Enteroliths develop when mineral deposits form in concentric layers around a central nidus, such as a piece of wire, small stone, twine or other foreign body in the large colon, writes Alicia Long, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ACVECC. She shares what is known and what is not known about these strange rocks that form and could weigh up to nine pounds*. Each article here discusses … [Read more...]
Use of flank laparoscopy in the standing horse as a diagnostic aid in horses with chronic abdominal pain
Advances in laproscopy equipment allow veterinarians to view and explore potential causes of abdominal pain in horses. Exploratory laparoscopy is a well-established, minimally invasive diagnostic tool in horses. Researchers of a recently published study sought to report indications, findings and outcomes of equine exploratory laparoscopy in a case series to support its … [Read more...]
Calving difficulty and earlier age at first calving reduce milk yield
Commentary Production research and measurements are tedious and fascinating. Research often allows producers to fine-tune their animal management processes to optimize production and animal welfare. With a little help from veterinarians and animal health pros, dairy producers will appreciate learning about the research shared here. Two takeaways stand out. Heifers … [Read more...]
Dealing with pasture lameness
Producers are well into the summer grazing months when many “turn ‘em out to let them grow.” Among the things that need monitoring are grass height, fly load, supplement availability and lameness. J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, reviews some of the common causes of lameness and the key differences between the clinical signs in this article. The estimates of 88 percent to 92 percent of … [Read more...]
H5N1 bird flu takes major toll on dairy herds
Managing different elements of production on dairies occupies a lot of content in livestock and veterinary publications. Like fine-tuning a race car, multiple factors affect production outcomes. In this article, Laura Reiley shares how H5N1 affects cows gleaned from a new paper published by a team of Cornell researchers. Bird flu causes severe mastitis and decreased milk … [Read more...]
4 ways feral hogs cost farmers and ranchers
It’s easy to know if feral hogs are on one’s land, according to Curtis Larson, Noble Research Institute ranch manager. “You can see exactly where they’re rooting up the pasture, going for stuff in the ground, grub worms and such,” he says. The critters cause an estimated $1.5 billion in damage yearly to land across the U.S. They now number about nine million in 36 states. … [Read more...]
New World screwworm webinar to take place July 30
The National Institute for Animal Agriculture Council of Animal Disease Issues and Emergency Management is hosting a webinar at 2:00 p.m. CDT on July 30 to explore the threat of NWS as a public threat. Dr. Anne Strailly, veterinary medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. Sarah Speth, a board-certified preventive medicine veterinarian, will be the key … [Read more...]
MWI Animal Health bolsters technology solutions, adds Furscription
Furscription offers veterinarians access to secure, user-friendly software solutions and an electronic prescription management platform designed to improve and simplify the prescribing experience and support efficient access to prescription records. Source: MWI Animal Health, July 15, 2025. Link. Furscription will build upon our existing technology enabled solutions and … [Read more...]
MWI Animal Health to distribute Farmina Pet Foods’ VetLife line of therapeutic diets AHD Staff
Farmina Pet Foods has signed a national distribution agreement with MWI Animal Health to market and distribute Farmina’s VetLife line of therapeutic diets. Source: yahoo finance, July 22, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc. calls on Petspan to cease, desist promotion, sale of compounded rapamycin (Sirolimus) for HCM in cats
PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc., the parent company of TriviumVet, which holds sole conditional new animal drug approval from the FDA for Felycin®-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets) under its affiliated brand company Pegasus, issued a cease-and-desist demand letter to Petspan for falsely promoting a compounded version of rapamycin (synonymous with sirolimus) for the treatment … [Read more...]
FDA approves Merck’s northern fowl mite treatment for poultry
The FDA has approved Merck Animal Health’s EXZOLT™ (fluralaner oral solution), a parasiticide for chickens that treats and controls northern fowl mites (Ornithinyssus sylviarum) in production houses. Safe for laying hens and replacement chickens EXZOLT™ is a first-of-its-kind product which can be administered in drinking water. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, July 18, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 23, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 17, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 17, 2025 AHD Bulletin – ½ of moms in sandwich generation left jobs due to caregiving roles. Link. Above all else, Integrity. Link. Longhorned ticks here to stay. Let’s review. Link. Applying the kitten checklist. Link. Cat panting. A concern or not? … [Read more...]
IMPORTANT! Animal health references missing in World Health Organization’s pandemic agreement
Viruses jumping from animals to humans are increasing around five percent annually, meaning these pathogens are forecast to cause four times the number of spillover events in 2050 than in 2020, according to article authors Carel du Marchie Sarvaas and John de Jong. Zoonotic disease incidence represents 60 percent of infectious diseases in humans. Although much of the world … [Read more...]
2nd Catalyst report exposes emotional, operational barriers to $20 billion feline opportunity
The Feline Market Insights Report Volume II goes beyond market sizing to deliver actionable insights to veterinary and business stakeholders on the emotional, behavioral and operational forces shaping the future of feline care. The results identify the demand for feline care is there and important. But, many veterinarians are not adequately prepared to address the unique needs … [Read more...]
Above all else, Integrity
In a person, integrity means having a strong and unwavering commitment to ethical and moral principles. Merriam-Webster defines integrity as being honest, trustworthy and having a strong moral code. Source: Veterinary Advantage, June 2019. Link. If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” INSIGHTS: Hard times are the … [Read more...]
Half of moms in the sandwich generation say they’ve left jobs due to caregiving roles
A May 29 report from Motherly and the University of Phoenix Career Institute reveals the challenges employers face to support and retain mothers. Two-thirds of women with dual caregiving responsibilities said the benefits offered by their employer aren’t enough to meet the needs of their adult caregiving responsibilities, and 68 percent said the same about childcare. Source: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 14, 2025
Small businesses have security challenges but may get some tax relief, more investments in pet wellness and nutrition, credit cards as cash flow lifelines and more . . . Source: IBPSA, July 14, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
How to show up as your best self on social media
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins calls for every social media user to feel some personal obligation to work to prevent the dark side effects in any way possible. She then offers six ways to use social media to build better relationships with our current and potential clients, and within our business segment communities. We liked number 5, No Drama! Source: Groomer to Groomer, July … [Read more...]
Cat panting. A concern or not?
Panting is normal in cats in a hot or stressful environment or following rough play, particularly in kittens. However, a panting kitten or cat should be evaluated in the context of its age, history and respiratory rate at home, in a boarding facility and veterinary clinic. Source: Clinician’s Brief, September 2023. Link. Panting in hot or stressed cats is usually not a sign … [Read more...]
Tips for preventing ear infections in dogs after swimming
A summer outing at the lake or beach is fun for pets and their people. Many dogs enjoy swimming in backyard pools as well. But those romps often result in swimmer’s ear problems or otitis externa. This Dogster article shares the importance of getting dogs’ ears dry and protected from potential infections. It also offers tips on avoiding infections caused by swimming. Source: … [Read more...]
Longhorned ticks here to stay. Let’s review.
A male longhorned tick is a rarity. Reproducing by parthenogenesis, females clone themselves laying hundreds of eggs and individually creating an entire population in any given area. Considered a pest, there is no evidence that Asian longhorned ticks transmit any infection to people or dogs here in the U.S. However, they can transmit disease to cattle, farm animals and … [Read more...]
Applying the kitten checklist
There is a lot of information to share with first-time and repeat kitten clients. As our industry seeks to engage and service more cats, the best overall opportunities exist when starting with kittens. The kitten-specific talking points shared in this article are taken from the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. Practice owners and managers need to consider … [Read more...]
15 behaviors dogs display ONLY when they feel settled
This photo essay is sure to bring a chuckle or two. Still, the content will help dog owners’ confidence if they are nervous about their animals being settled. Share the link on social media or in newsletters. Lowering owners’ anxiety can help dogs settle too <Link>. The furniture flop, slow motion stretching and the casual check-in are favorites we see every … [Read more...]
How to tire out a high-energy dog. Ideas for inside and outside.
With a title sure to catch a dog owner’s eye, Patrick Lumontod shares 12 ways to exercise an energetic dog to release that pent-up energy and tire them out. Dog owners will appreciate receiving this article, especially as the heat indexes climb in July and August. Consider sharing it on social media or in newsletters. Source: Top Dog Tips, May 22, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Lead that sweaty horse to water and let him drink
It is best to rehydrate sweaty, hardworking horses without delay, but the key is to know how much water to allow at one time. Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, DACVS. recommends offering small amounts, up to a half gallon, every 20 minutes, which allows the water to move through the horse’s system. Source: EQUUS, July 7, 20265. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article … [Read more...]
Scientists discover what’s driving record die-offs of U.S. honeybees
Researchers believe a bee virus spread by Varroa mites’ resistance to amitraz is likely a main contributor to startling honeybee losses. Other factors, such as less food in the form of pollen and nectar as monocrop farming proliferates, are also indicated. Many U.S. beekeepers now expect to lose 30 percent of their colonies or more every year. Source: The Guardian, July 8, … [Read more...]
Fly control. Getting the timing right
Drovers’ 2025 Fly Control eBook provides every animal health pro with up-to-date information on controlling these costly buzzing nuisances. Even suburban and city dwellers may find something actionable as they deal with flies in backyards feasting on dog feces or pestering backyard flocks. In the free eBook, leading entomologists and veterinarians share: 4 proven steps … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s “efficient” calf feeding gospel is flawed logic and costly to future profits
This Bullvine article challenges long-held beliefs about early calf feeding and how changes to the approach in the first 60 days make a significant long-term gain in lifetime revenue. The audio discussion is helpful to understand the various benefits from the article. Modern genetics and strategic nutrition can cut feed costs by $251 per cow.” Source: The Bullvine, July 6, … [Read more...]
3 livestock skin concerns to watch for this summer
Maci Guay reminds us of the importance of monitoring skin conditions in cattle in this article, focusing on the effects the weather has on the cows’ skin. She zeroes in on a) photosensitization, noting the effect of toxic plants, b) rain rot and c) summer sores caused by parasitic worms transmitted by flies. Source: BEEF, July 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Rural versus well water: What’s the impact on nursery pig performance?
Pipestone researchers found striking differences between rural and well water when used in pig nurseries. The use of rural water resulted in better health outcomes and more efficient growth. Pigs on rural water showed a 5 percent higher full-value rate and had a mortality rate of just 2.3 percent, compared to a 6 percent mortality rate in the group on well water. Source: … [Read more...]