Addressing what to do and the urgencies of treating a NSAID overdose, Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, says research shows most patients have a positive outcome with appropriate therapy. The upcoming holiday season is a good reason to remind pet owners of the need to keep pet and human drugs out of the reach of pets, including monitoring guest behaviors in our … [Read more...]
Pet vaccination questions addressed by Scott Weese, DVM
Scott Weese, DVM, shares his thoughts on a series of vaccine issues, questions and dogmas surrounding rabies and core pet vaccines. . . . we need to vaccinate <pets> until we’re sure they’re old enough to respond properly to a vaccine.: - Scott Weese, DVM Source: Worms and Germs Blog. Link. Part 1: rabies vaccine timing, October 20, 2022. Link. Part 2: the puppy … [Read more...]
What to know about seasonal depression
Seasonal affective disorder is more than the winter blues. It is a form of clinical depression. Its symptoms last longer and come and go with the seasons. As much as 10 percent of the U.S. population is affected by it. SAD can be managed using evidence-based therapies that include outdoor time, bright light therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant … [Read more...]
Veterinary First Responder Certificate Program
AVMA’s certificate program serves as a framework to ensure veterinarians and veterinary students have the knowledge and skills to serve as first responders. The requirements include courses from FEMA. Currently, only Texas A&M 4th-year students can complete the VFRCP. However, the available program courses are open to any veterinary student or graduate veterinarian to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 24, 2022
New hire background screening webinar, satellite vet clinics at Walmart, National Cat Day history, tech gadgets enable pet care, Hill’s and Mars initiatives and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 24, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet Poison Helpline data drives interactive toxic trends map
Toxin Trends was created to educate pet owners and veterinary professionals on the variety of toxins that are near their communities. Chrysanthemums, 27th on the tableau toxin list, are popular fall flowers across the country. The highest number of calls to the helpline come in October as shown in the interactive map. Source: Pet Poison Helpline, Toxic Trends. … [Read more...]
Melting glaciers may bring the next pandemic
Melting ice may bring the next pandemic, according to recent data. Genetic analysis of soil and lake sediments from Lake Hazen, the largest high Arctic freshwater lake in the world, suggests the risk of a virus infecting a host for the first time may be higher close to melting glaciers. Source: The Guardian, October 18, 2022. Link. For instance, last year, researchers at … [Read more...]
Wildlife doesn’t always obey the rules (video)
Commentary Wild animals are opportunistic eaters and the squirrel* in this video is no exception. Our recent post, Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people, preceded a plethora of media stories about encounters with bears, cougars, coyotes, deer, elk, moose and more. Drought, wildfires, seasonal changes and crop harvesting has wild critters moving to find new food … [Read more...]
Global One Health Joint Plan of Action set in motion
The objectives of the OH JPA seek to create a world better able to prevent, predict, detect and respond to health threats and improve the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment while contributing to sustainable development. Six interdependent action tracks form the plan’s pillars. These priorities are to help achieve sustainable health and food systems, reduce … [Read more...]
Tell ‘em again to keep pets safe
Halloween’s frightening images, sounds and sudden movements can scare pets. Despite plenty of media coverage, guidance from veterinary clinics will be appreciated. We’re sharing past posts about Halloween here. Source: Search results for: Halloween, AHD. Link. Also see: 5 tips to keep pets safe this Halloween, Daily Paws, October 6, 2022. Link. “Avoid candy dangers, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 27, 2022
Last week's AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 20, 2022. Link. ====================================== First honeybee vaccine could protect the entire hive, starting with queen Source: Popular Science, October 21, 2022. Link. A study published on October 17 in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science found honeybees born … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 20, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Socializing new puppies? Manage the right amount of playtime. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 13, 2022. Link. 10 commandments of dog ownership Source: AHD, June 28, 2022. Link. Reposting because it is important to routinely reinforce the responsibilities of pet ownership, … [Read more...]
Lame cows are not to be tolerated on dairies
“Acknowledging the importance of hoof health and purposefully reducing lameness incidences may not position farms to maximum performance and profit in the short term, but it is a must-do if a farm is going to achieve a balance of optimal profit, efficiency and welfare by definition of sustainable,” shared Jennifer Walker, DVM, in a recent presentation. At any given time, 25% … [Read more...]
Cool things seen at 2022 World Dairy Expo
Progressive Dairy’s editorial team shares the latest new products and ideas in the dairy industry in this article. Dairy producers participating in an onsite survey indicated labor and input costs were their leading worries. Source: Progressive Dairy, October 12, 2022. Link. New products includes several new advancements that can assist with the essentials of dairy life. … [Read more...]
Working together to keep African swine fever at bay
Commentary We noted instructions for international travelers on the USDA website <Link> including sanitizing or burning clothing and shoes. This warning is important for all animal health pros and is relevant considering the growing U.S. population of feral hogs: Do NOT visit a farm, premises with pigs, livestock market, sale barn, zoo, circus, pet store with … [Read more...]
Frost slows pests for certain
The first frost is welcomed by livestock, livestock producers and farmers alike. While all pests aren’t eliminated, freezing temps slow remaining ones and help move crops to harvest conditions. It is a good time to visit with producers about parasite control measures, fall forage and winter preparations. Source: FEED-LOT via Facebook. Link. INSIGHTS: Many winter … [Read more...]
6 things horses appreciate in riders
Horse Speak® founder Sharon Wilsie says horses value certain qualities in riders just as riders seek preferred qualities in their horses. Riding is supposed to be fun; not only for us, but for the horse as well.” – Sharon Wilsie Source: Horse Network, October 5, 2022. Link. We are now in an era of choosing to ride horses because we want and seek a relationship or partnership … [Read more...]
Quick and easy scratch relief
Simple cases of scratches can escalate into painful, chronic conditions, especially as paddocks and pastures get muddy or crusty with winter freezing and thawing conditions. Scratches is the common term for pastern dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin that develops between the heels and the fetlocks, writes Laurie Bonner. Chemically treated bedding, coarse arena substrate or … [Read more...]
Dogs do get depressed
Dogs don't experience depression the same way humans do, says Deb M. Eldredge, DVM. But, they can have short-term depression which is usually related to loss of a human or animal family member or a major change in lifestyle. She shares signs of depression and ways to help a dog who is depressed. Source: Daily Paws, January 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Inside the rescue of nearly 4,000 beagles
This article offers an inside look at research on animals gone horribly awry and one of the largest animal rescues in history, including massive fundraising by an animal rights organization. Source: The Washington Post, October 17, 2022. Link. The breeding operation, the judge ruled, needed to be emptied of beagles within 60 days. … [Read more...]
Veterinary technicians to share their view of the state of the profession
Join The Bridge Club as veterinary technicians discuss the state of the profession today, opportunities for growth, solutions to workflow management and ways technicians can provide more value in the current practice context. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. Register to join the conversation on Zoom, October 27th at 7 p.m. CDT. No fees. Registration required … [Read more...]
Newest Chats with the Chatfields
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dog trainer Kathy Santo joins the Chatfields to share tips for dining out with dogs. They also share a recording of their keynote from the recent 2022 IBPSA FLOW annual conference. Note the discussion of pathogen risks, behavioral concerns, managing what dogs find under tables and possible liabilities in the dining out episode. Source: … [Read more...]
Reasons to hire an animal trainer
Best intentions aside, many people have limited time and knowledge to train a new dog. Discussing details of hiring a trainer, the author shares eight benefits of engaging a professional trainer and what to seek in one. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: As we expect our pets to be present in a variety of social environments it is critical to help them acquire the … [Read more...]
Hacks for locating difficult veins when drawing blood (video)
Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC), outlined how veterinary technicians can use an individualized approach to locate tricky veins in an interview at the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference. . . . one of the things we've kind of learned to do is kind of massage limbs that are edematous and just try to squeeze as much of the edema out as you can.” Source: DVM 360, October 11, 2022. … [Read more...]
How work-life balance struggles for working moms have changed over the last generation (podcast)
Kathleen Davis visits with mothers and daughters who compare how they balance unpaid labor at home and how motherhood has affected their careers in this episode of the Ambition Diaries podcast. For the majority of women there is no question having-it-all and work life balance isn’t possible. . . it’s a matter of survival.” Source: Fast Company, Link. Of the many issues … [Read more...]
Considerations when repurposing containers
Russ Daly appreciates the ingenuity of various farmers’ fixes and jerry-rigging. However, he warns some containers should not be repurposed to haul water. His warning goes for those who don’t understand how plastic containers absorb substances and potential toxins that get released when containers are filled with water. Every year I get at least one report from a veterinarian … [Read more...]
Cardiologist studying female animals to gain insight into women’s health
Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, a cardiologist with the University of California – Los Angeles, is once again studying animals to explore health connections between them and humans. Her current focus is on cross-species similarities in female health and she hopes to fill historical research gaps about diseases that primarily affect women. She says understanding our place in the … [Read more...]
AAHA’s October Trends celebrates technicians, open access
Trends magazine is the premier magazine for AAHA members. During Veterinary Technician Week, all animal health pros get access to this special edition. Veterinary technicians are the backbone to animal hospitals” - Anonymous Source: AAHA Trends, October 2022. Link. In this issue: Getting well, keeping well Techs@Work photo spread What is the role of a VTS? What … [Read more...]
What hamsters can eat
Melissa Witherell, DVM, says a hamster’s diet should consist mainly of the same commercially produced pelleted rodent diet that mice and rats eat. Hamster seed diets are commercially available but should not be a hamster’s primary source of food, as it may cause nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Source: PetMD, February 16, 2022. Link. A healthy … [Read more...]
Red collars on dogs have meaning beyond fashion
This article falls into the learn-something-new-everyday category. Red is the universal sign for STOP, writes Wendy Rose Gould. It gives us reason to pause and be cautious. Gould interviewed pet experts who explained some dogs wear red collars, red bandanas or use red leashes as a safety warning. They also admitted not all dog owners are aware of or use this color-coded … [Read more...]