Ticks are making the news across the U.S. as resident populations bloom and areas experience new tick species migrating into a region for the first time. A large percentage of vector-borne diseases reported are vectored by ticks, with dogs acting as sentinels for human exposure to concerning bacterial, protozoal and viral agents. In this article, Doctors Schlemmer and … [Read more...]
Does it pay to castrate, wean and vaccinate?
Includes Sponsor Content Studying the USDA Market News reports, Andrew Griffith, PhD, says it is clear that a good number of producers still find it easier to sell bull calves instead of castrating them prior to selling them. He shares the economics of selling calves straight off the cow versus after preconditioning and applying management protocols in this article. During … [Read more...]
Website resource for when cat(s) stopping acting normally
Complimentaray Commercial Content Zoetis’ Cat Red Flags website advertisement caught our attention during a recent TV program on Nat Geo Wild. We’re sharing this in case you’re not aware of the website and it’s focus on behaviors that may indicate osteoarthritis or other issues that reduce cat wellness. Source: Cat Red Flags. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 9, 2025
Diminishing veterinary care blamed on rising costs, small businesses need to consider risk management, harnessing AI for small business, law maker activities and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 9, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Training expert: Excessive digital learning overwhelms employees, creates compliance risks
While digital training platforms have made skill development more accessible than ever, companies are discovering that too much of a good thing can backfire spectacularly, says Allan Murphy Bruun, Founder of SimplerQMS. Teams that are constantly pulled into training sessions struggle to maintain their regular workflow, Bruun says. The cognitive load of switching between … [Read more...]
NOAA predicts above-average 2025 hurricane season
With 70 percent confidence, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which will become hurricanes, and 3 to 5 may grow to major hurricane intensity of Category 3 or stronger. The article includes concerns over staffing, which, beyond the political turmoil, should be fair warning for individuals and businesses to … [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...]
Stop doing cosynch
Cosynch is a management practice on dairies where GnRH treatments and artificial insemination are performed simultaneously. While labor-saving, Paul M. Fricke PhD, reviews the importance of timing in what is termed the ovsynch 56 protocol. In summary, the science does not support the cosynch approach. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 2, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like … [Read more...]
DocTalk. Discussing embryos and reproductive technologies.
Includes Commercial Content from DocTalk sponsors In this eye-opening episode of DocTalk, Dan Thompson, DVM, PhD, engaged Kosta Simintiras, PhD, to help us better understand the challenges in the complex process of bovine conceptus elongation, a critical phase in early pregnancy. Simintaras shares research on improving embryo transfer and artificial insemination success … [Read more...]
The importance of “pet-alized” dental care for older animals
Will Wetzel shares takeaways from a Fetch Nashville presentation by Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, entitled, “They are NOT too old for dental procedures (usually).” Dental disease and chronic inflammation continue to build over time when routine oral care is ignored, which leads to further complications once the pet enters their senior years. We noted the reference to chronic … [Read more...]
Mental health care and dogs
Sponsor Content In a recent post, Wendy Hauser, DVM, shared what we need to know about the mental health care of our cats <Link>. In this parallel article from the ASPCA® Pet Health Program, Hauser addresses canine mental health care beginning with the three most common mental health issues dog owners experience with their dogs: a) anxiety, b) depression and c) … [Read more...]
Collars, harnesses and training for cats improve safety, well-being
Includes Commercial Content Seemingly every week we see articles sharing ways to improve the lives of our pets. Cats in particular benefit when their owners develop routines to engage with their owners such as play or walks outdoors. Understanding options for restraint will help cat owners wanting to expand their interactions with their cat(s). We’re sharing these articles … [Read more...]
The framework top CEOs use to scale
Bob Pearson’s opening sentence was enough to share this article with animal health pros. “Scaling a business doesn’t mean grinding longer hours, putting out fires all day, or spinning your wheels chasing growth. Top-performing CEOs don’t grow through chaos; rather, they scale through clarity, systems and accountability.” Source: Vistage, May 16, 2025. Link. This framework . … [Read more...]
Home health agencies dropping their telehealth programs
Perspectives for consideration. A new survey finds that home health agencies are abandoning virtual care due to complexity and inadequate reimbursement. Telehealth advocates the pendulum effect should wear off as both providers and patients understand the value of virtual visits and work toward a hybrid strategy that mixes in-person care and telehealth. BUT, the monkey wrench … [Read more...]
Vet tech instructor shares the importance of upskilling, strategic support
The veterinarian shortage is portrayed in myriad ways as our industry works to meet rising demand for qualified professionals. Deploying veterinary technicians at the top of their licensed skills is a common theme in shortage discussions. We were pleased to hear from Dr. Meghan Wells, DVM, MPH, who serves as an instructor for the Veterinary Technology program at Penn … [Read more...]
Wearable tech for cows to help dairy farmers improve herd management
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have been testing whether wearable tech — like a Fitbit, but for cows — can help farmers make smarter decisions about when to treat animals and, just as importantly, when not to. One of the biggest takeaways from the research is how to define a truly “healthy” cow in all the various settings cows can be tracked and … [Read more...]
Inflatable tube man as bird deterrent
Includes Commercial Content We noticed the comments about the inflatable tube men in the National Hog Farmer article here. We later found found additional information about using inflatable tube dancers to help control birds and deer from LookOurWay. The erratic movement of inflatable tube men gives birds and other pests no chance to adapt. Sources: Migratory birds … [Read more...]
Regenerative therapy options for horses with osteoarthritis
Some of the most mainstream and popular modalities currently used to manage osteoarthritis in horses are a) autologous conditioned serum, b) autologous protein solution, c) platelet-rich plasma and d) mesenchymal stem cell, explains Matt Leshaw, DVM. He explains how each of the methods is done and relates successes noting regenerative medicine is still in its … [Read more...]
How to determine the best approach to separation-related behaviors in dogs
Separation-related behaviors are non-specifics, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. She explains the importance of determining the underlying cause before designing an environment and training protocol that sets the dog up for success. The objective is to allow the animal to feel safe and stay below its anxiety threshold. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 26, 2025
Expanding bans on pet sales ban in retail shops, vet triage AI platforms compared, Royal Canin to sponsor Raising the Perfect Pet a collaboration with Martha Stewart, tariff effect on pet care costs, hiring a summer intern and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 26, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Play the long game with human-AI collaboration
This Gallup article emphasizes keeping people at the center of AI strategies. It offers noteworthy perspectives from Christos Makridis who asserts that AI excels at recognizing patterns and making predictions, but people provide the context, intuition and ethics. The most powerful results happen when each does what it does best. Source: Gallup, May 16, 2025. Link. AI can … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 22, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin - NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report. Link. Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks. Link. A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health. Link. Let’s review: Foot rot. Link. Medgene … [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...]
Advances in swine housing, health and welfare
New legal requirements, consumers’ opinions, challenging epidemiological conditions and increased pork demand are driving an imminent transition in swine production. New housing conditions and the need for improved welfare are top of mind issues across the industry. Two of the five articles presented in this special issue of Animals investigate finishing pen space and … [Read more...]
Estrous synchronization, not just for doing artificial insemination
One of the main advantages of using synchronization technology is that it provides an extra opportunity for females to be bred during the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present opportunities and challenges for producers using synchronization along with natural service including potential improvements to herd cost-to-reward ratios. Source: Drovers, May 19, … [Read more...]
What are the risks to horse teeth and wellness from wearing a grazing muzzle?
AAEP’s Horse Owner Education Committee shared this information on Facebook. They compare the relatively minimal risks of tooth wear to the potential consequences of not wearing a grazing muzzle, especially in at-risk horses. Source: AAEP, Facebook, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Grazing muzzles and weight control, Horse Sport, May 24, 2024. Link. Researchers reported the … [Read more...]
Simplicity equals success for parasiticide compliance
Recent metrics from Vetsource show year-over-year parasiticide purchases remain in the negative <Link>. The April 2025 VetWatch® commentary echoed the decline <Link>. Across the industry, client adherence to preventatives remains a primary concern. Jamie Lyn asked three veterinarians to identify the practical insights and tactics some practices use to … [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...]
Worth a Glance – May 15, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 8, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 8, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Three 3 rules of three for successful communications. Link. New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks. Link. Your brand. Link. Mental health considerations for cats. Link. Hay, forage outlook for 2025. Link. … [Read more...]