies favor the higher pitch we use when talking to them. Source: Science of Us, January 11, 2017. While older dogs were equally responsive to high-pitched and normal recordings, younger ones seemed particularly engaged when they were listening to people baby-talk in their direction. Also see: The Bark, January 14, 2017, Dog … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding is doable in a veterinary practice
Abigail Fishaw, LVT ,says, “You don't need to sacrifice your personal breastfeeding goals at the hands of your career. Work and motherhood can coexist smoothly with the right support from your employer.” Source: Firstline, January 10, 2017. As veterinary professionals we're often natural nurturers who feel drawn to having our own bundles of joy. But balancing the demands of … [Read more...]
Prevent winter impactions
Colic can happen at any time, but during cold weather the incidence of painful gastrointestinal impactions typically rises sharply. Mild dehydration is a normal underlying cause. Source: Equus, January 2016. To protect horses from impaction colic this winter, ensure they always have access to fresh water. It’s a pretty good bet that ice will dissuade a horse from drinking, … [Read more...]
VFD farm visits must pass the smell test
Tom Burkgren, DVM, AASV executive director, speaks out on the importance of the farm visit as part of the new VFD requirements. He calls for swine veterinarians to keep the integrity of the veterinary-client-patient-relationship valid and professional. “A farm visit by a veterinarian for the sole purpose of meeting a regulatory requirement may not pass the smell test,” he … [Read more...]
New NCBA president brings ambition
Incoming National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Craig Uden brings a history of industry involvement and passion to his new position. He discusses the changes to the beef production business including trade, sustainability and market volatility. Source: Beef, January 2017, page 6. Talking about seeing big picture, Uden said, "I think our key thing is information. We … [Read more...]
Study confirms that many animals fart
Just for fun! As ridiculous as it sounds, scientists are studying flatulence, its causes and how to prevent it, especially in humans. Whether specific animals fart is apparently a question that zoo employees often receive from their youngest visitors. Therefore, a new hashtag is making the rounds through science Twitter: #DoesItFart. Source: Science of Us, January 11, … [Read more...]
Manage to minimize lameness
Marcia Endres, dairy specialist at the University of Minnesota, acknowledges lameness will never fully be eliminated from dairy herds, but producers need to be proactive to reduce its incidence. Review this article and discuss it with producers during on-farm calls or planning meetings. Studies referenced show dairy farmers only identify about 25 percent of lameness. Source: … [Read more...]
Mixed animal practices merge
Twenty-one veterinary practices located in 10 states have merged to form Mixed Animal Veterinary Associates North America, Inc. (MAVANA). MAVANA unites mixed animal and equine practices to so they can offer clients state of the art veterinary care and support to veterinarians beginning their careers. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, January 9, 2017. The current model used to value … [Read more...]