Commercial, Complimentary Pet Age authors share findings from the 14-year Purina Life Span Study that continue to shape how veterinary professionals think about healthy weight and longevity in dogs. The study found that Labrador Retrievers maintained in lean body condition from puppyhood throughout life, lived a median of 1.8 years longer than heavier matched littermates and … [Read more...]
Review: Veterinary drugs with human health hazards
A number of approved prescription and over-the-counter medications with labeled indications for veterinary patients pose a health hazard to humans. Elaine Blythe, PharmD, shares many in the veterinary profession are unfamiliar with the human hazards these medications may pose—both to themselves and to others. This article is important for pet services personnel as well as … [Read more...]
Emerging concerns in canine and feline parasitology: A preview of the 2026 AAHA One Health Guidelines
The 2026 AAHA One Health Guidelines: Emerging Concerns in Canine and Feline Parasitology will launch on October 29th. In this article, members of the guidelines task force share what you can expect from these guidelines, what might surprise you,and what aspects of them they’re most anxious to see out in the world. The guidelines call for a One Health approach to monitoring, … [Read more...]
Winter welfare and management of livestock guardian, outdoor dogs
No single temperature fits all dogs, writes Bill Costanzo. While dogs with proper coats are usually suited for outdoor work, their cold tolerance varies with age, health, body condition, coat quality, acclimation, wind, and moisture. Much of the guidance in this article is focused on livestock guardian dogs. It is also applicable to dogs left outside. Costanzo’s key guidance … [Read more...]
Reminder: As furnaces turn on, pet hydration needs can change
Changes in pets’ water consumption can be noticeable as pet owners start the home heating season. Evaporation increases and lower humidity increases thirst. The importance of proper hydration is covered in these posts from the AHD Archives. Pets’ water demands generally increase as furnaces turn on and as pet owners start burning some of their woodpile.” Sources: AHD … [Read more...]
Study: Four weeks of light training may offer similar benefits to a layoff
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science suggests that regularly backing off a racehorse’s training for four weeks at a time may offer some of the same bone-repair benefits as longer periods of complete rest, without sacrificing as much cardiovascular fitness. Source: Paulick Report, October 13, 2026. Link. What makes a horse cardiovascularly fit is not … [Read more...]
A Q&A with Dr. John Madigan, author of Awakening at Birth
Complimentary Best known as the inventor of the Madigan Squeeze, John Madigan, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACAW, has released a new book, Awakening at Birth: What the Newborn Foal Revealed About Birth, Consciousness, and Neurodevelopment. With a foreword by animal behaviorist Temple Grandin, PhD, Awakening at Birth tells a medical mystery story that extends well beyond veterinary … [Read more...]
No offseason: Managing stress in dairy’s metabolic athletes
Thirty percent or more of cows will experience at least one disease event in early lactation, writes Dan Shock. For producers who push their animals close to their biological limits, resilience becomes the key driver of both welfare and performance. Stress links directly to inflammation, immune function and disease risk, so the opportunity for veterinary teams and their dairy … [Read more...]
Rethinking propylene glycol: A fresh look at fresh cow management
The current propylene glycol situation may be frustrating, but Nathan Upah argues it gives the dairy industry a reason to revisit things it hasn’t in years. After a refresher on ruminant energy and the negative energy balance post-calving, he questions when and where propylene glycol is needed, and outlines ways producers can prepare fresh cows for lactation. Source: … [Read more...]
Calf pneumonia: Look beyond the lungs
When pneumonia recurs, examining feeding mechanics and the structures that protect the lungs can reveal problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. The lungs may not tell the whole story, says Jeremy Schefers, DVM, PhD. He provides a practical checklist for investigating calf pneumonia to identify potential management-related contributors such as: Observe feeding for any … [Read more...]
Recent H5N1 research identifies potential viral replication sites in swine
H5N1 infection in pigs has NOT suddenly become inevitable. However, understanding how the virus attaches and binds to specific porcine cells can help researchers better understand potential transmission dynamics. Research findings from the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan demonstrated that, in the laboratory, porcine cells can … [Read more...]
Swine health experts: tighten biosecurity and herd surveillance. Start NOW!
September diagnostic data showed the typical seasonal rise in viral respiratory and enteric diseases, including increased detections of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, active porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus variants, and seasonal influenza. Source: PORK, October 20, 2026. Link. Because fall pathogen circulation frequently forecasts the severity of winter … [Read more...]
Kansas City shelter gets 29,000 doses of heartworm prevention
Complimentary Virbac has donated more than 29,000 doses of IVERHART MAX® Chews (ivermectin/pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel) parasite prevention products to KC Pet Project, the municipal animal shelter for Kansas City, Missouri, to help protect its dogs against heartworm disease and intestinal parasites. Source: PR Newswire, October 15, 2026. Link. Virbac's generous … [Read more...]
FDA approves Zoetis’ Convenia RTU®, expanding injectable antibiotic options for dogs
Zoetis Inc. received FDA approval for Convenia® RTU for Dogs (cefovecin injectable suspension) for the treatment of susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs. It can provide up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment of susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs in a single injection by a veterinary professional reducing injection volume and making treatment more practical … [Read more...]
AAHA encourages veterinary practices to champion veterinary technician title protection
Protecting the veterinary technician title is about more than professional recognition. Title protection remains inconsistent across states creating confusion about professional qualifications, their education and broad responsibilities. Source: AAHA, LinkedIn, October 21, 2026. Link. Establishing clear standards for education, credentialing, and title use can help … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 22, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 15, 2026. Link.☑ Most read posts from October 15th AHD Bulletin – Study: The State of AI in Veterinary Medicine. Link. Malone: Paint a picture. Your clients will remember it. Link. Wharton’s 2026 AI Adoption Report: the Adaptive Advantage. Link. Reminder: Some foods we eat can kill dogs. … [Read more...]
Help pets and their owners adjust to the fall time change
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 1. While health effects of the semi-annual time change on humans are well-documented, it can also be troublesome for pets. To help them adjust, start now and slowly adjust feeding, medication and play times in the next two weeks. Sara B. Hansen’s article, while written for dog owners, offers good guidance for cat … [Read more...]
Study: The State of AI in Veterinary Medicine
Complimentary Digitail and the American Animal Hospital Association recently released their 2026 Veterinary AI Study <Press release> finding that AI use among veterinary professionals has more than doubled since 2024. More revealing is that many clinics have yet to establish strategies and safeguards needed to realize its potential. A maturity model used in the study … [Read more...]
17 polite habits most people secretly dislike
Stop it! Not every email greeting or thank-you needs an exclamation point. These are but two examples of trying to be nice that are often unwelcome. Some of the things we do when trying to be polite bother people, including clients, friends and family. Plenty of etiquette rules have changed in the past decade, such as: Kissing or hugging hello. Just stop. Automatically … [Read more...]
Getting nothing done?
Nonsense may make no sense, until it does, writes David Allen. But being simply at ease is not so easy, for most of us, most of the time. How about just taking time to take time for nothing? Allen’s short memo here challenges the onerous lists we’ve made, or more likely accepted, to just being, hanging out, following the whim or a momentary inclination. Source: David … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites – October 12, 2026
In this member news edition: Learning platform update: Courses temporarily unavailable; new platform delays 2026 Pet Care Business Excellence Award winners. CONGRATULATIONS! Cybersecurity awareness: recent text and QR scams currently circulating IBPSA Education Committee is seeking about 10 members to help choose the topics and speakers for the 2027 Conference … [Read more...]
Fear Free for felines introductory course for members
Cats have unique needs when it comes to veterinary visits, and understanding how they communicate and respond to handling can make all the difference. October’s member-exclusive course, Fear Free for Felines, introduces considerate handling, touch gradients, rewards, gentle control and practical strategies to help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in feline patients. Details … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council Q3 Report: Cat clinical visits grow 2.7 percent; clinical vet visits decline
Feline clinical visits at U.S. veterinary practices grew 2.7 percent year over year in the third quarter of 2026, while canine clinical visits* fell 3.3 percent, according to Vetsource data reported in CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume VII. Feline clinical visits grew in each of the last 12 quarters, and canine clinical visits fell in 11 of … [Read more...]
1 in 15 household cats may carry ‘Beaver Fever’ which is zoonotic
Giardia duodenalis, commonly known as "beaver fever," is a parasite that can infect humans and animals. Where a cat lives and the time of year may also play a role. Researchers found that kittens were more likely to test positive than older cats, and male cats were more likely to be infected than female cats. Source: ABC News, October 7, 2026. Link. Giardia live in the … [Read more...]
Reminder: Some foods we eat can kill dogs
The onset of fall conjures thoughts of food and refreshments tied to the holidays. Halloween candy, fall fruits, nuts and spices, Aunt Jean’s meatballs and more can be harmful to pets. Consider this article for social media or newsletters before the goblins hit the neighborhoods. It is a good time to boost xylitol safety guidance <Link>. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. … [Read more...]
Most read from the equine archives; late July 2026 to date
It is always pleasant to look back at the most read posts and find that readership continues to grow. For this edition of the Bulletin, we’re sharing some of the most read equine posts since late July. Remember to share these with colleagues and consider using an article when calling on a clinic to start a different conversation or share them with horse owners as a reminder. … [Read more...]
Choanal swab technique essential for effective disease surveillance in birds
In this LinkedIn post by Sheikh Md. Fazlul Karim, a broiler farm manager, explains how gently inserting and rotating a sterile micro-swab into the choanal cleft, allows veterinary professionals to easily sample the upper respiratory tract. He says mastering the choanal swab technique is essential for effective disease surveillance. Source: Sheikh Md. Fazlul Karim, … [Read more...]
Portraits of Modern Dairy National Checkoff initiative (video)
Commentary A story. Photos and a video. A family. And an indication of how much more is behind the title “dairy farmer” than most people ever see. The National Checkoff Initiative features seven women. If you enjoy cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter on toast or a milk moustache, take a few minutes to see the modern dairy images and our customers at work. Source: Midwest … [Read more...]
Snapshot: Fifty years of progress in cattle production
When it comes to sustainability, beef has received much criticism, writes C. Alan Rotz, PhD. His article covers the changes, challenges and improvements in beef production over the past 50 years. We’re sharing some key statements from the article. Over the past 50-year period: Yields of the major feed crops used for cattle production increased The number of beef cows … [Read more...]
AMODIP® (amlodipine besylate tablets) for control of systemic hypertension in cats now available in the U.S.
While off-label use of generic human amlodipine products has been the standard antihypertensive therapy for cats for many years, these medications were not developed with feline patients in mind. Veterinarians and feline caregivers in the U.S. now have a new tool to help manage systemic hypertension in cats. AMODIP® (amlodipine besylate tablets), the first FDA‑approved … [Read more...]