Amy Parker, MS, PAS, reminds us that horses are 70 percent water. She shares the importance of hydration to overall horse health and how it varies with different nutrition and activity. Understanding what stimulates thirst and how to increase consumption or create circumstances under which the horse will continue to drink is what’s important.” Source: The Horse, November 28, … [Read more...]
10 Christmas plants that are toxic to dogs
While decorative holiday plants accompany the season, it's important to remember that some are toxic to pets. Share this list of 10 with pet owners on social media and in newsletters. Consider sharing it with local media too. Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias top the list. Source: Country Living, December 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Rapid growth in hookworm prevalence and resistance
Hookworm prevalence has increased from 4 percent in 2018 to almost 50 percent three years later, according to a study published in Clinician’s Brief in August 2020 <Link>. Kim Campbell Thornton shares a troubling situational perspective on prevalence across the U.S. and the challenges of growing drug resistance for all three major classes of dewormers. We recommend ALL … [Read more...]
What pet owners think about using CBD
Includes Commercial Content Responses from 1448 pet owners to a Leafreport survey revealed 50 percent had tried CBD for their cat or dog. Other key metrics are: 38 percent gave their pet CBD because their vet recommended it. 44 percent gave their pet CBD to help ease their anxiety or stress. Pet edibles were by far the most popular delivery format Source: … [Read more...]
Four factors that will shape 2023
Mark Kalaygian looks into his crystal ball for the 2023 pet retail business citing: The return of innovation Global Pet Expo returning to full strength Mergers and acquisitions NO clear difference-making product trend . . . the growing focus on pet health care should be considered <as a prominent trend>, but it is a complex category that requires much … [Read more...]
WHO cites antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 threats to humanity
Reinforcing the messaging of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week the senior animal health officer for FAO, discusses the impact antimicrobial resistance is having on animal health. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and food production have put our future at risk.” Source: News Medical, November 24, 2022. Link. Responsible and … [Read more...]
Outbreaks are inevitable, but pandemics are optional (video)
Experts suggest a new era of zoonoses and elevated risks demands new thinking and approaches, shares Krissa Welshans referencing “Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective,” a new paper from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. It focuses on zoonotic diseases and the importance of One Health. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, November 23, … [Read more...]
The skinny on fat
Beef eaters enjoy well-marbled meat. For feedlot operators, fat in cattle increases revenue potential. Haley Zynda shares some fat facts and the importance of calf health and nutrition before terminal feeding practices in the feedlot. These statements are important considerations: . . . intramuscular and subcutaneous fat begin to deposit well before the calf is even born . … [Read more...]
AVMA Humane Slaughter Guidelines now available for comment
Dr. Robert Meyer says expanded guidelines have been made more user-friendly via organization by species, rather than by techniques. More species are also cited. This includes the slaughter of animals not primarily designated for the food chain, such as animals raised for fur. Every stage of the slaughter process is addressed, from an animal’s arrival at a facility, when … [Read more...]
Don’t filet the frog and hoof stability guidance
As the hoof goes, so does the horse. The frog is one of the most important anatomical structures of the horse, writes Steve Stanley. He explains the priorities of frog health and what happens when it is abnormal. Source: American Farriers Journal, November 18, 2022. Link. One detriment to frog function is a sharp hoof knife. Dr. Doug Butler suggests, “Only trim enough of the … [Read more...]
Thousands of pet cats may have been infected with SARS-CoV-2
Swabs taken from a broad sample of 2,309 cats in the United Kingdom between April 2020 and February 2022 were analyzed by virologists and veterinarians from the University of Glasgow. The researchers found 3.2 percent of all the samples were positive for Covid antibodies, with the highest levels of infection occurring at the end of 2021 and at the start of 2022, with one in 20 … [Read more...]
Old cats: 3 vet visits each year
Tufts Catnip staff reviews updates to the 2021 Feline Senior Care Guidelines including moving cats over 15 years of age to three visits annually. Senior cats 11 through the age of 15 should continue having vet visits twice a year. Source: Tufts Catnip, September 14, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Beware of rock salt and other ice melting products
As winter snow and ice season advances, we use more ice-melt to clear streets, driveways and sidewalks. C.J. Puotinen cautions pet owners about potential ill effects from these products. It is good content to share on social media and in newsletters this time of year. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center classifies all ice-melting products as chemical irritants and warns … [Read more...]
5 keys to modern radiation protection
Complimentary Commercial Content It’s become easier to establish and maintain safety standards for staff who conduct imaging procedures, writes Deborah Cameron. She identifies five key tools or processes for modern radiation protection. Using them means that safety steps are more likely to be taken on a daily and weekly basis, so practices are alerted to small concerns … [Read more...]
Peace of mind medicine: The importance of telehealth and virtual care in veterinary medicine
Complimentary Content Guest Jessica Trimble, DVM, explains the importance of offering virtual services, and how they can affect both clients and staff in this edition of The Vet Blast Podcast. She discusses benefits and challenges of implementing virtual care and telehealth. Source: The Vet Blast Podcast, DVM 360 , November 17, 2022. Link. (18 … [Read more...]
Not One More Vet – November 2022
NOMV’s latest newsletter shares efforts to support the transformation of mental health wellness in the veterinary profession. Source: NOMV, November 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 21, 2022
With content relevant to owners and employees of pet boarding and daycare facilities, groomers, dog walkers, pet sitters, veterinarians, trainers and holistic pet care providers, the IBPSA weekly Fast Bites is one of the member benefits for these pet care services businesses. We’re pleased to share our Animal Health Digest with IBPSA members and to include Fast Bites for our … [Read more...]
Most read AHD posts
These posts meet our criteria for high readership. They reflect our readers’ interests, challenges and opportunities. Source: Animal Health Digest. Some most read posts from recent AHD Bulletins include: Confronting your biases (video) <Link> African swine fever . . . catching up <Link> Need to vent? <Link> Veterinarians shouldn’t do it all … [Read more...]
Antibiotic versus antimicrobial: What’s in a name?
Acknowledging World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Scott Weese, DVM, shares his perspective on when to say antimicrobial versus antibiotic, noting they are pretty much interchangeable. . . . antibiotics are a subset of antimicrobials.” Source: Worms and Germs Blog, November 21, 2022. Link. Weese shares generalized definitions: Antimicrobials: substances that inhibit or … [Read more...]
Prepare for possible recession
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” – Anonymous As 2023 approaches, preparing for potential recessionary effects* is important. Speaking at the AVMA Veterinary Business and Economic Forum, economist Dana Peterson shared why a recession seems eminent in 2023. R. Scott Nolen shares an overview of her comments and assertions including: Housing market changes … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 17, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Horse owners’ survival guide for fall. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, November 10, 2022. Link. ================================================================= 45 days remain in 2022 Source: time and date.com, November 17, 2022. Link. 43 days remain excluding holidays but only 30 days … [Read more...]
African swine fever . . . catching up
Commentary It is a rare day without some media reference to ASF. Foreign countries are experiencing active infections in domestic herds and wild hogs. We believe it is important to expose all animal health pros to the efforts in the U.S. to block ASF from entering the country. ASF is a potential One Health issue paralleling HPAI and FMD in its potential effect on food … [Read more...]
Hemp may get cows high, THC found in milk raises concern
Commentary This caught my attention along with a comedic image of stoned cows and memories of cutting and burning hemp along horse pasture fence lines. This Science article notes hemp is cheap, widely available and a nutritious (possible) feed alternative comparable to alfalfa. But tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations in the milk are concerning. Source: Science, November … [Read more...]
USDA updates National Bovine Brucellosis Surveillance Plan
Brucellosis has been eradicated from domesticated cattle herds in all U.S. states. However, B. abortus is still present in wild bison and elk in the greater Yellowstone area. The updates seek to increase the ability to detect brucellosis with a high degree of confidence and avoid potential zoonoses. Source: Feedstuffs, November 11, 2022. Link. Also see: Brucellosis: … [Read more...]
Equine anaplasmosis easily confused with Potomac horse fever
Darned ticks! Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum* that infects white blood cells. The Anaplasma organism typically infects horses from late fall to early spring and is spread by Ixodes ticks* which also spread Lyme disease, says Jean-Yin Tan, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM. *previously known as Ehrlichia phagocytophila and Ehrlichia … [Read more...]
Topical anesthetic may be a solution for needle-shy horses (video)
A recent study to evaluate the efficacy of using topical lidocaine to numb injection sites has confirmed veterinarians’ clinical impressions. Decreasing injection reactivity improves safety for equine veterinarians and handlers. . . . application of topical anesthetic just two minutes in advance of intramuscular injection can effectively reduce the behavioral reaction of … [Read more...]
Raccoons, distemper, dogs, cats and us
Commentary As winter approaches, raccoons seek to fatten up in preparation for torpor, a semi-hibernation. They group together in what is called a gaze or nursery. In 2016, John Hadidian told National Geographic, “Raccoons have adapted to urban living. They've figured out how to cope with these environments just as well or better than they used to do in the wilderness." … [Read more...]
Factors that affect the decision whether to groom a cat . . . or not
Embracing various arguments about cat grooming, Ellen Carozza, LVT, VTS (CP-Feline), confirms that a cat’s physiology is built for self- grooming. There are cats that will need some help grooming regardless of coat length to keep them clean and comfortable, she says. Each cat’s grooming needs is case dependent . . . many cats need help due to comorbidities, age, and coat … [Read more...]
Keep your eye on the coconut . . . oil
Includes Commercial Information Jackie Jurchenko, MSc, shares information about using coconut oil with pets in this article and infographic. She explains the different types of coconut oil, their properties and potential uses such as: Is coconut oil safe for dogs' skin? Coconut oil for dogs' itchy skin. Coconut oil for dogs' skin allergies. Source: Top Dog … [Read more...]
Senior pets deserve individual care plans
Mary Gardner, DVM, advocates for individual care for senior pets versus the cookbook approach too often adopted by medical professionals. These factors provide context for each pet’s story: its ailments, its personality, and the pet owner’s four budgets: financial, physical, time and emotional. Source: AAHA Trends, November 2022. Link. Also see: Search Results for: Mary … [Read more...]