Implanting nursing calves has consistently shown to be an effective way to post greater calf weights at weaning time. In fact, Grady Ruble says implanting has the greatest return on investment of any other technology. . . . deciding to implant nursing calves is more important than which implant to use.” Source: FEEDLOT, March 22, 2023. Link. Generally, branding makes for a … [Read more...]
Pelvic bone stress and fatigue fractures in endurance horses
There are pros and cons of training horses in deep sand. Researchers investigated how footing affects equine athletes. While muscles adapt to the sand environments their findings show endurance horses training and competing in deep sand are at risk of pelvic fractures or bone stress injuries. Source: EquiManagement, May 1, 2023. Link. An endurance horse that works in deep … [Read more...]
Horse bites are serious business
Portuguese researchers reported that horses are considered reservoirs of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Horses can spread bacteria in their mouths throughout the environment, to other animals and to humans through their saliva. . . . equine bite wounds should be taken seriously because of the plethora of highly resistant bacteria and its zoonotic capabilities found inside … [Read more...]
Study finds lifetime cost of horse can be 4 times higher than expected
On an annual basis, the all-in costs for owning a horse range from around $8,600 to $26,000, not including events or operating expenses, according to a Synchrony study. It estimates the lifetime costs range from $300,000 to $924,000. Source: DVM 360, April 26, 2023. Link. Helping horse owners clearly understand the full financial commitment and the financing options they … [Read more...]
Ways to make an older dog’s life better
Mary Gardner, DVM, refers to some older dogs as “geriatric,” which she says is a more fragile phrase for them. She says many vet schools don’t address the special needs of these gray-muzzled and wobbly dogs that often need modifications at home. She visits homes where dogs have been struggling to get around and be comfortable that often have easy problems to fix. Source: The … [Read more...]
Top 6 conditions found during canine rectal exams
Christopher Lea, DVM, DABVP, shares the importance of rectal exams to detect possible clinical diseases and subclinical disorders. He says this is increasingly important as dogs age. In a related video, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, demonstrates how to perform a rectal examination in a dog. Sources: Clinician’s Brief, January 2023. Link. VETgirl Veterinary … [Read more...]
Updating – Xylitol. Let’s review. Then warn pet owners. (video)
Last week’s xylitol post <Link> shared how common foods can put dogs at risk. In a related video, Elanine Blythe, PharmD, provides more context related to suspensions and solutions that contain xylitol. She warns pharmacists dispensing gabapentin on the order of a veterinarian to be sure the suspension is xylitol free. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, April 28, … [Read more...]
A few drops of blue-green algae can kill a dog
Blue-green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They often begin to affect a dog almost immediately. Symptoms usually develop within 30 to 60 minutes. Many dogs get sick on the way home usually with vomiting and diarrhea. Note: The National Centers for Environmental Information provides an online Harmful Algae BoomS Observing System that … [Read more...]
Study finds H3N2 canine influenza virus moving closer to infecting humans
Scientists at the China Agricultural University indicate the dog flu virus is mutating, stabilizing and adapting to better recognize human-like receptors. Virologists say the study calls for continuous surveillance and risk assessments related to the canine flu, citing no pre-existing human immunity. Source: Popular Mechanics, May 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Animal health … [Read more...]
Desensitization and counterconditioning canine behaviors
Fans of Cesar Millan’s new show, Better Human Better Dog, may recognize these training methods that may help dogs overcome reactivity and negative feelings toward certain people, animals or other triggers. Behavior modification takes patience, consistency, practice and time.” Source: The Spruce Pets, April 18, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Millan’s new show focuses on redirecting … [Read more...]
DVM uses XXT to save dog
Margaret Hunt, DVM, saved a German shepherd that was choking on a rubber dog toy. The video explains the difference between the Heimlich maneuver and the external extraction technique used to get the toy dislodged from the dog. Source: Inside Edition, April 26, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
APHIS, USDA issue new regulations affecting pet birds
Commentary MyRightBird compiled an overview to help shed light on the new USDA/APHIS regulations that has ruffled feathers in the pet bird industry. They cite vague descriptions as one of the problems. The new rules seek to apply the standards of the Animal Welfare Act to ensure birds will be raised and cared for in conditions that protect their health and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 1, 2023
Debunking pet insurance myths, smartphone apps for dog owners, when it is time to secure funding, recession proofing strategies, $500 billion global pet industry could be possible by 2030 and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
ChatGPT threatens these four human traits
The emergence of advanced AI technologies, as with prior technologies, presents risks and opportunities. The authors assert it is a wake-up call for humanity to harness four unique and precious human virtues: Humility Curiosity Self-awareness Empathy Source: Fast Company, April 19, 2023. Link. . . . ChatGPT, which merely personifies the latest advancement of … [Read more...]
Limited seats left for NAVC Institute, May 21 – 26 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando
Complimentary Content Open to veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians, this continuing education event provides side-by-side experiences with world-renowned veterinary leaders yielding focused learning and practice in one specific area of veterinary medicine they can use immediately in their everyday practice. Source: NAVC. Link. Space is still available for the … [Read more...]
Establishing rapport
Sometimes we are so enamored with our breadth of knowledge and our point of view that we cannot understand another point of view other than our own. Source: Vet Advantage, April 2023. Link. Too many times we say we understand. Instead prove you understand. INSIGHT: Respect given comes back in multiples. … [Read more...]
Shaping the onboarding experience
Trial by fire is no longer acceptable when bringing new employees on board. Regardless of the size of the business, new hires need to feel supported from day one including opportunities to offer and receive feedback as onboarding takes place. A primary objective of onboarding is to reduce the time it takes for a new hire to become fully productive in their role” Source: … [Read more...]
CAPC predicting increased Lyme disease risk, more ticks in more places
The Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2023 Pet Parasite Forecast and corresponding 30-day Pet Parasite Forecast maps are alerting veterinarians and pet owners of impending outbreaks across the U.S. and Canada accompanied by expanded geographic incidences. The increase in Lyme prevalence can be attributed to land use, human population growth, urbanization and changes in … [Read more...]
Tips on marketing to owners of senior pets
Veterinarians should be seeing many more patients in their advanced-age life stage than ever, writes Mary Gardner, DVM, citing metrics that show 44 percent of practice patients are seniors. She shares tips on communicating with owners of senior pets similar to how puppy and early stage education is done. Source: AAHA Trends, February 2023. Link. We can do so much to manage … [Read more...]
Canine cancer research startup helps treatment in humans
One Health’s FidoCure is using genomics and AI technology to develop precision oncological treatments, and the work is benefiting human cancer research, writes Jenni Spinner. Source: Outsourcing Pharma, April 19, 2023. Link. NOTE: In February 2020, FidoCure’s CEO Christina Kelly Lopes was interviewed on FOX Business Live <Link> where she spoke about cancer in dogs, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 27th AHD Bulletin – Trust lost. Link. Preparing for behavioral interview questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Compliance is a 5 letter word Source: Vetsource, Link. PRAP is an … [Read more...]
Straddling the fence on dog parks
Mary R. Burch, PhD, presents the pros and cons of dog parks. She shares alternatives for dog owners who are not confident their local dog park is secure, safe and appropriately maintained. Source: AKC Family Dog, May/June 2023. Link. Also see: Search results for: dog parks, AHD. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider checking out the dog parks in your local area and communicate with … [Read more...]
Breeding season checklist
As spring calving comes to a close and producers look to crop production, its important to help them get a solid plan together for breeding cows back. In addition to bull management, this is also a good time to cull open cows or those doing poorly. Source: Drovers, April/May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Across all types of veterinary practices, we are routinely seeing … [Read more...]
All about emus
Fans of The Incredible Jan Pol on National Geographic TV, may have seen him, Charles and staff treating emus and sometimes wrestling with them <Link>. Kenny Coogan shares why emus have gained popularity and some guidance for their care in the article below. Today in the U.S., emus are a popular choice for alternative agriculture due to their minimal husbandry needs, … [Read more...]
At long last, a donkey family tree
Our relationship with donkeys goes far back in time. Franz Lidz shares what made the donkey a key character in human history, including a new study that combined genetics and archaeology to reveal the ancient origins of humanity’s first beast of burden. Source: The New York Times, March 14, 2023. Link. Also see: Search results for: donkey, AHD. Link. … [Read more...]
Equine vaccination cheat sheet
Use this AAEP Vaccination Guidelines-based cheat sheet to support immunization programs for individual horses and herds. It is also a great handout for 4-H and other group education events. Source: The Horse, April 25, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How to keep a dog from eating everything he sees
Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares tips on training and muzzling while allowing dogs to investigate, but avoiding possible toxins and other things that might harm the animal. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 21, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters. … [Read more...]
Perfectly snotty: Understanding feline upper respiratory infections
Includes Sponsored Content Dr. Danette Schweers, and hosts, Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM, dive into the world of feline upper respiratory infections. They discuss the common causes and symptoms of this disease, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose and eyes, and fever. They explore the best methods for prevention and treatment, including vaccinations, … [Read more...]
Xylitol. Let’s review. Then warn pet owners.
While no surprise to animal health pros, warmer weather could put dogs at a greater risk of xylitol poisoning. Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute in many of our foods, BUT it is very poisonous to dogs. Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT, shares a list of common products containing xylitol including ICE CREAM, a preferred treat for dogs at drive-through restaurants. It is … [Read more...]
Veterinary well-being: How to support yourself and others (1 hour CE)
Sponsored Content In this online CE course, veterinary well-being researcher Addie Reinhard, DVM, MS, explores the most recent research around veterinary mental health and well-being. She shares how to recognize and respond when you or someone you know may need to seek help. The content includes well-being resources currently available, including tools that can be used to … [Read more...]