The red imported fire ant can seriously sting and occasionally kill small animals. Young, caged or those with difficulty moving are most apt to be stung. The ants are especially attracted to open sores, hot spots and wounds making attacks even more dangerous to an already weakened animal. Effective fire ant control is possible with Antixx Fire Ant Bait <link> from AHD … [Read more...]
The Easter bunny has company
Farm stores are preparing for the classic Easter chicks and rabbits. Now, some sell miniature goats. Angela von Weber-Hahnsberg discusses goat farming with pygmy goats and other miniature goat breeds. The small size and unique traits of miniature goats attract children, newcomers to the world of goats, and veteran goat breeders alike. Miniature goats of all kinds are … [Read more...]
My cat has a cold sore (vivid photos)
Clients rarely notice their dog's or cat's oral ulcerations, says Dr. Jan Bellows. Oral ulcers arise from inside or outside causes and they are wounds that require treatment. Ulcer persistence depends on their etiology and the animal's ability to self- repair. Treating these painful lesions in dogs and cats requires figuring out what's causing them. – Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, … [Read more...]
MeYeow! Trim those nails.
Now that declawing is not a standard recommendation, routine education about trimming cat nails is warranted. Trimming feline nails at home is less stressful for cats, cheaper and more convenient for cat owners. But, it doesn’t come without challenges. The least=stress nail trimming occurs when cat owners routinely handle their cats’ paws as a part of interacting with … [Read more...]
Opinion – Managing obesity? You have to count the treats.
In a recent post referencing the 2020 Banfield report <link>, I shared the experience of adjusting the diet for our Morkie. The discovery of the number of Kcals in his treats led me to seek resources that help animal health pros counsel pet owners on the impact of calories from treats. Treats are frequently mentioned in articles that give nutritional guidance, but limited … [Read more...]
Pet nutrition important to professional groomers and boarders
Groomers and boarders know more than hair. Nutrition is important, too and they discuss it often. Source: Understanding the nutritional needs of pets, Pet Boarding and Daycare, January/February 2020. Link. Content was provided by the Professional Pet Boarding Council < link > INSIGHTS: There are more than 25,000 persons engaged as professional groomers and in pet … [Read more...]
Pet groomers gathering in Pasadena
The Groom ExpoWest gathers groomers from across the country February 20 to 23. One of multiple expos across the United States, groomers and pet boarding pros will expand their knowledge, explore new products and tools plus network with each other. Source: GROOMEXPOWEST. Link. The styling contest is the highlight of the expo. INSIGHTS: Grooming and boarding pros not … [Read more...]
Itchy cat? Think location, location, location.
Amelia White, DVM, MS, DACVD, offered VMX attendees insight about managing several types of allergies in cats. Her presentation begins with a discussion of behaviors that indicate causes or imposters. Joan Capuzzi, VMD, summarizes the content in the following categories. Cats and their eosinophils Creepy crawlies When food’s the culprit Atopy: allergies “on … [Read more...]
Can dogs savor their food?
Beyond taste bud comparisons, Tavor White shares science references on dogs and savoring flavor. According to Alexandra Horowitz, dogs have 300 million olfactory receptor cells compared to five million in humans. Add that the part of their brain that analyzes smells is approximately 40 times bigger than ours and a dog’s sense of smell is up to one million times greater than … [Read more...]
The dog park is no place to socialize a puppy
Dog parks may seem like great additions to the community, but they’re rife with problems for you, and for your dog writes Sassafras Lowrey. She offers things to know and consider before heading to the dog park. Dog parks are not a safe place to socialize a puppy under 6-12 months old.” Nik Hof Source: New York Times, February 6, 2020. Link. Having your dog in a dog park … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society seeks individual clinic data
Veterinarians are urged to take time to submit clinic data to support the 2019 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey. Each veterinary practice that submits data on the number of animals tested and diagnosed over the 2019 calendar year enables the AHS to create a more comprehensive and useful map” - Chris Duke, DVM, president AHS Source: DVM 360, January 28, 2020. Link. Survey … [Read more...]
Fire ants getting busy, especially after heavy rains
Sponsored by Neudorff USA Already fired up by warmer weather, red imported fire ants will become even more active and dangerous after recent heavy rains in southern states. Livestock, poultry and pet owners are advised to watch for the telltale mounds the pests build. Newborn calves and foals are especially at risk in … [Read more...]
Super Bowl Ads: 5 best, 5 worst
How ‘bout those C H I E F S! It has been a wild week in the KC Animal Health Corridor. Even veterinarians were celebrated in the Super Bowl ad from WeatherTech <link>. Jeff Beer says the $6 million to run a Super Bowl ad thanking the veterinarians that saved Scout, WeatherTech’s CEO’s dog, is either genius or a waste. Source: Fast Company, February 2, 2020. Link. The … [Read more...]
Things to avoid doing to a cat
Adding to information we shared in a December 10, 2019 post <link>, Sophia Mitrokostas consulted with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to highlight things that cat owners get wrong. Cat owners should not force attention on cats. Though cats enjoy human attention, they like it in smaller doses than dogs, and on their own terms.” – Wendy Houser, DVM Source: … [Read more...]
Do cats get lonely? It depends
Multi-pet households can have challenges between pets. When it comes to cats, Kellie Gormly says among the factors to consider are personality and age. Domestic cats are solitary when it comes to hunting and eating. Outside of mealtime, though, most cats have social needs. Source: Catster, December 8, 2020. Link. Feline territorial nature doesn’t typically kick in until … [Read more...]
How to get-a-grip on small mammals (slide show)
Handling small mammals is often like controlling a bucking bronc on a tiny scale. The smaller they are, the more likely the encounter will be fueled by the flight or fight response. David Eshar, DVM, shares safe handling techniques that minimize stress and reduce the chance for trauma in these patients. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2020. Link. Patients should be … [Read more...]
Dog allergies linked to male dogs
Doctors have discovered that up to 30 percent of dog-allergic patients are only sensitized to one specific protein made in the prostate of male dogs. In other words, pet owners with allergies might be able to tolerate female dogs or male dogs that have been neutered. Source: Animal Wellness, February 3, 2020. Link. Also see: Allergic to dogs? It may only be the males, … [Read more...]
JAVMA, February 1 edition
It is always interesting to see what is being studied in our animal health industry. We noted the following: Tick paralysis in a free-ranging bobcat (Lynx rufus). Link. Tick paralysis has not previously been reported in felids outside Australia, according to the author. The cat recovered likely much to the chagrin of wild birds, small mammals and some small pets in his … [Read more...]
Ticks responsible for 7 of 17 U.S. vector-borne diseases
Thomas Mather, PhD, believes everyone should be better educated about ticks and able to identify the small number of tick species in the United States that threaten human health. “Different ticks carry different diseases in different parts of the country,” he explained. . . . if <people> saw how many ticks are waiting on twigs and leaves and in the brush . . . they would … [Read more...]
Opinion – Caretaker training improves animal welfare
Samantha Marais presents the value of employee training and how it improves pig welfare. From this, we can assume that training people to care for animals of any species likely increases animal welfare. Our industry routinely separates food animals, companion animals, equine and poultry. Universally however, people receiving proper and continuing education about animals in … [Read more...]
Opinion – Lawsuit over popular dog food brand exposes label confusion
You can decide if the litigation described in this article is necessary or accurate. The context is important, as is what animal health pros can learn from it and the inherent call to action, which is pet owners need nutritional counseling and guidance. There is no question that pet diet labels have become more confusing over time pitting marketing perceptions against … [Read more...]
One Health certification available for DVMs, physicians
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association is offering a 20-module online certificate program for physician and veterinarian members to become certified as One Health Practitioners. The course is free to WSVA and AVMA members as well as human doctors. Source: DVM 360, December 4, 2020. Link. The hope is that both veterinarians and physicians will eventually take the … [Read more...]
Benefits of Fear Free featured in New York Times
“Fear free” veterinary care ideally addresses the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals. It is not a new concept. Idaho veterinarian Marty Becker took the approached and started the company Fear Free. It certifies veterinarians, technicians and sometimes entire practices after online training. More than 39,000 professionals and 113 practices been certified “fear free.” … [Read more...]
Vet clinics must address needs of dogs in lower-income households
The middle class is being hollowed out, because the less affluent are getting less affluent, shared Steve Ballmer during a Numbers Geek podcast <link>. He also noted single people without children account for 43 percent of all of the households in America. Meanwhile, the AVMA Veterinary Economics Division has been working to understand factors affecting veterinary visits. … [Read more...]
Dr. Becker, “doing the doo”
We’re sure you’ll chuckle at the descriptions Marty Becker, DVM, uses when discussing the ritualistic habits of dogs as they deposit feces. We’ll not spoil it by sharing some of the descriptions. ENJOY! Source: Dr. Marty Becker, January 2020. Link … [Read more...]
More support needed for diabetic cat owners
Alex Gallagher, DVM, MS, DACVIM, shares startling takeaways from research titled Priorities on treatment and monitoring of diabetic cats from the owners’ points of view <link>. While veterinarian recommendations were considered the second most influential in their treatment decision, Gallagher provides alarming details: Fewer than 50% of owners reported their … [Read more...]
Tales of the cat tail
Ellyce Rothrock helps interpret the meaning of cat tail movements. A cat’s ears, eyes, body posture and especially her tail, express exactly what she’s thinking and how she’s feeling, she says. You just have to “listen” to cat tail language. Source: Catster, October 21, 2019. Link Learning cat tail language is like learning any foreign language: It takes time.” Also see: … [Read more...]
Pet-friendly houseplants can purify air
“These days, many houses are built for energy efficiency. This can mean fewer fresh air opportunities for people or their pets,” says Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM. “Stale air can adversely affect health. Stale air has higher levels of carbon dioxide, possibly carbon monoxide and other waste gases. Higher wastes mean less oxygen availability.” The article includes information about … [Read more...]
Health problems can cause behavior changes in dogs
Carol Osborne, DVM, says a change in a dog’s normal behavior is a red flag. Most people assume that unusual behavior is caused by stress, boredom or some other external situation. However, it could also signal a medical condition. She discusses behavior aberrations and conditions that could be underlying causes. Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, January 26, 2020. Link The … [Read more...]
A crucial blind spot in vet medicine
A reader sent us this article. The placebo effect is a well-established phenomenon in human patients. In veterinary medicine however, it’s an underappreciated one. The particular way it plays out in veterinary care highlights how unconscious cognitive biases can mislead humans when we care for other species. The most likely explanation is what’s known as the caregiver … [Read more...]