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...]
Weird stuff clients say – vet tech edition
Just for fun! Here are some of the strangest things vet technicians have heard clients say. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 2, 2017. The strangest things vet techs have heard clients say. … [Read more...]
American Pharoah is a dad
Just for fun! American Pharoah was a racing phenomenon in 2015, when he won the Triple Crown. Bred to 208 mares in 2016, the first colt was born on January 3rd at Brookdale Farm in Kentucky. Source: HorseChannel.com, January 3, 2017. Like his dad, the colt is bay, but he’s got some chrome – white socks and a wide blaze. American Pharoah’s only white marking is a tiny white … [Read more...]
Bones to pick – the good, bad and ugly
Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, discusses the pros and cons of bones for dogs. She writes, “Bones can be good, bad or ugly. If you choose to feed bones, use care in the bones you feed and how you feed them. If you choose to avoid bones altogether, they are absolutely not necessary for your dog’s health or happiness.” Source: Petcha.com, January 10, 2017. Dog Bones and Safety. Is … [Read more...]
Separation problem could be excess energy
Destruction, inappropriate elimination and incessant vocalizing are common signs of a separation issue. However, they must be assessed in context with the rest of a dog's behavior. Here’s an excerpt on the subject from a book sold by Whole Dog Journal. It’s up to you if you want to buy it, but the recommendations are good to discuss with pet owners. Source: Whole Dog Journal … [Read more...]
It’s National Train Your Dog Month
Behavior issues are among the top five reasons people give away their dogs. January is National Train Your Dog Month. See what VetFolio offers animal health pros about canine behavior. Source: VetFolio, January 7, 2017. Behavior Questions and Answers Diagnosing and Treating Aggressive Dogs: So Many Medications, So Little Time! Recognizing Patient Fear, Anxiety and … [Read more...]
Journal of Dairy Science
The first edition of this publication offers a plethora of research and studies that represent significant investments in time and resources by animal health pros. The interpretive summaries provide a quick way to scan through the content for items that may pertain to an issue or opportunity for you. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, January 2017. … [Read more...]
Clinician’s Brief, best reads of 2016
Veterinary hospital teams and the representatives who call on them should find at least one topic from this “best of” list worthy of a team meeting or sales call discussion. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 29, 2016. … [Read more...]
Transparency was the marketing word of 2016
Buzz words are fun to track and frequently represent top-of-mind focus for marketers. This year is no exception. Other top choices in the 2016 Marketing Word of the Year voting were "customer experience," "content marketing," "influencer" and "programmatic." It was the third consecutive year for which ANA announced a Marketing Word of the Year. Previous winners were “content … [Read more...]