In summer, it is typical to see increased prevalence of Salmonella sp. in horses, says Brandy Burgess, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVPM. Scientists think it is related to a sort of stress, such as heat stress. It is found everywhere. Different strains wax and wane in different areas at different times of the year. A large proportion of horses shed the bug … [Read more...]
Keep horses cool this summer
Heat is just as hard on horses as it is any animal. Did you realize a horse can lose up to 15 liters of fluid an hour on hot and humid days? Sandra TenBroeck, University of Florida State Extension horse specialist, compiled a list of tips that are helpful to new and experienced riders. Source: University of Florida State Extension, June 18, 2021. Link. In cool to moderate … [Read more...]
Teach cats to wear a harness
Cat owners may enjoy their cats more when they can take them safely outside. Habituating a cat to a harness and then to a harness-plus-leash takes time and needs to follow specific steps says Nicole Ellis. Source: Catster, April 17, 2021. Link. Also see: Choosing a harness for a cat, Tufts Catnip, April 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Rabid dog imported into U.S. sparks multi-state investigation
One of 33 dogs and one cat imported by an animal rescue organization from Azerbaijan to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on June 10 has tested positive for rabies. Health officials are checking on the other animals in the shipment and are still tracking down the pets’ new owners. Tthe investigation is focused on Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey and New … [Read more...]
Turn down the volume on pets’ firework and thunderstorm fears
Complimentary Commercial Content Don't ignore your pet's fear out of the mistaken belief you will reinforce it and make it worse, writes Marty Becker, DVM. The key is to stay calm and not get all worked up yourself, but instead provide calm attention like how you normally interact with him. Becker has updated his previously published article for 2021. Source: Dr. … [Read more...]
Preparing for show season
For animal enthusiasts, livestock shows and fair events will kick off within the next six weeks. While veterinary teams provide health checks and certifications, animal health pros’ expertise will be valued beyond services and tactics. Given the increasing popularity of backyard rabbits, chickens and goats, the audience for show season preparation is not solely livestock … [Read more...]
Words and phrases to avoid in a difficult conversation
Sometimes it is hard to get out of our own way. When you’re in the middle of a difficult conversation, it’s common to focus solely on yourself: your ideas, your viewpoint, your feelings, writes James Detert. A “me-centric” approach can backfire. To achieve your goal, you need to think beyond yourself. Detert has found that people often forget when navigating a difficult … [Read more...]
Early heatwave a reminder to think about employee needs, too!
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness in people. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, its sweating mechanism fails and it is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t have to be working outside all day to get too hot. The same goes for … [Read more...]
CNN; Covid-19 pandemic magnifies workforce crisis in veterinary field
Opinion CNN’s Alec Snyder assembled a good situational summary of where the veterinary field is in 2021. Same story, different day? Yes. However, Synder combines different elements and challenges to end with some positivity. Between the lines and quotes are opportunities to embrace change, adapt, empower and leave a history of recalcitrant attitudes behind. Consider and … [Read more...]
Colorado Supreme Court rejects animal cruelty initiative
It is not over yet, but the Colorado Supreme Court on Monday rejected a ballot initiative that would have extended the state’s animal cruelty laws to cover livestock and poultry. The current law has an exception for animals raised on farms and ranches, as long as their owners follow accepted animal husbandry practices. The proposal would have added cows, pigs, chicken and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 17, 2021
Last week’s most read post 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey reveals important post-pandemic changes for the pet care industry Source: Animal Health Digest, June 8, 2021. Link. U.S. bans importing of dogs from 113 countries due to rise in false rabies records Source: NPR, June 14, 2021. Link. Veterinarians are praising the decision. 36 … [Read more...]
Understanding summer pneumonia and pinkeye
Arnold Nagely, DVM, and Ray Shultz, DVM, are more likely to be associated with their veterinary supply business, Valley Vet Supply, than as practitioners. Both doctors spent years in veterinary practice before expanding their retail clinic business into the OTC catalog offerings known today. Nagely and Shultz discuss summer, or pasture pneumonia ,which infects calves as … [Read more...]
Udder conformation, increasing concerns for farmers
Opinion, including Complimentary Commercial Content Dairy cows are expected to last 10 seasons. But New Zealand dairy producers are culling cows that should have been in their prime. Their udders simply aren’t holding up. Udders are blowing out, and some cows have had poor suspensory ligaments which became evident when they got a bit of age, shared producer Reg … [Read more...]
Hot chicken: good on a plate, dangerous in the coop
Heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death are real dangers to chickens when temperatures rise. They don’t sweat like humans and are limited in their ability to cool down. Lots of shade and cool water help immensely. The effects of heat exhaustion are cumulative, says Lisa Steele. Several days of temperatures above 80 degrees, especially with high humidity, can negatively … [Read more...]
No kidding. A review of caprine health concerns
As of January 2021, there were 2.58 million goats in the U.S. The 2012 map shown gives us a good picture of where the goats are. Herds of fewer than 500 animals make a majority of the numbers. Population disbursement, the popularity of goats in urban and ruralpolitan settings, as well as increasing numbers of pet goats make goat information important across the country. Here … [Read more...]
Debunking 7 equine deworming myths
The general rationale has been that all parasites are terrible and horse owners must do everything that they can to ensure horses are completely parasite-free at all times, writes David Ramey, DVM. Even with anthelmintics, ‘parasite-free’ is for all practical matters an oxymoron. The most important thing for you to do is to test your horses and monitor them. Horse owners need … [Read more...]
Vetting a boarding stable
Horse owners should complete their homework when looking for boarding facilities. If a stable does not have a boarding contract, writes Natalie Voss, it is a red flag. She adds boarding farm rules and a liability waiver to the list of first considerations. Source: Acreage Life, July 2021. Link. !! Voss adds these questions to help horse owners do their research before … [Read more...]
Why does my puppy growl at strangers?
At its core growling is about communication writes, Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT. It is a warning, a symptom of your puppy’s discomfort. Rarely an indication of aggression initially, growling at strangers is a sign that something is wrong. The most likely explanation is the puppy is fearful of people they don’t know. Source: AKC, January 19, 2021. Link. Whenever your puppy … [Read more...]
CIRDC. Does a new name make it easier?
Opinion Two excellent articles are included as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex sources for this post. Adjusting the nomenclature to represent a variety of cofactors is logical scientifically and diagnostically. Pragmatically, though, many of the known CIRDC pathogens are NOT included in core vaccines, including two well recognized pathogens: Canine … [Read more...]
Engage pet owners to monitor respiratory rates in dogs and cats
The animal health industry is finding value when owners become active participants in their pets’ care. The human–animal bond and client–veterinarian relationship is strengthened and pet patients are observed in a normal home environment. Brian A. Scansen, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology), shares pet owners can be trained to measure, record and track their pet’s resting … [Read more...]
FDA finalizes guidance for antimicrobial drug oversight
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has finalized guidance for industry #263 to outline the process for animal drug sponsors to voluntarily change the approved marketing status of certain medically important antimicrobial drugs from over the counter to prescription. With the successful implementation of GFI #213, approximately 96% of medically important antimicrobials used … [Read more...]
Be prepared, avoid being blown away
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. If you stand your ground instead of evacuating, there are a few things that you should have to keep yourself safe and to survive a hurricane: Bottled water and non-perishable food Tools and other supplies First aid and … [Read more...]
5 ways to use invoicing as marketing
Opinion Whether printed on paper or sent as a PDF, invoices are a way to market your services and products. Different than most collateral, invoices prompt a focused review from the recipient. Uwe Dreissigacker shares five ways to use invoices: Strengthen your branding Sell special offers, sales or promotions Encourage referrals Provide free resources Ask … [Read more...]
Dry cows need shade to thrive, increase lifetime production
When talking about environmental impact in dairies, most would think about carbon footprint or water quality. However, a University of Florida study determined it is most ideal to cool dry cows during the entire dry period to prevent milk loss. The same should be provided for bred heifers. Researchers found reduced dry matter intakes pre-calving and weaker immunity pre- and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 10, 2021
Last week’s most read post Watch the quiet people. Source: Animal Health Digest, June 1, 2021. Link. Knowing when not to talk is an art.” – Patrick T. Malone Empowered women empowering others Source: DVM 360, May/June 2021. Link. Empowering Veterinary Teams’ founders Alyssa Mages, CVT and Caitlin Keat, BS, MS are filling their own career gaps by helping … [Read more...]
Pandemic misery index reveals far-reaching impact of COVID-19 on American lives, especially on Blacks and Latinos
Opinion Social media posts are sharing the excitement of live attendance at the 2021 VMX Convention. There’s a backdrop to these return to normal accounts to keep in mind. While progress is being made, racial and ethnic gaps persist, despite an overall decline in pandemic hardship. According to the U.S. Pandemic Misery Index, 80 percent of U.S. adults experienced at least … [Read more...]
Know how much water cattle need
Sometimes a picture puts things into perspective. This one does when it comes to how much water cows and calves need. Share and discuss water resources with producers to support health and prevention strategies. Drought and hot summer days are coming quickly. Source: BEEF, June 7, 2021. Link. All the grass in world means nothing without water. … [Read more...]
Scoring hair shedding traits in beef cow selection
Selecting for cows that shed effectively is crucial to dealing with summer heat stress. It is so important that the American Angus Association is interested in developing expected progeny difference (EPD) values. This may seem to be a silly thing to do, but hair shedding is a moderately heritable trait.” – Edon Cole, University of Missouri Extension livestock … [Read more...]
Hay! Got any?
Pasture and range conditions are historically poor for this time of year because of ongoing drought west of the Mississippi River. Nearly 70 percent of hay produced, and 76 percent of the nation’s beef cow herd is located in this region. Further, producers expect to harvest the smallest amount of hay in more than a century. Unless there is some drought relief soon . . . expect … [Read more...]
Oh, those dirty rats!
Rodents are one of the major taxa most likely to carry zoonotic diseases, harboring more than 85 unique zoonotic pathogens. The paper referenced here focuses on the unique opportunity zoo personnel have to be at the forefront of the early detection and identification of novel hosts and geographic ranges of rodent-borne pathogens with high impact on endangered species and … [Read more...]