National Hog Farmer's sixth annual Global Hog Industry Virtual Conference is scheduled for May 22 10:00 a.m. CDT. Topic themes will focus on policy, performance and profitability. New to this year’s conference is The National Hog Farmers' New Product Tour competition. Register here for this FREE educational event and to interact with the speakers on event day <Link>. … [Read more...]
Equine grass sickness: a global concern?
Equine grass sickness is a devastating disease with an 80 percent mortality rate and is almost exclusively seen in horses eating fresh, green grass ,in pasture. EGS is more widespread than initially thought, writes Tanith Harte, PhD who is working to expand knowledge and record the prevalence. Keep EGS in the back of your mind the next time you’re faced with an unresponsive … [Read more...]
Ramey says wounds need moisture to heal
A lot of good things happen when wounds are allowed to heal in a moist environment, shares David Ramey, DVM. He says moist dressings can reduce wound infection rates by as much as 50 percent and are easier to change without damaging tissue. Source: David Ramey, DVM, May 8, 2024. Link. It’s been shown repeatedly that when wounds heal in a moist environment, the result is a … [Read more...]
Farm dogs play many roles
The celebration of farm dogs in recent years <Link> has brought more focus to the health of pets on acreages and farms. Whether working dogs or companions, these animals encounter environmental risks from domestic and wild animals, some of which are One Health concerns. This recording and article feature farm dogs and the importance of getting regular veterinary care for … [Read more...]
Diagnosing benzimidazole-resistant hookworms
Includes Commercial Content Multi-anthelmintic, drug-resistant hookworms is now recognized as more far-reaching in terms of geography locations and breeds of dogs, shares Emily Singler, VMD. MADR hookworms are a concern because they can wreak havoc on companion animals and farm animals, as well as humans. Singler shares Keyscreen, a test created and offered by Antech … [Read more...]
Benefits of insect-based pet food beyond nutrition
Tim Wall shares seven benefits pets derive from insect proteins and oils. He says black soldier fly larvae, crickets, mealworms and other species benefit pet health in various ways including: the gut microbiome allergy relief weight management Source: PETFOOD Industry, May 9, 2024. Link. Also see: Ÿnsect mealworm protein for dog food authorized in US, PETFOOD … [Read more...]
A comprehensive guide to poisonous plants for dogs
For gardeners, spring is a time to fill planters, pots and beds with flowers to add color and dimension to landscapes. However, some plants are toxic to dogs. A quick review of this listing will likely change plant selections for dog owners. It did for me. Included in the list of 29 outdoor plants are: Lilies Daffodils Hydrangeas Morning glory Sweet peas … [Read more...]
Research explores nutrition paradox between pet parent intentions, realities
Includes Commercial Content The results of a research survey found a major discrepancy between what dog owners believe to be beneficial for their pets and the actual practices they implement, especially when it comes to nutrition. Despite high confidence in supporting their dogs' health, there's a significant gap between perception and reality, including a lack of … [Read more...]
Shaving a dog for summer not universally advised
A close shave for a dog seems logical as hot weather approaches. But, many dogs should not be shaved at all and doing so may make the dog even hotter, writes Harriet Meyers. She shares insights on different coat types, hot weather grooming tips and how to keep dogs cool and comfortable in hot weather. Source: AKC, May 1, 2024. Link. Also see: To shave or not to shave, The … [Read more...]
Watch out for foxtail (video)
Foxtails are everywhere in the environment <Link>. Pet owners need to take preventive steps to minimize the risks to their pets. Once on the cat or dog, a segment of a foxtail can burrow into the skin, get stuck in the eyes, creep into ears, be inhaled into the nose or even make its way into the lungs. Source: The Conversation, May 9, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider … [Read more...]
Fresh pet food market in flux
The fresh pet food market is evolving rapidly. David Lummis’ article will be interesting for students of the explosion of pet food options. E-commerce is projected to increase its share of overall pet food sales to about two-fifths in 2028. The share will likely be closer to two-thirds for fresh pet food. Source: Pet Product News, May 2024. Link. Closing in on $3 billion at … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 13, 2024
Keys to success for pet stores, VMG’s new dashboard, where cannabis is working, poverty and pets, another celebrity brand, advertising in 2024 and more . . . Approximately 20 million pets in the U.S. experience poverty with their families and 70 percent have never seen a veterinarian.” – Harris Poll survey Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 13, 2024. Link. Recently updated IBPSA … [Read more...]
Veterinary medicine and substance use
Not One More Vet’s Dustin Kieschnick, PsyD, shares the experiences and perspectives from counseling veterinary team members on substance use. Substance use in this article encompasses alcohol, cannabis, illicit drugs and the overuse/misuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Source: DVM 360, May 8, 2024. Link. When substance use becomes problematic there are a … [Read more...]
AAHA hosting free mentorship workshop for veterinary professionals
Focusing on mentorship, this FREE workshop is open to all practices, including those not accredited by AAHA. Join industry experts James Desir, DVM, and Alyssa Mages, CVT, for this workshop designed to empower veterinarians, CrVTs, veterinary assistants, CSRs, practice managers and anyone committed to fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive culture within their … [Read more...]
Animal Cracker’s YouTube videos raise concerns about animal chiropractic
Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA, shares concerns and assertions about doctors of chiropractic performing animal adjustments and challenges regulatory language. Animal chiropractic is considered part of physical medicine as shared in several Animal Health Digest posts which include eye-opening information about the animal chiropractor licensing process <Link>. It … [Read more...]
FAQs about safety data sheets answered
Includes Commercial Content The lack of safety data sheets remains number 5 on the list of the most commonly cited OSHA violations in the veterinary industry today, writes Sarah McNeal. She answers eight of the most frequently asked questions about keeping safety data sheets up to date and accessible. Source: Patterson Veterinary, April 9, 2024. Link. Patterson developed … [Read more...]
Report shows dermatitis, gastroenteritis among top reasons for veterinary visits
Annual claims reports help bring awareness to pet owners about common pet conditions and the costs to treat them. Gastroenteritis, degenerative arthritis and dental disease rank high for cats and dogs alike, according to data shared by Nationwide’s Jules Benson, BVSc, MRCVS. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 18, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 9, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 2, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 2nd AHD Bulletin – Why vet bills are so high. Link. 7 cleaning tips about washing pet toys. Link. AHD’s archives offer a quick way to see posts by month, see what you missed. Archives for April 2024. … [Read more...]
GEA acquires CattleEye AI solution to predict, identify lameness
Next to mastitis, lameness is a major disease in dairy cows that can lead to infertility and decreased milk yields. The CattleEye system combines a 2D camera with specialized software that analyzes cow movement and body score patterns giving farmers unparalleled insight into their herd's health. Source: Feedstuffs, April 8, 2024. Link. With the trend towards larger and more … [Read more...]
Seek Labs announces progress targeting the African Swine Fever Virus
The successful completion of an in vivo therapeutic trial using innovative CRISPR-based technologies to target the African swine fever virus in pigs demonstrated pigs infected with ASFV and treated with Seek Labs’ CRISPR-based systems survived longer than untreated infected pigs. Over half of the CRISPR-treated pigs survived beyond the duration of the trial. Source: … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin, PhD, joins Fear Free as director, animal well-being
In her new role, Dr. Grandin will focus on developing innovative strategies to improve the well-being of animals to ensure lives worth living. She will begin her focus on how to bring Fear Free to farm animals. I'm especially excited about plans to give animals used for food and fiber what's being called 'a life worth living', where animals get to experience positive, … [Read more...]
Asian longhorned tick now in 19 states
Asian longhorned ticks, described by USDA as “invasive pests that post a serious risk to livestock,” are now in 19 states. The CDC says that ALT have been found in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West … [Read more...]
Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening
Sharing information from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Audrey Schmitz’s article addresses some challenges at dry-off with high-producing cows. Teat sealants are frequently used to close teats in top milk producers as they are less likely to form a natural keratin plug. She shares the importance of keeping milking employees trained on identifying milk versus teat sealants, as well as … [Read more...]
Managing dry-off with high-producing cows
Abruptly ceasing milking is a widely adopted practice for low-producing cows but may not be the best method for drying off high-producing cows. Heather Dann shares approaches for reducing milk yield before dry-off to manage involution and keeping cows healthy. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 6, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article with dairy producers to help … [Read more...]
Jockey Club plans to launch traceability initiative
The Jockey Club Interactive Registry encourages anyone with a digital certificate of foal registration in their account who no longer has possession of the horse to transfer the certificate to the current owner or appropriate certificate manager. Source: The Paulick Report, may 1, 2024. Link. There is no cost to file a transfer of ownership, and the report can be filed … [Read more...]
Advances in equine disease detection
Commentary Horse enthusiasts and owners will value Chelsie J. Huseman’s, MS, PhD, article on equine diagnostics. Embedded links for each disease make this a layperson’s guide to equine diseases and testing. If you work with horse owners, the article will likely influence discussions or come up in conversation about a problem horse. We recommend veterinary teams review it … [Read more...]
6 possible reasons why dogs lift one paw
When a dog lifts its paw it is communicating. The author shares that a raised front paw shows the dog feels conflicted and putting them at ease could make a difference. Lifting one paw can have multiple meanings, but it’s rarely a behavior to ignore.” Source: Dogster, April 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media, newsletters or use it in puppy … [Read more...]
Thelaziosis emerging in cats, dogs in northeastern U.S.
Thelaziosis, a disease caused by the Thelazia callipaeda eye worm, has been reported in two domestic cats in New York and is believed to pose an increasing threat to cats and dogs. T. callipaeda is an exotic eye worm transmitted by the fruit fly, Phortica variegata. Thelazia californiensis is native to North America but T. callipaeda poses a One Health risk as the parasite can … [Read more...]
Comparison of analgesic efficacy of tramadol, morphine and methadone in cats
Domesticated cats usually do not receive adequate perioperative analgesia, due to the difficulty in recognizing pain in this species, as their pain-associated behavior can be confused with fear or stress. A research study sought to evaluate the intra- and postoperative analgesic efficacy of the opioids methadone, morphine and tramadol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. … [Read more...]
Top 5 uses for gabapentin in dogs and cats (podcast)
A survey of clinicians found that gabapentin use in veterinary medicine is similar to use in human medicine; 69 percent of respondents indicated they prescribe gabapentin on a daily or weekly basis, most commonly for acute and chronic pain (extra-label). Rebecca Reader, DVM, DACVAA, reviews her top five recommended uses for gabapentin based on mechanism of action and physiology … [Read more...]