RAVE HERE thread

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Yes, PLEASE no grain free right now unless there's a medical need, which there very rarely is! Honestly mine eat Friskies wet. It's owned by Purina, which is a company I trust that does a lot of research, does feeding trials (not sure if on every recipe) and has actual nutritionists on staff designing the foods. Many of the smaller boutique companies don't have nutritionists or do feeding trials... they use software to formulate and hope for the best. I promise I'm not in anyone's pocket 😉 I trust foods from the "big 3", and that includes a lot of labels and labels aimed at different price points and pet owner preferences. They've been doing the research, do the feeding trials, and have the track record to back up what they're selling. I'm not saying that there are no other good options, but they're my go-tos if someone wants a pretty straightforward answer.

For a slightly less straightforward answer, look here: https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/Arpita-and-Emma-editorial/Selecting-the-Best-Food-for-your-Pet.pdf

My sisters cat currently is on a dry from Royal canin (because he needed something with specific dietary requirements) but had been on Purina One before that. I personally only feed Purina, Royal canin, and hills because they’re the ones doing the research and they have nutritionists.

THANK YOU!! Just sent this to her and she’s super receptive to it 🙂))) y’all rock
 
Apparently in the minority here, but an increase in DCM is nothing new.

It happened several decades ago in cats, and there have not been issues with cat food since adding taurine became a requirement.

In 2003, a study showed an increase in DCM in dogs eating commercial lamb and rice diets, exactly the opposite of what is trying to be proven now.

We will see what the results of the investigation show, but in the reports I have read, the broad range of ingredients to stay away from is so ridiculous that I'm not really inclined to put much trust into the claim.
 
Apparently in the minority here, but an increase in DCM is nothing new.

It happened several decades ago in cats, and there have not been issues with cat food since adding taurine became a requirement.

In 2003, a study showed an increase in DCM in dogs eating commercial lamb and rice diets, exactly the opposite of what is trying to be proven now.

We will see what the results of the investigation show, but in the reports I have read, the broad range of ingredients to stay away from is so ridiculous that I'm not really inclined to put much trust into the claim.
Most dogs do not have low taurine levels. It’s not just the taurine.
 
Most dogs do not have low taurine levels. It’s not just the taurine.
I read that article. I also read the article from Davis which explicitly describes taurine supplementation as a resolution, and Davis is where the latest study was done at. So, also unimpressed by conflicting information :shrug:
 

Even Davis recommends diet change. They’re not saying it’s just taurine supplementation.
 

Even Davis recommends diet change. They’re not saying it’s just taurine supplementation.
Thanks for posting. Right, but the point being that they're saying nearly opposite things, or what I interpret to be opposite. Also, here is an article linking lamb and rice diets to DCM.

Is it really worth the risk until we have more information?
It's definitely good to be cautious, and comes down to ones own comfort level.

For me personally, the details are way too fuzzy and risk way too low (there have been less than 400 cases evaluated) to consider it a problem, especially when Cookie is 17 and has healthy on her current diet.
 
Thanks for posting. Right, but the point being that they're saying nearly opposite things, or what I interpret to be opposite. Also, here is an article linking lamb and rice diets to DCM.


It's definitely good to be cautious, and comes down to ones own comfort level.

For me personally, the details are way too fuzzy and risk way too low (there have been less than 400 cases evaluated) to consider it a problem, especially when Cookie is 17 and has healthy on her current diet.
Yeah Dr. Stern is heading this right now, I worked right across from his lab so I heard a lot about it. As far as I'm aware it's not just the taurine anymore, though that was a major issue, and they're working to get more information but recommend non grain free diets because of the high legumes they usually contain. If you have a grain free diet without excess legumes they're still chill. However, if you're dogs fine, that's great! I'm glad Cookie is doing well and I would never offer medical advice without knowing the situation and yanno, having the degree. If you have specific questions I'd be happy to ask off the record next time I see him 🙂
 
Thanks for posting. Right, but the point being that they're saying nearly opposite things, or what I interpret to be opposite. Also, here is an article linking lamb and rice diets to DCM.


It's definitely good to be cautious, and comes down to ones own comfort level.

For me personally, the details are way too fuzzy and risk way too low (there have been less than 400 cases evaluated) to consider it a problem, especially when Cookie is 17 and has healthy on her current diet.
That link is from 2003 and is not relevant to the current issue though. Currently both schools are saying it’s not just taurine, which is why both recommend a diet change for affected dogs and not just supplementation. In the link caiter posted, it was dogs who WERE taurine deficient being studied, not just any dog with DCM from their food regardless of their taurine levels (and the even mentioned some dogs were taurine deficient and some were not but all were being fed BEG diets). The article I linked came out months after and they said “yo we realized its not ONLY taurine deficiency causing this problem” because 90% of the dogs tufts saw had normal taurine levels.
 
So Anaïs’ album came out in 2010 and the off-Broadway production premiered May 2016. So it’s taken a long damn time to get where it is now. Also, many of the songs have changed A LOT since the off-Broadway production, so I imagine there are a lot more differences between what it is now and Anaïs’ album.

But yeah, I love it. I’m going to see it in 2 weeks 😀 The musical community considers it a cousin to Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 which was snubbed of like every Tony in 2017 (but I think is even better than Hadestown).

Can you tell I’m a theatre nerd?
I have to confess that I absolutely hated Great Comet :hilarious:
 
I have to confess that I absolutely hated Great Comet :hilarious:
MEATS HOW COULD YOU?!?!

I will say that I wasn’t sold on it until I listened like 3x through.

First listen: Ok, this is decent
Second listen: geez, this is really freaking weird isn’t it?
Third listen: ok this is some weird ass music but I like it???
 
MEATS HOW COULD YOU?!?!

I will say that I wasn’t sold on it until I listened like 3x through.

First listen: Ok, this is decent
Second listen: geez, this is really freaking weird isn’t it?
Third listen: ok this is some weird ass music but I like it???
It felt too much like an opera and I honestly didn't find any of the main characters likeable, like not even in a love-to-hate-them sort of way. I would probably feel different about it if I ever got the chance to see a production of it, because I do get the feeling a lot of the stage presence and atmosphere for Great Comet in particular is lost when you only have track listings to listen to
 
It felt too much like an opera and I honestly didn't find any of the main characters likeable, like not even in a love-to-hate-them sort of way. I would probably feel different about it if I ever got the chance to see a production of it, because I do get the feeling a lot of the stage presence and atmosphere for Great Comet in particular is lost when you only have track listings to listen to
I loved that it was an opera but with music that you’d never hear at a traditional opera. I get the characters bit—a lot of them are hard to identify with.

And yes, I got to see it in person before they closed and it was the best theatre experience of my life. They interacted with the audience, during the partying scenes they had strobe lights and loud music (it legitimately made me feel drunk), and the atmosphere was spectacular. If it ever re-emerges, definitely go see it.
 
I loved that it was an opera but with music that you’d never hear at a traditional opera. I get the characters bit—a lot of them are hard to identify with.

And yes, I got to see it in person before they closed and it was the best theatre experience of my life. They interacted with the audience, during the partying scenes they had strobe lights and loud music (it legitimately made me feel drunk), and the atmosphere was spectacular. If it ever re-emerges, definitely go see it.
Good to know! I am very limited in my theater-going opportunities so I tend to prefer musicals where you can understand a lot of the vibe and plot from the cast recording since I generally can't or won't ever get to see the production. I also like musicals where everyone is a sad disaster haha. And currently on a kick of musicals in more modern settings/topics - stuff like Be More Chill, Next to Normal, Fun Home, etc
 
Good to know! I am very limited in my theater-going opportunities so I tend to prefer musicals where you can understand a lot of the vibe and plot from the cast recording since I generally can't or won't ever get to see the production. I also like musicals where everyone is a sad disaster haha. And currently on a kick of musicals in more modern settings/topics - stuff like Be More Chill, Next to Normal, Fun Home, etc
N2N is one of my favorites! If you’re looking for more modern musical recs, I recommend In The Heights and Waitress.
 
Aren't male calicos somewhat rare? (Or am I thinking of male torties?) /layman
Yes. Male calicos are rare because the fur color determinant is linked to the X chromosome; in order for a cat to be calico, they need to have an X coding for orange and an X coding for black. Because males generally are XY (ergo, they have only the one X chromosome), the only possible way a male cat can be calico is to be (an abnormal) XXY. So not impossible, but definitely rare.

At least, if I am remembering correctly.
 
Yes. Male calicos are rare because the fur color determinant is linked to the X chromosome; in order for a cat to be calico, they need to have an X coding for orange and an X coding for black. Because males generally are XY (ergo, they have only the one X chromosome), the only possible way a male cat can be calico is to be (an abnormal) XXY. So not impossible, but definitely rare.

At least, if I am remembering correctly.

Also called Klinefelter syndrome. Hence my desire to name my male calico Klinefelter
 
OK so yesterday was like the worst freaking day I’ve had in a long time in regards to sad cases and ignorant owners (thank you Jesus the ignorant owners weren’t paired with the sad cases!) I ended up referring the first-thing HBC to one of our local referral hospitals and the doctor there was beyond delightful. So many times I call one of the hospitals to tell them I’m sending something and the doctor is sounding judgemental or put-upon. I bet they’re tired, and they don’t want to see the train wreck HBC post-stabilization either butttt that’s part of your job, no? But she was so kind and helpful and I talked to her again later in the day and we talked on our cell phones last night for an update. I’m thinking I’ll write their hospital director and let her know I think that doc is amazing.
 
This is a local group...and they are great. We have seen a couple of productions there. While not Broadway quality, still very good for people that this is NOT their "day job"...
 
Time for a rave! My horse made it to AZ in one piece (despite trying to kill himself and the trailer on the way over), passed state boards, and am bringing home a baby pionus parrot on Friday (super pumped).
How cuuuute!
 
Aren't male calicos somewhat rare? (Or am I thinking of male torties?) /layman
Yes. Male calicos are rare because the fur color determinant is linked to the X chromosome; in order for a cat to be calico, they need to have an X coding for orange and an X coding for black. Because males generally are XY (ergo, they have only the one X chromosome), the only possible way a male cat can be calico is to be (an abnormal) XXY. So not impossible, but definitely rare.

At least, if I am remembering correctly.
I’d never seen one before until last summer the vet I worked at had a kitten brought in. And now he is ours. His name is Alfie and he is adorable.

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Ps: excuse the mess in the second picture I forgot that was taken in a remodel time :whistle:
 
A surgeon told me today that I would be a really good intern because I’m inquisitive, bright, and asked really good questions. AND, that regardless if I choose surgery or emergency, she sees nothing but great things from me, AND that she hopes I do a surgical internship with that hospital or work there after residency, and I just about died.
 
I had surgery for my bone anchored hearing aid today! My skull has to heal at least 8 weeks before I can hook up the hearing aid, but I'm so stoked about the whole thing. I'm excited for August. 😀 It will be a while before my savings account recovers, but I'm so glad this was able to happen. I'm sure I'm going to drive everyone in my life crazy with how much I've been talking about this.
 
I had surgery for my bone anchored hearing aid today! My skull has to heal at least 8 weeks before I can hook up the hearing aid, but I'm so stoked about the whole thing. I'm excited for August. 😀 It will be a while before my savings account recovers, but I'm so glad this was able to happen. I'm sure I'm going to drive everyone in my life crazy with how much I've been talking about this.
We're working on possibly getting me a hearing aid. I'm fine at conversational ranges, but really have trouble at low frequencies... as in a cow's heartbeat through a stethoscope low. It's a problem, and I'm having a hard time finding something that will even work with a stethoscope. My ear canals are apparently crazy small. We've found an option that might work, but we'll see....
 
We're working on possibly getting me a hearing aid. I'm fine at conversational ranges, but really have trouble at low frequencies... as in a cow's heartbeat through a stethoscope low. It's a problem, and I'm having a hard time finding something that will even work with a stethoscope. My ear canals are apparently crazy small. We've found an option that might work, but we'll see....
Have you tried the Eko stethoscope? The core attachment isn’t super expensive (relative to other digital stethoscopes) and I’ve heard great things about it from people who are hard of hearing.
 
Have you tried the Eko stethoscope? The core attachment isn’t super expensive (relative to other digital stethoscopes) and I’ve heard great things about it from people who are hard of hearing.
On our OSCEs (practical exams) they use the double teaching stethoscopes. I have to be able to hear through those as well.

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squeaks...I realize the instructors are wanting to "hear what you hear", but I believe that there is also something about reasonable accommodations that need to be made. Pretty sure being able to hear would fall under that category....
 
Oh true. This is 100% me not knowing and being possibly naive, but would they not allow you to hook up the Eko Core to that real quick for OSCEs?
The Eko attachment needs to be spliced into the tubing. It's not just a matter of hooking something onto the outside.
squeaks...I realize the instructors are wanting to "hear what you hear", but I believe that there is also something about reasonable accommodations that need to be made. Pretty sure being able to hear would fall under that category....
Yeah, I know. But Access (disability services) is already questioning whether I should be in the program with the amount of accommodation I'm already needing. I'd rather not have to involve them further if there's another option! The other problem with this is that so far my hearing test is "normal" because I haven't found an audiologist with equipment that can go that low. They only test conversational ranges. Makes it harder to justify accommodation! But when we're using the teaching scopes on livestock I CAN'T hear what the instructor can hear, so that's obviously a problem. I'd been struggling with it throughout vet school and thought it was my technique until I caught on to that.
 
Yeah, I know. But Access (disability services) is already questioning whether I should be in the program with the amount of accommodation I'm already needing. I'd rather not have to involve them further if there's another option! The other problem with this is that so far my hearing test is "normal" because I haven't found an audiologist with equipment that can go that low. They only test conversational ranges. Makes it harder to justify accommodation! But when we're using the teaching scopes on livestock I CAN'T hear what the instructor can hear, so that's obviously a problem. I'd been struggling with it throughout vet school and thought it was my technique until I caught on to that.
I'm concerned about the bolded - I'm sure there must be some reasonable limitations to what disability support will cover, but it sounds very suspect (illegal) if they can kick you out of the program for needing "too much" accommodation. Are you projecting or have they told you this? Because to hell with that, if you need to use your own stethoscope during certain exams, that in no way hinders your ability to be a vet. They just have to adjust how they approach that exam, and they shouldn't make you feel like that's a big deal. Not having medical documentation for your hearing deficiency is obviously a complicating factor, but your school should not be making you feel like you can't ask for help when you need it.

What ranges have you been tested for? My audiogram is 125 to 8000 Hz with 0 to 120 dB. Hearing human speech happens at roughly 10-55 dB. If you've only had your speech range tested (which is what my high school district tested, the one time I tried to have an updated audiogram through the school) then you should find a different audiologist. They should also do a tympanogram.

I'm sorry Squeaks, I hope you find someone who can help!
 
I'm concerned about the bolded - I'm sure there must be some reasonable limitations to what disability support will cover, but it sounds very suspect (illegal) if they can kick you out of the program for needing "too much" accommodation.
She’s in Canada, so I’m not sure if they have similar laws and such as we do here. (I do think it’s garbage that they won’t let her have accommodations she needs though, don’t get me wrong, but idk the Canadian laws and if it’s actually illegal there, unless you’ve looked them up to see that)
 
I'm concerned about the bolded - I'm sure there must be some reasonable limitations to what disability support will cover, but it sounds very suspect (illegal) if they can kick you out of the program for needing "too much" accommodation. Are you projecting or have they told you this? Because to hell with that, if you need to use your own stethoscope during certain exams, that in no way hinders your ability to be a vet. They just have to adjust how they approach that exam, and they shouldn't make you feel like that's a big deal. Not having medical documentation for your hearing deficiency is obviously a complicating factor, but your school should not be making you feel like you can't ask for help when you need it.

What ranges have you been tested for? My audiogram is 125 to 8000 Hz with 0 to 120 dB. Hearing human speech happens at roughly 10-55 dB. If you've only had your speech range tested (which is what my high school district tested, the one time I tried to have an updated audiogram through the school) then you should find a different audiologist. They should also do a tympanogram.

I'm sorry Squeaks, I hope you find someone who can help!
Well to be fair it's not the program that has the issue, just Access themselves. I don't think they actually have the power to kick me out, but they can make my life fairly miserable if they're difficult about it. I believe the hearing test I had only went down to 800 hz. According to my research electronic stethoscopes designed for human medical professionals are aimed at about 100 hz , and livestock heartbeats are lower frequency than human. I'm talking with another clinic - the one associated with the hospital where I used to work - to see what they can figure out for me. They should at least have better equipment.
 
Well to be fair it's not the program that has the issue, just Access themselves. I don't think they actually have the power to kick me out, but they can make my life fairly miserable if they're difficult about it. I believe the hearing test I had only went down to 800 hz. According to my research electronic stethoscopes designed for human medical professionals are aimed at about 100 hz , and livestock heartbeats are lower frequency than human. I'm talking with another clinic - the one associated with the hospital where I used to work - to see what they can figure out for me. They should at least have better equipment.
And yes, the legality is definitely questionable!
 
The Eko attachment needs to be spliced into the tubing. It's not just a matter of hooking something onto the outside.
From seeing it used it looks like you just pull the tubing off the chest piece and slip the tubing onto the core. Then the core comes with different sized tubing if needed to slip onto the chest piece. It doesn’t require actually cutting the tubing and only takes about 30 seconds. And then when you’re done you just pull off the tubing and put it back onto the chest piece. Again, if that’s not something the school would be okay with then I get it, but if that were an option it could be really helpful.
 
From seeing it used it looks like you just pull the tubing off the chest piece and slip the tubing onto the core. Then the core comes with different sized tubing if needed to slip onto the chest piece. It doesn’t require actually cutting the tubing and only takes about 30 seconds. And then when you’re done you just pull off the tubing and put it back onto the chest piece. Again, if that’s not something the school would be okay with then I get it, but if that were an option it could be really helpful.
Nope

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That little piece of tubing is what comes with the Eko. The long tubing is what initially attaches to chest piece when the core isn’t installed. There’s no cutting involved. I can’t post YouTube links, but look up Eko Core tutorial. You pull the chest piece off of the stethoscope, attach that part of the tube to the first half of the core, attach one of the little pieces of tube that comes with the core to the chest piece, and attach that to the other half of the core. No cutting and it doesn’t affect the original stethoscope. And they include pieces of different diameter tubing to fit any stethoscope.
 
That little piece of tubing is what comes with the Eko. The long tubing is what initially attaches to chest piece when the core isn’t installed. There’s no cutting involved. I can’t post YouTube links, but look up Eko Core tutorial. You pull the chest piece off of the stethoscope, attach that part of the tube to the first half of the core, attach one of the little pieces of tube that comes with the core to the chest piece, and attach that to the other half of the core. No cutting and it doesn’t affect the original stethoscope. And they include pieces of different diameter tubing to fit any stethoscope.
Interesting... that's not what I'd understood from the printed material I'd found. That may work in that case. Still hoping the hearing test works out, because if I can't justify it to Access it won't matter.
 
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