Jörg Mayer, DVM, MS, DABVP, DECZM, DACZM, discusses the role of veterinarians in supporting bee health and wellness since the Veterinary Feed Directive was implemented. Source: AAHA, YouTube, March 13, 2025. Link. We don’t think of the honey bee as a farm animal . . . but it is.” Also see: Search results for: bees, AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Tracking contagious equine metritis
Contagious equine metritis is a bacterial venereal disease transmitted primarily through breeding and has been detected sporadically in the United States, most recently in 2024. The USDA details the spread of the disease here, from pony stallions on a Florida facility to horses of other breeds around the country. Fifty two cases, including 18 domestic ponies, 18 riding … [Read more...]
Increasing prevalence of E. multilocularis in wild, domestic canids
The Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm is becoming more prevalent in North America, with rapid expansion in the northeastern United States. Wild and domestic canid species serve as definitive hosts, with rodents being intermediate hosts. E. multilocularis proglottids are microscopic, making annual fecal flotations using centrifugation important for early identification of … [Read more...]
Why are cats such a medical black box?
Commenting on this article, Kristin Wuhrman, feline thought leader, said, “We need to shift the narrative around feline medicine and advance our understanding of a species that has long been underserved. Treating cats as their own species requires a deeper commitment to research, innovation, and a better grasp of how cat owners think, engage, and make healthcare decisions … [Read more...]
Still growing, first calf heifers need feed, energy
First calf heifers need special attention. Simply put, Mother Nature tells the heifer to direct nutrients toward growth before nutrients are directed towards reproduction. Therefore first-calf heifers undergo an average three to four weeks longer period of postpartum anestrus than mature cows. Source: BEEF, February 25, 2025. Link. Don't short heifers on feed after … [Read more...]
Skipping fecal egg counts does NOT save money
The most important reason for determining parasite fecal egg counts today is to test for resistance shared Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, DVSc, DACVM, DEVPC, when questioned about the importance of fecal egg counts. He addresses drug resistance, parasite species variability and tapeworms as growing concerns. Source: EQUUS, March 2, 2025. Link. We owe it to our horses to make … [Read more...]
Dog humping: Why it happens and how to stop it
Humping is a natural and normal dog behavior that happens for a variety of reasons, explains Cathy Madson, MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. She discusses the whys and how to manage the behavior in this article, which dog owners will appreciate receiving via social media or in newsletters. Pet boarding employees can also gain insights on these behaviors to avoid issues in play areas … [Read more...]
AAHA working, assistance and therapy dog guidelines certificate
Working, therapy and assistance dogs have unique needs requiring individualized care. This specialized course will help veterinarians adjust wellness and treatment plans for the various roles and health requirements of dogs working with their human counterparts. Source: AAHA. Link. INSIGHTS: Working, therapy, and assistance nomenclature encompasses multiple breeds outside … [Read more...]
8 tips to extend post-conference experiences
The guidance from Wendy S. Myers, CVJ, in this article is spot on. However, the devil is in the details as it takes discipline and planning to effectively capture and carry conference learnings back to home practices and businesses. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 5, 2025. Link. Go home with more than a conference bag . . . you should be motivated, wiser, and have … [Read more...]
2024 drug roundup: updates, highlights, practical considerations
Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, shares an overview of new drugs along with label extensions and new dosage forms for dogs and cats. He includes key information required for safe and effective use. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Partnering with clients improves cat visits
Preparation before cats leave their home and assertive client education spell success for achieving better cat visits. In this article, Kathryn Primm, DVM, CVPM, provides perspectives on what derails cat visits, ensuring the clinic environment is comfortable and the opportunity to actively involve clients. She acknowledges the time investment required while affirming its value … [Read more...]
Stocker producers face a tougher market
Producers who background cattle have provided basic production value for the cattle industry. They grow calves and lightweight feeder cattle to increase size and weight prior to feedlot placement. Derrell Peel shares why the current cattle market will squeeze stockers as feeders take on lighter calves. He shares a future opportunity to background heifers and explains the … [Read more...]
Footbaths need routine attention, management
Taylor Leach reviews key management practices that help producers keep their footbaths operating efficiently. Footbath solutions need to be changed when 150 to 350 cows walk through them, depending on the level of dirt on hooves. She covers bath dimensions, solution types and depth, pH and treatment frequency. Source: Dairy Herd Management, February 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
Research backs early intervention for equine melanoma
Research from Portugal found that a delaying melanoma removal can have a serious impact a horse’s life. Even if a tumor wasn’t invasive or malignant, delaying removal was associated with a higher number of tumors on the same horse. Melanoma tumors are common on older grey horses. Source: EQUUS, January 16, 2025. Link. Many vets think that small melanomas don’t need to be … [Read more...]
Lethargy in dogs, symptoms and what they mean
Barri J. Morrison, DVM, covers myriad reasons dogs get lethargic. Whether worn out from play or exercise or an effect of something that needs veterinary attention, lethargic dogs need to be watched. His article is good content for social media posts or newsletters. Source: petMD, January 30, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
11 best Dog Whisperer tips from Cesar Millan
When Cesar talks, dog owners listen. Agree or not, Millan’s overall approaches have forced dog owners to look in the mirror and address their own behaviors. The result has been happier, better mannered dogs who understand they are dogs, not humans. Source: Top Dog Tips, November 28, 2022. Link. Dog crave consistency and order . . . staying patient and in control is vital … [Read more...]
Career stagnation
Clinging to job security at the expense of growth and new opportunities can lead to stagnation and limit your potential, writes Riya Tandon. She shares five signs to watch out for if your career feels too comfortable. Source: The Economic Times, February 28, 2025. Link. If you no longer feel passionate about your work and a lingering sense of unfulfillment has set in, it … [Read more...]
Transboundary mosquito watch as JEV expands in Australia
Japanese encephalitis virus poses a serious viral threat to swine. Australian officials reported the first detections of JEV in animals in Queensland in July 2022. JEV is a flavivirus in the same family as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Source: PORK, February 18, 2025. Link. JEV is spread by mosquitoes and causes … [Read more...]
Research estimates $90.50/hd ROI for carcass value of finishing cattle receiving FerAppease®
Complimentary Commercial Content Research published in the Translational Animal Science journal found significant benefits to average daily gain and carcass value among low-risk, yearling Angus steers who were treated with FerAppease® during initial processing at the research feedyard and again when re-implanted. mBAS, the active ingredient of FerAppease, is the synthetic … [Read more...]
Mitigating pregnancy loss in cow herds
Chloe Collins reviews management changes that can help mitigate calf loss. She shares multiple factors that create pregnancy or calf losses in utero and after the calf is born. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, February 20, 2025. Link. Decreasing calf loss can be a long-run effort, but it is worth every ounce of preparation and prevention.” - Chloe Collins … [Read more...]
Creating the vet-friendly horse barn
Barb Crabbe, DVM, shares what it takes to have great working conditions for veterinarians and farriers to make it easier for them to provide top-notch care for your horse. The article is a good one to share with clients to set some expectations. For many horse owners, a few adjustments in their barn or stable can make a DVM’s dream visit come true. Source: Horse and Rider, … [Read more...]
Collagen-based neutraceuticals offer benefits for cats
A concentrated source of collagen, essential for maintaining the integrity of connective tissues, including skin, joints and bones offers some benefits for cats as they age. The authors review the types of collagen, available forms and administration of collagen supplements and where supplementation may provide health benefits for cats. Source: IVC Journal, February 20, … [Read more...]
Reminder: gabapentin can effect blood pressure in cats with, without CKD
As veterinary teams get comfortable reaching for one drug or another, study results like this remind us to be cautious. Researchers studying the effects of gabepentin found it has an effect on arterial BP in cats with and without chronic kidney disease. This effect appears to be more than just the result of stress reduction. These findings should be taken into account when … [Read more...]
Partners in pain detection, part 2: feline
Similar to last week’s post on dog owners’ pain detection in their dogs <Link>, this study assessed cat guardians’ perception of their cats’ pain levels following participants’ exposure to brief pain-related educational material. Researchers found that after receiving educational information about recognizing pain in cats, the cat guardians showed more concern about their … [Read more...]
Know the phases of chicken development to help raise a healthy flock
Chickens go through three basic phases of growth: starter, grower and layer. Kalyn Waters makes general information about each group easy to share with chicken owners. Source: University of Florida Extension, February 14, 2014. Link. The Starter Phase begins at hatching and lasts until a chick is five to six weeks old. Starting them . . . 18 percent protein provides the … [Read more...]
6 vet-verified essential nutrients cats need in their diets
Cats are obligate carnivores. They require nutrients from meat and other animal tissues to get eleven essential amino acids in their cat food. The author begins with protein to share six categories of nutrients cats need. Source: Catster, February 19, 2025. Link. Related: Understanding your cat’s appetite, Cat Food Advisor, January 27, 2025. Link. Image: Self.com … [Read more...]
Partners in pain detection
Research has shown that owners can recognize signs of pain in dogs, but little is known about how owners interpret signs associated with specific presentations and what factors influence the decision to seek veterinary care. Margaret E. Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, shares prospective study results that reveal the importance of proactive client education about signs of pain and … [Read more...]
Open or closed eyelid technique during STT-1?
Schirmer tear test-1 is the standard test for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (ie, KCS, dry eye) in dogs, but a third of veterinary ophthalmology community members surveyed do not consciously notice eyelid position during testing. While using a consistent open or closed eyelid technique is appropriate for STT-1, the small study reviewed here revealed manual closure of the eyelids … [Read more...]
Limiting the zoonotic risks of fungal skin infections
Dermatophytosis, often called ringworm, is the zoonotic fungal skin infection that most commonly affects cats and dogs. It is easily transferred where multiple pets are housed. Ringworm and other fungi species require effective cleaning and disinfection of the environment. Available treatment options include topical therapy and systemic therapy. Those handling infected animals … [Read more...]
Most usable natural remedies in veterinary practice
Natural remedies can offer benefits, but they should complement traditional veterinary care, not replace it. The author shares five natural remedies that can enhance treatment options: Milk thistle for liver support Chamomile for digestive relief Echinacea for immune support Probiotics for gut health Turmeric for inflammation Source: IVC Journal, February … [Read more...]