We live in world that is highly aware of the risks from mosquitoes and ticks. For pets and humans alike, preventing bites and stings is the best and safest approach. There are a lot of options in products for humans and their companion animals. Consumer Reports offers ratings on products for humans. While CAPC has provided a list of preventatives for dogs and cats along with … [Read more...]
FDA approves ProHeart® 12 (moxidectin) for prevention of heartworm disease in dogs
ProHeart 12 (moxidectin) extended-release injectable suspension for dogs 12 months of age and older for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis for 12 months had been approved by the FDA. ProHeart 12 is also approved for the treatment of existing larval and adult hookworm infections. Source: FDA, July 2, 2019. Link. The ProHeart® 12 formulation is … [Read more...]
RFID is it for USDA’s mandatory animal disease traceability. Deadline is January 21, 2023.
The pressure is on fruit and vegetable growers all over the world to implement traceability systems in the next 12 months. USDA’s Gregory Ibach believes the meat industry will be next on the traceability agenda. USDA took another step toward enhancing the nation’s mandatory animal disease traceablity (ADT) program by requiring official electronic radio-frequency identification … [Read more...]
In search of the perfect cow
Ryon Walker with the Noble Research Institute leads us through important traits for choosing the perfect cow. We can manage only as well as the cow and her offspring will allow us to. If we can produce a “perfect cow,” then we can more easily manage that cow. Source: Drovers, June 20, 2019. Link. Walker prioritizes preferred traits in this order: Environment fit … [Read more...]
Poultry flocks must increase 3-fold to meet cage-free pledges
Maro Ibarbaru shares several challenges the poultry industry must meet to accomplish the transitions to cage-free production. Beyond the economic challenges, there are concerns about animal welfare, higher mortality, disease and parasite control as well as poor feed conversion. Source: Egg Industry, June 2019. Link. For management to properly handle the potential health … [Read more...]
Feline fundus disease (photo gallery)
The ocular fundus is the back of the eye opposite the pupil and includes the portion of the white of the eye (sclera) that is in the back of the eye, the retina, the membrane between the retina and the sclera (the choroid), and the optic disk. In cats, abnormalities can affect the fundus including inherited disease, acquired disease, infectious disease, manifestations of … [Read more...]
Answers to questions about cats scratching
Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, discusses the what, when, how and why of cat scratching. In many households, she shares, people don’t understand that scratching is natural behavior that needs to occur. She discusses carpets, scratching post orientation and texture so the cat finds an outlet and something to scratch. Source: Catster, June 13, 2019. Link. Scratching is a behavior cats … [Read more...]
Purina research shows promise for those allergic to cats
By taking advantage of natural allergen-antibody interactions, Purina researchers discovered how to safely neutralize Fel d1, a major cat allergen, in hair and dander. This was done by incorporating an egg product containing anti-Fel d1 antibodies into a cat's diet. Their research, published in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease and featured at the Purina Institute website … [Read more...]
Horses helping seniors
Human-animal bond research continues to expose the power of animals interacting with humans and vice versa. The Connected Horse program in California is stretching the approach for seniors with dementia, including Alzheimer’s. The program also recognizes the needs of caregivers and uses older horses past their prime. The combination appears effective and is the focus of … [Read more...]
Snakebite dos and donts for dogs
Non-poisonous snakes, like the garter snake, don’t have fangs. They have rows of teeth and they do not produce toxic venom, says Travis Arndt, DVM. This distinction is crucial when it comes to snake bites on dogs. . . . if you or your dog are bitten by a non-poisonous snake, you won’t see the two puncture wounds that you would see from a venomous snake. A non-poisonous bite … [Read more...]
Dogs absorb our emotions
A new study shows owners who experience long-term stress and anxiety can pass it on to their dogs. Dogs are quite good at understanding humans. They’re definitely better at understanding us than we are at understanding them.” - Lina Roth, Zoologist Source: National Geographic, June 6, 2019. Link. Roth found no evidence that anxious dogs created nervous owners. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Demand for life-stage diets growing
Today’s pet owners are more informed than in previous years and seek research-backed foods for their pets. They want sustainable food that will support their dogs from head to tail, through all phases of their life. As a result, the market for life-stage diets for dogs is steady, according to industry insiders. Paige Brockway reviews the trends, challenges and nuances of … [Read more...]
Banfield adds telehealth tool, VetChat
Actress, author, singer and comedian Jane Lynch (Glee, Best in Show) is helping warn people about the dangers of seeking out random advice about their pets’ health from the internet. Her work coincides with Banfield’s launch of VetChat, a 24-hour veterinary advice platform, to wellness plan participants. Source: DVM 360, June 20, 2019. Link. Banfield has presented the new … [Read more...]
Good writing makes you more employable, no matter the role
It’s never too late to learn what makes great writing, says Jaleh Bisharat. If your writing needs work, he offers reasons to improve along with seven tips on being a better writer: Good writing correlates with crisp thinking Clear, persuasive communication is the underpinning of a successful professional If you’re a good writer, there will always be work for you to … [Read more...]
The smartest in the room
Some in leadership positions believe that to be an effective leader, they must be the smartest person at their company and if they are not, it somehow sends a signal to their staff that the leader is inept. In reality, no one is an expert in everything. Source: LinkedInPulse, June 3, 2019. Link Great leaders aren't know-it-alls who constantly try to outshine everyone. They … [Read more...]
Authenticity important to women’s work success (video)
Female leaders must account for gendered perceptions when considering their leadership styles, according to a KPMG report. Because women are often characterized as being "too bossy or demanding," "not aggressive enough," "not collaborative enough," or "too direct," 58% of women said they have changed their leadership styles to avoid such perceptions, the report found. Source: … [Read more...]
Networking – the right thing to do for your practice
Veterinary medicine is subject to more competitive pressure today than ever before. While it may be a foreign concept to many in the industry, your survival depends on you becoming competitive. Networking can help you by interacting with other successful business people in your community. Here are five tips that will start you on the way to becoming an expert … [Read more...]
Climate changes expand the distribution of diseases
Some experts fear climate change is expanding the distribution of diseases that can sicken or even kill dogs, putting more of them at risk for diseases their owners have never had to deal with, according to Elizabeth Weise’s report. The biggest spread in heartworm disease in the United States certainly followed the 2005 national distribution of dogs due to Hurricane Katrina.” … [Read more...]
The flies have it!
As summer kicks off, Travis Meteer reviews four main types of flies that bother livestock. Wet spring conditions have provided favorable breeding conditions and we’re likely to see considerable fly pressure through the summer months. Cattle facilities are not the only places flies are nuisances. Meteer’s strategies for control apply to urban and suburban locales, as … [Read more...]
Rescue dog book promotes children reading to animals
A new fictional book, My Name is Curly, supports both childrens’ reading and shelter animals. Research has shown that when children read to animals, it helps with their reading skills, helps children socialize. It also comforts and reduces the anxiety of shelter pets. Plus, it nurtures empathy in children. Author and attorney Andi C. Kryszak says when she adopted her first … [Read more...]
Evaluating pain in cats
Natalie Stilwell, DVM, summarizes a recent Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery article < link > reviewing the latest advancements in acute pain assessment in the cat. She reviews various scales to assess feline pain which is often masked by the individual cat. Source: DVM360 Magazine, April 12, 2019. Link. Stillwell discusses pain scoring instruments including: … [Read more...]
All cats NEED heartworm prevention
Mosquitos don’t ask permission before entering homes, offices or other facilities. Sustained transmission in northern states expands the distribution and expansion of Dirofilaria immitis, the filarial nematode that is transmitted via infected mosquitoes, writes Richard Gerhold, DVM, MS, PhD. He discusses prevention differences in dogs and cats. Diagnosing and treating … [Read more...]
HeHelp owners, employees pick the best treats
There is a lot of pet junk food on the market. Regardless of how much pet owners research main diets, treats can have a detrimental effect on pets. Tavor White shares five things to look for when choosing pet treats: Made with pristine, all-natural ingredients Monitored for quality and safety Sustainably and ethically sourced Created with a conscience … [Read more...]
Dirty dogs need people to solve their problems
Canine house soiling has many potential causes, including medical conditions and behavior problems. Accurate assessment is critical, as the prognosis for control or resolution is typically good once the underlying cause is identified according to Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB. She shares information about diagnostics, behaviors, treatments and training. Clients are often … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Separation anxiety CE from PRN University
PRN® Pharmacal's UniversityPRN.com < link > announced a new 1-hour CE course on Separation Anxiety written by Boarded Behaviorist Dr. Debra Horwitz. During the course participants will learn to: Recognize the signs of separation anxiety in dogs Inquire about the symptoms, triggers and risk factors Identify differential and co-morbid diagnoses Recommend … [Read more...]
Middle-aged users drive social media use
You’re just as likely to use social media if you are 35 to 54 years old or if you’re under 35 years old. This shift and other insights in the Social Habit report from Edison Research, is important to practice marketers who promote their clinics via social media. Instagram and Snapchat users are typically younger, but those older than 34 outnumber youngsters on Facebook, … [Read more...]
TickEncouter website helps with tick identification and prevention
The TickEncounter Resource Center (TERC) from the University of Rhode Island promotes tick bite protection and tick-borne disease prevention by engaging, educating and empowering people to take action. One supportive element allows persons and organizations to become TickEncounter Prevention Partners. A new program enables nationwide crowd-sourced tick surveillance using … [Read more...]
Veterinary practice consolidation demystified
Under current trends, consolidation of veterinary practices will continue until just three or four companies control 60% or more of the market. Michael Dicks, PhD, and Melissa Maddux, DVM, provide a detailed commentary on the progression of corporate ownership of practices and the rationales for clinic evaluations, strategies and needs of various types of practice group … [Read more...]
Meet Gen Fur, the biggest growing target market
Jeanne Shields says to forget Gens X, Y and Z. The biggest growth market is what she calls Gen Fur. Shields sites a recent article from Forbes < link > that features metrics that confirm the explosive growth of the pet industry. The new generation of pet owners embraces pet ownership with enthusiasm and spares no expense in treating their pets like family. Source: … [Read more...]
PetInsuranceInfo.com to help pet owners learn about, compare pet insurance
LifeLearn Animal Health announced the launch of PetInsuranceInfo.com < link >, a new pet insurance education website. It can help pet owners learn about what pet insurance is, what it isn't and the questions they need to ask prior to buying a policy. The site also allows pet owners to easily compare quotes from different pet insurance companies and find the coverage that … [Read more...]