New research is helping reframe hypocalcemia through what is being called the calci-inflammatory network which is a model that links calcium dynamics directly to immune function during the transition period. It offers a more integrated way to understand milk fever; one that connects metabolism, inflammation and mineral dynamics. Calcium is not simply a nutrient to maintain but … [Read more...]
Livestock euthanasia delays caused by lack of recognition and failure to act
Euthanasia is often thought of as a single act, but in practice, it is a process shaped by how quickly problems are recognized, how clearly decisions are made and how reliably systems support follow-through. Farm systems do not consistently support acting at the right time, even when the need is recognized. Andrea Bedford describes the two-clock model which is especially … [Read more...]
The Bird Bath launches “Terminal,” a new veterinary market intelligence platform and practice database
The Bird Bath, an animal health information and insights provider, launched Terminal, a new veterinary market intelligence platform designed to help business-side stakeholders in veterinary medicine access, analyze and act on industry data in one place. To view Terminal and the subscription model click here <Link>. Source: PR Newswire, April 21, 2026. Link. The dataset … [Read more...]
Free guide to win visibility in AI search
AI tools like ChatGPT are changing how pet owners find veterinary care. Gain an edge in online visibility using LifeLearn’s free guide to optimize AI discovery: 5 Minutes to Winning Clients in the Age of AI Search. Source: LifeLearn Animal Health, April 21, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 23, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 16, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 16, 2026 AHD Bulletin – When you start to find employee requests irritating. Link. The wise leader. Link. Credit card surcharges by veterinary practices may not meet resistance. Link. How to identify and address grooming neglect. Link. Erase 10 … [Read more...]
Erase 10 years of social media damage, study shows
The average American spends four and a half to five hours on their phone every day. That’s more than two months a year when we’re not doing something else! A study published in PNAS Nexus involving 467 individuals showed even a short time away from a phone could erase a decade’s worth of age-related cognitive decline. A Harvard study of nearly 400 people was published in … [Read more...]
Child-resistant packaging: Is your practice compliant?
Like the childhood warning before crossing the street, this article echoes the Stop, Look, Listen approach. Practice owners, managers and purchasing staff will benefit from reviewing it and ensuring practice processes and procedures are in place. Source: AAHA Trends, February 3, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Choosing colors is helpful for clients to distinguish their pets’ … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 13, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet industry surveys from a) Australia , b) Canada, and c) United Kingdom Legislative updates from a) New York, b) New Jersey, and c) Iowa Source: IBPSA, April 13, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9th. Link. Personal responsibility, leadership maturity, the power of introverts, emotional support animals, and … [Read more...]
Plants that mosquitoes hate
Commercial Content Plant Addicts’ mosquito-repellent plants category features beautiful, natural options that help keep mosquitoes away, avoiding harsh chemicals. From fragrant herbs like lavender and citronella to vibrant flowering plants, these selections are both practical and pretty for any garden or patio. NOTE: Not all mosquito-repelling plants are pet … [Read more...]
Antiviral resistance in cats: Let’s not screw up game-changing drugs
The use of antivirals in cats is an important topic with a lot of issues to consider, writes J. Scott Weese, DVM. Citing decades of history in human and veterinary medicine of fouling up the use of remarkable, game-changing anti-infective drugs, he expresses concerns about resistance and using the anti-virals for other diseases. Source: Worms and Germs, March 18, 2026. … [Read more...]
How long is too long to leave a dog home alone?
Rather than trying to figure out how long we can leave our dogs alone, we should be trying to help our dogs get more out of every day, writes Nancy Tucker, CDBC, CPDT-KA. She discusses the challenges pet owners face to meet their work obligations and their individual dog’s needs for company, relieving themselves, kennel time and more. Tucker’s article provides food for … [Read more...]
The dog soundscape: What it means for everyday care
This recent summary article will provide veterinary teams with insights into environmental noises that affect dog behaviors. The study <Link> catalogued 79 common sounds and explored how dogs respond emotionally. From barking and household appliances to traffic and weather, the findings challenge some long‑held assumptions and offer practical guidance for those who care … [Read more...]
How to identify and address grooming neglect
Grooming neglect does not always look dramatic, but it can be a warning sign that an animal and/or a client needs help. By treating grooming as a core health concern rather than cosmetic care, veterinary nurses can help protect animal welfare through early detection, education and collaboration. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, March 11, 2026. Link. RACE Approved for 0.5 CE … [Read more...]
5 secrets to stronger hooves (audio)
Genetics aside, there’s plenty that can be done to improve a horse’s hooves through diet and management. As warmer weather arrives, consider sharing these hoof care tips with horse owners to encourage stronger hooves in any horse: Optimize nutrition Stick to a consistent shoeing schedule Maximize opportunities for exercise Consider feeding a hoof supplement … [Read more...]
“Watch out” for heifers out of first-calf heifers
Getting the most out of replacement heifers was the focus of a presentation by calf and heifer specialist Bethany Dado-Senn, PhD, at the recent Central Plains Dairy Expo. She shared benchmarks from birth to 12 months of age, highlighting specific areas along each growth stage, including possibly managing heifers out of first-calf heifers separately. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
New ISU guides help hog producers manage heat stress
Swine producers have new resources available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to mitigate summer heat stress. These resources are available for download from the ISU Extension store: Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research Source: National Hog Farmer, April 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Why dairy cattle bunch: What published research reveals about this costly behavior
Published research shows there are clear reasons “cows just stand around for no reason” and they’re almost always environmental. Leading peer‑reviewed research on why dairy cows bunch, what environmental factors drive the behavior and how dairies can reduce it is shared in this article. Key reasons for bunching include: Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) Heat … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 16, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 9, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Building adherence with CAPC data. Link. Personal responsibility. Link. 7 signs your executive team lacks leadership maturity. Link. Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine. Link. Keeping cows on track … [Read more...]
Building adherence with CAPC data
Chris Carpenter, DVM, talks about the value of CAPC data and forecasts in this Fountain Report Conversation. It’s <now> proven that when veterinarians share a forecast for what’s gonna happen in that county and send that forecast in an alert-type format to the owner, they come in and they purchase.” - Chris Carpenter, DVM Source: Antelligence, Fountain Report … [Read more...]
Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine
A must-read Today’s pet parents want to be active participants in decisions about their pets’ health, not passive recipients of one-time services. Chewy Health’s Mita Malhotra asserts that practices that prioritize long-term partnership over episodic service often see stronger patient health outcomes, deeper trust and greater lifetime loyalty from clients. Nearly 82 … [Read more...]
USDA seeks public input on updating dog welfare regulations; Comment period extended to April 20, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments, scientific dat, and stakeholder input to help determine whether updates are needed to federal regulations governing the humane care of dogs. These standards, which apply to licensed breeders and other regulated entities under the Animal Welfare Act, have not had a major … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 6, 2026
This week’s Fast Bites welcomes 22 new provider members. Congratulations! Welcome aboard! Source: IBPSA, April 6, 2026. Link. Related: The PACCC Insider, Spring 2026 Edition. Link. Updates from the pet care industry, highlights of certified professionals, and tools to advance your career. Is boarding still worth it for veterinary practices? AAHA Trends, … [Read more...]
What is an emotional support animal?
ESAs have grown in popularity in the past few years, but the rights and regulations surrounding them remain hazy. Michelle K. explains that in order for a dog (or any animal) to legally be considered an emotional support animal, it must be prescribed by a registered doctor or mental health professional as a means of treatment for a diagnosed mental illness. ESAs and Service … [Read more...]
An update on fleas, flea-borne diseases, and flea control
Despite decades of effective ectoparasite control for cats and dogs, fleas on cats continue to be a major issue in veterinary medicine, writes Brian Herrin DVM, PhD. He provides an excellent review in this article that supports year-round adherence with highly effective flea control methods. Year-round adherence is key to preventing home infestations, reducing flea allergy … [Read more...]
Second skunk rabies case confirmed in Missouri
Rabies cases are always a good reason to communicate with clients about wild animal safety and basic pet vaccination. Wild animals are often found under sheds, farm buildings and junk piles. Pet owners who play with or exercise their pets in parks and forests can encounter rabies-spreading animals near brush and rock piles. Working with local media can be an effective way to … [Read more...]
10 common causes of sudden death in cats (and which ones are preventable)
Sudden death in cats is one of those topics that feels too heavy to think about proactively, but understanding the real causes is one of the more useful things cat owners can do for their cats. There’s little doubt veterinary teams will agree with Dan Seymour’s assertion and quickly reference the limited time they have available to educate even their best feline … [Read more...]
De-exaggerate extreme features in popular dog breeds
To preserve the breeds we love, we need to ‘de-exaggerate’ extreme features by only breeding individuals with healthy and robust features, and petition kennel clubs to update the breed standards to match, according to Karyn Kanowski, BVSc, MRCVS. Referencing health challenges in breeds like the French Bulldog, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund and Shar-pei, Kanowski advocates for … [Read more...]
Acquisition of cats with extreme conformations: a ticking time bomb
Cats Protection’s Madison Rogers is pushing for cat breeding to be regulated across the United Kingdom. Citing increasing interest and acquisition of purebred cats with extreme features, the organization wants to address welfare concerns proactively. Its research found extreme conformations variously associated with musculoskeletal abnormalities, ocular, dental and respiratory … [Read more...]
Universal ethogram created to help standardize equine social behavior
A relatively new universal ethogram represents a significant step forward in equine behavior science. By standardizing definitions and supplementing them with video clarity*, it enables consistent cross-study comparisons and deeper insights into equine welfare. For veterinary professionals, it offers a practical framework to better assess, interpret and optimize management … [Read more...]
Taming aggressive rooster behavior
Never introduce a new rooster to a flock that already has a rooster, writes Rhonda Crank. Her timeless article shares rooster behaviors and ways to manage their natural aggression. She also addresses keeping the flock safe and how to avoid attacks on people. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 4, 2021. Link. In the rooster world, he who runs away, walks away, or hides is the … [Read more...]