Scientists say they have unraveled a longstanding mystery by identifying the specific DNA mutation responsible for orange cats’ color and the variant has not been found in any other animal. Amanda Schupak relates the fascinating details of a mutational mechanism that occurred once during domestication and then was selectively bred for for hundreds of years. Source: CNN, May … [Read more...]
A natural approach to the #1 problem in pet shelters
Commentary, Sponsor Content The challenges with animals in a shelter environment are well-known. Helping them during this very stressful transition period is critical to them advancing toward a healthier existence and successful adoption. Steven Lerner, PhD, and Davey Stone recently shared a webinar to introduce and refresh animal health pros’ knowledge of the benefits of … [Read more...]
Mental health care and dogs
Sponsor Content In a recent post, Wendy Hauser, DVM, shared what we need to know about the mental health care of our cats <Link>. In this parallel article from the ASPCA® Pet Health Program, Hauser addresses canine mental health care beginning with the three most common mental health issues dog owners experience with their dogs: a) anxiety, b) depression and c) … [Read more...]
Collars, harnesses and training for cats improve safety, well-being
Includes Commercial Content Seemingly every week we see articles sharing ways to improve the lives of our pets. Cats in particular benefit when their owners develop routines to engage with their owners such as play or walks outdoors. Understanding options for restraint will help cat owners wanting to expand their interactions with their cat(s). We’re sharing these articles … [Read more...]
Cliff Faver, DVM. The eyes are the window to the soul.
Commentary In this article for groomers, Cliff Faver, DVM, urges groomers to consider a pet’s eyes as they receive them and work with them in a grooming setting. His assertions are good coaching for those working in shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics. Note his comments about liability, too. Source: Groomer to Groomer, June 2025. Link. Eyes are critical to the … [Read more...]
Synchrony study finds pet owners still underestimate the costs of care
Nearly 80 percent of U.S. pet owners continue to underestimate the lifetime costs of caring for their animals, despite growing financial pressure and increasing investment in pet health and wellness, according to 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study, conducted by Synchrony's CareCredit. Small companion animals and pocket pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters were … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 5, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 29, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 29, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Building rapport key to getting a decision (video). Link. 20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs. Link. Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis. Link. New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas … [Read more...]
Dechra launches Catney® One: A new tool for feline kidney health
Kidney health is one of the top three conditions that drives feline vet visits. Dechra’s new Catney® One is a non-prescription, health supplement that brings a new and exciting ingredient to the battle against phosphorus, Lanthanum Carbonate. It is designed specifically to bind phosphate in the gut and help limit its absorption into the bloodstream. Source: Dechra, May 13, … [Read more...]
Wearable tech for cows to help dairy farmers improve herd management
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have been testing whether wearable tech — like a Fitbit, but for cows — can help farmers make smarter decisions about when to treat animals and, just as importantly, when not to. One of the biggest takeaways from the research is how to define a truly “healthy” cow in all the various settings cows can be tracked and … [Read more...]
Inflatable tube man as bird deterrent
Includes Commercial Content We noticed the comments about the inflatable tube men in the National Hog Farmer article here. We later found found additional information about using inflatable tube dancers to help control birds and deer from LookOurWay. The erratic movement of inflatable tube men gives birds and other pests no chance to adapt. Sources: Migratory birds … [Read more...]
World Milk Day is Sunday, June 1st
World Milk Day is a movement that highlights milk as a vital, accessible food source that nourishes billions. With economic conditions front-of-mind, it’s good news that recent studies show that the inclusion of animal-source foods like dairy can limit the cost of the total diet while providing essential nutrients necessary for good health. Let’s raise a glass of milk for … [Read more...]
New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas A&M
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts have released an updated fact sheet publication about the New World screwworm to provide livestock producers with key information about prevention, infestation and reporting of infestations. NOTE: Missouri screwworm report false, BEEF, May 27, 2025. Link. The USDA said the May 27th news … [Read more...]
Vent gleet in chickens
Cloacitis, commonly referred to as vent gleet may also be called pasting or nasty chicken butt. Regardless it is the inflammation of the chicken's cloaca. Vent gleet isn't a specific disease but more of a gastrointestinal condition that can be caused by a number of different reasons, including many types of organisms such as fungi, protozoa, parasites, yeast, and bacteria. … [Read more...]
7 biosecurity tips horse owners must know
North Dakota State University Extension and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialists share the seven priority areas for biosecurity in this article. Whether a large or small equine operation the use of common-sense biosecurity and biocontainment practices helps minimize health risks. Source: Dakota Farmer, May 21, 2025. Link. Many horse owners overlook basic … [Read more...]
Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis
Some of the most mainstream and popular modalities currently used to manage osteoarthritis in horses are a) autologous conditioned serum, b) autologous protein solution, c) platelet-rich plasma and d) mesenchymal stem cell, explains Matt Leshaw, DVM. He explains how each of the methods is done and relates successes noting regenerative medicine is still in its … [Read more...]
Add H5N1 to clinic differentials for sick pet birds
The current HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain is now the most widespread HPAI outbreak on record, affecting millions of animals worldwide. The virus has created the most problems with poultry but is now recognized as relevant in wild birds, mammals, cattle, domestic cats and pet and aviary birds. Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM, and Carrie McNeil, DVM, MPH, provide guidance … [Read more...]
How to determine the best approach to separation-related behaviors in dogs
Separation-related behaviors are non-specifics, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. She explains the importance of determining the underlying cause before designing an environment and training protocol that sets the dog up for success. The objective is to allow the animal to feel safe and stay below its anxiety threshold. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. … [Read more...]
Music, pheromones and familiarity make traveling with a cat easier
In this article, Christian Adams shares ways to calm a cat and offers 12 ways to keep them more comfortable and settled in the car. But then, maybe it would be easier just to let the cat drive. LOL! Source: Catster, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Vet-Approved tips for car travel with a dog, Dogster, May 20, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Orkin reveals the country’s top spots for mosquitoes
Orkin recently published its annual report, ranking U.S. cities by the number of mosquito-related service requests from April 2024 through March 2025. According to Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, some areas of the U.S. will experience more of these pesky insects than others this summer. Los Angeles is the top spot for the fourth year in a row and statewide, … [Read more...]
20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs
As school ends and summer activities ramp up, it is easy for people in pet households to unintentionally leave something poisonous where dogs can reach it. The list shared in this article is a good reminder for all and reinforces the messages from Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month last March. Consider it for social media posts or newsletters and be sure to share pet poison … [Read more...]
Reminder: Beware of possible harmful algae bloom
As families seek recreation near water and the edges of ponds fill with that green slime, it’s a good time to revisit safety measures to avoid harmful algae. Harmful algae are found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are caused by a variety of toxin-producing microalgae, including prokaryotic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 26, 2025
Expanding bans on pet sales ban in retail shops, vet triage AI platforms compared, Royal Canin to sponsor Raising the Perfect Pet a collaboration with Martha Stewart, tariff effect on pet care costs, hiring a summer intern and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 26, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Alpha-Gal Syndrome story: How researchers traced a red-meat allergy to Lone Star ticks
The range expansion of the Lone Star tick has been reported redundantly. Focused on our pets, we don’t always associate the Lone Star tick as a culprit that causes red meat allergies in humans. Danielle Gerhard, PhD, tells the story of how scientists discovered the Lone Star tick as the culprit causing Alpha-Gal Syndrome. This is an interesting read and a topic worthy of … [Read more...]
Cushing challenges AVMA Council on Education, calls for discussion and reform
Commentary Is it time to kill one of our industry’s sacred cows? Mark Cushing, J.D., challenges the system of accrediting new and existing colleges of veterinary medicine in this article. The COE’s mission is to establish standards for veterinary colleges, accredit or reject new programs, and reaccredit existing programs. He calls for a robust discussion and offers … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 29, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 22, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 22, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Continuous improvement. Link. Top 10 wild animals most likely to attack pet cats. Link. Spay/neuter: It’s time for a discussion. Link. Tick-borne diseases of concern in U.S. horses. Link. Public comments sought on acupuncture, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 22, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin - NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report. Link. Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks. Link. A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health. Link. Let’s review: Foot rot. Link. Medgene … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo® 2025 to open June 4th in Des Moines, Iowa
World Pork Expo remains a premier event for swine producers and the swine industry. The two day event draws more than 10,000 pork producers and ag professionals across the world each year. Nearly 400 companies from North America and around the world will be on-site, displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents at the 2025 WPX. Promoted by … [Read more...]
Public comments sought on acupuncture, embryo transfer as veterinary specialties
The American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture and the American Embryo Transfer Association are seeking recognition as veterinary specialty organizations. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties has put out a call for public comment on these two proposed specialties. The AVMA is seeking comments on the proposals through August 12th <Link>. Source: AVMA, May 16, … [Read more...]
Advances in swine housing, health and welfare
New legal requirements, consumers’ opinions, challenging epidemiological conditions and increased pork demand are driving an imminent transition in swine production. New housing conditions and the need for improved welfare are top of mind issues across the industry. Two of the five articles presented in this special issue of Animals investigate finishing pen space and … [Read more...]
Estrous synchronization, not just for doing artificial insemination
One of the main advantages of using synchronization technology is that it provides an extra opportunity for females to be bred during the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present opportunities and challenges for producers using synchronization along with natural service including potential improvements to herd cost-to-reward ratios. Source: Drovers, May 19, … [Read more...]