Biosecurity is critical to avoid highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks. While infected migratory waterfowl and their droppings are frequently blamed as the cause, human-mediated spread remains significant requiring continuous biosecurity vigilance. Fully committing to biosecurity is crucial to shut down HPAI in the layer industry.” In March 2022, Carol Cardona, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Rabbit body language and behavior
Melissa Witherell, DVM, shares a glossary of terms for rabbit behavior and body language. We wondered if we could construct a short story to share how a rabbit owner might explain their bunny’s behaviors. We’ll use Rosey as the bunny’s name. Rosey had been in her rabbit hutch for several days with only feed and water interactions from the neighbor who cared for her while we … [Read more...]
Mutt mail: Top subscription boxes for dogs
Contains Commercial Content There are a growing number of pet-focused subscription boxes positioned as curated by fellow pet lovers. Boxes of toys, goodies, treats and accessories are shipped directly to the pet owners’ homes. We’re including the article and a link to a deeper subscription service list so animal health pros are aware of these services and which ones are … [Read more...]
Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs?
Contains Commercial Content* Dawn dishwashing liquid may not be the best option to use for bathing your pets. Two experts offer advice about using Dawn soap to clean dogs. We noted the following: Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice in rare circumstances but is not recommended as a regular shampoo. Dawn is great for degreasing if your pet is exposed to oil or … [Read more...]
How to prepare a dog for a boarding kennel
Now is the time dog owners need to prepare for boarding if they are traveling over the holidays. These authors share what to look for when shopping for a dog-boarding facility that will keep a dog secure, comfortable and unharmed. They advise dog owners to see where their dog will be housed and where he will be taken to eliminate and recreate. Source: Whole Dog Journal, … [Read more...]
9 ways men can (and should) help close the gender gap (video)
Stav Ziv shares ways men can become better allies to women in the workplace. Her assertions are based on a conversation and a book by Joanne Lipman. It’s hard to notice all the ways gender impacts work if you’re not the one experiencing them, she says. Men need to see this as their issue, too . . . women aren’t going to solve the gender gap problem on their own.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Coronavirus in the U.S.: Where cases are growing and declining
Growing cases of Omicron subvariant BA.5, its descendants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and BF.7 are cautionary in areas noted on this interactive map. Considering the approaching holidays and animal health conventions; revisiting boosters, disinfection protocols and preparing for proper social distancing are in order. Experts suggest that the new Omicron-specific booster will protect against … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 3, 2022
Last week’s most read post – Jacks, jennies, johns and hinnies; the hybrid world of donkeys and horses. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Link. Nationwide, Petco form partnership to focus on end-to-end pet care Source: Pet Business, October 27, 2022. Link. New joint offerings are expected to be … [Read more...]
Vintage mastitis-causing pathogen on the uptick
Prototheca bovis has been linked to mastitis since 1952. However, within the last five years, its prevalence has significantly increased. It is a non-photosynthetic, yeast-like microalgae thrives in high humidity and plentiful damp organic matter. Similar to Staph aureus and mycoplasma, Prototheca is hard to detect, has no known cure and is contagious by intermittently … [Read more...]
Using fecal metabolites as biomarkers for pigs
Sanitary conditions alter the composition of the microbiome in pigs which affects their productivity, health and welfare. Researchers in the Netherlands believe the use of biomarkers could provide the basis for monitoring subclinical health status in pigs or formulating targeted nutritional interventions aimed at balancing the immune system in young pigs without being … [Read more...]
When to cull bulls
Last week we shared timely bull fitness advice <Link>. In this article, Amanda L. Cauffman shares rationale for culling bulls now instead of waiting until spring. Source: BEEF, October 6, 2022. Link. . . . producers can save 6 months’ input costs by culling bulls in the fall . . .” … [Read more...]
BRD during weaning, backgrounding adds long-term costs
Duh! Over and over we study, measure and see the production costs associated with bovine respiratory disease. Yet the health of cattle arriving at backgrounders and feedlots continues to be a major issue despite better products, management methods and improved genetics. Health and performance will continue to be a problem for calves sold after simply removing calves from dams … [Read more...]
Scents that make sense for horses
Measuring heart rate variability, researchers found the smell of lavender produced physiological evidence of relaxation in horses. Water was used as a control and the study was repeated using chamomile essential oil for comparison. Source: EQUUS, October 13, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Horses have an acute sense of smell and use it to interpret their world. An accessory … [Read more...]
Updating the Dog Aging Project
Past posts <Link> provided information about the objectives of the Dog Aging Project. MIT’s Jessica Hamzelou shares how anti-aging drugs are being trialed in companion dogs. The objective is to find ways to have people, as well as their pets, live longer, healthier lives. Researchers hope that any successful attempts at life extension in pet dogs will make human life … [Read more...]
You CAN change from a night owl to an early bird (video)
While you can’t change your genetic predisposition, you don’t have to let it control you. Sleep experts have several techniques to alter your body clock if you’re willing to let them. Success depends on how much you are willing to change behaviors that affect sleep. If your body and brain fail to rev up until later in the day, you’re likely a night owl, naturally programmed to … [Read more...]
How to read a scientific paper
David W. Ramey, DVM, confirms the challenges veterinarians face to stay current with biomedical reading. He says a system for reading and evaluating scientific papers is important to avoid getting overwhelmed and shares an algorithm for deciding if a paper is worth the time to read it. . . . it is reasonable to assume veterinarians are already behind in their reading and they … [Read more...]
The 25-minute meeting — REALLY?!
Commentary This SmartBrief survey graphic underscores the need for better meetings. Too often meetings are called without intention and result in more meetings. Two articles address meeting overload, restructuring them and improving results. The Nano Tools for Leaders® from Wharton Executive Education offers tips to halve the time and double the impact of your meetings. … [Read more...]
Sticky work environments retain veterinary professionals
Sponsored Content Wendy Hauser, DVM and founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting, provides perspective and potential solutions to the challenges of retention and talent shortages many veterinary hospitals are experiencing. Private practice is often a stagnant career path . . . where, as tenure advances the perception that individual’s efforts make a difference decrease, job … [Read more...]
Smart device syncs pet food formulation with dog behavior
Complimentary Commercial Content Artificial intelligence may be able to suggest what pet food formulations match a dog’s behaviors. A collaboration between two Mars divisions, IAMS dog food brand and Whistle pet activity trackers, resulted in a system that uses data on a dog’s behaviors to determine what diet may be best for that pet specifically. Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
GFI #263 – understanding new rules for livestock antibiotics
University of Idaho Extension Educator Carmen Willmore helps animal health pros understand the new rules surrounding livestock antibiotics. By rule, commonly used over-the-counter antimicrobials will require a prescription from a veterinarian as part of a valid VCPR. GFI #263 is slated for final implementation on June 11, 2023. Source: Animal Health International, INSIGHT, … [Read more...]
Bull fitness advice for the off-season
Bulls’ work is done for now, but their soundness and health are important for next breeding season. Experts from Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute share their advice on how to keep bulls healthy and ready for the next breeding season. . . . one of the main reasons bulls are culled is due to feet and leg problems causing lameness.” Source: Drovers, October 21, … [Read more...]
Jacks, jennies, johns and hinnies; the hybrid world of donkeys and horses
Mules pulling a hayride wagon at a Missouri pumpkin patch caught my eyes. Noting their size, the driver told me his hinnies were draft mules. The nomenclature used when donkeys and horses breed is unusual. Olivia Young provides the hows and whys of these crossbred hybrids from the family Equidae and genus Equus. Donkeys and mules are tough to tell apart just by looking at … [Read more...]
New HPAI cases four new states in backyard flocks
Highly pathogenic avian flu continues to infect poultry flocks. Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Enhanced biosecurity remains the best line of defense to protect animal health. Source: Successful Farming, October 21, 2022. Link. HPAI symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of … [Read more...]
The meaning of dog stares
Without reading its body language, knowing why a dog is staring is difficult, according to Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. She shares her take on what adoring, happy, communication and hard stares mean. Whatever stare a dog is giving you, it means something, so pay attention!” Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 26, 2022. Link. Also see: Why dogs stare at you when pooping, … [Read more...]
National Cat Day is October 29th
Since 2005, National Cat Day has focused on informing the public about the need to rescue cats. Over time it has also become a celebration of the most popular four-legged pets in America. Consider using some of these resources in communications to support this day of feline recognition. Source: National Today. Link. Also see: Morris Animal Foundation, October 21, 2022. … [Read more...]
Skin microbiome differs after kibble or fresh dog food
Commercial Content Results from a first-of-a kind study show diet type affects skin microflora. Microbe diversity was higher after dogs were fed a fresh diet compared to dry kibble. Skin and coat formulations remain among the most popular health claims made by therapeutic and prescription pet foods. . . . if we can affect the skin microbiome with a diet, that could provide … [Read more...]
NSAID overdose in dogs: Positive outcomes require the right therapy.
Addressing what to do and the urgencies of treating a NSAID overdose, Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, says research shows most patients have a positive outcome with appropriate therapy. The upcoming holiday season is a good reason to remind pet owners of the need to keep pet and human drugs out of the reach of pets, including monitoring guest behaviors in our … [Read more...]
Pet vaccination questions addressed by Scott Weese, DVM
Scott Weese, DVM, shares his thoughts on a series of vaccine issues, questions and dogmas surrounding rabies and core pet vaccines. . . . we need to vaccinate <pets> until we’re sure they’re old enough to respond properly to a vaccine.: - Scott Weese, DVM Source: Worms and Germs Blog. Link. Part 1: rabies vaccine timing, October 20, 2022. Link. Part 2: the puppy … [Read more...]
What to know about seasonal depression
Seasonal affective disorder is more than the winter blues. It is a form of clinical depression. Its symptoms last longer and come and go with the seasons. As much as 10 percent of the U.S. population is affected by it. SAD can be managed using evidence-based therapies that include outdoor time, bright light therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant … [Read more...]
Wildlife doesn’t always obey the rules (video)
Commentary Wild animals are opportunistic eaters and the squirrel* in this video is no exception. Our recent post, Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people, preceded a plethora of media stories about encounters with bears, cougars, coyotes, deer, elk, moose and more. Drought, wildfires, seasonal changes and crop harvesting has wild critters moving to find new food … [Read more...]