Take a break and smile with these funny photos from the wild. Sources: Popular Science, November 6, 2025. Link. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, Link. See all 40 entries for 2025. … [Read more...]
How much do radiographs change as a weanling ages?
Radiographic abnormalities noted in weanlings at the November sale can change significantly by the time they are yearlings at the September sale, writes Rolf Embertson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS. He says most of the radiographic changes are improvements, but many are not. He references three presentations that looked at: a) changes in carpal and fetlock RA, b) changes in stifle … [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...]
Black walnut dangerous for horses
The black walnut tree and its nut are considered toxic to horses and other animals because they contain a chemical called juglone, writes Emily Fought. She continues to warn horse owners about leaves and nuts contaminating grass, hay and water sources. Just 20 percent black walnut in horse bedding, sawdust or shavings can cause toxicity. Source: Cowgirl, November 8, 2025. … [Read more...]
Vanguard® Recombishield™ Injectable added to Zoetis kennel cough vaccines
Zoetis now offers a suite of intranasal, oral and injectable Bordetella vaccination delivery options with the addition of Vanguard® Recombishield™ (Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine).The product is a non-adjuvanted, recombinant injectable vaccine for dogs 8 weeks and older, and the first and only vaccine for dogs with pertactin protein, which helps the immune system effectively … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 13, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 6, 2025. Link. Most read posts from November 6, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Speed eating cats, skateboarding dogs . . . Thailand’s pet boom. Link. Everyday cat behaviors, early health signals, behavioral, bonding trends. Link. Gratitude is never garbage. Link. If you don’t train, don’t complain. … [Read more...]
If you don’t train, don’t complain. You are to blame.
In a candid Facebook post, dog behavior specialist Deb Nabb compares what we expect from humans versus the silly expectations people place on dogs. The examples are spot on and may provide a few illustrations animal health pros can share with impatient pet owners. For example: Human - Given 20-plus years to complete an education and become a productive member of society. … [Read more...]
The 2025 “They Ate What?!” X-ray contest results are in. You’re invited to score, too!
We look forward to seeing the images from these outrageous cases every year. As you review the entries, VPN asks you to score each one. The entry with the highest average score will be crowned this year's People's Choice. Voting runs from October 22nd to December 31st. Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 22, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Speed eating cats, skateboarding dogs highlight Thailand’s pet boom
Kimmon, a mixed-breed cat, recently scarfed one tablespoon of a salmon treat in 49.42 seconds to win a competitive eating contest for cats. It’s called “cat licking” in Thailand and is but one of many pet competitions there. Others include cats that look like cows, skateboarding dogs and orange-colored cats. These are indicative of Thailand’s fast-growing pet industry, … [Read more...]
Drs Roark and Benson. Extend your value in tougher times.
Listen as Andy Roark, DVM, and Jules Benson, DVM, share where veterinary teams can act during tougher financial times. Roark asserts that the real competition practices face is inaction, not the practice down the road. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, Cone of Shame Podcast. Link. [1:24] As times get tough, <veterinary teams> need to be better at customer service, educating … [Read more...]
Gratitude is never garbage
With fall cleaning and holiday preparations underway, Dana Varble, DVM, CAE, reminds us that some things should never hit the trash can. She shares the importance of thank-you notes and acknowledgements she has saved. Thank you for sharing, Dr. Varble. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, July/August 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
5 models to make delegation easier, more effective
Delegation isn’t about giving work away. It’s about creating a system where your team can perform without constant supervision, writes Terry McDougall, PCC, MBA. She shares five proven models that make delegation more effective and less stressful. Note the infographic explaining them. Source: Terry McDougall, LinkedIn, October 14, 2025. Link. The best leaders don’t hoard … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club seeks participation in ethics survey
Please consider the Ethics Survey, sharing your insight on experiences where you may have been asked to do something in the workplace that crossed a moral, ethical, or legal line. The Bridge Club wants to update earlier findings that showed 57 percent of veterinarians faced ethical dilemmas on a weekly basis. Your perspective will help identify what has changed, what … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 3, 2025
From the blog: Emerging trends in pet ownership: what they mean for pet care businesses. Link. Industry news: Petflation 2025 – September Update: Jumps up to +3.5% vs Last Year. Link. PadsPass is solving pet travel for clients and veterinarians in time for the holidays. Link. Member benefits: Discounted pricing on background screening reports from … [Read more...]
Toss the kibble cup to feed dogs less
Commentary* Nancy Kerns shares her own challenges with feeding her dogs the right amount of food versus an estimated volume. She advocates for weighing the kibble using a kitchen scale, which she has written about before <Link>. A recent situation analysis of overweight dogs identified a complex web of interactions between dogs, their breed background, their … [Read more...]
NASC quality seal extended to treats and large-format chewables
The National Animal Supplement Council is expanding its quality standards for treats and large-format chewables to bring the same level of trust, transparency and quality assurance to them that already exists for pet health and nutritional supplements Products called “functional treats” are a particularly challenging segment, offering everything from calming support to joint … [Read more...]
Everyday feline behaviors as early health signals: Behavioral and bonding trends
In this edition of Feline Findings, Gina Fortunato and Kristin Wuhrman share information from Volume II of the CATalyst Council 2025 Feline Market Insights Report. It clearly shows the commitment cat owners have to their cat(s). Veterinary teams can boost the owner-cat relationship by educating clients about subtle shifts they may observe in their cats’ behaviors. Tracking … [Read more...]
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month
If you or your clients are considering adopting a new pet, but want one that is calm and likely trained in the basics, a senior pet may fit the bill. Plus, they tend to be less work than youngsters and can provide companionship and fun for years. If adoption isn’t possible, consider volunteering at a shelter, making a donation or taking a senior pet for a day. Sources: … [Read more...]
The matted cat; causes, cures, prevention
Cats’ tongues are designed to move sebum from their skin through the hair, maintaining hair integrity, loosening dirt and providing cooling, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. Despite their assiduous self-maintenance routines, cats get matted when sebum doesn’t move through their hair. Faver explains conditions that predispose cats to matting and advises groomers about degreasing cat … [Read more...]
6 steps to manage horses with hock arthritis
When horses develop arthritis in their hocks, they need a management plan that corresponds to both the horse and the owner, writes Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA. She shares important management decisions for the horse owner to make with their veterinarian. As the disease progresses, owners might need to adjust that plan and eventually consider a lower workload for the … [Read more...]
Scientists focus on genetically engineering mice to cut Lyme disease transmission
Scientists hope to use genetic engineering to reduce the transmission of Lyme disease. The scientists' target is not the deer and ticks associated with the disease, but wild, White-footed mice, the main carriers of Lyme. The teams of scientists are engineering changes in the genetic makeup of the mice by adding a gene for an antibody that prevents Lyme infection to a mouse … [Read more...]
University of Nebraska-Lincoln working to understand, reduce methane emissions
Reducing methane emissions can yield climate benefits quickly compared to other greenhouse gases due to its shorter half-life. A moderately heritable trait, methane production is influenced by several factors, including diet, feed intake, animal and microbial genetics and stage or phase of production. This article shares how researchers at UNL are exploring genetic tools and … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire SmartEquine from Covetrus, Inc.
Chewy, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SmartPak Equine, LLC, from Covetrus, Inc. This acquisition strengthens Chewy’s position as a leader in the equine category and accelerates its expansion into higher-margin health and wellness verticals. Source: Chewy, October 30, 2025. Link. The all-cash transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 6, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 30, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 30, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Convenience, connection matter just as much as price. Link. Canine sports medicine has a promising future. Link. It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety. Link. The power of your brain. Link. The empathy … [Read more...]
Convenience, connection matter just as much as price
In this article, My Vet Candy reviews survey results from a paper titled, “U.S. Residents' Self-Reported Access to Veterinary Care and Implications for Care-Seeking Decisions.” The survey of more than 1,100 adults asked what “access to veterinary care” meant. In summary, the results show most people value and respect veterinary professionals, but they often feel shut out and … [Read more...]
Canine sports medicine has a promising future
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation’s new Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency program is generating excitement about specialty training that will benefit any pet with mobility challenges. The program kicked off in July 2025 with residents and mentors at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Colorado State University College … [Read more...]
It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety
Halloween ranks third for holiday candy-related pet claims, behind Christmas and Thanksgiving, according to data from Independence Pet Group. Independence Pet Holdings’ Jennifer Sperry, DVM, shares tips and an informative infographic about pet safety during this spooky season here <Link>. Thanksgiving kicks off the official winter holiday season, which is now under … [Read more...]
The power of your brain
Doctors and educators agree that there may be tangible benefits to training your brain to focus on a meaningful intention. Source: AXIOS, September 29, 2025. Link. Manifesting reinforces constant, disciplined practice, reminding the brain of an intention repeatedly. INSIGHTS: Your brain has the lifelong ability to change. Editor’s note: We envision that AHD Bulletin … [Read more...]
The empathy problem: Balancing emotion in decision-making
Commentary Nearly all of us have moments where emotions influence our choices or cloud our judgments. We were intrigued by the subject line of an email that read, “Your brain is tricking you - here’s how to fight back.” Reading further, we found the discussion of heuristics and current decision-making practices among managers relevant for animal health pros. Researchers … [Read more...]
How to follow up after an interview if you’re still waiting for answers
It’s natural to want updates after a job interview, but phrasing matters, writes Richard Moy. He shares how to follow up after an interview, with tips and examples for different situations. Source: The Muse, March 11, 2025. Link. If you were never given a timeline for the next steps, it’s recommended to wait at least a week before following up. If the interviewer provided a … [Read more...]