2025 IBBY finalists named, Virginia feedback needed on proposed regulations for animal boarding establishments, pheromone-based pet wellness webinar was well attended, more information about opportunities at The Forum and the August 28th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, September 2, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
ALEC adopts resolution in full support of veterinary telemedicine
The American Legislative Exchange Council adopted a resolution in full support of veterinary telemedicine. Notably, the resolution states: 1) veterinarians should be allowed to practice to the full extent of their professional training through telehealth, and 2) no laws or regulations should require a client and patient to meet a veterinarian in person before they receive a … [Read more...]
Emma Milne: The (many) problems with extreme conformation in dog and cat breeds
Commentary Kudos to Kristen Green Seymour, who took on the challenge to share the bent of several topics Emma Milne, BVSc, FRCVS, covers in this video interview. Like her, we recommend this article and video as “required” for all animal health pros. We found reading the article while listening to it was most helpful. It doesn’t matter which side you’re on. This discussion … [Read more...]
Expert views on the importance of recordkeeping
Imagine a team meeting at a veterinary hospital. The leader says, “Today, let’s discuss our medical records, why, not how, we do them and make sure they are a positive element of the client’s experience.” The why needs to provide context as well as content. This article is a good resource for that discussion. Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Researchers say long-term firocoxib use appears safe for horses
Firocoxib is often prescribed to manage chronic pain and inflammation in horses, and its long-term use appears safe based on bloodwork. The drug is for once-daily use for up to 14 days, researchers on this study suggest firocoxib might be suitable for extended treatment in appropriate cases. Source: The Horse, August 19, 2025. Link. Veterinarians should evaluate horses … [Read more...]
Doing pet telehealth right isn’t optional; it’s essential
Complimentary Content Telehealth should support, not compete with, local veterinarians, writes Deb Leon, founder and CEO of whiskerDocs. She asserts that the best systems relieve pressure on clinics, help triage smartly and improve access without undermining the critical role of in-person exams. Warning of the risks from cutting corners as the services grow, she outlines why … [Read more...]
AAHA introduces four new Standards of Accreditation
Updates to the AAHA Standards of Accreditation will now address 1) nontherapeutic ear crops, 2) devocalizations and 3) feline declaws. The fourth encourages practice teams to talk to families about microchipping and to verify the chip’s functionality and location annually. Source: AAHA Trends, July 22, 2025. Link. AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary … [Read more...]
Proposition 129: One year later
Join the conversation. Membership not required. It’s time to explore what has transpired since Colorado passed Proposition 19, what lies ahead, and what it ultimately means for veterinary medicine. Source: The Bridge Club. Join the virtual conversation here: Link. … [Read more...]
PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc. calls on Petspan to cease, desist promotion, sale of compounded rapamycin (Sirolimus) for HCM in cats
PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc., the parent company of TriviumVet, which holds sole conditional new animal drug approval from the FDA for Felycin®-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets) under its affiliated brand company Pegasus, issued a cease-and-desist demand letter to Petspan for falsely promoting a compounded version of rapamycin (synonymous with sirolimus) for the treatment … [Read more...]
FDA approves Merck’s northern fowl mite treatment for poultry
The FDA has approved Merck Animal Health’s EXZOLT™ (fluralaner oral solution), a parasiticide for chickens that treats and controls northern fowl mites (Ornithinyssus sylviarum) in production houses. Safe for laying hens and replacement chickens EXZOLT™ is a first-of-its-kind product which can be administered in drinking water. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, July 18, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Statistics about the horse industry
Frank Lessiter will help you bone up on U.S. horse data with these statistics from the American Horse Council, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports and other sources. He notes it’s important for equine owners and veterinarians to stay abreast of industry trends, especially considering the increasing scrutiny of equine sports. Source: American Farriers Journal, … [Read more...]
Exceptions to the 3-year rule of thumb for keeping tax records
Summer is a good time to declutter. But what about saving tax information? Three years? Seven years? Martin Shenkman, CPA, JD, shares reasons you may wish to keep tax returns and related paperwork longer than the three-year audit period. Source: BottomLineInc, August 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 30, 2025
Trends in the pet health business sector, what’s shaping the pet food industry, new grants for small business, animal care is catching up with human trends, new standards establish minimums for dog and cat breeding, keeping and traceability across EU, and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 30, 2025. Link. Note the digital marketing strategies webinar on July 16th and the … [Read more...]
New York judge says a dog is now legally a member of the family
Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Aaron Maslow declared that dogs are no longer just property in the eyes of the law, but rather “immediate family.” The decision, however, is limited to cases where a dog is struck while being walked on a leash. Source: TimeOut, June 23, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Lincoln Memorial sues AVMA over accreditation
VIN provided this brief: Lincoln Memorial University is suing the American Veterinary Medical Association eight months after its veterinary school was put on accreditation probation. The complaint filed today alleges the AVMA's Council on Education, which accredits veterinary schools primarily in the United States and Canada, is engaged in "a conspiracy to control, … [Read more...]
EIA outbreak is reminder to keep Coggins testing updated
The AVMA reported an EIA outbreak that killed 21 horses in the Southwest U.S. <Link>. The incidents are an important reminder of the importance of strict biosecurity protocols and proper training of individuals who work in equine veterinary clinics to help prevent the spread of disease through contaminated medical treatment or equipment. Given the summer season of … [Read more...]
Why people attend the World Pork Expo (video)
Jennifer Shrike shares a look at why people make the trip to Des Moines every June and their recommendations on how to make the experience unforgettable. The weather can be searing hot, rainy or blustery on any given day so a poncho and sun shade headgear are considerations. Come hungry, be ready to learn and network with pork industry influencers, leaders and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 2, 2025
Camp Bow Wow turns 25 . . . shares data from dog owner survey, WunderPetz™ launches franchise opportunities, Petbizology launches growth services, legislative updates, dog karaoke and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 2, 2025. Link. 79 percent agreed that they feel like both they and their dogs are living their best lives when the dog is able to socialize.” – Camp Bow Wow … [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...]
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...]
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...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 19, 2025
Free grooming services webinar slated for June 4th, helping teams embrace new technology, forward-flow funding, small business tax priorities, growing demand for pet funerals, report on trends in pet sitting market and more . . . Note the announcement about The Forum conference scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd. IBPSA is bringing together a dynamic lineup of respected … [Read more...]
USDA closes southern border, NCBA supports decision to halt the New World screwworm
Despite the United States' work to control the New World screwworm, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets and humans are at risk again. Consequently, the USDA has closed the U.S. … [Read more...]
There’s no place for shock and prong in dog training
Contains commercial links Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training, writes Zazie Todd. She reviews evidence against aversive training and stances of various organizations noting these most recently: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants decided to rule out the use of … [Read more...]
ScribbleVet achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance, validating data security in veterinary care
With cyber threats on the rise, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance ensures ScribbleVet's infrastructure meets enterprise-grade security requirements. Veterinary practices using ScribbleVet can confidently safeguard patient records and client data, mitigate risks associated with digital transformation, and meet regulatory and insurance obligations for data protection, the company … [Read more...]
Is it time to legalize horse slaughter in the U.S.?
Commentary Kudos to Sarah McNaughton-Peterson for addressing a volatile topic. As a horse owner, she is grounded in doing the best for her animals. Still she asserts, “there comes a time . . .” Her comment about culling practices is notable. With welfare issues top of mind, she reminds us that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 classifies horses as livestock, of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 5, 2025
We noted: Adding a new independent pet services provider membership is a good opportunity for the pet services business. The May 14th member webinar on the essentials of Online Authority, what it impacts, and how to increase it. 2025 FedEx Small Business Trade Index Trends in doggy daycare accommodations undergoing upgrades Pittsburgh pet cremation business … [Read more...]
AVMA updates report on veterinary use of cannabidiol
The AVMA’s newly updated report, Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine captures the latest evidence-based context, clinical developments and legal considerations as research and regulations continue to evolve. These include: Safety data and pharmacokinetics of CBD in dogs and cats Clinical trials exploring CBD-rich hemp products in dogs, cats, and horses Regulatory updates … [Read more...]
Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians Veterinary Technician licensure bill passed
This groundbreaking legislation moves Minnesota into the list of states regulating the veterinary technician profession. By establishing this higher standard, licensure not only enhances the credibility and recognition of veterinary technicians but also fosters improved animal care, stronger team dynamics within veterinary practices, and greater trust from the public. The new … [Read more...]