Five or fewer people in the U.S. die from rabies each year. Not that long ago, more than 100 died annually from the disease. All mammals are susceptible to rabies. A few species, however, act as hosts that allow the virus to spread. Since 1995, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has run a successful, yearly vaccination program that keeps rabies in check in raccoons. They … [Read more...]
Noise pollution harms more than your hearing
Sound that is extremely loud or frequent can harm the human body beyond our ears, writes Jason Bittel for National Geographic. Scientists are learning more about how sound impacts human health all the time. Chronic noise stimulates stress responses that can result in cardiovascular disease or mental health issues. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health … [Read more...]
WARNING! Choose rodent poisons wisely
Since rodents flock to buildings this time of year, we’re reposting this as a reminder that Bromethalin, second-generation rodenticides, have NO ANTIDOTE. The distinction between consumer retail and professional formulas remains a concern. The post contains several references about baits and toxicity. Source: Animal Health Digest, November 12, 2019. Link. Second generation … [Read more...]
The value of teamwork
We are talking about willing collaboration between professionals. Source: foundr, March 6, 2023. Link. Improved teamwork can better distribute work and share the load.” INSIGHT: Teamwork is more than a buzzword on a poster … [Read more...]
Where do the sharps go?
Regardless of why the animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way, writes Russ Daly. He reminds us that outside of our medical facility, protecting ourselves and others from needles, scalpel blades and more items used to perform medical procedures requires proper handling and disposal. This article focuses on livestock but applies equally to … [Read more...]
Tips for implementing a triage system
The old adage, “The hurrier we go, the behinder we get,” comes to mind when reviewing the triage tips shared by Virginie Wurlod, Dr. Vet. Med., DACVECC, DECVECC. Organizing the veterinary ER and shoring up procedures ensures the hospital staff is ready for any emergency. Consider using the tips here to review and update criteria, the physical area, supplies and refresh staff … [Read more...]
Heartworm Society: a million pets infected annually, many go undiagnosed (infographic)
Heartworm preventative compliance remains a significant issue as we shared last week <Link>. An informative infographic from the American Heartworm Society shares alarming metrics and depicts the failures of pet owners to protect their dogs and cats. Source: American Heartworm Society, X (Twitter), November 3, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: At this writing, there are ONLY … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 26th AHD Bulletin – The customer experience is the sales experience. Link. Body language. Link. How to know when it’s time to switch jobs. Link. Placekeeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Livestock-related products make life simpler (slide show)
Veterinary teams and representatives should take note of this new livestock products review. It includes everything from handling equipment to waterers and more. Farm Progress editors share new products suited to serious livestock producers in this article and slide show. Source: Farm Progress, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA strengthens animal welfare requirements for organic label
ICYMI - Livestock and poultry farmers will face new animal welfare requirements to qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “organic” label. Once published, producers will need to be in compliance within 60 days. New standards require animals to have year-round outdoor access, and shelter must allow livestock to lie down, stand up and turn around. Producers must also … [Read more...]
Roundtable discussion: The performance impacts of cow gut health
Sponsored Content Researchers in the dairy industry participated in a roundtable discussion on the impacts of gut health on overall cow performance. Key topics included how gut dysbiosis occurs, the negative ramifications of it and how feed additives can effectively restore gut health. It was noted that modes of action for feed additives vary depending on product type, dose, … [Read more...]
Beef cows continue to grow until they are 4 years old
Commentary If you grew up or live in cow country you may have heard this before, “Now that the calves are weaned let’s get the cows moved . . . “ Cows, as in all cows that had calves. Bill Halfman reminds us to treat 2-year-old cows differently from the older mature cows. If the young cows are left in with the rest of the herd, they will likely be pushed away and not have … [Read more...]
Shallow versus deep bedding methods for goats
Patrice Lewis discusses bedding preferences, pros and cons of depth and materials and ultimately reminds goat owners of keeping things clean and dry. Note her comments about using lime and stall fresheners between the floor and bedding. Make sure you’re using BARN lime (also called ag lime or dairy lime), which is gray. Do NOT use hydrated lime (sometimes called mason’s lime … [Read more...]
Mineral blocks may not be ideal for mules
Madeline Boast, MSc, offers concerns about using mineral blocks to supplement mule nutrition. She says the gold standard recommendation for mules is to provide them with their required vitamins and minerals in their diet, then simply allow additional salt blocks to be free choice. Source: The Horse, October 30, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Equine shivers research update
Shivers, a chronic neuromuscular condition in horses, dates back centuries, but its causes remain a mystery and it remains untreatable. Research studies by Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR finally created a definition of the disease that differentiates it from other neurological diseases horses experience. By the definition we presented, shivers horses always … [Read more...]
Grooming pet ferrets
Grooming pet ferrets includes bathing, drying, nail trimming, coat brushing, ear cleaning and teeth brushing writes Lianne McLeod, DVM. She explains the various processes while ensuring the mustelid remains as calm as possible. Formal attire is optional. 😉 Source: The Spruce Pets, May 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
A new type of skin hypersensitivity in dogs
A recent retrospective study looked at dogs with skin lesions in high grass contact areas to establish if they have a version of a pruritic condition found in humans. Contact dermatitis is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when chemicals known as haptens come into contact with skin. Dogs that develop reactions to contact with grass may experience a similar … [Read more...]
Ever persistent canine parvovirus. DVM 360 panel discussion.
Complimentary Commercial Content A panel of experts discusses the ongoing challenges when treating canine parvovirus including sharing how prevalent the disease remains and the emotional toil on staff members. The panel digs into parvo treatment options across the spectrum of veterinary medicine as well as their limitations. The discussion continues to introduce an … [Read more...]
Digging for secrets from the raccoon in your garbage
Commentary We have consistently urged animal health pros to consider the risks at the intersections of wildlife and our domestic animals. This post from October 2022 is one of many examples <Link>. In the article below, scientists are investigating what many of us have asserted for decades despite anthropomorphisms that diminish warnings about wildlife as … [Read more...]
Extension cord safety
Cold weather brings out the space heaters and heat lamps in many animal housing locations. Karen Kopf shares safety measures for barns that also apply to coops, kennels and other animal enclosures. She says permanent use of extension cords is not advised for safety reasons. Source: Backyard Goats, November 27, 2022. Link. Cords usually fail in one of these ways: … [Read more...]
10 common dog behavior problems and solutions
Thoroughly understanding the most common dog behavior problems is the first step to solving and preventing them. A solid foundation of obedience training will help dog owners prevent or better control many of these issues, writes Jenna Stregowski. Source: The Spruce Pets, February 22, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like this help pet owners identify and address behavior … [Read more...]
The importance of intake protocols
Complimentary Content It takes a community of advocates to ensure individual pets and pet populations are given the best protection options. A unified message of prevention, risk identification and consistent questioning during intakes is essential for managing risk. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, shares the importance of intake protocols focusing on opportunities … [Read more...]
Only the tough veterinary practice managers survive
Wendy Hauser, DVM, says the job of practice managers has become infinitely harder than it used to be. She shares factors that are impacting these valuable team members and some ideas to deal with the challenges. Source: Animal Health News and Views, October 1, 2023. Link. Often overlooked is the need for practice managers to step in for missing team members, sometimes as … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention nonadherence prevalent in the U.S., study finds
Commentary Some articles are painful to read. Despite at least 40 years of pushing compliance, myriad options for heartworm prevention, educational TV, online and print advertising and efforts by veterinary clinics, these compliance metrics represented are distressing. Maybe it is time to quit mincing words or images and portray heartworm infection realistically with … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 23, 2023
Personalized pet tech for anxiety, getting more reviews, 1st employee-owned vet clinic, the importance of follow-up, sales cycles and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 19th AHD Bulletin – Study: Grain-free diets, no negative impact on canine heart health, DCM. Link. 3 takeaways from the Veterinary Innovation Summit. Link. MWI Animal Health’s integration with Shepherd Veterinary Software. Link. … [Read more...]
Four recommendations to address hypocalcemia post-calving
According to Jesse Goff, DVM, subclinical hypocalcemia occurs in nearly half of all cows during the first 24 hours after calving. He believes metabolic alkalosis is the cause in subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia. Goff discusses reducing potassium and binding dietary calcium precalving, as well as providing a readily available, soluble calcium source to the cow immediately … [Read more...]
Sale day: 9 factors that influence cattle price
Fall is busy for cattle producers and this year’s market promises to be very strong. Reminding producers of the economic benefits shared in Paige Carlson’s article could increase their revenue as calves or culls are sold. She shares a list of the nine most influential variables when it comes to receiving the best price for cattle as tracked by South Dakota State University … [Read more...]
2 men survive wild pig attacks. Barely.
NOTE: This is a cautionary tale for animal health pros and their customers who like to hunt wild pigs, hike in the woods or have gardens next to brushy cover. Sharing this article will help increase understanding of how dangerous feral hogs can be. James Dean and Monte Sullivan survived horrific wild pig attacks in 2019 and 2022 respectively. They shared their harrowing … [Read more...]
Equine boots and wraps revisited
Applying leg protection during exercise remains a risk versus reward situation, says Luke Brock. His study team from Middle Tennessee State University measured temperature increases in limbs during exercise where horses were equipped with a variety of common leg protection. <Study> results support the hypothesis that convection cooling is impaired by boots and wraps … [Read more...]