From the blog: Protect your pet care business with key cybersecurity measures. Link. Member benefits: Build an app with Doxieworks. 15 percent member discount Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 6, 2025. Link. NASC seal extended to treats, gratitude, delegation, feline behaviors, “They Ate What?” and more! Legislative update: New Jersey S4804; … [Read more...]
What to say so people feel seen and respected
Stop saying, “How are you?” asserts Judith Humphrey. She shares a list of openers to avoid and suggestions for better choices, such as, “Hi, [name], that’s a great tie/color/pet’s leash.” Whether someone new, a repeat customer or on the telephone, Humphrey’s assertions apply. Source: Fast Company, November 11, 2025. Link. Think ahead and be kind. Everyone will cherish … [Read more...]
Early castration improves animal welfare, safety, and on-farm economics
Sponsor Content Recent research confirms the importance of fall calving in the beef segment and year-round calving in dairies in North America. Estimates show that more than 80,000 bull calves will be born this November and December: a third in beef operations and two-thirds in dairy operations. The AABP recommends that pain management be considered the standard of care … [Read more...]
Promising research in feline regenerative medicine
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated feline embryonic stem cells using lab-grown blastocysts. Their innovative approach resulted in the creation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells that can remain undifferentiated or differentiate into the three germ layers: endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm. The cells can transform into a wide variety of cell … [Read more...]
Podcast: Advising pet owners on nutritional adequacy
The insights in this podcast are more relevant today than when it was recorded. Beckie Mossor, RVT, and Deborah Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN, discuss the common and often-debated topic of what to feed pets. They also offer practical advice on working with pet owners and helping them make smart pet food choices. Last week’s AHD post about measurement and educating pet owners … [Read more...]
Cats, collagen and supplements
Different types of collagen serve specific functions in feline health. The market for collagen-based nutraceuticals for cats has grown significantly in natural and functional medicine categories. Supplements offer a concentrated source of collagen, known to be essential for maintaining the integrity of connective tissues, including skin, joints and bones. The author outlines … [Read more...]
Cats’ tail language, a veritable mood ring
Cats are masters of non-vocal communication. Angie Bailey writes about the ways cats use their tails to convey their emotions. Her article includes infographics and a video cat owners will appreciate. Consider sharing it with new cat owners, in newsletters or on social media. Source: Catster, November 10, 2025. Link. Photo by Abdulaziz Alfawzan on Unsplash … [Read more...]
14 finalists from the 2025 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
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...]
Cornell study: We’re feeding too much colostrum
Cornell’s groundbreaking 2024 study shows that feeding just 2.5 liters of today’s high-quality colostrum works better than four liters, improving absorption efficiency by 24 percent while eliminating painful colic symptoms in calves. The author says the colostrum modern cows produce today is fundamentally different than it was 20 years ago. We’ve improved the genetics, … [Read more...]
Inflammation control in the transition cow
The incidence of dairy cow disease as lactation begins has generated strong interest in the biology of the dairy cow transitioning from late pregnancy into lactation. Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD, shares perspectives on managing, not eliminating inflammation. Instead, be aware of potential stressors in systems to minimize overstimulating the inflammatory … [Read more...]
The effect of fall in swine production
Four industry experts share helpful strategies to boost farm health and productivity this fall in this article from Jennifer Shrike. The Q3 State of the Pork Industry Report video is included [1:00:38] and is worth the time if you’re working with or marketing in the swine production sector. The guest experts name a) manure management dangers, b) monitoring heavier weights in … [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...]
West Texas A&M breaks ground on new feedlot research complex
Officials at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, broke ground on a $15 million feedlot research complex. The WTAMU Foundation Research Feedlot and the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation Feedlot Education Facility will be used to conduct research that improves the beef industry nationwide. Construction will start this winter. Source: Feed & Grain, … [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...]