Spring brings new riding activities, fresh grass, mud and weather fluctuations that affect animals daily. Busy schedules and economic challenges frequently delay adherence to wellness exams, fecal testing and vaccinations. Horse owners will appreciate having reminders and checklists like the ones in this article to help manage their horses’ wellness. Consider sending the … [Read more...]
Most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats
Based on data from more than a million of its actively insured pets, Nationwide has identified the most common medical conditions in dogs and cats. Chronic conditions are prevalent in both species and represent challenging and sometimes burdensome, cumulative costs over time for animal owners. Noting the repetitive conditions populating lists like this year after year can … [Read more...]
Minding the microbiome podcast
Focusing on the GI microbiome, Jenessa A. Winston, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, shares simple strategies practitioners can use to manipulate the microbiome and manage GI disease. She discusses the early research efforts to identify the gut–(specific organ) axes work. Winston shares concerns about the longer-term impact of prescription courses on the microbiome. She shares some Rx … [Read more...]
Addressing NSAID use in cats
Alonso Guedes, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVAA, shares research on robenacoxib for pain management in cats with chronic musculoskeletal disease. The takeaways may help veterinarians feel more comfortable prescribing NSAIDs for longer-term care. Robenacoxib is the active ingredient in Onsior® (robenacoxib) for Cats from ELANCO. Source: Clinician’s Brief, June 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
As National Pet Poison Month ends, the daily risks remain
Sponsor Content Each year, veterinary teams treat unfortunate animals that get exposed to toxic household substances and foods. When an accident happens, it’s a reminder to take steps to help pet owners prevent poison exposure. Education, preparation and action are critical to diagnosing and treating the exposed animals quickly. Providing pet owners with emergency phone … [Read more...]
Things cats love that owners could do more
Providing some coaching for cat owners, Tara Panton, BSc, shares several things cats love that often go unnoticed or unpracticed by their owners. We noted interactive play, consistent routines, window watching, grooming sessions and positive reinforcement in her recommendations. Source: FelineFam, March 12, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article with cat … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 24, 2025
Growth in pet sitting market, daycare report card, tax tips, Italy’s new groomer professional code, microchip transitions and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 24, 2025. Link. The next IBPSA Master Business Academy begins May 1, 2025. <Link> It is a 10-week, fully virtual training with content based on an MBA curriculum. … [Read more...]
ACVR, ECVDI issue position statement on artificial intelligence
The joint American College of Veterinary Radiology and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging® position statement on artificial intelligence is now published in the AVMA Journals. The position highlights the current state of affairs in veterinary imaging AI and makes recommendations to ensure the safe and efficacious deployment of AI in the veterinary … [Read more...]
Beyond features, functions and benefits; the battle for the consumer mind
Somewhere beyond features, functions and benefits is the potential to elicit an emotional bond, writes Robert Wheatley*. Discussing brand positioning, his article examines the importance of occupying a space in the consumers’ minds. He refers to the brain’s Limbic system and the role of emotion in decision making and asserts the importance of an emotional bond that can support … [Read more...]
Rx online: Challenges and opportunities for veterinary clinics, clients
Researchers surveyed pet owners* to identify which factors send them to the internet and which keep them close to home. They found it’s not just about price and convenience. Katie Berlin, DVM, comments on the article by Natalie Young, PharmD, BCSCP, FACVP, FSVHP, and offers her own take on the opportunity for veterinary clinics with their own pharmacies. Young shares that … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 20, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 13, 2024. Link. Most read posts from March 13, 2025 AHD Bulletin – New study shows H5N1 is more widespread in cows than reported to date. Link. Dog owner invents improved way to feed short nosed, senior dogs. Link. Vet donation tournament unites vet hospitals, communities to support pet care. … [Read more...]
Dog breeds being banned in the U.S. (slides)
Breed-specific legislation continues to affect many dogs and their owners. Advocates of breed-specific legislation emphasize public safety, while opponents highlight the importance of responsible ownership and training over targeting specific breeds. The U.S. list is included in a related slide show by the author, who shares 13 breeds banned or heavily restricted in certain … [Read more...]
ELIAS Animal Health receives full approval from USDA for first-in-class canine osteosarcoma treatment
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of two and represents a significant unmet medical need in veterinary medicine, with an estimated 6 million dogs diagnosed with cancer each year. ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy has received full approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics as the first autologous prescription product to … [Read more...]
AKC names Pet Honesty as official multivitamin supplement
Pet Honesty’s partnership with the American Kennel Club, makes its Multivitamin line the official multivitamin supplement for 2025. Pet Honesty’s Multivitamin 10-in-1 will be featured on AKC platforms, including its website, social media and newsletters. Source: Pets+, January 13, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Selecting cattle that maintain body condition and productivity on pasture
Not all cattle perform equally on pasture. Sam Wyffels, PhD, reviews the selection of cattle to match the forage resources and the environment of an operation in this article. He advocates keeping performance records and using data for selection as one of the best ways to improve herd efficiency over time. One of the most effective ways to improve herd efficiency is to cull … [Read more...]
A new approach to deworming
Elanco’s Wayne Ayers, DVM, shares the challenge of parasite control in different environments, young versus mature animals, deworming treatment product classes and timing. To avoid parasite resistance he stresses the importance of identifying the active parasites’ life cycles and adjusting deworming plans to reduce the environmental worm load. Source: Drovers, March 11, … [Read more...]
The critical need for a functional immune system
The absence of a vaccine to protect against avian flu is a factor in dairy producers’ heightened focus on strengthening the immune systems of their dairy cows. It should not take H5N1 to prioritize bolstering immunity given myriad morbidities known to challenge bovine health daily. Stephen B. Blezinger, PhD, PAS, discusses the critical interrelationship between nutrition and … [Read more...]
Reminder: Keeping BVD out of the herd
An effective BVDV prevention program is based on maximizing immunity and minimizing herd exposure to the virus, writes Maggie Malson. While veterinary teams, industry advocates and producers should know how to manage BVD risks, it takes discipline and consistency to prevent the virus causing BVD and BVD-PI (persistently infected) animals. Maintaining vaccination protocols is … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, honey bees and beekeepers
Jörg Mayer, DVM, MS, DABVP, DECZM, DACZM, discusses the role of veterinarians in supporting bee health and wellness since the Veterinary Feed Directive was implemented. Source: AAHA, YouTube, March 13, 2025. Link. We don’t think of the honey bee as a farm animal . . . but it is.” Also see: Search results for: bees, AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Post-foaling red flags
The birth of a new foal is a welcomed event, but the foal and mare are not out of the woods yet. This article explains 10 emergencies that happen in the hours after a mare foals and require immediate action. Quinn Gavaga, DVM, counsels against a wait-and-see approach when one of these red flags occurs. Acting quickly can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of these scary … [Read more...]
Tracking contagious equine metritis
Contagious equine metritis is a bacterial venereal disease transmitted primarily through breeding and has been detected sporadically in the United States, most recently in 2024. The USDA details the spread of the disease here, from pony stallions on a Florida facility to horses of other breeds around the country. Fifty two cases, including 18 domestic ponies, 18 riding … [Read more...]
Increasing prevalence of E. multilocularis in wild, domestic canids
The Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm is becoming more prevalent in North America, with rapid expansion in the northeastern United States. Wild and domestic canid species serve as definitive hosts, with rodents being intermediate hosts. E. multilocularis proglottids are microscopic, making annual fecal flotations using centrifugation important for early identification of … [Read more...]
Why are cats such a medical black box?
Commenting on this article, Kristin Wuhrman, feline thought leader, said, “We need to shift the narrative around feline medicine and advance our understanding of a species that has long been underserved. Treating cats as their own species requires a deeper commitment to research, innovation, and a better grasp of how cat owners think, engage, and make healthcare decisions … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Leptospirosis, the puddle pathogens
In the park, at the beach, in the backyard, along the sidewalk and in the lake, many serovars of Leptospira sp. bacteria can be found in soil and water. They are spread through the urine of infected animals, including wildlife and even birds such as starlings. Lepto is zoonotic, adding significance to reinforcing the benefits of vaccination and preventative measures. Recent … [Read more...]
Plenty of reasons for dog wellness visits
The spring season creates endless opportunities for wellness visits. In addition to protecting dogs from vector-borne diseases, these visits actively screen for conditions dogs may mask or owners choose to ignore. This lists eight common diseases that can affect dogs and are important reasons to urge dog owners to make semi-annual visits. Actively promoting wellness visits … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 17, 2025
Pet obesity an ongoing problem, small business economic and policy concerns, women owned pet brands, game meat from Africa in pet food and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 17, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
MWI Animal Health unveils enhancements to Repleni-Trac Vault solution
MWI Animal Health, a part of global healthcare company Cencora, unveiled an enhanced version of its Repleni-Trac Vault solution, designed to help companion animal and equine veterinary practices store and dispense controlled substances. The upgraded solution facilitates the digitalization of Drug Enforcement Administration logs and prescription drug monitoring program … [Read more...]
Smart antibiotic kills deadly bacteria while sparing the microbiome
Animal health pros will enjoy learning about the possibilities synthetic lolamicin might provide. In a new study, researchers identified a compound that kills pathogenic bacteria while sparing friendly gut microbes. The last time a gram-negative selective antibiotic was introduced for human use was in the 1960s. Bringing lolamicin to market will take several years, but … [Read more...]
Gaming expert shares simple exercises to keep you active during long periods at your desk
This article fits most animal health pros as our dependency on computers and smartphones grows daily. Sedentary behavior can lead to stiffness, poor circulation and decreased energy levels over time. Making a habit of frequent, minor exercises can enhance posture, mental clarity and long-term health. Neal Taparia shares five simple, yet effective exercises you can do without … [Read more...]
You likely don’t understand what your dog is telling you
A new study shows most of us, including dog owners, don’t perceive dogs’ emotions accurately, if at all. Researchers presented people with videos of a dog reacting to positive and negative stimuli. When asked their opinions of the dog’s emotions, participants paid more attention to situational cues than the dog’s behavior. Source: The New York Times, March 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]