“Our mental health and wellbeing require a sustainable effort. Last year’s event was a huge success serving as a way for our hardworking veterinary teams to relax and have some healthy fun while supporting the profession,” said Relief Rover Founder and CEO, Dr. Cindy Trice. Ten dollars from every registration will be donated to PRIDEVMC, an organization that supports the … [Read more...]
Horse trailer safety checklist
Hauling horses is not for the faint of heart. Speeding down the highway with a prized and beloved animal in tow is stressful on its own. But doing so with a trailer jerked from its resting place and forced into duty without much thought could become the proverbial accident waiting to happen. We’re sharing a trailer checklist to help horse owners be sure a trailer is ready to … [Read more...]
Dog and cat kisses can turn deadly
Scientists have begun to describe all the bacterial species living in dogs’ and cats’ mouths and compare them to our own. Their work is revealing a host of potential pathogens lurking in each slobbery kiss or scratchy lick. About 10 to 15 percent of dog bites become infected, as do up to half of cat bites.” Wash those hands, pet lovers! As difficult as it will be, consider … [Read more...]
Foundations Industry Training Program from Antelligence set for May 18
Complimentary Commercial Content The next Foundations training program is scheduled for May 18. It will be offered via Zoom and features a newly developed workbook, as well as audio and visual components designed to drive interaction and enhance the learning experience. The revamped training has received very positive reviews. Participants say it gave them a better … [Read more...]
Pets being poisoned by careless handling of cannabis
Increased access to legal marijuana products in Canada and some U.S. states may be behind the growing number of dogs, cats and other pets ingesting the drug, most likely in the form of THC-dense edibles that look and smell like normal food, according to a study in PLOS ONE. The survey notes most exposures were accidental which emphasizes the need to promote pet owner … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 25, 2022
Pet therapy helps human well-being, technology influences on pet care industry, keeping Macs secure, pet industry hits record $123.6B, videos for small businesses to consider and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 25, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Pilot program to promote mental health and wellness for veterinary teams
The Veterinary Wellbeing Alliance is launching a pilot program that aims to help veterinary professionals reduce stress and burnout. The Veterinary Wellbeing Alliance was created through a partnership between the Veterinary Medical Association Executives and the wellness platform Listeners On Call. The VWA has received generous support from 16 professional and industry … [Read more...]
Galaxy Vets’ Charity Foundation to help animals in Ukraine
The newly formed Galaxy Vets Foundation will raise funds, and collect and deliver supplies to organizations in need, as well as provide pet owners free access to professional veterinary care through its telehealth platform. Ukraine is my motherland. We want to aid the best way we know how, helping animals. We encourage individuals and organizations to donate to this good … [Read more...]
Spring grass and horses
Juliet M. Getty, PhD, provides guidance on fresh grass and the potential problems it can cause for horses. She continues with tips on monitoring grasses throughout the season. Source: Equine Wellness, April 15, 2014. Link. Tasty spring grasses can offer too much sugar and starch for the insulin resistant horse, thereby increasing the risk of laminitis. However, with careful … [Read more...]
Why cats eat grass
Some cats are drawn to eating grass which is often followed by vomiting up the greens. Tom Fish digs into this behavior with cat experts. There doesn’t seem to be much consensus, but some theories include: . . . eating grass makes the cats throw up less digestible parts of a protein-rich meal Grass is a source of needed trace minerals, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B … [Read more...]
Safe encounters of the K-9 kind
A large percentage of dogs are not socially adept at meeting new dogs. Pat Miller offers tips on managing intentional get-togethers between dogs that haven’t met before. Few dog owners handle the frequent and often-tense encounter with another dog in a way that protects their dog, preserves his good behavior and supports positive feelings about other dogs.” - Pat Miller, … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club to talk about mental health, therapy
Complimentary Sponsored Content Mental health considerations remain a leading topic and challenge in the veterinary profession. The Bridge Club will lead a discussion answering questions about counseling stigma, finding the right therapist and what happens during your first appointment. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. Register to join the virtual event via TBC Zoom … [Read more...]
Umbilical care, avoiding joint ill goats
Rebecca Sanderson shares the importance of umbilical care in newborn kids. Improper closure of the navel can result in bacteria transferring into the goat causing navel ill, also known as joint ill. If you do little else for your does at kidding time, do consider at least dipping the umbilical cord of the new babies to help prevent navel ill.” – Rebecca Sanderson Source: … [Read more...]
Mosquito-borne virus an ordeal for Australian swine producers
Swine producers are fighting with a new virus that challenges even the best biosecurity. Flooding and wet conditions have supported an increase in mosquitoes which carry the virus. Source: PORK, April 5, 2022. Link. The Japanese encephalitis virus is a flavivrus in the same family as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. The … [Read more...]
The cute factor is almost too much to resist
Janet Garman shares what to know when buying baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies. There is a lot to consider before making an impulse decision. Those cute little balls of fluff are a lifetime commitment, at least the expected lifetime of the animal.” – Janet Garman Source: Backyard Poultry, March 29, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article on social media and in … [Read more...]
Guard donkeys, an experiment in the defense against wolves
Colorado ranchers and wildlife advocates are carefully watching Don Gittleson’s experiment with donkey as defenders. He would prefer to shoot the wolves which is illegal under federal and state law. The hope is the donkeys will make his herd a tougher target for local wolves. Source: CPR News, March 23, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Large breed dogs and llamas have been used for … [Read more...]
First cloned Przewelski horse preserves rare breed
The Przewelski horse was native to central Asia. Also known as the Mongolian wild horse, the cloning of Kurt, a stallion, will add diverse DNA to a small remaining population. Source: Wild Horse and Burro Diary, Fall 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Poor saddle fit, shoeing-related problems, even riders can cause horse lameness
Farrier Steve Kraus shared perspectives on how lameness, gait faults, shoeing problems, and even personality problems can occur from poor saddle fit. He also writes riders can cause some of the same issues, even in a correctly fitted saddle. Source: Paulick Report, April 8, 2022. Link. . . . <horses> should not carry more than 30 percent of the horse's body weight.” … [Read more...]
Why cats’ eyes glow in the dark
The same thing that makes their eyes glow helps cats see better in dim light, writes Braidee C. Foote, DVM. Domestic cats can see in conditions that are only 16 percent as bright as what people require. Eyeshine comes from a tapetum lucidum located in the back of the eye behind the retina. It is a thin layer of tissue that receives light, converts the light to an electrical … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention: language influences care (video)
The language of care resources from the AVMA are featured in AAHA’s NEWStat. The first article includes a video with role plays of a heartworm client seeking a refill without a heartworm test. The second focuses on the language of care survey results and provides a downloadable ebook to help veterinary team members speak to pet owners in a way that helps them hear and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 11, 2022
Pet retailer’s guide to animal healthcare, OSHA resources required, wearable pet tech, pet industry advocacy, work force issues and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 7, 2022
Last week’s most read AHD posts How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== Feral pigs are biological time bombs. Can California stem their ‘exponential’ damage? Source: Los Angeles Times, April 1, … [Read more...]
Controlling parasites in sheep and goats
The development of dewormer resistance to nearly all three available anthelmintic classes is common in sheep and goats. Resistance has risen due to anthelmintics being used often, rotated too frequently, underdosed or using the cattle labelled dose. Sheep and goats metabolize the dewormer quicker than cattle, so their dosage is higher than cattle. Resistance makes control … [Read more...]
Kinesiology tape might improve horse propulsion, core strength
"Already recognized as having potential therapeutic benefits in human athletes, kinesiology tape might be more effective in horses than in people.” - Sophie Biau, PhD Source: The Horse, April 5, 2022. Link. Whether in horses or humans, scientists suspect kinesiology taping on the skin might stimulate the fascia—connective tissue surrounding the muscles—as well as the … [Read more...]
Allergy infographic provides step-by-step visual guide
Complimentary Sponsored Content To keep allergy-prone horses comfortable requires figuring out the causes of his reactions and working to avoid them. The infographic shared here is a step-by-step visual guide suitable for sharing in person, on social media and newsletters. Allergy avoidance is most likely less expensive than treating the allergy. In either case, cause … [Read more...]
Equine tongue wounds are more common than most people realize
It’s good to be aware of the many ways a horse can injure his tongue. Often, injuries are not discovered until some other issue requires a oral exam. Bleeding is the most immediate sign of a tongue injury, but you may not see a lot of blood. Bruce Connally, DVM, and Tia Nelson, DVM, share the ways tongue injuries happen, tongue anatomy and how to recognize tongue injury side … [Read more...]
10 grooming myths debunked
Daryl Conner collaborated with groomers to identify and address common myths about grooming, including: Bathing frequency and seasonality Shampoo pH and conditioner use Non-shedding breeds and mixes Cats don’t need baths Puppy age required prior to grooming Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2022, page 6. Link. Also see: Hidden dangers of the pet care … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 4, 2022
Women powering the pet industry, top social media marketing tips for small businesses, PIJAC gets a new name, Brian Garish’s rags to riches story and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 4, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
5 ways to combat your imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome has been discussed for years. Many think they're never good enough. This belief leads them down an unhealthy path towards inferiority complex and low confidence. The author shares ways to combat imposter syndrome and boost self-confidence. A recent study found that up to 82% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their life.” Source: My Vet … [Read more...]
Pet owners unleashed: Veterinarians reflect on the pandemic’s darkest days
Two years have passed since the Covid pandemic began. Clinician’s Brief honors the strength and resilience of veterinarians through stories shared in their own words. Masks, curbside, impatience, uncertainty and perseverance are all expressed as veterinary teams found themselves in the unique role of being essential but without the same support structure afforded to human … [Read more...]