If you’re as comfortable seeing your nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant as you are with your doctor, this may resonate with you. We’ve not seen much recognition of this alternate concept to mid-level practitioners since April. See what you think. Registered veterinary technician Jodi Belongié suggests that the debate over mid-level practitioners in veterinary … [Read more...]
Review: How to talk to clients about vaccinations
Commentary Articles like this one from Reagan Bugg, DVM, offer veterinary teams a quick way to review and adjust conversations about vaccination hesitancy with the whole team. She reinforces discussion of the pet’s lifestyle as interactive with the animal owner to increase transparency and allay any vaccine hesitancy. Repositioning the yearly exam as a whole health visit … [Read more...]
Tick, tick-borne disease management requires an integrated One Health approach
A new review <Link> emphasizes that tick and tick-borne disease control in the United States now requires a coordinated One Health strategy that accounts for changing tick distributions, wildlife and domestic animal hosts, environmental conditions and human exposure patterns. Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA, shares the rationales in this article. The expanding range of … [Read more...]
Review: Understanding the three stages of laminitis in horses
Regardless of how long laminitis takes to manifest, or what initially caused it, the illness tends to follow three key stages, says Chris Pollitt, BVSc, PhD. The article here reviews the laminitis stages from when it’s most obvious and destructive in the chronic stage, back to the acute stage and finally the initial developmental stage. Pollitt adds that decades of research … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from July 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Choose thriving. Link. Pet owners seeking help sooner; telehealth becoming the first step. Link. A new framework for assessing dog bite risk. Link. Behavior and health problems during short-distance transport. Link. Pet vaccine … [Read more...]
A history of veterinary medicine as America celebrates its 250th anniversary
This evolution of the veterinary profession is a good read to accompany the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration this year. Julie A. Jacob shares resources from the American Veterinary Medical History Society that show great support for the profession from our country’s founding to current times. Source: AVMA, June 1, 2026. Link. Our country's founding fathers … [Read more...]
Behavior and health problems during short-distance transport
Commercial product referenced A recent survey of European horse owners revealed that even during trailering lasting less than two hours, injury, illness and acute stress occur frequently, affecting up to 42 percent of horses. Behavior problems were observed in a third of all horses and included fear, flight reactions, aggressiveness, rearing and reluctance to load. … [Read more...]
Electrolytes and muscle function in horses: Essentially linked
Commercial product referenced As the summer heat intensifies, keeping a close eye on macrominerals is vital. Because electrolytes facilitate normal muscle contraction and relaxation, even a minor disruption in balance can completely derail athletic performance. Takeaways noted from studies at Kentucky Equine Research in this article: The dose of electrolytes must be … [Read more...]
Mexico and U.S. inaugurate new sterile fly facility in Chiapas
The U.S. and Mexico began construction of a 22,000-square foot New World screwworm sterile fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, just 11 months ago and officially opened the facility on June 27, 2026. The plant will produce 28 million flies per week initially and 100 million by year-end to fight New World screwworm incursion. Source: BEEF, June 29, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 25, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 25, 2026 AHD Bulletin – SSDD does not produce different results. Link. Killing innovation. Link. It may be time to consider leptospirosis in cats. Link. The truth about MSG and dog food. Link. The horse industry’s social license to operate. Link. … [Read more...]
The horse industry’s social license to operate
Breakdowns in racing. Questionable training practices. Medication and tack use in competition horses. Welfare of horses with minimal access to pasture. Well-being of horses asked to do a “job.” The list goes on, frequently shaping how society views horse sports. “Every horse person plays a part in shaping the future of the sport,” says Naomi Hurdle. “One of the most … [Read more...]
Research: Which horse feeder type slows feed intake of concentrates
The problem: Horses consume concentrates faster by weight compared to forage because of their small particle size and high palatability. Extending the time spent chewing can improve saliva production, nutrient absorption, and gut health and reduce the risk of choking with rapid feed consumption. Research to understand: Researchers at Colorado State University sought to … [Read more...]
Plants that may help repel ticks naturally
We need all the help we can get to reduce exposure to ticks in yards, green spaces, wood lots and acreages. Gemma Johnstone shares 15 plants to consider growing that can help keep ticks at bay. Consider sharing this article on social media, in newsletters and with local flower and vegetable garden groups to let pet owners know what plants help keep ticks away. Source: The … [Read more...]
Disarticulating the horse’s canter
Equine biomechanics expert, Deb Bennett, PhD, provides a phase-by-phase analysis of the canter in this intriguing article. Enjoy! Source: American Farriers Journal, June 16, 2026. Link. The canter is often described as a “three-beat” gait but it is instead a four-beat gait, each bar of its music consisting of three sounded beats plus one unsounded beat. … [Read more...]
When is it too hot to ride?
This is a great web tool to check the current heat conditions by ZIP code. High temperatures combined with high humidity increase the risk for heat stress and potentially life-threatening heat exhaustion. Share this frequently with horse owners on social media, in newsletters, with equine groups, local media and extension personnel. Source: EQUUS, June 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
$15,000 a mile: The brutal math of wildfire recovery, drought in Nebraska cattle country
Joe McGinley, a rancher and volunteer fire chief, says the Morrill Fire blaze that swept through western Nebraska in March was a “perfect storm” of abundant fuel and violent winds. He warns the industry is facing a sobering reality: with an aging rancher population and astronomical recovery costs, the decisions made in the wake of the smoke will determine who stays in the … [Read more...]
NAVC announces theme for VMX 2027
VMX kicks off January 16, 2027, with a new theme: Off the Grid. Attendees, in person and virtually, are invited to Disconnect to Reconnect and plan time for learning with more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, skill-specific tracks and brand-new electives. Source: NAVC, June 4, 2026. Link. We live in a busy, noisy world where finding time to disconnect is almost … [Read more...]
Florida’s new veterinary prescription law takes effect July 1st. Here’s what you need to do.
A new Florida state law requires veterinarians to formally inform clients of their right to fill prescriptions at a pharmacy of their choosing rather than purchasing medication directly from the clinic. The law creates specific disclosure, documentation and signage requirements that every Florida practice must have in place before the effective date. Source: Vet Candy, June … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 18, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 11, 2026 AHD Bulletin – The missing piece in most pet physical exams. Link. Hard or easy, it’s your choice. Link. Employee engagement sinks, workers struggle with digital distractions. Link. Dog daycare lepto outbreak in L.A. reveals broader public … [Read more...]
Two cases of New World Screwworm confirmed in South Texas
The ongoing NWS story is going to occupy current news for a time. “A case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas near La Pryor, according to USDA.” NWS is back in the U.S. for the first time in 60 years. Animal health pros who share updates and actionable information can help animal owners monitor and identify infestations. This situation is evolving, and … [Read more...]
Hot messaging helps keep livestock and pets cool
AHD’s editor Rick Purnell continues his “Seen, Heard, Trusted” series here focusing on keeping animals cool as the summer heats up. The article shares the temperatures when heat begins causing issues for cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens. Purnell advocates routine heat stress reminders because heat-related problems can begin at temperatures as low as … [Read more...]
Miniature horses: Fun for all
Outside of showing, miniature horses are proving their prowess as therapy animals, visiting hospitals and nursing homes. They are even working as service and guide animals. The American Shetland Pony Club is a breed (bloodline) registry. The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) is a height registry. Shetland Ponies can be registered with the AMHR if they meet the … [Read more...]
Where do retired horses go?
Dana Benner takes a closer look at the difficult realities many horses face after retirement and the people working to give them a softer landing in this article. Source: Acreage Life. Link. Also see: Senior horses: living the good life, The Horse, June 22, 2024. Link. It’s fine for horses to change as they age . . . It’s normal for them to slow down, lose their place in … [Read more...]
Footcare and farrier business insights
AFJ editors are making good use of the data collected in the 2025 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey. Kudos for sharing the data in bytes and keeping the information shareable and running weekly. Examples include: 47 is the average age of full-time farriers 42 percent of farriers rank Facebook effective in marketing their business 85 percent say … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 11, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 4, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 4, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Kill the middle manager role? The data says don’t do it. Link. AVMA president breaks down pet insurance gaps. Link. The retirement wave is coming. Link. The impact of BCS on systolic blood pressure and glucose levels in cats. … [Read more...]
10 most poisonous plants for horses
From hemlock and ragwort to locoweed and yews, EQUUS editors share common plants that are poisonous to horses and where they can be found. Consider sharing this article in 4-H and FFA educational sessions, during events, on websites, in newsletters and blog posts. Source: EQUUS. Link. Some plants are cause for concern either because even a curious nibble can spell doom or … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 4, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 28, 2026 AHD Bulletin – New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey. Link. Malone: Bad and good pain. Link. Just trying to save lives and survive! (video). Link. Role ambiguity is the top workplace stressor, not workload. … [Read more...]
The science behind red light therapy for horses
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, has become one of the most talked-about modalities in modern equine wellness. PBM uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity, particularly in the mitochondria. This article shares B to C content that supports educating animal owners. It covers professional and at-home use of PBM, areas … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 28, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 21, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 21, 2026 AHD Bulletin – What Fear Free actually built in 10 years. Link. Producer-veterinarian relationships matter. Link. Deciding is the first step. Link. How research is helping solve equine pregnancy mysteries. Link. Free webinar: Why clients … [Read more...]
How research is helping solve equine pregnancy mysteries
With support from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, researchers are reshaping the understanding of equine pregnancy loss. They are shifting the focus beyond the mare alone to include the biology of the embryo and placenta. While genetic abnormalities play a critical role early in gestation, placentitis remains one of the leading causes of later-term pregnancy … [Read more...]