When a mare is not providing enough milk for her foal, owners can supplement with a milk replacer designed for horses, writes Clair Thunes, PhD. Plenty of early suckling is important so the mare can support the foal’s needs as she grows. If the issue is that the foal does not have much drive to nurse, a veterinarian will need to determine the cause. Source: The Horse, May … [Read more...]
Spring cleaning? Beware the toxic risks.
With warmer temperatures and increased daylight, homeowners get busy cleaning windows, washing decks, treating yards . . . generally freshening up their homes and yards. Those with pets need to be reminded many cleaning products contain chemicals that, in large enough amounts, can be toxic to humans and animals. Veterinary toxicologists share what and how much can be … [Read more...]
How cats see the world. Let’s review.
Paul Miller, DVM, DACVO, explains how cat vision works, from the way they see the world to how it shapes their behavior. Like dogs, cats are red-green color blind. Their night vision is about 5.5 to 7 times better than humans in dim light but humans are more than 10 times better at detecting motion in daylight. Miller shares some signs of eye problems in cats owners may notice … [Read more...]
Fix this diarrhea!
Veterinarians see dogs with diarrhea much quicker than physicians see their patients with diarrhea and are conditioned to do something about it. The question though is, “Did the dog get better because of what we did or despite it?” writes Scott Weese, DVM. Weese references a study in Veterinary Journal, 2024 and upcoming canine acute diarrhea antimicrobial use guidelines. … [Read more...]
Dogs with epilepsy found with altered levels of trace elements, heavy metals
Dogs with epilepsy exhibit distinct alterations in trace elements and heavy metal levels in their blood and fur compared with healthy counterparts according to findings from research being done by Sarah V. Rosendahl, DVM. The results showed that dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy had significantly higher levels of selenium and copper and lower levels of chromium in the … [Read more...]
Long-term cannabinoids deemed safe to give to healthy dogs, study finds
Results from the first-of-its-kind peer-reviewed safety study of cannabidiol products in healthy dogs demonstrated hemp-derived cannabinoids are well tolerated in healthy dogs at a dose of 5mg/kg of body weight per day and do not pose a significant risk to dogs in long-term use. Source: Pet Product News, March 2024. Link. The study was published in Frontiers in Veterinary … [Read more...]
So much drivel ! – How brachycephalic health issues are discussed on social media.
COMMENTARY We had to share this research paper. Something new? NO. Still, a published paper on the influences of social media groups discussing the health issues, real or perceived, that challenge brachycephalic dogs seems important to highlight. Misinformation continues to rule these narratives and emphasizes the need for professional education for pet … [Read more...]
Is the 5-Second Rule real?
Inquiring minds wanted to know if food that fell on the floor and was there fewer than five seconds, was it still acceptable to eat. Under ideal conditions . . . maybe. Source: Interesting Facts, March 12, 2024. Link. When in doubt, throw it out!” … [Read more...]
Finnish study shows noise sensitivity tops anxiety-related traits in dogs
Using an online questionnaire given to pet parents of mixed-breed and purebred dogs, researchers concluded that 72.5 percent of the dogs exhibited a behavior related to seven traits. Noise sensitivity was first, fearfulness second. Note: Aggression and separation-related behavior were the least common anxiety traits among the 37,715 dogs involved in the study. Source: … [Read more...]
How big of a deal are student loans?
Includes Commercial References Student loan debt hovers over veterinary professionals and is an underlying element as new graduates come into the marketplace. CJ Burnett, CExP, proposes loan advisors need to deal with student loans as individualized and situational to help graduates manage them intentionally. Source: DVM360, February 29, 2024. Link. . . . student loans … [Read more...]
A look inside Fear Free practices
International in scope, Fear Free methods are being adopted by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, groomers and trainers. One might say, Fear Free is a behavior modification program where people adjust to what makes animals comfortable in facilities retrofitted to reduce pets’ triggers and inherent fears. As such, Fear Free is a verb, denoting focused actions. As a noun, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 11, 2024
Pet business is resetting post Covid, Petco Love promoting vaccination during National Pet Vaccination Month, Global Pet Expo, guide to safe online transactions and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 11, 2024. Link. Record number of speaker applications for IBPSA FLOW Business Conference planned for September 24, 2024 - September 26, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona … [Read more...]
Why introverts don’t consider everyone their friend
Introverts often give impressions that are seen as unfriendly or unwilling to make an effort. Kim Dresner shares her insights on what “friend” means to an introvert, its importance and how it shapes interactions. . . . introverts value quality over quantity, which might explain why we often struggle to fit into large friend groups.” Source: Introvert Dear, March 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Doing for others
To lock in and truly listen is a hard skill to master. It starts with shifting our gaze from the phone — or mirror. Source: AXIOS, February 29, 2024. Link. I cannot remember a single wish that she espoused that was truly for herself, other than to be with her people — and her greatest joy was in their happiness." INSIGHTS: The most meaningful success is helping … [Read more...]
Prioritizing break time during the busy workday
It is not solely a matter of time, but a matter of energy to make it through busy work days and responsibilities, writes Rebecca Zucker. Creating several short micro-breaks throughout the day can help manage energy and maintain cognitive, emotional and even physical capacity. Zucker shares eight ways to establish and maintain breaks intentionally. Source: Harvard Business … [Read more...]
Random drug testing not recommended to curtail drug abuse and misuse
Jon Geller, DVM, DABVP, summarizes a survey study of United Kingdom veterinarian perceptions of the potential for veterinary prescription medication misuse or abuse in this article. Strict pharmacy controls, monitoring repeat prescription requests and pre-employment drug testing testing were the key takeaways to manage drug abuse and misuse. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
Reducing turnover: Which approach is right for you?
The proper path to improved retention depends on your practice and it may vary by employee role. Kristen Green Seymour applies the findings from AAHA’s “Stay, Please” study to three fictional practice examples. Her analyses are informative and worth studying regardless of your role in animal health. Attrition rates greater than 30 percent reduce veterinary services availability … [Read more...]
How a pay raise can be a critical tool to boost employee experience
A new survey has bolstered the idea that one of the best ways to drive a positive employee experience is by helping employees strengthen their financial wellness, writes Tom Starner. However, the survey uncovered a clear disconnect between what employers believe they’re offering and what employees are experiencing: 95 percent of HR leaders are confident in their employee … [Read more...]
PetIQ adds telehealth service for NextStar® customers seeking help with flea and tick prevention
Purchasers of the OTC flea and tick prevention brand NextStar® will now have 24/7 telehealth support available from PetIQ to address any flea, tick or parasite-related concerns and questions. Industry telehealth professionals <Link> will provide further education on year-long prevention and infestation solutions to NextStar customers at the time of … [Read more...]
Show off your dog’s athletic prowess on the same app you use
Last month, Strava announced a partnership with the dog collar brand, Fi. Fi collars have built-in satellite positioning systems like sports watches. They monitor basic health metrics and help find lost pets. The same technology can be used to log exercise online. Source: Outside, March 4, 2024. Link. The new partnership allows Strava to log distance traveled and number of … [Read more...]
Boehringer Ingelheim, Sleip to leverage AI-tech to detect lameness in horses
Changes in gait and signs of lameness can be less pronounced at first and difficult to detect. The Sleip app can help make a real difference. The commercial partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Sleip will expand access to AI to enhance detection, diagnosis and treatment of lameness in horses. Source: Boehringer-Ingelheim, February 19, 2024. Link. Veterinarians can … [Read more...]
Mella Pet Care secures investment from Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban
Congratulations to the Mella Pet Care team for the success on ABC’s Shark Tank, televised on March 1st. Source: Mella Pet Care, March 4, 2024. Link. Watch a clip from the episode here <Link>. … [Read more...]
Veterinary profession heading in right direction with mental health
Findings from the fourth edition of Merck's wellbeing study indicate the stigma around mental health issues has lessened, more people who need it are seeking help, and more resources are available to create psychologically safe workplaces. Topics covered by the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study IV included well-being, burnout, and mental health; the role of … [Read more...]
Driving the narrative in swine production
A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd … [Read more...]
The devil is in the details: Proper semen handling
Rick Ellerbrock shares the importance of proper semen handling and refers to the training of new technicians, including a list of procedures and protocols. Those who create good habits for semen handling are the ones who often garner the highest conception rates. Source: Progressive Dairy, February 16, 2024. Link. Errors in semen handling can reduce conception rates by as … [Read more...]
Survey: Producers still need parasite education.
Parasite prevention plans are important year-round and require continual reinforcement, assessments and planning. Results of a national survey of beef producers and beef veterinarians exposed gaps in knowledge and, maybe more importantly, a lack of urgency. We noted references resembling the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” mindsets instead of best planning and … [Read more...]
Perceived role of the veterinarian in promoting dairy cattle welfare
A recently completed study by Canadian veterinary researchers considered how to improve the lives of animals in agricultural systems. Using dairy cattle, dairy veterinarians and veterinary students, the study focused on minimizing negative experiences, according to study authors who set out to see where veterinarians influence the promotion of positive welfare experiences for … [Read more...]
DNA reveals chicken is likely closest living relative to Tyrannus rex
Say what? Maurice Pitesky, DVM, MPVM, Dipl ACVPM, shares the history of the humble chicken. Grab a couple of these facts to share with kids when the Easter chicks begin showing up. Source: Chicken Whisperer, March 2, 2024. Link. Chickens evolved from red junglefowl 3-4 million years ago. Around 230 million years before that common ancestors of junglefowl include a group of … [Read more...]
AVMA, AAEP release veterinary team, client relationship resource for equine practitioners
The newly released Effective Equine Care Guide outlines and describes complementary behaviors veterinary teams and clients can expect from one another to drive mutual trust and respect by building an inclusive environment for the best care of horses. Setting clear expectations on both sides, the single-page guide outlines matching expectations for veterinary teams and … [Read more...]
8 reasons to try grass seed cat litter
One type of litter showing up on retail shelves recently is grass seed cat litter. Grass seed litter sells between $1.00 and $10.00 per pound which is aligned with other litter types. Various online reviews we searched were positive with tendencies for tracking and potential allergies as concerns. We noted warnings to be sure pet owners did not purchase lawn grass seed … [Read more...]