Highlighting facts that as many as half of U.S. pets won’t visit a veterinary practice this year, Bob Lester, DVM, says the veterinary profession risks becoming a service available only to wealthy animal owners. He shares a list of 15 current or near-future models that would help more families and their animals benefit from veterinary care. A spectrum of care approach might … [Read more...]
Scientists explain why sudden equine deaths are hard to pinpoint
Efforts to explain the sudden death of especially racehorses took the form of a teleconference focused on the loss of Medina Spirit on December 6, 2021, at Santa Anita Park. The California Horse Racing Board hosted a media teleconference where veterinarians provided context to the investigation’s findings. It's not uncommon for sudden death cases to have no cause of death … [Read more...]
Urban wildlife and SARS-CoV-2 variants
Scott Weese, DVM, has kept information and perspective on SARS-CoV-2 updated and fresh over the past two years. He writes, “While control of the pandemic at this stage is pretty much still solely dependent on addressing human-to-human transmission, as things slowly get more controlled in people, other sources of infection and other sources of variants become more relevant. The … [Read more...]
6 nutrients that support hoof health
Commercial content included Certain nutrients can make a huge difference in the state of a horse’s feet. The author outlines six ingredients that can have a positive impact on hoof health and stability. Source: Equine Wellness, January 13, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Can Diet Coke really treat colic? Social media gone wrong.
While an older story, this serves as a reminder to be diligent when posting content on social media. Oliver Liyou BVSC (HONS1) MANZCVSC (EQ DENT), was the victim of social media gone awry after posting himself administering Diet Coke to a horse with a gastric impaction. The post reached 1.5 million people and received 6500 likes. Liyou emphasized that the entire point … [Read more...]
Straw diet can benefit horses
Researchers suggest straw is a good forage option for overweight horses and others who might benefit from reduced energy intake and the resultant lower blood insulin levels. Blood collected from the researchers’ horses revealed that in addition to satisfying hunger, the half-straw diets altered each horse’s metabolic profile in beneficial ways. Straw is a useful supplement to … [Read more...]
The energy field of horses
In this age of mindfulness and stress reduction guidance, Joan Ranquet’s article caught our attention. She explains, we all are electromagnetic beings with an energy field around us often called the aura. Frequently referenced as a “sixth sense,” this phenomenon is also called morphic resonance or swarm theory, she writes. Most of us have experienced this with a dog or cat, if … [Read more...]
Banks say consumers are in good shape. Cost of care opportunities?
Opinion, with Sponsored Content Believe it or not, top bankers say consumer spending is rebounding as we move past pandemic fears. Regardless of the bankers’ positions, veterinary teams and animal health businesses remain historically cautious when dealing with animal owners. Often criticized for prejudging pocketbooks, veterinary teams especially have opportunities every … [Read more...]
Foal Patrol season 5. Watch live foaling cams.
Foal Patrol is a one-of-a-kind collection of live cameras following the daily activities of in-foal mares produced by the National Museum of Racing. Millions of people throughout the world have viewed the popular webcam program since its inaugural season in 2018. Source: EQUUS, January 5, 2022. Link. Season 5 will feature a new education site at www.foalpatrol.com/education to … [Read more...]
Rabies, lest we forget it’s importance
We often hear rabies is eliminated. It is true for canine rabies. It is NOT true for wildlife, especially bats. Scott Weese, DVM, recaps the 2021 rabies scene in the U.S. He shares details on the five human deaths due to rabies reported in 2021. This is the highest annual case count in the last decade. There’s limited penetration of rabies awareness education for the general … [Read more...]
Pigeon fever documented in 25 states
Also called dryland distemper or Colorado strangles, pigeon fever develops when Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacteria enter a horse’s body, probably via insect bites or breaks in the skin. It has nothing to do with birds except the shape of the external infections often resemble the breast of a pigeon. The infection appears in three forms: External abscesses … [Read more...]
Dr. Pol, Dr. Oakley, Dr. K among Nat Geo shows now on Disney+
Disney is dropping new episodes of many Nat Geo and Disney Channel shows in batches, rather than waiting until an entire season has finished, as it used to. Dozens of episodes of popular Nat Geo veterinary docuseries are now streaming on Disney+. The first 18 seasons of The Incredible Dr Pol are available, along with a number of specials. The first batch of episodes from … [Read more...]
Shoes and blood circulation in hooves: Is there a connection?
Polish researchers concluded that horseshoes may have a negative impact on blood circulation in the hoof and noted that different types of shoes may result in different median temperature differences of the heel and toe portions of hooves. Source: Paulick Report, December 24, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Building an equine colic toolkit
Chris White, DVM, shares how horse owners can prepare for a colic episode, considerations to make, and things to keep in mind after surgery. In some horses and situations colic can be impossible to prevent. So, having a toolkit that includes an active VCPR will help owners best handle colic when it happens. White reminds horse owners to avoid handling colic episodes alone. … [Read more...]
The future of work is a 60-year career
Retirement as we know it didn’t exist in the 19th century, writes Joe Pinsker. The norm then was to work until you could no longer physically do the job. Now with age expectancy increasing to 100 years experts project the 20th century model of forty-year careers will need to be expanded to 60 years. He shares several concepts about how employment strategies will need to change … [Read more...]
Why large-animal vets are in short supply
Referencing farm size shifts, geographic expansion of hobby farms, gender demographics and food safety job competition, Jalee Wondercheck writes about the large-animal veterinary shortage in Indiana. It is a story common across the U.S. Source: Farm Progress, December 20, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
National Geographic’s 12 most intriguing animal discoveries of 2021
‘Virgin births’ in a rare bird, Covid-19 found in wild deer, other animals, cloning a black ferret, elephant evolving to lose tusks, wild horses and donkeys digging desert wells, ants that shrink and regrow their brains and more. . . Source: National Geographic, December 8, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Most read Animal Health Digest posts of 2021
As 2021 ends, our team celebrates six years of curating, selecting and then supplying actionable content for animal health professionals. To date, about 6,500 posts are stored in our AHD website. What you read helps determine where we seek content that can be applied to how you work and interact with customers and stakeholders. We’ve assembled the most read posts of 2021 in … [Read more...]
How DVMs choose stem cells or PRP for equine tendon and ligament injuries
Tremendous interest exists to understand how to use regenerative therapies (orthobiologics) such as platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cells to treat tendon and ligament injuries in horses. Some tendon and ligament injuries have a better chance of benefiting from orthobiologics than others. Roger Smith, MA, VetMB, PhD, DEO, FHEA, LAAssocECVDI, Dipl. ECVSMR, ECVS, … [Read more...]
Jingle Bells was not written with yuletide merriment in mind
We’ve been duped, writes Rebecca Berry. The Jingle Bells song, written 164 years ago, was a sleighing song whose original title was One Horse Open Sleigh. But yuletide intentions did not inspire songwriter James Pierpont, rather sleigh races he witnessed. . . . jingling sleigh bells were not festive adornments because having bells was the law. Heavy fines were issued if a … [Read more...]
Legal ramifications of lay persons providing veterinary advice online
Animal owners frequently seek solutions for their horses and pets online. Some lay people are exposing themselves to liability by giving advice as if they are veterinarians. It happens all the time in chat rooms, Facebook groups and various internet venues. If a layperson is giving information about a specific condition, they’re diagnosing. That’s practicing without a license, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 16, 2021
Last week’s most read post Toxic positivity. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 9, 2021. Link. AHD posts one year ago Archives for December 2020, Animal Health Digest. Link. Zoonotic infection from household aquarium Source: Worms and Germs, November 30, 2021. Link. Scott Weese, DVM, reminds us to use some … [Read more...]
Keeping horses warm and healthy this winter
Christine Barakat’s article is focused on older horses, avoiding chills and checking blankets daily. Considering the U.S. weather to date, chilling from sweating under a blanket is as likely as chilling from the cold. Wide temperature swings are hard on all animals living outside. With all the wind likely to arrive with winter, keeping water fresh and free of debris is … [Read more...]
Fat leg disease or edema?
It is not uncommon to see horses swell with subcutaneous edema. It happens most frequently in the hind legs and resolves when the horse begins exercising again. Alternatively, swelling can be a bacterial infection and indicate a different condition with several potential causes. Regardless of the exact cause, the swelling will be extreme, hot and very painful to the touch, … [Read more...]
Top 10 tips for caring for senior dogs or cats
Complimentary Commercial Content November is when we celebrate National Senior Pet Month. . . . once a pet becomes a senior, every day is senior care day.” Keeping a senior pet happy is all about paying attention, shares Katherine Carbanaro. As dogs’ or cats’ needs change with age, owners need to learn about accommodating them and adjusting routines when needed. Among the … [Read more...]
Zoetis horse video emphasizes human-horse bond
Complimentary Commercial Content Horses recognize care and dedication and they return it tenfold. Zoetis Equine’s Facebook video shows horses and their caregivers in everyday settings and relationships with people of all ages. Source: Zoetis Equine, December 10, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Kudos to the Zoetis equine team. Well done. Nice video! … [Read more...]
The difference between disinfecting and sanitizing, according to the CDC
Sponsored Commercial Content Cleaning can mean everything from straightening up to scrubbing down. When it comes to disinfecting and sanitizing, the definitions, as set by the Centers for Disease Control, are more clear-cut. Sarah Showfety shares the definitions and actions from a home environment perspective. The step-by-step guidance is appropriate for veterinary clinics, … [Read more...]
Even with screening, equine cardiac problems prove difficult to catch
Medina Spirit, the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner, died of an apparent heart attack December 6, 2021 at Santa Anita, California. While tragic, we’re reminded that screening for equine cardiac problems is not as easy as you'd think, especially in racehorses. Natalie Voss presents information equine veterinarian specialists shared during discussions about the realities and challenges … [Read more...]
Just fat, hay belly or getting on in years?
These two articles about horse obesity will be useful to horse owners. Poor-quality feed can fool horse owners when their horse looks like it’s getting fat. Feeding low-quality hay that lacks adequate protein and fiber is the cause of a horse’s belly hanging low and out to the sides. Called “hay belly,” the condition happens when poor-quality feed sits in the large … [Read more...]
Evolving the window shopping experience (includes podcast)
Trends in consumer shopping reflect how animal owners seek products and services are discussed in this episode of the Retail Gets Real podcast. All commerce is becoming digital — even when it happens in store.” “Shoppers are operating in a more blended world as the boundaries between physical and digital shopping start to fall away. For example, 68 percent of shoppers say … [Read more...]