Providing hope on the bird flu front, Washington University engineers have built a sensor that can detect the presence of bird flu particles within minutes. The proof of concept mini fridge-size machine detects viral particles in the air using so-called “wet cyclone” technology. It sucks in air, spins it in liquid to trap particles and sends an alert when it detects the virus. … [Read more...]
Save a swamp. Sauté a nutria.
In an effort to curb growing populations of invasive species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a practical solution: Eat them. Nutria a large semiaquatic rodent whose population is increasing and disrupting marshland ecosystems, is the preferred menu item. Weighing 15 to 20 pounds each, they live along the Gulf Coast, in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeastern … [Read more...]
Research backs early intervention for equine melanoma
Research from Portugal found that a delaying melanoma removal can have a serious impact a horse’s life. Even if a tumor wasn’t invasive or malignant, delaying removal was associated with a higher number of tumors on the same horse. Melanoma tumors are common on older grey horses. Source: EQUUS, January 16, 2025. Link. Many vets think that small melanomas don’t need to be … [Read more...]
Mud is beneficial for horses’ hooves and skin? Yes or no?
Marcella Gruchalak curates various perspectives on mud, how much is too much, what else might be in the mud and what happens if mud remains on the horse too long. Source: Horse Nation, March 3, 2025. Link. Some mud is fine, but not in excess or for extended periods of time.” Also see: There’s nothing as helpful as picking out a horse’s feet daily, AHD Archives. … [Read more...]
U.S. heartworm risks increasing as mosquito populations, species more than double
One can imagine a forboding silence come over those listening to Susan Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM, as she shared an update on the growing prevalence of heartworm disease in U.S. dogs. She urged veterinary teams to be diligent in educating clients and assertive with their recommendations, noting DVMs have more powerful preventatives than ever at their disposal. Source: DVM360, … [Read more...]
Lethargy in dogs, symptoms and what they mean
Barri J. Morrison, DVM, covers myriad reasons dogs get lethargic. Whether worn out from play or exercise or an effect of something that needs veterinary attention, lethargic dogs need to be watched. His article is good content for social media posts or newsletters. Source: petMD, January 30, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
A cat is a cat, BUT, lifestyles, environments and their natures are a conundrum
Commentary Mara Watts’s article3 advocating for seasonal, proactive care and support for farmyard cats initiated thoughts and an investigation of the various categories of cats1 based on their lifestyles. Recent posts from animal health pros sought to identify and reduce barriers to the medicalization of cats, increase wellness efforts and improve veterinary care of pet cats … [Read more...]
11 best Dog Whisperer tips from Cesar Millan
When Cesar talks, dog owners listen. Agree or not, Millan’s overall approaches have forced dog owners to look in the mirror and address their own behaviors. The result has been happier, better mannered dogs who understand they are dogs, not humans. Source: Top Dog Tips, November 28, 2022. Link. Dog crave consistency and order . . . staying patient and in control is vital … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 3, 2025
Lamb Chop puppet revival, hidden fees, small business AI, hero blood donor dogs, pet insurance for small businesses, pup busing, pet aquamation services, business taxes and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 3, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Career stagnation
Clinging to job security at the expense of growth and new opportunities can lead to stagnation and limit your potential, writes Riya Tandon. She shares five signs to watch out for if your career feels too comfortable. Source: The Economic Times, February 28, 2025. Link. If you no longer feel passionate about your work and a lingering sense of unfulfillment has set in, it … [Read more...]
Everyone at the practice is included in your sales team
Every person in a veterinary practice should be part of the sales team. These 10 tips will help them and you improve the overall practice performance. Source: Veterinary Advantage, February 2025. Link. Make it clear, concise, and – dare I say it – compelling.” - Brian Sullivan, CSP INSIGHTS: Planning and preparation helps the animal, client and practice succeed. … [Read more...]
NAVC offers microbiome certification
NAVC’s timely Veterinary Microbiome Certification course offers the skills to implement microbiome science in your daily practice, improve patient care and address pet owner questions about microbial options. The new course comprehensively analyzes the microbes in the various systems of cats and dogs, focusing on their contributions to digestion, immune function and overall … [Read more...]
VetPartners launches Veterinary Team Utilization Guide
A VetPartners task force created a new, comprehensive and free digital resource to support practice owners and managers to help drive positive change in the profession. Source: VetPartners, March 5, 2025. Link. We hope this guide becomes a standard reference for veterinary professionals . . . a living, breathing resource that is updated regularly as additional information … [Read more...]
AAHA releases guidelines for veterinary specialist referrals
The 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines provide a framework that fosters stronger partnerships between primary care teams and specialty care teams. Emphasizing the importance of a referral coordinator, the guidelines establish three referral collaboration models: General collaborative conversations Professional-to-professional consultations Hands-on referrals Source: … [Read more...]
Decension grows as March 9th daylight saving time arrives
A January Gallup poll shows 54 percent of Americans want to discontinue the spring forward, fall back practice. Forty percent of U.S. adults prefer to continue daylight saving time, while six percent are uncertain. Regardless, don’t forget to switch your clocks this weekend. Source: Gallup, March 4, 2025. Link. Image: DriveMyWay … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 27, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 20, 2024. Link. Most read posts from February 20, 2025 AHD Bulletin – BuddyID® offers free lifetime registration for pets affected by Save This Life microchip. Link. Resources designed to help talk teeth and oral care. Link. Applying facial recognition to animal stewardship and production. … [Read more...]
U.S. releases first national One Health framework
The National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States represents a coordinated strategy by the federal government to confront diseases that spread between humans and animals and other One Health threats.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of … [Read more...]
NEW, universal gateway to veterinary conferences, industry experts
The first of its kind, Connext.vet is redefining how professionals engage with industry events by eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple association websites and endless internet searches. With its powerful, intuitive interface, users can effortlessly navigate veterinary conferences across species, locations and more—all in one place. Source: Connextvet, February 26, … [Read more...]
Transboundary mosquito watch as JEV expands in Australia
Japanese encephalitis virus poses a serious viral threat to swine. Australian officials reported the first detections of JEV in animals in Queensland in July 2022. JEV is a flavivirus in the same family as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Source: PORK, February 18, 2025. Link. JEV is spread by mosquitoes and causes … [Read more...]
Creating the vet-friendly horse barn
Barb Crabbe, DVM, shares what it takes to have great working conditions for veterinarians and farriers to make it easier for them to provide top-notch care for your horse. The article is a good one to share with clients to set some expectations. For many horse owners, a few adjustments in their barn or stable can make a DVM’s dream visit come true. Source: Horse and Rider, … [Read more...]
Collagen-based neutraceuticals offer benefits for cats
A concentrated source of collagen, essential for maintaining the integrity of connective tissues, including skin, joints and bones offers some benefits for cats as they age. The authors review the types of collagen, available forms and administration of collagen supplements and where supplementation may provide health benefits for cats. Source: IVC Journal, February 20, … [Read more...]
Reminder: gabapentin can effect blood pressure in cats with, without CKD
As veterinary teams get comfortable reaching for one drug or another, study results like this remind us to be cautious. Researchers studying the effects of gabepentin found it has an effect on arterial BP in cats with and without chronic kidney disease. This effect appears to be more than just the result of stress reduction. These findings should be taken into account when … [Read more...]
New protocol guide to help DVMs standardize their approach to canine OA
Complimentary Commercial Content American Regent, maker of Adequan® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), created an OA Treatment Protocol Guide subsequent to veterinary feedback. The guide will help veterinary teams develop their own osteoarthritis protocols which shares a three-step plan to help develop and implement an OA treatment protocol in almost any clinic. It … [Read more...]
Partners in pain detection, part 2: feline
Similar to last week’s post on dog owners’ pain detection in their dogs <Link>, this study assessed cat guardians’ perception of their cats’ pain levels following participants’ exposure to brief pain-related educational material. Researchers found that after receiving educational information about recognizing pain in cats, the cat guardians showed more concern about their … [Read more...]
Who’s afraid of the dreaded cough?!
Commercially supported by Merck Animal Health Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, provides an insightful and educational look at canine infectious respiratory disease complex, its primary causes, the changes in dog influenza and why knowing how dogs are vaccinated is important to individual dogs and for those dogs around them. Source: Dr Jen the Vet, YouTube, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 24, 2025
Ways small business can navigate uncertainties during political transition, Sleepypod Pet Carriers earn top crash-test safety ratings, personalized pet safety gear, small business optimism trends fall, accelerator fueling innovation in pet care industry and more . . . Source: IBPSA, February 24, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Pay yourself first
A recent survey shows that more than 80 percent of workers fear job layoffs this year. More concerning may be that four in 10 companies expect to reduce their workforce in the next five years. Kerry Hannon shares five ways to proactively brace for a job loss starting with cutting back on spending and creating an emergency fund. Source: Yahoo!finance, February 22, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Thriving cultures
Fostering a thriving culture is dependent on a few essential leadership behaviors rooted in the principles of Servant Leadership . . . a people-centric approach where leaders prioritize serving others, creating environments of trust, engagement and productivity. Source: Inc., October 4, 2024, Link. Authenticity is showing up with your best self especially at the worst of … [Read more...]
Thoughts on communicating with people outside of your normal industry segment
Emily Eilers addresses the challenges of communicating the farm and food story with consumers while facing the narratives inherent when only two percent of the U.S. population grows our food. Source: Nebraska Farmer, February 19, 2025. Link. Commentary Eiler’s article caused me to think about the number of social media posts I saw from cow-calf producers during the … [Read more...]
READ THIS FIRST! 2025 World Nature Photography Award winners announced.
From amazement to education to Zen, it’s all in the latest collection of photos from entrants around the globe. Take them all in before you start reading about the latest topics in our industry. Relax and see the beauty of feathers, vibrancy of lanternflies and simplistic combined beauty and ugliness of a guinea. From animals on land to those in the sea and even us, these … [Read more...]