Analysis reveals ancient equine origin Scientists mapped the complete genome of a half-million-year-old horse by extracting DNA from its bone, which was found preserved in the permafrost of the Canadian Arctic. It is the oldest-known full genome of any species. The finding also dates the origin of equines to 4 million years ago, 2 million years earlier than previously thought. The DNA extraction and analysis techniques may prove useful in examining the evolution of other species, including humans. Nature (free content) (6/26), The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (6/26) Study: Cats may not be as aloof as they seem Despite the common belief that some cats are indifferent to their human caretakers, new research indicates cats are more likely to respond to their owner's voice than a stranger's. However, the response is, in typical cat fashion, subtle: ear or head movement or pupil dilation. The study contributes insights into cats' cognition and shows how their natural tendency to mask their responses to stimuli translates into the home environment. Discovery (6/25) Other News  | We're here, even when times are rough. Disability insurance from AVMA GHLIT can help replace your income when you can't work due to illness or injury. Click here for more information. | | Treating allergic dogs Veterinarian Jeff Kahler explains that dogs often exhibit skin irritation in response to inhaled allergens, and owners must develop a plan with their veterinarian to get symptoms under control. Testing for most, but not all, allergens often aids in the development of a treatment plan, Dr. Kahler writes. Different therapies including desensitizing injections and anti-inflammatory medication, as well as additional testing for secondary infections, may be part of the plan, but without treatment, Dr. Kahler says, the allergies are likely to get worse. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.) (free registration)/The Modesto Bee (Calif.) (6/26) Understanding anthrax Anthrax is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that infects a number of mammalian species, including humans. The most common form in humans is cutaneous anthrax, but gastrointestinal and respiratory disease, the most deadly form, also occur. Because it's a very durable pathogen and relatively easy to maintain in a lab, anthrax has been used as a terrorism agent, notably in Japan in 1993 and in the U.S. in 2001, where it killed five people and infected 17 others. LiveScience.com (6/26) Pet food packaging poses threat to animals After the death of her beloved dog Bison, whose head became stuck inside a cat food bag, Natalie Burnell is warning owners about the possible dangers of packaging and urging pet food manufacturers to print warnings on bags. Burnell says she blames herself for not storing the food out of reach. The Toronto Star (6/25) Other News  | If you had fleas—you'd want Activyl® too! Dogs, cats and their owners all want something that's really effective at getting rid of fleas! Now you can offer them Activyl®—a highly effective innovation in flea treatment that works through bioactivation-a mode of action that uses enzymes inside the flea to activate Activyl®'s full flea-killing power. Learn more here! | | How to show your employees you care Success is often built on healthy relationships with those who work for you, and it's important to establish a work environment that emphasizes reciprocity, writes Mark Sanborn, president of Sanborn & Associates. It's also helpful to listen to what your employees have to say and show appreciation for good work. "Don't be afraid of [overdoing] it. You connect with people more deeply when you recognize the best in them and let them know," Sanborn writes. Entrepreneur online (6/25)  | Increase client visits with instant online appointment booking TopVets.com is the only online vet directory that lets clients find your practice, learn more about you, and book an appointment—instantly. Increase patient visits to your clinic while reducing common administrative hassles so you and your staff can focus on what you love most - providing pets with the best care. Click here to learn more. | | Canine distemper brochure Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease that can be spread in the air or through contact with infected dogs, but can be prevented with vaccination. The AVMA has English- and Spanish-language brochures on canine distemper that can be ordered through the AVMA website. It can also be downloaded for free as a PDF. View AVMA's canine distemper brochure. |  | One does not become a guru by accident." -- James Fenton, British poet and journalist | | | The news summaries appearing in Animal Health SmartBrief are based on original information from news organizations and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The AVMA is not responsible for the content of sites that are external to the AVMA. Linking to a website does not constitute an endorsement by the AVMA of the site or the information presented on the site. Questions and comments should be directed to SmartBrief at avma@smartbrief.com. | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
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