Michael Evans responds to a groomer’s concerns about older dogs in this edition of Ask the Grooming Tutor. He reminds us that dogs older than seven years have some aches and pains. This is certain after the age of 10 years and absolutely after 15 years. Younger dogs can be helpful during grooming appointments while older dogs are frequently incapable of helping with their … [Read more...]
Limit the spread of canine influenza during an outbreak
Jarod M. Hanson, DVM, DACVPM, discusses canine influenza virus outbreaks and methods that help in reduce its spread. The outbreaks were due to multiple virus introductions associated with the importation of rescue dogs from Asia. The use of contact tracing and longitudinal sampling, coupled with a 28-day quarantine period helped reduce the spread. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
2019 Triennial Heartworm Symposium selective summary
Marisa Ames, DVM, DACVIM, provides an informative and actionable summary from the September 2019 heartworm symposium. The topics in the presentations and poster included: Heartworm vectors and transmission Heartworm prevention Heartworm pathology Heartworm diagnosis Wolbachia and heartworm treatment protocols . . . a strong correlation was noted between … [Read more...]
Sometimes the wrong words just come out
Most people mean well. Veterinary teams often face clients whose prized animal should be put down or has died. It’s an emotional time for all. Despite best intentions during these times we end up eating our foot. The folks at CareBridge offer some perspective worth consideration. Source: CareBridge. Link. So why do insensitive and downright dumb things pop out of the mouths … [Read more...]
Wet hay, straw and grains create risk for animal owners
If you’ve ever dunged-out straw, shavings and manure-filled stalls or a chicken coop after a rainy week, you will recognize how easily mold, fungi and bacteria could be present in that substrate. Rob Riley, MD, shares how an allergic reaction to mold and bacteria in the lungs causes inflammation. This health issue is known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or farmer’s lung. … [Read more...]
Rural Media Group announces new streaming service, RFD-TV Now (video)
Complimentary Sponsored Content RMG has just announced expanded streaming service under a new name: RFD-TV Now. It offers improved searchability, increased security, and added features such as the ability to “favorite” shows or binge watch them by season. This is good news for animal health pros who enjoy FarmHer, rodeos, horsemanship features, cattle topics like DocTalk, … [Read more...]
Dental tools for dogs
Dental month promotions are over, but oral health care and plaque control efforts remain a daily habit. Emily Watson writes about various dental tools and products available to help pet owners stay current with oral care. Her approach to using a dental toy as a reward is unique and worth sharing. From our idea files During a recent discussion with an industry colleague … [Read more...]
Breeders: the good, bad and ugly
Halli Selert breaks down dog breeders into four categories and discusses how to choose one. The explanation of each breeder category may help a prospective pet owner with choices. Source: Lowcounty Dog Magazine, February 2020, page 16. Link. Breeders can be broken down into four different categories: Hobby breeders Preservation, heritage and show breeders Backyard … [Read more...]
Why dogs howl at sirens
It is thought that dogs howl at sirens because they believe they are communicating with other dogs, writes John Woods. Science doesn’t support the idea that dogs howl because sirens hurt their ears he says. If a dog’s howling is causing a nuisance, counter conditioning by teaching them to settle can work. Source: All Things Dog, February 14, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Video shows how to remove ticks
Pet owners will appreciate this video about removing ticks from pets. It could also lead to better tick testing if a pet gets sick after a bite. Share it on social media and in newsletters. Upload it to your website and re-share it routinely from now through fall. Source: PetMD. Link. Ticks can transmit deadly diseases to a pet within as little as 24 hours of latching on, so … [Read more...]
AAHA: Introduces a new continuum of patient-focused anesthesia
AAHA announces the 2020 AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and Cats The new guidelines take a new approach to anesthesia called continuum of care, says guideline co-chair Tamara Grubb, DVM, PhD, DACVAA. It is a doorknob-to-doorknob strategy that begins before the patient leaves their house and ends when they return home comfortable and calm. In addition to … [Read more...]
AVMA cautions outdoor enthusiasts about risks to their animals
The AVMA recognizes the need to increase awareness among other outdoor enthusiasts so that they are aware of the risks their pets face during outdoor adventures and what precautions they should take. The association offers excellent resources to guide animal owners to reduce risks to pets and competing animals. Source: AVMA. Link. Disease prevention quick tips … [Read more...]
CDC to retail industry: dust off preparedness plans NOW
Whether it is COVID-19 or something else, proactive preparedness is important for businesses and communities. CDC recently highlighted four key preparedness areas for businesses and employers to consider during a conference call convened by the National Retail Federation: Continuity Protecting the workforce Customers Community Source: National Retail … [Read more...]
COVID-19 could be lemons or lemonade. We can make the difference.
March 2020: Update on SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 it causes Hundreds of coronaviruses circulate among animals including cattle, camels, bats, pigs, cats and dogs. Sometimes these viruses jump to humans (a spillover event) and may cause disease. SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three have origins in bats. SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease … [Read more...]
Colostrum, more than just immunoglobulins (webinar video)
Colostrum is important to all mammal newborns. It is essential for the final development and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Calves that receive high-quality colostrum have higher survival rates, lower age at conception, and will yield more milk through the second lactation. Michael Steele shares information on colostrum supplementation, the … [Read more...]
Reinforce the importance of cat visits to veterinary clinics
Cat Friendly Homes from the AAFP provides direct-to-cat-owner information on why annual preventive care check-ups are vital to helping cats live a long, healthy life. The website offers information that supports cat-friendly practices. The monthly newsletter is a good reminder to communicate with cat owners on key feline health topics and support in-clinic efforts to increase … [Read more...]
Treats without Kcals
Recent posts have focused on the importance of including the Kcals from treats in nutritional assessments and counseling. An owner of four Golden Retrievers has figured out how to treat his dogs without any Kcal consequences. Source: Buzz videos. Link. Also see: Search Results for: treats, Animal Health Digest. Link. INSIGHTS: Fun videos easily capture the attention of … [Read more...]
Tiny tapeworm mimics symptoms of liver cancer
Echinococcus multilocularis is well established in wild canids in southern Ontario. Researchers indicate the tapeworm is migrating, could enter the northern U.S. and is considered a zoonotic public health risk. Adult E. multilocularis infect wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves and coyotes, but may also affect dogs and cats. Rodents such as lemmings, voles, and deer mice … [Read more...]
When the end is near: discussing quality of life
Mary Gardner, DVM, discusses approaching quality of life conversations by bringing together the veterinary medicine expert and the client who is the expert on the pet. The end-of-life decision should be better informed and the outcome hopefully less burdensome to everyone involved she says. Source: DVM 360, February 25, 2020. Link. Gardner advocates for breaking the … [Read more...]
America’s pet spending nears a record $100 billion
U.S. sales of pet products and services hit $95.7 billion in 2019, the American Pet Products Association announced last week during Global Pet Expo. Pet food and treats is the largest spending category, followed by supplies; live animals and OTC medicine; vet care and product sales; and other services. Source: APPA, February 27, 2020. Link. “Scientific research from the … [Read more...]
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month
Beyond chocolate, a variety of substances, foods and plants are toxic to pets. It is important to reinforce the potential poison risks to pet owners throughout the year. Pet Poison Prevention Month also parallels the upcoming Poison Prevention Week <link> that takes place March 15 – 21. Source: Chocolate isn’t the only potentially fatal toxin for pets, Lifelearn, … [Read more...]
Veterinarian excited about future of CBD, but concerned today
Lara A. Sypniewski, DVM, DABVP, CVA, CCRP, shares her thoughts about CBD use in pets. She is optimistic that potential treatment options for CBD will be explored and tested more fully in the near future but, unfortunately, she doesn’t believe we are there just yet. . . . it is essential that pet owners understand product concerns, marketing hype and the limitations of current … [Read more...]
Why dogs run away when they are called
Whether bullheaded or poorly trained, some dogs go the opposite direction when called to come. Victoria Schade shares common errors dog owners make when dealing with dogs that won’t return to hand. Source: PetMD. Link. Instead of having a conversation with your dog when you want him to come running, it’s better to use a single-word cue, like “come” or “here,” and then follow … [Read more...]
Drat those mats!
Matting in their hair often creates discomfort and potential skin issues for dogs. Wendy Newell offers basic grooming and matting tips. She includes tangle tips from professional groomers. Source: Dogster, April/May 2018. Link. Matted hair is the worst! It’s ugly, dirty, sometimes painful, and once it starts it can snowball out of control and become a health issue.” … [Read more...]
The primordial pouch is nothing to worry about
Don’t let that wad of swaying skin on a cat’s underbelly make cat owners feel like they’ve done something wrong with maintaining their cat’s svelte physique. That bag of flab was always there and is naturally part of feline anatomy. The big, wild cats have it too. It is often called the primordial pouch. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, March 2020. Link. The purpose of the primordial … [Read more...]
AAFP recently updated feline retrovirus guidelines
The guidelines panel determined there was a need to improve compliance with testing and vaccination recommendations in cats. The 2020 guidelines < link > are first official update to the document in 12 years. One objective was to ensure the new guidelines enabled practical use for all veterinarians. The 32-page illustrated document offers new information about feline … [Read more...]
Needle technology advancing quickly
Alternatives to traditional hypodermic needles are improving rapidly, says Mark Wilson. He shares some of the advancements being developed for the human marketplace. These will interest some animal health pros. Now if the world of science could just do something about people’s irrational fear of vaccines, we’d really have something.” – Mark Wilson Source: Fast Company, … [Read more...]
Manage fire ants with planning
Red imported fire ants infest pastures, hay fields, barns and equipment. They injure livestock, horses, pets and us, too. Creating a fire ant control plan helps ensure the greatest efficacy using the right products. Antixx Fire Ant Bait <link> (link to tech sheet PDF) from AHD sponsor Neudorff USA is an effective tool that fits a sound fire ant management plan. Spinosad, … [Read more...]
Good VCPR important for all animals, even horses
David Ramey, DVM, shares experiences in managing the VCPR with horse clients. He focuses on the challenges of communications and reminds us that the P is what it is all about. . . . it seems that just about anything that I say to people about their horses comes with an undertone of apprehension. Given that people are asking me advice for how to care for their horses, I am … [Read more...]
National FFA Week in progress (video)
Agriculture is more than planting and harvesting. It involves science, business and more. There’s no doubt that some of today’s 700,000-plus FFA members are tomorrow’s future biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs. 2020’s National FFA Week (Feb. 22-Feb. 29) is a time for FFA members to host activities that raise awareness about the role of FFA in … [Read more...]