Collaborating with USDA, the staff at the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners developed a biosecurity toolkit for use by DVMs and producers. The toolkit consists of six flyers, as well as a main poster. It’s free to download and can be used for client education. Source: AASRP. Link. … [Read more...]
5 steps to super-sanitation for calf equipment
Cleaning and sanitation of calf-feeding equipment is a primary management subset that matters advised Don Sockett, DVM, PhD. Equipment must be cleaned first, disinfected second to help reduce the potential for spreading illness between calves. Sockett shared two main things he sees during farm visits: 1) the use of weak or ineffective soap and 2) wash brushes not dried … [Read more...]
From mixed practice to swine specialist, Randy Jones, DVM (podcast)
Randy Jones, DVM, is an icon in swine practice and production. He shares his journey from a mixed veterinary practice to specializing in pigs, the pig industry’s evolution to specialization in farm management and veterinary roles. Source: Popular Pig Podcast, March 28, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Banfield survey reveals heartworm prevention rates are declining
Despite mosquitoes that transmit disease being present in all 50 U.S. states and increases in heartworm incidence in cats and dogs, a Banfield survey reveals nearly 40 percent of pet owners don’t believe their pet is at risk for heartworm disease and almost 30 percent have not put their pet on a preventive medication. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, April 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Nebraska Range Short Course, NBLC Grazing School might offer DVMs time with clients
Commentary Quality time coupled with advancing learning could benefit DVMs and key clients. While fishing and golf might sound fun, the 2024 Nebraska Range Short Course combined with the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Grazing School is an opportunity for veterinarians to participate alongside their producer clients. It’s something to consider especially if next-generation … [Read more...]
Focus on heifers to improve reproduction success, costs
The main reproduction challenge on dairies now lies in the heifer herd, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Paul M. Fricke, PhD. He said, “Now that we’re raising fewer heifers, it’s more important to be better with them.” Fricke believes attention to reproduction is an important element in lowering the cost to raise a heifer to calving. Source: Hoard’s … [Read more...]
Sneezing in cats
News of cats contracting avian flu may have clients more sensitized when their cat sneezes. Many prevalent viruses and bacteria generate symptoms that are consistent across multiple infectious agents. The warming of spring plants and trees also exposes cats to allergens. We’re sharing an article about sneezing in cats and an avian flu information sheet regarding cats from … [Read more...]
Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication
Katrina L. Mealey, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVCP, and her team have identified cats with the MDR1 genetic mutation are at risk of severe adverse reactions to the active ingredient in some top-selling parasite preventatives for felines. The ingredient, eprinomectin, appears safe and effective for most cats except those with the MDR1 gene mutation. Genetic testing is the only … [Read more...]
Must-have apps for pet parents
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance recently shared a list of must-have apps designed for digitally savvy pet owners. They may help reduce scrolling, simplify life and aid in keeping pets happy and healthy. Consider sharing the link in social media posts or newsletters. Source: ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 8, 2024
Pets getting too expensive, cats on leads, knowing the coming wave of Gen Z workers, influencer marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 8, 2024. Link. According to the Newsweek article shared about rising pet costs dog owners spend more on their pet (about $1,400 a year) than cat owners ($1,200) considering all possible expenses: vaccinations, bed, food, … [Read more...]
Responding to feedback
Being open to feedback doesn't necessarily mean that you should simply accept it, writes Ed Batista. Sharing four potential responses, he reminds us to stay open to feedback, even when we disagree with it or find that it disconfirms prior assumptions. Source: EdBatista.com, March 25, 2024. Link. . . . feedback always says as much about the giver as the recipient. It's … [Read more...]
The veterinary nurse’s role in heartworm testing and treatment
Veterinary nurses are the front line when it comes to discussing the frequency and necessity of heartworm testing, writes Jordan Porter RVT, VTS (SAIM). She reviews the heartworm life cycle, treating heartworm-positive patients and supporting veterinarians and practice communications. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2023. Link. Educating pet owners is a role a … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
Navigating the new pet care landscape
Asserting that the modern pet owner demands a more engaged, transparent and responsive veterinary experience, Aaron Massecar MA, PhD, and Kelly O’Brien share perspectives about practicing veterinary medicine in this digital and advancing technology age. They cite a study indicating online searches can strengthen the veterinary-client relationship and share the importance of a … [Read more...]
Reskilling in the age of AI
This article was awarded the 2023 HBR Prize honoring the best Harvard Business Review article of the year. The authors share the significance of the complexity and pace of technological change. Its velocity will likely require millions of workers to be not only upskilled, but reskilled. Drawing from interviews with representatives of companies worldwide that are already … [Read more...]
Second case of avian influenza identified in a person in the U.S.
A person is being treated for bird flu following contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with the virus in Texas. The article shares updates on avian flu detections across the U.S. Source: Agricultural Dive, April 1, 2024. Link. Also see: Human H5N1 likely linked to cattle, Worms and Germs, April 1, 2024. Link. A lot of attention is warranted, says Scott Weese, … [Read more...]
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) now part of Dechra’s otitis external product range
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) is the first FDA-approved animal drug intended to treat yeast-only otitis externa in dogs. It is also the first otic drug intended to treat otitis externa that does not contain an antibiotic <Link>. DuOtic is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs, associated with susceptible strains of yeast … [Read more...]
Curbing gas with perennial grass
The Paris Agreement commitments to global emissions-reduction targets has elevated the discussion of methane production from cows <Link>. While some claim inaction from the livestock segment, a Minnesota study of forages contradicts those claims. Perennial forages are often praised for their ability to capture atmospheric carbon and sequester it in the soil. Now a … [Read more...]
APHIS now thinks wild birds are to blame for HPAI infections in cows (video)
Based on findings from Texas, the detections appear to have been introduced by wild birds. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans.” Source: Drovers, March 28, 2024. Link. Also see: Milk supply unaffected by HPAI in cows, Smithsonian, March 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Deworming calves pre-weaning improves weight gain, adds value
A recent Arkansas study showed deworming calves about two months before weaning improved weight gain and added value for producers, writes John Lovett. We know the why, the when and the how, but getting producers to change behaviors to realize the value is still a barrier. Sharing this article might help. Source: Drovers, April 1, 2024. Link. The weight gain from … [Read more...]
Free-ranging chickens by the season
There’s little doubt the Easter holiday brought new chickens into backyards and acreages. Often these forays into chicken keeping happen with weak plans for keeping the birds healthy and safe. In the article below, the author writes about free-range foraging benefits, identifies where to be cautious and how seasons may change the approach. Source: Hobby Farms. … [Read more...]
How certified veterinary support personnel improve equine practices
Some equine veterinary practices thrive by strategically deploying crucial support provided by veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. Haylie Kerstetter shares takeaways from a panel discussion about it at the 2023 AAEP convention. Source: The Horse, March 29, 2024. Link. Veterinarians should create relationships with clients and establish their technicians as … [Read more...]
Top 5 short procedure sedation scenarios
General anesthesia isn’t the only choice when it comes to minor procedures. Khursheed Mama, DVM, DACVAA, shares her top five scenarios involving sedation for short procedures. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2019. Link. Dr. Mama discussed short procedure sedation on Clinician's Brief: The Podcast <Link>. Sedation is not without risk and requires monitoring vigilance … [Read more...]
Spring has sprung and with it pretty and poisonous plants
A colleague shared this image as a reminder that not all pretty plants are safe for pets. It is a reminder to share poison control center information and resources with pet owners on social media, in newsletters and in person. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Link. … [Read more...]
A bad sample is worse than no sample
Sponsored Content According to Ohio State’s William (Bill) P. Weiss, PhD, “A bad sample is worse than no sample.” He was speaking about accuracy when analyzing feed, but he could have been referencing the collection of samples to be sent to diagnostic laboratories to identify pinkeye strains from cattle showing signs of it. Addison Laboratory’s Karlin Yaeger and I spoke … [Read more...]
Study shows talking about dental care increases brushing frequency
Research intending to compare the effects of motivational interviewing compared to traditional counseling approaches found slim variances between the two approach styles. What was evident is that regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with the … [Read more...]
Lyme vaccine. What dog owners may be reading.
As a veterinarian and dog owner, writes Jennifer Bailey, DVM, “I feel strongly that the canine Lyme vaccine is safe and effective enough for dogs who live in areas that are endemic for Lyme disease.” Sharing considerable history, the lack of full support by veterinarians, and the potential for side effects, she emphasizes vaccination based on lifestyle, geographic location and … [Read more...]
Technology, sustainability and new food formats topped trends at Global Pet Expo
Sharing his perspectives from the Global Pet Expo, Mark Kalaygian says product innovations seemed to reflect three key areas: technology, sustainability and new food formats. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
1 in 5 pet owners indicate pet separation anxiety got worse last year
Working to quantify the level of separation anxiety, TrustedHousesitters surveyed pet owners on their pet-sitting platform. They found: 46 percent of those surveyed said their pet has separation anxiety 25 percent of respondents reveal they won't travel because of their pet’s anxiety 17 percent revealed they worry about missing out on social and career opportunities … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 1, 2024
Millennials with pets finding challenges, Chewy opening physical spaces, industry experts seeking more oversight of pet food, FabFitFun acquires PetCo’s PupBox, Veterinary surgeon appeals to breeders of brachycephalic dogs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 1, 2024. Link. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 IBPSA Flow … [Read more...]