Beyond genetics, body composition is an important factor in how long pets live. Ann Hohenhaus DVM, DACVIM, shares the same simple guidance she offers pet owners as the most important steps to keep pets around as healthy family members for as long as possible: Keep your pet at an ideal body weight. Spay and neuter your cats. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, … [Read more...]
What a messy stall may mean
This short article shares good guidance all horse owners should know. “Should” can be a reminder to communicate and share the basics. Source: EQUUS, January 6, 2026. Link. Changes to a horse's "bathroom habits" may provide clues to his health and well-being and signal a reason to contact a veterinarian.” Image: Link. … [Read more...]
New research identifies direct cause of porcine ear necrosis
By focusing on managing bacterial exposure and preventing ear trauma, swine farms may finally be able to reduce the incidence and severity of porcine ear necrosis, a global welfare‑related condition. A new controlled study provides evidence that Fusobacterium necrophorum can directly induce PEN‑like lesions in pigs. Source: National Hog Farmer, January/February 2026. … [Read more...]
New AI tool can take a cow’s temperature with only a photo
With potential to help cattlemen detect temperatures before visible signs of illness, a new tool from the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Lab at the University of Arkansas uses artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to estimate the body temperature of cattle. Source: University of Arkansas, January 2, 2026. Link. The system, called CattleFever, is the first … [Read more...]
Looking ahead to CattleCon26, Nashville, February 3rd – 5th
As animal health pros wrap up VMX and head to IPPE, Nashville is prepping for cowboy hats, boots and all things beef. Check out five new things to enjoy at CattleCon26 <Link.>. AHD Sponsor Novonesis is on the program Tuesday, February 3, to discuss the “Effects of a direct-fed microbial in finishing cattle.” Experts on applied microbiome science will also be available … [Read more...]
The FelineVMA, EveryCat Health Foundation, announce scholarships for future leaders in feline medicine
The FelineVMA and the EveryCat Health Foundation are now accepting scholarship applications from veterinary students enrolled in AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. Third- or fourth-year veterinarian students are eligible to become candidates for two scholarships of $5,000 each. Source: FelineVMA, January 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 8, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Uncertainty. Link. Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention. AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer. Link. ============================= More than 1,200 feral, rescue cats … [Read more...]
HBR editors share their favorite management tips of 2025
Here’s a good article for animal health pros traveling to VMX. HBR editors list 10 of their favorites from 2025’s Management Tip of the Day newsletters. They cover topics like how to manage overwhelm before it spirals into burnout, how to set up your own AI assistant, how to boil your strategy down to one slide, how to be an inspiring leader and more. Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention
Commentary This new year is not a fresh start. It’s the next chapter of continually improving the health and welfare of our animals and those who care for them. For many animal health pros, the horizon may be foggy as new annual plans are implemented, territories realigned, new management introduced and teams face staffing and goal changes. As we begin this year, we can … [Read more...]
AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer
Understanding the common types of cancer in dogs and cats is essential for early detection, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The American Animal Hospital Association’s new 2026 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats for general practice veterinarians treating dogs and cats with cancer cover diagnosing, staging, treating and providing supportive care for pets with … [Read more...]
Uncertainty
From global pandemics and economic shifts to industry disruption and technological transformation, professionals across all sectors have faced waves of unpredictability. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, December 15, 2025. Link. Those who acknowledge, adapt, and evolve will move forward with clarity, connection, and courage.” – Stacy Pursell INSIGHTS: Uncertainty is uncomfortable, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 5, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS to the IBPSA professionals who earned 139 Species Care Certifications last year! These individuals represent 40 facilities/independents. 18 new members and 3 vendor partners were added in 4-Q-2025. Also, 239 IBPSA Species Certification exams were completed by learners in correctional facilities through rehabilitation and reentry programs. Don’t forget to … [Read more...]
LifeLearn’s updated 2026 Pet Owner Communications Inspiration Guide
Complimentary Commercial Content To simplify things, LifeLearn’s freshly groomed 2026 Pet Owner Communications Inspiration Guide is filled with timely, engaging and fun ideas (with examples) to use through 2026. It shares ideas each month to engage and attract clients through social media, email and other channels, making communications feel less challenging or … [Read more...]
Promoting regular vet visits for cats, even the healthy-looking ones
Commentary Few would argue this statement, “No matter their age or lifestyle, regular vet care matters and it can help cats thrive.” But getting owners of ostensibly happy cats to establish routine veterinary visits is a challenge our industry faces in 2026 and beyond. Communicating with cat owners is an important element of moving toward routine veterinary visits and … [Read more...]
Preparing for dental month promotional efforts
Commentary While promoting oral care at home should be an everyday objective during every exam, it is difficult for practices to get that done. VMX* is an excellent time to define your strategies for dental month and choose products to support them. Consider opportunities during dental month to feature oral care products and have them on hand. Addison Biological … [Read more...]
Review: Trazodone for dogs and cats
As Rx drugs are more frequently prescribed, it is important to review articles like this. Trazodone can reliably and safely induce sedation and anxiolysis in dogs and cats for treatment of acute fear, stress and anxiety. More research has been conducted in dogs and it is most often administered for situational use during exposure to acute stressors or to achieve … [Read more...]
The Horse.com’s 10 most read articles in 2025
Colic, nasal discharge, EHV-1, allergies and wound care were among readers’ favorite content in 2025. Source: The Horse, January 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Late gestation cows. Get them the groceries
Livestock nutritionists will tell you that those last few weeks before calving are the most critical time for the nutrition for your cowherd, writes Clint Peck. Diets for gestating heifers and cows must support lactation, fetal growth and replenishment of body condition at varying times during pregnancy. Grazing alone will often not meet the requirements of pregnant cows for … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council appoints Gina Fortunato as Executive Director
The CATalyst Council announces the appointment of Gina Fortunato as executive director. Fortunato succeeds Dr. Jane Brunt, a key partner in the origin of the organization and who will continue as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless transition. The organization is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats and their caregivers. Dr. Brunt will remain … [Read more...]
KCAHC opens 2026 Animal Health Summit Emerging Company Applications
If your company is innovating in animal health, diagnostics or pet food, the KC Animal Health Corridor offers unmatched opportunity and support. The 2026 Summit is now accepting applications for companies ready to showcase their ideas, connect with investors, and build what’s next. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4aBescV Source: Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
This blog’s for you
Commentary There are numerous factors to consider as animal health pros work to improve and grow our industry. Each week, your AHD team focuses on delivering published content that has the potential to advance and improve narratives critical to serving animal owners, their animals and the people working in our industry. Last week we shared Stephen Covey’s Circles of … [Read more...]
No one knows how to illuminate anymore
Sharing her frustration with person-to-person interactions, Mika Brzezinski discusses connection and communication with David Brooks, author of How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Brzezinski says, “No one looks at anyone anymore.” Brooks shares why genuine warmth, curiosity and ‘loud listening’ matter more than ever and why respect is … [Read more...]
Most read Malone posts – January to June 2025
We include wisdom from Patrick T. Malone weekly. His perspectives on leadership, teamwork and personal development are routinely found in the most read posts. Malone’s experiences with how using the PAR skills engages others in productive conversations and honors decision makers are foundational to our curation efforts. Last week, we shared Malone’s most read from Q-3 and … [Read more...]
Why more professionals are working through their golden years
Experts say economic pressures and a sense of purpose contribute to shifting ideas around retirement. A study from Morningstar found that approximately 45 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. Baby boomers, on top of that, have a 52 percent higher risk of experiencing retirement shortfalls than other generations. Taylor Borden shares the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 29, 2025
This year brought both opportunities and challenges, and it was inspiring to see the ways that our IBPSA members showed up for one another through collaboration, learning, and a shared dedication to excellence and care. Your passion for your work and your willingness to contribute to the broader community continue to move our industry forward. Thank you for all that you do, … [Read more...]
Building veterinary standards of care for senior dogs
Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak share a conversation with Dr. Lisa Lippman from the Senior Dog Veterinary Society about closing one of the biggest gaps in veterinary medicine. The discussion covers identifying senior and geriatric stages across breeds, creating proactive wellness plans, adapting clinics to reduce stress and support mobility, and using quality-of-life scales to … [Read more...]
Perspectives, priorities, preparation on the eve of 2026
Commentary The holiday season is a time to affirm or adjust priorities. It is a time to look in the mirror, to embrace the most important relationships, and fortify ourselves for all that is predicted for 2026. In an increasingly complex world, distinguishing between what we can control, influence and merely be concerned about is crucial for maintaining focus and mental … [Read more...]
Most read Malone posts – June to date 2025
We include wisdom from Patrick T. Malone weekly. His perspectives on leadership, teamwork and personal development are always among the most read posts. Keeping with the getting-ready-for-2026 theme, here are Malone’s top posts from the last six months. Source: Animal Health Digest Archives, June 2025 – December 2025. Above all else, Integrity. Link. Time management … [Read more...]
5 livestock diseases that could impact U.S. food security and economic stability
Stephanie Mercier identifies five diseases with the potential to disrupt U.S. livestock production, trade and response infrastructure at scale from a new report from The Farm Journal Foundation, The Mean Sixteen: Biosecurity Threats Facing U.S. Agriculture. Three of them already challenge U.S. production: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) African swine fever (ASF) New … [Read more...]
When your teams resist change, it’s time to “painstorm”
When teams are slow to adopt changes, instead of calling it resistance, Jeffrey Yip recommends using "painstorming" to identify the underlying emotional and structural pain points associated with change. More than another 2x2 matrix, Yip explains painstorming as a practice of identifying the emotional and structural pain points associated with change. It reframes discomfort as … [Read more...]