Okava, a biopharmaceutical company, announced this week that it began a pilot study of a GLP-1 drug for cats with obesity. Instead of receiving weekly injections of the medicine as humans do, the cats will get small, injectable implants that will release the drug for up to six months. Initial results are expected next summer. Competing companies are starting research, as … [Read more...]
Feline studies shed light on domestication timeline
Commentary Meghan Bartels shares domestication information from two recently published studies that offer new insights into how wild cats settled into life alongside humans. Both findings suggest truly domesticated cats arose far later than previously believed; perhaps as late as 2,000 years ago. A quote from Claudio Ottoni, PhD, describes early cats as a complex and … [Read more...]
Barrel racing event in Waco, Texas, is epicenter of equine herpesvirus outbreaks
Multiple states have reported EHV-1/EHM cases, including Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas since the November 20th event. Because exposed horses might not show clinical signs immediately, more cases are likely over the next two weeks as testing continues nationwide. To help owners and the public understand the evolving situation and reduce spread, the University of Missouri’s … [Read more...]
Year-long chronicle update: 1 Horse, 1 Farrier, 1 Year
Sponsored Content In this second installment, Esco Buff, CF, APF, PhD, updates the hoof-care journey of Jackson, a 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding. Subtle lameness observations, shifts in hoof quality and environmental stressors are already influencing farriery decisions, owner management and our shared preparation for what lies ahead. Jackson is experiencing arthritic … [Read more...]
Fewer cull cows are driving dairy herd growth
The milk cow population has been trending upward since December 2024, largely due to dairy cow retention, writes Abbi Prins. Instead of cull cows showing up in cattle slaughter reports, these cows are still being milked in barns across the country and are making calves destined for beef feedlots. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 1, 2025. Link. Beef-on-dairy revenues are … [Read more...]
Variable hay quality a concern during cold snaps
Cattle feed intake can surge higher than 20 percent to make up for energy expended to keep them warm. Amber Friedrichsen reminds us that a large spread in hay quality across the Midwest exists, making it that much more important to test forage and budget for additional bales or supplemental feed. In short, a bale ≠ a bale ≠ a bale. Source: Hay and Forage Grower, December … [Read more...]
Better water, better pig health
Water quality and water delivery systems remain a critical component of optimizing animal health, regardless of the species. Sarah Muirhead’s article focuses on on the challenges of scaling, biofilms, medication efficacy variables and water treatment effectiveness. The comments on water testing frequency and aquifer variability are notable. Source: Feedstuffs, November 2025. … [Read more...]
Bird flu surges as holiday season begins
Bird flu is once again sweeping through commercial and backyard poultry flocks, infecting and killing more than 8.9 million turkeys, chickens and ducks in the U.S. since September. Source: AgriMarketing, December 1, 2025. Link. As of November 21st, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported outbreaks in 90 commercial and backyard flocks just in the last 30 … [Read more...]
Serenity Vet introduces a subscription for managing existing relief DVMs; no per-shift fees
Serenity Vet has launched a subscription service allowing clinics to manage their own relief veterinarians through the platform without incurring any service fees for booking their existing network. The subscription includes automated invoicing, payment processing, and shift scheduling, AI-driven fill-rate insights, profitability planning tools and market-based rate data. … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover Campaign supports 4-H youth
The Paper Clover Campaign kicked off November 28th and extends through December 14th. TSC customers can “purchase” a clover at checkout in stores or at the Tractor Supply website to directly benefit and support 4-H youth nationwide. Celebrating its 15th year, the Paper Clover campaign funds provide scholarships, strengthen educational programs, support leadership and public … [Read more...]
Animal Health Digest celebrates 10 years!
Thanksgiving season is an appropriate time to thank those who support AHD’s curation service. Without you, our weekly Bulletin would not be possible. THANK YOU! The curators who share content they reviewed include: Rick Purnell, editor Dane Erickson, Bulletin manager Patrick T. Malone, weekly columnist Industry colleagues and friends AHD Sponsors In the … [Read more...]
The day ChatGPT walked into the exam room
Andy Roark, DVM, is a relentless communicator and future thinker in animal health and veterinary medicine. His article in Today’s Veterinary Business <Link> prompted a lively, sprawling and nuanced discussion about how AI can serve (or harm) the relationship between veterinarians and pet owners in this episode of The Veterinary AI Brief. Adam Little, Aaron Massecar … [Read more...]
VCPR. Have we got it backwards?
Kudos to Jules Benson, BVSc, and Emily M. Tincher, DVM, for their JAVMA Viewpoint article asserting the need to embrace pet family–centered care to forge a path to more accessible and sustainable veterinary medicine. They ask the question, “What if the VCPR was more CPVR?” Their viewpoint examines the transition from a provider-centered, often medically driven, approach to … [Read more...]
Is corporate veterinary practice really the problem?
Challenging current paradigms about corporate practices, Jennifer Sperry, DVM, wondered if blaming corporate practices are easy scapegoats for deeper challenges in veterinary medicine. She shares her thoughts on positive and limiting leadership and suggests practices adjust to ensure that veterinarians thrive and patients receive exceptional care regardless of … [Read more...]
Reflections on collaboration, competition, and industry progress
Leading together in support of animal health industry growth in the KC Animal Health Corridor is a unique opportunity, writes Kimberly Young, president, in this blog entry. If you’ve ever wondered how competitors come to work together, she provides perspective on this talented group’s collaboration to build KCAHC opportunities and leadership. Source: KCAHC, November 17, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 24, 2025
Webinar recording link to "Your Holiday Survival Guide," Kinn Kleanbowl member benefit, legislative updates, pet owners expecting relationship-based experiences, convenience and value and the November 20th AHD Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, November 24, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Scroll the AHD Archives
During this past three months, we’ve experienced all-time highs in post readership. The links here will allow you to quickly scroll through the AHD Archives by month, catch posts you missed or revisit the ones you skipped for a later time. Source: Animal Health Digest Archives for November 2025. Link. Archives for October 2025. Link. Archives for September 2025. … [Read more...]
You will never be perfect, but you can always be better
In his November 10th final letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, Warren Buffett, age 95, stated he would be going quiet, saying, “I was late in becoming old – its onset materially varies – but once it appears, it is not to be denied.” Buffett will officially retire at the end of 2025. Looking beyond the obvious financial matters and succession, Ben McKimm unpacks 10 … [Read more...]
Volume IV of CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights released
Newly released data from the CATalyst Council shows cats now represent a record high 23 percent of all clinical visits, a strategic weight for the entire veterinary industry. Commenting on the sustained momentum, Kristin Wuhrman, CATalyst Council vice chair, predicts practices that lean into understanding cats more deeply than before will lead future industry growth. The … [Read more...]
Study: Veterinarian perception of professional conduct
This study of Australian veterinarians gives a thought-provoking look at how they define professionalism. The perceptions of what matters vary by gender, age and career stage are notable. The perceived importance of study statements generated the high/low rankings here: Highest mean score was veterinarians must hold the health, welfare, and respectful treatment of … [Read more...]
Veterinary pharmacology news
Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA, provides a review of new products, label extensions, approvals and developments in the pharma pipelines here. Advances in SGLT2 inhibitors, oncology drugs, parasiticides, OA therapies, generics and more are shared. Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB, FFCV, discusses prioritizing protective treatments and shares which infectious diseases pose the biggest … [Read more...]
Give away your happiness
Stop trying to be happy. Start figuring out how to make other people happy. Source: Axios, October 29, 2025. Link. What's exciting about the preliminary results of this Cornell study is that we can all replicate it by thinking of ways to give our time and resources. The Joy of Giving isn’t just a Christmas slogan.” … [Read more...]
No one is more invested in your career than you are
Stacy Pursell shares wisdom from one of her clients in this post. She warns against complacency and reminds readers that employers take care of themselves first. Her guidance her to “act rather than react” is good counsel. Source: Career Corner, LinkedIn, November 17, 2025. Link. Instead of being told what the next step will be in my career by my current company, I’m … [Read more...]
Research: Using AI gives individuals a false sense of confidence.
As AI use increases, we have to consider where, when and how its tools are integrated. This article provides a perspective about trusting the computer and maintaining our thinking skills. Research published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior offers insights into the effects of AI. The study discovered that AI tools almost reversed the Dunning-Kruger effect, a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 17, 2025
Industry News and Quick Reads The Cat Market - By the Numbers Leaders, Get Out of Your Comfort Zone Preparing for Emergencies; a Resource from the Government of Canada Member Benefits SPOTLIGHT: BusyPaws IBPSA Members receive a 10 percent discount on annual or monthly plans for the initial 6 months. BusyPaws serves thousands of pet parents every day to … [Read more...]
bloom /loop launches comprehensive training platform for pet retailers
An online training and leadership platform built specifically for independent pet retailers, has launched with six complete courses designed for every level, from new hires to seasoned owners. bloom /loop blends real-world retail experience with repeatable systems to improve onboarding, customer conversations and leadership. Topics include sales and service training, retail … [Read more...]
Qigong: A valuable addition to dog routines
Qigong (chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movements with breathing and meditation. The article here shares how it can be adapted for our canine companions, highlighting a) basic balance work, b) slow, controlled walking exercises and c) stretching. Source: Animal Wellness, November 12, 2025. Link. Just like people, dogs can benefit from gentle … [Read more...]
Extension cord safety: What to do and what to avoid
Does that nest of tangled cords look familiar? Improper use of extension cords is a fire hazard that is often exacerbated during the holidays. The articles here offer advice on cord types and uses. Also, remember to maintain fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Extension cords are a common and convenient way to bring power to electrical … [Read more...]
Pet safety tips: Avoid troubles from counters, treats and holiday distractions
Sponsor Content The holidays can spell trouble for pets as decorations, holiday treats and those wondrous new smells fill the home. Add in the distractions from guests and gatherings and it’s easy for curious cats and dogs to get into trouble. AHD Sponsor, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program, has effective pet safety reminders available to share with pet owners. They are … [Read more...]
Cat hydration: Water, a key nutrient to lifelong health in felines
Cats are uniquely challenged in meeting their daily water needs, writes Katy Miller DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, CPCQI, PAS. In this article she shares helpful facts worth including in pet owner communications. Pet hydration is a good topic for veterinary technicians to prioritize with clients. Talking about pets and water is also a good topic to include when making school … [Read more...]