Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons, most of which signal an underlying issue. Dog owners with poop eaters devour information and tips to stop this disgusting behavior. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, discusses the whys of coprophagia and ways to stop the behavior. Source: PetMD. Link. Also see: Why do dogs eat poop? Animal Health Digest, August 31, 2016. … [Read more...]
Phytochemical richness improves animal health
“There’s a big difference between a couple of beers and a case,” writes R.P. ‘Doc’ Cooke in his essay on how phytochemicals produced by plants, usually to help them thrive or to thwart competitors, predators or pathogens. He reminds us that they can be important nutrients for grazing animals as well. Source: BeefProducer, March 3, 2020. Link. Mineral rich soil (calcium is … [Read more...]
Spring checklist for horse owners
Sponsored Content Ben Franklin’s well known axiom, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” describes the checklist for equine enthusiasts eager to participate in first big trail ride, show or clinic of the season. Dee McVicker and Christine Barakat offer five areas for horse owners as a pre-season checklist: Health status Weight Fitness Transport … [Read more...]
Colostrum, more than just immunoglobulins (webinar video)
Colostrum is important to all mammal newborns. It is essential for the final development and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Calves that receive high-quality colostrum have higher survival rates, lower age at conception, and will yield more milk through the second lactation. Michael Steele shares information on colostrum supplementation, the … [Read more...]
Success strategies for newborn calves
There is a 4-hour window to optimize antibody absorption and immunity in newborn calves, according to Brian Vander Lay, veterinary epidemiologist. Once a calf gets its first meal the gut wall begins to close and they lose the capacity to absorb essential antibodies in colostrum necessary for immunity. He offers five strategies to ensure healthy calves. Share this on social … [Read more...]
Equine body condition tips
Gauging a horse’s weight without a scale is inexact, so most horse owners must rely on other methods for monitoring their horses’ body condition. Veterinarians and nutritionists encourage horse owners to use the Henneke Body Condition Scoring system. Factors such as height, breed, and reproductive status will affect weight, and you can’t identify a ‘healthy weight range’ that … [Read more...]
The emotional gauntlet of raising meat chickens and other livestock
One person’s chicken is another person’s dinner. It is an age-old challenge for animal owners who work hard at having healthy food animals. Consumers avoid visualizing a living, breathing animal as the source of the neat, plastic-wrapped package sliding over a scanner at the grocery. Marissa Ames provides thought-filled perspectives on raising animals for meat protein. She … [Read more...]
Opinion – Managing obesity? You have to count the treats.
In a recent post referencing the 2020 Banfield report <link>, I shared the experience of adjusting the diet for our Morkie. The discovery of the number of Kcals in his treats led me to seek resources that help animal health pros counsel pet owners on the impact of calories from treats. Treats are frequently mentioned in articles that give nutritional guidance, but limited … [Read more...]
Pet nutrition important to professional groomers and boarders
Groomers and boarders know more than hair. Nutrition is important, too and they discuss it often. Source: Understanding the nutritional needs of pets, Pet Boarding and Daycare, January/February 2020. Link. Content was provided by the Professional Pet Boarding Council < link > INSIGHTS: There are more than 25,000 persons engaged as professional groomers and in pet … [Read more...]
Chickens in a minute (video)
Sponsored content from Nutrena With Easter around the corner and farm stores getting ready for new chicks, basic chicken care questions are eminent. Consider this video for social media posts, websites and newsletters. Source: Backyard Poultry, March 2019. Link. Chickens are hardy creatures that are lower maintenance than many house pets, but they do need some basic care … [Read more...]
Itchy cat? Think location, location, location.
Amelia White, DVM, MS, DACVD, offered VMX attendees insight about managing several types of allergies in cats. Her presentation begins with a discussion of behaviors that indicate causes or imposters. Joan Capuzzi, VMD, summarizes the content in the following categories. Cats and their eosinophils Creepy crawlies When food’s the culprit Atopy: allergies “on … [Read more...]
Can dogs savor their food?
Beyond taste bud comparisons, Tavor White shares science references on dogs and savoring flavor. According to Alexandra Horowitz, dogs have 300 million olfactory receptor cells compared to five million in humans. Add that the part of their brain that analyzes smells is approximately 40 times bigger than ours and a dog’s sense of smell is up to one million times greater than … [Read more...]
Choosing and administering oral electrolytes to calves
Robert Corbett, DVM, says not all calf electrolytes are created equally. Additionally, ingredients are expressed in a variety of ways that make label comparisons difficult. He shares what a good oral electrolyte should include and how to feed them. Note that he warns against mixing with milk or milk replacer emphasizes spacing electrolyte administration between milk … [Read more...]
Opinion – Lawsuit over popular dog food brand exposes label confusion
You can decide if the litigation described in this article is necessary or accurate. The context is important, as is what animal health pros can learn from it and the inherent call to action, which is pet owners need nutritional counseling and guidance. There is no question that pet diet labels have become more confusing over time pitting marketing perceptions against … [Read more...]
Pet food labels have more sizzle than substance
Nebulous terms create confusion on pet food labels, especially when ridiculous terms are used to describe a product. Most of these terms have no legal definition or if they have been defined, they are a mismatch to popular definitions. The author discusses a list of terms to ignore or rethink when choosing food for your pets: Human-grade Premium Organic Holistic … [Read more...]
Opinion – 2020 Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET)® Report from Banfield®
Banfield® Pet Hospital has again shared information from their internal data this year on the importance of weight management in pets as it relates to osteoarthritis. The entire veterinary industry continues to benefit from a better understanding of clients, pets and prevalence of conditions. Thank you Banfield! Excess weight in pets is a growing problem (no pun … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal protein versus plant-based protein. A discussion worth having.
Media of all types has paid great attention to plant-based protein of late. However, the hype leaves out the importance of factually discussing issues surrounding meat production. We agree with Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, that collaboration by all parties will lead to science-based solutions to protein supply challenges. Simmons issues a call to … [Read more...]
Optimizing digestive health in horses
Sponsored Content from ADM Animal Nutrition The new issue of EQUUS Extra is dedicated to nutritional aspects of equine digestions, colic and ulcers. In our post Colic comes in many forms, January 14, 2020 < link >, we shared an overview of three types of colic. Dr. Annette McCoy broke down colic cases by type; non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. She also … [Read more...]
Colic comes in many forms
Depending on a colic’s cause, treatment steps and prognoses can vary widely, writes Alexandra Beckstett. She breaks down colic cases by type—non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. Source: The Horse, January 2020. Link. (article excerpt). Flank-watching or -biting, pawing, trying to roll, an elevated heart rate, a lack of gut sounds or bowel movements. While … [Read more...]
AKC on alternative meat diets and the grain free question
There has been confusion and misinformation in past months about boutique, exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets (BEG) and the prevalence of DCM. The recent issue of AKC Family Dog presents information on the DCM story and what is being considered as food sources for dogs. Source: AKC Family Dog,January/February 2020. Update: The grain-free question. Link. Where’s … [Read more...]
Effects of diets, treats and additives on periodontal disease
Alexander Reiter, Dr. med. vet., discusses periodontal disease in the context of what dogs and cats eat, chew on and drink. The studies referenced are supportive of dry diets, dental treats and toys adjunct to best care practices. The gold standard for the management of periodontal disease is diagnosis and treatment under general anesthesia, followed by home oral hygiene … [Read more...]
Most-read posts from January and February 2019
AHD selects actionable articles from more than 250 media sources we continuously review. These include about 40 sources directed to veterinarians and veterinary staff, more than 150 sources that focus on animal owners and popular press, blogs and social media. Source: Animal Health Digest, Most-read posts, January 2019. Better ways to say, “You screwed up.” Link. … [Read more...]
Organic label doesn’t guarantee that holiday ham came from a happy pig
There’s an assumption that certified organically raised animals live happier, more natural lives. The reality, writes Michael Haedicke, is more complicated. Government regulations for organic farming contain few specific protections for pigs, poultry and other animals raised for human consumption. So, conditions on organic farms may not actually be all that different from … [Read more...]
Junk in, junk out applies to feed too
The adage about computers and data applies to forage value and production. We recently posted about hay consumption < link > and mud at hay feeding locations - link >. Lynn James shares Progressive Forage's top 2019 articles chosen by readers whose priorities include high quality forages. Source: Progressive Forage, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: One of these … [Read more...]
Understanding swine gut microbiome at different growth stages
What pigs are fed and at which growth stage makes a difference in the swine gut microbiome, according to new research. University of Arkansas researchers completed a comprehensive longitudinal study that remarkably expands the understanding of the swine gut microbiome and addresses ecological questions: How does the swine gut microbiome change from birth to market across … [Read more...]
Reduce mud at hay feeding locations
Paralleling methods used to build roads through swamps, Mark Hilton, DVM, shares methods for using hay pads to keep cattle less muddy as winter hay feeding begins. He also shares the benefits of limiting 24/7 free access to hay and includes study results. Source: BEEF, November 2019. Link. When asked, 100 percent of beef producers who have built hay pads and now use time … [Read more...]
How much hay will a cow consume?
Forage quality will be a determining factor in the amount of forage consumed, writes Glenn Selk. He discusses the variables producers must consider when calculating winter feed needs for their cattle. Source: Drovers, November 4, 2019. Link. Excellent forages, such as good alfalfa, silages, or green pasture provide a combination of increased nutrient content and increased … [Read more...]
Skip the bran and other winter horse feeding tips
Christine Barakat shares simple tips to keep horses happy and healthy when the weather turns cold. Even seasoned horse owners will appreciate these reminders, including the snow saucer tip for hauling hay. Source: EQUUS, November 25, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this for social media, newsletters and targeted mailings to horse owners. … [Read more...]
Most read livestock posts
Posts about poultry garnered remarkable readership by readers interested in food animals. Three of the most-read livestock posts from June 1 through October 31, 2019 were about poultry. Feed sows in late gestation to enhance colostrum, AHD, June 25, 2019. Link. DVM walks us through Fair Oaks Farms video (video), AHD, June 25, 2019. Link. In search of the perfect cow, … [Read more...]
Favorite equine posts
A horse is a horse, of course, of course, And no one can talk to a horse of course That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr. Ed < link >. A lot has changed since Mr. Ed, the TV program about the talking horse, ran in the 1950s and 1960s. < … [Read more...]