While a standard vaccination program for all horses does not exist, spring vaccinations are an important component of ensuring horses’ immune systems are optimized during the highest risk period for disease exposure. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners vaccination guidelines, the five core vaccinations that all horses need include: West Nile virus, … [Read more...]
New betamethasone study quantifies detection time for IM use
According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, betamethasone, a corticosteroid, remains detectable above thresholds published by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for 23 days after administration of 12 mg IM. The study also found that IM betamethasone use suppressed the horse’s cortisol levels for 360 hours, or 15 days. … [Read more...]
Review: Preparing the mare for breeding season
Etta Bradecamp, DVM, Dipl. ACT, ABVP, explained how veterinarians and horse owners can work together to prepare mares for breeding season in a presentation at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. The starting point is the breeding soundness exam, she said. Source: The Horse, March 6, 2026. Link. Equine breeding success reflects long-term … [Read more...]
Rabbit education for every community
Complimentary Just in time for Easter bunnies, the House Rabbit Society has a new video that shares the objectives and progress of the organization. With a focus on educating rabbit enthusiasts, HRS has global reach that is reflected in its resources. Animal health pros can explore HHS resources at https://houserabbit.org/classes and https://houserabbit.org/handouts. The … [Read more...]
Barn monitoring could reduce insurance risks
Commercial Content Distynct and Pledge Insurance Advisors announced a joint program designed to reward livestock customers who invest in barn monitoring and proactive risk reduction. The program recognizes the role continuous monitoring plays in reducing the risk of catastrophic livestock losses and improving long-term operational resilience. Source: Feedstuffs, March 3, … [Read more...]
Recent FDA approvals include first oral treatment for canine lymphoma
The FDA granted full approval for the first oral treatment for canine lymphoma, plus three conditionally approved animal drugs and cleared new generics for cats, horses and cattle. Source: AVMA News, March 5, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
AHN inaugural newswire shares Viticus, WVC successes.
Animal Health Newswire is a newly launched news distribution service built specifically for the animal health industry. AHN’s first release highlights Viticus Group’s success with WVC Vegas 2026. The company welcomed nearly 18,500 participants, delivered more than 900 hours of CE, and featured 57 hands-on labs, a conference record. During the event, Viticus also opened … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 12, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 5, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 5, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Scoring system reveals parasites affect equine skin, coat condition. Link. Practicing radical acceptance. Link. Short online programs for overcoming depression led to improvements. Link. You are in charge. Link. Review: The … [Read more...]
Free 10‑minute online programs aimed at overcoming depression led to real improvements
This research will grab the attention of those working to improve mental health among animal health professionals. The researchers found two specific intervention types meaningfully reduced depression. Many people believe that to start overcoming depression, they need a therapist, medication or a radical change in their environment, writes Benjamin Kaveladze, PhD. However, … [Read more...]
Review: The suture station: One stop for improving suturing skills
Includes Commercial Content Suture knots and skills can always be updated and reviewed. As veterinary technicians are empowered to practice at the full level of their training, these skills offer veterinarians more flexibility to move on to another patient. At the link below is a large library of webinars, videos and resources covering suturing and knots. Source: … [Read more...]
You are in charge
Your reality is formed from what you read, see, listen to and experience. It's no longer mostly shaped by the "news.” Source: AXIOS, February 10, 2026. Link. It's possible, if not likely, that the biggest threat to future happiness and success is landing on the right side of information inequality.” INSIGHTS: You can choose to do nothing but at what personal cost. … [Read more...]
Practicing radical acceptance
A big part of practicing radical acceptance is letting go of the illusion that things must be a certain way before you’re allowed to take action. Seeing things as they are and being honest about what’s happening can be challenging, but denial only creates more suffering. Acceptance, on the other hand, offers benefits that resistance never can. Source: Daily Motivation, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 2, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Participation sought for Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. Link. Request to update any job postings in member portal Legislative news from Virginia Source: IBPSA, March 2, 2026. Link. Also see: Do you have a minors policy for your pet business?, Pets+, December 17, 2024. Link. Readers share whether they do or not and … [Read more...]
Better cat grooming starts in the tub
A lot of groomers, especially those who transitioned from dog grooming, are not bathing cats as thoroughly as they should, writes Lynn Paolillo. She shares the importance of desensitizing, degreasing and thorough rinsing. Source: Groomer to Groomer, March 2026. Link. Better cat grooming starts in the tub. A good bath sets the tone for every other step: drying, combing, … [Read more...]
Petland showcases transparency, collaboration with responsible USDA-licensed breeders
Petland, a specialty pet retail franchise company, is highlighting a cornerstone of its mission: unprecedented transparency and direct collaboration with responsible, USDA-licensed breeders who are committed to raising behaviorally appropriate, healthy pets. Source: Pet Age, February 27, 2026. Link. Petland sources puppies exclusively from responsible hobby breeders and … [Read more...]
Adopters love their shelter pets, but 78 percent of dog owners report behavior challenges
Conclusions from a landmark new study indicate high satisfaction ratings, while more than three-fourths of adopters faced behavioral or care challenges. These findings suggest that general satisfaction measures may obscure important challenges as animals settle into their new homes. Species-specific counselling, proactive veterinary engagement, and further microchip … [Read more...]
Dogs are more like toddlers than cats when it comes to helping humans
This study fits into human-animal bond thinking and domestication dynamics. Bottom line, if you need to find something, ask a dog or kid to help. . . not the cat. A study published in the journal Animal Behaviour investigated how untrained companion dogs, companion cats and 16- to 24-month-old toddlers respond when a familiar caregiver searched for a hidden object. Their … [Read more...]
World’s oldest horse supported by superior care, nutrition, devotion
When Paige Blumer, hospital manager for an animal dentist and oral surgeon in Leesburg, Virginia, got her first horse, Fancy, at age 5, she had no idea it would become a lifelong friendship. Today, they are still side by side. Now 37, Fancy was recognized by Guinness World Records as the World’s Oldest Horse and her 38th birthday (and Blumer’s) is April 1. Blumer credits expert … [Read more...]
Scoring system reveals impact of parasites on equine skin and coat condition
A recent study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science marks an advancement in understanding the relationship between parasites and horse health and a scoring system projected to improve welfare outcomes in equine populations. Researchers evaluated the parasitic loads of horses at the University of Connecticut while simultaneously applying the new skin and coat … [Read more...]
GPS collars transformed goat grazing into a stress-free, eco-friendly moneymaker
This story adds to other posts featuring the use of goats as an alternative for controlling weeds and overgrowth <Link>. In this article, Mindy Ward features Margaret Chamas, who has added virtual fencing as a management tool to her goat leasing service. Chamas rents out goats for brush control on properties that include city parks, conservation areas and private … [Read more...]
Theileria orientalis is moving westward, now in 60 Missouri counties
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is the primary vector for Theileria orientalis ikeda, and it transmits the organism through its saliva while feeding on cattle. This disease has been reported in multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West … [Read more...]
KCAHC seeks innovators in companion animal, ag tech and food animal sectors
The KC Animal Health Corridor is now accepting Emerging Company applications for the 2026 Animal Health Summit, taking place August 31st to September 1st. The Summit provides a global platform for early-stage companies in companion animal health, ag tech and food animal production to present their technologies and business plans to investors, strategic partners and industry … [Read more...]
FDA approves Merck Animal Health’s NUMELVI™ (atinvicitinib tablets) for dogs
NUMELVI™ (atinvicitinib tablets) is the first and only second-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs six months of age and older. The product is expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide in spring 2026. Source: Merck Animal Health, February 27, 2026. … [Read more...]
2026 YTD Dechra approvals
Dechra’s recent approvals reflect their commitment to the sustainable improvement of local animal health and welfare and veterinarians. Sources: Dechra Announces Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC®) acceptance of VETRADENT® Dental Wipes for Dogs, recognizing proven tartar control performance, February 26, 2026. Link. Dechra Announces FDA approval of Zygolide® … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 5, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 26, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Most common Gen Z, Gen Alpha terms now circulating in workplaces. Link. Is staffing eroding customer experience? Link. Designing the visit before the patient arrives. Link. Decision goals. Link. Start NOW to reduce … [Read more...]
Cats grow to 25 percent of visits, signals $34 billion market opportunity
According to new data from the CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume V, the overall companion-animal veterinary market continued to contract throughout 2025. But feline clinical visits grew in every quarter of the year, extending an outperformance streak to 12 consecutive quarters and fundamentally reshaping the veterinary landscape. The report, … [Read more...]
Client satisfaction stays strong according to AVMA data
Data from the AVMA’s 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook offer reassuring and actionable insights into how U.S. pet owners feel about their regular veterinary practice. Kudos to the teams working hard to deliver every day. Source: AVMA, February 19, 2026. Link. Small, incremental changes—paired with intentional communication—can reinforce client satisfaction, … [Read more...]
Start NOW to reduce barriers to heartworm prevention
A growing body of evidence-based protocols can help more pets get the care they need, while also supporting practice efficiency and revenue, writes Kristin Jankowski, VMD, CCRP, and Jenni Rizzo in this article. The key lies in understanding and removing barriers at every step of care: prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Consider this article as a reminder and resource to … [Read more...]
Is staffing eroding customer experience?
Commentary It is easy to ignore a Gallup survey as something that doesn’t apply to your business. Still, the imbalances reported here are concerning, especially since experiences even before AI made finding an employee in a business a challenge. This article begs for attention as more and more self-service options eliminate human connections. In Q3 2025, 43 percent of … [Read more...]
Decision goals
Every meeting should have a clear, concise DECISION goal and that is the responsibility of the person calling the meeting. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, February 6, 2026. Link. The meeting organizer is responsible for keeping the meeting focused on the DECISION goal.” INSIGHTS: Only invite those with direct decision-making responsibility and expect them to gather input from … [Read more...]