A clinical comparison published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science forms the basis for this article. The goal was to evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical formulation in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis as an alternative or complementary option to NSAIDs. Key Findings Pain reduction: Both treatments significantly reduced pain scores, with comparable efficacy. … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2026
Cat fleas contributing to flea-borne murine typhus incidence
A study from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences detected DNA from Rickettsia typhi, the bacterium that causes flea-borne murine typhus, in cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) collected from domestic cats in the Rio Grande Valley, the southernmost point of Texas. This region consistently records some of the highest human murine typhus case … [Read more...]
Study: AI-powered camera system predicts nearly 95 percent of Thoroughbred foalings
Researchers in Japan say a combination of thermal imaging and artificial intelligence could eventually lower the burden of continuous surveillance during foaling season. The system, called Umamori, uses a thermal infrared camera paired with a conventional visible-light camera mounted above the mare’s stall instead of requiring a wearable sensor or an invasive device. The … [Read more...]
Research says equine acupuncture can be valuable
Research continues to demonstrate that acupuncture can play a valuable role in treating a variety of equine health conditions when performed by a qualified veterinarian. They conclude that acupuncture provides the greatest benefit when used alongside accurate diagnosis, rehabilitation and appropriate veterinary care rather than as a standalone treatment. Source: Equine … [Read more...]
Understanding fall equine laminitis risks
We tend to associate springtime with laminitis, but fall is also a high risk for many horses, writes Eleanor Kellon, VMD. She explains that the major contributor to fall laminitis has nothing to do with pasture and can affect any horse. The warm days and cold nights of fall contribute to laminitis risk on pasture for horses with metabolic syndrome and high blood … [Read more...]
South Dakota cattle producers cope with ‘gut-wrenching’ losses from July heat wave
South Dakota cattle producers lost at least 2,000 head to heat stress last month. What made it lethal wasn't the daytime peak; it was consecutive days of heat and humidity with no wind and nights that never dropped. Griffin Cherry describes the effect on producers. Source: Griffin Cherry, LinkedIn, August 12, 2026. Link. Cattle don't die from the hottest hour of the day. … [Read more...]
Standing corn is an option for grazing
Drought is hard on crops but there can be some value derived from grazing standing corn, writes Aaron Berger. He discusses the economics and nutritional elements for producers to consider in drought-affected areas. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, August 5, 2026. Link. With a shortage of forage for grazing and hay, current market conditions for fertilizer and corn, along with … [Read more...]
Survey sheds light on small-scale swine farms
A University of Minnesota Center for Animal Health and Food Safety survey sought to understand more about the unique challenges and needs of small-scale pig farmers in California, Minnesota and Texas. The emphasis was on gaining an understanding of their pig health management and disease preparedness. Notably, less than 50 percent had a premises identification number, very … [Read more...]
MSHMP and SDRS; complementary programs for a similar purpose
Kudos to Cesar A. Corzo, University of Minnesota; Quyen Le, Daniel Linhares and Giovani Trevisan, Iowa State University, for this clarifying article. It helps with the alphabet soup that is part of swine research and management, and in this case, where perceived redundancies are actually synergistic. The authors share that the U.S. swine industry benefits from two nationally … [Read more...]
PetSmart Charities launches Veterinary Fellowship Program
PetSmart Charities® launched The PetSmart Charities Veterinary Fellowship program on August 17. The investment is designed to cultivate leaders in community medicine through education, mentorship and long-term professional connection. This program is one part of PetSmart Charities' response to findings from the PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care Study to invest … [Read more...]
Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards 2026
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute announced the winners of its annual Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, recognizing those who offer innovative programs, policies and initiatives to advance the human-animal bond and create a more pet-friendly society. Source: PR Newswire, Human Animal Bond Research Institute, August 13, 2026. Link. 2026 Honorees: Dogs on … [Read more...]
Leadership changes at Veterinary Virtual Care Association
The Veterinary Virtual Care Association announced the installation of Jessica May, BVetMed, as president of its board of directors, succeeding founding Board Chair Mark Cushing. May has served on the VVCA board of directors since 2022, where she chaired the Association's European Committee. Source: VVCA, August 13, 2026. Link. May will work alongside the Board of Directors, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 20, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 13, 2026. Link. Most read posts from August 13th, 2026 AHD Bulletin – When pain changes more than movement. Link. Emotionally intelligent leaders consistently exhibit 6 habits. Link. Malone: AI in your hospital? Link. Role of the veterinary nurse in Spectrum of Care. Link. 7 ways … [Read more...]
Spectrum of care in veterinary medicine; the role of the veterinary nurse
Commentary Every week we see articles on various barriers to veterinary care. Cost consistently tops the list. Empowering veterinary professionals and clients to consider a wide range of treatment strategies, from technologically advanced and expensive to more traditional and less expensive, can potentially improve access to medical care all pets need, writes Julie Ann … [Read more...]
7 ways veterinary practices can boost their revenue
Commentary Smart systems, better communication and expanded services can all make a meaningful difference, say the authors of this article. Of the seven strategies listed, staff training, empowerment and client education are known to provide value for clients at points of service. Patient no-shows take on a different meaning in the current vet visit environment. Industry … [Read more...]
Retailers’ wish list for SUPERZOO 2026
Retailers are on the hunt to find products that will help them stand out in their local markets at SUPERZOO 2026. Animal health pros can get a sense of where retailers expect to capture pet owners’ OTC spend by reviewing the list, such as new supplements, interactive toys and unique durables. Source: Pets+, August 10, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
AI in your hospital?
The manufacturers’ reps who call on you are using AI to better serve your hospital. Why aren’t you using it to better serve your customers? Brian Sullivan’s suggestion could also apply to pet service businesses or retailers. Source: Veterinary Advantage, June 2025. Link. AI can help you send a message that earns a response. Think of it as your ghostwriter – minus the … [Read more...]
Emotionally intelligent leaders consistently exhibit 6 habits that help them become exceptional
The workplace has changed. Success is no longer determined solely by what you know. It’s increasingly determined by how well you work with people, writes Marcel Schwantes. He shares six practices that consistently set emotionally intelligent employees and leaders apart. They pause before reacting They display authenticity They think before they speak They handle … [Read more...]
America’s future depends on the health of its animals
Animal health pros can use the positive messages from Holger Lehmann’s article. Each of us contributes to an infrastructure that sustains people, environments and the animals that support us. Take a minute from fighting the daily fires to appreciate all we do to provide the various segments of society. Lehmann writes, “When our agricultural and veterinary systems work as … [Read more...]
When pain changes more than movement
Maggie Creamer, PhD, is exploring if pain in dogs may reach beyond mobility, shaping how a dog thinks, learns, and experiences the world. A dog who seems less interested, struggles to learn something new or begins behaving differently may be communicating more than we realize, says Creamer. In people, chronic pain can interfere with everyday cognitive functioning and ability … [Read more...]
Review: What’s new in canine and feline vaccination guidelines
Commercial references Kaitlyn Krebs, DVM, MBA, and Kirsten White, DVM, break down the latest vaccine changes for canine and feline patients in this interview summary. Whether working in a clinic, grooming salon, shelter or boarding/daycare business, knowing vaccination guidelines can help keep narratives on the same page. Source: dvm360, August 3, 2026. Link. Updated … [Read more...]
A complete rabbit feeding guide
Knowing which foods are safe and which should be avoided can help prevent digestive problems and keep rabbits healthy for the long term. Clients who show rabbits at fairs may have new questions in the coming weeks. Erin Snyder’s article is good information to share. Key takeaways: Hay should make up the majority of a rabbit’s daily diet. Rabbits need plenty of fiber … [Read more...]
Raccoons bring more than bite risks
We’re sharing this article after seeing several social media posts of people feeding raccoons. Single sow raccoons that ate cat food and birdseed on porches are now bringing their litters and teaching them their opportunistic “trash panda” ways. Beyond the obvious bite risks, most people don’t realize that you do not need to touch a raccoon to be exposed to harmful diseases. … [Read more...]
Understanding livestock guardian dogs
Modern homesteads and small farms with livestock face mounting pressure from predators, including coyotes, feral dogs, bobcats, mountain lions and bears, as well as aerial threats. Livestock guardian dogs can serve as full-time protectors and reduce livestock losses and support nonlethal predator management. Unlike traditional pet dogs bred primarily for companionship, LGDs … [Read more...]
Brain games dogs (and DVMs) love
Physical exercise is important for canine health, but it only addresses part of what dogs need. Mental stimulation is just as important for behavioral health. Dan Seymour shares low-cost ways dog owners can mentally engage their dogs. Structured tug-o-war, hide ‘n seek and name that toy are examples dog owners can implement easily. Consider sharing this article in social … [Read more...]
Dogs know when we’re happy or sad, new study shows
Researchers have discovered canine brains may understand human emotions more than previously thought. With awake and unrestrained dogs in an MRI scanner, researchers showed the dogs pictures of human facial expressions. Scans showed the dogs made distinctions between fear and anger, and fear and sadness. This indicates dogs can tell the difference between nuanced emotions. … [Read more...]
Separation-related distress during back-to-school season
Back-to-school season can escalate separation-related distress for cats and dogs. As household routines shift this fall, veterinary teams are well-positioned to help clients recognize separation-related distress early and build a plan that supports both patient welfare and the human-animal bond. Taking pet owners through a thoughtful assessment can reveal opportunities to … [Read more...]
The biology behind why dogs and cats palatability preferences differ
Cats and dogs taste things differently. As pet food aisles expand, understanding these differences can help explain why pets prefer certain foods and treats. This helps manufacturers develop alternative proteins, therapeutic formulations and sustainable ingredients pets want. Tim Wall shares the biology of taste differences and what it means for the pet food industry and animal … [Read more...]
Antibiotic resistance threatens vision in pets and horses
Sight-threatening antibiotic-resistant eye infections are becoming a significant threat to vision in dogs, cats and horses, according to a review published in Veterinary Ophthalmology. Researchers examined global trends in antimicrobial resistance in animal eye infections and warn that multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming more common in referral veterinary … [Read more...]
Let horses drink right after exercise but not too much
Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, DACVS, says a sweaty, hardworking horse needs to be rehydrated quickly. However, he reminds us that horses have relatively small stomachs that only hold about two to three gallons, so once full, the stomach needs to empty before taking in any more water. Source: EQUUS, July 31, 2026. Link. Offer horses a drink at every possible opportunity but … [Read more...]