With 70 percent confidence, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which will become hurricanes, and 3 to 5 may grow to major hurricane intensity of Category 3 or stronger. The article includes concerns over staffing, which, beyond the political turmoil, should be fair warning for individuals and businesses to … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2025
AVMA develops New World screwworm resource for veterinarians
New World screwworm is a serious cause for concern. AVMA’s New World screwworm webpage delivers the key information veterinary teams need to stay ahead of this emerging threat. Veterinary teams will play a critical role in frontline defenses. The situation calls for vigilance and immediate response. Source: AVMA@Work, June 3, 3025. Link. … [Read more...]
Why people attend the World Pork Expo (video)
Jennifer Shrike shares a look at why people make the trip to Des Moines every June and their recommendations on how to make the experience unforgettable. The weather can be searing hot, rainy or blustery on any given day so a poncho and sun shade headgear are considerations. Come hungry, be ready to learn and network with pork industry influencers, leaders and … [Read more...]
Strategies for culling cows this year
It’s early to be talking about culling cows in anticipation of drought, but some states are already dealing with below-average precipitation. Culling is a good business decision as cow-calf pairs are turned out on pasture. Extension professionals share culling strategies in this article, beginning with open cows, cows that lost calves and those that need to be removed from the … [Read more...]
Stop doing cosynch
Cosynch is a management practice on dairies where GnRH treatments and artificial insemination are performed simultaneously. While labor-saving, Paul M. Fricke PhD, reviews the importance of timing in what is termed the ovsynch 56 protocol. In summary, the science does not support the cosynch approach. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 2, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like … [Read more...]
Ramp up fly control or breathe through your teeth
Maggie Gilles provides a reminder all animal health pros need. Fly control begins with regular sanitation to remove manure and organic material from breeding areas. To increase effectiveness, it is important to implement one or more of the fly reduction approaches targeted to different life stages of the pesky flies. Stable flies and horn flies are the primary targets for … [Read more...]
DocTalk. Discussing embryos and reproductive technologies.
Includes Commercial Content from DocTalk sponsors In this eye-opening episode of DocTalk, Dan Thompson, DVM, PhD, engaged Kosta Simintiras, PhD, to help us better understand the challenges in the complex process of bovine conceptus elongation, a critical phase in early pregnancy. Simintaras shares research on improving embryo transfer and artificial insemination success … [Read more...]
Mass honey bee collapse may compromise US agriculture
More than half of the nation’s managed honey bee colonies have experienced mass die-offs. These losses, combined with honey bee die-off events during other times of the year, mean many beekeepers have seen 70 to 100 percent of their colonies collapse over the past 12 months. Source: AVMA, May 14, 2025. Link. The cause of the die-offs has not yet been identified. The usual … [Read more...]
Conserving heritage chicken breeds
Many backyard chicken breeds face endangered status. Ana Hotaling shares the importance of conserving flocks that allow chicken breeders to contribute to biodiversity and sustainable farming practices. She shares the ins and outs of raising endangered breeds in conservation flocks. Source: Hobby Farms. Link. INSIGHTS: Conservation flock development would make a good 4-H … [Read more...]
Horses grazing with donkeys can be exposed to lungworms
While horses and donkeys can be great companions, infected donkeys can infect horses with lungworms. Kimberly S. Brown shares some basic facts about lungworms in donkeys and horses with help from Zoetis’ Nathan Voris, DVM. The article is a good review and is worthy of sharing with horse owners; those with donkeys already and those who may be tempted to bring home a donkey from … [Read more...]
The importance of “pet-alized” dental care for older animals
Will Wetzel shares takeaways from a Fetch Nashville presentation by Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, entitled, “They are NOT too old for dental procedures (usually).” Dental disease and chronic inflammation continue to build over time when routine oral care is ignored, which leads to further complications once the pet enters their senior years. We noted the reference to chronic … [Read more...]
Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline “idiopathic” cystitis
Feline idiopathic cystitis is a lower-urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. Researchers anticipated anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. While further studies are recommended, identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and … [Read more...]
Orange cats, freak of nature?
Scientists say they have unraveled a longstanding mystery by identifying the specific DNA mutation responsible for orange cats’ color and the variant has not been found in any other animal. Amanda Schupak relates the fascinating details of a mutational mechanism that occurred once during domestication and then was selectively bred for for hundreds of years. Source: CNN, May … [Read more...]
A natural approach to the #1 problem in pet shelters
Commentary, Sponsor Content The challenges with animals in a shelter environment are well-known. Helping them during this very stressful transition period is critical to them advancing toward a healthier existence and successful adoption. Steven Lerner, PhD, and Davey Stone recently shared a webinar to introduce and refresh animal health pros’ knowledge of the benefits of … [Read more...]
Mental health care and dogs
Sponsor Content In a recent post, Wendy Hauser, DVM, shared what we need to know about the mental health care of our cats <Link>. In this parallel article from the ASPCA® Pet Health Program, Hauser addresses canine mental health care beginning with the three most common mental health issues dog owners experience with their dogs: a) anxiety, b) depression and c) … [Read more...]
Collars, harnesses and training for cats improve safety, well-being
Includes Commercial Content Seemingly every week we see articles sharing ways to improve the lives of our pets. Cats in particular benefit when their owners develop routines to engage with their owners such as play or walks outdoors. Understanding options for restraint will help cat owners wanting to expand their interactions with their cat(s). We’re sharing these articles … [Read more...]
Cliff Faver, DVM. The eyes are the window to the soul.
Commentary In this article for groomers, Cliff Faver, DVM, urges groomers to consider a pet’s eyes as they receive them and work with them in a grooming setting. His assertions are good coaching for those working in shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics. Note his comments about liability, too. Source: Groomer to Groomer, June 2025. Link. Eyes are critical to the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 2, 2025
Camp Bow Wow turns 25 . . . shares data from dog owner survey, WunderPetz™ launches franchise opportunities, Petbizology launches growth services, legislative updates, dog karaoke and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 2, 2025. Link. 79 percent agreed that they feel like both they and their dogs are living their best lives when the dog is able to socialize.” – Camp Bow Wow … [Read more...]
The framework top CEOs use to scale
Bob Pearson’s opening sentence was enough to share this article with animal health pros. “Scaling a business doesn’t mean grinding longer hours, putting out fires all day, or spinning your wheels chasing growth. Top-performing CEOs don’t grow through chaos; rather, they scale through clarity, systems and accountability.” Source: Vistage, May 16, 2025. Link. This framework . … [Read more...]
Plain speak
Plain speak is about clarity, efficiency and making your message stick with your customers. It isn’t about dumbing down your message. It’s about smartening it up. It’s about clarity, efficiency and presenting a message that sticks. No one likes jargon, writes Brian Sullivan. Source: Veterinary Advantage, August 2024. Link. Questions make your clients think and relate their … [Read more...]
Home health agencies dropping their telehealth programs
Perspectives for consideration. A new survey finds that home health agencies are abandoning virtual care due to complexity and inadequate reimbursement. Telehealth advocates the pendulum effect should wear off as both providers and patients understand the value of virtual visits and work toward a hybrid strategy that mixes in-person care and telehealth. BUT, the monkey wrench … [Read more...]
Vet tech instructor shares the importance of upskilling, strategic support
The veterinarian shortage is portrayed in myriad ways as our industry works to meet rising demand for qualified professionals. Deploying veterinary technicians at the top of their licensed skills is a common theme in shortage discussions. We were pleased to hear from Dr. Meghan Wells, DVM, MPH, who serves as an instructor for the Veterinary Technology program at Penn … [Read more...]
Synchrony study finds pet owners still underestimate the costs of care
Nearly 80 percent of U.S. pet owners continue to underestimate the lifetime costs of caring for their animals, despite growing financial pressure and increasing investment in pet health and wellness, according to 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study, conducted by Synchrony's CareCredit. Small companion animals and pocket pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters were … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 5, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 29, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 29, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Building rapport key to getting a decision (video). Link. 20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs. Link. Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis. Link. New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas … [Read more...]