Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Zoetis provides perspective, resources to transition OTC antimicrobials … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health receives U.S. FDA approval of expanded indication for Banamine® Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution)
Complimentary Commercial Content BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL (flunixin transdermal solution) is now indicated for the control of pyrexia (fever) due to acute mastitis with a short milk withhold of 48 hours. This new indication means BANAMINE TRANSDERMAL can be given with confidence to lactating cows. With simple, pour-on administration along the animal’s back, it saves time and … [Read more...]
Straw can pose mycotoxin risks in dairy heifer diets
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. Alltech feed quality evaluations show when a straw crop gets stressed or delayed in the field due to unfavorable weather conditions it can carry its own mycotoxin risks. The same is true for any straw that shows visible signs of mold. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2022. … [Read more...]
Effects of transport and exercise on intestinal permeability in horses
The combination of trailer transport and exercise increases gastrointestinal permeability and markers of systemic inflammation in horses.” Nancy S. Loving, DVM, reviews a study published this month in Equine Veterinary Journal Source: EquiManagement, February 8, 2023. Link. While there are other possible explanations for the increase in gastrointestinal permeability, … [Read more...]
What to know about cats, chocolate toxicity and candy
Even if Valentine’s Day candy is gone by now, Easter candy is not far away. Cats do not have a taste sensor for sweets but two components in chocolate are dangerous to cats and dogs alike. The short answer is, “Yes chocolate is toxic to cats.” Different than dogs, at no point should you try to make your cat vomit.” Source: Catster, February 9, 2023. Link. Err on the side … [Read more...]
Effect of pre-appointment gabapentin in hyperthyroid cats
Handling or restraining noncompliant, fractious cats can make drawing blood and completing procedures difficult. Doing so may result in increased patient stress or anxiety and potential injuries for veterinary technicians and DVMs involved. Paul DeMars, DVM, DABVP, reviews a study on the use of gabapentin sharing these key pearls: Gabapentin (20 mg/kg PO) given to … [Read more...]
Step-by-step guide to abdominal palpation in dogs and cats
If you’ve ever wondered what a veterinarian is feeling for when examining a dog or cat, this guide helps explain it. A good abdominal palpation can catch all kinds of hidden problems but it takes practice and skilled hands to know which organs are normally palpable or nonpalpable and to identify abnormalities. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Advocate for dental health all year long
Oral pet care is no longer merely a revenue booster. It has become an important consideration in the overall health of pets. Marshall Beggs, DVM, asserts the need to include a detailed update on pets’ dental health with owners during exams and to assist with decision making. Source: Veterinary Practice News, February 9, 2023. Link. Seeing is believing, and nothing motivates … [Read more...]
New test strip quickly detects periodontal disease before it is visible
Complimentary Commercial Content OraStripdxTM, a revolutionary rapid test, was launched at VMX 2023 by PDX BIOTECH LLC. It was created to detect active periodontal disease in dogs and cats with no anesthesia or sedation required. In peer-reviewed studies, OraStripdx was found to be significantly more effective than visual awake exams in detecting active periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
Cost of Care Wheel is now 24/7 digital resource
Sponsored Content The popular veterinary practice-based Cost of Care Wheel tool from the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program is now available in an enhanced client-based online version that can be used anytime, anywhere. Discussing money is never easy but it is important to educate and urge pet owners prepare for their pet’s future health care needs, and how to pay for … [Read more...]
How to ensure plaque does not convert to tartar
Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, explains the importance of brushing pets’ teeth as it turns into tartar in less than a minute. Consider this video for social media, newsletters or play it for clients during exams. Ideally, brush pet’s teeth every day, but don’t wait longer than 3 days . . .” Source: Linked In, February 8, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation and enrichment matter to dogs
Mental stimulation is key help develop dogs’ cognitive behavior, as well as their overall well-being. Physical exercise is great and necessary for a dog, but it’s only half of the equation. It doesn’t take complex toys, it’s mostly just simple, fun games with its owner.” Source: AKC, January 2009. Link. Many of the hyperactivity and destruction problems dog owners struggle … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 13, 2023
TODAY looks at the booming pet industry (video), results from 2023 Pet Care Innovation Prize for start-ups, challenges with supporting assistance animals, transitioning to franchise ownership, social media for small business, amplifying online marketing, avoiding burnout and more . . . Source: IBPSA FastBites, February 13, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: The landing page for … [Read more...]
How stress affects your brain
During the recent Animalytix Market Update, Travis Meredith, DVM, MBA, Dip ACT, shared his perspectives on the challenges veterinary teams have with meeting demand while also playing catch-up from the client and pet services following the 2020 pandemic delays. What he outlined were the ongoing stressors and how hard it has been on practice personnel. Continuous stress can … [Read more...]
Rodent control as we know it may change
Upcoming legislation could cause agriculture to lose access to important products that control rodents throughout production, processing, storage and retail phases of food production. PORK editor Jennifer Shike shares the viewpoints of industry spokespersons. EPA’s proposal is quite wide-ranging, and it is going to impact any user of rodenticides and how rodenticides are … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 2nd AHD Bulletin – How to stop overthinking when you’re about to spiral. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Cow numbers drop to 61-year low Source: Farm Progress, February 6, … [Read more...]
Can somatic cell counts be too low?
Somatic cells are white blood cells that fight infection and repair tissue damage. Somatic Cell Count is used as an indicator of milk quality and udder health and lower SCC levels garner premiums from processors. Extension educator Amber Yutzy addresses concerns expressed by some producers about having SCC too low. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 16, 2023. … [Read more...]
Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils
Swine researchers have noticed that PRRS pathogens tend to increase incidence in breeding farms between October and December which is concurrent with manure application is happening in the fields. It is known PRRS virus can be found in pig feces and pig barn manure pits. Whether the virus can survive and percolate in various soils became the objective of University of Minnesota … [Read more...]
The first 30 days with a pet chameleon
Easily stressed, chameleons have unique requirements for both their habitat and their care. Erica Puisis shares ways to meet the transition needs of a new chameleon including guidance for taming and handling these interesting reptiles. Source: The Spruce Pets, February 7, 2021. Link. Also see: Do chameleons make good pets? The Spruce Pets, January 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Horse eye blink rates and stress
In the absence of stress, horses blink eight to nine times per minute. Eyelid twitches occur two times per minute, writes Nancy Loving, DVM. She shares key details from a study at the University of Guelph that monitored eye blinks and eyelid twitches as a non-invasive measure of stress in horses. Several stressors were used to test the validity of using blink rate as an … [Read more...]
AAFP’s Guideline Briefs, an exclusive member benefit
AAFP’s new Guideline Briefs have been designed to help convey the major tenets of past guidelines into a short, easy-to-read format that can be easily printed and posted in veterinary practices and help educate staff. Source: American Association of Feline Practitioners, Link. Future Guidelines Briefs will be included as supporting materials when new practice guidelines are … [Read more...]
Does spaying or neutering change behavior?
Don’t think spaying or neutering a dog is going to prevent or solve all his or her behaviors that you find problematic, writes Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. Statistical analysis of a huge population of spayed and neutered dogs says that it won’t. Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 21, 2022. Link. Also see: The latest on age and gonadectomy, AHD, March 29, 2022. … [Read more...]
Cost, convenience or optionality? Best fit or gold standard?
Kate Boatright, VMD, reviews new research that suggests that most pet owners do not want their options presented using a gold-standard first approach rather a judgement free spectrum of care set of options. Identifying whether the pet family’s primary concern is cost, convenience, or optionality is key to finding the “best fit." Source: AAHA NEWStat, February 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 6, 2023
FDA seeking to better regulate CBD products for pets, franchising pros and cons, competing for top talent against big companies, AMEX financial management tools for small businesses, cost of living impacting pets, and five charts* on inflation, convenience, health and wellness. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 6, 2023. Link. * Consumers are increasingly shopping online … [Read more...]
Trends to future proof the veterinary profession
Complimentary Content Longtime AHD subscriber Portia Stewart shares her take on the future of the veterinary profession. She reviews nine of the key trends facing veterinary professionals and what they could mean for the future of veterinary medicine. Source: Curious Plot, January 9, 2023. Link. Also see: 7 Trends to Watch From the 2023 Veterinary Meeting & Expo, … [Read more...]
People, power and burnout
Recognizing burnout and taking the steps needed to address it is difficult, especially for leaders. Realizing and acting on our individual mental and emotional limitations is a strength, not a weakness. Source: LinkedIn, January 20, 2023. Link. All too often we see politicians and chief executives who are unwilling to loosen their grasp on power, even when it may well be … [Read more...]
Our business is killing
Veterinarian Andrew Bullis offers a firsthand count of a difficult euthanasia case that is a prime example of one of the reasons veterinarian suicide rates may be higher than the average population. Put simply, the job is not always easy, nor fair. Source: SLATE, February 5, 2003. Link. You see, our business is healing, yes. But you all know there’s only so much we can do. … [Read more...]
Heat islands, warm fronts and preventive care
Commentary It was 65O F in the Kansas City area earlier this week. My pup was lying on the deck basking in the sunshine and then it happened . . . a couple flies and some gnats began buzzing around the winter killed garden. Would a mosquito be next? In the INSIGHT article referenced here, Suzanne Whitaker, DVM, reminds us of the importance of year-round preventatives, … [Read more...]
AskVet™ Launches VERA, the world’s first “Answer Engine for Animal Health”
Complimentary Commercial Content Move over Dr. Google! Search is old hat . . . VERA has answers VERA which stands for Virtual Engagement and Relationship Agent is powered by AI, ChatGPT and AskVet's database of over 1.5 million digitized conversations between veterinarians and pet parents. Developed to use natural language, the vetbot objectives are: to help pet parents … [Read more...]
Dental month considerations
Commentary Animal Health Digest actively promotes oral care, including dentistry as an important client education and animal health topic. We believe dental month is an opportunity for animal health pros to refresh their messages and educational efforts on the importance of oral care. The animal health message is not the only message on oral care each February. Use all the … [Read more...]