Richard Gerhold, DVM, says treating backyard opossums, raccoons and other undomesticated animals like companions is a mistake. He points out that getting close to wild animals can cause them unusual stress that may prompt them to act aggressively. This may lead to injury and even the spread of disease to people and pets. Source: Veterinary Medicine, March 21, 2018. My big … [Read more...]
Weird things dogs do and why
Dog owners often ask some bizarre questions about their dogs’ behaviors. Tail chasing, butt dragging and leg humping are just some of the common behaviors that perplex owners. The good news is most of these behaviors that seem unusual or even gross to us are quite benign, says Ernie Ward, DVM. Source: Dog-Eared, March 15, 2018. Dr. Ward offers some perspectives to decode … [Read more...]
Organic rat control, K-9s on duty (includes video)
Some dog owners seek to return breeds to their roots. Rat terriers are no exception. Historians say that Rat Terriers came about by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier and the black and tan Manchester Terrier in the early 1800s. They were bred to create an efficient ratter for farms, as well as a competent hunting companion for the farmer. Fast forward to California where Jordan … [Read more...]
Noise sensitivity and pain in dogs
A recent study about noise sensitivities in dogs gives us new information that could improve their quality of life and well-being. Two recent articles reviewing the research findings are offered for your consideration. The research suggests that pain can be a cause of new noise sensitivities, especially in older dogs. The recommendations based on the work are: older dogs … [Read more...]
IDEXX research links tick-borne disease exposure, kidney problems in veterinary patients
Protecting pets from ticks and Lyme disease seems not to be enough. IDEXX Laboratories has released internal research connecting exposure to the pathogens causing Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis to kidney problems later in life, even in animals that seemed asymptomatic at the time of the screening. Dogs with antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme pathogen, were found to … [Read more...]
Employers need to get tough on sexual harassment
Employers are under pressure to address workplace sexual harassment. It is thought by many to be the most important story of an already tumultuous year. Blanket statements about a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment sound good. However, executing this type of policy is a nightmare without clear standards regulating what is prohibited and how it will be enforced. In … [Read more...]
Brush up on first aid for pets
As the weather warms, animal owners and their pets will return to parks, go camping and enjoy other outdoor activities. It is common for pets to get injured in the first months of spring and summer. Emergency treatment and first aid for them should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care. But, it may save a pet's life before the owner can get the pet to a … [Read more...]
Be prepared for tornados
Amy G. Hadachek reminds us of the various risks tornados can have on us, our properties and our animals. The key is to be prepared and know what to do. Source: Countryside Daily, March 22, 2018. Some of the most important actions to consider are: Stay low Think middle Avoid trees and underpasses Get out of mobile homes Consider a generator for essential … [Read more...]
Redefine deworming
Among all cow-calf manager’s input investments, parasite control offers some of the highest potential returns. Like so many aspects of beef production, deworming has become more complicated: There’s growing awareness that generic, calendar-based recommendations do not necessarily provide the best control in every production environment Cattle movements have … [Read more...]
Feet and legs evaluation important for cattle longevity
Feet and legs are easy to overlook on cattle operations. Nick Simmons, University of Florida Extension, provides a basic review of the importance of hoof and leg care. Two of the more common foot and hoof related issues are foot rot and hoof cracks. Source: Drovers, March 6, 2018. The hooves are one of the most important parts of the cow’s body, because without these, the … [Read more...]
Chicken farming: evolving or returning to its roots?
Over the past 160 years, consumers and poultry farmers have changed the way we care for and eat chickens. The 19th-century fancier valued the beauty of the various breeds. Most consumers now value low prices more. Kenny Googan traces the evolution of the chicken industry. Source: Countryside Daily, March 27, 2018. The evolution of the chicken industry over the past century … [Read more...]
The vaccinations horses need
Vaccines are the most effective weapons for protecting horses against the ravages of disease. The editors at EQUUS provide an overview of how vaccinations work and how best to use them to protect horses. Articles like this are valuable for social media posts, websites and to help reinforce lifestyle protocols for horse owners. Source: Equus, March 19, 2018. The American … [Read more...]
Sponsored content – What every horse owner should know about rabies
Rabies vaccination is considered a core vaccine by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, according to Dr. Craig Barnett, Merck Animal Health. The importance of vaccinating companion animals, including horses, against rabies cannot be overemphasized. One of the scariest things about the disease is that it is one of the hardest to recognize in horses. If a horse … [Read more...]
Four common feline parasites
Dr. Sina Marsilio, researcher at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine’s Gastrointestinal Laboratory, explains the most common parasites found in cats. They include fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and heartworms. The article will make good social media, website and newsletter content. Source: Modern Cat, March 8, 2018. “The parasites most common … [Read more...]
Telehealth Featured at The Bridge Club
Telehealth and how to put it into practice was the focus of discussions at The Bridge Club last week. Using its unique video community platform, Host Dr. Aaron Massecar talked about the potential telehealth provides to increase the quality and reach of the health care from veterinarians and veterinary support teams. Source: The Bridge Club. Massacar discussed how … [Read more...]
Emotional support animals probably don’t do anything for anxiety
People have been traveling with emotional support animals for years, claiming they serve a mental health purpose. But the scientific case for comfort animals is very weak, according to this Prevention article. “These animals provide the sole purpose of emotional support,” says Molly Crossman, a doctoral student in clinical study at Yale University who authored a study about how … [Read more...]
5 steps to safely remove ticks from dogs
Kate Eldredge, LVT, shares five steps to remove ticks from an animal. Note her reference about saving the tick for identification or testing. Remove the tick Clean the bite area Check for more ticks Review your preventatives Schedule blood work to check for tick-borne diseases Source: Whole Dog Journal, March 2018. It’s hard to say which is worse: running … [Read more...]
Cushing’s disease in dogs; let’s review
Jackie Brown reviews the basics of Cushing disease signs, diagnosis and treatment. She says it is caused by one of three things: A tumor on the pituitary gland at the base of the brain (this gland is responsible for telling the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol). This type of Cushing’s disease is pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). The most common cause of … [Read more...]
The nervous horse; a book excerpt
In this excerpt from “Passing it On: A Continuing Journey Into Honest Horsemanship,” author Tom Moates shares horse Jubal’s tendency for a major meltdown and how he coaxes the gelding back to sanity. Horse owners will appreciate this story and the links to additional resources. Source: AQHA Daily, March 19, 2018. The strong magnetic attraction people experience for Jubal is … [Read more...]
Forestripping milk cows offers many benefits
“Stripping the first three to five streams of milk prior to milking unit attachment serves three important purposes,” says Valerie Ryman, dairy Extension specialist. Forestripping, stimulates the teat for proper complete milk let down, removes the highest bacterial and somatic cell count (SCC) milk, helps milkers identify clinical mastitis and abnormalities in the … [Read more...]
Trich is nasty and costly
Cattle producers work hard to avoid BVD and respiratory disease, but trichomoniasis can cost a lot more than treatments for these issues, often cutting the calf crop by half or more, if not corralled. Trich is caused by a tiny protozoan parasite, Tritrichomonas foetus. In cows. The parasite colonizes in the vagina and uterus. In bulls, it colonizes or lives in epithelial folds … [Read more...]
Clean up to reduce stable fly population
The manure and waste hay from a single feeding site can produce more than 1 million stable flies. On a smaller scale, the same thing happens on acreages or in backyards where manure and feces have piled up over the winter. Stable flies are also known as biting house flies and are slightly smaller than house flies. Source: Beef, March 8, 2018. Data from the “Managing Stable … [Read more...]
Rabbits die by the hundreds in Canadian city
Experts in British Columbia are advising rabbit owners to be cautious as the number of dead rabbits infected with rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) increases. The disease, caused by a calicivirus is native to domestic rabbits of European origin and pet rabbits are at risk, but not other animals. “I would be very careful if I had a domestic rabbit,” said Helen Schwantje, DVM. … [Read more...]
Dog flu is as mobile as we are
It’s unknown how many dogs have been affected by canine influenza because it isn’t a reportable disease in the U.S. Lack of testing is one reason it’s unclear how many have the virus. Canine flu spreads in one of two ways: movement of infective dogs between communities and movement of contaminated people between dogs. So, canine influenza may be considered a lifestyle disease … [Read more...]
Nationwide reveals annual cost of common health conditions
Canine periodontitis and feline diabetes are the most expensive health conditions to treat, according pet insurer Nationwide. It identified the top 10 medical conditions that affect dogs and cats and their associated costs. Here’s a sample: Top 3 of 10 most common medical conditions for dogs Atopic or allergic dermatitis – average cost to treat: $255 Otitis externa – … [Read more...]
Wild pig invasion affects Japan
Southern U.S. residents aren’t alone in their frustrations with wild pig invasions. Rural Japan is inundated by them and the problem is growing. As the country’s aging population dies or moves from farms, wild pigs quickly move into the abandoned rice patties and buildings. The feral critters have been common in southern parts of the country for years, showing up in train … [Read more...]
Best dog harnesses of 2018
Whether it is to reduce pulling, avoid trachea injuries or gain a mechanical advantage, dog harnesses are beneficial.Pat Miller updates the dog harness information from the April 2017 article we posted in AHD, March 29, 2017. Miller uses a 0 to 4 paw rating when identifying the best harnesses. Pet owners will appreciate this information. Consider using it on websites, social … [Read more...]
Tips for separation anxiety in dogs (includes video)
Treating separation anxiety in dogs can vary depending on the level of nervousness a dog feels. Every case is different, says Kimberly Alt. Some dogs will respond well to the strategies shared here, while others will require more persistence. Source: Canine Journal, November 17, 2017. Alt discusses counter-conditioning for mild separation anxiety. She reminds us that … [Read more...]
A look at the most common life mistakes young people make (infographic)
Our industry is being challenged to address suicide and job satisfaction challenges previously unrecognized. James Altucher asserts, Here’s the truth: you can’t fail as a kid. He sometimes gets messages like, “I’m 23 and I failed and now I don’t know what to do.” No, you didn’t fail. Yes, you do know what to do. Just do the next thing. That’s all you have to … [Read more...]
Leopards help keep rabies in check in Mumbai
Mumbai residents can likely thank leopards for reducing the number of potential rabies cases and perhaps even saving lives according to a paper publishing in the Ecological Society of America Journal last week. Researchers suggest that leopards roaming the nearby Sanjay Gandhi National Park hunt and kill dogs in and around villages; enough so that dogs make up about 40 percent … [Read more...]