Producers in small and medium livestock operations and veterinarians in rural veterinary practices experience similar barriers to establishing partnerships. Each group recognizes the need for education, preferring in-person, collaborative learning communities. Researchers from Texas A&M revealed five major themes regarding relationship barriers: a) time; b) financial … [Read more...]
Study shows talking about dental care increases brushing frequency
Research intending to compare the effects of motivational interviewing compared to traditional counseling approaches found slim variances between the two approach styles. What was evident is that regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with the … [Read more...]
Perceived role of the veterinarian in promoting dairy cattle welfare
A recently completed study by Canadian veterinary researchers considered how to improve the lives of animals in agricultural systems. Using dairy cattle, dairy veterinarians and veterinary students, the study focused on minimizing negative experiences, according to study authors who set out to see where veterinarians influence the promotion of positive welfare experiences for … [Read more...]
Dogs versus cats: Which is most loved?
Even with striking differences between countries, scientists found that people appeared to care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries across all measures. The study appeared in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Source: Vet Candy, October 31, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The bovine nasal fungal community and associations with bovine respiratory disease
Commentary Consider the end of a cow’s nose. Picture what it encounters throughout the day. A variety of environmental conditions exist when cows inhale dirt, pond water, silage, grasses, baled hay, another cows’ behind, cow manure, wildlife feces and so on. Effective identification and treatment of bovine respiratory disease is an ongoing health and economic issue for … [Read more...]
Impacts of commingling preconditioned and auction-derived beef calves with BRD
Commentary Cattle science continues to study ways to decrease morbidity, mortality and reduce use of antiinfectives as cattle move around the country. The study referenced reinforces the value of preconditioning and addresses the effects of comingling auction-derived calves with the preconditioned ones. Preconditioning reduced BRD and antimicrobial use in the feedlot, in … [Read more...]
Research trend: Outcomes research in animal health and veterinary medicine
Outcomes research is becoming more prevalent in animal health circles. An outcomes research approach considers an element of value along with an outcome of interest which sets it apart from traditional research approaches. It is an approach that evaluates more than the benefits of practices and interventions for veterinary patients. Value can be measured by many … [Read more...]
Dynamics of gut microbiota development in the growing dog
As much as 70 percent of an individual dog’s immune system is in the gut and influenced by the microbiome. This review paper aims to provide an overview on the current knowledge of factors shaping the gut microbiota of young dogs. Evidence-based information is necessary to advise dog breeders and owners to promote a healthy microbiome and lifestyle in puppies*. Microorganisms … [Read more...]
Toxidromes for working dogs, plus the Beagle Brigade
Here is a primer for first responders with little to no training in emergency care of working dogs and veterinarians who have very little training on recognition of the clinical signs of many of the toxic agents to which working dogs are exposed (*e.g., the Beagle Brigade). With the increase in working dogs in the field it is imperative that we provide them with a similar level … [Read more...]
Microbiological quality and presence of foodborne pathogens in raw and extruded canine diets and canine fecal samples
A Chilean study sought to determine pet food safety based on the presence of zoonotic pathogens in extruded and raw meat-based diets. The researchers also sought to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp., C. jejuni, and L. monocytogenes in canine fecal samples. Moreover, the genetic relationship between bacteria isolated from pet food and fecal bacterial isolates was … [Read more...]
Gauging cat happiness
Cats thrive on comfort and safety, according to Sally E. Bahner. She shares information based on a research article <Link> indicating cats are more affectionate when they can call the shots on where they want to be petted. The researchers used the acronym C.A.T.: C = provide the cat with choice and control A = pay attention to the cat’s behavior and body … [Read more...]
Detection of multiple lineages of PRRSV in breeding and growing swine farms
We’ve heard a lot about viral variants since the fall of 2019. Swine researchers and veterinarians continue to work toward better understanding of swine diseases and methods of mitigating disease risks. In this study, the researchers sought to understand the potential long-term impact of multiple prevailing PRRSV variants on pig performance. Their study demonstrated the … [Read more...]
Why the rationale for canine Borrelia burgdorferi vaccination is unpersuasive
In this brief critical discussion, the authors argue that B. burgdorferi vaccines in dogs meet the criteria outlined by AAHA for a vaccine that is not generally recommended, and that these vaccines do not confer any clear benefit to public health, as Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease. For these reasons, they conclude that the rationale for canine B. burgdorferi … [Read more...]
Emerging arboviruses manuscript collection
Collectively, the authors have assembled a manuscript collection to provide scientists up-to-date information on diverse pathogens and their respective insect vectors. It is estimated 60 to 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases in humans are of zoonotic origin. Up to one third of these emerging infectious diseases are caused by vector-borne pathogens, which cause more … [Read more...]
Rare case of fading elk syndrome found in central Iowa
Fading elk syndrome has long been associated with wapiti-type red deer hybrids farmed in New Zealand. The authors report on a case of naturally-acquired fading elk syndrome in a herd of 34 elk (Cervus elaphus) in Ames, Iowa, at the National Animal Disease Center. Fading elk syndrome, or chronic ill-thrift of elk, is a disease associated with abomasal parasitism with Ostertagia … [Read more...]
Scientists reveal pheromones are key to harmonious pet relationships
Researchers discovered using dog and cat pheromones could be key to a happy household where both are living. Relationship challenges between a new pet and an existing pet is one of the main reasons for cats and dogs get taken to shelters for rehoming. Thought to be the first research of its kind, the results suggest that using the dog-appeasing pheromones had a more … [Read more...]
Monkey see. Monkey do: the effects of social cues on biosecurity compliance
To the detriment of animal health, humans do not always follow biosecurity protocols. Human behavioral factors have been shown to influence willingness to follow biosecurity protocols. Research from the University of Vermont underscores the importance of peer-to-peer demonstration of biosecurity measures to improve biosecurity compliance and can be simply summarized as monkey … [Read more...]
Culling decisions and dairy cattle welfare during transport to slaughter in the United States
Twenty eight percent of dairy cows are removed from dairy herds each year. Cull cows are often transported long distances to slaughter and may face many welfare challenges during this process. The authors discuss specialized slaughter locations, what holds this culling system in place and opportunities to improve cull cow welfare. At each point of sale and during each leg of … [Read more...]
Feral cat control through an ethical lens
The trap-neuter-return (TNR) method of feral cat control creates a backdrop for authors to examine our changing societal ethics toward the killing of animals. They explain a shift from an anthropocentric ethic to a zoocentric ethic which is, in part, the result of a growing body of research demonstrating cognition, emotion,and sentience in animals. This prospective can help … [Read more...]