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...]
Still growing, first calf heifers need feed, energy
First calf heifers need special attention. Simply put, Mother Nature tells the heifer to direct nutrients toward growth before nutrients are directed towards reproduction. Therefore first-calf heifers undergo an average three to four weeks longer period of postpartum anestrus than mature cows. Source: BEEF, February 25, 2025. Link. Don't short heifers on feed after … [Read more...]
Beyond plant milk: Real dairy proteins without the cow
Lab-grown milk is no longer science fiction. The launch of Brown Foods’ UnReal Milk signals a new competitor for cow-derived milk. MIT-validated and launching by 2026, Brown Foods’ “UnReal Milk” contains all eight key dairy proteins while using 82 percent less carbon, 90 percent less water, and 95 percent less land. Scaling from the proof of concept lab to be commercially and … [Read more...]
New study shows H5N1 is more widespread in cows than reported to date
Researchers and scientists are ringing alarms after identifying a genetic mutation in four dairy cow herds. The change is one researchers dread because it is associated with increased mammal-to-mammal transmission and disease severity. It’s the mutation that was found in the first human case and is extremely pathogenic in ferrets. Finding the same mutation in cows is … [Read more...]
Cornell launches website for bird flu information
Seeking to aggregate up-to-date information on avian influenza, Cornell University has launched a one-stop clearinghouse for the most current and trustworthy information on bird flu. The new Avian Flu Resource Center provides reliable and accessible information for members of the public, farmers, wildlife professionals, state and public health agency partners, and … [Read more...]
Skipping fecal egg counts does NOT save money
The most important reason for determining parasite fecal egg counts today is to test for resistance shared Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, DVSc, DACVM, DEVPC, when questioned about the importance of fecal egg counts. He addresses drug resistance, parasite species variability and tapeworms as growing concerns. Source: EQUUS, March 2, 2025. Link. We owe it to our horses to make … [Read more...]
Redirect chewing behaviors and avoid harsh punishments
Chewing is a completely natural behavior for puppies that owners CAN manage proactively. To do so, owners need to understand why puppies chew and redirect that behavior to appropriate chew toys. Guiding pups toward better habits without using harsh punishments is best for the pup and helps it be a better citizen in the family. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Positive … [Read more...]
Dog humping: Why it happens and how to stop it
Humping is a natural and normal dog behavior that happens for a variety of reasons, explains Cathy Madson, MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. She discusses the whys and how to manage the behavior in this article, which dog owners will appreciate receiving via social media or in newsletters. Pet boarding employees can also gain insights on these behaviors to avoid issues in play areas … [Read more...]
Study: Cat attachment style impacts behavior, hormone levels
In this article offered by a colleague, researchers share study outcomes indicating emotional attachments have a noticeable impact on cats’ lives. They discovered that a cat’s attachment style, categorized as secure, anxious or avoidant, is linked to how they behave around their owners, how likely they are to exhibit problem behaviors and fluctuations in their oxytocin … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 10, 2025
Raw cat food recall, web hosting or small business, small business tax, corporate transparency act updates, R and D programs and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 10, 2025. Link. Note public webinar: Using personalization to build trust and grow revenue in pet business: Wednesday, March 26th, 1:00 p.m. CST. Register here <Link>. … [Read more...]
AAHA working, assistance and therapy dog guidelines certificate
Working, therapy and assistance dogs have unique needs requiring individualized care. This specialized course will help veterinarians adjust wellness and treatment plans for the various roles and health requirements of dogs working with their human counterparts. Source: AAHA. Link. INSIGHTS: Working, therapy, and assistance nomenclature encompasses multiple breeds outside … [Read more...]
2024 drug roundup: updates, highlights, practical considerations
Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, shares an overview of new drugs along with label extensions and new dosage forms for dogs and cats. He includes key information required for safe and effective use. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2025. Link. … [Read more...]