A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that shelter dogs in the eastern U.S. may be disproportionately affected by the relentless spread of ticks and mosquitoes to new regions. Climate change is a factor as carriers expand their ranges. The resulting risks affect dogs and humans alike. Source: Vet Candy, September 2023. Link. The study underscores the vital … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy in pets: A look at adverse event rates
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is a concern for people and pets alike, especially if it results in reduced rabies vaccination coverage writes J. Scott Weese, DVM, DACVIM. He also acknowledges that concerns about adverse events are real but ultimately de minimis making the risk:reward worth it. Weese shares results from studies referencing adverse events in dogs and … [Read more...]
Total e-commerce sales vs. total retail sales in North America
Retrospective metrics show where and how discretionary money is being spent, including the expansion of online purchasing. This article shows growth rates from 2019 to 2022 in the retail sector. Online retail sales grew much faster than total retail sales during the pandemic, significantly increasing the e-commerce penetration of retail in North America. Analytics show … [Read more...]
The manager squeeze: How the new workplace is testing team leaders
In today’s work environs, being a manager is a tough job often devoid of the perks historically associated with the position. Gallup research indicates: Managers are more likely to be burned out and disengaged than their teams Budget cuts, added responsibilities and restructured teams add complexity Managers now have more work to do on a tighter budget with new … [Read more...]
Six signs that cow may be lame
The economic impact of lameness is significant and the second most important step for effective lameness management, after prevention, is identification, explains Carly Becker an extension educator. Practicing locomotion scoring is one way to help identify animals with gait, posture and movement issues and can easily be done when moving animals to and from pens. Becker shares … [Read more...]
Preweaning protocols during a strong cattle market
Weather and vaccine choice play roles in calf health response, writes Heather Smith Thomas. She interviewed Daryl Meyer, DVM, and Chris Chase, DVM, PhD, who shared their experiences with video sales, preconditioning vaccines, optimal nutrition and weather interference during processing. In calves over 3 months of age, most of the injectable vaccines you’d give will not have … [Read more...]
Provide enough space to get all the benefits of turnout
Last week we shared the importance of horses having a pasture friend <Link>. Research from Ohio State University suggests that horses need a minimum amount of space to derive all the benefits of turnout and to stay out of each other's hair. Source: EQUUS, August 29, 2023. Link. Study data showed horses kept in pens that allowed 342 square meters* per horse had reduced … [Read more...]
Covid-19 evolving in white-tailed deer
A study from Nature Communications highlights the white-tailed deer species is a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 that enables continuing mutation, and the virus’s circulation in deer could lead to its spread to other wildlife and livestock. And the evidence is growing that humans can get it from deer, which isn’t radically surprising. It’s probably not a one-way pipeline.” Source: … [Read more...]
Counting calories, treats, client education. Avoid the math.
There are lots of variables when calculating the maintenance energy requirement for a pet and its owner. One of them involves honesty about how many treats and how much table food must be accounted for in addition to any prepared diet. The math need not be scary since charts are available and are easy to share with pet owners. MER Calorie (kcal) needs = 1.6 [70 x (weight in … [Read more...]
Nine out of 10 cannot recognize crucial signs of anxiety in dogs
Not being able to recognize when a dog is frightened or stressed can have serious consequences, according to research from Edge Hill University linking dog attacks and misunderstandings of dog behavior. The study suggests this contributes to the rise in dog attacks in the UK, as the majority of dog bites occur in the victim’s home and involve a familiar dog. Source: Dogs … [Read more...]
Practical advice about heartworm preventative lapses
ICYMI. Andy Moorhead DVM, MS, PhD, Dip. ACVM, shares case examples that represent real-world lapse scenarios and offer guidance on heartworm diagnostics, management, client education and prevention. Not every lapse in preventive adherence . . . carries the same level of exposure risk, nor do the same set of diagnostic recommendations or client communication considerations … [Read more...]
What is written on a dog’s face?
Boarding and daycare personnel often spend as much or more time with pets than their owners. These persons focus on animal-to-animal interactions and behaviors routinely. However, but it is also important that we understand how dogs communicate with people. Linked below is a research paper that evaluates the impact of facial phenotypes on communication between humans and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 11, 2023
12 pet industry companies named to 2023 Inc. 5000, vaccine hesitancy, remote vet visits, groomer software, small business Saturday ideas, youth-centered programs to attract more DVMs, Disney World’s pet hotel and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 11, 2023. Link. September is National Preparedness Month. Remember to update your emergency action plans. … [Read more...]
Mastering the art of arguing productively
Commentary Only once we understand the other side of any issue can we be confident that we fully understand our own, writes Yonason Goldson. His perspectives on argument, societal intolerances and ultimately win-lose thinking is worth the 4-minute read. We probably don’t need the new word, quodlibet because we’ll struggle to pronounce it. It is easy to agree with his … [Read more...]
Self-confidence is not immune to negative feelings
Even the most accomplished and confident leaders sometimes find themselves grappling with feelings of inadequacy and negative self-worth. Source: Forbes, August 22, 2023. Link. For leaders, a self-perceived fraudulence can be exacerbated by a relentless pursuit of perfectionism, where any minor flaw is magnified into a colossal failure. INSIGHT: Create a two-year … [Read more...]
Report from KVP International highlights sustainability efforts at Mars, MWI, Zoetis
Shared by an industry colleague, this Bowman Report Special Edition looks at sustainability in the veterinary industry. Contributions from Mars Veterinary Health, MWI Animal Health and Zoetis reveal the steps major animal health companies are taking to become more environmentally responsible. Also, a Packaged Facts analysis spotlights important insights into what consumers want … [Read more...]
Things that fit through a surgical mask
This Facebook Reel stopped me in my tracks. It is a vivid illustration of particle size and just how vulnerable animal health pros are to particles, viruses, bacteria and more. Yes, we already know much of this information, but reviewing it with your teams could deepen the understanding and importance of infection control. Source: Lawton Green, Facebook Reel. Link. (0:30) … [Read more...]
Call to action: Educate the public about the cost of pet ownership
Commentary Veterinary teams are consistently criticized about basic pet care costs. Sadly, those same people rarely complain about the cost of new toys or treats and have no idea what basic care for pets costs annually. Pets provide joy and companionship, but costs can add up quickly, especially for first-time owners who don’t know what to expect.” – Adriana Morga Every … [Read more...]
6 stinking cool facts about dog noses (video)
Last week we shared information about dogs' noses and heat detection <Link>. In this article, Alissa Greenberg shares more about why dog noses are among nature’s most amazingly engineered instruments and why humans are now trying to recreate those unique canine traits. Source: NPR, June 10, 2022. Link. Video (4:43) includes a review of an electronic nose. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 24, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the August 24th AHD Bulletin – Here’s how much workers are demanding for a new job. Link. Empathy – the secret sauce. Link. The need for vigilant African swine fever on-farm prevention. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidium parasite is endemic to even the tidiest dairy farms
Just one tablespoon of feces from a Crypto-infected calf contains enough oocysts to infect dozens of other calves if they consume it orally. The tiny oocysts have a hard outer shell that encloses and protects the parasite making them difficult to kill. . . . the most effective way to keep Crypto at bay is to remove moisture from calf environments and feeding utensils as … [Read more...]
Locomotion and reproduction issues top reasons for sow mortality
A nine-year study revealed prevalent risk factors associated with sow mortality, a growing concern for hog producers. The average annual replacement rate is around 50 percent, with most removals occurring on parity-zero or parity-one females before a positive net present value is achieved. Chris Wright observes the majority of deaths occur during summer. He shares the … [Read more...]
New thinking and approaches to cribbing
Researchers still aren’t sure why some horses crib while others managed the same way do not. Most agree that horses do not adopt this behavior by mimicking others. The 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, shares Heather … [Read more...]
Pasture friends important for equine learning
Social stimulation and interaction with other horses may influence the development of a horse's social skills and their ability to communicate with humans according to a Finland study of 57 horses of various ages and relationship status with humans. . . . horses living in pastures with other horses for at least eight months of the year are better able to follow cues from … [Read more...]
Can geriatric dogs benefit from chiropractic care?
Bill Ormston, DVM, shares how chiropractic adjustments can benefit some of the age-related problems that affect dogs as they age. He offers perspectives on arthritis, diabetes, dental problems, kidney disease and canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Chiropractors don’t fix or heal animals; they help them function better.” – Dr. O Source: Animal Wellness, August 17, 2023. … [Read more...]
Yes, dogs and cats get dementia. How to spot signs of it.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are common conditions as we age. They’re likely common in aging pets, too. Estimates range from 14 to 35 percent of the dog population age 8 and older may be affected. Nearly one-third of cats ages 11 to 14 and 50 percent of cats 15 and older are likely impaired. This article presents signs of dementia, medical conditions that mimic it … [Read more...]
Ways to spot signs of depression in dogs
The end of summer and early fall activities often change the daily schedules of dogs in our homes. These changes can trigger depression often typified by a lack of vitality similar to how dogs act when they are affected by an underlying medical condition or pain. . . . whether situational or related to the dog’s life experiences dog owners need to look at their dog’s basic … [Read more...]
Expanding veterinary schools: Will they solve the veterinary shortage?
During the past decade, the conversation about opening new veterinary schools has been top on the list to solve our veterinary shortage challenges. The Bridge Club is hosting a conversation to better understand how new schools may address the veterinary shortage, the way DVMs are educated and any affect on veterinary technicians. The panel for this discussion includes: Dr. … [Read more...]
Understanding the climbing cost of veterinary care (article, podcast)
Sharing her experiences working with animal owners, as well as her own pets, Jennifer Sperry, DVM, addresses reasons why veterinary care costs have increased. Among them are better educated and trained personnel, advances in medical technology, 24-hour monitoring, specialty care and meeting client expectations. . . . insured clients seem to be able to do more for their sick … [Read more...]
7 dangers dogs may face in the fall
Fall can pose potential dangers to pets, writes Lavanya Sunkara. She identifies seven dangers to help keep our canine companions safe and healthy this season. Acorns, leaf piles, Halloween candy, antifreeze, toxic mushrooms, shorter days and holiday food scraps are included in her reminders. Source: Great Pet Care, October 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]