Beyond the obvious illnesses that parasites can cause in cats, there is also a zoonotic risk to consider. Nancy Vincent-Johnson, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVPM, reviews a 12-year retrospective study that helps identify the prevalence and types of parasites seen in cats. This study showed that the prevalence rate of feline parasitism continued to increase over the 12-year … [Read more...]
Pet owners need more education about proper handling of pet food
Many Americans don’t wash their hands after feeding or playing with their dogs and cats. They aren’t aware of the risk of contracting a foodborne illness from those activities. Results from a recent Purdue University study showed 78 percent of people were not aware of recent pet food recalls or outbreaks associated with foodborne pathogens in those foods. They don’t really … [Read more...]
Pet owners realizing cost of pet ownership
Commentary Read this article with a pet insurance or wellness program mindset. It’s past time for animal health pros to redouble our efforts to help pet owners understand the value of having a pet on an insurance plan. The amortization math is simple when put against normal costs of veterinary care before special needs. Thirty-three percent of Americans have or have … [Read more...]
Wildfire smoke can affect healthy lungs
Meteorologists predict the smoke from wildfires could potentially affect air quality in one-third of the western and midwestern states. A combination of high temperatures and elevated levels of particles from fires can affect even healthy lungs. For someone with lung damage or respiratory illness, moderate levels of smoke particulate can exacerbate respiratory problems, writes … [Read more...]
Biosecurity: You condone what you don’t coach
While this article focuses on swine production, the lessons are applicable to any animal health facility and its personnel. Clayton Johnson, DVM, says the role of the veterinarian is “all-encompassing” when it comes to biosecurity. He compares biosecurity to insurance. Source: PORK, August 21, 2020. Link. If you . . . observe something, and you don’t comment on it or take … [Read more...]
Rising mobile use among women is a concern
Working parents have been some of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to media reports, more than 50 percent of working parents are without childcare, and one in five said either they or their partner are considering leaving the workforce to care for their children. Women are reporting a 70 percent increase in mobile device usage compared to pre-pandemic and … [Read more...]
Self-care tips for coping with crisis fatigue (includes video)
Nicole Spector shares seven ways to cope with crisis fatigue, which is an effect of unrelenting stress. “Crisis fatigue is when a stressful incident becomes enduring or chronic,” Eric Zillmer, clinical psychologist, says. “The reason for this is that humans are not equipped to deal with extensive periods of stress over long periods of time. Our defensive systems are designed to … [Read more...]
Updated Veterinary COVID Guidelines
Canada’s Ontario province has been very proactive and successful in managing changes to the practice of veterinary medicine in the face of Covid-19 risks. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association recently released its stage 3 set of recommendations for Ontario veterinary clinics. Scott Weese, DVM, says much of it applies more broadly as veterinary teams seek to balance the … [Read more...]
10 things we do that puzzle and scare horses
The authors share 10 common challenges we present to horses and typify human-to-horse interactions as a culture clash, of sorts. It is interesting that equine veterinarians are more at risk of workplace injury than a firefighter. Source: PhysOrg, July 31, 2020. Link. Horses rarely defend themselves out of malice but from react from fear. Understanding why horses find so many … [Read more...]
Lameness prevention starts in the heifer pen
At least two of the “famous five” causes of lameness; foot rot, digital dermatitis (DD), sole ulcers, white line lesions and toe lesions can have their origins in the heifer lot, according to Nigel Cook. Heel warts and toe lesions can start early. Providing the right environment early in life will help to prevent the hoof diseases and mechanical issues that can otherwise … [Read more...]
Stall size affects dairy cow rest
Like us, if a cow’s bed is not the right size, her ability to rest is negatively affected. Resting time is critical to optimizing milk production. Katelyn Allen shares information about stall size, stall use index and other factors for cow comfort. Design the stalls for the largest cow in the group or the stalls will determine the largest cow in the group eventually” – Dan … [Read more...]
Scientists reveal pheromones are key to harmonious pet relationships
Researchers discovered using dog and cat pheromones could be key to a happy household where both are living. Relationship challenges between a new pet and an existing pet is one of the main reasons for cats and dogs get taken to shelters for rehoming. Thought to be the first research of its kind, the results suggest that using the dog-appeasing pheromones had a more … [Read more...]
Research shows dogs understand words and intonation
We often hear, “I know Spot knows exactly what I am saying.” Dog owners spell out words like “walk,” “treat” or “ride” to avoid recognition by their dog. According to recent research, dogs not only understand the emotional tones of what we say, but also recognize and understand more words than previously known. <researchers>. . . demonstrated that dog brains can also … [Read more...]
Well-trained dogs have more freedom, more fun
Karen London, PhD, rejects ideas that dogs live wild, free and unencumbered by constraints on their desires and inclinations. In fact, she argues that by setting boundaries through training, we enhance dogs’ happiness. Trained dogs have better lives precisely because they are allowed more freedom. Source: The Bark, August 2020. Link. London shares why well-trained dogs … [Read more...]
Chinese ASF vaccine enters new development phase
China’s agriculture ministry reports positive results on a trial vaccine for African swine fever developed by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, according to the South China Morning Post. Officials say it is still too early to estimate when a vaccine will be available. Source: The Pig Site, August 19, 2020. Link. Results from the studies suggest that the increased … [Read more...]
Utah mink test positive for coronavirus. Plague reported in Lake Tahoe.
Once again reports of zoonoses are in the news. While the source to this mink infection is not known, it seems likely small rodents or their fleas were involved with the plague case. Source: Associated Press, August 17, 2020. Link. High mortality in two mink ranches prompted testing for Covid-19 virus. Five live mink tested positive. The Utah mink farms have also reported … [Read more...]
Veterinary tech associations’ role in public education
Christen Puckett-Smith, BS, RVT, and Kenichiro Yagi MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), have it right when they write, “. . . as credentialed veterinary technicians, we are walking billboards.” Their article focuses on association activities that help educate the public about the role veterinary technicians play in veterinary practice. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2020. … [Read more...]
VVCA inaugural summit sets the stage for virtual care
Congratulations to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association team on their successful Virtual Care Summit, which took place August 18. Concurrent with the summit, the organization launched an updated website <link>. A substantial set of educational options were offered. They included compelling speakers and animal health pros experienced in hands-off virtual medical care … [Read more...]
Whoops! That was a faux pas.
It was just a throwaway remark. You didn’t mean to offend. But now a colleague has indicated what was said was hurtful. So how should you respond after committing a microaggression? First, make sure the other person feels heard. Follow your colleague’s lead in the conversation; be curious and empathetic. Offer a sincere apology that expresses gratitude for their … [Read more...]
Flu season nears. Time for a flu-shot (video)
The most powerful tool we have to combat disease is vaccination, Robert Redfield, CDC director, said during a recent interview. Flu cases are expected to start increasing early in October and could last late into May. This makes September and early October the ideal time to get your flu shot. The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to reach peak effectiveness” Source: The … [Read more...]
Chickens, Salmonella sp. and people
Raising chickens comes with built-in health risks for them and their keepers. In the United States, the CDC reports increased popularity of backyard poultry flocks has been associated with increases in live, poultry-associated salmonella outbreaks. Arizona veterinarian Stephanie Lamb, a boarded specialist in avian medicine, discusses the ins and outs of salmonella in … [Read more...]
Don’t scruff that cat and other things cat owners will appreciate
The articles gathered for this post are resources to help educate cat owners. Simple information can often improve the quality of life for a cat and its owners. The articles begin with a reminder that scruffing a cat is NOT a proper feline-handling skill. Source: Scruffing a cat is not the right way to restrain a kitty, Catster, August 3, 2020. Link. Scruffing can be … [Read more...]
Let them eat dirt
Eat dirt? That was an insult once upon a time. Fast forward to Emily Stein, PhD, who shares how a diverse diet, regular dental care and a little bit of dirt can help a dog’s gut microbiome thrive. She offers: Microbes from the mouth survive the stomach to impact gut function and gut health Growing friendly bacteria in the mouth leads to increased levels of friendly … [Read more...]
Keep older dogs fit with these activities
The aging German Shorthair-Labrador mix pictured here has earned a special place with a young dog lover. At 14, his routine still includes activities described in the article linked here. They have allowed him to live longer, live better and establish a bond with a growing boy. The authors share ideas on how to make a dog's senior years the best years of their lives: … [Read more...]
Managing heat stress in horses
Aubrey Moore reminds us that days with high temperature, plus high humidity put horses at the greatest risk for heat exhaustion. All horses are susceptible to overheating, regardless of their activity. . . . when in doubt, if you’re overheated, they’re overheated.” Source: The Horse Network, August 3, 2020. Link. The Fédération Équestre Internationale recommends continuous … [Read more...]
Birds and beef have a lot in common (video)
“The era of big conservation is over,” says Audubon’s Marshall Johnson. “It’s up to us to drive the outcomes for the next 100 years.” He explains the importance of cattle, grasslands and cattle ranchers participating in Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Initiative to conserve ecosystems and sustainability. Their efforts are third-party verified to bear Audubon’s “grazed on … [Read more...]
Hutches can contribute to calves’ heat stress
Producers who raise preweaned dairy calves frequently use calf hutches. For all their advantages, their lack of climate control makes heat stress monitoring and prevention important. Jud Heinrichs and Colleen Jones write about how high temperatures, excessive humidity and the sun take a toll on calves. Air movement, moisture, hair coat, bedding and rumination activity are … [Read more...]
Identify what pasture plants are poisonous to cattle (slide show)
There are many plants that can cause illness, death, abortion, birth defects, metabolic disorders, photosensitization and other problems in cattle, writes Heather Smith Thomas. Her slide show includes photos of plants cattle producers should look for. Source: BEEF, March 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Understanding pinkeye; a laboratory overview
Commentary including sponsored content from Addison Biological Laboratory. Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a common eye disease cattle producers hate treating. Routinely transmitted by flies, pinkeye’s frequently observed pathogens are Moraxella bovis, Moraxella bovoculi, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovoculi and bovine herpesvirus type 1 … [Read more...]
All ears
You’re not listening to me.” Your customer is actually saying you aren’t taking them seriously and it is probably because you didn’t acknowledge their concern before you offered a solution. Source: Vet-Advantage Magazine, June 2016. Link. By responding to the other person, you are telling her that she has the power in the conversation. Remember, they are the … [Read more...]