There are almost as many medication options to treat conjunctivitis as there are reasons for inflammation of the conjunctiva. Renee Carter, DVM, DACVO, outlines different treatment options for the various causes of infections in the eyes of cats and dogs. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2022. Link. Image credit: PetSure … [Read more...]
Virtual fence projected to benefit ranchers, pollinators, profits
Virtual fencing technology is a promising option for livestock management, say researchers from Oklahoma State University. It reduces reliance on physical fences by allowing managers to remotely plan and establish virtual boundaries using GPS collars that deliver auditory and electrical cues. VF technology may be valuable in protecting patches of habitat for pollinators and … [Read more...]
Barkpass acquired by Steve Zeidman to expand leadership in pet licensing, dog park management
Steve Zeidman, a 25-year veteran in the animal care technology industry and entrepreneur, acquired Barkpass, a software company specializing in pet licensing and dog park management, from founders Josh and Bri Larson. Barkpass has revolutionized how communities handle pet-related administrative tasks, making life easier for pet owners and municipal officials. Source: … [Read more...]
Elanco receives FDA approval for three combinations in finishing heifers
Elanco’s work to shift the narrative on livestock from climate culprit to climate opportunity to help protect customers’ social license to operate underscores the FDA approval of combination feeding with Experior, the first FDA-approved product with a gas emissions claim. FDA-approved combination feeding of: Experior and MGA Experior, Rumensin and MGA Experior, … [Read more...]
Lameness comes with a hefty price tag
When thinking about the effects of lameness, most managers typically consider the cost that goes into preventative measures or treatments such as trimming, bandages, blocks, and antibiotics, Eric Ronk shared recently. He describes these as direct costs but asserts the importance of considering the economic impact on other areas of the operation, including fertility, culling and … [Read more...]
Tricks for making shipping day a success
Too much stress when transporting cattle hinders the immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. This article shares best practices from a cattle trucking company. Preweaning, prehandling and sorting, and being prepared before the truck arrives is prioritized to help the cattle remain calm, relaxed and load quietly onto the trucks. Source: Baldy Advantage, October … [Read more...]
Where farm expenses increased the most in 2024
It can be difficult to relate to our customers’ challenges and dilemmas. Having clues to their situations is important to provider-customer relationships. The rural economy affects more people than those running a tractor. Nathan Owens reports on the rising labor costs and other expenses as margins tighten. Source: Agricultural Dive, December 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Four critical takeaways, valuable insights into the evolving dairy industry
The 2024 Farm Journal State of the Dairy Industry Report highlights a sector poised for growth, adaptability and new opportunities. By fostering strong relationships, innovating profit streams and securing generational continuity, the dairy industry stands on the cusp of a promising future, writes Karen Bohnert. She shares four key insights: Embracing a growth mindset … [Read more...]
Should we be concerned about H5N1 in horses?
The risk of H5N1 influenza infection in and from horses is probably very low. Horses rank far down the list of species about which I’m concerned, writes Scott Weese, DVM. However, they’re still on the list. Weese discusses some limited research on horse susceptibility, whether a horse could infect a person and remaining vigilant to the risk of recombination of flu viruses in … [Read more...]
Equine dental exams require sedation
Jeff Reiswig, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, shares the importance of sedation when examining a horse’s mouth. The article presents sedative safety, administration, volume and length of time sedation lasts. Source: The Horse, December 17, 2024. Link. Examining a horse’s mouth without sedating him is ‘essentially pointless’” Also see: 20 things a horse’s teeth are telling you, The Horse, … [Read more...]
Don’t feed the wildlife
The intersection of wildlife and domestic pets gets closer to our back doors every day. The USDA recently updated its wildlife information, including signage for airports, parks and public places. Yet, the need for public education must extend beyond “don’t feed wildlife in your yard.” This coyote was photographed in a backyard a half mile from my home in Liberty, Missouri, … [Read more...]
“The tip of the iceberg.” Two cats die after drinking recalled raw milk.
Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
Cats may help spread bird flu, scientists warn
Jess Thomson shares research results that identify cats as a reservoir to infect humans with H5N1 from birds or cattle. The researchers identified several key mutations in the H5N1 sequence from infected cats that may suggest adaptation to cats is the potential to jump from cats to humans for the first time. The ability of the H5N1 virus to persist and adapt in mammalian hosts … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 16, 2024
Managing Gen Zs at work, DVM warns against Christmas tree bows, human-dog bond science, PetsMart launches pet streaming service, pet behavior consults, the link between owner demographics and canine nutrition and more . . . Source: IBPSA, December 16, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Before you decide on your New Year’s Resolutions, consider . . .
We were recently introduced to Katelyn Jetelina at Your Local Epidemiologist. She and Megan Maisano comment on the Make America Healthy Again movement, falsehoods in the narrative and dialogue on diet-related chronic diseases. We’re sharing the article because, after all, healthy animal health pros provide better animal health care. Evidence has shown that a targeted focus on … [Read more...]
27 “strange” things highly sensitive people do
Commentary It helps to be sure we understand people around us, especially those who may react differently to situations than we expect. In her book, “Quiet,” Susan Cain reframes how we think about sensitivity and shines a light on the power of being highly attuned to the world. In the article here, writer Jenn Granneman shares perspectives on how highly sensitive peoples’ … [Read more...]
“Be Curious.”
Ted Lasso fans will recognize the title as a quote from the popular series of the same name on Apple TV. Curiosity is the key to understanding your customers better and increasing your opportunities to help them. Acknowledging is the genesis of curiosity. Source: Repertoire, August 2024. Link. …the point of talking with another person is to find out what they think as much … [Read more...]
Ours IS a people business
Commentary If people didn’t have pets or raise animals, would animal health pros have relationships with so many people? I say no and have asserted that VCPR really should have been CVRP <Link>. Clients are often frustrating, much like young students, distracted, too busy to listen, emotional, sometimes afraid and even apathetic. It's a lot when you think about … [Read more...]
The guilded age of medicine is here?
No extended diatribe or commentary in this post, BUT, animal health pros work in a parallel service industry with the same humans affected by how doctors and medical systems treat them. Maybe it is no wonder animal owners often object to costs and pricing for veterinary and pet services. Worth thinking about. Source: The New Yorker, December 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 12, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 5, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 5, 2024 AHD Bulletin Mastering and winning at customer experience. Link. 10 signs a dog is depressed. Link. Face masks reduce human exposure to swine flu. Link. Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture. Link. … [Read more...]
Updated Holstein USA Stature Scale may affect breeding programs
The Holstein Association USA has revised the stature scale that serves as a tool for measuring the size of Holstein cows in the Classification program. The changes ensure a fair representation of cow stature across the population, aligning the scale with average sizes in current herds and enhancing the precision of genetic and conformation evaluations. The old stature scale … [Read more...]
Bred heifers need more individual care, nutrition during winter months
Commentary: “Set it and forget it” herd management practices, especially with heifers, can cause great losses for cow-calf producers accustomed to managing cattle as a herd rather than individually. For veterinary teams and nutritionists, proactive communication as winter progresses can create value for the animals, the producer and for the animal health professional. The key … [Read more...]
Enhance reproductive success in the cow-calf herd
Reproductive technologies, when used appropriately, improve herd health, efficiency, genetics and overall profitability, writes Roselyn Biggs, DVM. Enhanced reproductive technologies exist for herds using bulls, as well as those using artificial insemination. She notes low percentage use of estrous synchronization, even though it can be effective and provide benefits in many … [Read more...]
What’s new with equine cribbing research?
Cribbing has been studied for more than 400 years without fully understanding why domesticated horse life would cause the condition, writes Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA. She shares 10 things researchers have learned since the 2016 update. Here are three of them: Cribbing is a stress-coping mechanism, not a vice Cribbing literally changes the horse’s brain It resolved … [Read more...]
10 non-negotiables for horse management
Commentary We like the positioning of this list and the underlying message of being accountable and responsible for a horse’s care. Kudos to Devin Conley for this article, which is appropriate for any horse owner of any age. Veterinary teams can use the article to establish the need for basic health care appointments and hopefully avoid some emergency calls for horses whose … [Read more...]
How dogs say thank you
Elizabeth Gray shares five ways dogs show they’re grateful. With the holiday season taking more time from daily activities, she reminds us to return the favor and show our gratitude to our dogs. Even when we’re busy and stressed, taking just 10 minutes to play with a dog will do wonders for them. Consider this article for social media, newsletters or an interview with local … [Read more...]
Choosing the best farm dogs for herding, guarding livestock, and more
Reviewing some common farm-related tasks and the dog breeds that excel at them, Tracy Kobberdahl divides working dogs into ones that drive and ones that fetch. She emphasizes the need for training and her guidance is universal for dogs on the farm or in the home. If a dog won’t heel, sit, stay, lay down, and come, you’ll never get him to do the work you want.” Source: … [Read more...]
Survey: 62 percent of puppy owners overwhelmed by pet food choices
Commercial Content Differentiating pet food choices is increasingly difficult. Royal Canin’s recent survey found that more than half of puppy owners feel overwhelmed by the number of choices in puppy food and, more importantly, struggle to figure out what ingredients are important. Commentary The survey results are familiar, as is the challenge of leading pet owners to … [Read more...]
The top pet products of 2024
The winners of Pet Business’ Industry Recognition Awards are selected by the publication’s editorial team. They focus on the most exciting and functional products on the market and candidates in categories such as best packaging redesigns, merchandising displays and consumer-marketing campaigns. This edition of the 23rd-annual Industry Recognition Awards highlights the … [Read more...]
Rethinking dog parks
Initially viewed as ideal social venues for dogs, public dog parks now face more scrutiny for their potential risks. The authors share risks and benefits while reinforcing the need for owners to consider training and risks based on their individual pets. Consider sharing this article and a list of top local dog parks, often provided by Yelp or Rover, with dog owners on … [Read more...]