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| Veterinary Medicine Update |  |  |
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- 3 brands implicated in jerky-related illnesses in dogs
According to FDA records obtained by MSNBC.com, three brands of chicken jerky treats made in China have been connected to multiple canine illnesses following their consumption. Brands most often cited in Priority 1 cases -- instances in which the animal was younger than 11 years old and medical records were available -- were Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch jerky or tenders, produced by Nestle Purina PetCare, and Milo's Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, manufactured by Del Monte. MSNBC/Vitals blog
(3/13)     
- White-nose syndrome is spreading south, threatening gray bats
White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease caused by Geomyces destructans that has killed nearly 7 million bats in the U.S. and Canada, was confirmed in endangered gray bats in Alabama in early March, the farthest south the disease has been detected. Although no dead gray bats have been found yet, biologists fear the disease will "devastate" the population. The Washington Post
(3/14)
- Officials recommend rabies vaccine for some livestock in N.M.
New Mexico officials say the state is experiencing "one of the most concentrated outbreaks of rabies in decades," raising concerns about livestock and horses and prompting officials to urge vaccination for livestock that come into contact with humans, such as 4-H and FFA animals. CDC guidelines for veterinarians regarding suspect rabid animals with and without vaccination are also explained in this article. Southwest Farm Press
(3/14)
- Dogs play the piano, but do animals enjoy music?
In a YouTube video, two golden retrievers flawlessly pound out a tune on an oversized piano as their owner cues them with an ocarina, but University of Wisconsin-Madison psychologist and zoologist Charles Snowdon says animals and humans have a different appreciation for music. According to Snowdon, who developed special music for tamarin monkeys, animals' varying vocal ranges and heartbeats make them interested in music and sounds that humans may not enjoy. LifesLittleMysteries.com
(3/14)
- Why birds of a feather flock together
Using video and stereometric 3-D images of huge starling flocks in Rome, researchers discovered the flocks moved in unison according to scientific and mathematical principles. A change in one bird's flight position affected exactly seven others around it and so on, until the entire flock was affected. The overall flight path of the flock mimicked the movement of an electron in a magnetic field. PhysOrg.com
(3/14)
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- Tick numbers vary depending on several factors
Although some are predicting this season will bring more ticks and hence more Lyme disease in people and dogs, Tufts University infectious diseases professor Sam Telford says several factors affect the tick population, including small mammal carriers, humidity, time of day and deer populations. Although a Lyme vaccine for people is no longer available, a canine vaccine exists. Sentinel & Enterprise (Fitchburg, Mass.)
(3/14)
- Horse lands in owners' house during tornado
During the tornadoes that devastated parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio on March 2, one horse had a close call that ended up being a stroke of luck. Twister, renamed after the tornadoes, was swept out of his pasture and dropped into his owners' kitchen after the house's roof had been ripped off. Veterinarian David Fugate has been treating Twister and other horses injured in the storms. The Horse
(3/14)
- Directory established for gently used wheelchairs for pets
Dogs with spinal cord injuries have decreased mobility, muscle loss and recurrent bladder infections, according to veterinarian Amber Parker, but dog wheelchairs help alleviate these problems by promoting physical movement. For Paws Hospice has created a database of gently used wheelchairs, returned by owners who no longer need them, that the organization matches with dogs, as well as cats and rabbits, in need. WTVT-TV (Tampa, Fla.)
(3/14)
| Around the Office | | |
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- How to make sure your business is on the right track
Spring isn't only a popular time to clean up around the house, it's also a good time to fine-tune your business. You should make sure that you are focusing on customers' needs and that you are trying out new ways of finding business, writes Joey Faucette. It's also important to focus on efforts aimed at retaining your current customers. Entrepreneur online
(3/13)
| Policy Watch | | |
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- Proposed bill would change status of military dogs
A bipartisan bill proposed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., would officially change the classification of military dogs from their current status as equipment to "canine members of the armed services." The bill also provides for all retired dogs fit for adoption to be transferred to a suitable location, such as Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, which has an adoption program, and sets up a medical treatment program for the dogs, paid for by charity donations. Politico (Washington, D.C.)
(3/14)
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