In this article, Brian Faulkner, FRCVS, shares information on how dogs see and smell their environments. Consider it for new dog parents and for newsletters, social media or school visit content. Notable facts include: Dogs only have two types of color-sensing receptors and may be red-green color blind Most dogs have 20/75 vision; labs are an exception, as many have … [Read more...]
Health outcomes for bitches neutered prepubertally or post-pubertally
This study investigated the health outcomes of 306 Labrador/Golden Retriever crossbreed bitches that were neutered either before puberty (at six months of age) or after their first oestrus. The results suggest that there may be detrimental associations between neutering before known puberty and some musculoskeletal and immune diseases. Source: Animals, January 10, 2025. … [Read more...]
Horses with PPID may need more frequent deworming
PPID, or Cushing’s Disease, is slowly progressive even in treated horses, writes Eleanor Kellon, VMD. She says the disease weakens the immune response, including waning immunity to intestinal parasites. For horse owners who may deworm horses twice a year, their PPID horse may still have long periods of parasite damage. The density also builds up in their … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus within their populations
Researchers from France and Thailand uncovered a route of transmission for mosquito-borne arboviruses that showed West Nile virus transmission occurs within mosquito populations through their excreta. It is critical for horse owners to keep mosquito breeding areas under control to help prevent the mosquito to mosquito spread of the West Nile virus.” Source: My Senior Horse, … [Read more...]
Road to the Horse 2026 recap (includes videos)
The 2026 Road to the Horse competition took place in Lexington, Kentucky, last month. Nick Dowers took the title, winning the Road to the Horse for the third time. The format of the competition is simple: the first two days, four Wild Card competitors compete for a spot in the Championship Competition. These competitors choose a colt from the Remuda provided by the Pitchfork … [Read more...]
The mystery of the night shift: Why protocol drift happens after dark.
Commentary Today’s dairy veterinarian is routinely involved in many aspects of a dairy client’s operation. For veterinary teams, Shaun Hardtke’s article offers a practical look at why the night shift struggles more than any other shift, the underlying human, environmental and operational challenges of nighttime work and the predictable but fixable. The night shift has become … [Read more...]
Monitor calf health following exposure to wildfire smoke
In the weeks and months following a wildfire event, producers should remain vigilant and monitor calves for signs of respiratory disease or illness, writes Brock Ortner. He explains what happens when smoke particles settle in the lungs, making watching for early signs of illness important. Ortner says one practical approach is the D.A.R.T. method, which helps producers … [Read more...]
Fast-growing pasture creates risk of grass tetany in lactating cows
Surges in forage growth create grass tetany risk across many beef operations. Andrea Bedford shares ways to reduce the risks. While grass tetany is a seasonal risk that follows predictable patterns, producers may need to monitor animals closely in areas where wildfires burned and forage grasses are recovering. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 23, 2026. Link. Risk … [Read more...]
The growing intersection of genetics and health
Includes commercial references to Neogen Rather than focusing on treatment and prevention, veterinarians are being pulled into more strategic discussions, helping producers evaluate trade-offs and set long-term direction, writes Andrea Bedford. As producers consider adding genomics, veterinary teams are being asked for advice, ready or not. For veterinarians, stepping … [Read more...]
PetPax Co. wins 2026 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize
PetPax Co., a startup working to redefine everyday pet wellness for modern pet parents, was selected as the grand prize winner following the live pitch competition at Global Pet Expo. PetPax Co.’s patent-pending delivery method is designed to improve absorption of calming and oral health products by bypassing the stomach acid while reducing stress for both pets and their … [Read more...]
Axiota Animal Health names Wamego, Kansas, as global headquarters
Axiota Animal Health will name its facility in Wamego, Kansas, as the company’s global headquarters. The announcement formalizes the longstanding presence of Axiota Animal Health there, where the company operates manufacturing, research and development, and scientific operations for its products used by cattle producers in more than 30 countries worldwide. Source: Axiota® … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply surpasses $1 Million to expand hands-on learning for future ag leaders
Tractor Supply Company announced that its 11th annual Grants for Growing fundraiser raised more than $1 million. During the four-week event, Tractor Supply customers supported the effort by purchasing paper FFA emblems at checkout, which will in turn provide thousands of FFA members across the country with the resources to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare … [Read more...]
Neurologist innovates diagnostic tools for canine epilepsy
A neurologist from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph is using a backpack with brainwave-reading sensors to detect epilepsy in dogs without the need to sedate them. Source: ENC, March 19, 2026. Link. Canine epilepsy is the most common neurological condition for dogs and yet, one that still retains its mystery. Through clinical studies, James is researching multiple … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance April 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from the March 26th AHD Bulletin – Before PRDC takes control: Bordetella bronchiseptica’s early role. Link. The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart. Link. Customer hesitation. Link. CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: vectors, hotspots, year-round risk. Link. From … [Read more...]
New CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: expanding vectors, emerging hotspots, year-round risk
Released this week, the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast includes models that predict what veterinary teams will see in 2026. At 94% percent accuracy, they are an early warning system for both veterinary and public health. The Forecast projects continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm risk across the … [Read more...]
From feedlots to city blocks, visibility matters for every veterinary practice
We asked AHD Editor Rick Purnell to consider challenges veterinary practices face locally and bring perspectives from his public relations career. He says trust remains the foundation of veterinary-client relationships and it likely begins before the first appointment. Planned, long-term community outreach is more than a marketing tool. It reminds existing and prospective … [Read more...]
Customer hesitation
Whether you like it or not, everyone in a hospital is responsible for the success of that practice. Your job is not selling something. Your job is to help your customer decide about buying something that will help their furry friend. Source: Veterinary Advantage, October 2024. Link. If you’re tired of losing deals to “no action,” change the game. Focus on your customer’s … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 23, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Sneak peek at IBPSA website’s new look The shift in U.S. pet stores <Link>. The experience-driven operating model. Sparkle Grooming continues expansion <Link>. India's booming pet economy <Link>. Source: IBPSA, March 23, 2026. Link. Upcoming webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses, Wednesday, … [Read more...]
Ideas for choosing a trainer for pet parents, veterinary teams (video)
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, shares a video she offers to pet parents looking to find a trainer for their pet. She shares how to read a trainer’s website. She encourages them to look for clear indicators of positive reinforcement training, humane equipment, transparent credentials and evidence of continuing education. Source: Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, LinkedIn, March 24, 2026. … [Read more...]
New Trupanion data reveals rise in pet toxicity claims
Data pulled from over 71,000 Trupanion claims provides a granular look at the evolving landscape of household hazards, including regional variances and the specific toxins most frequently presenting for emergency intervention. While grapes and raisins are the most frequently identified toxicants across almost every U.S. state, drugs and medications are consistently the most … [Read more...]
Before PRDC takes control: The early role of Bordetella bronchiseptica
Bordetella is a cofactor in a wide range of bacterial and viral respiratory infections. In swine, B. bronchiseptica can be an important early life pathogen and a contributor to porcine respiratory disease complex. Ubiquitous on farms, it is often passed from sow to piglet in the farrowing environment, causing infection as early as day three. New research published in … [Read more...]
Improving digestive health in feedlot cattle
Sponsor Content from Novonesis Dr. Steve Lerner, senior scientific and business advisor with Novonesis, recently joined Sarah Muirhead, managing director of Feedstuffs, to discuss ways to improve digestive health in feedlot cattle, make every pound of gain count and potentially improve carbon intensity. Here are notable takeaways. In practical terms, digestive health in … [Read more...]
The Dog Aging Project featured on 60 Minutes (video)
The Dog Aging Project was featured on 60 Minutes on March 22nd. Anderson Cooper interviewed principals from the project, revealing the ongoing efforts to a) improve dog lives as they age and b) how the project may increase our understanding of aging in humans and other animals. Source: CBS, 60 Minutes, March 22, 2026. Link. [13:13] Dogs that live with other dogs appear to … [Read more...]
What feral cats actually need from the people who feed them
Includes commercial references Living two to five years versus domestic cat lifespans into the late teens, feral cats need more than food to live longer, writes Dan Seymour. The causes for a brief life include untreated injuries from fights or accidents, exposure to extreme weather, infectious diseases spreading through colonies, parasite burdens that slowly weaken them and … [Read more...]
AI helps owners find lost pets
Includes commercial references One in three pets goes missing during their life, according to the Animal Humane Society. AI has now joined the ranks of microchips, GPS and social media to help find lost pets. These four success stories demonstrate its positive results. Source: The Washington Post, March 21, 2026. Link. “As controversial as AI is right now, this is one of … [Read more...]
The role of genetics in feline behavior (video)
Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA, HAB, explains how breed-related genetic traits shape feline behavior, even when physical limitations affect a cat’s ability to act on instincts. The video is good educational content that can be shared by veterinary teams for cat parents. Boarding teams will find it interesting, too. Source: DVM360, March 20, 2026. Link. Comparing behaviors of … [Read more...]
Drinking behavior of horses: 6 facts about water intake
Consider and share these basic principles of horsemanship regarding water: Depending on body weight, in a moderate climate will drink five to 15 gallons per day Variations in water intake for individual horses may occur from day to day Diet affects water consumption Well-fed mature horses spend only five or six minutes a day drinking water in several visits … [Read more...]
Equine laminitis and black walnut wood residue
Very small quantities of black walnut wood residue in shavings can cause laminitis in horses. As little as 10 percent of the total shavings, by weight, may result in clinical signs of toxicity in horses. These signs generally occur within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the contaminated shavings. The symptoms frequently begin with mild laminitis and swelling of the legs and … [Read more...]
Finisher sites are the weak link in swine disease biosecurity
The constant movement of pigs, people and equipment creates significant pathways for disease transmission in multi-site swine production. Recent research showed finisher sites were the most vulnerable, with an 82.4 percent outbreak rate, compared to wean-to-finish (66.7 percent) and nurseries (33.3 percent). Source: PORK, March 23, 2026. Link. The study suggests prioritizing … [Read more...]
We measure milk. The cow measures time. Management defines both.
Complimentary Content The recent heat wave across the West and Midwest is a reminder of the effects of heat stress on cows. The farms that succeed are not just cooling cows. They are managing time, environment and consistency as one system, explains Muhammad Wasim Iqbal, DVM, MS, PhD. The graphic from Dr. Iqbal’s post is saved here as a poster to use when communicating … [Read more...]