Giving the same greeting each day lets the birds know you’re coming and bringing food. In no time, the birds come running. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 12, 2019. Link. Also see: Calling your chickens home! How to train a recall with your chickens, Avian Behavior International, YouTube, May 2020. Link. (4:14) … [Read more...]
Why miniature horses make such great service animals (video)
The Guide Horse Foundation says that horses are natural guide animals that have been showing humans the way for ages. And it's natural for them to do it. They shared reasons why miniature horses make great service animals with Melissa Breyer. Source: Treehuggers, August 16, 2023. Link. (2:07) Also see: Helping miniature horses and dwarfs with limb deformities, American … [Read more...]
Should farriers sedate horses for hoof care?
Farriers, equine veterinarians and horse owners share their thoughts in a recent AFJ social media post. Equine clinic teams will find this interesting. Source: American Farriers Journal, September 5, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The lameness exam in three acts, and an intermission (video)
Thinking through the general principles of a lameness exam, David Ramey, DVM, advises clients and veterinarians to avoid getting overwhelmed by the process. He says to approach lameness from a fundamental level then pause to think and avoid unnecessary actions that often don’t produce a better outcome. Source: David Ramey, DVM, September 11, 2023. Link. Video (0:57) I think … [Read more...]
Dogs and puppies: Socialization and behavioral issues post pandemic
Socialization remains one of the simplest yet most complex components of dog behavior. Some argue it’s also the most important. The pandemic challenged pet owners new and old to help dogs adjust and socialize. Rachel Brix, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, offers some dos and don’ts to help dogs socialize and deal with separation issues. . . . dogs don’t develop issues overnight, and they … [Read more...]
2024 Call for Projects seeks to help advance the human-animal bond
Ceva Animal Health has launched a worldwide event that aims to discover and support new solutions for the well-being and care of companion animals and their pet parents. The company seeks to harness the expertise and creativity of individuals, startups and organizations with this effort. The goal is to address key issues in animal health and benefit companion animals … [Read more...]
Washington, D.C. residents release the terriers
Washington is full of rats. Several dogs and their owners are happy to help with that. The images may be disturbing to some, but these terriers are doing what they were bred to do and helping curb a growing rat population. Source: The Washington Post, The Society of Environmental Journalists, September 14, 2023. Link. The rat hunters’ primary motivation . . . is making … [Read more...]
Dogs’ internal compass and the earth’s magnetic field
Activity along the north-south alignment of the compass axis is observed in many animals. Dog researchers have found a measurable change in the dogs’ behavior based on the conditions of the magnetic field. <researchers> found that dogs choose to pee and poop under certain conditions with their bodies aligned along the north-south axis and avoided orientation along the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 18, 2023
Ways to connect with customers, 15 AI Tools for businesses, legacy payment processes drain profits, CBS assertions on pet insurance and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 18, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Limiting your sarcasm
Most of us experience sarcasm every day but probably haven’t thought much about what sarcasm is or its real effects. John Millen urges us to take a look at our relationships at work and at home. Think about how humor and especially sarcasm are used. Are you being cynical? Defensive? Passive-aggressive? Sarcasm is the body’s natural defense against stupid.” – Anonymous Source: … [Read more...]
Most-read 2023 posts by Patrick T. Malone
Bringing the perspective and discipline from his work with leader and sales groups, Patrick T. Malones’ contributions frequently are among the top 10 AHD posts opened each month. This week, we’re sharing the most-read Malone posts from 2023. Source: Animal Health Digest Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions. Link. Trust lost. Link. How to deal with an … [Read more...]
The expanding threat of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in shelter dogs
A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that shelter dogs in the eastern U.S. may be disproportionately affected by the relentless spread of ticks and mosquitoes to new regions. Climate change is a factor as carriers expand their ranges. The resulting risks affect dogs and humans alike. Source: Vet Candy, September 2023. Link. The study underscores the vital … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 14, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 7, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 7th AHD Bulletin – 7 dangers dogs may face in the fall. Link. Leading behavioral change. Link. Cryptosporidium parasite is endemic to even the tidiest dairy farms. Link. Health management of early weaned beef calves. Link. Views of this … [Read more...]
Fall and winter prep for smaller swine herds
Colder months bring unique challenges to small swine herds in terms of disease prevention and control. Swine extension educator Casey Zangaro reminds us that not all swine operations are optimized for heat, light and biosecurity. Keeping the heating, lighting, nutrition, health management, environmental management, bedding and recordkeeping on point assists in the upkeep of … [Read more...]
Six signs that cow may be lame
The economic impact of lameness is significant and the second most important step for effective lameness management, after prevention, is identification, explains Carly Becker an extension educator. Practicing locomotion scoring is one way to help identify animals with gait, posture and movement issues and can easily be done when moving animals to and from pens. Becker shares … [Read more...]
Preweaning protocols during a strong cattle market
Weather and vaccine choice play roles in calf health response, writes Heather Smith Thomas. She interviewed Daryl Meyer, DVM, and Chris Chase, DVM, PhD, who shared their experiences with video sales, preconditioning vaccines, optimal nutrition and weather interference during processing. In calves over 3 months of age, most of the injectable vaccines you’d give will not have … [Read more...]
Some lameness may be in a horse’s head
The definition of rein lameness is difficult because it's a lameness that can be appreciated only when a horse is being exercised under saddle or wearing a bridle and being exercised. A link between TMJ inflammation and lameness has been studied by James L. Carmalt, MA, VetMB, MVetSc, PhD, FRCVS, DABVP(Eq), DAVDC(Eq), DACVSMR(Eq), DACVSe, and his colleagues. If you have TMJ … [Read more...]
Nine out of 10 cannot recognize crucial signs of anxiety in dogs
Not being able to recognize when a dog is frightened or stressed can have serious consequences, according to research from Edge Hill University linking dog attacks and misunderstandings of dog behavior. The study suggests this contributes to the rise in dog attacks in the UK, as the majority of dog bites occur in the victim’s home and involve a familiar dog. Source: Dogs … [Read more...]
Understanding head butting by cats
Cats headbutt to connect to familiar people, making headbutting a cat’s way of choosing a person. So, to a cat, headbutting makes the person special, writes Stuart Hovis, DVM. Cats have glands on their cheeks, forehead and chin that contain pheromones. When a cat headbutts, they are rubbing pheromones on the person. Source: Pet MD, March 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Enrichment ideas for senior pets
Enrichment doesn’t end because cats and dogs get old. Steve Dale shares the necessity of helping pets as they age and some ideas for pet owners to improve their senior pets’ last years. There’s increasing evidence that stimulation resulting from an enriched environment may delay or even prevent onset on canine or feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the pet version of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 11, 2023
12 pet industry companies named to 2023 Inc. 5000, vaccine hesitancy, remote vet visits, groomer software, small business Saturday ideas, youth-centered programs to attract more DVMs, Disney World’s pet hotel and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 11, 2023. Link. September is National Preparedness Month. Remember to update your emergency action plans. … [Read more...]
6 stinking cool facts about dog noses (video)
Last week we shared information about dogs' noses and heat detection <Link>. In this article, Alissa Greenberg shares more about why dog noses are among nature’s most amazingly engineered instruments and why humans are now trying to recreate those unique canine traits. Source: NPR, June 10, 2022. Link. Video (4:43) includes a review of an electronic nose. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 24, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the August 24th AHD Bulletin – Here’s how much workers are demanding for a new job. Link. Empathy – the secret sauce. Link. The need for vigilant African swine fever on-farm prevention. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidium parasite is endemic to even the tidiest dairy farms
Just one tablespoon of feces from a Crypto-infected calf contains enough oocysts to infect dozens of other calves if they consume it orally. The tiny oocysts have a hard outer shell that encloses and protects the parasite making them difficult to kill. . . . the most effective way to keep Crypto at bay is to remove moisture from calf environments and feeding utensils as … [Read more...]
Locomotion and reproduction issues top reasons for sow mortality
A nine-year study revealed prevalent risk factors associated with sow mortality, a growing concern for hog producers. The average annual replacement rate is around 50 percent, with most removals occurring on parity-zero or parity-one females before a positive net present value is achieved. Chris Wright observes the majority of deaths occur during summer. He shares the … [Read more...]
Pasture friends important for equine learning
Social stimulation and interaction with other horses may influence the development of a horse's social skills and their ability to communicate with humans according to a Finland study of 57 horses of various ages and relationship status with humans. . . . horses living in pastures with other horses for at least eight months of the year are better able to follow cues from … [Read more...]
Ringworm can easily be mistaken for girth gall
Despite its name, ringworm is actually a fungal skin infection that is easily passed from horse to horse on shared equipment. It can also be passed by a rider’s boots, which would rest on the horse just behind the girth area during riding. Plus, ringworm is zoonotic and easily spread from horse to rider and vice versa. The girth area is a common site for ringworm to … [Read more...]
Can geriatric dogs benefit from chiropractic care?
Bill Ormston, DVM, shares how chiropractic adjustments can benefit some of the age-related problems that affect dogs as they age. He offers perspectives on arthritis, diabetes, dental problems, kidney disease and canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Chiropractors don’t fix or heal animals; they help them function better.” – Dr. O Source: Animal Wellness, August 17, 2023. … [Read more...]
Ways to spot signs of depression in dogs
The end of summer and early fall activities often change the daily schedules of dogs in our homes. These changes can trigger depression often typified by a lack of vitality similar to how dogs act when they are affected by an underlying medical condition or pain. . . . whether situational or related to the dog’s life experiences dog owners need to look at their dog’s basic … [Read more...]
Expanding veterinary schools: Will they solve the veterinary shortage?
During the past decade, the conversation about opening new veterinary schools has been top on the list to solve our veterinary shortage challenges. The Bridge Club is hosting a conversation to better understand how new schools may address the veterinary shortage, the way DVMs are educated and any affect on veterinary technicians. The panel for this discussion includes: Dr. … [Read more...]