When Dr. Mark Peterson started veterinary school in 1972, feline hyperthyroidism didn’t seem to exist. He treats nothing else today. This article traces the beginnings of research into the condition, to the treatment and to the links it may have to our own health. Source: New York Times Magazine, May 16, 2017 (paywall). A steady drumbeat of research links the strange feline … [Read more...]
A good veterinarian-producer relationship is priceless
The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) has increased interest in creating or improving relationships with veterinarian. Joe Paschal, an Extension livestock specialist with Texas A&M University, offers some down-to-earth perspective about the value these relationships can offer. Source: Progressive Cattleman, May 16, 2017. Since your veterinarian is not as familiar with … [Read more...]
Dental products you can recommend with a smile
Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows compiled this list of food, treats and more that are proven effective at maintaining the health of pets' teeth. She says that only 32 dog and 12 cat products have been approved by the VOHC. Click through to see what this means to you. Two of the 10 products showcased are manufactured by AHD Sponsor, Addison Biological Laboratory. Source: … [Read more...]
Cesar: separation anxiety is your fault
When your dog is separated from you, he gets anxious and acts out. So, who causes it? Two words. YOU DO! Cesar Millan explains how pet owners winding up their animals before leaving and upon returning can create separation anxiety. Source: Cesar’s Way, May 21, 2017. In a related article, he shares 5 tips to help dog separation anxiety: Before you leave the house, … [Read more...]
Foxtail: high risks for dogs
Nancy Kerns expresses the dangers of this prevalent grass to our canine friends. She writes, every single strand is lined with gnarly microscopic barbs that catch on anything they touch, from fur to collars, clothing to bare skin. When the barbs come in contact with anything, they propel the strand forward, pushing the sharp-tipped seed at the end forward. As the plants dry out … [Read more...]
Healthy weeds for horses
Not all weeds are bad, according to Casie Bazay. To horses or other herbivores, they’re all simply plants. While it’s true that some plants are toxic and should be kept out of our pastures, others that may be considered weeds, can be beneficial for horses to consume. Articles like this make good content for blogs, newsletters, websites and information packets for horse … [Read more...]
EPM continues to be a threat
Advances in diagnostics and treatments have greatly reduced the number of horses who succumb to Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This potentially debilitating neurological disease remains a threat to horses throughout the United States. Its range is spreading, too. Finding more effective ways to prevent and treat this disease continues to challenge … [Read more...]
Canine house soiling can be fixed
Clients are often intolerant of house soiling, such as indoor urination, defecation or marking in adult dogs. Puppy owners may arbitrarily impose a deadline for house training without seeking veterinary advice and may relinquish the puppy if expectations are not satisfied. Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB, discusses diagnosis’ and treatments. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February … [Read more...]
Periodontal therapy in dogs using products marketed for veterinary use
Several different bone augmentation products are available for veterinary use. While there is not one class of product ideal for every treatment option there are good options that must be supported by long-term commitment to oral health by the owner. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2017 (abstract only). Also see: Table of Contents, JAAHA, May/June 2017 … [Read more...]
The latest from EVE
We got a bit behind in posting the latest from the AAEP’s Equine Veterinary Education editions. We’ve linked the April and May issue Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers for your review of the abstracts. We did like Dr. McKee’s article on ethical practice. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, April 2017. Equine Veterinary Education, May 2017. Also see: Ethics: … [Read more...]
The science behind equine boots and bandages
There is little research about the inner workings of the equine leg when wraps and boots are applied. It is a growing field that needs more research before we fully understand it. Source: The Horse, May 2017, (partial access only). Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA went to some of today’s top equine biomechanics researchers to get a better grasp on the science of the wrap and to … [Read more...]
Strangles requires strict health protocols
Strangles, caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi), is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in horses. Control of outbreaks requires strict isolation protocols and hygiene measures. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, March 2017, (abstract access only). Also see: Lessons learned from a strangles outbreak on a large … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s changing face
Imagine cow cameras in the parlor so dairy consumers can view on their smartphones cows on a dairy being milked. Tom Haren thinks consumers will also influence how we house cows. His reasons for the change: transparency, sustainability and technology. Dairy site size will likely shrink while dairy enterprises will grow substantially. Source: Milk, March 2017. Automation … [Read more...]
Looks like parvo, acts like parvo, tests negative: Cryptosporidium parvum
Brandon Sinn, DVM, shares information on a troublesome protozoan named for its parvo-like symptoms, Cryptosporidium parvum. He indicates Cryptosporidia burrows into the base of the intestinal villi and eventually moves them off similar to parvo. The result is profuse, bloody diarrhea. Professionals have observed a recent increase in protozoa infections in kennel operations … [Read more...]
Top pet food companies for 2017
Mars, Nestle’ Purina, Big Heart, Hill’s and Blue Buffalo top the list of U.S. and global leaders in the pet food industry. Mars and Nestle’ Purina combine for more than $29 billion in domestic sales eclipsing the combined sales of the remaining companies. Source: Petfood Industry, May 2017. This exclusive list of top 50 pet food companies, part of PetfoodIndustry.com’s Top … [Read more...]
The doctor will see your iguana now
Not every clinic deals with cows, canines or kittens. Veterinarians at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine In New York City see everything from iguanas to guinea pigs and even kinkajous. This is an interesting, short read with insight into what goes on in a practice specializing in exotic species. Source: The New York Times, May 12, 2017 (paywall). The surgery ground … [Read more...]
Mizzou maps feline genomes, identifies source of illnesses
The research, named the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Initiative, aims to sequence the entire genome of 99 cats. Getting halfway there has already given the University of Missouri research team insights into genetic mutations that lead to serious health conditions. Source: Kansas City Star, May 10, 2017. One study found a genetic mutation responsible for progressive … [Read more...]
First screw flies, now cattle fever ticks
The Texas Department of Agriculture has allocated an additional $3.7 million in funds to the existing $8.5 million allocated for 2017 to combat the spread of the cattle tick fever in South Texas. The ticks spread intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites that cause Babesiosis. Source: The Monitor, May 9, 2014. Cattle fever ticks are known scientifically as Rhipicephalus … [Read more...]
Yawning promotes social bonding between dogs and humans
We yawn. So do bears, bats, guinea pigs, dogs and others. It’s a mystery as to why. In fact, it’s likely the least understood common human behavior. It’s also a contagious behavior that may have social and communicative functions. Source: NPR, May 15, 2017. But recently, two more species have been added to the list of contagious yawners: dogs and chimpanzees. When two … [Read more...]
Buttercups; beautiful, prolific and toxic
Buttercups are toxic to horses and other animals. Overgrazing is the root of the buttercup problem on many farms. Before the grass gets grazed down to the ground, move horses to a different field or use temporary fencing such as electric tape to section off rotating parts of the pasture to let the grass recover. Source: Horse Channel, May 5, 2017. Horses generally have no … [Read more...]
Accelerated calf growth programs, economics and effects
Jud Heinrichs, Penn State Dairy Extension, writes that feeding the dairy calf and heifer can be likened to a double-edged sword; we want to feed the heifers as much as possible to get rapid growth so that they begin lactating early in life, with a large body size at calving relative to their mature weight. However, there are issues related to rapid growth and a high level of … [Read more...]
Pre-weaned calves at risk for BRD
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains a common problem in pre-weaned calves. South Dakota State University veterinarian Russ Daly said pre-weaning BRD affects about 20 percent of cow-calf operations each year and is the leading cause of mortality in calves from three weeks to weaning. Source: Drovers, April 19, 2017. Researchers at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in … [Read more...]
Cats’ tails tell tales
Our team couldn’t resist the pun. Cat blogger Jane A Kelly shares eight ways cats talk with their tales tails. Source: Catster, May 11, 2017. A cat’s tail is an amazing and beautiful thing. Not only is it an anatomical wonder, it’s an excellent tool for feline self-expression. Even the most obtuse of humans can learn the secrets of this behavior — “tail talk,” if you will — … [Read more...]
Veterinary clinic and trainer partnerships, a no brainer (includes recording)
Pet relinquishment and euthanasia are inextricably linked in our industry. But, handing out business cards of trainers is not the best option to ensure pet owners get the support they need. This article speaks to a partnership between trainers and the vet clinic. A similar relationship could also benefit independent retailers as big box pet chains already offer behavior … [Read more...]
Corporate medicine, discussing big-medicine benefits
See what a group of animal health professionals told Firstline editors about the pros and cons of corporate medicine. Choices, choices, choices! Source: Firstline, May 3, 2017. DVM360 editors created a panel made up of regular contributors, new faces and industry veterans, who together create a spectrum of voices that represent the many angles of this issue. They wanted to … [Read more...]
2017 Masters of the Pork Industry
This issue celebrates the innovation and dedication of pork industry leaders whose commitments have established deep roots in and influencing the pork industry. Read the career choices and experiences of: Jan Archer, President of National Pork Board Kent Swartz, Iowa State Diagnostic Lab Brad Freking, DVM, New Fashion Pork Max Rodibaugh, DVM, Swine Health … [Read more...]
How Facebook affects your happiness
The Journal of Epidemiology recently published a study that supports the growing pile of evidence to suggest that Facebook use may be linked to unhappiness. The result: Facebook use was significantly correlated with declines in overall well-being over the years, as well as the more specific categories of physical health, mental health and life satisfaction. But wait, there’s … [Read more...]
Study suggests potential for pathogen transmission via feed
In preliminary findings, a study conducted by Pipestone Applied Research and South Dakota State University shows the potential for PRRS and other viruses to contaminate and survive in feed ingredients, including soybean meal and dried distillers’ grains. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 12, 2017. The study results suggest a subset of contaminated feed ingredients could … [Read more...]
Pet owner offers perspective on errant pet deaths
Our team at AHD found this article refreshing, mature and honoring of the veterinary profession. Stephanie Colman shares her pet loss, the professionalism of her veterinarian and notes the suicide trends among veterinarians. Source: Whole Dog Journal, May 2017. We may not always be happy with the services rendered by our veterinarians, but only rarely is this caused because … [Read more...]
Multi-dog household research in progress
The dynamics in multi-dog households is different in every home, but rarely studied. Most research tests dogs in a laboratory and looks at interactions between animals that don’t know each other. This will be interesting to watch. Source: Science Daily, April 24, 2017. Canisius College professors Christy Hoffman and Malini Suchak decided to take a different approach in … [Read more...]