Using appropriate dehorning or disbudding procedures and minimizing the associated pain are essential for a well-managed calf program. Developing protocols for calf care and pain management can ensure that everyone caring for calves follows the same procedures on farms. Several changes being implemented in the National Dairy FARM program in January 2017 address best practices … [Read more...]
Jump into the future with urinary biomarkers
Diagnostic urinary biomarkers are the wave of the future, according to Leigh Perry, VMD, DACVIM, BluePearl, Virginia Beach, VA. In a presentation at CVC Virginia Beach, Perry shared how urinary biomarkers are changing the game. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) markers can be detected earlier than other indicators of chronic kidney disease, leading to faster management. Blood … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Fly Control Center
Whether you live in the country or not, flies can be a problem. In town, the large dogs next door, garbage receptacles with soda or beer cans and even the barbecue grill can be attractors. In the country or in a stable flies reduce animal performance and comfort. Animal health professionals will find the information at the Fly Control Center worthwhile. Source: Farm Journal, … [Read more...]
AAHA releases 2016 Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
It is difficult for practitioners to keep up with new research, trend, and practices related to oncology. There is new resource to help. AAHA released its 2016 Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (“Guidelines”), a go-to resource general practitioners can use with oncology patients. The Guidelines are broken down into 14 areas. Sections include basic diagnostic tests and … [Read more...]
AVMA launches clinical studies database
The AVMA has launched an animal health studies database as a resource for researchers looking for animals animals to use in clinical studies and for veterinarians and owners exploring treatment options. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, July 8, 2016. Veterinarians and animal owners may search the site to find studies that might be relevant to their patient or pet, either for a … [Read more...]
Rethinking stink about antibiotics in manure
Much of the antibiotics fed to livestock goes to waste — literally. “Often, 90 percent or more of the antibiotic is excreted, according to previous studies,” says Francis Zvomuya, researcher at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. “Manure containing these is then used as fertilizer on crops.” Source: Midwest Ag Journal, July 4, 2016. Zvomuya, Amarakoon and their … [Read more...]
Dr. Little on Dr. Google and the impact of technology on healthcare
Adam Little, DVM, tracks technology developments and their potential in animal health. This issue covers: 3D pill printing for personalized doses Google will help your self-diagnosis with new symptom search Genes might be to blame for retrievers’ obesity How telemedicine is transforming health care Domgy, an AI pet robot from a Beijing startup Tale of two … [Read more...]
Control impostor syndrome
Many of us fear being discovered as a poser when we move away from our comfort zones. We fear that we’re not worthy and that that we aren’t qualified to do whatever we aim to do. It’s a fear that strikes many of us: impostor syndrome. Source: Harvard Business Review, July 7, 2016. To overcome these feelings of inadequacy consider these tips: Recognize the benefits of … [Read more...]
New AVMA guidelines reflect ongoing animal welfare commitment
The AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals (also available in ebook format) provide guidance for veterinarians about how to prevent pain and distress in animals that have been designated for slaughter. The panel members who developed the guidelines offer expertise that is supplemented by input from additional experts and comments provided during a designated … [Read more...]
CAPC; Lyme, heartworm risk expanding
Animal health professionals must stay current on the disease risks from lyme, heartworm, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Client education in regions where disease risk has been low is critical to disease prevention. Source: JAVMA, June 15, 2016. A forecast published this spring warns that ticks transmitting Lyme disease have expanded their range, increasing the disease … [Read more...]
5 tips for healthy grilling
Firing up the grill over the July 4th holiday is part of Americana. Here are things to remember to keep the grilling experience healthy for family and friends. Source: Harvard Health Publications, June 29, 2016. Keep grilling healthy using these 5 tips: Start out clean Control flare-ups Marinate Give vegetables and fruit equal billing Practice safe … [Read more...]
Save protocols from procedural drift
Paul R. Biagiotti, D.V.M. shares his perspective about how employees in dairies can veer off course from standard operating procedures (SOP). Termed as procedural drift, he warns dairy managers to beware of shortcuts, to keep a watchful eye and mind the details. Source: Hoard's Dairyman, June 2016, page 408. For the details to be minded, we must observe our helpers and the … [Read more...]
15 museums dedicated to horses
Horse enthusiasts will appreciate knowing about these museums that celebrate horses. Summer travelers may find one or more of these along their vacation routes. Source: Equus, July 2016, page 50. (link unavailable) Fifteen must see museums: Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, Aiken, SC American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, Amarillo, TX … [Read more...]
Journal of Swine Health and Production
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents from the latest issue of the Journal of Swine Health and Production. The paper titled Comparative efficacy of concurrent administration of a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccine plus a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine from two commercial sources in pigs challenged with both … [Read more...]
Snakebite a risk for horses and cattle
All grazing animals are at risk of snakebite in areas where snakes are present. Rattlesnake venom has two types of toxins, myotoxins and hemotoxins. Myotoxins create rapid swelling, pain and bleeding at the bite site and muscle necrosis, while the hemotoxins damage blood vessels, destroying red blood cells and hindering blood clotting. Veterinarians with snakebite experience … [Read more...]
Canine life jackets tested
Summer activities find dog owners and their pets in boats, at beaches and near other water bodies. Finding the right personal flotation device (PDF) for canines can be confusing. Stephanie Colman shares the results of Whole Dog Journal’s tests of the best-selling PFDs for dogs. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 2016, page 6. (partial link) A good canine life jacket should … [Read more...]
“Finding Dory” comes with a warning
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is concerned that the new Disney film “Finding Dory” could encourage impulse online purchases of the fish without people conducting proper research and preparation necessary for caring for such a pet. The OATA is the U.K. trade body that represents the ornamental aquatic industry. Source: Pet Product News, June 22, 2016. The … [Read more...]
Differential use of the left and right nostril in dogs
Karen B. London, PhD, is a certified applied animal behaviorist and certified professional dog trainer whose clinical work over the last 17 years has focused on the evaluation and treatment of serious behavioral problems in dogs, especially aggression. A recent study titled “The dog nose “KNOWS” fear: Asymmetric nostril use during sniffing at canine and human emotional … [Read more...]
It’s the what, not the why
Cesar Millan reminds us when a dog acts out in a way that’s completely out of character, rule out a physical cause first. Then, skip the “Why is my dog doing this?” question and ask, “What could have changed to cause it?” Source: Cesar’s Way, June 26, 2016. Big life changes can have huge effects. Illness, divorce, financial trouble, death of a family member outside of the … [Read more...]
What farming isn’t
The food movement has nothing to do with farming, proclaims writer Sarah Mock, a farm kid from Wyoming. After a two-week trek across the U.S. heartland, Mock says that the idyllic, pastoral daydream we cling to (and pay for) bears no resemblance to farming there or anywhere. Source: Medium.com, June 10, 2016. Conventional farming and farm-to-table farming exist separately … [Read more...]
Experts react to hogs and pigs report
The Department of Agriculture reported June 24, 2016 that total hogs and pigs inventory in the United States was 68.4 million head, a two percent jump from a year ago. Source: AgriPulse, June 27, 2016. Learn what experts have to say about the increasing inventory in the audio report. Also see: National Hog Farmer, June 24, 2016. Puzzling numbers in USDA … [Read more...]
Humans love antibiotics
Antibiotic zealots better include the human animal when they lobby for prudent antibiotic. That’s according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in early May. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 27, 2016. Per 1,000 members of the U.S. population, an estimated 506 prescriptions were written annually. Of these, 353 were deemed appropriate based … [Read more...]
Fly sex and a golden goose
The title of this article is enough to pique curiosity. Science from the 1950’s recently earned the Golden Goose Award. The research laid the groundwork for modern day approaches to insect pest controls. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, June 23, 2016. Through their work on the basic biology of adult flies, the late Edward F. Knipling and Raymond C. Bushland developed a way to … [Read more...]
Prepare now for next spring’s calving season
Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University animal science professor and Extension reproduction specialist, offers sound advice for cow/calf producers and those who serve them. Veterinarians working with producers on VFD can include a calving season review as part of a management practices discussion. Retail associates, dealers, distributor and manufacturer reps might consider … [Read more...]
Bobcat fever killing cats in Oklahoma
Bobcat fever has spread through rural areas around Muskogee, Oklahoma, over the past few weeks. Muskogee veterinary clinics have reported an increase in cases. The disease is a parasite, feline cytauxzoonosis, carried by ticks that have fed on wild bobcats, which are known reservoirs for the disease. The parasite does not affect humans, dogs or animals other than cats, … [Read more...]
Fireworks toxicity
Sparklers, firecrackers, smoke bombs, snakes and bottle rockets are easy targets for dogs to ingest during the July 4th holiday. Charlotte Means, DVM, MLIS, Diplomate ABVT and ABT, discusses the risks and treatment of ingested fireworks. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, July/August 2016, page 69. Most patients that have ingested fireworks respond well to symptomatic and … [Read more...]
Breed cows to match forage resources
“The beef industry is on an unsustainable path because aggressively selecting for enhanced mature size, muscle and milk potential isn’t necessarily good for the commercial operation given typical forage resources,” said David Lalman, Oklahoma State University extension beef cattle specialist. He says we need to do a better job of breeding cows to match forage resources found on … [Read more...]
Too hot to trot
When horses are asked to exert themselves in f high heat and humidity, the potential for heat-induced illness is real. Sara Christie shares ways avoid potential heat traps for horses. The information is good for horse and rider. Source: Horse Channel, June 28, 2007. What would be considered moderate exercise under temperate weather conditions can have the same effect as … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Dairy heat stress
The combination of heat and humidity can compromise a cow’s ability to get rid of excess body heat. Cooling systems and heat abatement programs are important, but even with routine summertime diet and cooling techniques in place, a cow can experience physiological changes with which she cannot cope. Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 28, 2016. Link to TechMix – Dairy Heat … [Read more...]
Bathing cats
Sometimes a cat’s grooming ability isn't enough. Here are tips for unfortunate incidents. Veterinary teams and retail associates can use this information to help cat owners deal with dirty cats, including alternatives to a good soaking bath. Source: Catster, June 21, 2016. Although cats are excellent self-groomers, there are times when we do have to intercede. Here are some … [Read more...]