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Click to Skip Ahead What Is a Torn ACL? Signs Causes Care Guide FAQ Many of you may already be familiar with the common human injury widely known as an “ACL” (anterior cruciate ligament) tear. However‚ far fewer people are familiar with the canine equivalent of this injury‚ which is called a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injury. In this article‚ we’ll learn what this musculoskeletal injury entails in our canine friends‚ as well as some common causes‚ signs‚ and treatment options associated with cranial cruciate ligament injury. What Is a Torn ACL? As mentioned‚ the example of a human’s ACL tear is often used interchangeably with a dog’s CrCL injury. Learning about cranial cruciate injury is very important for dog owners as it is the most likely reason for hindlimb lameness in dogs. In addition‚ it is also responsible for a significant proportion of causes of degenerative joint disease in a dog’s knee. A little bit of limited background anatomy may help explain more. A dog’s knee is referred to as their stifle. This stifle joint consists of the kneecap (patellar bone) as well as the end of the femur (thigh) bone that connects to the top tibia (shin) bone and fibula bones below it. By definition‚ a ligament is a tough‚ fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone. Therefore‚ the cranial cruciate ligament attaches the back of the femur bone to the front of the tibia bone. Its purpose is to keep the tibia from moving forward when the limb bears weight. If there is a ligament tear‚ there will be excessive movement forward of the tibia which is diagnosed as a ruptured CrCL. It is important to be aware that CrCL tears can sometimes be accompanied by potential injuries of the meniscus. The menisci are c-shaped cartilaginous disks that are shock absorbers in the knee joint between the femur and tibia. Oftentimes‚ if a CrCL is damaged‚ the meniscus can also be damaged at that time or even at a later date. For a dog with an intact CrCL that is standing‚ the knee is always bent (to some degree)‚ which means that the CrCL is load-bearing and working. However‚ when the cranial cruciate ligament tears‚ whether that is partially or fully‚ this failure then causes the stifle joint (knee) to become unstable. When such a tear occurs‚ you can imagine that this would negatively affect a dog’s ability to move and bring about significant discomfort. A tear can happen acutely (all of a sudden) or chronically (over time). While any age or breed of dog can be affected‚ middle-sized to large dog breeds that are middle-aged have an increased risk. Image Credit: JusOl‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of a Torn ACL? Some signs seen with this condition occur in whichever leg has a partial or full tear of the cranial cruciate ligament. This could be either or both rear legs. One may see any combination of the following: Less active than normal; not wanting to play as much Hind limb lameness/limping Walking three-legged Pain with touching‚ moving‚ or manipulation of the knee joint Decreased range of motion in the knee Swelling around the affected knee joint with potential subsequent muscle atrophy of that leg Difficulty getting get up from a down position A hard time jumping up Trouble going up or down stairs Stiffness (most noticed after resting or after exercise) Knee joint clicking associated with meniscal tear Continued activity often makes the symptoms (and injury) worse What Are the Causes of a Torn ACL? There are a few causes and risks associated with a cranial cruciate ligament injury. A traumatic injury can occur in a number of ways such as when a dog is running and turning quickly‚ jumping off something high‚ or twisting their back leg/knee‚ which in turn tears the ligament. In addition‚ repeating small injuries over time can ultimately lead to the ligament becoming weaker. This allows for small tears to occur‚ also called “micro-injuries” which then ultimately allow for a larger rupture in the ligament over time. A dog’s degeneration with age‚ genetics‚ as well as abnormalities in their anatomy and conformation‚ may all come into play in contributing to a cranial cruciate ligament injury. Some important risk factors that can also be at play with a CrCL include being overweight or not in good physical condition with regular activity. Image Credit: Lena Ogurtsova‚ Shutterstock How Do I Care for a Dog with a Torn ACL? At the Veterinary Clinic If you notice your dog in pain or limping in their rear leg‚ it’s a good idea to have your dog evaluated as soon as you can. Your dog’s vet will start with a complete history and full physical exam. Observing their gait‚ checking for medial buttress‚ and an orthopedic examination that includes palpation and manipulation of the knee joint are also key. From there they may need to sedate your dog to do some further manipulations such as a cranial drawer test‚ tibial compression test‚ and radiographs. Medial buttress. For dogs that have a torn CrCL‚ this is where the inside (medial) surface of the knee joint has a very firm swelling that can be appreciated on the affected leg. Cranial drawer and tibial compression tests. These two different palpation tests require veterinarians to use their fingers and hands in predetermined areas to check for stability (or lack thereof) within the knee joint. Abnormal movements as a result can then indicate that the cruciate ligament is ruptured. Joint health. Your veterinarian will be looking for joint swelling and signs of degenerative joint disease as well as rule out other potential causes visible on X-rays. Sometimes‚ especially in partial tears or more difficult cases‚ further testing may be needed including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‚ arthrocentesis (evaluating joint fluid)‚ and arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure that evaluates the joint with a small camera). Image Credit: Antonio Gravante‚ Shutterstock Treatment For the treatment of a dog with a torn CrCL‚ there are two broad options: surgery and non-surgery (also referred to as conservative/medical management). The decision between these two broad options is multifaceted and should be informed by many factors. This could include a dog’s size‚ age‚ activity level‚ other medical conditions‚ or if they are a good candidate for anesthesia. In addition‚ an owner’s finances and preferences obviously also weigh very heavily. Surgical Stabilization This is often the ideal recommended course of treatment for dogs that have a torn CrCL with or without an additional torn meniscus. These dogs experience faster healing‚ have the best chance of the knee returning to normal function‚ and have less expected osteoarthritis over the long term. There are two groups of surgical options: osteotomy-based that cuts into bone (for example‚ tibial plateau leveling osteotomy aka TPLO‚ tibial tuberosity advancement aka TTA‚ etc.)‚ and those that are suture-based (extracapsular suture stabilization‚ tightrope procedure‚ etc.). Some general practice veterinarians have had extra training on specific surgical procedures‚ but others may refer some or all of their cases to a veterinary specialist. Post-operative management will be very important while a dog is healing‚ and your veterinarian will have many details to discuss. Generally speaking‚ after surgery there will be medication for pain and decreasing inflammation and an e-collar while the incision is healing. Of importance will be confinement and strictly controlled leash activity with physical rehabilitation Weight management for overweight dogs will decrease the amount of load and stress on the joint while healing and thereafter. Nutritional supplements (for example‚ glucosamine-chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids) can be helpful as well. All of these factors are very important and most dogs with a successful surgery and post-operative period return to normal function in 3–6 months. Image Credit: Jus_OI‚ Shutterstock Nonsurgical Management When surgery is not an option‚ there are several factors that will come into play for longer-term care and a detailed conversation with your veterinarian will give more specifics. Medication to decrease pain and inflammation will be coupled with longer confinement and controlled leash activity than that for surgical cases. Activity restrictions and leash-based activities will help reduce pain during the healing process. Physical therapy‚ whether specific recommendations under veterinary care or physical rehabilitation‚ is also important. In addition‚ there may be the potential for custom knee braces. This has limited information and evidence in veterinary medicine at this time‚ but the theory behind it is extrapolated from human medicine. Sometimes‚ it can be attempted as part of the recovery plan if surgery is not a viable option. Just like for surgery cases‚ nutritional supplements can also be helpful and weight management is imperative‚ too. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Will my dog be able to walk normally again? A dog’s overall prognosis after CrCL surgery is good‚ in the range of an 85–90% success rate. A small percentage of dogs may require additional surgery. It is important to note that all dogs with a torn cruciate ligament will develop some degree of osteoarthritis. The goal is to minimize this as much as possible with prompt treatment. Successful surgery can slow the rate of arthritis a CrCL dog will develop over time when compared to those who receive medical management. What is the chance that my dog’s other leg will be affected? While there is unfortunately no exact answer‚ it’s estimated that about 40–60% of dogs that have had a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in one leg will have the same in their other knee in the future. Some risk factors to try to prevent another problem can include having a healthy weight as well as regular physical activity. Conclusion When a dog partially or fully tears their cranial cruciate ligament‚ equivalent to a person’s ACL‚ they will often exhibit lameness and limping in their rear leg. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention usually provide the best possible outcome with the least amount of arthritis in the future. If surgery is not an option‚ strict conservative management with your veterinarian’s recommendations will help to bring relief to your pooch. Sources https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/orthopedics/canine-cranial-cruciate-disease-updating-our-knowledge-about-pathogenesis-diagnosis/ https://assets.ctfassets.net/4dmg3l1sxd6g/1C6RxYz9cZo5JTllWrgtDA/3b5b9f63cf432536e2e01e7d6f9ff5d8/mgmt-tree-cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease-7052-article.pdf https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/treating-cranial-cruciate-ligament-tears https://assets.ctfassets.net/4dmg3l1sxd6g/4k1n21p6nTcmd3SuuLCZCE/708b1a5c5d1cd43d575cc9517831a57e/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease-in-dogs-36381-article.pdf https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease/ https://www.avma.org/news/studies-analyze-factors-outcomes-associated-cranial-cruciate-ligament-rupture-surgery#:~:text=The%20median%20age%20at%20first‚less%20than%203%20years%20old Featured Image Credit: VP Photo Studio‚ Shutterstock The post Torn ACL In Dogs: Vet Signs‚ Causes &; Treatment Options appeared first on Pet Keen.

Akitas are a gorgeous breed originally hailing from Japan. With their thick coat‚ sturdy stature‚ and loyalty‚ it’s no wonder people saved the breed when it was close to extinction. Akitas are as loyal as they come in the dog world but must be socialized well from an early age. They are large dogs‚ getting upwards of 100 pounds in many cases. Being a large breed dog‚ they are at risk for specific injuries and orthopedic conditions. That’s not all the Akita can develop‚ however. If you’re looking at an Akita to own‚ you’re probably wondering what Akita health issues there are for you to know. The 10 Akita Health Issues You Need to Know 1. Cancer Unfortunately‚ cancer comes in many forms and affects all dogs. Akitas may be a little more prone to some types of cancer. Your veterinarian will examine your dog from nose to tail each time you come in for a visit. That said‚ if you notice a new bump on your dog‚ it can be beneficial to note it to your vet. (If your dog will tolerate it‚ trimming the hair over the lump with clippers can help you and your veterinary team find the mass during your visit.) Osteosarcoma tends to affect medium and large-breed dogs‚ with Akitas among those. It is bone cancer. One common saying among veterinarians is that you’ll typically find it affecting a bone “away from the elbow or towards the knee.” Some dogs show signs of pain and limping‚ while others may present with a pathologic fracture of the affected bone. Image Credit: sima‚ Shutterstock 2. Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury The knee (also known as the stifle joint in pets) has several structures that help stabilize it. The cranial cruciate ligament and caudal cruciate ligament form a rough “X” within the knee joint. Like many large breed dogs‚ Akitas have straighter legs and are at risk for the front or cranial ligament to tear. You can compare this injury to an ACL injury in a person. It’s painful and debilitating. Most large dogs need surgery to correct the tear. Your veterinarian will usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like carprofen and recommend strict cage rest to allow your pet to heal. Sometimes‚ a leg brace can also help your dog. 3. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the joint abnormalities that your Akita could be affected by. There is a deformity of the hip’s ball and socket joint‚ where the socket is irregular rather than smooth‚ or the hip doesn’t have enough coverage over the head of the femur. There is a genetic risk associated with hip dysplasia‚ so many dog breeders have screening X-rays taken of their dogs’ hips before breeding. Dogs can be affected by hip dysplasia from a young age. However‚ many only have issues once they’re older and develop signs associated with arthritis. Your veterinarian will generally use pain medications‚ including: Carprofen (Rimadyl) Meloxicam (Metacam) Grapiprant (Galliprant) Image Credit: alterfalter‚ Shutterstock 4. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Surgery is sometimes an option‚ where your dog may have a procedure such as a total hip replacement. You’ll also want to keep your dog lean because being overweight can increase their risk for joint problems. (Fat cells or adipocytes also release hormones that can increase inflammation.) Gastric dilatation volvulus is also known as GDV or‚ even more commonly‚ bloat. With bloat‚ the stomach fills with gas and twists‚ hence the dilatation and volvulus parts of the condition’s name. This condition is typically diagnosed with X-rays. We tend to think of bloat affecting Great Danes‚ but it typically occurs in any deep-chested dog‚ including Akitas. When the stomach twists‚ it can cut off the blood supply to the stomach and spleen. It is a surgical emergency and is life-threatening. 5. Hypothyroidism Thyroid issues can cause a lot of changes in our dogs. Hypothyroidism or low thyroid function can cause your dog to show changes such as: Hair thinning Dry coat and skin Weight gain Lethargy Behavior changes The behavior changes you can see with hypothyroidism can include aggression. Some dogs start picking fights with other dogs in the house. They can also become fearful and withdrawn. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test. Your veterinarian may recommend checking your pet if they’re suspicious your dog is hypothyroid. Still‚ many veterinary hospitals check it as part of routine blood work‚ especially with senior dogs. Image Credit: Botond Horvath‚ Shutterstock 6. Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia gravis is a condition that Akitas appear to be predisposed to developing. There’s an inherited firm and an acquired form‚ with the immune-mediated acquired form typically affecting Akita dogs. Nerves and muscles do not communicate effectively with this condition‚ so affected dogs may have weakness. Dogs with myasthenia gravis can develop megaesophagus‚ where the esophagus dilates‚ and dogs can’t swallow correctly. There are some treatment options‚ such as with anti-acetylcholinesterase medications. Dogs with megaesophagus may have to eat out of elevated bowls or in a unique gadget that helps them eat with a reduced risk of aspirating if they regurgitate. Other signs of myasthenia gravis include: Barking changes Drooling Heavier breathing Decreased blink reflexes 7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic eye condition. While affected dogs are generally born with the ability to see‚ over time‚ their retina degenerates‚ and they go blind. If your dog is affected‚ you might initially see that they have terrible seeing in low-light conditions. Your veterinarian might notice that your dog’s pupils are dilated during an exam when they should constrict in response to light. There is no cure for PRA. Veterinarians can perform testing to help diagnose your dog with the condition. Image Credit: Yuliasis‚ Shutterstock 8. Sebaceous Adenitis Akitas are more at risk for developing sebaceous adenitis than many other breeds. This relatively uncommon condition is an autoimmune disease where inflammation targets the sebaceous glands in the skin. Other signs of sebaceous adenitis include: Dull hair Brittle hair that breaks easily Symmetrical hair loss on either side of the body Deep-seated skin infections in the hair follicles Pups affected with sebaceous adenitis may need antibiotics to control bacterial skin infections. However‚ they should only be used when needed. Your veterinarian may use medications like Atopica (cyclosporine). Topical therapies are vital to treating and controlling signs associated with sebaceous adenitis. Shampoos and mousses that get massaged into the skin are your best bet‚ although some people use sprays to treat the skin. (These medications could be less effective because Akitas have a thick‚ dense hair coat.) Giving your dog fatty acid supplements can also help strengthen their skin barrier. 9. Von Willebrand Disease Several clotting factors and proteins are essential to help stop bleeding in pets and people. Some dogs‚ such as Akitas‚ are at a higher risk for having lower amounts of one protein‚ von Willebrand factor protein. Without an adequate amount of this protein‚ they’re at a higher risk of having uncontrollable bleeding after an injury or surgery. There are laboratory tests that can help diagnose bleeding abnormalities. Some genetic tests will evaluate dogs to see if they may be at risk for von Willebrand disease. There isn’t a cure‚ but for surgical procedures or if your dog is injured‚ your veterinarian can administer blood and plasma products to help control bleeding. You should not breed an affected dog since the condition has a genetic component. Image Credit: luchschenF‚ Shutterstock 10. Zinc Responsive Dermatosis Akitas can be at risk for Zinc Responsive Dermatosis. There are several forms of this condition‚ where either pets cannot absorb enough zinc from their diet‚ or their diet is unbalanced and doesn’t contain enough bioavailable zinc. Not having enough zinc can cause skin issues and immune system problems. Affected dogs may have crusting around their eyes and mouth‚ most commonly in areas where the skin meets mucous membranes. Their coats are usually dry and lackluster. Your vet may need to run tests such as a skin biopsy to diagnose Zinc Responsive Dermatosis. If the diet doesn’t have appropriate amounts of zinc‚ you could switch the food‚ but if they’re having issues absorbing it from their food‚ you’ll need to give your dog a high-quality zinc supplement‚ usually for life. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How long do Akitas live? According to the American Kennel Club‚ Akitas typically have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Some conditions‚ such as bloat‚ can occur suddenly and be life-threatening. The good news is that with proper preventative care and nutrition‚ your Akita has the potential to live a long and happy life with you. Image Credit: Olga Aniven‚ Shutterstock Are Akitas overall healthy dogs? Akitas are a generally healthy dog breed‚ but they are at risk for certain conditions. Simple screening tests can help minimize the chance of issues in future generations‚ from hip X-rays to a DNA cheek swab‚ to see if your dog carries gene mutations that may be associated with von Willebrand Disease. Conclusion Akitas are amazing dogs‚ but like any breed‚ they’re at risk for developing certain health conditions. Your veterinarian will help you manage these diseases and problems but preventing them through responsible breeding and genetic screening are the best ways to promote a healthy breed. Sources https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/akita/ https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/breeds/akita https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/myasthenia-gravis-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sebaceous-adenitis-in-dogs https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/laboratories/comparative-coagulation/clinical-topics/canine-von-willebrand-disease Featured Image Credit: Anaite‚ Shutterstock The post 10 Akita Health Issues You Need to Know (Vet Answer) appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead What Is Ammonia? Is Ammonia Effective at Getting Rid of Fleas? What Is the Best Thing to Kill Fleas? Ammonia is a powerful chemical with many uses‚ in both an industrial and domestic setting. It can be found in many cleaning products‚ pesticides‚ and fertilizers. It is known for being fantastic at cutting through grime and removing dirt‚ but it has also been found to be effective in killing several types of insects‚ including fleas. Pet owners who are fans of home remedies to control flea and pest problems may want to use ammonia to kill fleas because it’s easy to use‚ can be purchased in many places‚ and is cheap and effective. However‚ it is also caustic‚ can be poisonous to pets and humans‚ has a strong odor‚ and is much less effective at dealing with fleas when compared to other methods available. Let’s take a closer look at ammonia‚ and some other solutions for dealing with fleas at home. What Is Ammonia? Ammonia is a naturally occurring chemical compound which results from the breakdown of organic matter. Made up of Hydrogen and Nitrogen‚ it is what fish excrete‚ and is similar in structure to the urea in mammalian urine‚ or the uric acid that birds produce. It is a very alkaline solution (opposite of acidic)‚ and its caustic effects is what makes it a powerful disinfectant. Image Credit: sulit.photos‚ Shutterstock Is Ammonia Effective at Getting Rid of Fleas? Ammonia can kill fleas quite effectively by causing respiratory failure. However‚ the chemical properties that make ammonia such an effective disinfectant and insecticide‚ can also pose a risk to your pets and family. The caustic nature of ammonia means that it can be highly irritant to skin‚ and its fumes are extremely harmful if inhaled. If used without diluting it correctly‚ it can be dangerous. Another disadvantage of using ammonia in the house if you have cats is that the chemical properties it shares with urea will often cause cats to mistake it for feline urine‚ and try to cover the scent with their own. With a long list of alternatives to use in and around the home‚ we would suggest using one with fewer risks. In order to effectively use ammonia to tackle fleas‚ you would need to apply it in multiple areas‚ increasing the risks of causing harm and distress to your pets. Image Credit: KanphotoSS‚ Shutterstock What Is the Best Thing to Kill Fleas? The most effective way to get rid of fleas is to prevent them from occurring in the first place‚ as they can become a real problem to get on top of once an infestation occurs. And the best way to do this is using a prescribed flea medication from your vet. Due to many conditions such as central heating and increased weather temperatures‚ fleas have become a year-round issue. Therefore‚ it is advisable to apply prescription preventative treatment all year round and treat your home with an environmental spray should you notice any signs of fleas. Here are some tips to keep your home free from fleas: Use medication that is safe for your pet‚ is labeled for the correct species‚ and contains active ingredients proven to work. Be consistent with your chosen treatment to avoid resistance developing Find the right product and combinations of treatments that work for you and your pet. If one is difficult or tricky for you to apply‚ don’t use it! Find another that has a better fit. Protect and treat all pets in the home Treat both your pet and their surrounding environment. If you are looking for some more natural methods of keeping your home flea-free‚ there are a few alternatives you can try. Conclusion Fleas are annoying‚ and no one likes or wants them in their homes‚ and when faced with these jumping‚ itch-inducing insects‚ we may be tempted to reach for a cheaper solution‚ or one we already have in the cupboard at home. Although ammonia will kill fleas‚ it is a chemical that can have serious health consequences if used incorrectly. Even when diluted and used correctly‚ ammonia can still cause skin and airway irritation‚ and could trigger a formerly clean cat to start urinating indoors. Fortunately‚ there are easier‚ safer‚ and more effective options and products available. Sources https://healthresearchfunding.org/home-remedies-killing-fleas/ https://pestcontrolhacks.com/does-ammonia-kill-fleets/ https://www.preventivevet.com/pets/pet-safe-home-cleaning-products https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef628 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7362273/ 3-household-cleaners-that-are-harmful-to-pets   Featured Image Credit: luchschenF‚ Shutterstock The post Does Ammonia Kill Fleas? Vet-Reviewed Facts &; Explanation appeared first on Pet Keen.

Last summer‚ Jason Nelson and his wife were enjoying a rare night away from their four children at the Indigo Hotel in Waco‚ Texas. Early that morning‚ they woke to a commotion in the neighboring room: three women screaming in terror that the man they were with was going to kill them. Nelson grabbed his Springfield .45-caliber and went to investigate. After coaxing the man out of the room so the women could lock him out‚ Nelson tried to defuse the situation. But the man attacked him‚ ultimately reaching for Nelson's weapon. During the ensuing struggle‚ Nelson shot and killed his assailant‚ saving his own life and likely the lives of the women the man had been threatening. Those who know Nelson were not surprised by his quick‚ courageous response. As a former special operations soldier‚ he's a man who knows how quickly things can go wrong. Which is why we should listen when he tells us meat is in trouble. Beef prices have risen 30% from their pre-pandemic level‚ and the Department of Agriculture recently warned that beef cattle inventory is at its lowest level in five decades. Add to this America’s current political instability‚ and the future looks dodgy for carnivores. Hence Nelson's company‚ Prepper Beef‚ which offers high-quality‚ freeze-dried beef from Texas cattle as an alternative to the subsistence-level protein usually found in long-term food supplies. "It's not that it's impossible to do‚" says Nelson. "It's just that it's hard to do. And the thing is it's worth it." In this interview‚ Nelson — with political experience and an amazing life story — discusses his military background and what it taught him about the confusing world we find ourselves in. He explains the concept of prepping‚ emphasizing the importance of localized supply chains and support for American jobs. Jason also discusses the globalist agenda‚ attacks on farmers‚ and the manipulation of the food supply. He highlights the need for freeze-dried food and localized production as a solution to these challenges. Who Wants Steaks for the Apocalypse? | Jason Nelson‚ Prepper Beef | Align Q&;A youtu.be After joining the Marine Corps at 18‚ he migrated to the civil affairs and psychological operations branch of the military‚ where he was assigned to humanitarian missions‚ like training soldiers in other countries. He loved the work‚ loved having to solve complex problems that led to real-world outcomes. He quickly learned that the solutions to these crises are often remarkably simple‚ drawing from local resources to “mitigate as much human suffering as possible and create a positive flow of structure towards recovery.” While deployed‚ he wound up right down the street from Benghazi. Even though we spoke for 30 minutes‚ I only got glimpses of Jason’s life story. He ran for Congress. He also wound up on the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 6 — don’t worry‚ he was documenting the situation. He wrote for the now-defunct Santa Barbara News Press‚ founded in 1868. He overcame cancer. His wife is an underwater photographer‚ and his kids have awesome names. Jason has combined his entrepreneurial skills with his enthusiasm for meat in his most recent venture‚ Prepper Beef‚ which offers high-quality freeze-dried beef as a solution for long-term food storage. Having eaten his fair share of shrunken meal packs designed to survive the apocalypse‚ Nelson is offering freeze-dried tenderloin‚ ribeye‚ New York strip‚ and original beef‚ a blend of sirloin‚ picanha‚ tri-tip‚ and brisket. His campaign for meat is‚ in many ways‚ an act of defiance‚ like the tongue-in-cheek initiative to Make Beef Great Again. Nelson is critical of what he describes as “the globalist viewpoint.” He co-founded Prepper Beef with a fellow brother in arms — both of them are 100% combat disabled veterans. To them‚ Prepper Beef is far more than a niche startup; it’s a continuation of their service to America. Every part of the endeavor is American-made: The cattle are from Texas‚ the oxygen absorbers are from Wisconsin‚ and even the Mylar bags are sourced and made in Orlando‚ Florida. “We've gone to great lengths to make sure that not only is it a secure supply chain‚ but it's a localized supply chain and one that supports American jobs. “ He’s troubled by the concerted attack on the upper-level realities of Maslow's hierarchy of needs — self-esteem‚ self-actualization‚ love‚ belonging‚ safety. “Food is the next step.” He sees the increasing hostility of governments toward farmers as an inevitable part of this equation: control. If this happens‚ we’re all in trouble. Control of food leads to control of the production of food: And if they can control food and they can control the production of food‚ the consumption of food. And again‚ you see this almost like they created the problem so that they could offer the solution. So they made the food just absolutely horrible for you. And then they turned around and said‚ see‚ look at what's happened. Diabetes is through the roof. You know‚ heart disease is through the roof. Here's the solution now‚ and then you just mix in a little bit of global warming‚ you mix in a little bit of plastics polluting the air. I mean‚ individually‚ all of these problems are easily fixed. These are not the problems. The problems are consumer habits‚ and that's through a lack of education and personal responsibility. I can't do anything about that. What I can do is look out for other responsible Americans who know what they want to put inside their bodies. I don't need someone from the WEF. I don't need someone from any of the global organizations‚ the U.N.‚ coming in and telling me this is what we need to do to solve the climate crisis‚ when in reality‚ they're letting China do whatever they want‚ India do whatever they want until a certain date‚ 50 years from now or 15 or whatever. It doesn't really matter because they're never going to comply anyway. Does anybody ever really think that China is going to comply and start cutting back on their emissions at any point? Few things steam me up more than the push to eradicate steak. The fight about meat is nothing new. In the ninth chapter of the first book of the Bible‚ God Himself gives humans authority to eat any animal He created. But‚ as is the case with most universal statements in Genesis‚ this clarity has been muddled over time. Thousands of years later in a letter to the Romans‚ the apostle Paul explained‚ “One person believes he may eat anything‚ while the weak person eats only vegetables.”

In the end‚ Vice Media was little more than a hipster Ponzi scheme that preyed on the elderly. The company last week announced that it would lay off hundreds of staffers and stop publishing content at Vice.com. Following last year’s bankruptcy filing‚ CEO Bruce Dixon said it was “no longer cost-effective” for the company to distribute its own content and pledged to pivot‚ once again‚ to a business model that might profit. Now‚ they company would like to be a production studio for the established media companies it used to mock. Vice Media’s website will leave us with some of the most ridiculous far-lefty nonsense spewed into the world. It was a company built on the sizzle and BS of founder Shane Smith‚ who dressed like one of the Blues Brothers and sold a great story to “traditional” news executives. Its pitch: Vice understood the secret sauce of capturing the next generation of news consumers‚ the ones fleeing mainstream media. The company did things that might have sent a guy called Trump to jail — at least 25 years ago. Like paying someone to pretend he was an MTV executive interested in a show to mislead a reporter profiling the company. Or having Vice employees bring friends with laptops to pose as workers. Vice was accused of using hidden techniques to artificially inflate its audience numbers. According to one of Smith’s former girlfriends‚ “Shane would talk all the time about how stupid people were for giving them money.” After being warned by a Vice employee of the company’s sizzle minus the steak‚ one investor replied‚ “You were totally right‚ but the story is good‚ and we’re just gonna pass it on to the next guy.” An early‚ important investor was my ex-boss‚ Rupert Murdoch‚ whom Smith reportedly told‚ “I have Gen Y‚ I have social‚ I have online video. You have none of that. I have the future; you have the past.” It worked. Murdoch invested $70 million in 2013‚ pushing Vice’s valuation to $1.4 billion. A few months later‚ I noticed a problem. At the time‚ I ran FoxNews.com and was looking to boost our social media presence. Analyzing other media outlets‚ it became apparent to me that Vice’s Facebook numbers were inflated to the point of nonsense. The company had millions of supposed followers‚ but its posts generated a tiny number of comments and interactions. It was a clear sign of either bot accounts or‚ more likely‚ overseas “users” who would follow a Facebook page for pennies. Since the boss had just dropped $70 million‚ I thought I should give him a heads-up. After a meeting‚ I mentioned what I had found to Rupert‚ summarizing it as “they’re full of s**t.” I expected him to be perhaps a tad bit worried‚ but that wasn’t in Rupert's DNA. He just chuckled and said‚ “Of course they’re full of s**t.” The next year‚ a venture-capital firm and A&;E invested $500 million‚ raising Vice’s valuation to $2.5 billion. By 2017‚ another $450 million investment pushed its worth to nearly $6 billion. Money like that buys a lot of video production‚ articles‚ and audience. With it‚ Vice spawned two feature film studios‚ a publishing arm‚ a cable TV channel‚ and more. All gone. Shane Smith pocketed more than $100 million personally‚ telling a friend he’d become “post-economic.” His lavish lifestyle signaled prosperity to investors‚ but his purchase of a $23 million Los Angeles home reportedly drove lowly Vice workers to form a union. (Remember the massive mansion shootout scene in “Beverly Hills Cop”? That was the place. Smith eventually sold the house for $49 million.) But there was something Vice couldn’t buy: profitability. The company did produce some fascinating content‚ albeit with a healthy dollop of youthful smugness. When you have a billion dollars to blow without really caring about a profit‚ that hobby can be quite entertaining. Its website‚ however‚ will also leave us with some of the most ridiculous far-lefty nonsense spewed into the world. Here is a small sampling of my favorites: Why Some Men Choose to Surgically Remove Their Penis The Girl’s Guide to Tucking Your D*** How to Make the Perfect Mangina A Modest Take on Why Men Traumatize Women with Poop All Masculinity Is Toxic Yes‚ There Are Trans Animals The Trans Woman Who Became a Dragon 32 Unbearably Cute Things About Beto O’Rourke As Vice Media staggers into the sunset‚ its legacy isn’t the edgy content it promised‚ but rather the shenanigans‚ debt‚ and fleeced investors. In the world of media‚ being the coolest kid in the room doesn’t always pay the bills.