As backyard chicken production grows, the recent diagnosis of Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in California’s Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is prompting warnings in Colorado. “Because the virus can live for a long time in the environment and can be spread by objects such as shoes, clothing and equipment, other flocks in close proximity can quickly become … [Read more...]
Behavioral assessments essential
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of Feline Practitioners, and the American Animal Hospital Association all include behavioral health in their guidelines and highlight behavior as an essential part of animal health and routine wellness visits. Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB presents information about conducting assessments on behavioral symptoms that will … [Read more...]
JAVMA’s latest issue
The June issue of JAVMA has something of interest for almost any animal health pro. We’ve shared three abstracts here: Clinic devises novel approach to employee’s child care conundrum, Link. Rabies exposures and pre-exposure vaccination practices among individuals with an increased risk of rabies exposure in the United States, Link. Quantification of vitamin D3 in … [Read more...]
The Phoenix Zoo: Diverse care for a diverse population (video)
For many veterinarians, zoo animals were part of their original dreams of becoming an animal doctor. It is at zoos that we encounter rare species, learn of captive populations held to preserve genetics and see species that pique our curiosities. The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including 30 species that are endangered or threatened. This diverse population … [Read more...]
Help dogs get through their fear of thunderstorms
Marybeth Bittel shares six tips to deal with a dog's fear of thunder. They include: Watch your own behavior during a thunderstorm Use a Thundershirt Switch environments when it starts to thunder Increase exercise before a thunderstorm starts Use counterconditioning during a thunderstorm Try desensitization if your dog is scared of thunder Bittel … [Read more...]
Underestimated canine flu cases increase exposure risk
The highly contagious canine influenza virus H3N2 currently causing outbreaks across the U.S. is of an avian origin compared to the first strain of canine influenza, H3N8, was an equine influenza. More than 2,600 dogs have come down with the flu this year, which Edward Dubovi, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, says is a gross underestimate. “I guarantee the … [Read more...]
Cats decide whether they prefer wet or dry food
Purina provides a forum that highlights the differences between about wet or dry cat food. With healthy cats, the choice is really about the cat, not its health. Moisture content is the main difference, with dry food around 20 percent moisture and wet food at 65 percent or more. While wet food may appeal to many cats, Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Dorothy Laflamme … [Read more...]
Never ignore these depression symptoms
Suicide and depression have garnered worthwhile attention in animal health media lately. Mainstream media is now inundated with suicide and depression information following the high-profile deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. Depression is the leading risk factor for suicide. It's also the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the World … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLINK Joins Amazon Web Services for cloud solutions
GlobalVetLink (GVL), Ames, Iowa, has migrated its online animal health documentation platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS) joining companies such as Airbnb, Netflix and GE. The transition from a traditional data center to AWS allows GVL to better support current users, improve certificate creation, enhance technology and features and gain help with customer data security and … [Read more...]
New findings with bovine pinkeye
Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories discuss pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Their laboratory experiences are further explained by electron microscope photography showing how M. boviculi attaches to M. bovis. Although the company suggests further research, results suggest M. bovoculi does not attach well to the surface of … [Read more...]
Protect yourself from mosquito, tick and other bug bites (video)
The CDC reports the rate of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases has tripled over the past decade. Share this video on websites, social media and in targeted e-blasts. Include a pet message as well. Source: NBC News, June 8, 2018. Link. The video shares 5 tips for protecting yourself from bugs: Cover up Use insect repellent Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug … [Read more...]
Benefits, flexibility help retain employees
A recent Harris Poll of 800 employed adults affirms that lifestyle fit is key to attracting and retaining employees. About half of those surveyed would leave their job for a position with benefits that fit their needs, including more paid time off, enhanced healthcare coverage and a more generous 401(k) plan. Forty-two percent of participants said they would quit if another … [Read more...]
5 mindsets that contribute to poor results
John R. Stoker discusses five specific mindsets may cause you and others to behave in unproductive ways that diminish results and stifle your ability to work well with others: To be right, not wrong To be respected, not disrespected To be in control, not out of control To be appreciated, not unappreciated To be safe, not unsafe Source: SmartBrief, April 30, … [Read more...]
Coyote range expanding across North and Central Americas
News stories about coyotes snatching pets are not unusual these days. It’s no wonder. Despite widespread management as a pest species, coyotes have expanded their geographic range by an estimated 40 percent since the 1950s, at least twice as much any other North American carnivore during the same time period. Source: ZooKeys, May 22, 2018. Link. Various interacting factors … [Read more...]
Hormones by the numbers
Amanda Radke addresses myths surrounding beef and hormones. This information is well-referenced and realistic. Use it to reeducate yourself and share it with consumers who blame animal-based protein for hormonal problems. Source: BEEF, May 8, 2018. Link. A pre-pubescent girl would have to eat 10.7 steers’ worth of beef and a pre-pubescent boy would need to 8.2 steers’ worth … [Read more...]
New research shows cattle resist oral exposure to CWD
Cattle fed extremely high oral doses of chronic wasting disease (CWD)-infected brain material or kept in heavily prion-contaminated facilities for 10 years showed no neurological signs of the disease according to University of Wyoming Department of Veterinary Sciences researchers. The long timespan of the research is important, as CWD is a slow disease and these results are … [Read more...]
Equine influenza: know the threat
“Equine influenza is the second most common virus in horses, following equine herpesvirus-4,” says Dr. Nicola Pusterla, an internal medicine specialist at the University of California - Davis. “Young horses and older horses are more susceptible,” he says, “And infection would depend a bit on the (virus) strain too. Of horses exposed to the virus, a very high percentage will … [Read more...]
AAHA announces 37 new accredited practices
The number of practices achieving AAHA’s Accredited Practice status continues to grow. Thirty-seven of them were accredited from March 15, 2018 through May 14, 2018. Congratulations to these practices. Source: AAHA Red, May 15, 2018. Link. Learn more about AAHA accreditation at aaha.org/becomeaccredited. Also see: AAHA accredits 69 hospitals since last October (includes … [Read more...]
AVMA offers resources for elective spaying and neutering of pets
There is evidence to support neutering felines not intended for breeding. However, the same is not true for canines. The AVMA has developed resources to help veterinarians in the decision-making process. These resources will help continue to facilitate discussion and dissemination of new developments about gonadectomy. Source: AVMA. Link. As the risks and benefits of … [Read more...]
Cracking the window won’t help
Parking in the shade on a sunny day won’t necessarily save a pet left in the car from heatstroke, or worse. A new study of temperatures inside parked cars shows that a car parked in the sun would reach lethal temperatures faster than one parked in the shade, but even in a shaded car, heat buildup could prove deadly. Source: AAHA NEWStat, May 31, 2018. Link. Dr. Ernie Ward, … [Read more...]
Tooth resorption: Name it to tame it
There are three types of tooth resorption in cats and six types in dogs. And all of them are treated differently, says Dr. Mary Krakowski Volker, DVM, DAVDC. Treatment depends on the type of resorption present. She notes we don’t use the same names for dogs or cats. Source: Veterinary Medicine, DVM 360, May 23, 2018. Link. There are stages of tooth resorption in cats that … [Read more...]
Dentistry, airway surgery and grad resources now available at VetFolio
AAHA and NAVC support the VetFolio platform collaboratively. This post includes a guide to the latest CE offerings now available on VetFolio. Source: AAHA Red, May 9, 2018. Link. Newest programs: Texas A&M Dentistry Package:Brought to you by Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, this premium content package covers … [Read more...]
AAHA’s Indispensable Associate Initiative: Vital skills for new veterinarians (includes video)
Some things aren’t taught in veterinary school. Since its pilot in 2014, this educational program has been attended by 477 associate veterinarians. The objectives are to gain key skills needed to contribute to a successful practice while also being healthier, savvier and more fulfilled in their veterinary career. Source: AAHA Red, May 14, 2018. Link. This one-day seminar … [Read more...]
Don’t confuse empathy and kindness
Kindness is certainly a quality to be admired and the world would be a better place if we were kinder to one another. However, there are many situations when being kind is the most unproductive, disrespectful and frankly, the unkindest thing you can do to another human being. Source: Fast Company, May 23, 2018. Link. Here’s what empathy is: It’s putting yourself in someone … [Read more...]
Why we need to take pet loss seriously
Guy Winch, psychologist, speaker and author, addresses pet loss and the grief it can cause animal owners. Animal health pros will recognize the context and may find comfort knowing that human issues are being recognized. Source: Scientific American, May 22, 2018. Link. While grief over the loss of a cherished pet may be as intense and even as lengthy as when a significant … [Read more...]
June is National Pet Preparedness Month. Let’s get chippy!
Sarah Wooten, DVM, says it is time to target new clients and all clients in your database who don’t have a microchip on file with succinct, powerful communication that will cause them to take action. She offers a script to help animal health pros promote microchipping and motivate owners to act. Source: DVM 360, May 14, 2018. Link. Also see: Ready.gov. Link. The Pet … [Read more...]
Triclosan hand soaps are banned in healthcare
In December 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule on the safety and efficacy of certain active ingredients used in antiseptic hand soaps in human healthcare. The biggest impact to healthcare facilities is that triclosan, the most commonly used soap active, is no longer permitted as an active ingredient. As a result, triclosan-based hand soaps can no … [Read more...]
Quiz: Controlling Pathogen-Specific Infection
See how you do with this seven-question quiz that may challenge your knowledge of infectious disease prevention. Common scenarios are presented as encountered in small animal practice and shelters. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, March 2018. Link. Veterinary personnel are obligated to take reasonable precautions to mitigate foreseeable risks associated with infectious … [Read more...]
Tips and tricks for cleaning fans
Dan Veeneman offers tips cleaning large ventilation fans in dairy operations. His advice can also be applied to any ventilation fan on the farm, in shops or at home. Source: Progressive Dairyman, May 16, 2018. Link. Keeping fans, curtains, inlets and baffles clean will go a long way in extending the life of your ventilation equipment. Fans will lose up to 30 percent of … [Read more...]
Feline hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism is underdiagnosed and underreported
David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM, said that hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism are so common that if you look for them, you will probably diagnose either disorder in the next month. Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is seen in middle-aged cats, and there’s no sex predilection. In dogs, Addison’s is an autoimmune disease, but it is unknown if it is the same in … [Read more...]