Hay producers in many parts of the country are dealing with a lot of rain and moisture. When hay is baled between 17 percent and 22 percent moisture, preservatives are effective at reducing mold growth. Studies conducted by Cornell University and the University of Illinois showed treated hay did not affect clinical measures of the yearlings' well-being. This indicates … [Read more...]
The cost of not vaccinating
Complimentary Commercial Content June brings opportunities for horse people and groups to ride trails and participate in contests and rodeos. Plus, there are always preparations for the upcoming fair season. Owning a horse can be expensive, from equipment and feed to veterinary costs and farrier visits. But when looking to save money, horse owners must avoid cutting corners … [Read more...]
Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?
Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
What stool color could say about a dog’s health
Myles Rowley, DVM, helps shed light on dog poop, what different colors mean, what could be done to fix fecal abnormalities and when it’s time to consult a veterinarian. Consider sharing this on social media or in newsletters. Source: Top Dog Tips, February 20, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
NAVC HiVE Event to take place in Minneapolis, June 15th and 16th
The broader veterinary team plays a critical role in the veterinary industry, providing assistance in the medical and clinical arena via a wide range of advanced skills, in addition to being the key interface with customers and animals. Vet Nurse+Tech HiVE and Practice Management HiVE events are part of the NAVC’s continued expansion of in-person experiences across the country … [Read more...]
Study: Service dogs improve cortisol levels in veterans with PTSD
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine have taken a step toward better understanding the relationship between veterans and service dogs. They believe this could lead to life-changing improvements in health care for veterans. In a new study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, researchers found that veterans who worked with … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 3, 2024
CPR-AED Awareness Week and training, nanoparticle vaccine possibilities, creating stronger customer connections, Bark Air lifts off with dogs-first approach to flight and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Hello brown noise, goodbye white noise
Brown noise has fewer high frequencies than white noise and its effect is sometimes called audible Adderall. Researchers continue to study brown noise but believe that the rich, round frequencies produce the same feelings as well-established methods like deep breathing and meditation. Source: Valet, May 20, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Could dogs and cats be passing superbugs to owners?
New research presented at the recent ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, Spain, suggests dogs and cats play important roles in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The focus was on bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, which are considered the last line of defense when other antibiotics have failed. Understanding and addressing the … [Read more...]
House mice test positive for H5N1 bird flu
Nearly a dozen house mice in Roosevelt County, New Mexico have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, according to federal officials, adding them to the growing list of mammals being infected with avian influenza. Source: The Telegraph, June 5, 2024. Link. This brings the virus closer to human homes . . . increasing the risk of direct exposure and infection.” - Rick A. Bright, … [Read more...]
AABP, AAEVT create veterinary technician utilization guidelines
New guidelines from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants outline specific responsibilities and different levels of veterinary supervision for credentialed veterinary technicians in their areas of practice. The objectives include improving staff retention, performance and patient care while … [Read more...]
18th anniversary veterinary X-ray contest announced by VPN
Veterinary Practice News launches the 2024 'They Ate What?!' X-ray Contest, sponsored by Dechra Veterinary Products. A longtime favorite, practices share the strange things pet have eaten, their wild stories and extraordinary X-rays. Source: Veterinary Practice News, May 31, 2024. Link. How to enter: Go to https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/xraycontest Log in or … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 30, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 23, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 23rd AHD Bulletin – A poor guide to dog allergy medications. Link. Spring health check for senior horses. Link. A dog walk temperature chart for every season. Link. ===================================== Can dogs ‘catch’ yawns from … [Read more...]
12 complications when dental health is ignored
Dental month ended but educating pet owners about oral health and dental disease requires an everyday effort from animal health pros. James Rhys Clarke presents the consequences of neglected dental health in this article complete with photos. Consider sharing it on social media and in newsletters including products you know work to improve oral health. Source: Top Dog Tips, … [Read more...]
Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (part 2)
Sponsored Content Last week we introduced the first post in a series to show how some veterinary teams position and present pet insurance in ways that fit well with their current practice routines and protocols <Link>. While a 2022 survey showed more than 90 percent of veterinary practices wished that more of their clients were covered by pet insurance, only about … [Read more...]
House Appropriations Committee funds $5 million for veterans’ equine therapy
Funding initiatives to help Thoroughbreds find a second career is a top priority for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association . . . to be able to do that while aiding Veterans is a big victory.” – Tom Rooney Source: Paulick Report, May 24, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Trupanion’s 29 percent rate increase approved by California Department of Insurance
The rising cost of veterinary care amplifies the need for Trupanion to price correctly, bringing California residents more in line with those rising costs. The new rate goes into effect in July 2024 adding to the previous 12 percent rate increase in June 2023. Source: GlobeNewsWire, May 17, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Everfur launches Fur-Forward diagnostics kit: Advanced metabolomics to monitor pet health
With just a sample of a pet’s fur, Everfur analyzes its unique molecules to help determine fur quality, brain health, digestion, immunity, and potential disease risks. Everfur's proprietary approach leverages metabolomic science to provide comprehensive health assessments for dogs and cats by analyzing over 200 unique molecules within a pets' fur. Metabolomic testing offers … [Read more...]
FDA confirms Elanco’s methane-reducing feed additive meets safety, efficacy requirements
The U.S. FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Elanco’s Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle. Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow's rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow … [Read more...]
$1 million grant funds agencies to detect new strains of PRRS
A $1 million USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant will help researchers leverage the Swine Disease Reporting System to detect new strains of PRRSV. A new, web-based tool called the SDRS BLAST tool, allows veterinarians, producers and other users to compare genetic sequences of PRRSV with those in the SDRS. Source: The Pig Site, May 9, 2024. Link. “For the … [Read more...]
Reviewing the basics of needle care
Changing needles every 10 animals is a good rule when injecting cattle, writes Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM. She reinforces the importance of needle care, proper sizing and biosecurity measures when cattle producers are injecting animals. Note the graphic showing needle selection based on weight of cattle, route of administration and viscosity of product. Source: Progressive … [Read more...]
Extruded feed supports a healthy gut in horses
Includes Commercial Content Understanding the comprehensive benefits of extruded feed can help nurture happier, healthier horses who are ready to meet their full potential in every aspect of their lives. From foal to senior horse, pelleted feeds can improve the absorption of vital nutrients, provide more calories for growth, development, and performance, and may help lower … [Read more...]
Review: DMSO use in horses
Christine Barakat shares seven things you might not know about dimethyl sulfoxide and how it is used in horses. The FDA approved DMSO in 1970 for topical use on horses and dogs and we’re still learning about this industrial solvent now classified as an NSAID. Source: EQUUS, May 3, 2024. Link. Equine veterinarians regularly use the chemical “off-label” in other ways to treat … [Read more...]
Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication
Researchers have unraveled the role the microbiome plays in a form of feline communication using their anal glands. Unique glandular secretions can repel rivals, attract mates and mark territory. Researchers’ findings revealed diverse microbiomes within the anal glands of domestic cats that are uniquely individual and that vary with the age and weight of the feline … [Read more...]
Seeing allergies through a One Health lens
Calling for a bigger view of product and treatment choices, Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, urges veterinary teams to evaluate plans by the individual animal, consider the owner’s capacities and ensure proper antimicrobial stewardship practices. Ensuring we select appropriate therapies to manage dermatological manifestations of allergies and other skin conditions … [Read more...]
Glyphosate in dog food
Laura Ward, BSc, shares perspectives on bioaccumulation of chemicals in foods we and our pets eat. Specifically, she says glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide applied to the leaves to kill plants and grasses, is found in a vast amount of human and dog food. She notes glyphosate does not accumulate in meat from animals as it does in plants. Wards is not trying to cause … [Read more...]
Updated canine neutering guidelines
Researchers at the University of California-Davis, have updated their guidelines on when to neuter 40 popular dog varieties by breed and sex. Five breeds have been added to research begun in 2013 that questioned early neutering due to increased risk of joint diseases and certain cancers. The updated guidelines emphasize the importance of personalized decisions regarding the … [Read more...]
2024’s best dog calming treats for anxiety
Includes Commercial Content A team of experts assessed 48 brands of dog-calming treats based on the key ingredients, customer satisfaction and overall value choosing three as best in class. Dana J. Cook shares facts and some of the latest research on the key ingredients that have proven to relieve dog anxiety, promote calmness and minimize aggressive behaviors: Hemp … [Read more...]
How to determine the best approach to separation-related behaviors in dogs
When a dog exhibits separation-related behaviors, the first objective is to determine the underlying cause, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. Understanding these behaviors and what causes them offers the best chances of a successful outcome before implementing an approach to deal with them. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles … [Read more...]
Becoming a better client for the veterinarian
Lacey Fahrmeier, DVM, shares ways clients can help foster stronger connections and mindful adjustments with their veterinarians. Although focused on issues with rural livestock veterinarians, her five steps also apply to companion and equine practice clients as well. Veterinarians only have so much bandwidth. If you don’t want your vet to burn out, you probably need to … [Read more...]