NEW Cooperative in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was recently hit with a ransomware attack that forced the farm and feed supply operation to take systems offline. Blackmatter, the group allegedly behind the attack, is demanding $5.9 million to provide a decryptor. NEW Cooperative claims its software powers grain production and feed schedules for 11 million animals. Source: ars TECHNICA, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 9, 2021
Last week’s . . . . . . most read post Success starts with followership, AHD. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin - Sept 2, 2021. The surprising upsides of spite and how to harness them Source: New Scientist, September 1, 2021. Link. Spiteful behavior, harming another at some cost to yourself, is a psychological game where no … [Read more...]
Nutrigenomics: the future of feeding horses
Nutrigenomics is the scientific study of how nutrients can interact, directly or indirectly, with an animal’s genome. This interaction influences how genes are expressed, which can affect health, disease and performance, writes Marty Adams, PhD, PAS. The goal of equine nutrigenomics is to tailor a horse’s diet based on their genetic information, so they grow in a healthy state … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLink introduces the Pet TravelPass™ for international pet travel
Complimentary A new tool from GlobalVetLink promises to save veterinarians time and worries when clients want to travel internationally with their pets. GVL Pet TravelPass is available now at http://www.globalvetlink.comand offers an easy sign-up and get-started process, with no subscription fee or monthly minimums. Source: GlobalVetLink, August 7, 2021. Link. The GVL … [Read more...]
Be interested
Often when I suggest that it would be more effective “to be interested rather than trying to be interesting,” I am met with a blank stare. My advice sounds good, but many people need help in asking the right questions. This column from five years ago may help. Source: Vet Advantage, December 2016. Link. Do not worry about sounding nosey. Leaders are naturally inquisitive, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 2, 2021
Last week’s most read post Communicating without words, Link. Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 26, 2021. Link. On my worst mental health days, my 3 dogs get me out of bed Source: The Lily, June 27, 2021. Link. Gemma Correll shares a pictorial story of how her dogs help to improve her mental and physical health every … [Read more...]
Horse heaves: symptoms and treatment
Lung health is a common health topic as wildfires, smoke and dry, dusty drought conditions blanket parts of the country. Heaves is an allergic-based disease that compromises a horse's ability to breathe, similar to the way asthma affects humans writes, Barb Crabbe, DVM. Horse heaves is chronic and can threaten a horse's long-term health and performance.” – Barb Crabbe, … [Read more...]
A buyers guide to horse halters
All halters perform the same basic function to provide a means of controlling horses' movements during handling. However, all halters don't serve all control needs equally well and there are hundreds to choose from. Joanne Meszoly reviews the types of halters and reminds us that the horse's safety and comfort come first, followed by a handler’s control and convenience. … [Read more...]
Tips for caregivers of skinny horses
Knowledge continues to increase about affects that obesity and emaciation have on animal health. This makes it important to strive to keep horses at an optimum body condition including how to body condition score (BCS) them. The authors share photos and tips to help horses with a BCS of 4 gain weight. Think about calories first!” Source: The Horse, January 28, 2019. … [Read more...]
Thoughts from the Veterinary Innovation Summit + NAVC Media eCommerce Summit
Opinion Among myriad thoughts captured during the Veterinary Innovation Summit, these present the most opportunity and challenges for veterinary teams in the next three to five years. Some are trends we see routinely as we curate content, but others are coming faster than previously perceived: Pet caregivers will drive how they wish to interact with veterinary clinics . … [Read more...]
Fall alfalfa decisions have repercussions
Drought continues to be a concern for farmers and livestock producers. Forage availability and quality are integral to sustaining herd numbers and health. Kim Cassida shares alfalfa management tips. For animal health pros working directly with producers, consider using this article to open new discussions about nutrition and herd health decisions. You might find a local … [Read more...]
Have a horse? Prepare for the inevitable.
Sponsored Content Olympic equestrians faced tough challenges, including having to fly horses into Tokyo from pre-export quarantine in Europe. But the biggest challenges arose when the horses spooked or refused during performances because of sumo statues. Also, daruma dolls startled them and a horse got punched. These challenges underscore the health and behavior … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and AVMA have disaster resources for all. They’re especially helpful for Tropical Storm Henri victims.
Sponsored Content Tropical Storm Henri was a hurricane before it made landfall in Rhode Island last Sunday. We shared hurricane safety and check lists for pets in September 2020 <Link>. Large animal and livestock owners also need to think about how they will care for their animals during natural disasters. The AVMA offers disaster resources to help owners plan for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 19, 2021
Last week’s most read post 40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study. AHD Link. Cat2VetDay is August 22nd Source: Cat Friendly Homes. Link. In the United States, more than half of our 74 million cats are not visiting the veterinarian regularly. See the resources available for immediate use including, 5 reasons NOT to postpone … [Read more...]
Learning through livestock: Pipestone Discovery Barn brings the farm to fairgoers (video)
The Pipestone Discovery Barn gives kids who don’t grow up on a farm a chance to learn more about where their food comes from. Visitors not only get to see the baby animals, they also witness them being born. Source: KEOLAND.com, August 13, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Intercept the annual rodent migration
START NOW to reduce the annual fall movement of rodents indoors. As the weather cools, rodents migrate to livestock and poultry houses seeking warmer conditions and food sources. The same migrations occur in cities, suburbs, ruralpolitan acreages, farms and ranches. Jim Eadie shares ways to get ahead of the migration using bait stations. He says early placement is vital … [Read more...]
Strategies to help horses work with a veterinarian
There are plenty of easy things to help get your horse ready for a vet day without drama or trauma, writes Allison Armstrong Rehnborg. Even under the best of circumstances, vet day can be a bit chaotic. Teaching a horse the basics of good manners is part of being a responsible horse owner. . . it’s not the vets’ job.” - Ryan Cottingim Source: Horse Illustrated, January 6, … [Read more...]
Equine supplements: Look closely, they may not be needed.
Horse owners are always trying this or that to get more out of their animals. Sarah Voss reminds us that supplements are not regulated by the FDA or USDA. She says: Make sure any supplement is something a horse truly needs Contact a veterinarian familiar with the horse’s history first Look at the packaging to determine the quantity of each ingredient provided Ask … [Read more...]
Thumps and managing horses in the heat
Sponsor’s content included High temperatures and humidity come with risks to horses and riders. Elevated temperatures can lead to dangerous health problems in horses. Volume 30 of EQUUS Extra addresses heat issues in horses including a fun multiple-choice learning format. Learn about:, When horses need electrolytes What sweat can tell you about a horse’s health … [Read more...]
Covetrus issues inaugural environmental, social and governance report
Complimentary Commercial Content Covetrus released its first environmental, social and governance report last week. It affirms the company’s commitment to providing ethical and sustainable solutions that improve the lives of its employees, customers and partners, while positively impacting the communities it serves. Source: Business Wire, August 5, 2021. Link. In 2020, … [Read more...]
Summer skin issues affect pets
Complimentary Content Just when it is time to buy school clothes and start fall sports practices, the cumulative effects of spring and summer activities routinely show up in pets’ skin. Although dermatological issues can be yearlong, pet parents may discover specific problems in the summer. Whether caused by allergies, swimming, fleas and mosquitoes, or sunburn, … [Read more...]
Dealing with the equine gut
There’s a lot to consider when dealing with the equine gut. The staff at The Horse compiled 10 articles about gut functions and issues from nose to tail. An unhealthy gut can cause poor performance, behavioral issues, malabsorption of nutrients and even colic.” Source: The Horse, July 27, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Confidently share this resource to help orientate equine … [Read more...]
New thinking about cribbing
Also called wind sucking, cribbing is a stereotypy, a repetitive, compulsive activity that serves no purpose for a horse and it poses health risks. Current thinking is that an individual horse might have a genetic predisposition to crib, but the behavior isn’t triggered until he is subjected to stressors related to his lifestyle. Source: EQUUS, July 20, 2021. Link. Horses … [Read more...]
Rabid puppy exposes dozens in Georgia and South Carolina
Opinion If you’ve not read this recent account of rabies exposures, please do so. We still have gaps in rabies management and prevention. . . . only 39 states mandate rabies vaccination for dogs; 11 states have no statewide legal requirement for rabies vaccination of any species. Feline rabies vaccination is required in 34 states, and vaccination of ferrets is required in … [Read more...]
Think before raking the stalls
Longtime equestrians know lung health is crucial to a horse's athletic performance, but Susan J. Holcombe, VMD, MS, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC, presents some interesting numbers about the prevalence of airway disease and impact of reduced oxygen flow. She shares how bedding, raking, sweeping and even feedstuffs create dusty conditions that challenge horses’ and peoples’ … [Read more...]
Travel takes a toll on horses
Did you ever try to stand up in a pickup bed or wagon while going across a field or pasture? If so, you have a concept of what horses go through when being trailered. Christine Barakat and Melinda Freckleton, DVM, share thoughts about traveling with horses. A tired horse is more likely to be injured in a trailer as he struggles to stay on his feet, and fatigue can lower his … [Read more...]
Horses and riders ready for Tokyo Olympic Games
It’s not easy for Olympians to get to Tokyo with all the pandemic-related health concerns. But equestrians faced greater challenges, including having to have horses flown into Tokyo from pre-export quarantine in Europe as there were no horse flights out of North America that satisfied the U.S. equestrian horse welfare requirements. Schedules and other information about the … [Read more...]
Vets DO IT on the phone – Chatfields chat with Aaron Smiley, DVM
Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined by Dr. Aaron Smiley to find out what is and isn't legitimate telemedicine. Smiley is one of the founders of the Veterinary Virtual Care Association and a champion of monetizing virtual care interactions. Telemedicine is not new. . . 140 years and going strong. What’s new is the expansion in technologies.” – Aaron Smiley, … [Read more...]
Chatfields seek People’s Choice Podcast Award nominations
Opinion, Complimentary Twin veterinarians Jen and Jason Chatfield hosted the top veterinary podcast in 2020. It was the first-ever veterinary podcast to be a finalist for the People’s Choice Podcast Awards (Science and Medicine). In 2021, the veterinarians launched a new podcast, Chats with the Chatfields. They are seeking nomination support for the 2021 People's Choice … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 15, 2021
Last week’s most read post Society ignores low-probability events that have far-reaching consequences, Source: Animal Health Digest, July 7, 2021. Link. Become the boss of your emotions Source: Healthline, April 28, 2020. Link. The ability to experience and express emotions is more important than you might realize. The felt response to a given situation, … [Read more...]