Last week’s most read posts – Socializing new puppies? Manage the right amount of playtime. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 13, 2022. Link. 10 commandments of dog ownership Source: AHD, June 28, 2022. Link. Reposting because it is important to routinely reinforce the responsibilities of pet ownership, … [Read more...]
Search Results for: water
Working together to keep African swine fever at bay
Commentary We noted instructions for international travelers on the USDA website <Link> including sanitizing or burning clothing and shoes. This warning is important for all animal health pros and is relevant considering the growing U.S. population of feral hogs: Do NOT visit a farm, premises with pigs, livestock market, sale barn, zoo, circus, pet store with … [Read more...]
Considerations when repurposing containers
Russ Daly appreciates the ingenuity of various farmers’ fixes and jerry-rigging. However, he warns some containers should not be repurposed to haul water. His warning goes for those who don’t understand how plastic containers absorb substances and potential toxins that get released when containers are filled with water. Every year I get at least one report from a veterinarian … [Read more...]
Please stop flushing live goldfish down the toilet
Here’s an example where consumer education is needed. Goldfish finding their way into bodies of freshwater, accidentally or on purpose, is no new phenomenon. These fish are not native to North America but come from eastern Asia and have no natural predators here to curb their growth. Goldfish and lots of other things should never be flushed into the sewer systems. Source: … [Read more...]
Protect poultry from bird flu
Bird flu circulates among wild birds worldwide. When domestic birds encounter the virus that causes bird flu, it can cause mild symptoms. Some strains, referred to as highly pathogenic avian influenza, can cause severe symptoms and death. Since last January, HPAI has been detected in nearly every U.S. state. Source: University of Florida Extension, September 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
When stray voltage strikes and dealing with it
No one likes to get an unexpected electrical shock. Animals hate it even more than people. Areas constructed indoors or outdoors where wire mesh or other conductive elements are embedded in or placed under concrete, bonded to all metal structures and fixed nonelectrical equipment have the potential to become energized unless the equipotential plane is properly grounded. The … [Read more...]
5 ways to relieve stress on calves during receiving
The difference between a stressful and a seamless receiving period can have a significant impact on future performance. Purina’s Chad Zehnder, PhD, shares five tips that can help reduce stress in receiving protocols: Be prepared Reduce stress on arrival Avoid the yo-yo effect Focus on fresh feed and feed type Don’t forget water* * Know how much water cattle … [Read more...]
Why ducks don’t freeze their feet
Kenny Coogan explains the countercurrent adaptation that keeps birds’ feet from freezing in ice cold water, standing on the ice and even standing in very hot water without damage. Source: Backyard Poultry, October 26, 2021. Link. Countercurrent heat exchange systems enable many species of birds to keep their feet submerged in icy cold water or the ability to stand on ice for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 8, 2022
Last week’s most read post KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 1, 2022. Link. =================================== Leveling the parental-leave playing field Source: SHRM, June 6, 2022. Link. The lack of paternal leave-taking not only affects the well-being of new parents and … [Read more...]
Pet community page warns of secondary drowning
Note: We reached out to Wendy Hauser, DVM, to address a new term seen on Facebook. A recent post to a Facebook pet community page highlights the dangers of ‘secondary drowning’, or non-fatal drowning, which occurs when dogs aspirate water into their lungs. This can happen in many ways, says Hauser. Pets that don’t swim well can inadvertently inhale water during their … [Read more...]
Foot rot can be a problem in dry or wet conditions
Foot rot in cattle can be a problem whether conditions are wet or dry. The bacterium responsible for it is always present in healthy skin. But it needs an injury or wet skin to cause problems. With ongoing drought in some regions and waterlogging in others, reminding beef and dairy cattle owners to be on the lookout for foot rot is good counsel. Source: University of Florida … [Read more...]
Pit viper envenomation in a dog
A venomous bite is called an envenomation. Venomous snakes found in the U.S. include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins and coral snakes. Each year, an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S., and about five of those people die <Link>. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, approximately 150,000 dogs and cats in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 11, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Potentially deadly bacteria been found in U.S. soil and water for first time. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 4, 2022. Link. =================================== AAVMC statement on workforce; July 2022 Source: American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, July 2022. Link. The AAVMC … [Read more...]
Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023.
The clock is ticking. Start now to educate producers ahead of this important transition to livestock antibiotics being available by prescription-only status. The new rule covers injectable tylosin, injectable and intramammary penicillin, injectable and oral tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethazine, and cephapirin and cephapirin benzathine intramammary tubes. Also, … [Read more...]
More on blue-green algae: When in doubt, keep out!
Toxic cyanobacteria or, blue-green algae is primarily a concern during the summer months, when it can be found in small lakes or ponds. Dogs can be exposed while swimming in lakes, ponds and pools of water caused by seasonal flooding and standing water, like that in abandoned swimming pools. Dogs are exposed by drinking or licking toxic water. Drinking directly from a pond, … [Read more...]
Preventing thumps
Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, thumps for short, is a metabolic disorder in horses. Typified by rhythmic twitching of the muscles near a horse’s flanks, thumps is a warning that his internal calcium reserves are running low. Laurie Bonner and Melinda Freckleton, DVM, share how to address active thumps in horses when they occur and how to avoid future incidents in horses … [Read more...]
Manure-eating worms could aid dairy industry and climate concerns
Fascinating! Royal Dairy in Royal City, Washington, cleans and reuses its water more than 10 times before the water leaves the farm. The dairy has also cut its nitrate pollution and lowered its greenhouse gas emissions, all thanks to a new kind of wastewater filtration system powered by worms. Called vermifiltration, every day, half a million gallons of farm wastewater is … [Read more...]
Tostitos toes: Why dogs paws sometimes smell like corn chips
Frito feet; pup-corn paws; Tostito toes . . . vets have heard it all! Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria are a type of yeast present in most dogs’ feet. Activated by exercise, the bacteria cause the smell when dogs sweat. Washing feet with warm soapy water is the first line of defense to reduce the odor. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Indications of an infection needing … [Read more...]
3G sunset may affect sensors and alarms in animal production, systems, safety
Complimentary Commercial Content Many have already upgraded smartphones as the FCC opened more bandwidth to service 4G and 5G devices. However, there still may be 3G devices used daily that are greatly affected, such as various alarms on water systems, feed flows, ventilation systems and overflow alarms. An educational packet from BarnTools™ caught our attention. Animal … [Read more...]
7 important facts about mosquitos and horses
Mosquitoes are likely more dangerous to horses than they are to humans. Reminding horse enthusiasts about Eastern-, Western- and Venezualian equine encephalomyelitis along with West Nile virus, Aimee Elyse Robinson shares seven important facts that tie to risk management for horses. Vaccinate proactively, move the air, removing standing water is not a cure-all, and avoid dawn … [Read more...]
12 pet safety tips for the 4th of July
Firework fears, fireworks debris, heat, humidity, water, hot pavement, cook-outs and more create risks for pets in the coming days. Animal health pros can’t overcommunicate the need for animal safety and caution as the holiday activities commence. Source: ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance. Link. … [Read more...]
The risks of poor arena air quality
Airborne particles and ammonia fumes in your horse’s stall are a concern, but so is the air quality in your indoor arena, writes Christine Barakat. Dampening arena footing with water may slightly cut down on the dust for a short period of time, but the only long-term solution is to replace the footing. A dusty indoor arena can be harmful to your horse’s respiratory health as … [Read more...]
Heat, humidity factors in equine heat stress
Complimentary Commercial Content Horses need clean water, shade, moving air and exercise breaks to avoid overheating when temperatures and humidity combine to create heat stress. Source: Equine Wellness, June 24, 2021. Link. Evidence suggests that insulin action is a key component of the heat stress response. Chromium improves insulin function and results in efficient … [Read more...]
DVMs use goldfish to keep stock tanks clean
Marissa Hake, DVM, shares how goldfish help keep stock tanks clean. The goldfish stocking rate is one fish per 30 gallons of water. The fish do not need to be fed and can survive off chunks that fall in from cows’ mouths. Source: calfvet, Instagram, June 5, 2022. Link. Also see: Fish in the water trough, Dr Erik Johnson, Veterinarian, September 1, 2020. Link. By adding … [Read more...]
Dental pain in cats: A prospective 6-month study
This study from in a Portuguese veterinary hospital summarizes evaluations of 64 cats that randomly presented for different dental procedures. Researchers wanted to understand feline dental disease as a pain trigger during routine examination and whether disease severity correlates to the degree of pain. This study concluded that cats with dental disease feel pain during … [Read more...]
Preventing screentime-induced headaches and neck pain
Common themes for people who work in front of screens are neck and shoulder problems, eye discomfort, worsening vision, a sense of exhaustion and tiredness after a while, plus many people report headaches. Before you take a couple NSAID capsules, try out these tips from Erik Peper, PhD. Source: goop, May 19, 2022. Link. Peper says: If you use a laptop, almost by … [Read more...]
Reminder: Protect pets from toxic blue-green algae
Toxic blue green algae risks to pets hit the news in 2019. The EPA indicates it is a risk in all 50 states. A recent story from St. Louis NPR exposes the challenges of testing bodies of water to keep the public and pets safe <Link>. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares what we need to know about harmful algal blooms and how to keep pets safe in this … [Read more...]
Pet retailers asserting their position with pet owners
Opinion There is little doubt marketing efforts represented in the following articles will deflect attention from preventive medicine and potentially reduce some pet owners’ abilities to afford primary veterinary care. It is not my intention to condemn retail offerings. Rather, animal health pros need to consider how we approach and educate pet owners about the essential … [Read more...]
Sound hospital pen strategies can improve outcomes
Good hospital pens are crucial for effective, efficient treatment of sick cattle to get them back to their home pens quickly, writes Heather Smith Thomas. One size doesn’t fit all. After interviewing different veterinarians, she shares different ways hospital pens are managed to meet the universal objective of reuniting sick livestock with their pen mates. Antibiotics are … [Read more...]
Hives in horses may not need treatment
Horses encounter skin conditions as do other animals. Urticaria is one of the more common skin diseases in horses. A healthy immune system normally keeps the barrage of ever present of microorganisms at bay, writes Nancy Loving, DVM. Hives are a clinical sign rather than a specific disease, she explains. But when a horse’s immune response overreacts to a noninfectious cause, … [Read more...]