Scientists have found that temperature has little impact on the types of bacteria ticks carry. What they did find was humidity and competition among bacteria had the greatest influence on the combinations of pathogens carried by Ixodes Ricinus, one of Europe's most common tick species. Humidity, competition among bacteria influence pathogens ticks carry Source: UPI, December … [Read more...]
Most-read posts from January and February 2019
AHD selects actionable articles from more than 250 media sources we continuously review. These include about 40 sources directed to veterinarians and veterinary staff, more than 150 sources that focus on animal owners and popular press, blogs and social media. Source: Animal Health Digest, Most-read posts, January 2019. Better ways to say, “You screwed up.” Link. … [Read more...]
Mental health resources for farmers and ranchers available. More on the way.
The holidays may add to everyday stress for some folks. Farmers and ranchers are no different. There is a great list of mental health and suicide prevention references with links. Keep it. It may come in handy one day. Source: Successful Farming, September 8, 2018. Link. If you need help or know someone who is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention … [Read more...]
Deep slumber as important for horses as for people
We know that restorative sleep is important to equine health, but mostly leave it up to the horse, writes Kim Mariette. Environments such as bustling modern barns, modern equine facilities and even nearby construction can be disruptive and make it difficult for horses to get REM sleep. Source: EQUUS, May 28, 2019. Link. To achieve REM sleep a horse must lie down in either … [Read more...]
2019’s top news stories from DVM360
For publishers, what readers click on is like taking blood pressure and pulse metrics. DVM360’s top news stories from 2019 is no exception. From spay/neuter age debates through 12-month heartworm protection to shortages of veterinary associates, it shares the top stories. Source: DVM 360, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: For marketers and sales reps, top 10 lists help … [Read more...]
5 tips for better blanketing
Horses will appreciate their caregivers following this advice when selecting and using his blankets this winter: Check the fit of blankets each year Consider getting your horse “underwear” Multiple blankets? Mark them according to the appropriate conditions for their use If temperatures fluctuate, blanket for the anticipated high of the day Remove blankets … [Read more...]
Why do some vaccinated horses still get sick? (podcast)
Elizabeth Davis, DVM, explains how vaccines prime the immune system and why some horses might still get sick. The idea of vaccination is intended to provide, in a very safe way and at a small level of exposure to the immune system, so that on future exposure to the immune system at the time of disease challenge, that the horse is is protected. Source: The Horse, October 22, … [Read more...]
Don’t let barn fires happen
Barn fires in North America occur predominantly in the winter months. Supplemental heating, increased bedding, fuel containers and aging electrical wiring are common reasons animal barns and shelters catch fire during winter months. This article focuses on dairies but horse barns, kennels and coops are also susceptible. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 9, 2019. Link. A … [Read more...]
Ketamine, K-holes, pony medicine and disassociation
In the past few years, ketamine has found its way back into needy nostrils, writes Anna Silman. She describes the off-label uses of ketamine over the past 50 years. A Schedule III drug for veterinarians, ketamine is still a concern when clinics are vandalized or when inventory shortages are discovered. We’re sharing this article so veterinary teams can see the attraction and … [Read more...]
48 million pets need a regular vet
The relationship counts says, Matthew Salois, PhD, citing recent metrics from the AVMA’s most recent Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook < link >. Based on the research, he is confident developing a strong veterinarian-client bond can help get more pets into practices on an ongoing basis for the preventive healthcare we know they need. Salois also noted the … [Read more...]
8 best pet movies of 2019
Liza Brooke recommends eight pet movies for families and friends to watch during the holidays. She offers a wide selection of pet movies released in 2019 that span live-action dramas to hilarious animated films. Here’s her list: A Dog’s Way Home The Secret Life of Pets 2 The Queen’s Corgi A Dog’s Journey The Biggest Little Farm Spy Cat The Art of Racing … [Read more...]
Phones, airplanes and airplane mode
As animal health pros travel for the holidays and upcoming conventions, Sven Bilén shares the developing use of cellular phones on airplanes. He explains the risks and rationales for no live calls while flying. Switch your phone to airplane mode when in the air Source: The Conversation, November 16, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: With Bilén’s explanations, it will be easier to … [Read more...]
Control the herd, manage the horse (video)
Kimberly Brown shared a video via Linked In that features Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, discussing the dynamics of parasite control for one or two horses while still maintaining the population-control focus. Bottom line, he says to control the parasites in all the animals at a location using a herd approach first. Source: Linked In. Link. INSIGHTS: Share Nielsen’s message … [Read more...]
Equine workers risk respiratory problems
Not all horse work is done outdoors. Nancy Hoffman discusses the risks to horse people from dust, mold and allergens from hay, bedding and associated dirt. She makes a case for wearing dust masks and reviews the two main categories of masks, their features, functions and benefits. Source: Horse Network, December 2, 2019. Link. Remember, . . . you’re going to be breathing … [Read more...]
Skip the bran and other winter horse feeding tips
Christine Barakat shares simple tips to keep horses happy and healthy when the weather turns cold. Even seasoned horse owners will appreciate these reminders, including the snow saucer tip for hauling hay. Source: EQUUS, November 25, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this for social media, newsletters and targeted mailings to horse owners. … [Read more...]
Difficult customer reactions
I have written at length regarding the ability to acknowledge your customer’s reactions in a way that demonstrates that you heard what they said, you are taking them seriously and you respect their right to their own point of view. Sounds easy enough in theory, but not in application. Source: Vet-Advantage, Livestock Edition, November 2019. Link. At this point, more probing … [Read more...]
Favorite equine posts
A horse is a horse, of course, of course, And no one can talk to a horse of course That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr. Ed < link >. A lot has changed since Mr. Ed, the TV program about the talking horse, ran in the 1950s and 1960s. < … [Read more...]
Keep vets protected on the farm
We often bemoan the need to minimize veterinarian exposure to liability on farm. But, with growing numbers of veterinary students who grew up in the suburbs and have little to no real experience in handling livestock, the potential of injuries increases. Kenneth Brown, JD, DVM, shares steps for veterinarians to minimize the risk of liability and avoid problems. Source: … [Read more...]
Horses’ gum color tells health status
The color of the gums can reveal clues about a horse’s health. Any variation from the normal salmon pink could signal something requiring immediate veterinary attention: Yellow to yellowish brown can indicate liver problems when the organ is unable to filter the pigment from the bloodstream. Very pale pink, almost white, gums may be the result of decreased circulation, … [Read more...]
Revisiting equine cellulitis
When a horse’s leg swells to double or triple the normal leg size overnight, owners and vets must take immediate action. Cellulitis, while common, can be frightening for owners. Having a veterinary professional respond quickly and decisively is critical to avoid further injury. Source: EQUUS, March 2016. Link. Caused by bacteria penetrating the dermis and multiplying in the … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLink releases platform updates to all users
GlobalVetLink (GVL®) updated navigation and functionality in the GVL platform applications. The new workflows streamline the user experience and affects all products. Training videos and resources for the new platform are available to users at www.globalvetlink.com. GVL also provides customer support daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time. Source: GlobalVetLink, … [Read more...]
CBD special report
Cannabidiol here, CBD there! Various manufacturers tout a variety of benefits from their products. The FDA is currently drafting regulations for hemp and hemp-derived substances. The USDA released the final interim hemp farming rules on October 31, 2019 < link >. The Pet Product News insider’s report sheds light on where this new category is headed and gives perspective … [Read more...]
Prepare horses and barns for winter
Winter is never the easiest season for horsekeepers, but with planning it doesn’t have to be particularly difficult, writes Christine Barakat. She offers tips on winter preparations that will benefit horses and owners. Source: EQUUS Extra. Link. Dehydration is the primary cause of impaction colic during winter months. . . be certain horses have access to fresh … [Read more...]
Equine stifle joint therapies frustrate equine practitioners
David W. Ramey, DVM, discusses a recent retrospective study on how horses affected with various conditions of the stifle fare after surgery. The research reveals that common post-operative therapies do not make any difference in whether the studied horses returned to their previous level of performance. Here is a list of the postoperative therapies used: intra-articular … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis continuing education
Most mammals are susceptible to infection, writes Ashley DiPrete, RVT, VTS, (SAIM). As humans expand their environmental footprint, encroachment on wildlife becomes a greater issue, and people, pets and wild animal reservoir hosts cross one another’s paths more frequently. The importance of leptospirosis sp. is underscored by its status as the most prevalent zoonotic disease … [Read more...]
A horse’s leg is like a paperclip and other performance horse problems
With concerns surrounding horse deaths at Santa Anita Race Track < link >, horse owners will be ready to consider veterinarian David Ramey’s four biggest problems that affect performance horses. If they can avoid these things, the battle is at least half won, he says. They’re overtrained They’re bored and annoyed Owners assume that performance problems are … [Read more...]
You can’t disinfect a turd, but disinfectants work
We can learn a lot from practical biosecurity protocols used by swine veterinarians and their clients. The approaches practiced in swine production apply across species as we expand our thinking about zoonoses and One Health. Biosecurity must be a mindset and lifestyle. . . it must be ingrained and adhered to, and we also need to trust all employees to do the right thing even … [Read more...]
5 animal health topics beyond African swine fever to think about
Behind the scenes, animal health officials are working on behalf of producers and the livestock industry, writes JoAnn Alumbaugh. She shares five topics of interest discussed during a recent meeting of the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials in conjunction with the 2019 U.S. Animal Health Association (USAHA) annual meeting: Flurry of activity on antibiotic … [Read more...]
Identifying and treating gastric ulcers
There are many possible reasons why horses develop gastric ulcers, writes David Ramey, DVM. He says most of them are related to how people manage their horses. Diet, confinement and medication are three areas where horse management may induce ulcers. The most thoroughly tested ulcer treatment is omeprazole, which is absorbed into the small intestine and works systemically by … [Read more...]
Rodeo, a tough sport with rich heritage
Rodeo has been around as long and demands as much or more from its athletes than do urban sports, writes Jonathon Reed. He shares the history, development and challenges of rodeo as a competitive sport. . . . young competitors learn their skills on the farm or ranch, as part of everyday chores or seasonal cattle work. Horsemanship and general equine knowledge get worked in … [Read more...]