Commercial Content Some ectoparasitism slows in winter but parasites such as mites and lice prefer the cooler time of the year, writes Elanco’s David L. Prentice, DVM, MS. He reviews the five primary types of mites in cattle, two types of lice and offers tips for effective mitigation and control of mange and lice. Source: Progressive Dairy, January 19, 2024. … [Read more...]
Adopt a Cow program reaches 50 states and 40 countries
Elementary and middle school students who participate in the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s Adopt a Cow program can watch calves grow up. The program allows students to learn about the sustainability of dairies and the nutrition of dairy products they consume at home. The program now reaches students throughout the U.S. and in 40 countries. Field trips encourage strong … [Read more...]
Do equine chiropractic treatments work?
There’s limited scientific research on the efficacy of chiropractic treatments in equine medicine. Research reported in Equine Science Update investigated the effect of chiropractic manipulation on heart rate, stride characteristics and rider-perceived quality of work under saddle. Source: Paulick Report, February 19, 2024. Link. Scientists used 38 showjumpers that had no … [Read more...]
Skipping the dog walk is a big deal
A fenced yard is nice for a dog to rest or to take a quick pee, but it can’t take the place of a good walking, according to Stephanie Borns-Weil at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Plus, while great, exercise isn’t the most important reason for the walk. Source: The Washington Post, February 20, 2024. Link. . . . they’re not getting … [Read more...]
Over-the-counter meds & pet poisoning perils
Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, joins Drs Jenifer and Jason Chatfield to discuss the often-overlooked dangers of common over-the-counter medications for pets. Pain medications like Advil, Tylenol, Aleve and aspirin top Dr. Schmid’s list of OTC medications that frequently cause issues for pets. Schmid notes that a high number of calls they receive at the Pet Poison Helpline … [Read more...]
Which size dog faces higher risks of certain diseases?
A University of Washington study of more than 25,000 dogs and 238 breeds has linked dog size to varying patterns of risk for health conditions throughout a dog’s lifespan. Overall, larger dogs in the study were more likely to have faced certain health conditions at some point in their lives, including cancer, bone-related disease, gastrointestinal problems, ear/nose/throat … [Read more...]
Banfield, more than half of dogs and cats have periodontal disease
Commentary Research from Banfield’s expansive, granular veterinary visit records has been invaluable as our industry seeks to understand the metrics of our business. Their recent report on oral health issues, while not surprising, quantifies the challenges veterinary teams face in making oral health an integral part of managing a pet's overall health and … [Read more...]
How to retain employees during the great resignation and beyond. Earn CE.
Sponsor Content Recruiting and hiring are critical in the veterinary job market but so is the retention of current employees. Qualified candidates are scarce and to many, often seem non-existent. Stacy Pursell, CPC/CERS, presents ideas to keep current staff on board which stabilizes veterinary clinics’ ability to provide consistent levels of service. Source: ASPCA® Pet … [Read more...]
8 reasons a dog may be anxious
Anxiety in dogs is displayed, among other behaviors, through fear responses, aggression, noise phobia, separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Some of these can be subtle or ignored as normal. Caroline Wilkinson shares reasons a dog may have anxiety. Lack of socialization, life changes and owner anxiety are among them. Source: Pets Radar. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 19, 2024
Active shooter training, nose length may hint at dog longevity, progress on pet adoption crisis, year-round dental care, curing animals with cannabis, getting ready for falling interest rates, SEO, social media and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 19, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained
Commentary Observing a 20-something professional in a business suit meeting in a restaurant with a manager-type recently, it was apparent the young person needed help with restaurant etiquette. Notable at that table were open-mouth chewing, speaking with a mouthful, what to do with a cell phone and using a napkin. Source: Interesting Facts. Link. INSIGHTS: Reviewing … [Read more...]
2024’s top farmers are not your grandad’s farmers
Commitment, flexibility, risk-taking and tech-savvy are words that describe progressive farmers in the 21 century. Outstanding Farmers of America chose four farm couples as next-gen leaders in agriculture. Source: Missouri Ruralist, February 20, 2024. Link. Commentary: Animal health pros must remember the state of agriculture and what is going on outside citified … [Read more...]
Being more open about mental health could be making us feel worse
Lucy Foulkes, PhD, says therapy speak and over-psychologizing could be doing more harm than good. She asserts “concept creep” and “therapy speak” are doing people a disservice when it comes to mental health. Source: New Scientist, September 19, 2023. Link. <mental health> labels may be helpful . . . but in other respects they can make people believe they have a … [Read more...]
Pathways to retention in veterinary medicine
We’re re-posting AAHA’s invitation to download a new whitepaper on retention in the veterinary industry. The days of more than 10 candidates for every job are gone. The veterinary profession cannot graduate its way out of this labor shortage: retention is a keystone. The Stay, Please survey and analyses, provide critical insight into what veterinary professionals … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 15, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 8, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 8th AHD Bulletin – Groundhog day again? Link. Cunning chameleon, M. bovis contributes to calf pneumonia. Link. Paragon’s new digital dog grooming guide. Link. ============================================ Service and honor are the fabric … [Read more...]
“Enshittification” is coming for absolutely everything
Providing a somewhat off-color, but witty read, the person who coined the phrase "enshittification," offers a commentary. Cory Doctorow explains what his phrase describes, the circumstances in society that enabled it to happen and what can be done to reverse it. Source: Financial Times, February 7, 2024. Link. There are four constraints that prevent enshittification: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 12, 2024
Affiliate marketing, Y or N? outsourcing HR, market budgeting, outreach methods by SMS or email and more . . . Note the information about IBPSA’s new membership health insurance benefit. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 12, 2024. Link. An interesting interview with Royal Canin’s Kira Best is included. … [Read more...]
Creating a Fear Free toothbrushing experience for pets (video)
Fear Free specialists explain how pet owners can make the often stressful task of brushing their pet’s teeth into something Fear Free. The video is good to repost on social media, link in newsletters or use in exam rooms. Source: Fear Free Pets, YouTube. Link. (3:25) Sponsored Content. Dental wipes make oral care easy and convenient. MAXI/GUARD® family of oral care … [Read more...]
CBD in Dr. Marty Beckers’ 2024 five tips for dogs
Marty Becker, DVM, shared five tips to do for dogs in 2024 in his recent newsletter. They include nutrition, parasite control, supplements, CBD and enrichment. Source: DrMartyBecker.com, February 13, 2024. Link. Related content: Long-term CBD for dogs caused few health problems, PETFOOD Industry, February 6, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Unique Bridge Club Veterinary Virtual Care events slated for February 28th
Listen as a group of industry insiders shares data from more than two million data points gathered from more than half a million virtual care interactions. The virtual conversations will cover country specific data and address: The need for virtual veterinary care: Tackling access concerns Global insights: Virtual veterinary care data from the US, Canada, Europe … [Read more...]
New WHO medically important antimicrobial list
Sharing what he considers a foundational document for considering how we use and monitor antimicrobial use in animals. Scott Weese, DVM, shares the who, what and why of the latest version of the WHO’s Medically Important Antimicrobial List. Source: Worms and Germs, February 13, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Respecting the cow: What does it cost you?
Ensuring comfort and calmness in the parlor can only benefit your bottom line, writes Jason Reid who frequently sees cows being negatively affected by the drive for speed and efficiency in dairy operations. He shares economic pros and cons of working too quickly and focusing on efficiencies that ignore what can put cows in a state of stress. Source: AgProud, January 25, … [Read more...]
USDA updates defense against African swine fever
AFS has not entered the U.S., thanks to continuing efforts to prevent this deadly swine disease from breaching the country’s borders. Yet, it is getting closer and shows no sign of stopping. This article gives an update on the global situation and USDA, APHIS and state efforts including surveillance of feral hogs. Source: National Hog Farmer, February 12, 2024. Link. The … [Read more...]
Strategic anaplasmosis management needed this season
There are concerns that anaplasmosis is reemerging throughout the U.S. The transmission of bacteria from ticks and horseflies is the initial cause, especially during heavy tick and fly seasons. Beef producers may control the disease with strategic pest control methods, good husbandry practices and antibiotics, writes Gilda V. Bryant. Source: Progressive Cattle, February 7, … [Read more...]
Improved winter grazing management
Commentary Livestock producers need animal health pros for more than medications and preventatives to be successful. Being aware of resources to share is one of the ways we can support the growth and development of healthy production. Consider this article when discussing ways to improve herd health. Winter is sometimes overlooked as a time to make improvements to range … [Read more...]
Cameras help researchers understand polar bear behavior during extended land stays
Climate change is increasing the length of time some of the Far North goes without ice. This means polar bears can’t eat their preferred prey – calorie-rich seals. Scientists are using data captured by cameras to determine how the bears fared. The results aren’t positive. Source: The New York Times, February 13, 2024. Link. “Terrestrial foods are not adequate to prolong the … [Read more...]
Coyote bites kids. Authorities close park.
City officials closed a park in Arlington, Texas this week after a coyote is believed to have bitten two children. It remains closed as officials try to locate and trap the coyote. Source: WFAA, February 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Learning to co-exist with coyotes
This shadowy image is a Ring surveillance photo of a coyote within 1,000 yards of our suburban AHD office at 8:30 p.m. trotting down a well-lit street. The photo was taken just before the coyote grabbed a small dog from a porch. Quick action by the pet’s owner saved the dog with very little damage. Every year there are increasing reports of coyotes killing dogs and cats, … [Read more...]
Slow hay feeder pros and cons
Veterinarians usually learn about how horses are fed when something is awry. Owners have a variety of choices when shopping for a slow-feeding device, so considering what Madeline Boast shares could benefit the horse, owner and veterinary-client relationship. She explains why a horse might benefit from a slow hay feeder and how to choose the right one. Source: The Horse, … [Read more...]
What makes the equine heart so special?
Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, shares quick facts about the equine heart. She writes the equine heart’s size and function are central to the animal’s athletic prowess and give horses the ability to move at high speeds when necessary and the endurance to cover long distances. It is good information that can be shared with members of 4-H, FFA and other youth clubs. Source: The Horse, … [Read more...]