START NOW to reduce the annual fall movement of rodents indoors. As the weather cools, rodents migrate to livestock and poultry houses seeking warmer conditions and food sources. The same migrations occur in cities, suburbs, ruralpolitan acreages, farms and ranches. Jim Eadie shares ways to get ahead of the migration using bait stations. He says early placement is vital … [Read more...]
Strategies to help horses work with a veterinarian
There are plenty of easy things to help get your horse ready for a vet day without drama or trauma, writes Allison Armstrong Rehnborg. Even under the best of circumstances, vet day can be a bit chaotic. Teaching a horse the basics of good manners is part of being a responsible horse owner. . . it’s not the vets’ job.” - Ryan Cottingim Source: Horse Illustrated, January 6, … [Read more...]
Equine supplements: Look closely, they may not be needed.
Horse owners are always trying this or that to get more out of their animals. Sarah Voss reminds us that supplements are not regulated by the FDA or USDA. She says: Make sure any supplement is something a horse truly needs Contact a veterinarian familiar with the horse’s history first Look at the packaging to determine the quantity of each ingredient provided Ask … [Read more...]
There are now lab-grown mouse-meat cookies for cats
There will soon be cultured meat for pet food. Say what? Current pet foods use some of the worst meat and a market for it helps keep conventional agriculture afloat. Enter biotech startup Because, Animals. It touts a reduction in carbon pollution by focusing on cultured, lab grown meat starting with cat treats. The first snack, called Cultured Mouse Cookies for Cats, has … [Read more...]
Behaviorists agree on dominance. Dogs don’t try to compete with people.
The debate continues despite the title. It’s an interesting read.” – Kirk Augustine Most available research indicates that dogs engage in behaviors of dominance and submission, but they don’t try to compete with us for control over the domestic environments in which they live. Important questions still remain, however, especially about whether dogs recognize our putative … [Read more...]
Why the rationale for canine Borrelia burgdorferi vaccination is unpersuasive
In this brief critical discussion, the authors argue that B. burgdorferi vaccines in dogs meet the criteria outlined by AAHA for a vaccine that is not generally recommended, and that these vaccines do not confer any clear benefit to public health, as Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease. For these reasons, they conclude that the rationale for canine B. burgdorferi … [Read more...]
Ticks hide everywhere!
Need we say more? Source: I Love Veterinary Medicine, Facebook, August 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
3 must-reads on canine osteoarthritis
In observance of National Dog Month this August, DVM 360 highlighted three articles that provide effective methods for treating osteoarthritis and helping patients manage this debilitating disease so they can live their fullest lives. Source: DVM 360, August 9, 2021. Link. The articles include pointers on implementing a rehabilitation plan immediately after the diagnosis to … [Read more...]
Rainbow-dyed fur and dog mohawks: The L.A. dog groomer bringing joy to Instagram
Josh White is used to attention. The 30-year-old dog groomer’s style is as colorful and label conscious as a pop star with an eclectic smattering of designer clothing ranging from Supreme to Vivienne Westwood. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 16, 2021. Link. Learn more about Dogue Spa services, White and partner Mehdi Rezig at https://www.doguespa.net … [Read more...]
AHD’s Augustine speaks with Ivan Zak, Shawn Wilkie on Veterinary Innovation Podcast
Kirk Augustine, Animal Health Digest founder and president, was the 110th guest on the recent Veterinary Innovation Podcast. He discussed curating content for veterinary professionals, the need for neutrality and why animal dentistry deserves more attention as oral care. Source: Veterinary Innovation Podcast, August 12, 2021. Link. Reflecting on the experience, Augustine … [Read more...]
Revenge bedtime procrastination. What it means, how to stop it.
Considering all the media coverage about stress, depression, fully taxed staffs and the ongoing suicide concerns, we’re sharing Ashley Mateo’s article for those who can’t go to bed until they’ve gotten their perceived fill of me time or peace and quiet. Revenge bedtime procrastination is defined as a phenomenon in which people who don't have much control over their daytime … [Read more...]
Stop over-apologizing
Starting your sentences with, “I’m sorry,” does a lot more harm than you think, says Reniel. Over-apologizing is a real thing. He says for some of us, we're being too hard on ourselves, anticipating that something we said will offend someone, or provoke them. For others, it stems from something in our past that may have been an unhealthy relationship. . . . consider that … [Read more...]
How toxic is wildfire smoke?
There are five particles that determine air quality: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. These provide an air quality index. Air quality is measured by a numbered scale which begins at zero and goes to 500. Anything above 150 to 200 is considered terrible air quality, even though the scale goes to 500. Source: The Outdoor Wear, August 12, 2021. … [Read more...]
Stay in your discomfort zone
Last week we shared career stages veterinarians experience <Link>. The first five years could be called uncomfortable. Syed Balkhi advocates embracing discomfort. Feeling discomfort and resistance are normal experiences. And whether you’re a leader, a professional or a creative person, your best chance at growth and transformation is by getting comfortable with … [Read more...]
Is half of your staff planning to quit?
Forty eight percent of America's working population is actively job searching or watching for opportunities. Businesses face a staggeringly high quit rate as 3.6 million Americans resigned in May alone. Source: Gallup, July 22, 2021. Link. Considering that most of the currently employed are not engaged, each new hire is liable to land on a less-than-engaging team and … [Read more...]
Pay attention to these 3 customer trends
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, widened the gap between innovative leaders and those who resisted change, unsettled and increased customer expectations, and forced sales teams into remote interactions, says J. Michael Marks. You don’t have to be a distributor to appreciate the simplicity of the trends Marks shares. He says if you’re willing to play offense, … [Read more...]
Death and other client kindnesses
Opinion Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it's time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance. To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia … [Read more...]
Anthropomorphism: The greatest threat to animal welfare
Universally, anthropomorphism is known as giving human characteristics to a non-human entity. According to the author of this article, anthropomorphism can be traced back 30,000 years. Anthropomorphism today is seen in almost every household in this country and the trend is growing. We need to step back and understand why we are projecting human traits on our pets and other … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 12, 2021
Last week’s most read AHD post Relief Rover raises $10K from virtual 5K event benefitting NOMV. AHD, Link Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin - August 5, 2021. Link. Scientists have worked out how to send viable mouse sperm on postcards Source: New Scientist, August 5, 2021. Link. This study raises the intriguing idea that human spermatozoa could … [Read more...]
40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study
Scientists have found that 40 percent of wild deer in parts of the U.S. had neutralizing antibodies for the coronavirus, suggesting Covid-19 spread from humans in what is reportedly the first documentation of widespread exposure to the virus in free-roaming animals. Source: Washington Times, August 4, 2021. Link. This is not just an occasional one-off infection. This is … [Read more...]
6 criteria for culling cattle during drought
Drought conditions throughout cow country eventually force culling decisions. Multiple factors should be considered when deciding culling strategies, and there’s no one-size-fits-all set of criteria that will work for every producer. The process begins with an inventory of available feed resources. Source: BEEF, August 5, 2021. Link. The author shares some options for where … [Read more...]
Feed bait contraceptive may help reduce feral hog reproduction
A new hog contraceptive is being used to manage the feral hog population in Texas. The strategy is to provide an all-natural feed bait that is made of ingredients fed to cattle and deer but combined in such a way that it makes feral boars sterile. The non-toxic formula reduces the fertility of feral hogs within five days and maintains fertility interruption for at least 30 … [Read more...]
Cattle bunching on dairy farms: Causes and solutions
The ongoing advancements in animal stewardship at the farm or ranch level, are fascinating as they are revealed. Sadly, the public often holds an Old MacDonald point of view about animal care. Dairy and cattle producers are continually observing and working toward solutions to limiting production factors that ultimately improve animal health and stewardship. Brian Dougherty … [Read more...]
ASF information for community and media available from OIE
The latest information about African swine fever and tools for communicating about it to the public and the media are now available from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). From a thorough overview of the disease, diagnostics, and prevention and control, the information quality is expectedly high. Additionally, a link to media resources that include posters, … [Read more...]
Pain management is quickest route to improved animal welfare
Pain management was pinpointed as one of the more accessible wins among animal welfare challenges and positive interventions identified during a recent Ruminant Health and Welfare workshop in the United Kingdom. Session attendees included veterinarians, researchers, farmers and other industry professionals. Widening the range of conditions where non-steroidals can be … [Read more...]
Thumps and managing horses in the heat
Sponsor’s content included High temperatures and humidity come with risks to horses and riders. Elevated temperatures can lead to dangerous health problems in horses. Volume 30 of EQUUS Extra addresses heat issues in horses including a fun multiple-choice learning format. Learn about:, When horses need electrolytes What sweat can tell you about a horse’s health … [Read more...]
Pet owner support for pet insurance
The article isn’t as inclusive as its title, but Rebecca Jones provides sound information to support pet insurance decisions. She includes information from leaders of various pet insurance companies for a predominately female decision maker audience. Source: Her Money, July 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Heartworm testing. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
We can’t remind owners enough that it is important to get a heartworm test for their cats and dogs every year. That’s why we’re highlighting this consumer-focused article about heartworm testing. Sharing it on social media and in newsletters can help pet owners understand why heartworm tests and inspections are so necessary. Source: Puppies and Pooches, August 6, 2021. … [Read more...]
Some dog foods may be linked to canine heart disease
This report will generate lots of questions for veterinary teams and retailers alike. Use the article to inform team members and then establish how to respond in unison. Using an approach called foodomics to compare the biochemical compounds that differ between traditional dog foods and those that might be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Raw diets, more learning required
Although the raw/fresh pet food category is getting more attention from pet owners, it’s not as if these products are going to sell themselves. Pamela Mills-Senn shares some obstacles and objections to raw diet adoption. While written for pet retail, the information shared is worthy of veterinary team consideration and preparation for the inevitable questions from pet … [Read more...]