The Iron Paw award is given to an individual from research, academia, industry or government regardless of title or years of service who has provided a significant impact on or contribution to the global animal health industry. Dr. Fabian Kausche is no exception although many animal health pros may not be aware of how his leadership has driven culture, diversity, inclusion and … [Read more...]
KCAHC Summit 2023 key takeaways
In the press release linked here, the KC Corridor’s supporting team provides a summary of the #AHSummit23 including the emerging companies presentation results, the Iron Paw award, as well as key takeaways from the Insights from Top Leaders panel. The vision to develop industry potential was unscored by a focus on the health and welfare of our industry’s people. Animal health … [Read more...]
We need a lot of blue to remain green
Paper: How advances in animal efficiency and management have affected beef cattle’s water intensity in the United States: 1991 compared to 2019. Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Animal health pros realize water quality affects animal health outcomes. So does water availability. While the beef industry has been focusing on … [Read more...]
Veterinary ophthalmologist explains how dogs see the world
Instead of 20/20 vision, dogs have the equivalent range of 20/40 to 20/50, explains Jaycie Reisberg, DVM, DACVO. That means that what people clearly see at 20 feet, a dog sees as if he was standing 40 or 50 feet away. However, dogs are much more sensitive to detecting motion. Source: Daily Paws, September 5, 2022. Link. Canines are dichromatic, having two types of cones in … [Read more...]
Bearded dragon learns to brush its teeth
Sponsored Content Necessity is the mother of invention. Dragatini, a bearded dragon at the National Aquarium, has been trained by her veterinarian and care staff to clean her teeth using a foam brush and MAXIGUARD® Oral Cleansing Gel. Source: Addison Biological Laboratory, LLC, Facebook, August 21, 2023. Link. (0:33) … [Read more...]
Stop throwing new hires into the proverbial pool
Complimentary Commercial Content and Commentary Newly hired employees are a precious resource for any business. Significant time and cost were expended in the hiring process which was likely initiated because help was needed immediately. Getting off on the wrong foot with a new hire is problematic for them and the business. Data indicates 81 percent of new hires say were … [Read more...]
One Health central to Senate Veterinary Medicine Caucus
ICYMI. The U.S. Senate has established a bipartisan Veterinary Medicine Caucus, aimed at educating lawmakers and their staffs about the challenges facing the profession and advancing legislation that benefits the veterinary community. The group will serve to represent the vital role veterinary medicine plays in research, public health, food safety and the … [Read more...]
The absolute best time to pay credit card bills
Michael Nordine notes the benefits of paying credit cards ahead of the due date, monitoring credit utilization rates, how credit companies report and the reasons to use autopay. He shares credit card debt is at an all-time high. It increased by 18.5 percent in 2022 to $930.6 billion. Source: Better Report, July 3, 2023. Link. It’s also important to not regularly use more … [Read more...]
Quotes that epitomize Myers-Briggs types
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is one of the more widely used and studied psychological tools. It is a personality test designed for self-reflection and growth. Millions have used the test to gain new perspectives on how they and others perceive and respond to the world. The author shares 16 quotes that epitomize every Myers-Briggs type. Source: Inspiring Quotes. Link. … [Read more...]
Fireside Chat with AVMA CEO Dr. Janet Donlin (video)
ICYMI. Discussing the next 40 years of veterinary medicine, Janet Donlin, DVM, and Sean Callanan, MVB, MRCVS, CertVR, Ph.D., DipECVP, FRCPath, cover wide-ranging opportunities for those entering the veterinary profession. Source: Adtalem Global Education, July 5, 2023. Link. (9:27) … [Read more...]
AAHA expanding certification standards in Asia
The American Animal Hospital Association announces the international extension of the AAHA Standards and Guidelines with new partnerships in Asia. AAHA and the Korean Veterinary Medical Association jointly announced a licensing agreement to accredit veterinary clinics throughout South Korea. AAHA also welcomed five institutions in Japan that were recently accredited after … [Read more...]
Ways to increase productivity and provide more pet care
We shared this first-of-its-kind empirical study from IDEXX in February <Link>. It delved into how veterinary teams can keep up with the escalating demand for care and grounds anecdotal evidence in data to provide steps to help veterinary practices address capacity constraints. The Practice Productivity Index reveals that clinics can save nearly 1,700 to 2,000 hours a … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 10, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from August 3rd AHD Bulletin – Hauser: Client relationships with veterinary team critical to positive practice experiences. Link. Less is more – Patrick Malone. Link. Work-life balance is the wrong goal. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences … [Read more...]
Foreign animal disease outbreaks on minds of producers
More than 65 percent of persons interested in swine health and production are concerned about foreign animal disease getting into the U.S. hog population based on this snapshot of a National Hog Farmer reader poll. Qualitative measurements help animal health pros identify opportunities to support producers’ prevention efforts to keep animals and the food chain safe. Source: … [Read more...]
Taking care of thirsty pollinators
Complimentary Commercial Content Without bees, our environment would be drastically different as 60 percent of the fruit and vegetables would disappear, as well as approximately 25,000 species of flowering plants. Each of us can create a bee-friendly habitat in our own yard or gardens to make a difference for bee populations on the local level.” The National Wildlife … [Read more...]
Physics of how cats almost always land on their feet
Felines exploit the physical laws of classical mechanics: by placing their front paws close to their body, they reduce their moment of inertia, writes Manon Bischoff. He also shares the physics scientists used to explain acceleration and velocity as the falling distances change for cats who are built to contort and land on their feet. Source: Scientific American, July 24, … [Read more...]
Social companionship can help dogs live healthier and longer
A recent study showed that dogs who had social companionship with humans and animals has a larger influence on healthy aging than family finances, household children and the pet parent’s age. Published in Evolution, Medicine and Public Health, the study surveyed human parents of more than 21,000 dogs to reach this conclusion. Source: The Washington Post, August 15, 2023. … [Read more...]
Does the world need another dental treat? The inventor of Greenies™ says, “Yes.”
Complimentary Commercial Content Why would the well-known inventor of GREENIES™ return to the treat market after selling to MARS? Curious, we asked veterinary-publishing veteran and podcast host-for-hire Brendan Howard to interview Joe Roetheli, PhD, to find out and learn about Yummy Combs® dog treats. The result is the podcast linked here. Two things are clear. Roetheli’s … [Read more...]
SUPERZOO’s new logo represents business with fun
We are delighted to unveil SUPERZOO’s new logo, which perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of the event and our dedication to continually elevate the pet retail experience.” - Mike Karsting, WPA Source: Pet Business, August 15, 2023. Link. SUPERZOO is underway August 15th through 18th at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. … [Read more...]
Animal rights groups bring in more than $800M annually
Nearly one-third of animal rights extremist attacks documented in 2022 targeted farmers and food workers, putting them and animals in danger, according to reports from the Animal Agriculture Alliance.* The major animal rights extremist groups like PETA are effective fundraisers and acquire millions of dollars annually to support lobbying efforts, public relations campaigns and … [Read more...]
Tale of two work-life preferences
Referring to a recent Gallup survey, Julia Lyons-Ryle opines on balancing expectations and communication for two categories of workers, the splitters and the blenders. Splitters prefer a clear separation between work and life, while blenders would rather blend work and life throughout the waking hours. Managers need to set clear expectations with employees so the working world … [Read more...]
Highlights from the Agricultural Media Summit
The Agricultural Media Summit took place July 30th through August 2nd in Palm Springs, Calif. The nation’s largest gathering for ag media is a joint meeting of Agricultural Communicators Network, Livestock Publications Council and Ag Media Council. A few highlights from the event mirror the challenges animal health pros face. First, the panel discussion, “How Different … [Read more...]
Building rapport with questions
When the customer has answered that initial question and you have acknowledged their response, the next appropriate follow-up question is, “And what else?” Source: Vet Advantage, December 2022. Link. By asking “what else” you are demonstrating that you really do care, and the customer is more likely to reveal the real issue. INSIGHT: ALWAYS acknowledge the customer’s … [Read more...]
Yellow’s exit predicted to raise overall shipping rates
Commentary The cost of fulfillment is a considerable factor in what veterinary clinics and retailers pay at the point of sale especially when measured as a percent of net income versus gross sales. In recent weeks we have urged animal health pros to consider improving replenishment planning, adjust inventory levels and to better understand how the cost of moving products … [Read more...]
Speaking of feral hogs. Watch this!
A trucker shared his experience with a large sounder of feral hogs south of Altus, Oklahoma! Drivers beware. Source: KWTV - NEWS 9 via Facebook, August 8, 2023. Link. (0:19) … [Read more...]
Genomic study links whorls and behavior in horses
Scientists have found a possible genetic link between whorls and behavior in Quarter Horses. Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, shares findings from a study of the association between facial hair whorl characteristics and behavioral responses to a fearful stimulus in horses. Source: The Horse, April 3, 2023. Link. It has been reported that horses with whorls above the eye line are … [Read more...]
Does cuddling lead to better-behaved dogs?
Scientists refute the notion that all canine moms provide the appropriate nurturing needed to produce healthy and well-adjusted puppies. Stanley Coren, PhD, shares research showing the differences in pups from dams that spent a lot of time touching, manipulating and caring for their pups compared to others that were more inattentive. . . . a puppy with a high frequency of … [Read more...]
Head the warning . . . AI captures ALL
A recent discussion among media writers included a warning - artificial intelligence captures everything and does not discern what is real or fake. Therefore, heed the warning before jumping on your soapbox to bloviate before double-checking facts. Source: Media group discussion, Animal Health Digest team. … [Read more...]
Yes, animal chiropractic is a thing
Commentary Having a conversation* with Dr. O (William Ormston, DVM) is mind-expanding. He is a veterinarian with a passion for exploring, learning, teaching and sharing the benefits of animal chiropractic, a branch of physical medicine. We are pleased to share this recent article. For a four-legged animal to move correctly, it requires every bone, muscle, ligament, tendon … [Read more...]
Less is more
One of the bigger problems in the modern workplace is wasting time on things better handled by someone else . . . or not done at all. Source: AXIOS, July 27, 2023. Link. It's striking how often I find people doing things we once cared about but no longer do. INSIGHTS: Be ruthless when allocating your time and energy … [Read more...]




















