Opinion A leading veterinary professional is focusing on oral care at home. But are clients getting the message? A recent experience indicates oral care is not top of mind*. Johnathon R. (Bert) Dodd, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, shares the importance of oral health care for pets. He focuses on gingivitis, daily oral care at home and annual teeth cleanings by veterinarians. . . . … [Read more...]
Meeting inventory needs a year later
Opinion Looking ahead through July, can you trust purchase history and forecasts?” – Kirk Augustine ABSOLUTELY NOT! The pandemic shutdown began a year ago. Replenishment slowed to a near halt. Inventory items on hand were motionless until late May or June. Now a year later, our industry has adjusted through curbside services, tele-everything and animal owners have migrated … [Read more...]
Beyond burned out and beyond self-care
Today’s level of burnout is the result of an existing problem made exponentially worse, says Jennifer Moss. The pandemic was an accelerant. Combating burnout may feel like an impossible task, especially after months of emotional fatigue, but if you’re armed with the right tools, it can be easier than you might think. Despite how massive the burnout problem is, it’s never too … [Read more...]
E-Commerce leads 2020 channel growth in human, pet spaces
Before you label this post as more of the same, consider the information in the article. The top online searches related to pet products are: Calming products Digestive support Energy support Probiotics Source: Petfood Industry, February 2021. Link. Three pet food companies were among the top 10 e-commerce brands in 2020.” INSIGHTS: Whether you play in the … [Read more...]
More pets, fewer vets. Now what?
A staggering one in four employees plans to leave their employer after the Covid-19 pandemic subsides, according to a new survey. Already short of qualified workers, the veterinary practice industry faces big hurdles according to Bob Lester, DVM: Cost of care Cost of education Wellness in both people and pets AND The workforce shortage Source: Vet … [Read more...]
All segments of industry should agree – cruelty, neglect are NEVER acceptable
This blog post by Temple Grandin, PhD, MS, Colorado State University animal welfare specialist, is worth your time, no matter which segment of the industry you represent. It is time for us all to agree on these issues. Animal welfare and neglect are important considerations for all animal health pros regardless of the animal species involved.” It needs to be made very clear … [Read more...]
How to respond when an employee discloses a mental health condition
It takes a lot of courage for an employee to disclose they have a mental health condition. Navigate the conversation carefully. Start by thanking them for telling you, but don’t make a big deal about the disclosure. It’s important to treat it like you would any other medical issue. It’s important to keep in mind that the employee likely had to overcome a lot of fear to talk … [Read more...]
3 tips to prevent clostridial diseases on dairies
Mark van der List, DVM, shares information that refreshes our understanding of clostridial diseases. These insidious bacteria are opportunistic and may lie dormant for years before showing up usually in the form of a dead animal. van der list shares three key management practices to help combat the clostridial nemeses: Vaccination Maternal antibodies for calves … [Read more...]
Are farmers teaching cows bad habits?
It could be that slug feeding methods are forcing dairy cattle to eat too much too quickly causing a negative impact on the rumen environment. Management plays a role in feed bunk behavior, as farmers don’t have to just think about what feed animals consume, but also the manner in which they eat it. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 25, 20212. Link. Factors to consider when … [Read more...]
Detecting transition cow problems
Overall production problems can usually be traced back to a cow’s dry/transition period. Virginia A. Ishler says it is helpful to know if that is really the issue before solving the problem. She shares information from the DHIA 202 summary report to help determine if a problem is occurring related to transition. Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 8, 2020. Link. If two out … [Read more...]
Effects of a mastitis treatment strategy with or without on-farm testing
We respect the assessment of hands-on experience in real daily farm settings that was part of this study. We’ve shared an excerpt of the summary verbatim. Using on-farm tests in farmers' decision-making process resulted in more treatments in accordance with the etiology of mastitis than without on-farm testing. A diagnosis and treatment strategy with on-farm testing is … [Read more...]
Understanding insulin resistance in horses
Complimentary Sponsored Content from Kentucky Performance Products, LLC. One of the more common metabolic problems horses develop involves insulin, the hormone that enables the body to use glucose. This edition of EQUUS Extra explores how insulin resistance develops in horses, what can be done about it and how this problem increases the risk of laminitis and other … [Read more...]
Human grade dog chow may aid in digestion
Opinion We noticed this article in VPN and an industry colleague’s post. The second one made me look for something about consumable nutrients instead of fecal volume comparisons. It is important to review the study abstract <Link> to understand the study hypothesis. We did not access the full study. A new comparison study out of the University of Illinois has found … [Read more...]
Effectiveness of oral lotilaner
There are some smells one never forgets. The smell of sarcoptic mange in the crusty, scabbed skin stage is one of mine. The Vet Candy team shared promising results of a study using lotilaner to treat confirmed cases of sarcoptic mange. Source: Vet Candy, February 22, 2021. Link. The results showed that pruritus resolved after two weeks. The cutaneous score was also reduced … [Read more...]
The nose really knows! A personal experience with a new pup.
Opinion includes Complimentary Commercial Content Ceva Animal Health U.S. was a founding sustaining sponsor during Animal Health Digest’s early years. Back then, we offered AHD readers resources on semiochemicals and pheromones, including the vomeronasal organ, and how pheromone science can provide options to reduce the negative effects of emotional responses in our … [Read more...]
AAHA and AAFP release updated feline life stage guidelines to the veterinary community
Our industry guidelines require updating as we understand more about the animals we live with and provide with care. New updates for individual felines are found in the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. The Guidelines are provided jointly by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). The new updates … [Read more...]
AASV attendees learn value of accelerated hydrogen peroxide’s effectiveness against ASFv
Sponsored Content During the recent AASV annual meeting, Jose Ramirez, MS, PhD, shared the recent validation of Intervention® efficacy versus the African Swine Flu Virus. Its subsequent U.S. EPA approval provides producers and veterinarians with a superior alternative to fight environmental contamination by ASFV. He presented the practical considerations of field use and the … [Read more...]
Calming and stopping a racing mind
A friend once described constant noises centered in the forehead that were always there. The noises were eventually diagnosed as confusion, frustration, anger, negativity, fear and unresolved events accumulated as hundreds of thoughts swirling with their own inertia all at the same time. If you experience or comprehend such swirling thoughts, writer Dominica shares things … [Read more...]
There is a difference between meteorological and astronomical spring
Opinion Who knew? I didn’t until I saw a piece about meteorological and astronomical spring on local news. According to National Centers for Environmental Information, the meteorological seasons were created because traditional seasons varied in length from 89 to 93 days and it was difficult for experts to compare statistics from one year to another. Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance: February 24, 2021
How to recognize and work with narcissistic leaders Source: Entrepreneur, February 17, 2021. Link. When the only way you can feel emotionally and mentally safe to have any exchange with your colleague or boss is with a witness, it’s time to consider a transition strategy. Dogs synchronize their behavior with children, but more with adults, study finds Source: Oregon State … [Read more...]
6 tips for properly vaccinating beef cattle
Complimentary Sponsored Content John Currin, DVM, and Jody Wade, DVM team up in this article to provide insight on best practices for vaccine administration. The practices they outline are good reminders as spring calves are born: Store, mix and handle vaccines according to label directions Choose an appropriate needle size Administer products according to labeled … [Read more...]
Biting, sucking lice thrive in winter
Lice thrive in winter. Their survival and transmission is further enhanced by factors such as long haircoats and huddling behavior, writes Meredyth Jones DVM, MS, DACVIM. She writes about winter conditions, infestation, reduced weight gain, products and treatments. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, February 19, 2021. Link. Lice spread via direct contact between animals but are … [Read more...]
The way we breed dairy cows is setting them up for extinction
Ninety-nine percent of dairy bulls can be traced back to one of two bulls, both born in the 1960s. This means among all the male Holsteins in the country, there are just two Y chromosomes. The females are not much more genetically diverse, shares Chad Dechow, PhD, who cited the inherent risks of long-term genetic homogeneity. Source: The Bullvine, February 8, 2021. … [Read more...]
Tennessee whitetail deer had hairy eyeball
A yearling whitetail buck with hairy eyeballs was a unique part of deer harvest reporting this year in Tennessee. The buck had a disk of skin and dense hair completely covering the cornea of each eye. Microscopic examination at Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study unit determined the hairy growths were “corneal dermoids.” Source: National Deer Association, … [Read more...]
Is that horse fit or fat?
Pat Raia shares the tools and techniques needed to assess equine body condition. Assessing a horse’s body condition requires patience and lots of practice. Raia presents the Henneke body condition scale developed in the 1960s. It is designed to evaluate a horse’s overall body condition, though it does not assess equine weight. Source: EquiShopper, May 6, 2020. Link. Since … [Read more...]
CDC offers advice on how to stay healthy around pets
Maureen Anderson DVM, DVSc, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), shares CDC information about multiple topics that can be readily shared with pet owners and prospective pet owners. It can be linked to websites and shared on social media. This material supports safe and responsible pet ownership. Source: Worms and Germs Blog, February 19, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: We agree with Anderson. … [Read more...]
Rawhide chews aren’t good for pets
Rawhide chews dominate treat shelves and endcaps in retail stores and pet sections. Katie Woodley, BVSc, cVMA, GDVCHM, explains how they are made and why they are not a good choice for pets. Rawhide is one of the most common choking hazards and provides no benefit for a dog’s teeth.” – Katie Woodley, BVSc, cVMA, GDVCHM Source: Dr. Katie Woodley - The Natural Pet Doctor, … [Read more...]
A clinical approach to alopecia in cats
Dermatologic issues of pets are commonly among the top 10 reasons owners visit their veterinary hospitals. The visible fur loss that shocks clients requires veterinary teams to use their detective skills. The single-most important diagnostic tool for any skin disease (including alopecia) is a thorough history, writes Cherie Pucheu-Haston DVM, PhD, DACVD. Pucheu-Haston’s … [Read more...]
Veterinary resource library supports pet health insurance discussions
Complimentary Content – Part 4 of February 2021 series Data featured in this month’s posts about research conducted by Dr. Wendy Hauser’s team are compelling and indicate potential benefits for insured pets, pet owners, veterinary team members and practices. <Link>. The results also indicate the need for a strategic approach to comfortably include pet health insurance … [Read more...]
The Depression Project helps people understand their depression
Given our industry’s focus on suicide and stress, we’re sharing information from The Depression Project. Two brothers from Australia experienced depression from different perspectives and created Storm to Sun Framework. It makes it easier for people to understand their depression; to know what they need to do to get better; and to have an easy way of explaining their depression … [Read more...]