Here’s a situation where physics and trigonometry can benefit performance and horse welfare. Randy S. Luikart explains the thought processes defining four different lengths of the overall hoof: too short, protective, optimum and too long. He defines each and how they apply to different equine disciplines. The importance of shoeing each equine discipline varies on what and how … [Read more...]
Tracking health in mature and senior cats
Improving pet owner adherence to annual and semi-annual veterinary visits for mature or senior cats is an uphill battle for many veterinary teams. The research shared in this article is valuable if only to confirm what is already known about the importance of active, long-term health screening with laboratory testing. The study monitored the overall health of 259 mature or … [Read more...]
Pet influencers are increasing in popularity
There are about 3.5 million active pet influencer accounts globally dedicated to pet content. NBC News reports on the high earning potential of this niche business and how content creators say their passion is about more than the money. Source: NBC News, April 29, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Genetic testing: an expanding frontier
Genetic testing could be compared to the severe weather forecast statement, “Current conditions are right for _____.” Emily Singler, VMD, writes an overview of genetic testing saying the increase in available resources allows for further discoveries of genetic causes behind diseases and other physical or performance traits. New genetic testing options allow veterinary teams to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 28, 2025
IBPSA MBA Program postponed, growth in businesses that cater to high-end pet services, app seeks to build dog owner communities, subscription services, Tractor Supply’s pet pharmacy, bunnies promote proper pet care, petflation slowing, pet insurance growth stabilizing and more . . . Source: IBPSA, April 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 24, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 17, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 17, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Pain in dairy cattle: a narrative review. Link. Your part in heartworm prevention. Link. More than half of U.S. pet owners skip, decline needed vet care. Link. Sales reps are struggling: 10 ugly truths sales leaders must … [Read more...]
Darwin’s Ark , Hill’s Pet Nutrition, research partners to explore cats’ genetic code
To advance one of the most ambitious feline genetics initiatives to date, Darwin’s Ark, Hill’s Pet Nutrition , and leading research institutions are combining their unique expertise to advance community-powered research to help cats live longer, healthier lives. Source: Reuters, April 24, 2025. Link. This isn’t just about decoding DNA—it’s about empowering cat lovers to be … [Read more...]
Tick-borne pathogen threats to U.S. cattle operations
Serving as a reminder for cattle producers and their veterinarians, this article urges staying alert for signs of tick infestation within their herds. The authors say early diagnostic testing at the first sign of a suspect illness in their cattle should be considered. Major tick-borne threats to U.S. cattle producers include cattle tick fever (Bovine Babesiosis), Anaplasmosis … [Read more...]
Livestock producers concerned about diseases, uncertain about level of threat
Commentary Iowa is a top U.S. producer of red meat and eggs. The information here is likely representative of many livestock producers in the U.S. For veterinary teams and animal health pros serving owners of any herd or flock size, the research results are informative, concerning and actionable. We must dedicate ourselves to improving producer education on diseases and risk … [Read more...]
USDA develops resource to help veterinary professionals recognize, respond to screwworm
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are important in recognizing New World screwworm should an invasion of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, occur. To help in these efforts, the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program has developed the training module, Module 41: New World Screwworm: A 21st Century Perspective. It goes over signs of NWS, its life … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 17, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 10, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 10, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Don’t assume, check to be sure. Link. ‘Treat Me Like a Dog’ campaign seeks to close the cat treat gap. Link. Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle. Link. Mismatched background music affects employees. Link. … [Read more...]
Loyal’s STAY study enrolls 1,000 dogs, expands to 1,300
The STAY study is the clinical trial for LOY-002, a senior dog program that recently earned its preliminary efficacy acknowledgment from the FDA. It’s the first FDA-concurred trial for a longevity drug, and at 1,000 dogs, is the largest clinical trial in the history of veterinary medicine. With solid interest from DVMs and dog owners, Loyal is enrolling an additional 300 dogs … [Read more...]
Improving productivity key to reducing antibiotic use in livestock
Commentary Seeing research and projections like these are important in managing the effects of livestock production practices domestically and globally. The information in this article is likely to elicit a “well duh” response from many animal health professionals. Regardless of species or country, improving adherence to best practices requires continual education and … [Read more...]
Participation in industry surveys critical to hog industry decisions, support
Response rates on hog inventory surveys keep falling, writes Lee Schulz, noting that only 63 percent of pork producers surveyed for the March 2025 report responded. Asserting the importance of reporting data, he shares how the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service collects and shares industry metrics. To get reliable, representative data, NASS needs to survey and … [Read more...]
Tracking the track: The impact of different grazing strategies on managing equine obesity
Research findings suggest that track grazing systems prove useful in effective equine bodyweight management in vulnerable horses. Horses susceptible to bodyweight gain or with metabolic issues lost significantly more bodyweight in the track grazing systems than similar horses kept on traditional restricted grazing systems. There were no significant changes to their behavior, … [Read more...]
Farrier’s spring hoof care e-guide now available
The 2025 American Farriers Journal's Spring Hoof Care e-Guide offers education for farriers and animal health pros to support wellness with equine clients. These areas are covered: Prevent and treat thrush with proper trimming and hygiene. Recognize the signs of white line disease and take corrective action. Adapt hoof-care routines to combat moisture-related … [Read more...]
Sporotrichosis identified in cats, veterinary technician
The CDC is collaborating with veterinary associations and veterinary professionals to raise awareness among veterinary professionals about feline sporotrichosis and precautions for preventing zoonotic transmission in the veterinary setting. In November 2022, a technician caring for a cat received a puncture wound from the cat’s infected paw. A blister appeared on the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 14, 2025
Tariffs, small business tax strategies, how venture tech is shaping pet food, growth in holistic nutrition, recent pet player awards, future pet health product market projections, small business owners share advice and more. . . Source: IBPSA, April 14, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Sales reps are struggling: 10 ugly truths sales leaders must address
Sales representatives and managers will recognize some of these barriers to sales effectiveness. Matthew McVany says sales reps are navigating challenges and roadblocks their managers may not fully recognize. Facing these tough truths isn’t easy, but recognizing them is crucial for meaningful change. Implementing comprehensive, supportive strategies ensures a resilient sales … [Read more...]
The vital role of SDS management and OSHA compliance in veterinary practices
Alex Milan and Veronica Marrero share the importance of auditing safety data sheets and OSHA compliance in this article. They highlight priorities, such as routine staff review and training to maintain a safe and compliant hospital for people and animals. Source: Patterson Veterinary Insight Companion Edition, April 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: When new products or brands are … [Read more...]
Life-size dairy cow model helps students learn birthing, milking other tasks
Birtha and Decalf are among the latest additions to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and are helping show students how to deliver calves, tend udders and ensure calves get milk. Taika von Konigslow, assistant professor, creates multiple scenarios of calf delivery and udder challenges so students can learn before practicing on live bovines.. Source: … [Read more...]
New study finds more than half of U.S. pet owners skip or decline needed veterinary care
The new PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care Study found 71 percent of pet parents skipped or declined care report financial considerations as the reason Sixty-two percent of U.S. homes have at least one pet. This study is rooted in the pet parent perspective and paints a picture of an urgent pet healthcare crisis, including: Vet care continues to be out of reach … [Read more...]
Free, 30-day pet parasite forecasts boost local value of CAPC’s forecasting service
Commentary Veterinary teams and pet owners can now be alerted to local parasite disease threats at no charge using CAPC’s monthly pet parasite forecast maps <Link>. These alerts provide excellent reasons to communicate timely parasite prevalence and associated risks with clients and local media. The Companion Animal Parasite Council just released its 2025 Pet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 10, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 3, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 3, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Top 7 drug classes to be tapered before discontinuation. Link. Bird flu expert discusses how H5N1 affects wild, domestic animals. Link. Orthobiologics in an equine veterinarian’s day-to-day practice. Link. Association for Pet … [Read more...]
Mismatched background music affects employees
In a new study, researchers found that when background music at a workplace is out of sync with what workers need to do their jobs, it can affect their energy, mood and even performance. Source: Ohio State News, April 7, 2025. Link. Performance suffers when music is a misfit for worker needs.” Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Licensing deal, angel investment to drive innovation in ag technology
AgBoost, a leading provider of data-driven solutions for cattle producers, proudly announces the successful closing of a $500,000 investment round and the signing of a strategic licensing agreement with MedIrAlis, an animal health company in Australia. This step accelerates AgBoost’s mission to empower ranchers with cutting-edge technology to optimize genomic data for breeding, … [Read more...]
VEA wins Grand Prize in 2025 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize
VEA, a veterinary technology company dedicated to streamlining workflows and empowering veterinary teams, has been named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize. VEA stood out for its real-world impact on documentation, diagnostics and patient care with its platform designed to empower veterinary professionals through intuitive, AI-powered … [Read more...]
Vetoquinol, educators create online veterinary rehabilitation courses
Vetoquinol Rehabilitation Business Solution announced the expansion of its in-person program to offer on-demand courses taught by leading veterinary rehabilitation experts. The program is designed for a) veterinary clinics exploring adding rehabilitation services as a new option, b) certified professionals that need refresher training, c) teams with underutilized equipment, and … [Read more...]
Factors affecting early pregnancy loss in cattle
This article references a review that highlights factors contributing to pregnancy loss and the rapidly evolving methods used to predict pregnancy failure. Bob Larson, DVM, and Brad White, DVM, review the study compiled by researchers at Texas A&M University. In what seems a bit like Murphy’s Law, the veterinarians say early pregnancy loss is due to issues with the … [Read more...]
Setting up beef-on dairy-calves up for success
The first few days are make-or-break for setting up beef-on-dairy calves for success, shares Gail Carpenter, DVM, PhD. She offers five key priorities so farmers can give their calves the best start possible, making sure they stay healthy and strong for their next chapter of life: Breed for the right calves Prioritize maternity management Ensure proper colostrum … [Read more...]