A recently reported gene, mcr-1, can make bacteria resistant to colistin, the last-resort antibiotic for some multidrug-resistant infections. The spread of mcr-1 may increase due to the gene being distributed between pets and humans. Dogs can hold mcr-1 in their gut before the gene is transferred through microscopic fecal particles. Source: KFBK, May 25, 2022. Link. Experts … [Read more...]
Plants that keep mosquitoes away
Plants that keep away mosquitoes and provide food, for both wildlife and humans, are ideal for home environments. In addition to tasting great and reducing the mosquito population, they provide us with the options to offset the use of some chemicals. Among the plants listed are lavender, basil, thyme and rosemary. Source: Countryside, May 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Would your life improve if you just accepted it?
We received positive comments about including content from John P. Weiss in a recent AHD Bulletin. In his Saturday letter, Weiss shares his perspectives on the power of acceptance. He challenges us to avoid resignation and embrace acceptance. Imagine how your life could change if you embraced acceptance, let go of what’s not working, and started focusing on the areas where … [Read more...]
Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday?
Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas are on a mission to bring humor back into our lives. They say humor is a teachable skill and one of the most appreciated assets at work. . . . as far as our brains are concerned, laughing is like exercising, meditating and having sex . . . at the same time, but logistically easier.” Source: TEDMonterey, July 20, 2021. Link. (9 minutes) Our … [Read more...]
Most read companion animal posts of 2022
Miss some companion animal content? Catch up now. Here are the most read companion animal posts so far this year. Source: Animal Health Digest Cat obesity up more than 100 percent in 10 years. Link Cleaning up after feline messes. Link Considerations before switching a pet’s food. Link Land area twice the size of the UK needed to feed the world’s pets. Link … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 26, 2022
Last week’s most read posts 5 employer strategies to help with rising inflation. Link. KC Animal Health Corridor announces dates, speakers for 2022 Animal Health Summit. Link. Engaging veterinary technicians improves practice success. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Link. One year ago: most read posts … [Read more...]
Sexed semen becoming popular in beef
Using sexed semen, beef producers can selectively breed cows to a desired bull and choose the sex of the offspring. This is beneficial if they want replacement heifers from their best cows, or bull calves from certain pairings. Source: Western Farmer-Stockman, May 12, 2022. Link. To know if use of sexed semen would be of economic value in a beef operation, each producer … [Read more...]
The importance of observation in cattle handling
Across dairy and beef country, cattle are on the move. These activities give producers an opportunity to review good stockmanship practices with seasoned and new employees. Anything that causes a cow to associate an action with something negative will cause her to be reluctant to repeat that action. It can be a huge source of frustration when cows don’t easily move when and … [Read more...]
Understanding colostrum intake by newborn pigs
Consumption of colostrum is critical for newborn piglets. We know that. We also know farrowing can last over several hours creating variability in individual piglet vitality. Various interventions are implemented for late born pigs in farrowing units across the U.S. A recent study in more than 600 piglets examined relationships among birth characteristics, early nursing … [Read more...]
Surprising findings about why horses paw
Researchers have suggested pawing behavior in horses may have nothing to do with boredom, rather possible discomfort associated with exertion. Horses were more likely to paw in the afternoon, after they had been exercised, and they were less inclined to engage in the behavior on Sundays, when they were not exercised at all.” Source: EQUUS, May 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How and why to take a horse’s pulse
Horse owners will appreciate learning about pulse rates as a horse health indicator. Teaching them during an exam to monitor pulse is an excellent way for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to engage with them. A horse at rest will typically have a pulse rate between 30 and 40 beats per minute. If a horse who hasn’t just finished exercising has a pulse rate of 50 beats … [Read more...]
Acute moist dermatitis; it’s that time of year
Acute moist dermatitis, like most dermatologic conditions, is not imminently life-threatening but can result in significant patient discomfort. The authors share diagnosis, treatment and management of AMD. Dogs with heavy and dense undercoats are more susceptible to developing hot spots because of increased environmental temperatures and slow drying of the coat due to lack … [Read more...]
Morris Animal Foundation highlights the top 10 toxins for cats and dogs
Pet owners need to be reminded of possible toxins, including foods that are commonplace in and outside our homes. Summer activities can upend pet schedules, change caretakers and remove oversight of pet activities. Consider this update for social media and newsletters. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, March 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Dark shadows and the neighbor’s new chicken coop
Personal experience A neighbor has constructed and populated a small backyard chicken coop about 100 yards from the back fence in my yard. Within a few days, I saw more hawks and owls circling the area, resting in the tall oaks and casting shadows as they flew over our neighborhood. Startled by the shadow of a swooping red-tail hawk I watched a massive one dive-bomb … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 23, 2022
Health risks to people and pets from chemically scented products, puppy boom driving profits. . . creating havoc, cybersecurity ideas for small business, hotel chain to offer dog walking services, pet food humanization requires more capacity to meet demand and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Preventing screentime-induced headaches and neck pain
Common themes for people who work in front of screens are neck and shoulder problems, eye discomfort, worsening vision, a sense of exhaustion and tiredness after a while, plus many people report headaches. Before you take a couple NSAID capsules, try out these tips from Erik Peper, PhD. Source: goop, May 19, 2022. Link. Peper says: If you use a laptop, almost by … [Read more...]
Never miss a good chance to shut up
Patrick T. Malone will return in a couple weeks. In his place, we’re sharing thoughts on silence from John P. Weiss. Working alongside Patrick over the years, silence is a skill he masterfully demonstrates in nearly every interaction. Silence allows the what else? thoughts to surface and be available to discuss. Weiss’ reflections on silence are less about decision trees, … [Read more...]
1 in 3 Americans think pandemic is over
Despite an uptick in Covid-19 cases in the U.S., Americans are feeling more optimistic about the trajectory of the pandemic. This latest wave of optimism that the end of the pandemic may be in reach is higher than last summer prior to the arrival of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in the U.S. It remains to be seen how the pandemic plays out in the coming months. Source: … [Read more...]
Upskilling is do or die, but employees also need a career path
Opinion It is difficult to avoid thinking about how poorly we engage veterinary technicians when reading Mike Bertolino’s comments about upskilling. While some animal hospitals support the advancement of veterinary technicians’ education and certifications, one might conclude we’ve been doing it wrong. Advancing vet tech skills and certifications without a career growth … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 19, 2022
Last week’s THREE most read posts Celebrate graduations. Link. Pandemic lessons for all. Link. 30 is not the new 20. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 12, 2022. Link. =================================== CAPC 2022 annual pet parasite forecast Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022, page 50. Link. AHD first … [Read more...]
Protect pigs with proper ventilation
Many parts of the U.S. have already experienced temperatures in the 80’s. Five tips from Mark Oberreuter are good reminders to ensure hogs have an optimal environment during hot weather. Have your fans, shutters and other cooling system components ready, so that if hot weather is expected, your pigs can stay cool and at their highest levels of productivity.” Source: PORK, May … [Read more...]
Review: the effects of dust on feedlot health and production of beef cattle
We know feedlot dust affects cattle health and performance. 2022 weather forecasts indicate drought conditions are likely in prime cattle feeding geographies. Research helps us understand the effects of dust and what to do about it. Dust is not just dirt and sand that becomes airborne. Groups of cattle produce organic dust and particulate matter at a relatively high … [Read more...]
Implanting nursing calves bumps weaning weights
Production costs continue to rise making decisions about management practices important. Paul Beck says research shows implants given during the suckling phase will increase average daily gain of steer calves by approximately 0.10 pound per day. The increase in gains by implanting heifers is slightly better at 0.12 pounds per day. Implanting calves before weaning is cost … [Read more...]
Springtime skin problems in horses
Horses can develop allergies, infections and other skin conditions at any time of year, but some are more common during the warm, wet spring weather. Heather Smith Thomas reviews four equine skin problems that are common in spring. This article and previous AHD posts providing information on hives <Link> and an allergy infographic <Link> offer animal health pros … [Read more...]
Biology of the chicken: 4-part series
Chickens show up on Nat Geo Wild’s veterinary shows more frequently these days. Whether it’s the Critter Fixers, Drs. Schroeder or Dr. Pol, it is obvious chicken enthusiasts require considerable education and support from their veterinarians. This four-part series from Backyard Chickens is a good set of resources for beginners or those who need a review. Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
Washing pet toys and accessories reduces risks
Developing a cleaning schedule for dog’s toys and bedding can help keep pets and people healthy by reducing the number of bacteria and allergens in the environment. It’s good practice to wash dog’s toys every couple of weeks. How often?? Between the bacteria that live or pass through your dog's mouth and those that live and reproduce in the biofilm left on his toys, there are … [Read more...]
Reminder: Protect pets from toxic blue-green algae
Toxic blue green algae risks to pets hit the news in 2019. The EPA indicates it is a risk in all 50 states. A recent story from St. Louis NPR exposes the challenges of testing bodies of water to keep the public and pets safe <Link>. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares what we need to know about harmful algal blooms and how to keep pets safe in this … [Read more...]
Engaging veterinary technicians improves practice success
Unless you’ve been hiding, the industry buzz about using veterinary technicians better is familiar. Having credentialed veterinary technicians on veterinary teams with the skills needed is a critical part of building an efficient practice. However, efficiency only comes when those skills are used effectively. The AVMA continues to promote and support increased involvement … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club: Handling nutrition objections (videos)
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jodi Davis, senior manager of university relations for Royal Canin, addresses the emotional nature of nutrition for pets, especially centered around obesity and how to address issues with owners. The virtual event is presented in three YouTube videos. Nutrition questions top the list of veterinary students and are part of everyday … [Read more...]
Tips to make car travel pet friendly
Vacation season is almost here. Traveling with a pet can be enjoyable with preparation and planning. The tips shared here can make the whole experience more enjoyable and hassle-free for the pet and passengers. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]