The holidays are a great time for veterinary teams to make some decisions about dentals < link >. Melissa Detweiler, DVM, discusses the challenges of her love/hate relationship with common oral health procedures and the conversation and marketing that go with it. Beyond the gold standard, she says are two options; skip it or treat what she can. I believe there is another … [Read more...]
Search Results for: water
TIME: Best inventions 2019
Working in the life sciences, animal health pros are a curious bunch. Whether or not water from air, portable solar power or ultrasound to go become mainstream in animal health, TIME’s best inventions of 2019 are worth a look. Source: TIME, November 21, 2019. Link. To assemble the 2019 list, TIME solicited nominations across a variety of categories from our editors and … [Read more...]
Cleaning the stuff dogs use daily (video)
Gear dogs use every day often harbor mold and bacteria. Here's how to clean dog bedding, toys, food and water bowls, collars and other dog stuff. The short video is very suitable for social media, newsletters and pet owner communications. A little effort from pet owners to maintain dog gear goes along ways to prevent the possibility of more serious issues. Source: Web MD. … [Read more...]
Prepare horses and barns for winter
Winter is never the easiest season for horsekeepers, but with planning it doesn’t have to be particularly difficult, writes Christine Barakat. She offers tips on winter preparations that will benefit horses and owners. Source: EQUUS Extra. Link. Dehydration is the primary cause of impaction colic during winter months. . . be certain horses have access to fresh … [Read more...]
A horse’s leg is like a paperclip and other performance horse problems
With concerns surrounding horse deaths at Santa Anita Race Track < link >, horse owners will be ready to consider veterinarian David Ramey’s four biggest problems that affect performance horses. If they can avoid these things, the battle is at least half won, he says. They’re overtrained They’re bored and annoyed Owners assume that performance problems are … [Read more...]
Caring for cold-stressed calves
Cold weather will add stress to newly born calves in both dairy and beef operations. Taylor Leach reminds us that the most critical, and most expensive, period of calf growth in raising dairy calves is the pre-weaning period. She offers some tips to address cold weather stress during the first weeks of a calf’s life. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 28, 2019. Link. One … [Read more...]
Toxic algae a concern as hunters hit the fields (videos)
One area of pet safety concerns is the growing challenge of toxic blue-green algae. While not actually algae at all, they are types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. The bacteria are normally present in many lakes and stagnant waters. Not all states report where the cyanobacteria have been found, some do. The risk is that these bacteria form poisonous toxins, microcystins, … [Read more...]
7 human foods that are good for dogs
In contrast to all the warnings about table scraps, Marcelle Chastain shares seven human foods that can be shared with dogs since they are high in nutrients and low in calories. She notes which fruits and vegetables require seed removal or cutting into chewable portions. Pears Watermelon Cucumbers Blueberries Celery Fresh peaches Carrots Source: Inside … [Read more...]
When the fur flies and how to stop cat fights
Cat fights are natural feline behavior. The key to stopping them lies in understanding why they are fighting in the first place. The author shares common causes for cat fights and how to address them: Hormones New cat smell Jealousy Territorial Proximity caging and positive behavior rewards Source: Catster, September 19, 2019. Link. Never reach in and try … [Read more...]
Baking soda and the horse barn
Baking soda? Yes, the common housecleaner has several uses in the horse barn, writes Christine Barakat: Scrub out water buckets and troughs Clean bits and metal stirrups Freshen horse’s laundry Deodorize drains Source: EQUUS, August 22, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: We anticipate baking soda is useful in kennels and catteries, as well. Share the tip with horse and … [Read more...]
Key points on leptospirosis to share with animal owners
At the intersection of animals and humans, zoonotic diseases are public health concerns. Among them are multiple Leptospira species that can infect dogs, cats or human. These bacteria have worldwide distribution. The organisms are commonly shed in urine. Lepto infections are often initiated after ingestion of contaminated water. In one study, it was estimated that … [Read more...]
Know the risks of mixing chickens, ducks, rabbits and goats
Animals have been kept in mixed flocks for centuries. Being aware of inherent risks or problems in mixed-animal operations is the best way to avoid problems before they occur. It is also the best way to fix problems if they happen. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 16, 2019. Link. Parasites and bacteria are easily transferred between barnyard species. Contaminated … [Read more...]
Lead contamination risks in backyard poultry
Rearing backyard chickens carries some zoonotic concerns and potential risk for the birds being exposed to chemicals or heavy metals like lead. These can get passed on to consumers through eggs or meat. Birds may pick up lead from various sources, such as contaminated water and feed. But, the main source of lead exposure for backyard poultry is likely contaminated … [Read more...]
Climate change: Longer growing season bodes well for crops, feed supply
A researcher at the Institute of Water Security and Science at West Virginia University says one silver lining from climate change that he’s seen is a longer growing season which is more conducive to agricultural production. This could mean big changes. He explains why traditional crops are floundering while non-traditional crops could gain momentum. Source: The Cattle Site, … [Read more...]
Pet owners still still clueless about heartworm prevention
A small, Florida-based questionnaire exposes the relatively poor understanding owners may have of the biology and risks for heartworm transmission. Claiming veterinarians as their primary source for information about heartworm, respondents did not realize that yard vessels capable of holding water also serve as mosquito-breeding sites. . . . only 61% of dog-owning and 18% of … [Read more...]
Select chicken breeds that work best for city backyards
Persons wanting to keep chickens in urban backyards should consider breeds that can tolerate a more controlled existence. Keeping a rooster may be out of the picture, writes Pam Freeman. She discusses the benefits of sex-link chickens and shares information about bantam breeds that are preferred for smaller spaces. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 5, 2019. Link. Regardless … [Read more...]
African swine fever virus inactivated by Virox products
Virox Technologies®, the creators of the patented technology Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®), recently conducted an independent efficacy test against African swine fever. AHP technology is found in the Intervention farm disinfectant, known as Intervención in Mexico, and Prevail disinfectants in Canada. The results give swine producers an improved option from the points … [Read more...]
Goats can’t safely eat everything
You may think goats can eat nearly everything. Katherine Drovdahl, MA, CA, CR, CEIT, DipHlr, QTP, tells us differently. Knowing what to feed goats involves education. Even good plants can develop into a dangerous toxic condition called enterotoxemia if goats overeat on any plant they are not used to. She shares a few common toxic plants and suggests consulting a local … [Read more...]
Don’t forget the horses’ salt
Like shade and fresh water, salt is essential for horses, especially in hot weather. Salt is lost via their sweat and if it’s not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may develop, leading to low blood pressure or even neurological or cardiovascular problems. This is good to use in social media, newsletters and discussions with horse owners. Source: EQUUS, July 25, 2019. … [Read more...]
Cancer, yards and pets
Weed killer and other common lawn maintenance chemicals are dangerous for family pets. According to a study from Tufts University, bladder cancer, convulsions and other conditions have been linked to exposure to insecticides and fertilizers. It is important to educate owners about potential dangers in their yards. Source: St George News (via NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly), … [Read more...]
New discovery in Toxoplasma gondii research will save cat lives
Ed Yong provides a positive update on research findings that may save the use of cats in research laboratories. Of the many parasites known to control the mind of their host, none is more famous than Toxoplasma gondii—the single-celled organism known colloquially as Toxo. It can survive in a variety of animals, but it only reproduces sexually in cats. If it gets into mice or … [Read more...]
Help dogs swim safely
These tips from the American Kennel Club will remind dog owners about swimming safety for their dogs. Consider this content for social media, e-newsletters, blogs and websites. Source: AKC, April 24, 2015. Link. When teaching your dog to swim, start in a shallow area where you can stand close to him. Start slowly. Let him get accustomed to having wet feet. Praise him when he … [Read more...]
Wound cleaning. Get the hose!
David Ramey, DVM, was surprised that there have actually been a number of studies completed on irrigating wounds with tap water. He provides a fun review of why grabbing the garden hose in the stable is good medicine. Source: Horse Network, July 3, 2019. Link. Ramey says he loves it when science supports what most people do anyway. If you’re dealing with a fresh wound, I’d … [Read more...]
Biosecurity tips for livestock exhibitors
Livestock show season is still in full swing and biosecurity protocols should be in full swing, as well. Worthwhile biosecurity tips to follow before, during and after a stock show are featured in this blog post. Source: Neogen Blog, May 22, 2019. Link. Careful vigilance is essential while the event is ongoing. This is where risk are highest, so act accordingly. Monitor … [Read more...]
Feed sows in late gestation to enhance colostrum
Getting colostrum into piglets in the first 24 hours is critical to their health and survival. Larger litter sizes place more emphasis on ensuring adequate volumes of colostrum get to each piglet. Few studies have considered the effects of sow late gestation nutrient intake on colostrum production and composition. Other factors play into piglet success, but optimizing nutrition … [Read more...]
Snakebite dos and donts for dogs
Non-poisonous snakes, like the garter snake, don’t have fangs. They have rows of teeth and they do not produce toxic venom, says Travis Arndt, DVM. This distinction is crucial when it comes to snake bites on dogs. . . . if you or your dog are bitten by a non-poisonous snake, you won’t see the two puncture wounds that you would see from a venomous snake. A non-poisonous bite … [Read more...]
Pet food dishes, one of the germiest places in homes
Yuk! A study done by NSF International examined 30 everyday items from 22 different households. Pet food dishes ranked 4th in the final list of germ hot spots topped by kitchen sponge/dish rag, kitchen sink and toothbrush holder. Food bowls can serve as ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and yeast. Source: Reader's Digest. Link. To prevent any potential sickness … [Read more...]
Protect horses from eye injuries
Protecting horses from injuries and illness will also help keep his eyes safe, writes Karen Elizabeth Baril. She reviews potential eye hazards, signs of eye troubles and equine eye emergencies. Equine eye injuries always warrant a call to your veterinarian - Alyssa Warneke, DVM Source: EQUUS, April 1, 2019. Link. Basil shares some of the most common equine eye injuries: … [Read more...]
Why cats bite
They can be lying there purring, docile and without warning, cats sometimes start biting. Cat behavior expert Dusty Rainbolt shares a few reasons why cats bite: Health problems and pain Aggressive play Defense and offense Love bites and petting If the ears go back and the tail starts moving, stop petting the cat. – Dusty Rainbolt Source: Catster, May 21, 2019. … [Read more...]
Rural infrastructures declining, negatively affecting agriculture (includes video)
Safe, efficient transportation methods are crucial to successful agriculture. Aging of roads, bridges, railroads, waterway technologies and ports challenges how we will move ag products around our country and the world. Natalina Sents investigates the decline in rural infrastructure and what can be done to fix it. Source: Successful Farming, May 6, 2019. Link. The … [Read more...]