Enjoy this video clip of Chris Martin talking about taking his dog to the veterinarian. While representative of perceptions pet owners may have, we think most animal health pros will get a chuckle from his bit. Being able to laugh at ourselves is a sign of resiliency and mental toughness.” Source: Chris Martin, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 6, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 30, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 30th AHD Bulletin – Glyphosate in dog food. Link. Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication. Link. Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (2). Link. ===================================== She’s the … [Read more...]
IDEXX expands test menu for the Catalyst Platform for diagnosing pancreatitis
IDEXX announced the Catalyst® Pancreatic Lipase Test, a new in-clinic quantitative assay that measures pancreatic lipase in dogs and cats suspected of pancreatitis in less than 10 minutes. Diagnosing pancreatitis can be difficult due to its nonspecific symptoms and subtle clinical signs, including vomiting and weight loss, which are among the 10 most frequently recorded … [Read more...]
Prepare now to help cows end the summer well
Steve Martin offered some ways to help cows through the cumulative effects of heat stress last August. He offers some heat abatement ideas that can still be implemented as June heats up. Providing better shade, clean water and air movement is always helpful. Consider using his article to discuss ideas with dairy producers on farm calls or get-togethers Source: Hoard’s … [Read more...]
Repeat offenders should really be culled
Culling is a difficult thing for producers as they frequently fight to keep animals well, fed and producing. But the more chronically infected cows you keep in the herd, the more new infections you’ll have in the herd, shared Pam Ruegg, DVM. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, September 28, 2023. Link. You don’t treat your way out of chronic cows. You’re not making money on these … [Read more...]
Angus Association speaks to genetic mystery confusion
The American Angus Association addressed some misperceptions about genetic abnormalities seen in calves that presented as bovine familial convulsions and ataxia within days of birth. Calves that died were from a single sire. The bull in question was isolated to a single herd and the condition was not spread to other herds. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2024. Link. This case is a … [Read more...]
A look into acidosis and liver abcesses
Liver abscesses are nothing new to beef packers, but the condition is more common in crossbreds. The incidence is rising in native and dairy-influenced cattle. There is not one clear cause of liver abscesses. However, it is widely accepted that they are more common in animals that experience ruminal acidosis, according to Kendall L. Samuelson, PhD, PAS. Samuelson describes … [Read more...]
Purina Animal Nutrition introduces revolutionary live and active probiotic supplement, microbiome testing kit for horses
Complimentary Commercial Content Purina Animal Nutrition has launched Purina® Systemiq™ Probiotic Supplement, a live and active probiotic to support gut health in horses, and the Purina® MQ™ Equine Microbiome Testing Kit, a simple way for horse owners to get personalized nutrition recommendations to support and optimize their horse’s microbiome. Both are part of the new … [Read more...]
Do hay preservatives matter to horses?
Hay producers in many parts of the country are dealing with a lot of rain and moisture. When hay is baled between 17 percent and 22 percent moisture, preservatives are effective at reducing mold growth. Studies conducted by Cornell University and the University of Illinois showed treated hay did not affect clinical measures of the yearlings' well-being. This indicates … [Read more...]
The cost of not vaccinating
Complimentary Commercial Content June brings opportunities for horse people and groups to ride trails and participate in contests and rodeos. Plus, there are always preparations for the upcoming fair season. Owning a horse can be expensive, from equipment and feed to veterinary costs and farrier visits. But when looking to save money, horse owners must avoid cutting corners … [Read more...]
Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?
Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
What stool color could say about a dog’s health
Myles Rowley, DVM, helps shed light on dog poop, what different colors mean, what could be done to fix fecal abnormalities and when it’s time to consult a veterinarian. Consider sharing this on social media or in newsletters. Source: Top Dog Tips, February 20, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Study: Service dogs improve cortisol levels in veterans with PTSD
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine have taken a step toward better understanding the relationship between veterans and service dogs. They believe this could lead to life-changing improvements in health care for veterans. In a new study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, researchers found that veterans who worked with … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 3, 2024
CPR-AED Awareness Week and training, nanoparticle vaccine possibilities, creating stronger customer connections, Bark Air lifts off with dogs-first approach to flight and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Hello brown noise, goodbye white noise
Brown noise has fewer high frequencies than white noise and its effect is sometimes called audible Adderall. Researchers continue to study brown noise but believe that the rich, round frequencies produce the same feelings as well-established methods like deep breathing and meditation. Source: Valet, May 20, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Three words to use regularly
Commentary No one is an expert on everything. Still, we often succumb to the temptation to have the answers, which makes it hard to admit when we don’t. Jason Aten says there is power in saying, “I don’t know,” and we agree. Some of the best experiences animal health pros have are when they admit they don’t know and engage with customers or colleagues to find the answer that … [Read more...]
Finding a job when you don’t know what you want to do next
We’re sharing this as the discourse about educating, acquiring and retaining professionals in veterinary practices continues. Finding a job or the next one, even when the market need is strong, remains difficult. It takes self-reflection, intention, action, motivation and resilience. Mimi Aboubaker writes that the multitude of career paths and job opportunities available is … [Read more...]
How to ask questions that get people to open up
Few people are taught how to ask good questions. Many conversations would go much better if we avoided jumping to conclusions and just took the time to clarify. Question-asking is like any other skill, says author Jeff Wetzler. It takes practice, but the benefits are worth it. Source: Fast Company, May 27, 2024. Link. Quality questions create mutual benefit. You don’t know … [Read more...]
Attitude, value, and talent
The Covid years were difficult for everyone. Yet some practices and their people emerged stronger. Why did some grow while others wilted? Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022. Link. What we perceive as value may not be what our customers value now.” INSIGHTS: Malone shares his belief that when you stop growing, you begin to die. How did you improve yourself today? … [Read more...]
Could dogs and cats be passing superbugs to owners?
New research presented at the recent ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, Spain, suggests dogs and cats play important roles in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The focus was on bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, which are considered the last line of defense when other antibiotics have failed. Understanding and addressing the … [Read more...]
House mice test positive for H5N1 bird flu
Nearly a dozen house mice in Roosevelt County, New Mexico have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, according to federal officials, adding them to the growing list of mammals being infected with avian influenza. Source: The Telegraph, June 5, 2024. Link. This brings the virus closer to human homes . . . increasing the risk of direct exposure and infection.” - Rick A. Bright, … [Read more...]
AABP, AAEVT create veterinary technician utilization guidelines
New guidelines from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants outline specific responsibilities and different levels of veterinary supervision for credentialed veterinary technicians in their areas of practice. The objectives include improving staff retention, performance and patient care while … [Read more...]
Resolving 4 common types of team conflict
Managers spend 20 percent of their time on average managing team conflict. Through experiences and research the authors have identified four common patterns of team conflict: The solo dissenter: conflict surrounds one individual The boxing match: two team members disagree Warring Factions: two subgroups within a team disagree The blame game: the whole team is in … [Read more...]
12 complications when dental health is ignored
Dental month ended but educating pet owners about oral health and dental disease requires an everyday effort from animal health pros. James Rhys Clarke presents the consequences of neglected dental health in this article complete with photos. Consider sharing it on social media and in newsletters including products you know work to improve oral health. Source: Top Dog Tips, … [Read more...]
Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (part 2)
Sponsored Content Last week we introduced the first post in a series to show how some veterinary teams position and present pet insurance in ways that fit well with their current practice routines and protocols <Link>. While a 2022 survey showed more than 90 percent of veterinary practices wished that more of their clients were covered by pet insurance, only about … [Read more...]
Trupanion’s 29 percent rate increase approved by California Department of Insurance
The rising cost of veterinary care amplifies the need for Trupanion to price correctly, bringing California residents more in line with those rising costs. The new rate goes into effect in July 2024 adding to the previous 12 percent rate increase in June 2023. Source: GlobeNewsWire, May 17, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Everfur launches Fur-Forward diagnostics kit: Advanced metabolomics to monitor pet health
With just a sample of a pet’s fur, Everfur analyzes its unique molecules to help determine fur quality, brain health, digestion, immunity, and potential disease risks. Everfur's proprietary approach leverages metabolomic science to provide comprehensive health assessments for dogs and cats by analyzing over 200 unique molecules within a pets' fur. Metabolomic testing offers … [Read more...]
FDA confirms Elanco’s methane-reducing feed additive meets safety, efficacy requirements
The U.S. FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Elanco’s Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle. Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow's rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow … [Read more...]
$1 million grant funds agencies to detect new strains of PRRS
A $1 million USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant will help researchers leverage the Swine Disease Reporting System to detect new strains of PRRSV. A new, web-based tool called the SDRS BLAST tool, allows veterinarians, producers and other users to compare genetic sequences of PRRSV with those in the SDRS. Source: The Pig Site, May 9, 2024. Link. “For the … [Read more...]
Reviewing the basics of needle care
Changing needles every 10 animals is a good rule when injecting cattle, writes Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM. She reinforces the importance of needle care, proper sizing and biosecurity measures when cattle producers are injecting animals. Note the graphic showing needle selection based on weight of cattle, route of administration and viscosity of product. Source: Progressive … [Read more...]