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...]
Understanding the climbing cost of veterinary care (article, podcast)
Sharing her experiences working with animal owners, as well as her own pets, Jennifer Sperry, DVM, addresses reasons why veterinary care costs have increased. Among them are better educated and trained personnel, advances in medical technology, 24-hour monitoring, specialty care and meeting client expectations. . . . insured clients seem to be able to do more for their sick … [Read more...]
Dolly Parton launches Doggy Parton fashions at Petco
Another celebrity has entered the pet accessories business. The Dolly Parton Collection offers pet owners some glitzy apparel, accessories and toys at Petco for a limited time. A portion of every purchase will help fund and support Willa B Farms, a rescue where displaced animals of all kinds find love and care. Source: Pet Product News, August 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
7 dangers dogs may face in the fall
Fall can pose potential dangers to pets, writes Lavanya Sunkara. She identifies seven dangers to help keep our canine companions safe and healthy this season. Acorns, leaf piles, Halloween candy, antifreeze, toxic mushrooms, shorter days and holiday food scraps are included in her reminders. Source: Great Pet Care, October 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Dog kept escaping shelter to sleep in nursing home. Staff adopted him.
In most rescue animal adoptions, the adopter picks their pet. Not this time. This is a great story of a dog choosing his new home all on his own. Source: The Washington Post, September 1, 2023. Link. Scout was staying at the Antrim County Animal Shelter in Bellaire, Mich., when he started sneaking out to Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility – a nursing home across the street – … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 4, 2023
In the eyes of the law pets are property, study shows vet schools transmit culture and attitudes, future proofing digital assets, a possible link between respiratory and digestive issues in dogs, avoiding normalizing the Monday blues and more. . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 4, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Why kindness at work pays off
Research suggests that kindness yields positive outcomes for businesses, writes Andrew Swinand. He shares a few simple routines to integrate into your everyday work life that will spread kindness and help create a culture of kindness at your organization. Reach out with intention . . . recognize, acknowledge people . . . practice active listening” Source: HBR Ascend, July … [Read more...]
PTO remaining? Use the fall foliage prediction map to plan a retreat.
September and October are good times to act on the importance of taking time away and reconnecting to nature. If you enjoy frosty mornings, apple orchard visits and pumpkin patches along with the turning of the leaves, the 2023 Fall Foliage Map is the ultimate visual planning guide to the annual progressive changing of the leaves. While no tool can be 100 percent accurate, … [Read more...]
Euthanasia rates across U.S. animal shelters reach 3-year high
More dogs than cats are coming into shelters in many major cities, driven largely by an increase in strays, according to Shelter Animals Count. Animal intakes at public and private shelters across the country are expected to reach a 3-year high this year . . . adoptions or owner returns are not keeping pace.” SAC Source: AXIOS, September 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 31, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 24, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the August 24th AHD Bulletin – Quotes that epitomize Myers-Briggs types. Link. Customer experience thoughts for Link. The inside-out approach to customer centricity. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Fall calving in hot weather challenges calves and cows
Heat stress is actually harder on young calves than cold stress. Newborn calves have an immature “thermostat,” writes Mark Z. Johnson. He shares best practices for fall calving taking place during high temperatures. The thermoneutral zone for a young calf is between 50 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit.” Source: Drovers, August 21, 2023. Link. Shade and fresh water is critical. In … [Read more...]
Making meat goat farming pay
Reports from the Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri State Fairs indicate the popularity of goats is not diminishing. While popular as 4-H and FFA projects, goats are the fastest-growing animal agriculture enterprise in the U.S. <Link>. Commonly referred to as chevon or mutton, the high demand for goat meat is frequently linked to ethnic buyer demand on special occasions and … [Read more...]
Preventing gastric ulcers after colic surgery
Stress can predispose a horse to develop gastric ulcers, and surgery is definitely stressful for any animal says Janice L. Holland, PhD. She shares diet and management recommendations can help reduce the incidence of gastric ulcers which also may decrease the incidence of colic. Source: The Horse, August 21, 2023. Link. Recovery from colic surgery is difficult enough … [Read more...]
Choke: The right steps to take
Choke looks spooky, especially to novice horse owners, but when handled correctly it usually resolves on its own. Horses don’t stop breathing like humans do when choke occurs. In time the chunk of apple or wad of food moves on in most cases. Horse owners will appreciate the counseling in this article, including the guidance to call their veterinarian. Consider it for social … [Read more...]
Dental chews for dogs: worth the hype
Contains Commercial References Kate Basedow, LVT, shares some of the benefits daily dental chews offer dogs but also warns about the Kcal content. She says scientific studies have shown giving a dog a dental chew every day can help: Decrease plaque and calculus (tartar) buildup Decrease gingivitis Improve bad breath Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 24, 2023. … [Read more...]
How much should a dog drink?
Healthy dogs need to drink about an ounce per pound of their body weight daily, but many factors can affect their consumption, writes Eileen Fatcheric, DVM. Regardless, the chart shown here is a good resource to share with dog owners on social media, in newsletters or with local reporters, especially during hot periods. It’s also helpful for owners when their dogs’ diets are … [Read more...]
Education affects acceptance of insects in pet food
Humans may be more willing to accept insects in their pets’ food than their own. Introducing insect-based pet foods relies on the education of pet owners about the sustainability and healthiness of insect-based pet food ingredients. Tim Wall shares results from a study showing pet owners identified capsule, powder/flour and sachet/snack as their most preferred methods to … [Read more...]