The general rule is that a horse’s teeth should be floated every year, but there are other considerations depending on the horse’s age, health and the equine dentist. Lu Ann Groves, DVM, shares equine dentistry guidance, as well as questions for horse owners to ask dental professionals. Source: Equine Wellness Magazine, AHD Archives. Link. Also see: Equine dentistry tips … [Read more...]
The relationship between foxes and coyotes living in cities (video)
A colleague sent us this video featuring a University of Minnesota researcher documenting the relationship between foxes and coyotes in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area. Informative, it explains the challenges of fox-coyote relationships which push foxes closer to our backyards. The intersection of wildlife and our domestic animals is worth more attention and … [Read more...]
Silent hazards of the grooming profession
Probably one of the more common and most debilitating issues groomers deal with is Groomer’s Lung, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. It is a combination of breathing in hair slivers, bacteria, fungi, dead skin cells and probably even an occasional parasite. Shampoo is designed to clean, and unless it is specifically designed to kill bacteria/fungus, it does not protect against … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 5, 2024
Farmer’s Dog partners with WSAVA, Disney’s pet resort, small business preparations for future, updated information on human animal bond benefits, pet tech from Consumer Electronics show and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 5, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
For the acrimoniously challenged
We ran across this listing of data center acronyms. If you’ve ever wondered why your MTTD on the PUE is delayed and all you are getting is a JBOF . . . well, or something like that! Source: TradePub.com, Link. A listing for the digital age. … [Read more...]
Avoiding communication faux pas
Everyone makes mistakes, especially when it comes to grammar. Rapid communications by text, SMS and email exacerbate errors. Here’s a look at common grammatical errors and words often used incorrectly. Grammatical errors can make your work look unpolished, unprofessional and may change your intended meaning while leading to confusion.” Source: Word Genius, January 24, 2024. … [Read more...]
Is Amazon a distributor?
Commentary This is a process worth watching closely. Animal health companies have historically wrestled with classification challenges, specifically with products sold under agency agreements whether shipped by the manufacturer or distributor. Liability for product quality is traditionally held by the manufacturer. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is preparing … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 1, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 15, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 25th AHD Bulletin – Develop an opportunity mindset. Link. How dogs understand time. Link. An update on multi-drug-resistant parasites in horses. Link. ============================================ 8 Pet supply, service businesses on … [Read more...]
Instinct Science acquires VetMedux
ICYMI. Instinct Science, a leading software provider for veterinary hospitals, announced this week that it acquired VetMedux, a trusted education and point-of-care information company that owns Clinician's Brief and Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs. Instinct is on an ambitious path to provide game-changing software tools to the veterinary caretakers of today and tomorrow,” said Caleb … [Read more...]
Ready or not, here they come
Oklahoma State University shares ways to get ready for calving season. The article is a good resource to send in newsletters or post on social media to help producers prepare for calving. Yes, they probably know most of this . . . but have they acted on it? Give them a nudge to save a middle-of-the-night emergency during a storm. Source: The Cattle Site, January 23, 2024. … [Read more...]
Cattle industry and animal health pros gather for NCBA CattleCon
CattleCon24 provides education, networking, business ideas, advocacy and fun for those who work in the cattle industry. It’s happening in Orlando January 31 through February 2. Not going? Never been? Follow posts here: #cattlecon24 Source: NCBA. Link. See the floor plan and exhibitor list here <Link>. … [Read more...]
Without the farrier, early laminitis infection may go undetected
When a farrier sees the symptoms of endocrinopathic laminitis, it’s essential that the owner immediately be informed and encouraged to seek veterinary assistance. The veterinarian needs to check the fasting level of insulin in the horse and plan an exercise, diet and/or medication program to reduce insulin levels. If the owner and vet both do their part, the foot should return … [Read more...]
Using standing equine CT in veterinary diagnostics
Equine standing CT is an accurate diagnostic imaging tool that could make CT safer and more accessible due to its ease of use, writes Haylie Kerstetter. Newer technology allows horses to remain standing, making it safer for animals and easier for veterinarians to use.” Source: The Horse, January 25, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Horse owners are known to read content voraciously. … [Read more...]
Tips for discussing weight management with pet owners (video)
Hill’s Karen Shenoy, DVM, shares advice for veterinary teams when discussing a pet’s weight with clients and addressing a case of obesity with animal owners. Her guidance about working pet owners’ behaviors into proactive feeding plans and considering the inclusion of treats is excellent counsel. We reminded veterinary teams to include food and treat information in pet … [Read more...]
Episode 3, Zoetis’ Born of the Bond
Complimentary Sponsored Content The health of an operation depends on the health of its herd. This episode of The Born of the Bond Series documents the story of the Schuler Red Angus Operation. By being proactive in vaccinating their cattle, the Schulers have helped their operation avoid any serious health issues for more than two decades. The Born of the Bond series … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 29, 2024
Posting OSHA 300 logs, animal voting rights, M&A in pet food, small business accountants speak, budgeting, money lost and more, including last week’s AHD Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, January 29, 2024. Link. The 2024 IBPSA FLOW Business Conference will be held in Tucson, Arizona September 24th-26th. Use this link if you wish to become a speaker at the conference <Link>. … [Read more...]
Walking and using a phone is bad for your health
Duh! But the behavior and resulting text neck are insidious. There are real mental and physical risks to distracted walking, even for the most alert people. When we walk and use a phone at the same time we reflexively adjust how we move. Not only do we walk slower, we also increase the amount of load placed on the neck and upper back muscles. Source: The New York Times, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 25, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 18, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 18th AHD Bulletin – Cell phone addiction, how it impacts our relationships. Link. Leadership or sales tactics. Link. Practices that push cow-calf profitability. Link. ============================================ Elanco’s multi-year … [Read more...]
Biosecurity methods update, learning across segments
Driven by African swine fever, avian influenza, PRRS, the realistic risk of hoof and mouth disease, more livestock producers are paying more attention to how to protect our domestic food production animals and in the process protect human populations from zoonoses. We’re sharing two articles as animal health pros interact and work with animal owners. The devil remains in … [Read more...]
Dairy cattle genomics quietly improving sustainability
Since genomic testing became commercially available in 2008, more than 8 million U.S. dairy animals have been genotyped for dozens of key genetic traits related to milk production and quality, feed efficiency, reproductive viability and cow health. By optimizing genetics within their herds, dairy producers have successfully bred new generations of cows to produce more milk, … [Read more...]
Beef impact on dairy gestation
Little had been known about the impact of beef semen on the dairy cow until a project at Pennsylvania State University that was summarized in the Journal of Dairy Science. . . . using beef sires on your dairy herd isn’t going to hurt a herd of high-producing dairy cows.” – Bailey Basiel, PhD candidate Source: STgenetics, January 10, 2024. Link. Basiel reports there was a … [Read more...]
Marketing might benefit from some cynicism
Commentary We put Hannah O’Rourke’s article calling for more realistic messaging in this section acknowledging veterinarians serving producers are providing services and products in B2B settings focused on optimizing revenue in addition to animal health. She lends a dose of realism given how frequently products are presented as the Holy Grail with no room for business owners … [Read more...]
Emerging equine eye therapies
Horses will likely develop eye issues at some point in their lives. Chris Smith, DVM, shares four cutting-edge treatments for equine eye issues ranging from corneal ulcers to cancer. They offer hope for owners caring for horses with eye conditions: Low-dose gentamicin intravitreal injection Corneal cross-linking Cyclophotocoagulation Photodynamic … [Read more...]
An update on multi-drug-resistant parasites in horses
During a University of Kentucky equine vet CE event, Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, DACVM, DEVPC, DVSc, provided attendees with an update on the current state of parasite drug resistance, as well as the most current guidelines for diagnosing drug resistance in horses. He shared equine-practitioner-specific recommendations that will appear in an updated version of the AAEP’s … [Read more...]
Skippy named Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farm Dog of the Year
Skippy, a 4-year-old Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Catahoula Hound mix, is the grand prize winner of the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Award. Owned by Georgians Laura and Donald Adams, Skippy helps herd cattle, get rid of predators and helps Donald through his paralysis caused by a 2019 farm injury. The Adams received Skippy from P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA, an … [Read more...]
Essential oils smell good to us but may be dangerous for pets
We live in a smell-sensitive society awash with myriad options for improving the aromas of our environs. With more than 60 percent of households with pets, the $2 billion U.S. air freshener market continues to grow <Link>. Aware of the potential health or environmental risks associated with synthetic chemicals, consumer demand is increasing for organic and natural … [Read more...]
11 ways dog owners could be stressing out dogs without realizing it
Pet owners’ everyday activities may unknowingly cause their dogs stress. These include smoking, sunglasses and hats, staring too intensely, tight hugs and more. This is great content to share on social media and in newsletters, as well as review with clinic, retail and pet boarding employees. Source: BUSINESS INSIDER, January 19, 2024. Link. Also see: Dog mental health … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 22, 2024
Forbes trends in pet health care, VMX review, grooming’s pivotal role, choosing a credit card processer, exceptional lobbies, pets as family, lines of credit and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 22. 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Knowing what dogs like to watch could help veterinarians assess their vision
Seeking better ways to assess dogs’ vision, researchers needed to first determine what kind of video content dogs prefer. Video content featuring animals was the most popular, with other dogs being by far the most engaging subjects to watch. Movement on screens was a strong motivator for screen attention however, no mention was made about whether sounds were … [Read more...]
JAVMA adding video transcripts
Keeping with the advancing digital communications, JAVMA is developing a space within their journals for articles that are centered around a clinical video, but also include the hallmarks of a scientific paper, such as an abstract, references and study objectives. As a clinician, I’ve often read peer-reviewed articles on a novel technique and wished for an easier way to … [Read more...]