Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 13, 2024. Link. Most read posts from February 13, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Managing hypothermia for newborn calves. Link. Building talent through delegation. Link. How multitasking drains your brain. Link. New guidelines set for degrees in infection prevention. Link. Time to review vaccine … [Read more...]
Akston named best start-up at the 2024 S&P Global Animal Health Awards
Akston is a biotech company built for pets. They use their proprietary Ambifect® Fc-fusion protein platform to develop immuno-enhancing and targeted protein treatments that aim to reduce treatment frequency while enhancing efficacy. The company was awarded the Best Start-Up of 2024 by S&P Global Animal Health at the Animal Health, Nutrition, and Technology Innovation Europe … [Read more...]
BuddyID® offers free lifetime registration for pets affected by Save This Life microchip
Through its trusted microchip and recovery brand, BuddyID®, Creative Science is offering free lifetime registration for all pets with impacted Save This Life microchips, ensuring they remain protected in the event they go missing. The company is also extending free registration to any remaining Save This Life microchips still in possession at veterinary clinics and … [Read more...]
Dechra expands commitment to veterinary profession with new AVMF scholarships
Dechra is deepening its investment in the next generation of veterinary professionals by expanding its partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Twenty scholarships for veterinary and veterinary technician students totaling nearly $50,000 extends Dechra’s long-standing support of veterinary education, mentorship, and student wellness. Source: Dechra, … [Read more...]
Varroa mites, public enemy No.1 to bees
Reducing the destruction to bee colonies caused by Varroa destructor mites is a priority for beekeepers worldwide, but research reveals that improper timing of various treatments could cause more harm than good. Source: Earth.com, February 10, 2025. Link. A common mistake among beekeepers is applying treatment too early or too late in the season. If treatment occurs too … [Read more...]
Know the phases of chicken development to help raise a healthy flock
Chickens go through three basic phases of growth: starter, grower and layer. Kalyn Waters makes general information about each group easy to share with chicken owners. Source: University of Florida Extension, February 14, 2014. Link. The Starter Phase begins at hatching and lasts until a chick is five to six weeks old. Starting them . . . 18 percent protein provides the … [Read more...]
There’s nothing as helpful as picking out a horse’s feet every day
Daily hoof checks are the cornerstone of wintertime hoof care. Mud, snow, ice and substrate materials combine to make it difficult for horses to walk, often leading to shoe loss. Craig Lesser, DVM, CF, shares a variety of issues horse owners may encounter if routine hoof care is ignored. Source: The Paulick Report, February 18, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a good … [Read more...]
Ear cleaning and treatment outcomes in dogs with otitis externa
Questioning why we do things the way we’ve always done them makes sense. In this article William Oldenhoff, DVM, DACVD, reviews a study that evaluated whether cleaning dogs’ ears improves treatment outcomes. Both groups had successful treatment outcomes, regardless of cleaning; however, cleaning before medication application was particularly important in patients with … [Read more...]
6 vet-verified essential nutrients cats need in their diets
Cats are obligate carnivores. They require nutrients from meat and other animal tissues to get eleven essential amino acids in their cat food. The author begins with protein to share six categories of nutrients cats need. Source: Catster, February 19, 2025. Link. Related: Understanding your cat’s appetite, Cat Food Advisor, January 27, 2025. Link. Image: Self.com … [Read more...]
Partners in pain detection
Research has shown that owners can recognize signs of pain in dogs, but little is known about how owners interpret signs associated with specific presentations and what factors influence the decision to seek veterinary care. Margaret E. Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, shares prospective study results that reveal the importance of proactive client education about signs of pain and … [Read more...]
Open or closed eyelid technique during STT-1?
Schirmer tear test-1 is the standard test for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (ie, KCS, dry eye) in dogs, but a third of veterinary ophthalmology community members surveyed do not consciously notice eyelid position during testing. While using a consistent open or closed eyelid technique is appropriate for STT-1, the small study reviewed here revealed manual closure of the eyelids … [Read more...]
Resources designed to help talk teeth and oral care
Sponsor Content Infographics are great tools to use when talking with clients about dental and oral care for their pets. These free dental health infographics are great educational tools for your clients that can help animal health pros spread the importance of dental health in pets during National Dental Health Month. The infographics provide information about periodontal … [Read more...]
Limiting the zoonotic risks of fungal skin infections
Dermatophytosis, often called ringworm, is the zoonotic fungal skin infection that most commonly affects cats and dogs. It is easily transferred where multiple pets are housed. Ringworm and other fungi species require effective cleaning and disinfection of the environment. Available treatment options include topical therapy and systemic therapy. Those handling infected animals … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 10, 2025
Dogs and bird flu?, small business opportunities, best AI vet tools, pet food recalls, reregistering Save This Life microchips, growing pet pampering market and more . . . Source: IBPSA, February 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Stop asking why. Ask what instead.
Just about any “Why” question can be reframed as a question that starts with the word, “What,” asserts Scott Eblin. He says it’s a subtle but powerful shift that helps executives move conversations from resistance to resolution, ensuring discussions are strategic, action-oriented, and productive. Source: Eblin Group, February 18, 2025. Link. What” questions unlock deeper … [Read more...]
Negative and positive consequences
What’s the risk if I don’t follow the parasite control regimen? What’s the benefit if I do? Stress those two answers for your customer and your compliance will improve. Source: Veterinary Advantage, April 2017. Link. Negative or positive consequences are great motivators in helping people embrace change. Conversely, the lack of consequences, either negative or positive, … [Read more...]
Applying facial recognition to animal stewardship and production
Fascinating! Scientists worldwide are turning to AI to decipher the facial expressions of animals, from sheep to horses to cats and dogs. Some have already developed faster and more accurate algorithms for recognizing signs of pain and distress than the most attentive humans. In this article, the authors share several examples of how AI is being developed to observe animals and … [Read more...]
Most usable natural remedies in veterinary practice
Natural remedies can offer benefits, but they should complement traditional veterinary care, not replace it. The author shares five natural remedies that can enhance treatment options: Milk thistle for liver support Chamomile for digestive relief Echinacea for immune support Probiotics for gut health Turmeric for inflammation Source: IVC Journal, February … [Read more...]
Omnichannel shopping evolution: “use whatever’s most convenient”
Omnichannel shopping for pets has taken hold among all generations in the U.S., according to survey responses, shares Packaged Facts’ David Sprinkle in an analysis of pet food and pet product sourcing choices made by multiple generations of pet owners. Sprinkle also explains the cross-shopping dynamics, summarizing shopping trends as a competitive reality in the pet product … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 13, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 6, 2024. Link. Most read posts from February 6, 2025 AHD Bulletin - High prevalence of veterinary drugs in birds’ nest materials. Link. Your comfort zone. Link. S. Equestrian Federation board adds to the prohibited substances list. Link. ================================= Budweiser won the … [Read more...]
Ceva launches Kesium® (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets) a generic bioequivalent to Clavamox® chewable tablets
Kesium® from Ceva Animal Health is a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic (amoxicillin) with an β-lactamase inhibitor (clavulanate potassium) for the treatment of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Ceva is launching a portfolio of anti-infectives with the introduction of Kesium, the first chewable branded alternative to Clavamox® Chewable tablets. Source: Ceva Animal Health, … [Read more...]
New guidelines set for degrees in infection prevention
Infection preventionists work to prevent healthcare-associated infections across myriad healthcare settings. They isolate sources of infections to develop and implement evidence-based practices to prevent and contain the spread of dangerous organisms. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) released the Curriculum Guidelines for … [Read more...]
Mycoplasma bovis: Tough to treat, difficult to prevent
Includes Commercial References Newport Laboratories’ Jason Anderson, DVM, writes about Mycoplasma bovis, calling it problematic, insidious and hard to control. M. bovis is found in many different disease presentations. Affected cattle may display nasal discharge, cough, labored breathing, drooped ear, head tilt, head shaking, difficulty moving, swollen joints, inflamed … [Read more...]
Court rules USDA exceeds its authority in Horse Protection Act amendments
A U.S. District judge ruled the U.S. Department of Agriculture exceeded its authority in its final rule to amend the Horse Protection Act. Four of the five provisions contested were granted summary judgments. The four provisions are the prohibition of action devices and pads, the prohibition of substances, the dermatologic conditions indicative of soring, and the pre- and … [Read more...]
Opportunities for retailers who focus on oral care products
Includes Commercial Content What’s that old saying? “It takes a community . . . “ Glenn Polyn shares ideas for pet retailers in this article. He notes the oral health retail sector has grown with innovative and easy-to-use products designed to help address dental health in dogs and cats. Polyn mentions cross-merchandising opportunities and the importance of training store … [Read more...]
Time to review vaccine reactions
With the holidays eight weeks in the rearview mirror, those Christmas puppies are ready for vaccine boosters and rabies vaccination. Veterinary teams need to be prepared to discuss why undesirable post-vaccination reactions or complications may occur. Refreshing team knowledge from the 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2024 Update), Theresa Entriken, DVM, highlights … [Read more...]
Pet dental cleanings: What to expect (video)
Last week we asserted that client education was the main objective of National Pet Dental Month <Link>. Consider this video from the AVMA to support COHAT, help orient pet owners to the dental exam and treatment processes and reinforce the benefits of routine oral care in the home. Share it in social media posts or newsletters along with your own Dental Month message or … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 10, 2025
Latest in grooming tools, Red Cross pet liaisons, H5N1 risks in cats, salmonella risks, warnings about unlicensed pet boarding and more . . . Source: IBPSA, February 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
How multitasking drains your brain
Whether applied to machines or human brains, “multitasking” is a misnomer, writes Richard E. Cytowic, MD, MFA. He debunks the myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain stating, “We do use 100 percent of our brain, just not all of it at the same instant.” He explains the energy requirements of today’s rich social environments, saying that keeping ourselves alert and … [Read more...]
Embracing AI: Are you a Doomer, Gloomer, Zoomer, or Bloomer? (video)
Erika James, PhD, hosted Reid Hoffman in a discussion during a lecture series at The Wharton School about the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. Hoffman believes that when AI is deployed correctly, it has the power to change society for the better, much like the printing press, the gasoline engine, computers, the internet and all the previous inventions that … [Read more...]