The answer to a foal lost during pregnancy is most often, “I don’t know.” Not satisfied with that answer, Mandi de Mestre, BVSc, PhD, PGCAP, MRCVS, refocused on the embryo to uncover possible reasons why they survive. Her ongoing research on the genetics of equine embryos overlaps with similar questions in human pregnancy loss, specifically recognizing gene copying … [Read more...]
In stressful times, our anxiety can rub off on pets. Causes and cures for pet anxiety.
The Associated Press has featured this piece and other coverage about pet anxiety. Cedar Burnett shares a good article on the reasons for pet anxiety as it relates to pet owner issues and expectations. “Dogs are incredibly responsive to our expressions, our body language and our scent, so when the owners are nervous, the dog gets nervous. Our cortisol levels rise and fall in … [Read more...]
Heat warning as seen on the internet
A friend sent this sign they saw on Instagram. It is a good perspective as temperatures rise this summer. One would think pet owners would know to protect their pets on hot days, but we still see too many of them walking their dogs when it is too hot for man or beast. Maybe sharing this sign graphic will resonate with someone in your communication sphere. Source: … [Read more...]
10 steps for pet owners to take if a coyote enters their yard
Across the U.S., coyotes are frequently seen in urban and suburban settings. Wildlife in general is moving to town <Link>. Mathew Abraham provides good ideas to help keep pets and people safe from hungry coyotes seeking an easy meal. By now, adult coyotes are not only hunting for themselves but for four or more rapidly growing pups. Abraham asserts the need for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 26, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 19, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 19, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Avoid confusion about pinkeye in cattle. Link. Calf vaccinations: You won’t find all the answers in a bottle. Link. Consumer sentiment rebounds sharply in June. Link. Sounds that can trigger aggressive behavior in cats. … [Read more...]
DVM discusses half-dosing vaccines
Scott Weese, DVM, shares the short answer to a common question about half-dosing vaccines, emphazing “we don’t know.” He covers these key elements in this article: a) half-dose efficacy, b) adverse reactions and c) liability. Source: Worms and Germs, May 28, 2025. Link. About client requests, Weese writes, veterinarians are expected to act professionally and reasonably, … [Read more...]
Study sheds light on veterinary patient safety events
“You cannot improve what you don’t measure,” could be an overarching theme to this voluntary and broad retrospective study. The study revealed roughly four patient safety events for every 1,000 visits during two years. While most reported incidents were harmless, the small number that caused major harm or death were often tied to anesthesia and sedation errors. Source: AVMA … [Read more...]
Speak up: Respectful rebels welcome
Commentary An industry colleague once reminded me that the best results are found after embracing dissension or disagreements. This perspective promotes embracing difficult experiences, rather than avoiding them so they can lead to growth, learning, and ultimately, better outcomes. This article by Deborah Grayson Riegel, MSW, PCC, reminded me of that conversation and the … [Read more...]
Consumer sentiment rebounds sharply in June
Commentary Okay, so the photos are unrealistic. But, economic indicators suggest that now there is a likely opportunity for veterinary clinics to bring back clients’ pets that are past due for wellness checks, oral health procedures and vaccinations. Consider the potential for a campaign to reach owners stretching their pets’ adherence timelines to return to the … [Read more...]
Nom Nom research reveals the impact of pup’s perceived happiness on pet parents
Complimentary Commercial Content We appreciate the efforts Nom Nom put forth to answer our questions* about the April 2025 survey findings they shared with us. Dogs crave mental and physical challenges that keep them engaged beyond toys, beds or long walks, shares Kristin Chenoweth, who promotes meal time as one place to improve experiences for dogs. Beyond the commercial … [Read more...]
Keeping cows cool
We enjoyed the positive responses to last week’s post “Making dairy herds in the shade” <Link>. Recent studies show shade is important for growing beef cattle comfort and efficiency <Link>. Articles like this are reminders of the health and economic benefits of providing shade for cattle as temperatures move above 70°F. Because of that feedback, we’re repeating … [Read more...]
EIA outbreak is reminder to keep Coggins testing updated
The AVMA reported an EIA outbreak that killed 21 horses in the Southwest U.S. <Link>. The incidents are an important reminder of the importance of strict biosecurity protocols and proper training of individuals who work in equine veterinary clinics to help prevent the spread of disease through contaminated medical treatment or equipment. Given the summer season of … [Read more...]
How horses see the world is not like us
Fascinating! At basic levels, equine vision is different from human vision in almost every way; acuity, range, eye contact and detection of peripheral motion, writes Janet L. Jones, PhD. Eight times larger than human eyes horses’ eyes are larger than those of any other land mammal. That size doesn’t mean their vision is exceptional. Jones shares how horse eyes evolved, the … [Read more...]
When looks can kill. The science behind animal breeding.
Breeding for aesthetics has resulted in genetic disorders, health problems and a loss of biodiversity, writes Sorelle Tan. Selective breeding for aesthetic traits such as floppy ears, short noses and flat faces often predisposes the hybrid animal to ear infections and respiratory problems. Brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs have a life expectancy about 4.1 years shorter … [Read more...]
Steve Dale: Start now to help pets deal with fireworks
Includes Commercial Content We were pleased to see Steve Dale’s assertions for pet owners ahead of July 4th festivities. He shares products and conditioning methods, saying “when pets are terrified of fireworks, odds are good that pet might also be fearful of other loud and sudden sounds, such as thunderstorms, So, being proactive also supports pets beyond July … [Read more...]
Avoid confusion about pinkeye in cattle
Sponsor Content with Commentary If one reads three or more of the articles* recently published about infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis or, pinkeye in cattle, they may be confused about a) what conditions predispose calves to infection(s), b) what vector(s) are responsible for disease transfer and c) what bacteria cause pinkeye infections or may be present as cofactors … [Read more...]
Forbes, How can the veterinary industry help with the rising cost of care?
Commentary We held this article for a few weeks trying to best present the content for consideration. Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, wrote it. She shares metrics seen routinely in various media and calls the rising cost of pet care a full-blown pet healthcare crisis. I disagree. I believe we have a pet parent spending problem veterinary hospitals are … [Read more...]
Cattle technology trends that continue to push boundaries
Cattle producers are interested in technologies that improve efficiency, reduce labor and provide useful data. Beyond the normal optimism and skepticism, new high-tech tools must be practical, user-friendly and offer a solid return on investment before cattle producers invest. Bruce Derksen reviews six cattle technology trends in this article. Source: BEEF, April 22, … [Read more...]
Study: Seasonal effects on preweaned calves
The research shared in this article is relevant beyond the dairy calf environment in the southeastern U.S. While not the seasonal affective disorder we know effects our own health, weather metrics have a definite impact on calf growth, performance and wellness. Summarizing, Al Kertz, Ph. D., DIPL. ACAN, says, consistency in nutrition, feeding and management is critical for … [Read more...]
Dairy herds are made in the shade!
Research shows that dry cows and bred heifers are just as vulnerable to heat stress, even if the signs are less visible. When a dry cow or bred heifer experiences heat stress, her unborn calf does too writes Taylor Leach who shares the long term effects of heat stress on the dairy herd. Source: Bovine Practitioner, June 2, 2025. Link. While the lactating herd often gets the … [Read more...]
Poll reveals horse owner deworming behaviors
A June poll reveals how frequently a group of respondents deworms their horse(s). Information like this can help veterinary teams understand client behaviors and may provide opportunities to improve horse stewardship. The sponsored article below was linked with the poll results. In it, Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, shares what scientists are learning about equine parasite … [Read more...]
The business side of farriers and footcare
Data collected from the 2024 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey provides an interesting look into the business of equine footcare. In addition to what they charge and where they buy supplies, we noted how farriers communicate with their clients. The metrics on what work they are doing, the types of horses and metrics on laminitis and white line disease will be … [Read more...]
Does it pay to castrate, wean and vaccinate?
Includes Sponsor Content Studying the USDA Market News reports, Andrew Griffith, PhD, says it is clear that a good number of producers still find it easier to sell bull calves instead of castrating them prior to selling them. He shares the economics of selling calves straight off the cow versus after preconditioning and applying management protocols in this article. During … [Read more...]
Iconic cartoon cats
Commentary From mischievous antics to heartwarming charm, cartoon cats have etched themselves into pop culture. The author shares 14 famous feline characters that continue to delight audiences worldwide . . . anthropomorphisms included. The descriptions of these characters beg for some reflection on how cats are perceived as our industry seeks to provide more medical … [Read more...]
The enemy of customer service is pride
Right or wrong, the goal isn’t to win an argument, rather it is to win the customer, writes Shep Hyken. When we let go of pride and focus on helping, we create better outcomes for everyone involved. Source: Veterinary Advantage, April 2025, Link. The next time you find yourself in a situation where you know the customer is wrong, ask yourself, “What’s more important, being … [Read more...]
Training expert: Excessive digital learning overwhelms employees, creates compliance risks
While digital training platforms have made skill development more accessible than ever, companies are discovering that too much of a good thing can backfire spectacularly, says Allan Murphy Bruun, Founder of SimplerQMS. Teams that are constantly pulled into training sessions struggle to maintain their regular workflow, Bruun says. The cognitive load of switching between … [Read more...]
Every team problem is a trust problem in disguise
Sometimes a picture is sufficient. We discovered Kavit Haria’s post and share it as linked below and with a pdf of the graphic to use as a poster. Trust is built fast when you lead with integrity, says Haria. The post is targeted to leaders but the 8 habits he shares to build it are important for every team member. Source: Jay Shetty Certification School, LinkedIn, May … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 12, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 5, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 5 2025 AHD Bulletin – Strategies for culling cows this year. Link. Orange cats, freak of nature? Link. Plain speak. Link. AVMA’s New World screwworm resource for veterinarians. Link. DocTalk . . . Embryos and reproductive technologies. Link. … [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...]