The dairy business is carried on cows' hooves. Digital dermatitis (DD, also known as hairy warts, strawberry warts) remains the number 1 cause of lameness in dairy herds with increasing concern among feedlot cattle. Hoof trimmer Jamie Sullivan suggests DD remains prevalent due to the way we have been trying to prevent or treat the lesions in the first place. He shares research … [Read more...]
Solutions for a biting horse
For horse people, a biting horse is a liability. They are dangerous to you, other people and other horses. Even a warning nip can cause injury, and a full-on chomp can be tragic. Learn some of the underlying causes, plus how to manage and reform a horse that bites. Source: Horse and Rider, January 20, 2020. Link. Slapping a biting horse on the muzzle is not a useful … [Read more...]
Choke in horses, a slow-motion disaster
Choke in horses is a blockage of the esophagus rather than the airway, writes Laurie Bonner. It occurs when a horse tries to ingest inadequately chewed feed or something he cannot swallow properly. Most instances of choke clear on their own but may be a sign of something that needs attention. Bonner shares reasons, risks and prevention tips that include having a veterinarian … [Read more...]
More support needed for diabetic cat owners
Alex Gallagher, DVM, MS, DACVIM, shares startling takeaways from research titled Priorities on treatment and monitoring of diabetic cats from the owners’ points of view <link>. While veterinarian recommendations were considered the second most influential in their treatment decision, Gallagher provides alarming details: Fewer than 50% of owners reported their … [Read more...]
Tales of the cat tail
Ellyce Rothrock helps interpret the meaning of cat tail movements. A cat’s ears, eyes, body posture and especially her tail, express exactly what she’s thinking and how she’s feeling, she says. You just have to “listen” to cat tail language. Source: Catster, October 21, 2019. Link Learning cat tail language is like learning any foreign language: It takes time.” Also see: … [Read more...]
Pet-friendly houseplants can purify air
“These days, many houses are built for energy efficiency. This can mean fewer fresh air opportunities for people or their pets,” says Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM. “Stale air can adversely affect health. Stale air has higher levels of carbon dioxide, possibly carbon monoxide and other waste gases. Higher wastes mean less oxygen availability.” The article includes information about … [Read more...]
Health problems can cause behavior changes in dogs
Carol Osborne, DVM, says a change in a dog’s normal behavior is a red flag. Most people assume that unusual behavior is caused by stress, boredom or some other external situation. However, it could also signal a medical condition. She discusses behavior aberrations and conditions that could be underlying causes. Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, January 26, 2020. Link The … [Read more...]
A crucial blind spot in vet medicine
A reader sent us this article. The placebo effect is a well-established phenomenon in human patients. In veterinary medicine however, it’s an underappreciated one. The particular way it plays out in veterinary care highlights how unconscious cognitive biases can mislead humans when we care for other species. The most likely explanation is what’s known as the caregiver … [Read more...]
Pet food labels have more sizzle than substance
Nebulous terms create confusion on pet food labels, especially when ridiculous terms are used to describe a product. Most of these terms have no legal definition or if they have been defined, they are a mismatch to popular definitions. The author discusses a list of terms to ignore or rethink when choosing food for your pets: Human-grade Premium Organic Holistic … [Read more...]
Opinion – 2020 Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET)® Report from Banfield®
Banfield® Pet Hospital has again shared information from their internal data this year on the importance of weight management in pets as it relates to osteoarthritis. The entire veterinary industry continues to benefit from a better understanding of clients, pets and prevalence of conditions. Thank you Banfield! Excess weight in pets is a growing problem (no pun … [Read more...]
Labor challenges are the norm for livestock employees
Farm Journal’s survey of more than 2,000 farmers, ranchers and dairy producers reveals challenges of ag workers. From the workers’ perspective, getting paid a good wage, paid time off and employer-subsidized benefits top the list of preferences. Employers find increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates and to maintain profitability before increasing wages or adding … [Read more...]
Opinion – Conflict debt and the rubber room
Adults in a workplace are bound to have differences of opinions. These differences can cause disruption unless there is a process to manage things. I have used a rubber room exercise and often took the role of referee. Simple rules were established up-front and visibly displayed: Establish the discussion topic(s) as narrowly as possible Set a beginning time Set an … [Read more...]
Backyard chicken feed growing in pet food and treat market
What started as a backyard option to get fresh eggs has quickly moved the backyard chicken from livestock to pets. The pet food industry is responding to this growing trend. Source: Petfood Industry, January 27, 2020. Link. In APPA’s survey of 10,090 current pet owners: 10 percent reported owning backyard chickens: this equates to approximately 10 million U.S. … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal protein versus plant-based protein. A discussion worth having.
Media of all types has paid great attention to plant-based protein of late. However, the hype leaves out the importance of factually discussing issues surrounding meat production. We agree with Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, that collaboration by all parties will lead to science-based solutions to protein supply challenges. Simmons issues a call to … [Read more...]
Egg in an egg, a double egg phenomena (video)
Animals do the darndest things. While rare, it is well-known that a hen will occasionally lay an egg inside of an egg. Called a counter-peristalsis contraction, a double egg occurs while the hen is in the process of forming an egg in her oviduct. Source: Backyard Poultry, January 7, 2020. Link. A tiny, fully formed egg was found inside of a regular-sized egg in Britain. This … [Read more...]
Optimizing digestive health in horses
Sponsored Content from ADM Animal Nutrition The new issue of EQUUS Extra is dedicated to nutritional aspects of equine digestions, colic and ulcers. In our post Colic comes in many forms, January 14, 2020 < link >, we shared an overview of three types of colic. Dr. Annette McCoy broke down colic cases by type; non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. She also … [Read more...]
Horse hoof care resources
Horse owners and stable hands are always learning. Each new horse and age milestones in on-farm horses can bring new challenges. Hoof care is one area where presenting sound information can help animal health pros increase their value on-farm and when discussing hoof care with horse caretakers. These articles are great aids to review and then share to benefit horses, owners and … [Read more...]
Thoroughbred sales auctions announce reforms for 2-year-old sales
Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, and Ocala Breeders' Sales jointly announced important changes to policies regarding medication. They include restriction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a ban on bronchodilators at all 2-year-old sales, plus limited use of riding crops. We continue to refine and adapt our policies with the overriding goal of protecting both the … [Read more...]
Cowmoonication: Research finds cows ‘talk’ to each other
Hugh Lofting’s character, Dr. Dolittle, might not be so far-fetched. Research at the University of Sydney has shown that cows maintain individual voices in a variety of emotional situations. Cows ‘talk’ to one another and retain individual identity through their lowing. We found that cattle vocal individuality is relatively stable across different emotionally loaded farming … [Read more...]
AI, telehealth can help combat professional staffing issues (video)
For animal health pros wrestling with telemedicine, information in this article will clarify some of its opportunities and benefits. Citing a recent American Hospital Association study, Nathan Eddy separates telehealth and AI over a future timeline. He also shows how telehealth platforms are useful to providers as health care is increasingly delivered outside of traditional … [Read more...]
Engage discipline to handle internal and external impatient customers
SmartPulse surveys, while non-scientific, offer some insight into our behaviors. This summary shares results of how survey participants deal with impatient customers. Source: SmartBrief, September 10, 2019. Link. One of the biggest challenges participants face is unexpected interruptions. When someone calls or drops by with something important to them, it’s tempting to put … [Read more...]
Pet insurance remains polarizing for many
Addressing the fear and reluctance found in many veterinarians and staff members, Wendy Hauser, DVM, summarizes key elements of pet insurance. Pet insurance is property insurance, not an accident and health product. Veterinary teams are allowed to endorse the idea that pet health insurance is a helpful tool in helping the client provide care for their pets. Source: … [Read more...]
Orange tabby cats: fun facts
All orange cats are tabbies, but not all tabbies are orange. Denise LeBeau shares why tabbies are 80 percent male, what the “M” marking is for and their loud personality among other facts. Source: Catster, January 15, 2020. Link. Morris and Garfield are just a few of the iconic orange tabby cats that are part of our culture’s collective cat consciousness. Beyond the bright … [Read more...]
5 ways to start brushing dogs’ teeth
Among the 2019 Top 10 from DVM 360, was a handout on how to start brushing teeth. It linked to GIFs in an article that demonstrate the steps shown in the handout. In-home oral care is step number 1 for better oral health care. Check out these tools. Use them on social media, in newsletters and during examinations. Source: DVM 360, FIRSTLINE. Handout: Top 5 ways to start … [Read more...]
Yeast infections, causes and treatments
Groomers are often the first to discover yeast infections in pets. Columnist Jonathan David shares information about it with his groomer audience. He talks about skin issues, pododermatitis (toes and nails) and issues with the ears and ear canals. Yeast infections can creep up at just about anytime it seems.” – Jonathan David Source: Groomer to Groomer, December 2019, page … [Read more...]
Cholecalciferol poisoning in dogs and cats
Cholecalciferol is the chemical name for Vitamin D3. It is commonly found in everyday household products, shares Justin Lee, DVM. Products with this compound include rodent poisons, multi-vitamins, even psoriasis cream. Cholecalciferol can be highly toxic when accidentally ingested by dogs and cats. Lee shares how they are affected, as well as clinical signs, diagnostics, … [Read more...]
Brrrrr! How cold is too cold for pets?
Some people think that because pets have fur coats they can stand freezing temperatures better than humans. But, pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and other cold injuries as humans. Here are resources that can be used on social media and in newsletters. Pet owner reminder example: Do not let your pet stay outside for an extended period of time and make sure to … [Read more...]
Veterinary Study Groups selects Airvet as telemedicine provider
A new strategic partnership with VSG and Airvet offers options for independent veterinary practices to incorporate new technologies and implement telemedicine to meet the ever-changing expectations of their clients, according to Steve Curvey, VSG COO. Airvet intends to create new efficiencies in a practice’s daily workflow, while providing continuity of care for clients, all … [Read more...]
Make in-home oral health a priority for every pet
Sponsored by Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Like vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention, pet oral care has been identified for decades as a critical component of healthy pet management. Animal health pros know the effort it takes to support elements of preventative medicine. A product from AHD Sponsor Addison Biological Laboratory provides veterinary … [Read more...]
Colic comes in many forms
Depending on a colic’s cause, treatment steps and prognoses can vary widely, writes Alexandra Beckstett. She breaks down colic cases by type—non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. Source: The Horse, January 2020. Link. (article excerpt). Flank-watching or -biting, pawing, trying to roll, an elevated heart rate, a lack of gut sounds or bowel movements. While … [Read more...]