Let’s face it, there is a growing need for canine companions to be well-behaved in a variety of settings. In fact, the need has created a fast-growing product/services category that includes innovative training and behavior products. Client education is also a strategy for retailers to serve clients who need help with improving their pets’ behaviors. Source: Pet Product … [Read more...]
Family dogs likely encourage toddler’s social and emotional development
Animal health pros likely have a good grasp on the value of dogs in homes. A newly published study focuses on children too young for school. Toddlers from dog-owning families who participated in the study published in Pediatric Research were 30 percent less likely to have conduct and peer problems compared to preschoolers from families who didn't own dogs. Source: CNN, July … [Read more...]
Make the oral health discussion memorable
Amanda Carrozza shares suggestions for making actionable recommendations in the examination room and promoting ongoing oral care at home. Her ideas reflect a team approach and prioritizing home care as part of communications. Source: DVM 360, June 29, 2020. Link. Too often clients perceive discussions about their pet’s oral health as “friendly suggestions” instead of … [Read more...]
Infection prevention is everyone’s business
Complimentary commercial content Virox is hosting a free webinar, “Ask an Infection Prevention Expert”, Thursday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration allows viewers to submit their questions about infection prevention and control. This topic is timely as people return to work with concerns about staff, animal owner and animal safety. The webinar will feature Nicole … [Read more...]
Facing the heat in a face mask
Come on man! A face mask in this heat? Really?!?! Sound familiar? This common objection is not new territory per se’, but ideas for making mask wearing more bearable are timely. Molly Longman shares ideas learned from doctors to make wearing a mask on a 100-degree day worth it. . . . the fact is, face masks work. They reduce transmission, helping to curb the spread of … [Read more...]
Rabies reported in cattle in 3 states
Considered rare, five rabies cases in cattle have been reported in three states. Rhonda Brooks shares information about historic incidences in cattle, rabies forms and protecting livestock. In the U.S., several distinct rabies virus variants have been identified in terrestrial mammals, including raccoons, skunks and foxes. In addition to these reservoirs, multiple species of … [Read more...]
CE Webinar to address 5 challenges to managing vet clinics post Covid-19
Complimentary sponsored content from Virox Animal Health™ To help equip practices with the necessary information to plan and execute returning to regular operations, Virox® Animal Health and Bash Halow, presenter, veterinary business advisor, and a veteran practice manager ,have partnered to produce resources that will help guide veterinary hospitals back to … [Read more...]
Managing wounds; an equine DVM’s perspective (podcast)
If you own horses, there will be wounds. Merck technical services veterinarian Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS, breaks down wound management from the veterinarian’s eyes. Evaluating the horse’s health first is important before attending to the wound. A wound happens from the outside in but diagnostics need to happen from the inside out” - Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS Source: … [Read more...]
465 sick, 1 dead, 1/3 of sick are children – Chickens to blame
Backyard chickens can be fun and educational, but families have to be aware of how to safely manage the animals, according to the CDC. It's a little different than raising a dog or cat. The CDC sends out regular warnings about the salmonella risks from backyard flocks. Chickens should be outside animals only and while they may be cute please "don't kiss or snuggle backyard … [Read more...]
2 letters that make goat owners go pale: C L
During a recent veterinary episode on Nat Geo TV, a woman arrived at a clinic with a prized herd doe. The goat’s face was badly swollen and she was gaunt from not being able to eat. A physical exam ruled out injury and dental issues. A blood test confirmed what the owner feared. It was Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL). CL is the curse of the goat industry. It is a highly … [Read more...]
Keeping eyes on African Swine Fever
Although it seemed like diseases like African swine fever (ASF) took a backseat during the pandemic, the Covid-19 crisis taught the industry an important lesson about disease outbreaks: more work is needed, writes Jennifer Shrike. She shares four lessons shared during a June webinar. We need: more research and funding at the federal level effective … [Read more...]
Helping cattle stand the heat
Every summer, livestock media sources of all types feature piece about heat stress in cattle. Whether cow-calf, feeder or dairy cows, heat can damage their ability to maintain their rate of gain or milk production. The combination of hot temperatures, high humidity, and lack of air movement can result in severe cases of heat stress for cattle. When temperatures remain above … [Read more...]
Watch for resistance when controlling flies on cattle
It’s no secret horn flies cut cattle performance. Each fly pierces its host 20 to 30 times a day drawing blood each time. Insecticide ear tags and pour-on products are easy to use and cost-effective. It is important to monitor for resistance because it can cause entire classes of insecticides to become useless. The practical tips will help producers monitor fly populations and … [Read more...]
Quiz: Boost your fly warfare expertise
Whether on the farm, in the stable, near the kennels or backyard patio, flies are a nuisance. Barb Crabbe, DVM, offers a 10-point quiz followed by the answers and some facts about each question. It’s likely there will be few perfect scores! Source: Horse and Rider, June 15, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: At least half of the answers can be used in social media posts, newsletters or … [Read more...]
Which telemedicine bucket does your veterinary practice fall into?
When it comes to telemedicine platforms, there are three big buckets: basic/DIY, plug and play for human health-care providers, and premium plug and play for veterinary professionals, writes Stacee Santi, DVM. She breaks down each segment discussing functionality along with pros and cons. We’ve included references to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association along with Dr. … [Read more...]
When you are closer to the end than the beginning
Arthur Brooks, who recently retired as president of the American Enterprise Institute, is one of my favorite writers. His recent work, Love your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt, is some of his best work. This Atlantic column deals with another disturbing topic – our decline – but also offers some sage advice. Source: The Atlantic, … [Read more...]
Elanco CEO shares crucible moment perspectives (video)
Jeffrey Simmons, president and CEO at Elanco speaks about the collision of a pandemic with a societal awakening as a crucible moment. He asserts this period as a once in a lifetime event. Simmons shares his observations via video and in these written sections: The innovative will separate themselves The basics matter, but done with excellence The human-animal bond … [Read more...]
Build a ‘rest ethic’ as strong as your work one
Co-authors John Fitch and Max Frenzel offer creative and thoughtful ways to best use time off to gift you with inspiration, ideas and recovery. They want us to unlearn workaholism by learning “noble leisure” of the past and developing a quality rest ethic. Source: Fast Company, June 19, 2020. Link. Aristotle said rest is not just relaxation. He warned relaxation is often … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebrations
Independence Day is Saturday and celebrations are already underway. While fun for us, the noisy festivities can scare pets and some run away. Plus, the foods we like can be unhealthful for them and firework debris can be dangerous. The American Veterinary Medical Association has helpful safety tips worth sharing. Source: American Veterinary Medical Association. Link. Make … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from May’s AAHA NEWStat
Covering industry trends and breaking news, innovative new research and technology, and legislative updates, AAHA’s NEWStat blog and weekly e-newsletter keep a finger on the pulse of current events that matter to the veterinary community. Commercial content is an important part of animal health pro awareness and education media. Source: AAHA NEWStat. Link. Current … [Read more...]
Horses need to beat the heat, too!
Hydration, heat exhaustion and sun protection top the list of tips for summer horse care according to Wendy Krebs, DVM. Horse owners will appreciate the reminders in her 7 tips for summer horse care list and the information on dust control from Alayne Blickle. Use these articles in communications with horse owners on social media and in newsletters. Source: The Horse, June … [Read more...]
Warning signs for African horse sickness are present
Officials and the U.S. horse industry are monitoring for African horse sickness, which will put horses at risk if it enters the country. This disease, which has a horse mortality rate of 90 percent, was recently discovered in Thailand. It is believed it was introduced by imported infected zebras. The disease is caused by an Orbivirus that is primarily transmitted by biting … [Read more...]
Don’t penny-pinch preweaning
Inherent in animal health pro relationships with dairy producers is the element of helping them manage their ROI. A.F. Kertz provides a review of research about calf inputs and concludes cutting costs in the calf period may save on a daily basis but doesn’t pay over the heifer raising time period. I think too often dairy producers focus on the calf period as a place to cut … [Read more...]
Cows and second careers
Cull cow weight and cull cow price are two of the more important factors in dairy herd profitability. However, prioritizing cull cow weight first without calculating the cost of gain may cost producers more than the value they receive. Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 22, 2020. Link. Selectively feeding cows that are thin (BCS less than 3), but still healthy and mobile, … [Read more...]
Cattle health, drones and thermal imaging
Visualize a cowboy on a horse or 4-wheeler near cattle. His attention is not focused on observing them, rather he’s staring into a screen he keeps moving back and forth, tipping and dipping. Drones using thermal imaging coupled with artificial intelligence is nearly here. It is early, but technology similar to satellite imaging is coming soon to help monitor cattle health and … [Read more...]
Top 5 complications of gonadectomy
Clinicians must weigh the risks and benefits of gonadectomy with the pet owner and determine the most appropriate age to neuter different breeds and species. Although gonadectomy is considered a routine procedure, complications can arise. Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, DACVS, reviews five common complications of gonadectomy: Incisional complications Intra-abdominal … [Read more...]
Cleaning product misuse doubles Pet Poison Helpline calls (video)
Pets have been an indirect victim of increased household chemical use. Pet Poison Helpline reports a 100 percent increase in calls about the misuse of cleaning items compared to last year. In response, the Helpline put together a new video < link > with tips on how to help keep pets safe from cleaning chemicals. Source: Pet Business, June 23, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
TODAY! Webinar: Pandemics and Preparedness in the Anthropocene
Provided by Virox Animal Health™ The Virox team has been diligent in providing education for animal pros during the pandemic. Today, June 25th, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, Virox will host Dr. Craig Stephen, who will explore how global changes, including climate change, globalization and urbanization will affect zoonotic disease risks and management. He will also propose general … [Read more...]
Hardware, plastic disease still found in cattle
Fifty five percent to 75 percent of cattle slaughtered in the eastern U.S. have hardware in the reticulum. Cattle don’t usually sort their food, which means they can ingest foreign matter when eating hay or processed feed. This include pieces of fencing, nails, metals and more recently, plastic fibers used to bind hay. Magnets are used to remove metal objects, but plastics are … [Read more...]
5 clues to Cushing’s disease
Todd Archer, DVM, MS, DACVIM, shares the five most common findings seen on CBC, serum chemistry profile, and urinalysis results in patients with confirmed canine hyperadrenocorticism: Stress leukogram & thrombocytosis Elevated liver enzymes Hyperglycemia Hypercholesterolemia Dilute urine Source: Clinician’s Brief, October 2018. Link. Although most dogs … [Read more...]