Chewy Health* President Mita Malhotra shares the attributes she believes are essential for leaders as they seek to build teams that drive growth and create experiences that keep customers coming back. Her key assertions include: Build trust daily by encouraging thoughtful questions, offering autonomy, supporting growth and allowing room for mistakes. Front desk staff … [Read more...]
10 years later, November 2015 post still relevant
As part of our 10th anniversary, we looked back at some of the first posts we wrote for animal health pros. This one remains relevant. AAHA Trends’ main feature dove into the experience economy and examines what it takes to make a great impression on every client. Source: Welcome to the experience economy. It’s everything!, Animal Health Digest, November 16, 2015. … [Read more...]
If trust is so important, why aren’t we measuring it?
Commentary While there are many uses of the word “trust,” John Blakey’s article references the noun trust as “the belief that somebody/something is good, sincere, honest, et cetera and will not try to harm or trick you.” His assertions are worth considering as we enter a new year, deal with various changes and seek to separate truths in myriad messages from industry pundits … [Read more...]
ACVB seeks collaboration with AVMA after shock collar comments stir controversy
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists’ president Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, posted a response to recent statements made by American Veterinary Medical Association leadership regarding the use of shock collars to train dogs. She says the peer-reviewed literature is clear; shock collars increase fear, stress and aggression—and they are no more effective than reward-based … [Read more...]
The digestive tract. Preparing cow herds to prosper
“A bale ≠ a bale ≠ a bale” summarized a post from last week <Link>. The importance of building a nutritional program for a cow-calf system is emphasized by Travis Mulliniks, PhD, in this article. Leading with BCS, his considerations are a foundation for herd health and vitality discussions with producers. He says understanding nutritional requirements, knowing the … [Read more...]
The Feline OA Checklist key to early recognition of pain, osteoarthritis
My Vet Candy shares a recent study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, which highlights a practical approach for identifying OA in feline patients using the Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist. In the study, when the Feline OA Checklist was applied prospectively, 39 percent of cats exhibited at least one behavior indicative of OA compared to only one percent of … [Read more...]
Feline studies shed light on domestication timeline
Commentary Meghan Bartels shares domestication information from two recently published studies that offer new insights into how wild cats settled into life alongside humans. Both findings suggest truly domesticated cats arose far later than previously believed; perhaps as late as 2,000 years ago. A quote from Claudio Ottoni, PhD, describes early cats as a complex and … [Read more...]
Animal Health Digest celebrates 10 years!
Thanksgiving season is an appropriate time to thank those who support AHD’s curation service. Without you, our weekly Bulletin would not be possible. THANK YOU! The curators who share content they reviewed include: Rick Purnell, editor Dane Erickson, Bulletin manager Patrick T. Malone, weekly columnist Industry colleagues and friends AHD Sponsors In the … [Read more...]
The day ChatGPT walked into the exam room
Andy Roark, DVM, is a relentless communicator and future thinker in animal health and veterinary medicine. His article in Today’s Veterinary Business <Link> prompted a lively, sprawling and nuanced discussion about how AI can serve (or harm) the relationship between veterinarians and pet owners in this episode of The Veterinary AI Brief. Adam Little, Aaron Massecar … [Read more...]
VCPR. Have we got it backwards?
Kudos to Jules Benson, BVSc, and Emily M. Tincher, DVM, for their JAVMA Viewpoint article asserting the need to embrace pet family–centered care to forge a path to more accessible and sustainable veterinary medicine. They ask the question, “What if the VCPR was more CPVR?” Their viewpoint examines the transition from a provider-centered, often medically driven, approach to … [Read more...]
Is corporate veterinary practice really the problem?
Challenging current paradigms about corporate practices, Jennifer Sperry, DVM, wondered if blaming corporate practices are easy scapegoats for deeper challenges in veterinary medicine. She shares her thoughts on positive and limiting leadership and suggests practices adjust to ensure that veterinarians thrive and patients receive exceptional care regardless of … [Read more...]
Reflections on collaboration, competition, and industry progress
Leading together in support of animal health industry growth in the KC Animal Health Corridor is a unique opportunity, writes Kimberly Young, president, in this blog entry. If you’ve ever wondered how competitors come to work together, she provides perspective on this talented group’s collaboration to build KCAHC opportunities and leadership. Source: KCAHC, November 17, … [Read more...]
You will never be perfect, but you can always be better
In his November 10th final letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, Warren Buffett, age 95, stated he would be going quiet, saying, “I was late in becoming old – its onset materially varies – but once it appears, it is not to be denied.” Buffett will officially retire at the end of 2025. Looking beyond the obvious financial matters and succession, Ben McKimm unpacks 10 … [Read more...]
Volume IV of CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights released
Newly released data from the CATalyst Council shows cats now represent a record high 23 percent of all clinical visits, a strategic weight for the entire veterinary industry. Commenting on the sustained momentum, Kristin Wuhrman, CATalyst Council vice chair, predicts practices that lean into understanding cats more deeply than before will lead future industry growth. The … [Read more...]
Study: Veterinarian perception of professional conduct
This study of Australian veterinarians gives a thought-provoking look at how they define professionalism. The perceptions of what matters vary by gender, age and career stage are notable. The perceived importance of study statements generated the high/low rankings here: Highest mean score was veterinarians must hold the health, welfare, and respectful treatment of … [Read more...]
No one is more invested in your career than you are
Stacy Pursell shares wisdom from one of her clients in this post. She warns against complacency and reminds readers that employers take care of themselves first. Her guidance her to “act rather than react” is good counsel. Source: Career Corner, LinkedIn, November 17, 2025. Link. Instead of being told what the next step will be in my career by my current company, I’m … [Read more...]
Research: Using AI gives individuals a false sense of confidence.
As AI use increases, we have to consider where, when and how its tools are integrated. This article provides a perspective about trusting the computer and maintaining our thinking skills. Research published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior offers insights into the effects of AI. The study discovered that AI tools almost reversed the Dunning-Kruger effect, a … [Read more...]
Pet safety tips: Avoid troubles from counters, treats and holiday distractions
Sponsor Content The holidays can spell trouble for pets as decorations, holiday treats and those wondrous new smells fill the home. Add in the distractions from guests and gatherings and it’s easy for curious cats and dogs to get into trouble. AHD Sponsor, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program, has effective pet safety reminders available to share with pet owners. They are … [Read more...]
Dog training apps have inherent value, some risks
Dog training has gone digital. While the best of these digital programs offer real-time access to training and behavior professionals, the field remains unregulated. Colette Kase shares the importance of veterinary professionals understanding this rapidly emerging field and focuses on meeting challenges in this growing field. Dog training apps have the potential to prevent … [Read more...]
Most wild honeybees in U.S. expected to be Africanized
Wild honeybees recently moved into Todd Fitchette’s attic. As editor of Western Farm Press, he shared his story and why experts told him these feral bees are a concern from California to Texas. They’re a threat to humans and while not stated directly, can be a threat to pets. Source: Western Farm Press, November 13, 2025. Link. “The difference is in their attitude. … [Read more...]
Study reveals T cells drive PRRSV vaccine protection
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is one of the fastest-mutating RNA viruses that veterinarians face. Although current vaccines offer protection, the rapid mutation of PRRSV means that vaccinated pigs cannot produce a consistent or effective broadly neutralizing antibody response. Current vaccines are successful in helping the body identify and attack pieces … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 20, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 13, 2025. Link. Most read posts from November 13, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ownership model frames lasting change. Link. Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication. Link. Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market. Link. The three best questions to ask at the end of a job … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication
Vaccine hesitancy, compliance and adherence are everyday challenges in veterinary hospitals that are not going away. “Same stuff, different day” apathy can become the norm when veterinary teams face anti-vax sentiment. Yet we know the importance of vaccination to prevent disease and must address client objections to best serve their pets. Each time an animal health pro reads … [Read more...]
Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market
Bizrate Insights surveyed a representative sample of 1,044 U.S. online shoppers aged 18+ in August 2025 to explore consumer loyalty, what matters most now and how businesses can adapt to keep customers coming back, even in uncertain times. Their responses include pet care as a category. The results show that almost 90 percent of shoppers changed their purchasing behavior … [Read more...]
Support the KCAHC workforce initiative
When holiday groups gather, there are often discussions about graduating early, careers, job changes and opportunities for self-advancement. The animal health industry has opportunities for all types of people. That is the objective for the “What is Animal Health” workforce recruitment initiative. The “What is Animal Health” handout makes it easy to share the scale and impact … [Read more...]
Early castration improves animal welfare, safety, and on-farm economics
Sponsor Content Recent research confirms the importance of fall calving in the beef segment and year-round calving in dairies in North America. Estimates show that more than 80,000 bull calves will be born this November and December: a third in beef operations and two-thirds in dairy operations. The AABP recommends that pain management be considered the standard of care … [Read more...]
Podcast: Advising pet owners on nutritional adequacy
The insights in this podcast are more relevant today than when it was recorded. Beckie Mossor, RVT, and Deborah Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN, discuss the common and often-debated topic of what to feed pets. They also offer practical advice on working with pet owners and helping them make smart pet food choices. Last week’s AHD post about measurement and educating pet owners … [Read more...]
H5N1 influenza, ostriches and a debacle of unnecessary proportion
Scott Weese, DVM, recaps the bird flu fiasco on a British Columbia ostrich farm. The incident shared in his article underscores the importance of mandated reporting for all producers, regardless of species. “A producer’s errant choice went from an issue with one group of infected birds to having a convoy on the (quarantined) farm, massive misinformation, dodgy “media” … [Read more...]
Cornell study: We’re feeding too much colostrum
Cornell’s groundbreaking 2024 study shows that feeding just 2.5 liters of today’s high-quality colostrum works better than four liters, improving absorption efficiency by 24 percent while eliminating painful colic symptoms in calves. The author says the colostrum modern cows produce today is fundamentally different than it was 20 years ago. We’ve improved the genetics, … [Read more...]
The effect of fall in swine production
Four industry experts share helpful strategies to boost farm health and productivity this fall in this article from Jennifer Shrike. The Q3 State of the Pork Industry Report video is included [1:00:38] and is worth the time if you’re working with or marketing in the swine production sector. The guest experts name a) manure management dangers, b) monitoring heavier weights in … [Read more...]