Leaders from Banfield review quality acronyms live on video. There’s a bit of memory prodding required while revealing the disciplines required to provide safety and best care for animals, clients and staffers. Source: Quality talk with Banfield leaders, YouTube, October 21, 2019. Link. Note the discussion of the five domains for quality and the focus on culturally competent … [Read more...]
Myths about mental illness cause high rates of unemployment
Awareness of inequalities with respect to race, gender, age, sexuality, class and other related factors, as well as the benefits of diversity, is growing, but society has a long way to go with mental illness, writes Bandy X. Lee. She says, to dispel stigmas surrounding mental health in the workplace, we need first to tackle several myths: Everyone has different abilities … [Read more...]
Mental health resources for farmers and ranchers available. More on the way.
The holidays may add to everyday stress for some folks. Farmers and ranchers are no different. There is a great list of mental health and suicide prevention references with links. Keep it. It may come in handy one day. Source: Successful Farming, September 8, 2018. Link. If you need help or know someone who is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention … [Read more...]
Feral hogs are a northern problem, too
Imported as hunting livestock in the 1980s and 1990s, Eurasian boar mated with domestic pigs in Canada and have thrived. They’re heading south, too. Add the wild hogs that short-sighted, hunting enthusiasts transport from the southern U.S. and a likely invasion of the most destructive invasive species known is coming. State and federal agencies are monitoring the U.S./Canadian … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Alarm bells going off for African swine fever
Dr. Bob Rowland, co-executive director of the North American PRRS Symposium, reveals two big headlines from the recent conference. He also explains how the symposium has evolved to include all emerging diseases and offers an update on diagnosing challenging diseases. Source: The Pig Site, November 26, 2019. Link. “You can almost see the alarm bells going off in terms of … [Read more...]
Gates Foundations fund hub for livestock vaccines
Researchers from The Pirbright Institute in the U.K. have been awarded $5.5 million by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a Livestock Antibody Hub aimed at improving animal and human health globally. The aim is to use Pirbright’s expertise in livestock viral diseases, cutting-edge technology and unique high-containment facilities to bring antibody discovery, … [Read more...]
Deep slumber as important for horses as for people
We know that restorative sleep is important to equine health, but mostly leave it up to the horse, writes Kim Mariette. Environments such as bustling modern barns, modern equine facilities and even nearby construction can be disruptive and make it difficult for horses to get REM sleep. Source: EQUUS, May 28, 2019. Link. To achieve REM sleep a horse must lie down in either … [Read more...]
Best hiking dog breeds and activities to share
Media advertising and images consistently weave in images of pets. Articles from an outdoor company share information about dog breeds suited for hiking and ideas about where to go play together. We noted there was no reference to disease protection or injury prevention in either article. Source: Best Dog Breeds for Hiking, The Outdoor Wear, December 11, 2019. … [Read more...]
Quiz: Proper use of gastroprotectants
Gastroprotectants, which include antacids and acid suppressants, are one of the most widely used classes of medications in veterinary medicine. Because acid suppressants and antacids are inexpensive and readily available over the counter, inappropriate use of these drugs is of great concern. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2019. Link. Emily Nissa Gould, DVM, MS, DACVIM … [Read more...]
Cat Friendly column celebrates first year of content
2019 was the inaugural year for the Cat Friendly Column produced by the American Association of Feline Practitioners to compliment the Cat Friendly Practice effort. The December issue is dedicated to the most popular articles from 2019. What can I catch from my cat? Link. How to feed a cat. Link Cats should love their carriers. Link. Feline poison prevention. … [Read more...]
As seen in AAHA NEWStat
With a focus on accredited practices, AAHA’s NEWStat is a reliable source for practices and the animal health pros who work in them or with them. The following links share recent sponsored content and a feature on how big-box veterinary clinics are redefining consumers’ concept of pet healthcare. Source: Big-box veterinary clinics redefining consumers’ concept of pet … [Read more...]
North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society focuses on team education
The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia along with the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia identified a need to elevate standards of care and practice for veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, as well as support those providing anesthesia and analgesia to animal patients. The NAVAS was created as a non-profit to engage anyone … [Read more...]
4 tips to limit party liability
Still have a holiday party to attend? With the potential for great fun and bonding with colleagues, comes the opportunity for some missteps, as well. Lisa Nagele-Piazza, JD, SHRM-SCP suggests four tips to limit party liability. One is to carefully plan the day and time of the event. Setting a timeframe helps maintain control. Another is to manage alcohol consumption for … [Read more...]
Take the stress out of work and the holidays
Everyone is affected by stress and the holidays only seem to add to the level of it. Stephanie Sarkis offers tips for managing this increased stress level. Source: Forbes, November 19, 2019. Link. If you’re feeling stressed out, don’t take on new assignments. You may be concerned that it will reflect poorly on you, but your health is the most important thing. If you aren’t … [Read more...]
Opinion: Poo smell in Kansas City blamed on rare weather event
The greater Kansas City, Missouri, area had a stinky experience in early November. We monitored media to see if animal health pros might add some thoughts about it. To date we’ve seen nothing, but questions remain. If smells from hog operations, cattle feedlots, poultry operations and ethanol plants can be trapped in a low, fast moving front and transferred over 300 miles, … [Read more...]
Rats, cats and feral hogs invading national parks
A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors. Source: CNN, December 4, … [Read more...]
5 tips for better blanketing
Horses will appreciate their caregivers following this advice when selecting and using his blankets this winter: Check the fit of blankets each year Consider getting your horse “underwear” Multiple blankets? Mark them according to the appropriate conditions for their use If temperatures fluctuate, blanket for the anticipated high of the day Remove blankets … [Read more...]
Why do some vaccinated horses still get sick? (podcast)
Elizabeth Davis, DVM, explains how vaccines prime the immune system and why some horses might still get sick. The idea of vaccination is intended to provide, in a very safe way and at a small level of exposure to the immune system, so that on future exposure to the immune system at the time of disease challenge, that the horse is is protected. Source: The Horse, October 22, … [Read more...]
Junk in, junk out applies to feed too
The adage about computers and data applies to forage value and production. We recently posted about hay consumption < link > and mud at hay feeding locations - link >. Lynn James shares Progressive Forage's top 2019 articles chosen by readers whose priorities include high quality forages. Source: Progressive Forage, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: One of these … [Read more...]
Understanding swine gut microbiome at different growth stages
What pigs are fed and at which growth stage makes a difference in the swine gut microbiome, according to new research. University of Arkansas researchers completed a comprehensive longitudinal study that remarkably expands the understanding of the swine gut microbiome and addresses ecological questions: How does the swine gut microbiome change from birth to market across … [Read more...]
Increased feeding frequency in dairy cows shows promise
Underscoring dairy cows as production animals, researchers sought to measure the results of feeding up to three times per day or more. Feed delivery frequency affects feed intake, digestive physiology, animal health, hormonal profile, milk production, resistance to thermal stress and economic returns. Source: The Bullvine, December 4, 2019. Link. . . . in the 3x feeding … [Read more...]
More work needed with beef cattle health
The U.S. beef industry has consistently increased production and productivity for decades. Cattle health has gotten worse. You read that right. Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University livestock marketing specialist, says respiratory disease is the biggest health problem in the industry. Data shows that average feedlot death loss has practically doubled from 0.82 percent in … [Read more...]
Chickens don’t like snow, but sweaters aren’t needed
Chickens hate snow, says Marissa Ames. However, they possess an amazing tolerance for cold. She shares winter preparation considerations to help chickens fare well without much squawking. Draft-free coop Good air circulation Warm bedding Fresh water Dry food and grains Something to do Source: Backyard Poultry, November 19, 2019. Link. People have kept … [Read more...]
Ketamine, K-holes, pony medicine and disassociation
In the past few years, ketamine has found its way back into needy nostrils, writes Anna Silman. She describes the off-label uses of ketamine over the past 50 years. A Schedule III drug for veterinarians, ketamine is still a concern when clinics are vandalized or when inventory shortages are discovered. We’re sharing this article so veterinary teams can see the attraction and … [Read more...]
Opinion: the dental divide
The holidays are a great time for veterinary teams to make some decisions about dentals < link >. Melissa Detweiler, DVM, discusses the challenges of her love/hate relationship with common oral health procedures and the conversation and marketing that go with it. Beyond the gold standard, she says are two options; skip it or treat what she can. I believe there is another … [Read more...]
7 ways to make holidays safe for pets
Keeping pets safe over the holidays takes common sense, reminders of the obvious and planning. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers seven basic tips that are easily shared with customers. In addition, AVMA offers its Holiday Pet Safety Page <link> that has extensive information about protecting pets that customers will also appreciate. Source: AVMA. Link. … [Read more...]
Train your brain to perform better under pressure
When we’re under pressure, there are predictable consequences, shares Art Markman: The tendency to focus on all the things that could go wrong, ignoring the positive Our desire to perform at a high level limits the amount of information you can hold in mind at one time, which can limit the complexity of what you can accomplish mentally. Source: Fast Company, December … [Read more...]
The doctor will call you back after nap time
There is no reason to apologize for napping at work, writes Mike Paul, DVM. Daytime drowsiness can affect concentration, attention to detail, mood, productivity and creativity. He advises to avoid thinking of napping as lost time or feel guilty for indulging in daytime sleep. Source: Veterinary Economics, September 15, 2019. Link. According to the National Sleep Foundation, … [Read more...]
Reduce mud at hay feeding locations
Paralleling methods used to build roads through swamps, Mark Hilton, DVM, shares methods for using hay pads to keep cattle less muddy as winter hay feeding begins. He also shares the benefits of limiting 24/7 free access to hay and includes study results. Source: BEEF, November 2019. Link. When asked, 100 percent of beef producers who have built hay pads and now use time … [Read more...]
How much hay will a cow consume?
Forage quality will be a determining factor in the amount of forage consumed, writes Glenn Selk. He discusses the variables producers must consider when calculating winter feed needs for their cattle. Source: Drovers, November 4, 2019. Link. Excellent forages, such as good alfalfa, silages, or green pasture provide a combination of increased nutrient content and increased … [Read more...]