Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 8th AHD Bulletin – Diabetes care looks different in cats and dogs. Link. Rats identified as overlooked H5N1 link between birds, other animals. Link. Veterinary preventive care, a pricing paradox. Link. Malone: The seal of approval. Link. High … [Read more...]
Veterinary preventive care, a pricing paradox
Commentary Authored collaboratively by Wendy Hauser, DVM, Jon Ayers, MBA, and Charlotte McKay, MS, this article identifies the value and benefits inherent in moving diagnostics from reactive to an expected, key component of healthy pet wellness visits not, just chronic care. Kudos to the authors for bringing perspectives from individual practices, group practice analytics … [Read more...]
A structured, multisensory approach to the preventive care experience for pets, owners
As pets are increasingly recognized as family members, emotional experience has become an essential component of veterinary medicine, writes Larissa Meurer da Cunha Veiga, DVM. She explains what led her to develop the Positive Preventive Veterinary Experience Protocol in this article. PPVEP is an integrated multisensory, low-stress preventive care framework designed to … [Read more...]
Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4th -10th
Mental health is closely linked to physical health. The two are equally important. Family, work, romantic relationships and even pet care can contribute to mental health concern. A coworker or superior maybe managing a mental health condition without others knowing. A teammate may be managing a mental health condition others know nothing about. If an opportunity for a … [Read more...]
Rats identified as overlooked H5N1 link between birds, other animals
An analysis of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a small farm in Illinois revealed that the virus also spread to a cat and wild rats. The virus was found in multiple types of tissue samples, as well as in infected rats' urine. “Because the mammalian-adaptation marker was already present in the bird virus, crossing into mammals may not require new mutations. … [Read more...]
2026 Canine Care Report from Tractor Supply
Many pet owners are taking a closer look at their pet’s health and wellness but recent data from Tractor Supply confirms that dog parents don’t always follow vet recommendations for food, dental care and other treatments. Here are some of the notable findings: Dog parents are drawn to ingredient-purity buzzwords far more than vets: “free from artificial additives” appeals … [Read more...]
The seal of approval
We now measure our approval in likes, comments, followers, job titles, houses, holidays, and little blue thumbs. Social media has poured gasoline on this trend, turning being liked into a scoreboard, says Ben Hooson-Jones. Source: 1 Minute Read, Substack, September 21, 2026. Link. …there is enormous freedom in realizing that you don’t have to audition anymore.” INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Work stress is pushing employees into therapy and hurting the bottom line
New research from Modern Health found that employees are increasingly seeking therapy to address everyday work stresses. When they do this, employers are left financing a level of care some employees may not need. Rather, they could address workplace challenges directly with managers. Source: HR Executive, September 30, 2026. Link. When every kind of stress leads to the same … [Read more...]
Debrief events before the details fade
In this article, Amy Connor asserts debriefing an event deserves its own conversation. Because details don’t keep, she shares the importance of a debrief process that one person owns, by name, for every event, within five business days and where the recap gets stored and sent. The 10-question debrief evaluates events from a marketing, budgeting and future decision standpoint … [Read more...]
Beware the tollbooth installed at the entrance to your own rest
If you’ve sat down to rest and felt guilty within about four minutes, this article is for you. Rest is NOT a reward for enough productivity, asserts the author. It was never meant to be conditional. But you and societal expectations have turned rest into a transaction. You have reacted by deciding that stopping has to be purchased with sufficient doing, that you're only … [Read more...]
Diabetes care looks different in cats and dogs
Diabetes management can look very different in cats and dogs. The new 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines highlight that feline diabetes more closely resembles type 2 diabetes, while canine diabetes is characterized by permanent insulin deficiency. Monitoring also differs, with continuous glucose monitors preferred for cats and glucose curves still appropriate for dogs. … [Read more...]
10 trends shaping cat supplement product development
The overall market opportunity for cats is often in the news. As cat owners seek to care for their cats, they will be looking for cat-specific products, says Lisa Cleaver. She shares information gathered from several researchers. Palatability, hydration and gut support, along with clinical proof, are important components cat owners will value. Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
New research on dewormer resistance in horses, explained
The dewormer rotation most barns run was built on an idea that made sense at the time: vary the drug class, and no parasite population gets enough exposure to adapt. It turns out that treating every horse on a fixed calendar does roughly the reverse, because the low shedders take the drug exposure and contribute nothing in return, according to new three-year French … [Read more...]
High nitrates confirmed across Upper Plains; ruminants may be at risk
Drought conditions are almost always associated with the possibility of elevated nitrate levels in forages. According to information by Dairyland Laboratories, many tested feed samples from Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota in 2026 have confirmed nitrate levels of more than 1,000 parts per million nitrate-nitrogen. Drinking water also needs to be checked for … [Read more...]
Early lameness intervention changes everything
Complimentary commercial content By the time lameness becomes obvious, the biological and economic consequences are already underway. More than one in five U.S. dairy cows are estimated to be limping at any given time. The earliest stages of lameness represent the greatest opportunity for intervention. Transitioning from periodic human observation to a continuous AI … [Read more...]
Managing mud in the feedyard
Cattle feeders often focus on the cost of inputs from preventatives and nutrition, but poor pen conditions can quietly erode feed efficiency, increase maintenance requirements and drive up cost of gain throughout the feeding period. Source: BEEF, October 2, 2026. Link. Feedyards that prioritize drainage and maintain functional pen mounds are often better equipped to … [Read more...]
Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research invests to reduce swine mortality
Reducing pig mortality is influenced by animal health, management, environment and other factors throughout production. FFAR, the Pork Checkoff and industry stakeholders are investing $1,643,357 in the Pig Livability Project. Led by Iowa State University in collaboration with Kansas State University, the project seeks practical ways to reduce pig deaths and pig welfare in the … [Read more...]
CatsOnly™ opens with CAETA Practice Certification, a first
CatsOnly™ announced October 6th that its flagship location has earned the Certified Peaceful End-of-Life Practice designation from Lap of Love's Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. A historic milestone for feline healthcare, it is the first practice to open its doors with the CAETA practice certification in place from day one the company said. Source: PR Newswire, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 8, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 1, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 1st AHD Bulletin – New research reveals barriers to pet adoption. Link. Malone: Integrity in your hospital. Link. No avocado toast for your rabbit, bird, horse, sheep, goat or cow. Link. Dogs use a surprising method to understand human language. … [Read more...]
New research reveals barriers to pet adoption
Pet adoption often comes with challenges that make would-be adopters hesitate. A global survey by Mars identifies reasons most likely to hold people back from adopting a pet. Survey: more than 26,000 people across 14 countries surveyed 58 percent of current pet parents did not adopt their pet 28 percent* might adopt in the future, given the right guidance and … [Read more...]
Vaccination scenarios: 1) Overdue pets, 2) Minimum interval for giving different vaccines
Vaccine label instructions have traditionally described ideal, textbook scenarios, but they are getting much less specific. While it provides room for flexibility and gets away from rigorous, dogmatic approaches, it doesn’t necessarily help someone know what to do instead, writes Scott Weese, DVM, DACIVM. Veterinary vaccination guidelines can be useful and have helped … [Read more...]
Integrity in your hospital
In another lifetime I authored an article for distribution about integrity and sales leadership. It occurs to me that the challenges cited in that article are the same today for personnel within veterinary hospitals across our country. Source: Veterinary Advantage, April 2019. Link. If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else … [Read more...]
Female vets and difficult male client interactions
Commentary Fans of the veterinary shows on National Geographic TV will recognize the doctors in this photo. Drs Brenda, Emily and many like them face gendered disrespect daily in companion, equine, mixed and large animal practices. Viewers of the programs also see post-treatment interviews where the animal owner admits his concerns about the “little gal” were … [Read more...]
No avocado toast for your rabbit, bird, horse, sheep, goat or cow
If avocados are so good for people, are they good for pets? The short answer: it depends very much on the species, and for some animals the answer is a definite no. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, explains why in this blog post. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, September 30, 2026. Link. In addition to persin toxicity, the high fat content of avocado can cause … [Read more...]
Cat shedding: what’s normal, when to call the vet
As daylight hours shrink and autumn temperatures drop, they signal seasonal shedding. Not all shedding is seasonal though, explains Emma Stenhouse, who wrote article worth sharing with clients, especially if your business offers grooming. Source: Catster, September 15, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Seasonal changes affect horse behavior
Seasonal changes are a normal part of life for horses. Fall provides an excellent opportunity to become more observant. Shorter days, changing temperatures, shifting forage and altered routines all provide information that the equine body and brain use to adjust to the environment. Pay attention to changes in appetite, energy, body language, activity and willingness to … [Read more...]
Laser play for cats: fun or hidden danger?
Laser pointers aren’t inherently bad, but they require careful use. They tap into a cat’s natural hunting instincts but there are some safety concerns to consider: physical and psychological. The key is moderation and proper technique. The authors recommend interactive toys to provide similar exercise and mental stimulation while allowing cats to complete their hunting … [Read more...]
Plants toxic to dogs: 19 dangerous plants to avoid
Autumn activities often include cleaning flower beds and planting new perennials to bloom next spring. Many gardeners are surprised to discover how many of their favorites are potentially toxic to dogs. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares toxicity information and a list of dangerous plants in this article. Source: PetMD, April 2, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this article with pet … [Read more...]
Horse feeding mistakes to avoid
Many horse owners unwittingly follow feeding practices that can make horses more susceptible to gastrointestinal distress and abdominal pain. Cynthia McFarland outlines eight common horse feeding mistakes owners should avoid. This is a good article to share in newsletters and social media as a reminder to help owners avoid colic risks, choke and keeping up with dental … [Read more...]
Oak toxicosis kills cow, bull
Veterinary researchers identified oak toxicosis as the cause of severe kidney failure in a cow and death in a bull from the same herd and examined at Auburn University. Cattle and sheep are vulnerable. Once ingested, oak tannins break down to gallic acid and pyrogallol in the rumen, damaging renal tubules and blood vessel linings. Signs of oak toxicosis include anorexia, … [Read more...]