The myBalto Foundation has partnered with the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program to launch the first-of-its-kind March Veterinary Donation Competition. Its goal is to raise awareness about accessible veterinary care while adding to Angel Funds in 32 participating veterinary practices. “We are excited to partner with ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance for this donation competition and … [Read more...]
Polled cattle bring benefits to dairy producers
Most producers do not realize the polled gene is dominant in dairy cattle. Adrianne Trennepohl explains the importance of the polled gene and its benefits. Implementing the polled gene takes only one generation and reduces the effects of dehorning. The polled gene improves the safety, efficiency and overall management of a dairy farm, directly impacting … [Read more...]
Still growing, first calf heifers need feed, energy
First calf heifers need special attention. Simply put, Mother Nature tells the heifer to direct nutrients toward growth before nutrients are directed towards reproduction. Therefore first-calf heifers undergo an average three to four weeks longer period of postpartum anestrus than mature cows. Source: BEEF, February 25, 2025. Link. Don't short heifers on feed after … [Read more...]
Beyond plant milk: Real dairy proteins without the cow
Lab-grown milk is no longer science fiction. The launch of Brown Foods’ UnReal Milk signals a new competitor for cow-derived milk. MIT-validated and launching by 2026, Brown Foods’ “UnReal Milk” contains all eight key dairy proteins while using 82 percent less carbon, 90 percent less water, and 95 percent less land. Scaling from the proof of concept lab to be commercially and … [Read more...]
New study shows H5N1 is more widespread in cows than reported to date
Researchers and scientists are ringing alarms after identifying a genetic mutation in four dairy cow herds. The change is one researchers dread because it is associated with increased mammal-to-mammal transmission and disease severity. It’s the mutation that was found in the first human case and is extremely pathogenic in ferrets. Finding the same mutation in cows is … [Read more...]
Cornell launches website for bird flu information
Seeking to aggregate up-to-date information on avian influenza, Cornell University has launched a one-stop clearinghouse for the most current and trustworthy information on bird flu. The new Avian Flu Resource Center provides reliable and accessible information for members of the public, farmers, wildlife professionals, state and public health agency partners, and … [Read more...]
Skipping fecal egg counts does NOT save money
The most important reason for determining parasite fecal egg counts today is to test for resistance shared Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, DVSc, DACVM, DEVPC, when questioned about the importance of fecal egg counts. He addresses drug resistance, parasite species variability and tapeworms as growing concerns. Source: EQUUS, March 2, 2025. Link. We owe it to our horses to make … [Read more...]
Redirect chewing behaviors and avoid harsh punishments
Chewing is a completely natural behavior for puppies that owners CAN manage proactively. To do so, owners need to understand why puppies chew and redirect that behavior to appropriate chew toys. Guiding pups toward better habits without using harsh punishments is best for the pup and helps it be a better citizen in the family. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Positive … [Read more...]
Dog humping: Why it happens and how to stop it
Humping is a natural and normal dog behavior that happens for a variety of reasons, explains Cathy Madson, MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. She discusses the whys and how to manage the behavior in this article, which dog owners will appreciate receiving via social media or in newsletters. Pet boarding employees can also gain insights on these behaviors to avoid issues in play areas … [Read more...]
Dog owner invents improved way to feed short nosed, senior dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content After getting an offer to try Fluff Trough, I was intrigued. Debra Mastic’s journey to help her pug gain easier and more comfortable access to his food rang true with the articles we see about pet food bowls, elevated platforms and challenges experienced by older and brachycephalic dogs. AHD’s office dog, Lil’ Buddy, often removed kibble … [Read more...]
Study: Cat attachment style impacts behavior, hormone levels
In this article offered by a colleague, researchers share study outcomes indicating emotional attachments have a noticeable impact on cats’ lives. They discovered that a cat’s attachment style, categorized as secure, anxious or avoidant, is linked to how they behave around their owners, how likely they are to exhibit problem behaviors and fluctuations in their oxytocin … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 10, 2025
Raw cat food recall, web hosting or small business, small business tax, corporate transparency act updates, R and D programs and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 10, 2025. Link. Note public webinar: Using personalization to build trust and grow revenue in pet business: Wednesday, March 26th, 1:00 p.m. CST. Register here <Link>. … [Read more...]
AAHA working, assistance and therapy dog guidelines certificate
Working, therapy and assistance dogs have unique needs requiring individualized care. This specialized course will help veterinarians adjust wellness and treatment plans for the various roles and health requirements of dogs working with their human counterparts. Source: AAHA. Link. INSIGHTS: Working, therapy, and assistance nomenclature encompasses multiple breeds outside … [Read more...]
Facts and feelings
At its core, influencing is about understanding human behavior. What makes people trust, decide or act? Source: LinkedIn Pulse, February 25, 2025. Link. While we like to believe we make factual decisions, the reality is that feelings dominate.” INSIGHT: Acknowledge feelings first, then address the facts. … [Read more...]
2024 drug roundup: updates, highlights, practical considerations
Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, shares an overview of new drugs along with label extensions and new dosage forms for dogs and cats. He includes key information required for safe and effective use. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
89 percent of corporate workers are facing mental health challenges
In a new report from mental-health-benefits provider Lyra Health, 89 percent of 7,500 employees surveyed said they had faced at least one mental health challenge over the past year. Stress and anxiety were their primary issues. Nearly all employees surveyed said they strongly consider mental health benefits when looking for jobs. Source: Fast Company, March 5, 2025. … [Read more...]
Menopause and veterinary medicine: Challenges, opportunities, and solutions (video).
Our January 15th post <Link> included this metric, “By 2025, there will be over 1 billion people worldwide experiencing menopause.” The topic has come of age in the female-dominated veterinary profession where addressing menopause and perimenopause is an important priority that affects all team members. Liz Barton, MA, VetMB, MRCVS, MCIPR, is championing the need for … [Read more...]
Partnering with clients improves cat visits
Preparation before cats leave their home and assertive client education spell success for achieving better cat visits. In this article, Kathryn Primm, DVM, CVPM, provides perspectives on what derails cat visits, ensuring the clinic environment is comfortable and the opportunity to actively involve clients. She acknowledges the time investment required while affirming its value … [Read more...]
Pork industry optimistic despite disease, labor challenges
Speaking at the Minnesota Pork Congress, Brett Kaysen shared pork producers have put a lot of emphasis on prevention and preparedness for foreign animal disease but don’t want to lose sight of endemic diseases that hurt profitability. Pigs are the easy part. The people are the challenge.” Source: The Farmer, March 4, 2025. Link. Image: USSCMC … [Read more...]
Stocker producers face a tougher market
Producers who background cattle have provided basic production value for the cattle industry. They grow calves and lightweight feeder cattle to increase size and weight prior to feedlot placement. Derrell Peel shares why the current cattle market will squeeze stockers as feeders take on lighter calves. He shares a future opportunity to background heifers and explains the … [Read more...]
Beef-dairy crossbreds often heartier than purebreds
In a first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, a team led by Penn State researchers determined that by the age of eight months, on average, the hybrid calves that recovered from pneumonia achieved similar average daily growth to calves that never had pneumonia. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, February 2025. Link. Study researchers reported that pneumonia … [Read more...]
Enhancing biosecurity is key to help prepare for foot-and-mouth disease
In a February seminar hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Julia Hermann, DVM, MS, DACVPM, beef cattle specialist with NCBA, told participants about the absolute need for proactive biosecurity measures to ensure cattle health and others in its economic sector. She said FMD, which affects cattle, goats, pigs and sheep is “the most contagious viral disease of … [Read more...]
Save a swamp. Sauté a nutria.
In an effort to curb growing populations of invasive species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a practical solution: Eat them. Nutria a large semiaquatic rodent whose population is increasing and disrupting marshland ecosystems, is the preferred menu item. Weighing 15 to 20 pounds each, they live along the Gulf Coast, in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeastern … [Read more...]
Research backs early intervention for equine melanoma
Research from Portugal found that a delaying melanoma removal can have a serious impact a horse’s life. Even if a tumor wasn’t invasive or malignant, delaying removal was associated with a higher number of tumors on the same horse. Melanoma tumors are common on older grey horses. Source: EQUUS, January 16, 2025. Link. Many vets think that small melanomas don’t need to be … [Read more...]
Mud is beneficial for horses’ hooves and skin? Yes or no?
Marcella Gruchalak curates various perspectives on mud, how much is too much, what else might be in the mud and what happens if mud remains on the horse too long. Source: Horse Nation, March 3, 2025. Link. Some mud is fine, but not in excess or for extended periods of time.” Also see: There’s nothing as helpful as picking out a horse’s feet daily, AHD Archives. … [Read more...]
U.S. heartworm risks increasing as mosquito populations, species more than double
One can imagine a forboding silence come over those listening to Susan Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM, as she shared an update on the growing prevalence of heartworm disease in U.S. dogs. She urged veterinary teams to be diligent in educating clients and assertive with their recommendations, noting DVMs have more powerful preventatives than ever at their disposal. Source: DVM360, … [Read more...]
A cat is a cat, BUT, lifestyles, environments and their natures are a conundrum
Commentary Mara Watts’s article3 advocating for seasonal, proactive care and support for farmyard cats initiated thoughts and an investigation of the various categories of cats1 based on their lifestyles. Recent posts from animal health pros sought to identify and reduce barriers to the medicalization of cats, increase wellness efforts and improve veterinary care of pet cats … [Read more...]
11 best Dog Whisperer tips from Cesar Millan
When Cesar talks, dog owners listen. Agree or not, Millan’s overall approaches have forced dog owners to look in the mirror and address their own behaviors. The result has been happier, better mannered dogs who understand they are dogs, not humans. Source: Top Dog Tips, November 28, 2022. Link. Dog crave consistency and order . . . staying patient and in control is vital … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 3, 2025
Lamb Chop puppet revival, hidden fees, small business AI, hero blood donor dogs, pet insurance for small businesses, pup busing, pet aquamation services, business taxes and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 3, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
NAVC offers microbiome certification
NAVC’s timely Veterinary Microbiome Certification course offers the skills to implement microbiome science in your daily practice, improve patient care and address pet owner questions about microbial options. The new course comprehensively analyzes the microbes in the various systems of cats and dogs, focusing on their contributions to digestion, immune function and overall … [Read more...]