In some regions of the U.S., cattle grubs are making a comeback. Cattle grubs are the larval form of heel flies that resemble honeybees in size and shape but are colored like a bumblebee. Heel flies pester cattle, hovering and darting around their legs. Two species parasitize cattle: Hypoderma bovis and H. lineatum. Control of adult heel flies is nearly impossible as they … [Read more...]
NPIP certification matters when buying chicks
A chicken hatchery with a National Poultry Improvement Plan certification has been tested and found to be clean of salmonella, mycoplasma and low-path avian influenza diseases at a basic level. NPIP-certified hatcheries are essential to large-scale poultry farming and the backyard flock alike. Source: Backyard Poultry, March 2019. Link. Farms and hatcheries that volunteer … [Read more...]
Stallions need to socialize
Social contact for horses is not just nice to have, it’s a fundamental need, says Anja Zollinger. Isolating a stud is not healthy even though it minimizes conflict and the risk of injuries. She shares how a Social Box system reduces stress levels by enabling stallions to engage in natural behaviors resulting in actions indicating improved welfare. Source: EQUUS, October 10, … [Read more...]
Study examines impacts of 3 styles of feeding horses
Horses with access to free choice feeding or a slow feeder spent more than half their day doing natural activities such as foraging, according to results from a Morris Animal Foundation study. Taking care of horses means more than just giving them a place to stay, food and water. It means giving them an environment where they can do things that are part of their natural … [Read more...]
Rebound gastric hyperacidity in horses after discontinuing omeprazole
Omeprazole is often used to treat equine gastric ulcer syndrome and is effective when the horse is being dosed daily. Once treatment stops, the ulcers may recur rapidly. Glandular ulcers may recur as rapidly as within three days. Tapering the medication dose is unlikely to minimize this rebound effect as previously thought. Australian researchers found gastrin production in … [Read more...]
Study: Grain-free diets had no negative impact on canine heart health, didn’t lead to DCM
With so many new pet diet approaches, researchers are investigating whether new or limited-ingredient diets increase specific health risks. A 7-month study of grain-free diets conducted by veterinarians and nutritionists found no dietary correlation to dilated cardiomyopathy. Source: Frontiers in Animal Science, October 6, 2023. Link. . . . we encourage our peers to perform … [Read more...]
K-State nanotechnology takes a bite out of mosquitoes
Kansas State University entomologists have developed a way to couple silver, an antimicrobial, with zein, an agricultural waste product to kill mosquito larvae. If nanotechnology can be employed to control pests, it will greatly reduce the use of pesticides in the environment. And if researchers can find the right carriers for these nano-insecticides such as products that may … [Read more...]
AAFP releases 2023 Feline Palliative Care Guidelines
The guidelines provide a comprehensive summary of how to approach and support cats’ and caregivers’ needs. They emphasize the need for empathy, kindness and understanding during what is a challenging time for cats and their human caregivers. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, October 16, 2023. Link. The guidelines resulted from collaboration between the American … [Read more...]
Catster, Dogster media brands acquired by Pangolia
Pangolia, a digital media and e-commerce startup, has announced an all-cash acquisition of the Catster and Dogster brands from Belvoir Media Group. Pangolia is a digital-first content producer, which allows them to keep costs low and talk to pet families in places they wouldn't otherwise be able to reach. Acquisitions like this mean beloved brands can be sustainable for … [Read more...]
OnePoll research, pet care more stressful than being a parent
Most people think that taking care of a pet is more stressful than being a parent, according to a new study of 2,000 pet owners. Over half think their fur pals are also experiencing stress. Source: New York Post, October 3, 2023. Link. Pet parents’ top stressors: My finances – 54 percent My job/career – 49 percent My ability to take care of my pet – 42 percent … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 16, 2023
FLOW conference post-mortem, social media bundle, best places to work in pet industry, small business tips, pet care more stressful than parenting, MARS to help with veterinary shortage, scaling small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The benefits of continuous education for career advancement: A perspective for adults
Updating skills and knowledge is a key factor noted by human resource leaders, especially as technology advancements are imbedded in how business is done. Investing in continuous education is investing in yourself. In a rapidly changing work environment, your commitment to learning can be your most valuable asset, providing benefits that resonate throughout your career and … [Read more...]
Signs of time blindness and how to cope with it
Some people have difficulties accurately perceiving passing time. Those challenged with regulating their internal clock may have what psychologists refer to as time blindness. Although usually a common indicator of ADHD, studies show that our perception of time is closely related to our well-being and emotional states, and changes in these can influence how we perceive how time … [Read more...]
Employers say they value their own older workers, but overlook older applicants
There is plenty of evidence that workers aged 45 years old and older can thrive in the workplace. Employers can fill needed roles and boost organizational performance by changing hiring practices to embrace candidates of all ages. But hiring managers seem to ignore how well older workers perform, learn and stay with a company*. . . . about 89 percent of employers said their … [Read more...]
National Veterinary Technician Week turns 30 (video)
National Veterinary Technician Week is October 15 through 21 and it’s the 30th anniversary of the event. All next week, veterinary technicians will be celebrated for their continued contribution to veterinary medicine and the veterinary team. Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS, shares the origins and meaning of vet tech week and this year’s theme, Pearls of Wisdom … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 5, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 5th AHD Bulletin – Could one Walmart store change the entire pet industry? Link. Self-evaluation. Link. These habits can cut the risk of depression in half; study/recording. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Danish entry systems: What steps are we skipping?
In a recent study, Abby E Schuft, PhD, and her team evaluated three educational methods to teach protocols for a biosecure barn entry and exit. They evaluated the number of errors, length of time to complete and how the education method affected compliance over time. Biosecurity takes constant training, continual reminding and frequent auditing to reduce errors. Source: … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the bulls
Jobs done, herd sire health and nutrition need to be managed through winter so bulls are in prime condition when spring arrives. Chris Clark, DVM, says post-breeding season can be a good time to do an overall health evaluation and ensure biosecurity as well. Source: BEEF, October 5, 2023. Link. Consider managing bulls in groups by age and nutritional needs. Depending on … [Read more...]
Publication details comparison study on winter cow care
Best management practices for winter care of bred cows aren’t always evident, especially if they are subjected to wintery conditions common in the Upper Midwest. An Iowa State University study evaluated the effects of winter grazing compared to confined winter care of beef cows to determine if conditions would have any impact on the physical condition of the cow or the calf … [Read more...]
Equine vet, emphasis on laminitis treatment is misplaced
The exact cause of laminitis remains unknown and once the pathological progression is in process, it doesn’t matter what caused it, shares Dallas O. Goble, DVM, DACVS. He admits it is impossible to prevent all cases of laminitis, but believes that attention to certain factors can greatly reduce the number of cases including these areas: Hoof care Exercise Nutrition … [Read more...]
Is CBD a better option than NSAIDs?
Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, CRPM, FAAMA, presents evidence that indicates CBD is safer and demonstrates a more diverse spectrum of beneficial mechanisms than some of its pharmaceutical counterparts. In short, dogs and cats do not die from CBD and generally do not develop other common side effects that can happen with NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Source: Veterinary … [Read more...]
Play behaviors in dogs: the good, the bad, the ugly
Teoti Anderson shares how to tell if dogs are playing nicely or if it is time to intervene. If one dog is trying to avoid the other, cowering, trying to hide or getting cranky, this is not a good match. Intervene before it escalates. Never let dogs work it out on their own . . . it’s a myth that every dog should love every other dog.” – Teoti Anderson Source: Modern Dog … [Read more...]
How do cats purr? New finding challenges long-held assumptions.
A new experiment suggests that purring, like meowing and hissing, is a passive phenomenon that plays out automatically after cats’ brains provide the initial signal to purr. Fibrous “pads” in the vocal cords allow cats to make low-frequency sounds, which they don’t seem to consciously control. Source: Science, October 3, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chewy’s PetMD launches symptom checker
Complimentary Commercial Content Chewy launched Symptom Checker, a free digital tool that helps pet parents get answers to some of the most common questions related to pet health symptoms. The goal is two-fold: deliver expert veterinary advice simply and quickly, alleviating pet parents’ stress and panic during times of need help better educate pet parents so they … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 9, 2023
Prepping for the holidays, traditional ads versus social media, micro influencers, hidden small business costs, law seeks to regulate boarding facilities and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 9, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Comedy Pet Photo winners announced
“A Llfe Changing Event,” a snapshot of rescue kittens Alex and Max, won first place in this year’s Comedy Pet Photography Awards. The worldwide event celebrates the positive role pets play in our lives. Take a look. You’ll smile. Source: People, August 16, 2023. Link. Also see: Comedy Pet Pet Photography Awards. Link. … [Read more...]
California Governor signs Assembly Bill 1399 to expand access to veterinary telehealth
A new law empowering licensed veterinarians in California to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship through video technology will take effect on January 1, 2024. AB 1399 will help address the critical veterinary shortage happening nationwide by providing greater access to veterinary care for California pet owners. Source: ASPCA®, October 10, 2023. Link. While … [Read more...]
Medical waste can be risky business
Managing medical waste is the entire team’s responsibility. Team members should be aware of and follow specific guidelines when dealing with infectious waste, biohazardous waste and anatomical or pathological waste, writes Sandy Walsh, RVT, CVPM. She shares what constitutes hazardous waste, how to handle, store and dispose of it, liabilities and various resources available on … [Read more...]
Colostrum may be beneficial in treating scours
A recent research paper authored by a team of world-renowned calf researchers stated there is evidence that supports the use of colostrum as an early treatment of scours in young calves, shares Maureen Hanson. Effectively treating calves for scours could be as easy as feeding them something that virtually every dairy farm has on hand: colostrum.” Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
ICYMI – FDA releases new 5-year antimicrobial stewardship plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine new five-year plan kicked off October 1st. It is intended to build upon the progress of the previous plan for FY 2019-2023 and advance the FDA’s three main veterinary stewardship goals: Align antimicrobial drug product use with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship Foster stewardship of … [Read more...]