The number of practices achieving AAHA’s Accredited Practice status continues to grow. Thirty-seven of them were accredited from March 15, 2018 through May 14, 2018. Congratulations to these practices. Source: AAHA Red, May 15, 2018. Link. Learn more about AAHA accreditation at aaha.org/becomeaccredited. Also see: AAHA accredits 69 hospitals since last October (includes … [Read more...]
Cracking the window won’t help
Parking in the shade on a sunny day won’t necessarily save a pet left in the car from heatstroke, or worse. A new study of temperatures inside parked cars shows that a car parked in the sun would reach lethal temperatures faster than one parked in the shade, but even in a shaded car, heat buildup could prove deadly. Source: AAHA NEWStat, May 31, 2018. Link. Dr. Ernie Ward, … [Read more...]
Do dogs understand time?
Are dogs just very good at guessing, or do they really understand and keep track of time? Matt Soniak explores the topic in this interesting article. Source: Pet MD. Link. A review of research on the subject by psychologist William Roberts found ample evidence that many different animals are sensitive to time. “They can learn to go to a particular place for food at a … [Read more...]
The most important thing to teach dogs
Before you dive into this article, write down your top three answers to test yourself. Nicole Wilde admits that not biting, potty skills and socialization are important for dogs. But for day-to-day living the most important thing you can teach them is how to ask politely for what they want. This article is sound advice for pet owners and is worth using for social media … [Read more...]
Tooth resorption: Name it to tame it
There are three types of tooth resorption in cats and six types in dogs. And all of them are treated differently, says Dr. Mary Krakowski Volker, DVM, DAVDC. Treatment depends on the type of resorption present. She notes we don’t use the same names for dogs or cats. Source: Veterinary Medicine, DVM 360, May 23, 2018. Link. There are stages of tooth resorption in cats that … [Read more...]
5 end-of-life myths about pets – BUSTED
Cherie Buisson, DVM, CHPV, has devoted much of her time to veterinary hospice and palliative care. She routinely hears many end of-life-myths. She shares five of them with comments to help animal health pros better understand end-of-life care. They’re not in pain because they’re not crying If pets are eating, they have a good quality of life There is a perfect time … [Read more...]
Don’t confuse empathy and kindness
Kindness is certainly a quality to be admired and the world would be a better place if we were kinder to one another. However, there are many situations when being kind is the most unproductive, disrespectful and frankly, the unkindest thing you can do to another human being. Source: Fast Company, May 23, 2018. Link. Here’s what empathy is: It’s putting yourself in someone … [Read more...]
June is National Pet Preparedness Month. Let’s get chippy!
Sarah Wooten, DVM, says it is time to target new clients and all clients in your database who don’t have a microchip on file with succinct, powerful communication that will cause them to take action. She offers a script to help animal health pros promote microchipping and motivate owners to act. Source: DVM 360, May 14, 2018. Link. Also see: Ready.gov. Link. The Pet … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo underway (slide show)
The World Pork Expo closes tomorrow at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. It is the world’s largest gathering dedicated to swine production. You can learn more at worldpork.org. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 5, 2018. Link. Willie Vogt walked around the expo as preparations were being made for the opening on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. In addition to new technology … [Read more...]
Triclosan hand soaps are banned in healthcare
In December 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule on the safety and efficacy of certain active ingredients used in antiseptic hand soaps in human healthcare. The biggest impact to healthcare facilities is that triclosan, the most commonly used soap active, is no longer permitted as an active ingredient. As a result, triclosan-based hand soaps can no … [Read more...]
Cover letters are still vital to getting interviews
While cover letters may not carry the importance they once did, those making hiring decisions still rely on cover letters to size up candidates and determine who might be worth calling in for an interview. You can probably boil your full-page cover letter down to a single paragraph or two, without rehashing your resume according to Emily Liou. Source: Fast Company, May 23, … [Read more...]
Make RV travel stress-free for dogs
Memorial Day weekend signals the start of the vacation season and with it the RVs come out of storage to hit the road. Planning will keep RVing dogs happy and safe. Liz Palika offers ideas in the following categories for those traveling with their pets: Where will the dog ride? The right dog stuff Stop often on the road Stopping for the night Daily routine … [Read more...]
Feline hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism is underdiagnosed and underreported
David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM, said that hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism are so common that if you look for them, you will probably diagnose either disorder in the next month. Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is seen in middle-aged cats, and there’s no sex predilection. In dogs, Addison’s is an autoimmune disease, but it is unknown if it is the same in … [Read more...]
Differentiating Cushing’s and EMS
There is no ideal, one-size-fits-all testing method to differentiate between these two diseases, says Kelsey Hart, DVM. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s disease) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) are by far the most common endocrine disorders in horses. In fact, a recent study results suggest that up to 30 percent of horses of some breeds … [Read more...]
Protect horses and owners from leptospirosis
It is important for horse owners to understand the risk of leptospirosis to their horses, pets and themselves. Diane Rice discusses Lepto sp. in this worthwhile article. Consider it for websites, newsletters, social media posts and materials for riding clubs, stables or 4-H and FFA groups. Source: The Horse. Link. Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide, … [Read more...]
SWAG is good, but more is needed
Jessica Peters, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, shares her perspective on what is needed to help support dairy producers beyond hats, pens and trinkets. Her perspective is worthwhile, especially if you call on dairies or market dairy products. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 23, 2018. Link. Why not collaborate with farmers to help them produce and distribute fun, informative … [Read more...]
Read the calving signs
Seventeen percent or more of cows need help to deliver a calf. Calving challenges affect the cow and calf’s health, production and fertility. Recognition of normal calving behaviors and the labor process is important for cow welfare and needs to be part of farm labor training. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2018. Link. Calving behavior research shows cows want a secluded … [Read more...]
BRD is a battle we may never win
Burt Rutherford makes a case that BRD or BRDC will likely never be eliminated. His opinion was formed after reading a research study that indicates over 21 percent of cattle are effected by BRD. While BRD costs the industry $800 - $900 million annually, the challenge is making changes in how calves are managed prior to weaning, he says. Source: BEEF, May 22, 2018. … [Read more...]
7 tips for veterinarians to handle delusional parasitosis
Lori Hehn, DVM, discusses a human disease or syndrome, where an owner believes that they or their pets are infested with a parasite or organism that isn't there. Delusional parasitosis is a mistaken belief that one is being infested by parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, spiders, worms, bacteria or other organisms. Source: VetPrep. Link. Dr. Hehn knows veterinary team … [Read more...]
Heartworms are real
Some pet owners simply don’t believe heartworms are a risk for their pet. Erika Ervin, CVT, discusses how she approaches non-believers. Whether it is lack of knowledge, money or misinformation, heartworm protection remains critically important for dogs and especially cats. Source: FIRSTLINE, May 13, 2018. Link. At the end of the day, the only way to gain credibility with … [Read more...]
Flies spread PEDV year-round
Pig producers have another good reason to think about fly control. A study conducted earlier this year confirms that even a few flies have the ability to infect pigs with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Source: PORK, May 23, 2018. Link. This new research shows flies pose a year-round risk for disease transmission, creating a new paradigm. A disease risk reduction … [Read more...]
Proper etiquette helps makes texts effective
Texting is increasingly being used for business. If not done appropriately it can cause misunderstandings and reflect poorly on the person sending the text, as well as their company. Source: Smart Meetings, June 21, 2016. Link. Sometimes, people get frustrated when they send texts about urgent, important matters but don’t hear back right away. Realize that the person you are … [Read more...]
Bats really do eat a lot of mosquitoes (includes video)
A recently published study by University of Wisconsin researchers found that bats they studied ate 17 types of mosquitoes, including nine that are potential carriers of the West Nile Virus. They studied two species of bats; the little brown bat and the big brown bat. The study was published in the Journal of Mammalogy. Source: Wisconsin State Journal, May 22, 2018. … [Read more...]
Animal healthcare: The future belongs to the four-legged (includes video)
Jed Brody, Barclays’ vice chairman of global banking, reviews the animal healthcare sector evolution and why the pace of innovation shows no sign of slowing. This article and video present the perspective from the banking industry. Source: Barclays, April 11, 2018. Link. People are willing to spend endless amounts of money on their animals because they see them as true … [Read more...]
Rabies vaccine is associated with decreased all-cause mortality in dogs
Research published in the July 2017 issue of the journal Vaccine found that dogs who receive rabies vaccines experience better health overall. The researchers hypothesize that the protective association between rabies vaccination status and all-cause mortality is due to a protective effect of rabies vaccine against diseases other than rabies. Source: Vaccine, July 5, 2017. … [Read more...]
The world needs you to love reading
Niklas Göke is young, a German grad student and prolific contributor to Medium. In this post, he addresses the importance of reading and the need to fight to read even when you enjoy it. Explaining his perspective on reading and its link to culture he writes, Despite both the subjective and objective evidence, the demise of reading is not a very public issue. In the age of new … [Read more...]
Big heifers, like big steers, may limit beef demand
Bigger, heavier heifers may not be better for beef marketing. Over the past 50 years, the gap between steer weights and heifer weights has closed significantly. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension economist, reviews heifer development and the potential impact on beef demand. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2018. Link. Clearly, the industry continues to feed heifers … [Read more...]
7 hypoallergenic cats breeds help reduce allergies
Low-allergen, or hypoallergenic cats, are those that typically produce fewer allergens than regular cats. The operative word here is fewer. A protein, Fel D1, is the allergen in the cat’s saliva that causes problems for cat allergy sufferers. Some cat breeds produce less of it than others, making them hypoallergenic. Seven breeds are featured in this article Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
Pet reptiles or amphibians may pose health risks to humans
It is important for owners of reptiles, such as turtles, snakes and lizards, and amphibians, such as frogs, toads and salamanders to understand the health risks to themselves and others in their household. Animal health pros need to advise pet reptiles or amphibians owners about the risk for salmonellosis and the simple steps that can be taken to reduce risk to household … [Read more...]
7 Home fixer-ups that are dangerous for pets
Spring and summer are top times for home repair and remodeling projects. This work and the supplies to support it can be hazardous to pets. The folks at vetSTREET put together some great tips to keep pets safe. Source: vetSTREET, April 20, 2015. Link. The bottom line is, for safety’s sake, always keep your pets away from home-repair products. If, despite your precautions, … [Read more...]