The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit that serves as the enforcement agency for the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program submitted doping rules to the FTC which were published in the Federal Registry on January 26. The rules are available for public comment on the Federal Register through February 9th. Source: BLOODHORSE, January 30, 2023. Link. Under the … [Read more...]
Keeping cats hydrated
An average 11-pound cat should drink about a cup of water daily. Tracey L. Kelley shares information to help cat owners understand their cats’ hydration needs and conditions that might cause a cat to not drink. This article would make good content for a newsletter or social media post. Source: Daily Paws, November 30, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Is catnip safe for cats?
Cat owners often wonder if catnip is safe for cats given they often appear to be high or drugged. Catnip is non-toxic to cats, even when ingested, writes Jenna Stregowski, RVT. She shares: The euphoric effects of catnip typically last up to about 15 minutes and are harmless. Catnip is not addictive and there is no evidence of long-term effects. Nepetalactone in … [Read more...]
AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month
The AVMA shares dental health is a critical part of pet’s overall health, noting dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Check out the AVMA dental care resources on the AVMA website which promote home care, share what to expect at the veterinary clinic, support anesthesia and urge pet owners to have their pets’ mouth checked annually. Source: AVMA. … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites – January 30, 2023
Dog walkers making $100K, pet segment ecommerce growth projection, an interview with a DVM social worker, a five-year vision on reworking the pet well-being industry and more . . . Source: IBPSA FastBites, January 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Introverted? Avoid these 4 things.
Introversion is often regarded as a deficiency, writes Alex Mathers, who reminds us it is a trait with its own benefits. He shares four potential pitfalls than can derail introverts, Introverts are enjoying something of a resurgence thanks to the web, and a renewed interest in the powers of introverts in the mainstream.” Source: Medium, October 30, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
No silver bullet to solve the nationwide livestock vet shortage
Reinforcing what most animal health pros already know, Sarah Coleman provides subscribers of Hobby Farms magazine with an in-depth review of the livestock veterinarian conundrum. We’re sharing it considering the publication’s reach to more than 100,000 rural and ruralpolitan subscribers. Source: Hobby Farms, November/December 2022. Link. A number of factors are creating … [Read more...]
45 Vet Camp scholarships funded to build future veterinarians
“Let’s get the word out to schools, youth groups and local media!” Vet Set Go and VCA are expanding their 2023 essay contest to be the biggest yet. The contest will award 45 students from across the U.S. a scholarship prize package to attend Vet Camp. Winners of the online essay contest will receive a scholarship to attend the Auburn University Junior Vet Camp from June 18 - … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 19th AHD Bulletin – Important small talk. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. MWI Animal Health’s Steve Shell clarifies announcement of AB name change Source: AmericsourceBergen MWI Animal Health, … [Read more...]
Bigger is not always better
A high rate of piglet mortality is a consequence of selecting for sows that have large litters. New research will focus on breeding for survival until weaning and survivability to slaughter. Source: The Pig Site, January 18, 2023. Link. The negative side effects of sows giving birth to large litters, often with more piglets than productive teats, means that managerial … [Read more...]
Evaluating the efficacy of intranasal flunixin in piglets
It is common practice to castrate piglets shortly after birth. The procedure is routinely done without any pain management treatments as there are no FDA approved drugs to control pain in pigs. Preliminary research from the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, showed the off-label use of intranasal flunixin meglumine mitigated pain post-castration … [Read more...]
K-State researchers show value of adding shade to cattle pens
Cattle seek shade, use breezes and their respiration to blow off as much heat as they can on hot days Sometimes that’s not enough. A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, and a team at Kansas State University conducted a multiyear trial researching how shade structures in pens can help cattle in high heat events. Data from the ongoing study shows cows with available shade had an increase in … [Read more...]
Foal pneumonia requires aggressive management to avoid long term effects
We’ve assembled three articles addressing pneumonia for consideration during the foaling season now underway. Pneumonia is very common in foals and can affect up to 10 percent of all foals, writes Nimet Browne, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVIM1. Although foal pneumonia can be quite severe, with aggressive management foals can recover and go on to lead normal lives. A foal’s immune … [Read more...]
Study investigates frozen versus cooled semen in horses
A small study presented at the annual British Equine Veterinary Association Congress addressed the viability of frozen, thawed versus fresh, cooled semen used for breeding horses. The team also revealed some discrepancies in what is being used given collection and shipping time realities. While not all semen from stallions is freezable, the real-world conditions study showed … [Read more...]
Rethinking how we keep horses in stalls
Although most horses accept and adapt to less-than-optimal living situations, the evidence is mounting that it’s time to redesign the basic box stall says Nancy Moffitt. She summarizes research on how confinement affects the well-being of horses. . . . box stalls that may seem cozy and comfortable to us are <likely> wrong for our beloved horses . . . too small and too … [Read more...]
Assessment of acute pain in cats using the Feline Grimace Scale
Cat owners and animal health pros can use the new Feline Grimace Scale© to evaluate acute pain in cats. This tool will help create pain awareness and potentially improve feline health and welfare. A study verifying its effectiveness was completed in collaboration with International Cat Care and sponsored by Zoetis. Source: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, January 17, … [Read more...]
Dogs may benefit from shoes during weather extremes
Dog shoes can protect dogs’ feet during weather extremes. Proper sizing is important as well as a break-in period to avoid chafing. Wearing shoes does change a dog’s ground reaction forces and pressure distribution. Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
31 dog food and feeding myths debunked (infographic)
Compiling an exhaustive list of dog food myths, Sarah Ann Taylor provides a look at animal owner perceptions that are not credible. The infographic is nicely done and worthy of consideration for social media and newsletters, as well as a topic during team meetings in veterinary clinics and retailers. Sadly, the infographic is not easily downloaded separately or printable for … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s review their top articles from 2022
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM discuss five articles from 2022 in this episode of Chat’s with the Chatfields. American Foulbrood bee vaccine. Link. Fascinating way to immunize the hive through feeding the queen bee. Smart bandage heals wounds 25% faster. Link. Star Trek-like technology is on its way to communicate healing … [Read more...]
“Pets Age Faster Than People” facility poster available
Complimentary Commercial Content The importance of preventive health care exams is the core message of this new poster from the AVMA. The poster shows age in cats and dogs and correlates those ages to human years. Source: AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, January 20, 2023. Link. Download the poster free as a PDF in a 8.5"x11" format or purchase the 18” x 24” poster … [Read more...]
Habits that annoy coworkers and ways to mitigate them
Foibles is a great word to describe our personality idiosyncrasies. We are unique humans after all. Vicky Oliver shares 10 of the more common annoying behaviors and ways to address them, including the always late arriver, those who interrupt, the one prioritizing their phone and ones who need a bath and clean laundry. Source: Fast Company, December 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
The Neuroscience of trust. Management behaviors that foster employee engagement.
Commentary Although it’s five years old, this article about Paul Zak’s research on trust is relevant to current employment conditions and challenges. Note the eight measurable management behaviors that foster trust he identified. “To boost engagement and retention, treat people like responsible adults. Set a clear direction, provide the resources needed and get out of … [Read more...]
Hybrid work is here to stay
Wharton management professor Martine Haas says, “Hybrid work is here to stay.” She says hybrid work seems to be striking a decent balance between what employees want and what employers want. Crafting more bespoke policies based on what works best for employers and employees is important when addressing issues of parity and fairness as some positions cannot perform their … [Read more...]
Advice for managing people with disabilities in the workplace
Commentary There’s an important distinction between being disabled and having a disability. Disabled is a category label while having a disability is situational and the differentiation is important! Comedian Josh Blue reminds his audiences that “the disabled community is the largest minority group on the planet . . . and the only minority group you can join at any time.” … [Read more...]
Vet clinics, rehab centers and spas, morphing quickly to meet client needs
While the great pet adoption boom during the pandemic has subsided, its effects on the industry are only growing. Grooming, long-term care and boarding are just a few of the services clients are demanding and clinic owners are stepping up to meet the demands, despite debt that may be incurred. This has led to modified and new facilities that prioritize pets’ needs. Source: … [Read more...]
Direct-to-consumer options increasing in pet food fulfillment
Pet foods consumption provides insights into the purchasing behaviors of animal owners. Much of the receptivity to novel fresh pet food formulations is likely a result of the inroads made by direct-to-consumer brands connecting with animal owners. Pet food manufacturers are taking notice of the growth in supplying pet food to consumers without involving the supply chain, … [Read more...]
Managing equine osteoarthritis during cold weather
Complimentary Commercial Content With winter progressing, horses with osteoarthritis often experience pain, deformity, loss of motion and decreased function. OA can affect any joint especially the carpus, fetlock, hock and stifles. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health U.S. shares tips on recognizing OA, keeping horses moving, general winter practices and the option of using … [Read more...]
Study raises concerns about broken tails in dairy cows
Broken tails represent an animal welfare concern and result from improper handling. While the acceptable threshold for broken tails in adult dairy cows listed in the National Dairy FARM Program standards is five percent, a recent study found nearly half of cows had broken tails. The study results are telling of an industry management issue that needs further attention, said … [Read more...]
Animal Health International’s online resource site for GFI 263
Complimentary Content AHI’s new online resource center seeks to help animal health professionals prepare for the upcoming OTC to Rx transition, also known as GFI 263. It contains a robust FAQ section, a condensed timeline of the history of FDA action on antimicrobial resistance, a list of manufacturer products designated for prescription labeling and more. Source: Animal … [Read more...]
Cultivating veterinarian and producer relationships, the veterinarians’ perspective
Surveying a large group of rural, large animal veterinarians about what makes a great relationship between a veterinarian and livestock owner, Meredyth Jones, DVM, MS, DACVIM, found 10 common themes worth noting. Consider sharing this article and list with producer customers. It will strengthen expectations and the veterinary-client relationship and benefit the animals.” – AHD … [Read more...]