Proactively thinking about pig management now will go a long way to having full-value hogs during warm weather and traditionally strong market periods, says Jordan Graham, DVM, MS. Pigs born from the late weeks of November through January have historically been the highest value weaned pigs and subsequent market hogs for the year, making how we manage health important to … [Read more...]
FDA approves revised Micotil 300 labeling
To decrease the risk of accidental human injection and other potential routes of exposure, Micotil 300 is now packaged inside a tamper-proof shroud. Access to the product requires a quick-connect device, which is provided with a tube-fed safety syringe by Elanco or its distributors. Safe use and handling instructions are attached to the shroud so that the user can review … [Read more...]
Dairy industry posts lowest positive drug residue yet; sets new standard
Data from the National Milk Drug Residue Database website dates back to 1994 and represents 99 percent of the U.S. milk supply. A recent report showed only 424 out of 3,879,182 samples tested positive for an animal drug residue. This is lowest positive test rate in the history of the program and it is also the fifth consecutive year fewer than 600 milk samples tested positive … [Read more...]
FDA releases 2021 report on antimicrobial use in livestock
The FDA instituted elements of veterinary oversight of antimicrobials in 2017. The recent 2021 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food-Producing Animals shows that compared to 2015 (peak year of sales), 2021 sales decreased 38 percent. Sales in 2021 versus 2020 decreased by less than 1 percent between 2020 and 2021. Source: National Hog … [Read more...]
How to keep goats warm in cold weather
Successfully keeping goats in the coldest conditions and climates is possible. It requires acclimation, nutrition, and habitation. Herdsmen also prepare housing to keep goats warm in cold weather and select sturdy breeds ahead of the season. Source: Backyard Goats, November 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Nearly 100 U.S. horses suspected ill with botulism, 45 have died
Horse owners are being asked to not feed Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes as U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with state departments of agriculture in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas, continue to investigate the illness and deaths of horses suspected to have contracted botulism from it. Source: The Paulick Report, December 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Variations in ivermectin absorption studied; diet variations suspected
A study from Poland suggests that a horse’s diet can affect how quickly he absorbs the medications he receives. Key takeaways: The researchers speculate that diet, rather than season of year, accounts for the variability in absorption The slower absorption rate had no effect on ivermectin’s efficacy The findings raise questions about how diet may affect the … [Read more...]
Force-free, fear-free nail trimming techniques for dogs
Nail trimming can be stressful for pets and their owners. The longer they wait, the more likely an untoward experience will occur. The resources below offer good guidance on conditioning pets to healthful nail care at home, where it care can be easily managed with proper education, training and patience. . . . the ability to trim a dog’s nails should be a prerequisite to being … [Read more...]
Excess vitamin D may be to blame for feline tooth resorption
The resorption-vitamin connection is only a hypothesis about feline tooth resorption. There may be other environmental factors that prove to be the triggers. The best way to handle a resorbing tooth is to extract it as soon as it’s noticed.” Source: Tufts Catnip, November 14, 2022. Link. Also see: Search results for: tooth resorption, AHD. Link. There are three types of … [Read more...]
Why cats purr. Understanding their love language.
Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, shares common reasons why cats purr and what they might be trying to tell us: Cats purr to draw us in Cats purr when they are blissful Purring may say the cat needs you Purring may be a sign of distress Purring can promote healing Source: Daily Paws, November 30, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Some dogs need a flu shot
Dogs can get the flu just like we can, and it spreads easily like our own strains says Kaitlyn Tullio, LVT, who told the dodo canine flu is highly contagious. She shared information about viral transfer risks, symptoms and vaccination. . . . for dogs social with other dogs, up to date flu vaccination could help keep them healthy and safe, especially during flu … [Read more...]
Manuka honey and silver in animal wellness and wound care
Commercial Content included It is common for pet owners to use over-the-counter antibiotic creams when their pet has a skin infection or a wound which often leads to overuse of antimicrobials. Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, MS, DACVIM, MBA, shares ways medical-grade manuka honey and silver are used as a first line defense for treating skin microbiome issues. Source: Pet Age, … [Read more...]
Key ingredients to look for in dog food and treats
Nutritional problems occur most often when dogs are fed imbalanced homemade diets or certain human foods. Dog foods or homemade diets derived from a single food item are inadequate to an overall balanced diet Source: DVM 360, August 25, 2022. Link. The 6 basic nutrients needed for a canine diet include water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.” – VCA … [Read more...]
Effective ways to treat pet behavior problems
Regardless of a pet’s age, the holidays have potential for behavior issues. Many of them can be avoided with consistent human behavior and proactive training. We’ve curated seven behavior articles from professional and lay sources that can be used to refresh knowledge of and approaches to behavior issues. The sudden onset of a new behavior or worsening of a previously … [Read more...]
Cannabinoids in veterinary medicine (video)
Complimentary Content For those who did not join live, The Bridge Club’s in-depth conversation with experts from across the profession addressed questions it has about cannabinoids. Cheryl Good, DVM, moderated conversation with guests: Mark Cushing, J.D. CEO, of Animal Policy Group Jeffery Pollard, DVM, DABVP, from the advocacy committee, Veterinary Cannabis … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 19, 2022
Testing the pet market’s recession-proof reputation, 2022 trends in small business funding, wearables as part of proactive pet care, how dog boarding supports domestic violence survivors and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, December 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Signs you may have a drinking problem
If you are always thinking about your next drink and it begins to interfere with other tasks in your life, this can be a sign that it’s time to seek help.” Source: Vet Candy, September 29, 2022. Link. Shauna Simmons shares some signs that you may have a problem and you should consult with an addiction expert. … [Read more...]
Helping animals in Ukraine: Galaxy Vets Foundation’s year in review
Complimentary Content The war in Ukraine caused a massive animal welfare crisis and limited access to veterinary care for millions of pets. Galaxy Vets Foundation’s first initiative, Animal Help Ukraine, was launched in spring 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Key facts: 275 veterinarians and techs/nurses from the U.S. and the world signed up to … [Read more...]
Swine barn workers should get vaccinated to protect pigs from the flu
Susan Detmer, DVM, PhD, is an advocate of human flu vaccination as a way to reduce human-to-pig transfer of influenza virus. Some of what is circulating of H1N1 in pigs is from years ago, but almost half of what Detmer sees annually comes directly from people into pigs. So, what’s circulating in the human population of that H1N1 gets into pigs yearly.” Source: Prairie Hog … [Read more...]
Sow mortality: What are the main risk factors?
A recent retrospective observational study demonstrated that the disease status of the breeding herds, barn characteristics and whole-herd feed medication were associated with the sow mortality rate. The main causes of sow mortality in this study were sudden deaths (30.89 percent), lame deaths (29.10 percent), prolapses (26.96 percent) and other causes (13.05 percent), … [Read more...]
Hay quality benefits from protection, proper storage practices
NOTE: This article is a conversation starter at coffee shops or restaurants where producers meet routinely. It is good leave-behind information and makes good content for social media and newsletters. Stewardship of harvested forage is as important as producing it in the first place.” This year’s hay supplies are down six percent year over year <Link> making taking care … [Read more...]
7 transition period diseases costing dairy producers money
Many dairy production problems can be traced back to the dry or transition period. It is one of the critical time frames in a cow’s production cycle, writes Taylor Leach. She shares a breakdown of seven diseases and how much cost they add. . . . the most common management diseases that occur during the cow’s transition period on U.S. dairies are lameness, mastitis, retained … [Read more...]
Boredom busters for urban chickens
Following the trend in keeping animals occupied, Jodi Helmer shares boredom busters to keep urban hens happy. . . . it’s essential to provide opportunities for enrichment, including novel materials, entertaining experiences, and puzzles to solve.” Source: Backyard Poultry, December 6, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Helmer’s tips are good content for social media, newsletters and … [Read more...]
Tips to preserve joint health and manage equine arthritis
Includes Sponsored Content Horses eventually develop some degree of arthritis. It is inevitable but with careful management coupled with understanding risk factors and preventing the worst types of arthritis horses can be kept comfortable and reasonably productive. Source: EQUUS Extra, Volume 73, 2022. Link. Topics include: Fitness vs. overwork NSAIDs and … [Read more...]
RHDV: what clinicians need to know
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and RHDV2 are caused by rabbit caliciviruses in the genus Lagovirus. It affects domestic and wild rabbits, leading to sudden death, liver failure, neurological signs and bleeding from the nose and genitourinary tract, writes Ingrid Taylor, DVM. She discusses diagnoses, treatment and prevention, including guidance on an emergency use … [Read more...]
How cold is too cold?
Depicting the differences in cold tolerance for different sized dogs, this infographic, along with the articles below, will make good content for social media, newsletters and for local media. Source: Pet Plan. Link. Also see: How cold is too cold? Daily Paws, February 24, 2022. Link. NOTE: This article contains an infographic, When is it too cold or too hot? … [Read more...]
Narcolepsy in pets: what you need to know
Sponsored Content Annette Louviere, DVM, shares what is known about narcolepsy in pets and how to deal with it to keep them safe. Narcoleptic episodes often occur during moments of excitement or over-stimulation. If you’ve seen a dog running at the park and then suddenly collapse into a heap for a quick snooze, it’s possible that pup has narcolepsy.” Source: Wisdom Panel™, … [Read more...]
Environmental toxins and their impact on dogs
Dogs are affected by environmental toxins just like people are, says Lauren Trepanier, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP. She shares research about lymphoma and bladder cancer and how toxic chemicals in homes and yards contribute to risk. Animals can help us detect environmental dangers to people.” Source: Morris Animal Foundation, TedXMileHigh, October 21, 2022. Link. (21 … [Read more...]
Understanding obesity and weight loss in dogs and cats
New scientific evidence points to fat tissue as being biologically active and not in a good way. Obesity is a major health crisis for companion animals and it’s often overlooked. About 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Plus, it is estimated 30 percent of horses are now considered obese. Obesity now is generally thought of as a chronic, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 12, 2022
Senior pet numbers growing, 6 ways technology has changed the pet care industry, how virtual reality may fit in veterinary education, using Google ads effectively, why a strategy for 2023 is needed and more . . . U.S. households with a dog older than 7 years of age has increased from 42 percent to 52 percent” Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, December 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]