When cats are presented with urination issues, open-ended, follow-up questions by the veterinary nurse helps the veterinarian make a definitive diagnosis. writes Paula Plummer LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM). She reminds veterinary nurses why being knowledgeable about pathophysiology is important to the conversations with clients about their pets. Plummer shares useful information when … [Read more...]
Rethink what a sore cat looks like (podcast)
Reviewing her recent article, Wanda J. Gordon-Evans, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR, explains why evaluating for musculoskeletal pain in cats is different and challenging, but so important. She shares great basic examination tips, some nuances about history taking, and encourages us all to rethink what a sore cat looks like. Source: Clinician’s Brief. Link. 32 minutes. Also … [Read more...]
7 ways to help puppies socialize with other dogs
There are at least three television shows airing now that deal with canine behavior issues. As much information as there is about socializing, there’s always a need to reinforce what’s known and encourage owners to learn and do more. Socialization is very important in a dog’s life. It is crucial for its development and for its safety too. All dogs need to interact with … [Read more...]
Chatfields chat about itchy pets
Complimentary Sponsored Content We’re reposting this episode. Highly viewed in early December 2021, it is timely as winter days lengthen ahead of spring. Dr. Jen the Vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined in the Chat Room by Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, to discuss common reasons pets itch. Skin issues are always in the top 10 reasons pet owners seek veterinary care. Note … [Read more...]
Tips for pet parents with full-time jobs
Published pre-pandemic, this article indicates the issues of work, life and pet balance have always been with us. Various media have covered the challenges of returning to work and leaving a pet behind as we transitioned through the challenges of 2020 and 2021. Alex Haslam shared sound tips to help owners and pets make smooth transitions to new schedules. Taking care of a … [Read more...]
Empathy app can make tough times less so
Beth Z, a professional speaker, author and nerd, is known for her fun presentations that help people better use technology. After losing her mother-in-law last Thanksgiving, she discovered empathy (Link), an app to help after a loss. Source: Your Nerdy Best Friend, February 1, 2020. Link. The app helps with: Funeral Arrangement Details Obituary Writing Family Task … [Read more...]
Two record-breaking lightning flashes occurred in 2020
A lightening flash with a length of 768 kilometers (477 miles) is the longest ever recorded, while another with a duration of 17 seconds is the longest-lasting flash ever detected. The length and duration of these flashes are an important reminder of how far lightning can strike from its parent region. Any time that you hear thunder, find a lightning-safe place, such as a … [Read more...]
Catching up or just back to normal?
Opinion The recent Vetwatch™ Commentary provides consistent data to help assess the scope, velocity and significance of developments in the veterinary care sector across the United States. Following more current trends, the national 3-week rolling average for practice revenue growth fell to -9.1 percent. None of the nine census divisions posted positive revenue growth for … [Read more...]
Wild pigs, a ticking time bomb on U.S. pork industry
Feral hogs pose a serious threat to the health of the U.S. pork industry specifically if African swine fever were to infect and spread in wild herds. There is no vaccine nor cure and the disease has a long track record of crossing international borders and wiping out billions of pigs. Source: PORK, June 29, 2021. Link. Wild pigs have exploded in numbers across the U.S., … [Read more...]
All about calves
Complimentary Commercial Content In our review of this January’s Bovine Veterinarian, Rhonda Brooks shares calf content was 60 percent of the top-read content. This parallels our experiences with AHD content. For the first time, we’re not cherry picking specific articles but providing the link to the full online issue. We continue to see new developments of optimizing … [Read more...]
It’s time to cull “cull cows” from our vocabulary
Cull cow weight and cull cow price have long been top factors in herd profitability. Making the decision to remove a cow from the herd is not always an easy one. Determining when the cow leaves and how is equally important. Contrary to what many believe, dairy cattle contribute much more to the beef industry than just ground beef. Changing the vocabulary from cull cow to … [Read more...]
APHIS reports more wild birds with avian flu
Following our January 18 post <Link>, APHIS confirmed two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild migratory birds in the coastal Southeast. High path bird flu can spread rapidly and wipe out a flock so poultry raisers are urged to review and enhance their safeguards against the viral disease. Source: Successful Farming, January 19, 2022. … [Read more...]
USDA grants emergency-use authorization for RHDV2 as virus spreads
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics recently granted emergency-use authorization for an experimental RHDV2 vaccine produced by Medgene Labs, a biotechnology company in Brookings, South Dakota. Since then, the vaccine has been cleared for distribution by animal health officials in 32 states. Source: VIN, October 15, 2021. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
What cats want from furniture
There are countless pieces of cat furniture on the market today with all kinds of features and in every decorating style to create an enriching, stress-free environment for our cats. There are a few key considerations. We captured these three: Safety should be a priority Allow for climbing, hiding, lounging, scratching, and playing while being space conscious … [Read more...]
Taking your cat to the vet: Cat Talk video series
Several veterinarians are featured in this educational video from Cat Friendly Homes. It shares worthwhile tips for crating and traveling with cats. Videos like this are welcomed by pet owners, most of whom need continual best practices reinforcement. Consider these videos for newsletters and social media posts. Source: Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Cat Friendly Homes is powered … [Read more...]
Diagnosing adverse food reactions in canine and feline patients
Adverse food reactions in dogs and cats can be frustrating for pet owners and veterinarians, shares Kate Boatright, VMD. Recognizing common clinical signs and starting diet trials with a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet are important to obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Boatwright says recent evidence suggests low-dose prednisolone use at the beginning of the diet trial may … [Read more...]
Bullvine’s Top 10 editors’ choice articles of 2021
The battle of sires, genetics and clones is complemented by a review of dairy consolidation. Of particular interest was article number 10, How milk producers can breed problem free dairy cows. No doubt dairy veterinary teams and company representatives will be hearing about some of these forward-looking concepts. Source: The Bullvine, January 21, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Choosing a trainer and training tips for dog owners (podcast)
There’s always more than enough training advice to go around. The real challenge is consistent execution. For animal health pros, it is important to continually reinforce consistent training approaches to help dogs’ and owners’ communal lives. . . . all dogs can benefit from training throughout their lives.” Samantha Balban discusses choosing trainers, training methods and … [Read more...]
Educating pet owners on correcting nuisance behaviors (video)
It’s not rocket science, but redirecting pets is not a normal reaction. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, advocates pet owners redirect problem behaviors in their companion animals rather than responding with punishment. Have we provided the pet an appropriate outlet for nuisance behaviors? What do we want the animal to do?” - Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC Source: DVM 360, … [Read more...]
Gonadectomy resources for veterinarians
Elective and often controversial, pet sterilization is an important part of pet owner decision making. As the risks and benefits of gonadectomy are re-examined, a renewed conversation about if and when to sterilize a pet is emerging. The AVMA stays on top of this topic and provides resources for veterinarians and pet owners as spay and neuter decisions are considered. As we … [Read more...]
Banks say consumers are in good shape. Cost of care opportunities?
Opinion, with Sponsored Content Believe it or not, top bankers say consumer spending is rebounding as we move past pandemic fears. Regardless of the bankers’ positions, veterinary teams and animal health businesses remain historically cautious when dealing with animal owners. Often criticized for prejudging pocketbooks, veterinary teams especially have opportunities every … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 20, 2022
Last week’s most read post Lyme-carrying ticks live longer. What? Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, Jan 13, 2022. Link. =========================== The world’s largest wildlife crossing could have a spring groundbreaking Source: LAist, January 13, 2022. Link. The Liberty Wildlife Crossing has been impressive since its … [Read more...]
Defining when to help during calving’s three stages
Understanding the stages of birthing is critical to identify when or if we need to provide help during calving season. Producers and veterinary teams alike want to increase the likelihood a calf is born alive and off to a good start, writes Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension. With calving season just around the corner and labor challenges across the … [Read more...]
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for cow-calf producers
Michelle Arnold, DVM, covers 10 ways cow-calf producers can improve herd health and prevent as many problems as possible. Among them are quit believing Dr. Google and: Better records Improved water quality Test hay for quality before supplementing Involve a veterinarian and examine the herd vaccination program Improve biosecurity Source: BEEF, January 12, … [Read more...]
Background and research supports caffeine for high-risk calves
Zach Janssen, DVM, shares how producers came to use caffeine to stimulate at-risk calves that are the result of dystocia (difficult birth), hypothermia from being born in the cold or being run down from a stressful event such as disease or transport. While caffeine citrate has proven effective in humans, we are not able to feed this synthetically produced compound to animals … [Read more...]
Bird flu confirmed in wild duck in South Carolina
A wild American wigeon, a species of dabbling duck, was discovered with the highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 variant avian influenza. The virus was considered to pose a low risk of infection to humans, but APHIS issued warnings to poultry producers. Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity … [Read more...]
White-tailed deer can get Covid-19
A recent series of studies have showed white-tailed deer can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Other studies show wild white-tailed deer can also become infected. Samantha Wisely, professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Florida, details how to keep disease transmission from deer to humans low. Source: University of Florida Extension, … [Read more...]
Foal Patrol season 5. Watch live foaling cams.
Foal Patrol is a one-of-a-kind collection of live cameras following the daily activities of in-foal mares produced by the National Museum of Racing. Millions of people throughout the world have viewed the popular webcam program since its inaugural season in 2018. Source: EQUUS, January 5, 2022. Link. Season 5 will feature a new education site at www.foalpatrol.com/education to … [Read more...]
Kinesiology tape on dogs? You decide.
This article is in the red flag category. Review the information with your team before an 80-pound Staffordshire terrier mix comes into the clinic taped up like an injured professional wrestler or Olympic gymnast. Proponents say that kinesiology tape can help a dog recover from chronic and acute sports injuries. At the same time, kinesiology taping is not a magic cure-all, … [Read more...]
Pets can be an important part of your business plan
More than 70 percent of U.S. households include a pet and 88 percent of them think of it as part of the family. Plus, according to an ASPCA survey, 23 million American households added a new pet since the beginning of the pandemic. Modern pet parents want housing, workplaces, products and experiences to recognize and integrate their animals. Put another way — if your … [Read more...]