While horses and donkeys can be great companions, infected donkeys can infect horses with lungworms. Kimberly S. Brown shares some basic facts about lungworms in donkeys and horses with help from Zoetis’ Nathan Voris, DVM. The article is a good review and is worthy of sharing with horse owners; those with donkeys already and those who may be tempted to bring home a donkey from … [Read more...]
The importance of “pet-alized” dental care for older animals
Will Wetzel shares takeaways from a Fetch Nashville presentation by Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, entitled, “They are NOT too old for dental procedures (usually).” Dental disease and chronic inflammation continue to build over time when routine oral care is ignored, which leads to further complications once the pet enters their senior years. We noted the reference to chronic … [Read more...]
Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline “idiopathic” cystitis
Feline idiopathic cystitis is a lower-urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. Researchers anticipated anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. While further studies are recommended, identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and … [Read more...]
Orange cats, freak of nature?
Scientists say they have unraveled a longstanding mystery by identifying the specific DNA mutation responsible for orange cats’ color and the variant has not been found in any other animal. Amanda Schupak relates the fascinating details of a mutational mechanism that occurred once during domestication and then was selectively bred for for hundreds of years. Source: CNN, May … [Read more...]
A natural approach to the #1 problem in pet shelters
Commentary, Sponsor Content The challenges with animals in a shelter environment are well-known. Helping them during this very stressful transition period is critical to them advancing toward a healthier existence and successful adoption. Steven Lerner, PhD, and Davey Stone recently shared a webinar to introduce and refresh animal health pros’ knowledge of the benefits of … [Read more...]
Mental health care and dogs
Sponsor Content In a recent post, Wendy Hauser, DVM, shared what we need to know about the mental health care of our cats <Link>. In this parallel article from the ASPCA® Pet Health Program, Hauser addresses canine mental health care beginning with the three most common mental health issues dog owners experience with their dogs: a) anxiety, b) depression and c) … [Read more...]
Collars, harnesses and training for cats improve safety, well-being
Includes Commercial Content Seemingly every week we see articles sharing ways to improve the lives of our pets. Cats in particular benefit when their owners develop routines to engage with their owners such as play or walks outdoors. Understanding options for restraint will help cat owners wanting to expand their interactions with their cat(s). We’re sharing these articles … [Read more...]
Cliff Faver, DVM. The eyes are the window to the soul.
Commentary In this article for groomers, Cliff Faver, DVM, urges groomers to consider a pet’s eyes as they receive them and work with them in a grooming setting. His assertions are good coaching for those working in shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics. Note his comments about liability, too. Source: Groomer to Groomer, June 2025. Link. Eyes are critical to the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 2, 2025
Camp Bow Wow turns 25 . . . shares data from dog owner survey, WunderPetz™ launches franchise opportunities, Petbizology launches growth services, legislative updates, dog karaoke and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 2, 2025. Link. 79 percent agreed that they feel like both they and their dogs are living their best lives when the dog is able to socialize.” – Camp Bow Wow … [Read more...]
The framework top CEOs use to scale
Bob Pearson’s opening sentence was enough to share this article with animal health pros. “Scaling a business doesn’t mean grinding longer hours, putting out fires all day, or spinning your wheels chasing growth. Top-performing CEOs don’t grow through chaos; rather, they scale through clarity, systems and accountability.” Source: Vistage, May 16, 2025. Link. This framework . … [Read more...]
Plain speak
Plain speak is about clarity, efficiency and making your message stick with your customers. It isn’t about dumbing down your message. It’s about smartening it up. It’s about clarity, efficiency and presenting a message that sticks. No one likes jargon, writes Brian Sullivan. Source: Veterinary Advantage, August 2024. Link. Questions make your clients think and relate their … [Read more...]
Home health agencies dropping their telehealth programs
Perspectives for consideration. A new survey finds that home health agencies are abandoning virtual care due to complexity and inadequate reimbursement. Telehealth advocates the pendulum effect should wear off as both providers and patients understand the value of virtual visits and work toward a hybrid strategy that mixes in-person care and telehealth. BUT, the monkey wrench … [Read more...]
Vet tech instructor shares the importance of upskilling, strategic support
The veterinarian shortage is portrayed in myriad ways as our industry works to meet rising demand for qualified professionals. Deploying veterinary technicians at the top of their licensed skills is a common theme in shortage discussions. We were pleased to hear from Dr. Meghan Wells, DVM, MPH, who serves as an instructor for the Veterinary Technology program at Penn … [Read more...]
Synchrony study finds pet owners still underestimate the costs of care
Nearly 80 percent of U.S. pet owners continue to underestimate the lifetime costs of caring for their animals, despite growing financial pressure and increasing investment in pet health and wellness, according to 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study, conducted by Synchrony's CareCredit. Small companion animals and pocket pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters were … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 5, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 29, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 29, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Building rapport key to getting a decision (video). Link. 20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs. Link. Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis. Link. New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas … [Read more...]
Chewy Health pledges $1 million to new Chewy Health & Lincoln Memorial University Applied Learning Center in Clay County, Florida
During a groundbreaking ceremony, Chewy Health pledged a $1 million donation in partnership with Lincoln Memorial University to support the construction of an innovative educational space within the Clay County’s new Animal Services building in Middleburg, Florida. Source: Clay County Florida, May 27, 2025. Link. The new Clay County Animal Services building is expected to … [Read more...]
Dechra launches Catney® One: A new tool for feline kidney health
Kidney health is one of the top three conditions that drives feline vet visits. Dechra’s new Catney® One is a non-prescription, health supplement that brings a new and exciting ingredient to the battle against phosphorus, Lanthanum Carbonate. It is designed specifically to bind phosphate in the gut and help limit its absorption into the bloodstream. Source: Dechra, May 13, … [Read more...]
WILMAH to launch mentoring platform, plans Leadership Summit in November
The Women in Leadership and Management in Animal Health group’s May newsletter urges members to consider mentorships ahead of a new mentoring platform soon to launch. In addition to a June 26th webinar, remember to mark calendars for the 2025 Wilmah Leadership Summit will take place scheduled for November 5th-7th in St. Petersburg, Florida. WILMAH also just launched a new … [Read more...]
Inflatable tube man as bird deterrent
Includes Commercial Content We noticed the comments about the inflatable tube men in the National Hog Farmer article here. We later found found additional information about using inflatable tube dancers to help control birds and deer from LookOurWay. The erratic movement of inflatable tube men gives birds and other pests no chance to adapt. Sources: Migratory birds … [Read more...]
World Milk Day is Sunday, June 1st
World Milk Day is a movement that highlights milk as a vital, accessible food source that nourishes billions. With economic conditions front-of-mind, it’s good news that recent studies show that the inclusion of animal-source foods like dairy can limit the cost of the total diet while providing essential nutrients necessary for good health. Let’s raise a glass of milk for … [Read more...]
New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas A&M
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts have released an updated fact sheet publication about the New World screwworm to provide livestock producers with key information about prevention, infestation and reporting of infestations. NOTE: Missouri screwworm report false, BEEF, May 27, 2025. Link. The USDA said the May 27th news … [Read more...]
Vent gleet in chickens
Cloacitis, commonly referred to as vent gleet may also be called pasting or nasty chicken butt. Regardless it is the inflammation of the chicken's cloaca. Vent gleet isn't a specific disease but more of a gastrointestinal condition that can be caused by a number of different reasons, including many types of organisms such as fungi, protozoa, parasites, yeast, and bacteria. … [Read more...]
7 biosecurity tips horse owners must know
North Dakota State University Extension and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialists share the seven priority areas for biosecurity in this article. Whether a large or small equine operation the use of common-sense biosecurity and biocontainment practices helps minimize health risks. Source: Dakota Farmer, May 21, 2025. Link. Many horse owners overlook basic … [Read more...]
Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis
Some of the most mainstream and popular modalities currently used to manage osteoarthritis in horses are a) autologous conditioned serum, b) autologous protein solution, c) platelet-rich plasma and d) mesenchymal stem cell, explains Matt Leshaw, DVM. He explains how each of the methods is done and relates successes noting regenerative medicine is still in its … [Read more...]
Add H5N1 to clinic differentials for sick pet birds
The current HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain is now the most widespread HPAI outbreak on record, affecting millions of animals worldwide. The virus has created the most problems with poultry but is now recognized as relevant in wild birds, mammals, cattle, domestic cats and pet and aviary birds. Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM, and Carrie McNeil, DVM, MPH, provide guidance … [Read more...]
How to determine the best approach to separation-related behaviors in dogs
Separation-related behaviors are non-specifics, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. She explains the importance of determining the underlying cause before designing an environment and training protocol that sets the dog up for success. The objective is to allow the animal to feel safe and stay below its anxiety threshold. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. … [Read more...]
Music, pheromones and familiarity make traveling with a cat easier
In this article, Christian Adams shares ways to calm a cat and offers 12 ways to keep them more comfortable and settled in the car. But then, maybe it would be easier just to let the cat drive. LOL! Source: Catster, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Vet-Approved tips for car travel with a dog, Dogster, May 20, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Orkin reveals the country’s top spots for mosquitoes
Orkin recently published its annual report, ranking U.S. cities by the number of mosquito-related service requests from April 2024 through March 2025. According to Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, some areas of the U.S. will experience more of these pesky insects than others this summer. Los Angeles is the top spot for the fourth year in a row and statewide, … [Read more...]
20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs
As school ends and summer activities ramp up, it is easy for people in pet households to unintentionally leave something poisonous where dogs can reach it. The list shared in this article is a good reminder for all and reinforces the messages from Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month last March. Consider it for social media posts or newsletters and be sure to share pet poison … [Read more...]
Reminder: Beware of possible harmful algae bloom
As families seek recreation near water and the edges of ponds fill with that green slime, it’s a good time to revisit safety measures to avoid harmful algae. Harmful algae are found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are caused by a variety of toxin-producing microalgae, including prokaryotic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic … [Read more...]