More than 42 million commercial poultry, mostly layers, died in the 2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the U.S. The catastrophe pointed to biosecurity gaps that needed remediation to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Iowa State University’s Yuko Sato, DVM, MS, DACPV, surveyed the industry to see if behaviors and processes have changed. The results … [Read more...]
Convert an outdoor cat into a happy indoor cat
Behaviorist Marilyn Krieger says cats can gradually be transitioned to living indoors by making their homes more appealing than the great outdoors. Here’s how: Bring your cat to the veterinarian Motivate your cat with food Provide a sanctuary room Teach litter box skills Enhance your cat’s indoor worlds Exercise your cat’s inner predator Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
Any smartphone or laptop can catch fire
BE WARNED! Lithium ion batteries are statistically quite safe, and fires are rare — but they store a large amount of energy in a very small space, so the danger is real. How you use and recharge devices that contain lithium ion batteries could have a significant impact on fire risks. Source: Bottomline Personal, May 1, 2017. Advice from the National Fire Protection … [Read more...]
Today is World Milk Day!
June, the Dairy Month celebrates 75 years this year and begins with World Milk Day today. The activities throughout the month celebrate the value of milk in a healthy diet and the value the dairy industry brings to economics and sustainability across the globe. Source: American Dairymen, June 2017, page 34. Also see: WorldMilkDay2017.com … [Read more...]
Return from vacation without wanting to die
Steve Errey addresses the realities of returning from a vacation or time away from work. He offers some ideas to make the return easier: Clean Before You Go Remember Resistance is Futile Find the Fun Keep in Touch Change Things Up Chuck it Out Remember How You Were Source: The Muse, May 30, 2017. How you are on vacation is typically how you are when … [Read more...]
Increased client compliance rewards for patients and practices
Dr. Karen Felstad, Gary Glassman, Dr. Marsha Heinke and Fritz Wood are featured in this 12th article of a series generated from the Henry Schein Animal Health 2016 Solutions Workshop. They discuss the elements of customer compliance and the need for a team plan. Source: Animal Health Solution, 2Q2017, page 8. When you have a plan, a way to measure it, activities to support … [Read more...]
Fitness dos and don’ts for senior dogs
C. J. Puotinen shares a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts when helping an aging dog resume a more active lifestyle. He reminds us that reasonable diet and exercise management balanced with time and effort is worth learning for the dog and owner. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 2016. Exercise is essential for dogs of all ages. It helps maintain muscle tone, a healthy … [Read more...]
Dental products you can recommend with a smile
Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows compiled this list of food, treats and more that are proven effective at maintaining the health of pets' teeth. She says that only 32 dog and 12 cat products have been approved by the VOHC. Click through to see what this means to you. Two of the 10 products showcased are manufactured by AHD Sponsor, Addison Biological Laboratory. Source: … [Read more...]
DECISION: write emails with military precision
By adopting military email etiquette, you will introduce a kernel of clarity to your correspondence and that of your colleagues and clients. Kabir Sehgal learned how to structure emails to maximize a mission’s chances for success while in military service. He now successfully applies the same techniques in a corporate setting. Source: Harvard Business Review, November 22, … [Read more...]
Make time for equine in a mixed veterinary practice
Kyle Palmer, CVT, shares the challenges and solutions to scheduling in mixed equine and companion animal practices. His experienced view is that equine clients are not more, or less, bonded to their horses than their companion animal counterparts. Yet, for some reason they need a different approach. Source: DVM 360, April 24, 2017. Designated equine staff members. It's just … [Read more...]
EPM continues to be a threat
Advances in diagnostics and treatments have greatly reduced the number of horses who succumb to Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This potentially debilitating neurological disease remains a threat to horses throughout the United States. Its range is spreading, too. Finding more effective ways to prevent and treat this disease continues to challenge … [Read more...]
Canine house soiling can be fixed
Clients are often intolerant of house soiling, such as indoor urination, defecation or marking in adult dogs. Puppy owners may arbitrarily impose a deadline for house training without seeking veterinary advice and may relinquish the puppy if expectations are not satisfied. Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB, discusses diagnosis’ and treatments. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February … [Read more...]
Plague still poses risks
The widespread impact of the “black death” is not likely to be repeated in our time. However, plague still poses substantial risk to exposed humans, including pet owners and veterinarians. Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague, is maintained in various wildlife populations, particularly wild rodents, and is spread through close contact and fleas. Spillover infections of domestic … [Read more...]
Periodontal therapy in dogs using products marketed for veterinary use
Several different bone augmentation products are available for veterinary use. While there is not one class of product ideal for every treatment option there are good options that must be supported by long-term commitment to oral health by the owner. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2017 (abstract only). Also see: Table of Contents, JAAHA, May/June 2017 … [Read more...]
The latest from EVE
We got a bit behind in posting the latest from the AAEP’s Equine Veterinary Education editions. We’ve linked the April and May issue Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers for your review of the abstracts. We did like Dr. McKee’s article on ethical practice. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, April 2017. Equine Veterinary Education, May 2017. Also see: Ethics: … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s changing face
Imagine cow cameras in the parlor so dairy consumers can view on their smartphones cows on a dairy being milked. Tom Haren thinks consumers will also influence how we house cows. His reasons for the change: transparency, sustainability and technology. Dairy site size will likely shrink while dairy enterprises will grow substantially. Source: Milk, March 2017. Automation … [Read more...]
Looks like parvo, acts like parvo, tests negative: Cryptosporidium parvum
Brandon Sinn, DVM, shares information on a troublesome protozoan named for its parvo-like symptoms, Cryptosporidium parvum. He indicates Cryptosporidia burrows into the base of the intestinal villi and eventually moves them off similar to parvo. The result is profuse, bloody diarrhea. Professionals have observed a recent increase in protozoa infections in kennel operations … [Read more...]
Enterococcus sp.: 450 million years to become a super bug
It’s a tale of evolution. Scientists estimate that Enterococcus originated about 425 million to 500 million years ago, around the time when animals first moved from the ocean to land. The dangerous bacteria might have originated from an ancestor that lived in the guts of the first animals to walk on land, according to a new study. Source: Live Science, May 11, 2017. The … [Read more...]
Top pet food companies for 2017
Mars, Nestle’ Purina, Big Heart, Hill’s and Blue Buffalo top the list of U.S. and global leaders in the pet food industry. Mars and Nestle’ Purina combine for more than $29 billion in domestic sales eclipsing the combined sales of the remaining companies. Source: Petfood Industry, May 2017. This exclusive list of top 50 pet food companies, part of PetfoodIndustry.com’s Top … [Read more...]
Mizzou maps feline genomes, identifies source of illnesses
The research, named the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Initiative, aims to sequence the entire genome of 99 cats. Getting halfway there has already given the University of Missouri research team insights into genetic mutations that lead to serious health conditions. Source: Kansas City Star, May 10, 2017. One study found a genetic mutation responsible for progressive … [Read more...]
First screw flies, now cattle fever ticks
The Texas Department of Agriculture has allocated an additional $3.7 million in funds to the existing $8.5 million allocated for 2017 to combat the spread of the cattle tick fever in South Texas. The ticks spread intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites that cause Babesiosis. Source: The Monitor, May 9, 2014. Cattle fever ticks are known scientifically as Rhipicephalus … [Read more...]
Current bird flu strain increases pandemic risks
With bird flu surging, people in the U.S. need to do more to prevent a possible pandemic. The U.S. Government Accountability Office says efforts to protect chickens and turkeys from bird flu rely on voluntary and often inadequate measures by poultry producers. Controlling the virus in poultry is the main way to reduce human infection and prevent a pandemic, the GAO … [Read more...]
Accelerated calf growth programs, economics and effects
Jud Heinrichs, Penn State Dairy Extension, writes that feeding the dairy calf and heifer can be likened to a double-edged sword; we want to feed the heifers as much as possible to get rapid growth so that they begin lactating early in life, with a large body size at calving relative to their mature weight. However, there are issues related to rapid growth and a high level of … [Read more...]
Pre-weaned calves at risk for BRD
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains a common problem in pre-weaned calves. South Dakota State University veterinarian Russ Daly said pre-weaning BRD affects about 20 percent of cow-calf operations each year and is the leading cause of mortality in calves from three weeks to weaning. Source: Drovers, April 19, 2017. Researchers at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in … [Read more...]
Five lessons for all marketers from the departure of Coke’s CMO
In what has created yet another acrimonious title, Coke’s firing of its CMO is a warning to marketers at all levels. Source: Marketing Profs, May 12, 2017. Here's what all marketers can learn from this shakeup: Now is not the time to get comfortable Your investments are under greater scrutiny You're tasked with changing the perception of your role It's time to … [Read more...]
Veterinary clinic and trainer partnerships, a no brainer (includes recording)
Pet relinquishment and euthanasia are inextricably linked in our industry. But, handing out business cards of trainers is not the best option to ensure pet owners get the support they need. This article speaks to a partnership between trainers and the vet clinic. A similar relationship could also benefit independent retailers as big box pet chains already offer behavior … [Read more...]
Corporate medicine, discussing big-medicine benefits
See what a group of animal health professionals told Firstline editors about the pros and cons of corporate medicine. Choices, choices, choices! Source: Firstline, May 3, 2017. DVM360 editors created a panel made up of regular contributors, new faces and industry veterans, who together create a spectrum of voices that represent the many angles of this issue. They wanted to … [Read more...]
2017 Masters of the Pork Industry
This issue celebrates the innovation and dedication of pork industry leaders whose commitments have established deep roots in and influencing the pork industry. Read the career choices and experiences of: Jan Archer, President of National Pork Board Kent Swartz, Iowa State Diagnostic Lab Brad Freking, DVM, New Fashion Pork Max Rodibaugh, DVM, Swine Health … [Read more...]
Study suggests potential for pathogen transmission via feed
In preliminary findings, a study conducted by Pipestone Applied Research and South Dakota State University shows the potential for PRRS and other viruses to contaminate and survive in feed ingredients, including soybean meal and dried distillers’ grains. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 12, 2017. The study results suggest a subset of contaminated feed ingredients could … [Read more...]
Pet owner offers perspective on errant pet deaths
Our team at AHD found this article refreshing, mature and honoring of the veterinary profession. Stephanie Colman shares her pet loss, the professionalism of her veterinarian and notes the suicide trends among veterinarians. Source: Whole Dog Journal, May 2017. We may not always be happy with the services rendered by our veterinarians, but only rarely is this caused because … [Read more...]