A recent study to evaluate the efficacy of using topical lidocaine to numb injection sites has confirmed veterinarians’ clinical impressions. Decreasing injection reactivity improves safety for equine veterinarians and handlers. . . . application of topical anesthetic just two minutes in advance of intramuscular injection can effectively reduce the behavioral reaction of … [Read more...]
Raccoons, distemper, dogs, cats and us
Commentary As winter approaches, raccoons seek to fatten up in preparation for torpor, a semi-hibernation. They group together in what is called a gaze or nursery. In 2016, John Hadidian told National Geographic, “Raccoons have adapted to urban living. They've figured out how to cope with these environments just as well or better than they used to do in the wilderness." … [Read more...]
Factors that affect the decision whether to groom a cat . . . or not
Embracing various arguments about cat grooming, Ellen Carozza, LVT, VTS (CP-Feline), confirms that a cat’s physiology is built for self- grooming. There are cats that will need some help grooming regardless of coat length to keep them clean and comfortable, she says. Each cat’s grooming needs is case dependent . . . many cats need help due to comorbidities, age, and coat … [Read more...]
Keep your eye on the coconut . . . oil
Includes Commercial Information Jackie Jurchenko, MSc, shares information about using coconut oil with pets in this article and infographic. She explains the different types of coconut oil, their properties and potential uses such as: Is coconut oil safe for dogs' skin? Coconut oil for dogs' itchy skin. Coconut oil for dogs' skin allergies. Source: Top Dog … [Read more...]
Senior pets deserve individual care plans
Mary Gardner, DVM, advocates for individual care for senior pets versus the cookbook approach too often adopted by medical professionals. These factors provide context for each pet’s story: its ailments, its personality, and the pet owner’s four budgets: financial, physical, time and emotional. Source: AAHA Trends, November 2022. Link. Also see: Search Results for: Mary … [Read more...]
Canine Leishmaniasis: Update on epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Commentary We’re providing this paper as an update on the status of leishmaniasis. We captured these statements for animal health pros to consider: Canine leishmaniasis is expanding to the Northern Hemisphere, where it is barely known, due to climate change and the importation of dogs. Sandflies are the only proven vectors of Leishmania infantum, but direct … [Read more...]
Optimizing nutrition for cats and dogs
Opinion Pet food content consistently asserts the changing landscape of pet nutrition and how pet owners are seeking diets that parallel their own nutrition choices. Beyond brands, ingredients, kibble versus frozen, and fresh versus processed are among the considerations. Pet owners are responsible for their pets’ proper nutrition Too many dogs and cats are obese … [Read more...]
How to become a better listener or how to stop talking so much
There is psychology behind why some people talk too much, says Brian Smith. For those prone to be talkers, he shares things to do to give others time to express themselves. Be mindful Stay curious Avoid speaking over others Learn to like the lull Keep pen and paper handy Source: Fast Company, October 9, 2022. Link. Also see: Search Results for: listener, … [Read more...]
The power of one act of kindness
Long checkout lines, two kids and a full cart . . . the lady in front of me saw I had only two items, my dog on a leash and cash in hand. Smiling, she offered to let me go ahead of her, wishing me a good day. Researchers who synthesized results from 88 experimental studies suggest our acts of kindness and generosity, online or offline, can have meaningful ripple effects in … [Read more...]
Vet Watch trends. Do these concern you?
Commentary The latest Vet Watch trend tracking begs attention. Note the metric showing a reduction in the number of clients. It is an area where practices and the animal health pros who serve them can focus actionably. Returning clients and their pets to an active status requires individual communication supported by client base communications. Start with your own staff, … [Read more...]
Selecting the RIGHT replacement heifers (audio recording)
Selecting replacement heifers is expensive and time-consuming, writes Lindsey Sawin. Knowing the breeding objectives for a producer’s herd may be the most challenging part of the process. Sawin shares some parameters and tools commercial cattlemen can use to select the right females for their operation including: EPD: expected progeny differences CED: calving ease … [Read more...]
The pros and cons of orthobiologics in horses
Orthobiologics* appear to be key tools in improving equine health and welfare, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, summarizing a presentation at the September Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. All orthobiologics use the body’s natural physiologic processes to reduce inflammation and facilitate the repair of injured tissues. Oke shares key concepts … [Read more...]
HPAI wipes out 49 million birds in backyard and commercial flocks
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...]