Fifty-five percent of treats dog owners buy are for dental care. Caroline Coile, PhD, says yes, then reminds us about xylitol and shares perspectives on the benefits of dental treats as a secondary oral health approach. Every crunch counts. Dogs can chew, chomp and lap their way to cleaner teeth. Use treats as a preventative following a professional cleaning.” - Caroline … [Read more...]
Study finds vegan cat food beneficial
Results from a study in Australia contradict the long-standing opinion that cats are obligate carnivores. Examining seven general indicators of illness, researchers found risk reductions with a vegan diet for all seven general illness indicators. Commenting on their research and other studies, the researchers found the evidence remarkably consistent, “Nutritionally sound … [Read more...]
Conditions missed by skipping urinalysis
There are conditions that can be missed if urinalysis is not performed, writes Candice P. Chu, DVM, PhD, DACVP. She says these three results can be missed without urinalysis: Proteinuria Glucosuria: Fanconi syndrome Bacteriuria: Subclinical bacteriuria Source: Clinician’s Brief, September 2023. Link. Relatively inexpensive . . . urinalysis should be considered as … [Read more...]
Top 5 severe adverse effects of antimicrobials
ICYMI. Although mild adverse effects are reported with many antimicrobials, alarming and severe adverse effects are possible even with commonly used drugs, share authors Mackenzie Gray, DVM, and Kate KuKanich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM. They list their top serious antimicrobial adverse effects and prevention strategies to help ensure patient safety. Antimicrobials referenced with … [Read more...]
ICYMI – The Bridge Club discussion about new vet schools (video)
Addressing the shortage of veterinarians remains a topic of discussion. The Bridge Club held a virtual conversation about it and new schools. Some animal health pros have pushed to provide veterinary educational opportunities, including modified models for streamlining and modernizing the way veterinary students receive learn and gain expertise. Guests included Mark Cushing, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 26, 2023
Pet food market export growth, India's pet care sector growing with innovation and adaptability, ESG in small business, YouTube SEO, recycling efforts, small gestures employees appreciate and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 26, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The new phone call etiquette: Text first and never leave a voicemail (video)
Heather Kelly shares when it is okay to leave voicemails, call multiple times in a row or take a call in public. She shares these four basic tips: Don’t use speakerphone in public Only answer when you want to talk Text before calling Don’t abuse video voicemail Source: Washington Post, September 25, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
4 tips for effective email communication
In this era of hybrid and remote work, proper communications of all types, including email, matter. In fact, considerate email is an evident way for leaders to demonstrate intentions in their communications to employees. Members of the Ragan Advisory Board share sound email tips. Source: Ragan, September 26, 2023. Link. Here’s what stood out. Consider the time of your … [Read more...]
Reducing the stigma of substance use disorder in vet med
Should the veterinary community receive more training in substance use disorders? Phil Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CCFP, thinks it is important and reveals his own story, challenges the stigmatization of alcohol use and SUD, and the need for compassion along with resources that are readily available. We know that, at some point in their career, 10% to 15% of medical … [Read more...]
Emotional intelligence and teams
High-performing teams enforce a norm of speaking up when someone on the team acts in a way that harms team effectiveness. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, September 18, 2023. Link. A study of over 100 next-generation family business leaders finds how other executives in the business see a leader’s emotional and social intelligence predicts that person’s effectiveness as a … [Read more...]
7th Veterinary Innovation Summit seeks to collaborate and advance human, veterinary medicine
Registration is still open for the 7th annual Veterinary Innovation Summit. Sponsored by the North American Veterinary Community and the Veterinary Innovation Council, the event will focus on the future of animal healthcare and how breakthroughs in human medicine can be adapted to advance animal healthcare and vice versa. Source: NAVC, September 20, 2023. Link. We have … [Read more...]
Navigating reasonable accommodations for disabled employees
A recent court of appeals decision involving a disability discrimination and retaliation charge against Costco Wholesale Corp. is a reminder to HR professionals to be cautious when determining reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. At the end of the day, what's most important really isn't what the condition is, it’s what are the work restrictions, and can we … [Read more...]
Free calendar helps keep track of heritage, awareness months
The communications pros at Ragan developed a handy calendar that lists key heritage months and days. Source: Ragan, September 25, 2023. Link. The calendar isn’t a comprehensive list of every affinity event . . . It focuses specifically on heritage, gender and sexuality, and disabilities to cast a net that’s helpful for most communicators. Direct link to PDF. … [Read more...]
Animals are talking. Are we listening?
Few of us have heard animals sing, or speak, for that matter. That doesn’t mean they don’t do both. Recent research reveals communication abilities among animals that have been recognized or explored. This article examines what research has been conducted and what it means for future connections between animals and humans. Source: The New York Times, September 20, 2023. … [Read more...]
ER doctor: What AI startups are getting wrong about ChatGPT for telehealth
Commentary This article offers perspective as telehealth and virtual care become more prevalent in veterinary medicine and AI tools are being further developed. We noted the doctor’s considerable experiences with virtual medicine, the (missing) need for setting patient expectations, plus challenges when there is no doctor-patient relationship. All too often, I’ve cared for … [Read more...]
Be aware of road safety during harvest season
Fall harvest is in full swing. It’s good to remind employees and family members about road safety any time, but it’s especially important during this busy season. Drivers in farming areas should expect to encounter farm equipment of all sizes traveling on the roads. Along with tractors and combines, trucks and trailers will be entering and exiting fields, often at unmarked … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 21, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 14th AHD Bulletin – Things that fit through a surgical mask. Link. Practical advice about heartworm preventative lapses. Link. Call to action: Educate the public about the cost of pet ownership. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary … [Read more...]
Consider drylotting cows this fall
As pastures continue to recover from drought, some producers who traditionally pasture their cattle are considering feeding cow-calf pairs in confinement. Drylotting can be a feasible way to allow pasture recovery while feeding grain, forage and crop stover pairs. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin Extra, August 23, 2023. Link. Here are a few things to keep in mind if intending to … [Read more...]
The mythical performance curve for net sow output
Culling in livestock production is replete with indecision, reluctance and emotions for many producers. They’ve often worked hard for months or years to optimize their animals’ health only to be faced with removing an animal from the herd to realize increased economic benefits. Statistics require perspective from all sides, as well as accurate data collection. Dennis Dipetre … [Read more...]
Decisions abound when determining who should be raising replacement heifers
Joe Armstrong, DVM, shared various factors dairy producers must consider when deciding on who will raise their replacement heifers. Karen Bohnert shares excerpts from a recent podcast discussing economies, biosecurity, risks and available space. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 12, 2023. Link. . . . it costs on average $2,000 to raise a heifer calf before she hits … [Read more...]
Effect of calving difficulty on reproductive performance
Calving difficulty causes economic loss to operations. The loss can be immediate if the calf is lost and is extended to live calf health issues when births are challenging. Additionally, cows recovering from a tough calving can be predisposed to ovarian dysfunction and subsequent reduced fertility. Anestrous in mature cows naturally occurs after calving, and its length is … [Read more...]
Use caution when feeding drought-stressed corn
There are multiple factors to consider, especially when harvesting drought-affected crops says beef Extension specialist Beth Doran, PhD. She reminds producers that tolerance to nitrate ranges with the type of beef animal. If drought-stressed corn is green-chopped, producers should be aware of the potential for nitrate toxicity.” Feedlot cattle over 700 pounds tend to be more … [Read more...]
Training a chicken or turkey to come when called
Giving the same greeting each day lets the birds know you’re coming and bringing food. In no time, the birds come running. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 12, 2019. Link. Also see: Calling your chickens home! How to train a recall with your chickens, Avian Behavior International, YouTube, May 2020. Link. (4:14) … [Read more...]
Why miniature horses make such great service animals (video)
The Guide Horse Foundation says that horses are natural guide animals that have been showing humans the way for ages. And it's natural for them to do it. They shared reasons why miniature horses make great service animals with Melissa Breyer. Source: Treehuggers, August 16, 2023. Link. (2:07) Also see: Helping miniature horses and dwarfs with limb deformities, American … [Read more...]
Should farriers sedate horses for hoof care?
Farriers, equine veterinarians and horse owners share their thoughts in a recent AFJ social media post. Equine clinic teams will find this interesting. Source: American Farriers Journal, September 5, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The lameness exam in three acts, and an intermission (video)
Thinking through the general principles of a lameness exam, David Ramey, DVM, advises clients and veterinarians to avoid getting overwhelmed by the process. He says to approach lameness from a fundamental level then pause to think and avoid unnecessary actions that often don’t produce a better outcome. Source: David Ramey, DVM, September 11, 2023. Link. Video (0:57) I think … [Read more...]
Cat treats evolving to become an important component of daily life
Includes Commercial Content For a cat treat to be considered functional, it must serve a greater purpose than a simple reward or snack given between meals, writes Dorothy Crouch. She says cat owners want to support the health of their cats through snacks that are tasty, satisfying and provide wellness benefits. Treats remain an integral tool to forging and cultivating the … [Read more...]
Dogs and puppies: Socialization and behavioral issues post pandemic
Socialization remains one of the simplest yet most complex components of dog behavior. Some argue it’s also the most important. The pandemic challenged pet owners new and old to help dogs adjust and socialize. Rachel Brix, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, offers some dos and don’ts to help dogs socialize and deal with separation issues. . . . dogs don’t develop issues overnight, and they … [Read more...]
Stopping the nighttime caterwauling
Commentary Mieshelle Nagelschneider offers cat owners some explanations and ways to reduce nighttime meowing in this article. The hours between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. are familiar even though I have no cat. Stray, inside-outside and feral cats frequent my neighborhood in those hours often waking Li’l Buddy whose sudden barking at the caterwauling is a startling sleep … [Read more...]
Covid drugs help cure Cyprus cats
More than a million cats freely roam the island of Cyprus. But, earlier this year stray, feral and pet cats were dying by the thousands. Lab testing confirmed feline infectious peritonitis that, if left untreated is almost 100 percent fatal. FIP is caused by a virus that infects cats, not humans, and is related to SARS-CoV-2. This similarity is enough that Covid antivirals are … [Read more...]