Students in the Exponential Vet summer Veterinary Student Innovation Program provide insight on: origami swallowable pills a synthetic dog model that mimics the canine body for use in teaching instead of live animals using drones to track stray dogs using artificial intelligence for X-ray diagnostics an app that compares photos and videos that may help with … [Read more...]
It’s hot. Pets and hot cars don’t mix.
It’s hot out and summer hasn’t hit yet. Leaving pets in hot cars is a disaster waiting to happen. The AVMA reports that temperatures inside a parked car can rise 20 degrees in only 10 minutes. Not rescuing a dog experiencing discomfort inside a parked car prompted KUSA anchor Kyle Clark to issue an apology – to the dog. Source: Huffington Post, June 11, 2016, KUSA, June 10, … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo photo gallery
Networking, showcasing innovation and educating are the mainstays of the World Pork Expo. This year was no exception. This photo gallery offers a flavor of the festivities. You may see some folks you know. I did. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 10, 2016. World Pork Expo’s extensive trade show makes it easy to shop and compare new products and technologies for use on the … [Read more...]
The secret life of pets campaign
PetSmart will soon air two 30-second animated TV spots to promote the upcoming film "The Secret Life of Pets," which hit theatres July 8. Animal characters from the movie will tell stories of what happens when pets are left on their own devices and without human interaction, visit to a PetSmart store. Source: Ad Age, June 9, 2016. The humanization of pets is a tremendous … [Read more...]
AmerisourceBergen shapes health care delivery
AmerisourceBergen Corporation has redefined the role of the pharmaceutical wholesaler. The $2.5 billion acquisition of MWI Veterinary Supply is a good example of the company’s strategy. The reasoning for the MWI deal reflects AmerisourceBergen’s broader strategic vision, which puts a premium on new ideas, new expansion opportunities and new business alliances. Source: Chain … [Read more...]
Insect repellents in the age of Zika
Humans and animals get diseases from ticks and mosquitoes. The article provides the latest information about various vector-borne diseases and a rating of human insect repellents. Combining insect repellents for humans with repellents for animals will lower disease transfer risks for all. Source: Consumer Reports, July 2016. Three insect repellents qualified as Consumer … [Read more...]
Trial results: calcium supplement for improvement of health in dairy cows in early lactation
Prophylactic calcium supplementation immediately after calving is a common strategy to prevent clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia in parturient dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic administration of an injected calcium supplement on blood calcium concentration at 24 hours and 48 hours after treatment, incidence risk of clinical … [Read more...]
One Health focus on obesity
Recent data indicate worrying trends in the rising rates of obesity in people and their pets. This is a challenge that falls within the area of The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s One Health committee. The One Health initiative proposes that veterinarians, physicians and other healthcare providers work together with scientists and social scientists to tackle shared … [Read more...]
AVMA advocates against prescription mandate bill
The wrestling match on veterinary prescriptions continues. An April 29 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee addressed the pet medication industry, including the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (HR 3174/S 1200), legislation that would federally mandate prescription writing for veterinarians. The subcommittee is … [Read more...]
Animal Health Digest is for sharing
Animal health remains an industry dependent on solid relationships, built on honest communication. Feedback from some early subscribers shows Animal Health Digest saves them time and provides them with material to share in daily interactions. Clinic teams enjoy using an article to discuss at staff meetings to get the team aligned Reps use posts and articles to better … [Read more...]
Watch for heatstroke in rabbits
As weather warms up, be aware that heat can be dangerous to rabbits. They’re more sensitive to it than humans. Source: My House Rabbit. Here are symptoms of heat stroke in rabbits: Reddening of the ears Panting Lethargy Salivating Weakness/slow movement Acting confused Convulsing … [Read more...]
Diet reduces the chance of milk fever in goats
After birth, goats must provide large amounts of calcium with their milk. Does normally have enough calcium reserves in their bones. But, if a doe has been on a high-calcium diet during her dry period, her body may “forget” how to mobilize those reserves. If that happens, blood calcium levels may drop and result in milk fever. Source: Purina Mills. You can help address milk … [Read more...]
Marijuana risky for pets
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, veterinarian Dayton Williams shares experiences with pets and marijuana. This report references Bubba, a dog from California that has been a recent news items. Source: KDLT, May 25, 2016. (includes video) Since marijuana was legalized in Colorado, Williams says veterinarians there have seen a huge increase in animals eating the drug. He says vets … [Read more...]
Grill safely this summer
Memorial Day Weekend is here. Grills will be fired up, the sounds of picnics will fill parks and boats will hit the water. We offered pet safety tips last month. Remember personal safety when you start the grill. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association offers this free fact sheet about grilling safety you can share with clients or use in blogs and newsletters. Source: … [Read more...]
What if meat eaters acted like vegans?
Dan Murphy’s commentary about a recent video is comical and thoughtful. The video clip “What If Meat Eaters Acted Like Vegans,” presents a satirical look at over-the-top convictions we frequently experience about food topics. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 20, 2016. The running gag throughout the 3-minute clip is the absurdity of listening to the “wisdom” of a true … [Read more...]
Feed dogs like wolves
Julia Henriques, managing editor, compares dog and wolf dietary needs. Her perspective includes the scavenger behaviors we often see in dogs. Much of the information comes from Dr. Isla Fishburn (BSc Zoology and MBiolSci and PhD in Conservation Biology). Feeding fruits and vegetables has some merit, according to the article. But, we believe a warning on which fruits and … [Read more...]
Beware of over-vaccinating your dog
Articles like this create a need to help veterinary teams engage with clients about vaccination. While recent information shows an increase in rabies in North America, questions about vaccination need and frequency continue. Our team at Animal Health Digest believes it is important to show professionals the information being sent to consumers, as well as channel-based or … [Read more...]
Salmonella outbreaks linked to turtles
Animal health professionals need to spread the word about small turtles and the potential for salmonella infections. Turtles carry the bacteria on their skin and shell, but they do not get sick. Of those persons infected this year, 41 percent are under the age of five and about 30 percent required hospitalization. Source: CNN, May 19, 2016. Between January 2015 and April of … [Read more...]
More on VFD
The veterinary feed directive gets more explanation in two articles in this issue. The dynamics of veterinarian and nutritionist interactions are presented along with veterinarians’ perspectives on continuing industry progress. Source: Beef Vet, Summer 2016. With a consumer base that’s increasing removed from food production, yet relentlessly interested in it, the VFD could … [Read more...]
10 ways to keep pets safe on Memorial Day
The kickoff to summer is almost here. Memorial Day weekend starts the season of picnics and all sorts of great outdoor activities. Here are 10 common-sense tips to help keep pets safe during the festive times. Source: Pet Health Network Our pets love summer just as much as we do! It’s the best time of year to be out and about, enjoying all that the season has to offer, … [Read more...]
Jerky treats sicken, kill dogs
More than 1,140 dogs have died after eating jerky pet treats, out of 6,200 cases of jerky related canine illness reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2007 to December 31, 2015. The agency released these numbers this week in an update on in its ongoing investigation into animal illnesses and death related to jerky treats. Source: Petfood Industry, May 17, … [Read more...]
4 ways to protect against ransomware
Ransomware can strike anyone and any business. The experts at InfoGPS wrote about it in March and April for AHD. While backing up is the most important aspect of maintaining data, restoring it after an attack isn’t painless. It could take a week or more and an untold amount of staff time to get things back to normal. Here are four ways to keep it at bay. Source: Wired, May … [Read more...]
Xylitol can kill or poison dogs
Xylitol, a common sweetener in chewing gum, mints and other products can kill or severely poison dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued, ‘Xylitol and Your Dog: Danger, Paws Off,’ May 12 after a surge in death and several illnesses from dogs that had accidentally ingest Xylitol, according to pet poison-control centers. Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 12, … [Read more...]
Improve Compliance Messaging
For more years than I can count, compliance has ranked as one of the top challenges facing the veterinary industry. When I saw this article on resiliency I thought it could easily be retitled, “Five Ways to improve your Compliance Messaging.” But, this only applies if everyone from the front desk, to the technicians, to the practice managers, to the DVMs, to the owners, to the … [Read more...]
Keep the weed from Fido
A Denver-area emergency animal hospital is treating at least five dogs a day for marijuana ingestion. Clinics are seeing increases, too. Fox Hollow Animal Hospital used to see it once or twice a year, but now see it once or twice a month since pot became legal in Colorado in 2014. Source: KDVR, May 9, 2016. It was just so terrifying, infuriating and sad. I felt so helpless … [Read more...]
Education important for success with novel proteins
Education will be a critical component of adding novel proteins to pet diets according to Mark Mendal, with the consulting firm Pet Proteins. He spoke during Petfood Forum 2016 on April 19, 2016. Supply challenges may also be an issue. Source: Petfood Industry, April 19, 2016. Increasing the role of novel proteins in pet foods and treats allows manufacturers to expand the … [Read more...]
Petcube is Skype for Fido and Fluff
The stress of being stuck in traffic or working late while one’s dog or cat waits at home may be eased with Petcube, a new smart camera. Paired with a smartphone app, it lets users watch, talk and play with pets in real time time using a laser pointer. Source: Sacramento Bee, May 4, 2016. It’s basically like Skype for you and your pet, but your pet doesn’t have to pick up … [Read more...]
Ticks, ticks, ticks and more
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes in the number of diseases they transmit. With tick populations growing and their proclivity to carry and transmit disease, it is critical to prevent them from feeding on pets and people. The information in this series of articles is comprehensive and understandable. All animal health pros can benefit from a deeper knowledge of ticks, … [Read more...]
Should I vaccinate my horse in the fall?
Summary: Vaccinations are important to help prevent disease. While it is always best to listen to your veterinarian’s recommendations, there are certainly cases when it is ideal to vaccinate for certain diseases twice a year to ensure protection. Source: Horse Talk. Vaccinations protect your horse against a host of contagious diseases. The specific vaccinations necessary … [Read more...]
What to expect from an OSHA inspection
The most important reason to achieve and maintain compliance is not to avoid an OSHA fine, but is instead to create a safe and healthful working environment for you and your veterinary team. Source: Animal Health Solutions, May 2016, page 8. Inspections may be conducted with or without advanced notice and are often conducted based upon a current or former employee’s … [Read more...]