A majority of people enrolled in Flexible Spending Accounts had a deadline of December 31, 2024, BUT over a third of enrollees get an employer-provided grace period. They have until THIS SATURDAY, March 15, to spend what's left in their accounts. Remind them of the deadline and reinforce the breadth of expenses FSA dollars cover. Source: ebn, March 11, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
89 percent of corporate workers are facing mental health challenges
In a new report from mental-health-benefits provider Lyra Health, 89 percent of 7,500 employees surveyed said they had faced at least one mental health challenge over the past year. Stress and anxiety were their primary issues. Nearly all employees surveyed said they strongly consider mental health benefits when looking for jobs. Source: Fast Company, March 5, 2025. … [Read more...]
Menopause and veterinary medicine: Challenges, opportunities, and solutions (video).
Our January 15th post <Link> included this metric, “By 2025, there will be over 1 billion people worldwide experiencing menopause.” The topic has come of age in the female-dominated veterinary profession where addressing menopause and perimenopause is an important priority that affects all team members. Liz Barton, MA, VetMB, MRCVS, MCIPR, is championing the need for … [Read more...]
Partnering with clients improves cat visits
Preparation before cats leave their home and assertive client education spell success for achieving better cat visits. In this article, Kathryn Primm, DVM, CVPM, provides perspectives on what derails cat visits, ensuring the clinic environment is comfortable and the opportunity to actively involve clients. She acknowledges the time investment required while affirming its value … [Read more...]
Creative Science acquires Infiniti Medical LLC and Orthomed UK Ltd.
The Creative Science acquisition strengthens their commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the standard of care in veterinary medicine. Orthomed's extensive CPD training programs and Infiniti's commitment to industry leading medical device solutions align seamlessly with Creative Science's mission to support veterinarians with the best possible tools and … [Read more...]
WashU engineers make microwave-size bird flu detector amid outbreak
Providing hope on the bird flu front, Washington University engineers have built a sensor that can detect the presence of bird flu particles within minutes. The proof of concept mini fridge-size machine detects viral particles in the air using so-called “wet cyclone” technology. It sucks in air, spins it in liquid to trap particles and sends an alert when it detects the virus. … [Read more...]
Pork industry optimistic despite disease, labor challenges
Speaking at the Minnesota Pork Congress, Brett Kaysen shared pork producers have put a lot of emphasis on prevention and preparedness for foreign animal disease but don’t want to lose sight of endemic diseases that hurt profitability. Pigs are the easy part. The people are the challenge.” Source: The Farmer, March 4, 2025. Link. Image: USSCMC … [Read more...]
Beef-dairy crossbreds often heartier than purebreds
In a first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, a team led by Penn State researchers determined that by the age of eight months, on average, the hybrid calves that recovered from pneumonia achieved similar average daily growth to calves that never had pneumonia. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, February 2025. Link. Study researchers reported that pneumonia … [Read more...]
Footbaths need routine attention, management
Taylor Leach reviews key management practices that help producers keep their footbaths operating efficiently. Footbath solutions need to be changed when 150 to 350 cows walk through them, depending on the level of dirt on hooves. She covers bath dimensions, solution types and depth, pH and treatment frequency. Source: Dairy Herd Management, February 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
Enhancing biosecurity is key to help prepare for foot-and-mouth disease
In a February seminar hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Julia Hermann, DVM, MS, DACVPM, beef cattle specialist with NCBA, told participants about the absolute need for proactive biosecurity measures to ensure cattle health and others in its economic sector. She said FMD, which affects cattle, goats, pigs and sheep is “the most contagious viral disease of … [Read more...]
Research backs early intervention for equine melanoma
Research from Portugal found that a delaying melanoma removal can have a serious impact a horse’s life. Even if a tumor wasn’t invasive or malignant, delaying removal was associated with a higher number of tumors on the same horse. Melanoma tumors are common on older grey horses. Source: EQUUS, January 16, 2025. Link. Many vets think that small melanomas don’t need to be … [Read more...]
Mud is beneficial for horses’ hooves and skin? Yes or no?
Marcella Gruchalak curates various perspectives on mud, how much is too much, what else might be in the mud and what happens if mud remains on the horse too long. Source: Horse Nation, March 3, 2025. Link. Some mud is fine, but not in excess or for extended periods of time.” Also see: There’s nothing as helpful as picking out a horse’s feet daily, AHD Archives. … [Read more...]
U.S. heartworm risks increasing as mosquito populations, species more than double
One can imagine a forboding silence come over those listening to Susan Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM, as she shared an update on the growing prevalence of heartworm disease in U.S. dogs. She urged veterinary teams to be diligent in educating clients and assertive with their recommendations, noting DVMs have more powerful preventatives than ever at their disposal. Source: DVM360, … [Read more...]
Lethargy in dogs, symptoms and what they mean
Barri J. Morrison, DVM, covers myriad reasons dogs get lethargic. Whether worn out from play or exercise or an effect of something that needs veterinary attention, lethargic dogs need to be watched. His article is good content for social media posts or newsletters. Source: petMD, January 30, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
A cat is a cat, BUT, lifestyles, environments and their natures are a conundrum
Commentary Mara Watts’s article3 advocating for seasonal, proactive care and support for farmyard cats initiated thoughts and an investigation of the various categories of cats1 based on their lifestyles. Recent posts from animal health pros sought to identify and reduce barriers to the medicalization of cats, increase wellness efforts and improve veterinary care of pet cats … [Read more...]
11 best Dog Whisperer tips from Cesar Millan
When Cesar talks, dog owners listen. Agree or not, Millan’s overall approaches have forced dog owners to look in the mirror and address their own behaviors. The result has been happier, better mannered dogs who understand they are dogs, not humans. Source: Top Dog Tips, November 28, 2022. Link. Dog crave consistency and order . . . staying patient and in control is vital … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 3, 2025
Lamb Chop puppet revival, hidden fees, small business AI, hero blood donor dogs, pet insurance for small businesses, pup busing, pet aquamation services, business taxes and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 3, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
NAVC offers microbiome certification
NAVC’s timely Veterinary Microbiome Certification course offers the skills to implement microbiome science in your daily practice, improve patient care and address pet owner questions about microbial options. The new course comprehensively analyzes the microbes in the various systems of cats and dogs, focusing on their contributions to digestion, immune function and overall … [Read more...]
AAHA releases guidelines for veterinary specialist referrals
The 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines provide a framework that fosters stronger partnerships between primary care teams and specialty care teams. Emphasizing the importance of a referral coordinator, the guidelines establish three referral collaboration models: General collaborative conversations Professional-to-professional consultations Hands-on referrals Source: … [Read more...]
U.S. releases first national One Health framework
The National One Health Framework to Address Zoonotic Diseases and Advance Public Health Preparedness in the United States represents a coordinated strategy by the federal government to confront diseases that spread between humans and animals and other One Health threats.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of … [Read more...]
Transboundary mosquito watch as JEV expands in Australia
Japanese encephalitis virus poses a serious viral threat to swine. Australian officials reported the first detections of JEV in animals in Queensland in July 2022. JEV is a flavivirus in the same family as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Source: PORK, February 18, 2025. Link. JEV is spread by mosquitoes and causes … [Read more...]
Research estimates $90.50/hd ROI for carcass value of finishing cattle receiving FerAppease®
Complimentary Commercial Content Research published in the Translational Animal Science journal found significant benefits to average daily gain and carcass value among low-risk, yearling Angus steers who were treated with FerAppease® during initial processing at the research feedyard and again when re-implanted. mBAS, the active ingredient of FerAppease, is the synthetic … [Read more...]
Mitigating pregnancy loss in cow herds
Chloe Collins reviews management changes that can help mitigate calf loss. She shares multiple factors that create pregnancy or calf losses in utero and after the calf is born. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, February 20, 2025. Link. Decreasing calf loss can be a long-run effort, but it is worth every ounce of preparation and prevention.” - Chloe Collins … [Read more...]
Improving cull cow decisions
Our perceptions of cull cows are not always representative of their value as they leave the herd. It is better to consider them dairy market cows versus cull cows <Link>. Cull cow weight and price remain a primary factor in managing herd profitability. Maureen Hansen covers five factors to consider when culling cows. She includes economic and animal health elements that … [Read more...]
Creating the vet-friendly horse barn
Barb Crabbe, DVM, shares what it takes to have great working conditions for veterinarians and farriers to make it easier for them to provide top-notch care for your horse. The article is a good one to share with clients to set some expectations. For many horse owners, a few adjustments in their barn or stable can make a DVM’s dream visit come true. Source: Horse and Rider, … [Read more...]
Collagen-based neutraceuticals offer benefits for cats
A concentrated source of collagen, essential for maintaining the integrity of connective tissues, including skin, joints and bones offers some benefits for cats as they age. The authors review the types of collagen, available forms and administration of collagen supplements and where supplementation may provide health benefits for cats. Source: IVC Journal, February 20, … [Read more...]
Reminder: gabapentin can effect blood pressure in cats with, without CKD
As veterinary teams get comfortable reaching for one drug or another, study results like this remind us to be cautious. Researchers studying the effects of gabepentin found it has an effect on arterial BP in cats with and without chronic kidney disease. This effect appears to be more than just the result of stress reduction. These findings should be taken into account when … [Read more...]
New protocol guide to help DVMs standardize their approach to canine OA
Complimentary Commercial Content American Regent, maker of Adequan® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), created an OA Treatment Protocol Guide subsequent to veterinary feedback. The guide will help veterinary teams develop their own osteoarthritis protocols which shares a three-step plan to help develop and implement an OA treatment protocol in almost any clinic. It … [Read more...]
Partners in pain detection, part 2: feline
Similar to last week’s post on dog owners’ pain detection in their dogs <Link>, this study assessed cat guardians’ perception of their cats’ pain levels following participants’ exposure to brief pain-related educational material. Researchers found that after receiving educational information about recognizing pain in cats, the cat guardians showed more concern about their … [Read more...]
Who’s afraid of the dreaded cough?!
Commercially supported by Merck Animal Health Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, provides an insightful and educational look at canine infectious respiratory disease complex, its primary causes, the changes in dog influenza and why knowing how dogs are vaccinated is important to individual dogs and for those dogs around them. Source: Dr Jen the Vet, YouTube, … [Read more...]