Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 7, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 7th AHD Bulletin – Data from 36 years: 20 dog breeds that attack people most. Link. Home delivery, autoship important offerings for veterinary clients. Link. 9 pet companies listed as fastest-growing U.S. private companies. Link. AHD Archives for … [Read more...]
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Dairy industry contraction trend continues
There were 1,642 dairies that milked cows for the last time in 2023, bringing the number of dairy farms with a permit to sell milk in the United States to 26,290, a reduction of 5.9 percent of the nation’s dairy farms. Overall, herd size has grown 382 percent over the past 32 years keeping cow numbers relatively steady. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, March 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t throw away extra milk
It is the most common disease in dairy cattle. Twenty percent to 40 percent of cows develop clinical mastitis each lactation. This article shares perspectives on mastitis treatment, choosing which cows to treat, culturing milk samples to determine the treatment pathway and economic considerations as presented by Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, March 8, … [Read more...]
Unraveling patterns of swine pathogen co-infections
Pig health is continually challenged and conditions vary from farm to farm. Multiple pathogens influence effective prevention strategies frustrating producers and veterinarians. To evaluate co-infections and their impact on farms and to better understand the consequences of pathogen challenges, a collaborative project of Iowa State University and Boehringer Ingelheim studied … [Read more...]
Cleaning the coop regularly is essential for protecting chicken health
A stroke of the obvious? Maybe . . . but backyard chicken raisers will appreciate this article from 20-year veteran Erin Snyder who shares tips on keeping the coop and accessories clean. Consider the article for social media, newletters or chicken enthusiast groups in your region. Source: Hobby Farms. Link. Regularly cleaning the coop, run, waterers and feeders may seem … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of vaccinating a horse against EHV-1
The debate continues about the validity of equine herpes virus vaccines despite consensus that vaccination is an important tool for reducing EHV-1 spread and the severity of clinical signs. Dr. Klaus Osterrieder shares the history, challenges and concerns about EHV-1. Source: The Horse, January 18, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Osterrieder urges researchers to continue working … [Read more...]
Feeding milk replacer when a foal needs extra nutrition
When a mare is not providing enough milk for her foal, owners can supplement with a milk replacer designed for horses, writes Clair Thunes, PhD. Plenty of early suckling is important so the mare can support the foal’s needs as she grows. If the issue is that the foal does not have much drive to nurse, a veterinarian will need to determine the cause. Source: The Horse, May … [Read more...]
How cats see the world. Let’s review.
Paul Miller, DVM, DACVO, explains how cat vision works, from the way they see the world to how it shapes their behavior. Like dogs, cats are red-green color blind. Their night vision is about 5.5 to 7 times better than humans in dim light but humans are more than 10 times better at detecting motion in daylight. Miller shares some signs of eye problems in cats owners may notice … [Read more...]
Dogs with epilepsy found with altered levels of trace elements, heavy metals
Dogs with epilepsy exhibit distinct alterations in trace elements and heavy metal levels in their blood and fur compared with healthy counterparts according to findings from research being done by Sarah V. Rosendahl, DVM. The results showed that dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy had significantly higher levels of selenium and copper and lower levels of chromium in the … [Read more...]
So much drivel ! – How brachycephalic health issues are discussed on social media.
COMMENTARY We had to share this research paper. Something new? NO. Still, a published paper on the influences of social media groups discussing the health issues, real or perceived, that challenge brachycephalic dogs seems important to highlight. Misinformation continues to rule these narratives and emphasizes the need for professional education for pet … [Read more...]
How big of a deal are student loans?
Includes Commercial References Student loan debt hovers over veterinary professionals and is an underlying element as new graduates come into the marketplace. CJ Burnett, CExP, proposes loan advisors need to deal with student loans as individualized and situational to help graduates manage them intentionally. Source: DVM360, February 29, 2024. Link. . . . student loans … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 11, 2024
Pet business is resetting post Covid, Petco Love promoting vaccination during National Pet Vaccination Month, Global Pet Expo, guide to safe online transactions and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 11, 2024. Link. Record number of speaker applications for IBPSA FLOW Business Conference planned for September 24, 2024 - September 26, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona … [Read more...]
Prioritizing break time during the busy workday
It is not solely a matter of time, but a matter of energy to make it through busy work days and responsibilities, writes Rebecca Zucker. Creating several short micro-breaks throughout the day can help manage energy and maintain cognitive, emotional and even physical capacity. Zucker shares eight ways to establish and maintain breaks intentionally. Source: Harvard Business … [Read more...]
Random drug testing not recommended to curtail drug abuse and misuse
Jon Geller, DVM, DABVP, summarizes a survey study of United Kingdom veterinarian perceptions of the potential for veterinary prescription medication misuse or abuse in this article. Strict pharmacy controls, monitoring repeat prescription requests and pre-employment drug testing testing were the key takeaways to manage drug abuse and misuse. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
Reducing turnover: Which approach is right for you?
The proper path to improved retention depends on your practice and it may vary by employee role. Kristen Green Seymour applies the findings from AAHA’s “Stay, Please” study to three fictional practice examples. Her analyses are informative and worth studying regardless of your role in animal health. Attrition rates greater than 30 percent reduce veterinary services availability … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 7, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 29, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 29th AHD Bulletin – Tax benefits of hiring your children, plus IRS rules to follow. Link. Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast). Link. Managing online reviews. … [Read more...]
Veterinary profession heading in right direction with mental health
Findings from the fourth edition of Merck's wellbeing study indicate the stigma around mental health issues has lessened, more people who need it are seeking help, and more resources are available to create psychologically safe workplaces. Topics covered by the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study IV included well-being, burnout, and mental health; the role of … [Read more...]
Driving the narrative in swine production
A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd … [Read more...]
8 reasons to try grass seed cat litter
One type of litter showing up on retail shelves recently is grass seed cat litter. Grass seed litter sells between $1.00 and $10.00 per pound which is aligned with other litter types. Various online reviews we searched were positive with tendencies for tracking and potential allergies as concerns. We noted warnings to be sure pet owners did not purchase lawn grass seed … [Read more...]
Pet owner handout emphasizes the importance of pet oral health
Reinforcing the importance of home care and oral exams by veterinarians, this handout is built as a take-home to reinforce discussions in the veterinary hospital or for use in newsletters or social media. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2024. Link. The handout refers to different types of oral care products for at-home use and refers to the VOHC lists of approved … [Read more...]
Thank you notes after an interview? Yes or No?
You don’t need to send a handwritten card, but a thank-you note is likely your final chance to seal your good impression before the hiring manager makes their decision. Source: Fast Company, February 28, 2024. Link. . . . a few brief sentences in an email will do . . . send it within 24 hours . . . “ … [Read more...]
Home delivery, autoship important offerings for veterinary clients
ICYMI. Ordering online is rapidly becoming an expectation. Already, convenience is table stakes. Malinda Larkin shares takeaways from survey results presented by Brakke Consulting. The survey looked at consumer preferences and behaviors in pet medicine purchasing, customer satisfaction with different channels and service expectations, and the competitive landscape versus major … [Read more...]
Decontamination guidelines for dogs developed by Texas A&M VET
A newly developed set of protocols from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team aims to educate disaster management teams across the country about the kinds and quantities of resources needed to clean external contaminants, such as toxic chemicals, off dogs. Providing information about other common pet species … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
TSCRA urges donations amid devastating Texas and Oklahoma wildfires
As wildfires continue to rage in the Texas panhandle and Western Oklahoma, the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is urging donors to give to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund. Donations will to aid victims of the ongoing natural disasters. The TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support for cattle raisers in Texas and Oklahoma who … [Read more...]
Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, debate the role of the veterinary team when it comes to pet owner education and discuss if pet insurance is an obligation. Their consensus: Pet insurance is not an obligation. Educating pet owners on the lifetime costs of veterinary pet care is important. Source: Veterinary Breakroom, Clinician’s Brief. February 2024. … [Read more...]
The latest from GARC
The work continues to eliminate human deaths from dog rabies by 2030. Learn about GARC's surveillance tools, advocacy and the latest free, downloadable resources on GARC's website. Source: Rabid Bytes, GARC, February 2024. Link. GARC's mission is to prevent human deaths from dog-mediated rabies and relieve the burden of rabies in other animal populations, especially dogs. … [Read more...]
Webinar to address cutaneous adverse food reactions
AAHA and Hills will offer a free CE webinar to update veterinary teams confronting skin issues from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MDT, March 14, 2024. Presenter Sara Hoff, DVM, MPH, Dip. ACVD, expects to cover novel proteins plus: Latest data on CAFR prevalence and risk factors Advanced diagnostic techniques for accurate identification Proven strategies for managing … [Read more...]
Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Assistant Scribe programs launched to enhance pet care
The American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group introduces the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Assistant Scribe online training programs. They are designed prepare learners for careers in veterinary medicine. Participants will gain insights about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets … [Read more...]
The various ways birds blink
Birds have various ways of blinking depending on the species and the circumstances. Like us, they have upper and lower eyelids, though the upper lid only moves down in parrots, owls, pigeons, and a few others. The lower lid rises with drowsiness and when the bird is preening. Birds blink when they turn their heads using a ‘third eyelid’, the nictitating membrane that moves … [Read more...]