Commentary Horse enthusiasts and owners will value Chelsie J. Huseman’s, MS, PhD, article on equine diagnostics. Embedded links for each disease make this a layperson’s guide to equine diseases and testing. If you work with horse owners, the article will likely influence discussions or come up in conversation about a problem horse. We recommend veterinary teams review it … [Read more...]
July 12 is deadline for Farm Dog of the Year nominations
Nominations for the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year are open. Farmers and ranchers who are Farm Bureau members can nominate their dogs by reviewing eligibility guidelines and submission requirements here. Link Once there, click on the black “submit” button to be taken to the final instructions. You can see last year’s winner here. Link. Source: Farm Bureau, May 1, … [Read more...]
6 possible reasons why dogs lift one paw
When a dog lifts its paw it is communicating. The author shares that a raised front paw shows the dog feels conflicted and putting them at ease could make a difference. Lifting one paw can have multiple meanings, but it’s rarely a behavior to ignore.” Source: Dogster, April 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media, newsletters or use it in puppy … [Read more...]
Comparison of analgesic efficacy of tramadol, morphine and methadone in cats
Domesticated cats usually do not receive adequate perioperative analgesia, due to the difficulty in recognizing pain in this species, as their pain-associated behavior can be confused with fear or stress. A research study sought to evaluate the intra- and postoperative analgesic efficacy of the opioids methadone, morphine and tramadol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. … [Read more...]
Top 5 uses for gabapentin in dogs and cats (podcast)
A survey of clinicians found that gabapentin use in veterinary medicine is similar to use in human medicine; 69 percent of respondents indicated they prescribe gabapentin on a daily or weekly basis, most commonly for acute and chronic pain (extra-label). Rebecca Reader, DVM, DACVAA, reviews her top five recommended uses for gabapentin based on mechanism of action and physiology … [Read more...]
How smartphones fragment our attention span
Tom Johnson’s struggles to understand what had happened to his focus revealed that smartphones are wrecking our ability to focus. His systematic treatise on how smartphones effect our lives and attention is a worthy read. Source: I’d Rather be Writing, April 10, 2022. Link. Every incoming bit of information requires you to make a decision about it, removing you from your … [Read more...]
Cute aggression. Why we want to squish adorable things. (video)
If you get overcome by the cuteness, you might not be able to properly take care of it, so the brain needs to bring us back a bit. This is apparently where cute aggression comes in, according to evolutionary theorists. Source: Nice News, March 4, 2024. Link. . . . for people who tend to experience the feeling of ‘not being able to take how cute something is,’ cute … [Read more...]
Beware the hungry coyotes
With pups growing and hungry, adult coyotes are more aggressively hunting for food now. This article is a good reminder to keep pets safe and be aware even when out walking pets. Those cute little coyote puppies quickly become a ravenous mob that requires more and more food every day. Share local warnings with pet owners. Source: LAist, May 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 6, 2024
Top pet franchises, focus on dental care, options with smartpay payment processes, study says purebred dogs are not more prone to health problems, National Pet Month study about pet owner spending and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 6, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
You won’t be ready to change your life until these 5 things are in place
Change is easier said than done. For many, limiting beliefs get in the way. Sustainable change, however, requires more than willpower alone, says Maja Djukic PhD, RN, FAAN. It requires five integral parts of one’s being to move in the same direction simultaneously: motivation, behavior, emotions, mind and body. Dijikic calls this system the “wheel of change.” Source: Fast … [Read more...]
Americans perceive gaps in mental, physical healthcare
Three-quarters of Americans think mental health issues are identified and treated worse than physical health issues in the U.S., according to a new survey from West Health and Gallup. Critical for the animal health industry, these perceptions challenge how we provide benefits and support for animal health pros. Beyond the stigma, the metrics identify access and cost of care as … [Read more...]
Understanding telemedicine and teletriage
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares the differences between telemedicine and teletriage in her article for dog owners. The difference between the two and her explanation of VCPR is good information to share with pet owners on social media or in newsletters. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 29, 2024. Link. Telemedicine and teletriage can play an important role in your dog’s … [Read more...]
Follow your dreams and other terrible career advice
An industry leader shared Bonnie Hammer’s essay with us along with this comment, “This message needs to be sent to the new generation of animal health professionals.” Hammer, vice chair of NBCUniversal pulls no punches. She says: It’s no wonder that when young people start working, too many feel betrayed or bored having been told that they could do anything growing … [Read more...]
Nature can’t run without parasites. What happens when they start to disappear? (video)
Commentary Millions of dollars are spent annually to get rid of parasites. This article challenges much of the traditional thinking about parasites as bad things. In some ways, it reminds me of the microbiome discoveries and advancements of the last 50 years that continue to change how we think about the role of intestinal bacteria. Parasite ecologist Chelsea Wood … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 2, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 25, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 25th AHD Bulletin – 9 Gen Z work trends, not new but hit differently now. Link. Employee engagement in the U.S. hits 11-year low. Link. Cull cows, beef value now important for dairy profits. Link. ===================================== The … [Read more...]
Saipan Humane Society completes crucial training program conducted by Banfield Foundation and BluePearl Cares
A LinkedIn post by Kim Van Syoc <Link> alerted us to veterinary work being done on the western Pacific Ocean island of Saipan by the Banfield Foundation and BluePearl Cares in support of the Saipan Humane Society. She shared, “There hasn’t been a veterinary clinic on the U.S. island of Saipan for 10 years.” Source: Saipan Tribune, April 23, 2024. Link. Looking ahead, … [Read more...]
FDA finalizes guidance to provide further clarity on VFD
To assist stakeholders involved with veterinary feed directives – veterinarians, VFD feed distributors (medicated feed mills, feed retailers) and clients (owners or other caretakers of the animals) the FDA has finalized Guidance for Industry (GFI) #120: Veterinary Feed Directive Regulation Questions and Answers. While the core recommendations in final GFI #120 remain the same … [Read more...]
Phibro Animal Health to acquire Zoetis medicated feed additive portfolio
Zoetis Inc. and Phibro Animal Health Corporation announced they have entered into a definitive agreement where Phibro Animal Health will acquire Zoetis’ medicated feed additive product portfolio, certain water-soluble products and related assets. Source: Feedstuffs, April 29, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Growing concerns about fescue toxicosis in the dairy industry
Producers who use fescue in grazing pastures have growing concerns about the impact of fescue toxicosis on milk production, writes Carmen Burner. Tall fescue, a perennial grass, is found in 15 states. It is grown for benefits such as drought tolerance and resistance to various insects, viruses and fungal diseases. A fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum found in about … [Read more...]
7 common threads of top-producing dairies
Dairy production is competitive although competition is strongest when dairies work to increase their own production metrics. Karen Luchterhand, PhD, shared common actions from dairies that are getting the most from their cows including milking three times per day, prioritizing heat stress abatement and stall management. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 26, 2024. … [Read more...]
We can’t ignore the real costs of PRRS any longer
The U.S. <still> has a lot of work to do concerning PRRS. “PRRS is not new, and it is not going to go away on its own,” according to Cara Haden, DVM. And the U.S. is not making progress at the rate of other countries. Jennifer Shike shares key takeaways Haden offered during the Ohio Pork Congress. There is a very real cost of PRRS when it comes to pigs, people and public … [Read more...]
Managing horses on pasture
Animal health pros who work with cattle producers will find Curt Arens’ article topics familiar. Terms like stocking rate, overgrazing, rotational grazing and more apply to horse pasture and health management, too. He shares the whys and basic management tips to keep the pastures healthy through the growing season and, consequently, provide optimal grazing forages for … [Read more...]
Horse health issues associated with different stabling types
Researchers in Sweden recently evaluated the health differences between horses stabled in open environments with social interaction and free movement and horses stabled in stalls, explains Nancy Loving, DVM. The study authors concluded it’s best to stable horses in group housing with sufficient space and minimize regrouping of horses when possible.” Source: EquiManagement, … [Read more...]
7 cleaning tips about washing pet toys
Even though a dog’s toys may look clean to the naked eye, one cannot know what’s lurking on them, writes Lavanya Sunkara. She offers tips for cleaning dog toys to keep them from becoming health hazards. For rope, cloth or plush toys, she recommends washing weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how many dogs are playing with them and how they are being used. Source: Great Pet … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of feline sunbathing
Many cats enjoy sunbathing and find benefits from it. However, like so many things, too much can be detrimental. Lauren Demos, DVM, shares how sunshine is good for cats and what problems can come from too much exposure to sunlight inside or out. Source: Catster, April 24, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Cat owners will likely appreciate the guidance Demos shares about UV filters … [Read more...]
Cost versus value 1 of 4 nutrition challenges with pet owners
Chyrle Bonk, DVM, PhD, identified pet owner awareness, time constraints, information overload and, especially, pet obesity among the nutrition challenges facing the veterinary and pet food industry. These likely play out in everyday conversations in veterinary hospitals and retailers alike. Source: PETFOOD Industry, April 25, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo registration is now open
The National Pork Producers Council is set to welcome the global swine community at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on June 5th and 6th. They are packing a lot of activities into the two-day event; food, fun, show pig contests, education and the latest advances showcased in the trade show. Source: NPPC. Link. Register here <Link>. … [Read more...]
9 strategies to grow your loyal customer base
Commentary Considering how easy it is to quit doing the basics, Syed Balkhi’s nine ways to focus on your existing customers and explore ways to generate more revenue from them may be worth reviewing. After all, few of us ever dislike hearing ”dijuwanfrieswitdat?” at the drive-through window. Pursuing new prospects is great and all, but you shouldn’t disregard the … [Read more...]
Why vet bills are so high
Opinion article by Helaine Olen The circulation of The Atlantic is broad enough that Helaine Olens’ opinion piece will reach some clients of veterinary hospitals. She provides a well-informed opinion piece indicting Big Vet while recognizing pet owners’ inclinations to do whatever it takes to extend their pet’s lives. The emergence of Big Vet and the injection of cutthroat … [Read more...]
New program to open access to veterinary care to underserved animals nationwide
The Veterinary Innovation Council has announced the launch of new resources to address the nationwide problem of access to veterinary care and new comprehensive services to help veterinarians reach underserved patients. Through its Access to Care Resource Hub, veterinary professionals will find the tools, knowledge and resources they need to offer greater access to veterinary … [Read more...]