Prompted by rising burnout rates among relief veterinarians, Serenity Vet is conducting a study in collaboration with Talkatoo, with research guidance provided by Dr. Ivan Zak, CEO of Galaxy Vets. The survey will explore key factors affecting mental well-being and job satisfaction in this rapidly growing veterinary professional group. Veterinarians who practice relief either … [Read more...]
Novel milking speed trait is highly heritable
Commentary While the economics and science are apparent, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of a discussion about speed milking. The whole topic, albeit valid seems parallel to what makes NASCAR cars winners. The pit stop will be different, though. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 23, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
New World screwworm update and swine perspective
Ann Hess shares an update and perspectives on the advancing risk of the New World screwworm and where the risks exist for swine in the U.S. She includes how the changes in the Darien Gap increase risks. The Darien Gap has served as a biological barrier for keeping New World screwworm away from our border. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 13, 2025. Link. Fly control will be … [Read more...]
What separates the top-tier pork producers from the rest?
Farm Credit’s Chris Ford looked back over several years to see what differentiated pork operations that have done well and those that have struggled. He notes the challenges that PRRS continues to bring and identifies three main areas where producers can excel: Optimizing production Good bookkeeping Risk management Source: PORK, June 23, 2025. Link. Image: … [Read more...]
Research in action: Shedding light on the age-old mystery of early pregnancy loss in mares
The answer to a foal lost during pregnancy is most often, “I don’t know.” Not satisfied with that answer, Mandi de Mestre, BVSc, PhD, PGCAP, MRCVS, refocused on the embryo to uncover possible reasons why they survive. Her ongoing research on the genetics of equine embryos overlaps with similar questions in human pregnancy loss, specifically recognizing gene copying … [Read more...]
Understanding the benefits of horse liniments
Includes Commercial References Available in liquid, paste or gel form, liniment is a topical treatment that helps relieve muscle soreness, joint stiffness, swelling, pain and circulation. Most horse liniments are applied directly to the skin, writes Taryn Holliday, DVM. She shares ingredients, actions and applications in this article to help us understand what some over time … [Read more...]
A bigger fire hazard than the dryer’s lint trap
Veterinary clinics and pet service businesses run load after load of laundry through their washers and dryers every day. Mary Cornetta shares the fire risks of not cleaning beyond the lint trap in this article. She shares how to clean under the lint trap, plus how often to do it. Source: Better Homes and Garden, June 11, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: We decided to share this … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 23, 2025
Grants and resources for veterans, new guidelines for professional dog and cat groomers, the influence of premiumization and humanization in the pet industry, Volume II of the CATalyst Council’s 2025 Feline Market Insights Report and more. . . Source: IBPSA, June 23, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 26, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 19, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 19, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Avoid confusion about pinkeye in cattle. Link. Calf vaccinations: You won’t find all the answers in a bottle. Link. Consumer sentiment rebounds sharply in June. Link. Sounds that can trigger aggressive behavior in cats. … [Read more...]
DVM discusses half-dosing vaccines
Scott Weese, DVM, shares the short answer to a common question about half-dosing vaccines, emphazing “we don’t know.” He covers these key elements in this article: a) half-dose efficacy, b) adverse reactions and c) liability. Source: Worms and Germs, May 28, 2025. Link. About client requests, Weese writes, veterinarians are expected to act professionally and reasonably, … [Read more...]
Neuroscience and perspective
Most people think reality is shaped by events, but it’s shaped by how those events are explained. Why does this matter? Because the stories people tell themselves shape the actions they take. Source: LinkedIn, June 13, 2025. Link. When setbacks are explained as permanent, pervasive, and personal, motivation disappears. But when reframed as temporary, isolated, and external, … [Read more...]
Study sheds light on veterinary patient safety events
“You cannot improve what you don’t measure,” could be an overarching theme to this voluntary and broad retrospective study. The study revealed roughly four patient safety events for every 1,000 visits during two years. While most reported incidents were harmless, the small number that caused major harm or death were often tied to anesthesia and sedation errors. Source: AVMA … [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...]
Nom Nom research reveals the impact of pup’s perceived happiness on pet parents
Complimentary Commercial Content We appreciate the efforts Nom Nom put forth to answer our questions* about the April 2025 survey findings they shared with us. Dogs crave mental and physical challenges that keep them engaged beyond toys, beds or long walks, shares Kristin Chenoweth, who promotes meal time as one place to improve experiences for dogs. Beyond the commercial … [Read more...]
VMG and Inventory Ally partner to control inventory, costs
Inventory Ally, a comprehensive inventory management program for veterinary hospitals, has joined Veterinary Management Groups (VMG) as a Preferred Partner. They seek to help veterinary practices take control of inventory and costs. Source: Inventory Ally, June 16, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Keeping cows cool
We enjoyed the positive responses to last week’s post “Making dairy herds in the shade” <Link>. Recent studies show shade is important for growing beef cattle comfort and efficiency <Link>. Articles like this are reminders of the health and economic benefits of providing shade for cattle as temperatures move above 70°F. Because of that feedback, we’re repeating … [Read more...]
Tips for smaller cow-calf operations to optimize profit and build market appeal
Includes AHD Sponsor information A January AHD post shared that 79 percent of farms with beef cows have 49 or fewer cows <Link>. For smaller cow-calf operations, committing to profitability and understanding the market buyer’s needs is key to garnering increased interest in their calves, writes Bruce Derkson. He emphasizes that profit must be the number one goal if a … [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...]
When looks can kill. The science behind animal breeding.
Breeding for aesthetics has resulted in genetic disorders, health problems and a loss of biodiversity, writes Sorelle Tan. Selective breeding for aesthetic traits such as floppy ears, short noses and flat faces often predisposes the hybrid animal to ear infections and respiratory problems. Brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs have a life expectancy about 4.1 years shorter … [Read more...]
Sounds that can trigger aggressive behavior in cats
Whether it’s fear, confusion or irritation, knowing what noises irritate cats can help owners avoid surprise scratches and sudden swats, writes Kaushkey. Animal health pros who have spent time with cats will recognize some of the sounds and likely associate them with personal experiences. Source: Cats and Dogs Today, May 6, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider posting this … [Read more...]
Avoid confusion about pinkeye in cattle
Sponsor Content with Commentary If one reads three or more of the articles* recently published about infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis or, pinkeye in cattle, they may be confused about a) what conditions predispose calves to infection(s), b) what vector(s) are responsible for disease transfer and c) what bacteria cause pinkeye infections or may be present as cofactors … [Read more...]
AHD reader shares concerns and feedback
Occasionally, we get an animal-owner reader response (that isn’t spam) to one of our posts <Link>. We’re sharing it here. Reader comments from AHD post on website As a pet owner I find that my costs at the vet have tripled and the time I see the vet is now about 10 minutes instead of 30 minutes even though the time slotted for me was 30 minutes. I feel that the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 16, 2025
Pet industry sales normalizing but still climb post-pandemic, luxury lifestyles for pets booming in Japan, 100+ grants for small businesses, pet tech changing pet parenting, charity is promoting pensions for retired police dogs, franchising cat sitting and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 16, 2025. Link. IBBY nominations are now open. They were established by the IBPSA to … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 19, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 12, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 12, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Forbes, Can the veterinary industry help with the rising cost of care? Link. A crate training discussion. Cruel or kind? Link. Logic, emotions and decisions. Link. Cattle technology trends that continue to push boundaries. … [Read more...]
Forbes, How can the veterinary industry help with the rising cost of care?
Commentary We held this article for a few weeks trying to best present the content for consideration. Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, wrote it. She shares metrics seen routinely in various media and calls the rising cost of pet care a full-blown pet healthcare crisis. I disagree. I believe we have a pet parent spending problem veterinary hospitals are … [Read more...]
Cattle technology trends that continue to push boundaries
Cattle producers are interested in technologies that improve efficiency, reduce labor and provide useful data. Beyond the normal optimism and skepticism, new high-tech tools must be practical, user-friendly and offer a solid return on investment before cattle producers invest. Bruce Derksen reviews six cattle technology trends in this article. Source: BEEF, April 22, … [Read more...]
Study: Seasonal effects on preweaned calves
The research shared in this article is relevant beyond the dairy calf environment in the southeastern U.S. While not the seasonal affective disorder we know effects our own health, weather metrics have a definite impact on calf growth, performance and wellness. Summarizing, Al Kertz, Ph. D., DIPL. ACAN, says, consistency in nutrition, feeding and management is critical for … [Read more...]
Dairy herds are made in the shade!
Research shows that dry cows and bred heifers are just as vulnerable to heat stress, even if the signs are less visible. When a dry cow or bred heifer experiences heat stress, her unborn calf does too writes Taylor Leach who shares the long term effects of heat stress on the dairy herd. Source: Bovine Practitioner, June 2, 2025. Link. While the lactating herd often gets the … [Read more...]
Poll reveals horse owner deworming behaviors
A June poll reveals how frequently a group of respondents deworms their horse(s). Information like this can help veterinary teams understand client behaviors and may provide opportunities to improve horse stewardship. The sponsored article below was linked with the poll results. In it, Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, shares what scientists are learning about equine parasite … [Read more...]
The business side of farriers and footcare
Data collected from the 2024 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey provides an interesting look into the business of equine footcare. In addition to what they charge and where they buy supplies, we noted how farriers communicate with their clients. The metrics on what work they are doing, the types of horses and metrics on laminitis and white line disease will be … [Read more...]