The AVMA’s newly updated report, Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine captures the latest evidence-based context, clinical developments and legal considerations as research and regulations continue to evolve. These include: Safety data and pharmacokinetics of CBD in dogs and cats Clinical trials exploring CBD-rich hemp products in dogs, cats, and horses Regulatory updates … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 24, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 17, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 17, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Pain in dairy cattle: a narrative review. Link. Your part in heartworm prevention. Link. More than half of U.S. pet owners skip, decline needed vet care. Link. Sales reps are struggling: 10 ugly truths sales leaders must … [Read more...]
Livestock producers, veterinarians urged to consider and manage Q fever zoonotic risk
Q fever is a highly contagious zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which infects cattle, goats, and sheep. It is found in an infected animal’s bodily fluids and excretions, such as placental tissues, amniotic fluid, urine, feces and milk. The main signs of infection in animals include abortion, infertility, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. C. … [Read more...]
Tick-borne pathogen threats to U.S. cattle operations
Serving as a reminder for cattle producers and their veterinarians, this article urges staying alert for signs of tick infestation within their herds. The authors say early diagnostic testing at the first sign of a suspect illness in their cattle should be considered. Major tick-borne threats to U.S. cattle producers include cattle tick fever (Bovine Babesiosis), Anaplasmosis … [Read more...]
Environmental management is key when dealing with equine asthma
Call it the heaves, inflammatory airway disease or recurrent airway obstruction, equine asthma occurs when horses are hypersensitive to dust and mold in their environment. A two-fold approach with medication and environmental management is the best way to reduce the effects of equine asthma, according to Rachelle Thompson, DVM, DACVIM. Source: Paulick Report, February 18, … [Read more...]
USDA develops resource to help veterinary professionals recognize, respond to screwworm
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are important in recognizing New World screwworm should an invasion of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, occur. To help in these efforts, the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program has developed the training module, Module 41: New World Screwworm: A 21st Century Perspective. It goes over signs of NWS, its life … [Read more...]
H5N1 in North America: implications for small animal veterinarians
The spillover of H5N1 from wild birds and poultry to dairy cattle, cats and more raises new questions about virus evolution and its implications for veterinary medicine. J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, FCAHS, shares an overview of the disease, cross-species infection potential, viral mutation, risk mitigation and symptoms. Staying informed, practicing good biosecurity, and … [Read more...]
Participation in industry surveys critical to hog industry decisions, support
Response rates on hog inventory surveys keep falling, writes Lee Schulz, noting that only 63 percent of pork producers surveyed for the March 2025 report responded. Asserting the importance of reporting data, he shares how the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service collects and shares industry metrics. To get reliable, representative data, NASS needs to survey and … [Read more...]
Tracking the track: The impact of different grazing strategies on managing equine obesity
Research findings suggest that track grazing systems prove useful in effective equine bodyweight management in vulnerable horses. Horses susceptible to bodyweight gain or with metabolic issues lost significantly more bodyweight in the track grazing systems than similar horses kept on traditional restricted grazing systems. There were no significant changes to their behavior, … [Read more...]
Farrier’s spring hoof care e-guide now available
The 2025 American Farriers Journal's Spring Hoof Care e-Guide offers education for farriers and animal health pros to support wellness with equine clients. These areas are covered: Prevent and treat thrush with proper trimming and hygiene. Recognize the signs of white line disease and take corrective action. Adapt hoof-care routines to combat moisture-related … [Read more...]
Sporotrichosis identified in cats, veterinary technician
The CDC is collaborating with veterinary associations and veterinary professionals to raise awareness among veterinary professionals about feline sporotrichosis and precautions for preventing zoonotic transmission in the veterinary setting. In November 2022, a technician caring for a cat received a puncture wound from the cat’s infected paw. A blister appeared on the … [Read more...]
Sales reps are struggling: 10 ugly truths sales leaders must address
Sales representatives and managers will recognize some of these barriers to sales effectiveness. Matthew McVany says sales reps are navigating challenges and roadblocks their managers may not fully recognize. Facing these tough truths isn’t easy, but recognizing them is crucial for meaningful change. Implementing comprehensive, supportive strategies ensures a resilient sales … [Read more...]
The vital role of SDS management and OSHA compliance in veterinary practices
Alex Milan and Veronica Marrero share the importance of auditing safety data sheets and OSHA compliance in this article. They highlight priorities, such as routine staff review and training to maintain a safe and compliant hospital for people and animals. Source: Patterson Veterinary Insight Companion Edition, April 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: When new products or brands are … [Read more...]
Life-size dairy cow model helps students learn birthing, milking other tasks
Birtha and Decalf are among the latest additions to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and are helping show students how to deliver calves, tend udders and ensure calves get milk. Taika von Konigslow, assistant professor, creates multiple scenarios of calf delivery and udder challenges so students can learn before practicing on live bovines.. Source: … [Read more...]
Hardships today’s pet owners and veterinarians face: State of Online Veterinary Care Report
Complimentary Commercial Content One hundred twenty-nine million Americans live in vet care deserts, according to the inaugural State of Online Veterinary Care Report from Dutch <Link to infographic>. The report identifies the top 5 states with veterinary deserts, rising costs of in-person veterinary care, telemedicine as a lower-cost option and asserts the company’s … [Read more...]
Mismatched background music affects employees
In a new study, researchers found that when background music at a workplace is out of sync with what workers need to do their jobs, it can affect their energy, mood and even performance. Source: Ohio State News, April 7, 2025. Link. Performance suffers when music is a misfit for worker needs.” Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle
This article references a review that highlights factors contributing to pregnancy loss and the rapidly evolving methods used to predict pregnancy failure. Bob Larson, DVM, and Brad White, DVM, review the study compiled by researchers at Texas A&M University. In what seems a bit like Murphy’s Law, the veterinarians say early pregnancy loss is due to issues with the … [Read more...]
Beneficial ingredients in functional treats are enhancing pet health
Solution-based treats feature an ingredient list comprised of complementary elements that serve a purpose to promote optimum pet health, writes Glenn Polyn. He reviews different commercial brands, reiterating each one’s positioning as a solution. The ingredients offer functional benefits to provide the right balance of antioxidants, proteins, fatty acids, balanced fiber as well … [Read more...]
Rendering important in today’s pet food supply chain
The research arm of North American Renderers Association, in partnership with IFEEDER, AFIA and the Pet Food Institute, released new research highlighting the essential use rendered ingredients have in pet food. In 2024, the U.S. pet food industry reached $51.7 billion in sales and produced 9.8 million tons of pet food. More than 600 safe, nutritious ingredients included over 4 … [Read more...]
More than 99 percent of U.S. dogs have a behavior problem
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior by Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DACVB, included behavioral data from more than 40,000 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project. Her research highlights how even minor behavioral issues can impact pet owners and should be addressed early. She urges veterinarians to be more assertive in querying clients about their pets’ … [Read more...]
Leave BUT out of communications
One word that often sneaks into our sentences and quietly undermines our intentions is “but,” writes Steve Keating. When used, the conjunction causes people to focus on what follows “but” because it signals contrast or contradiction. They ignore the first portion of the sentence. The brain latches onto the exception, not the rule. Swap out the “buts. “ Try different … [Read more...]
Recruitment expert shares when last-minute interview prep helps (and when it hurts)
Senior recruitment consultant Julia Yurchak says that despite the clear advantages of early preparation there are specific situations where strategic last-minute prep can benefit candidates. Source: Keller Executive Search. Link. The most successful candidates strike a balance between thorough advance preparation and strategic last-minute review.” … [Read more...]
Cat grooming needs as cats age
From kittens to super-seniors, each stage of a cat’s life brings different grooming needs and challenges, writes Lynn Paolillo. Understanding their changing needs helps to keep cats comfortable and healthy throughout their lives. Her article begins by debunking the myth that cats don’t need grooming. Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2025, Link. Regardless of age, every cat … [Read more...]
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention releases new communication guidelines
APOP has released its Guidelines for Pet Obesity Communication: Promoting Respectful Communication about Animal Obesity. These new guidelines seek to reshape how the community talks about pet obesity by emphasizing pet-first language and promoting the term “clinical obesity.” Saying “a dog with clinical obesity” reframes obesity as a modifiable health condition and encourages … [Read more...]
Study supports use of horses in substance detox therapy programs
Elevated cortisol is an effect of chronic addiction and withdrawal, which negatively impacts the cognitive function needed for substance abuse recovery. Researchers sought to know if equine therapy interactions could mediate these stress responses. Studies have indicated equine-based therapy does reduce stress responses, improve patient comfort and confidence and emotional … [Read more...]
Senior Dog Veterinary Society and Loyal Partner to increase awareness of senior dog care
Loyal and the Senior Dog Veterinary Society have joined forces seeking to grow awareness of the importance of intentional care for senior dogs through continuing education, informational articles and social media. Source: Loyal, Senior Dog Veterinary Society, March 26, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Preventing canine-transmitted neosporosis in cattle
Neosporosis-related losses cost the beef industry an estimated $111 million annually, writes Lindsay Waechter-Mead. The disease is transmitted through Neospora caninum an intracellular parasite. Canines that feed on infected cattle carcasses or placenta become infected and become a host where the parasite multiplies in the intestinal tract. Stable neospora oocytes are shed in … [Read more...]
Lactation station: Tips for optimizing sow diets during nursing
Swine producers expect a lot physically from sows. They often must feed more piglets than they have nipples, maintain their own condition and recover after piglets are weaned to be in shape to quickly breed again. Nutritionist Casey Neill addresses the challenge of feeding sows and the transitional nutritional needs of piglets in the nursery. Source: National Hog Farmer, … [Read more...]
Preventing mastitis in pregnant heifers
Ben Enger, PhD, describes the significant udder tissue growth and development required for an animal to enter lactation. He shares the importance of avoiding infections, especially in the last four months of pregnancy noting that immune factors to fight infections will also damage the growth of developing cells. He recommends udder health surveillance in first-lactation animals … [Read more...]
Spring health checklist promotes consistent routine for horse care
Spring brings new riding activities, fresh grass, mud and weather fluctuations that affect animals daily. Busy schedules and economic challenges frequently delay adherence to wellness exams, fecal testing and vaccinations. Horse owners will appreciate having reminders and checklists like the ones in this article to help manage their horses’ wellness. Consider sending the … [Read more...]