Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 1, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 1, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Chewy Health president shares 3 trends revolutionizing pet healthcare. Link. Extended colostrum feeding adds $500 per heifer, slashes treatment costs, boosts lifetime milk. Link. New lifestage infographics-pet owner education, identify … [Read more...]
Sovereignty comes from behind to win muddy Kentucky Derby
Sovereignty charged past race favorite Journalism down the stretch to win a muddy 151st Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths in front of 147,406 onlookers at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The victory was a first for all of Sovereignty’s connections <Link>. All 19 of those horses are descended from Secretariat <Link>. Source: NBC Sports, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Hay, forage outlook for 2025
Marian Viney provides a timely look at hay prices in different areas and how drought can affect availability and prices. Forage availability and costs play into producer confidence and their relationships with animal health pros. Source: Progressive Forage, May 1, 2025. Link. Related: Tips to manage cow-calf pairs through a drought, UNL Beef, April 1, 2025. … [Read more...]
Where are the horses in the U.S.?
The map from the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census can help animal health pros visualize where the majority of horses live in the U.S. Wild and feral horses are likely not captured in this population depiction. The American Horse Council estimates that there are about 6.6 million horses currently in the U.S. <Link>. Source: Brandiwyne Tack & Feed, Facebook, April 19, … [Read more...]
FDA approves PRRS-resistant pig
After years testing a rainbow of pigs, Genus has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the gene-edited PRRS-resistant pig in the U.S. food supply chain. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 28, 2025. Link. Addressing PRRS can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of raising pigs. Recent research indicates that PRRS … [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...]
PBI-Gordon Companies acquires TriviumVet
The acquisition of TriviumVet brings the addition of an innovative new product, Felycin®-CA1, to the PRN® Pharmacal portfolio of products. Felycin is the only FDA conditionally approved drug for the management of ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), one of the most common and life-threatening diseases in cats. TriviumVet adds … [Read more...]
Large animal internship guidelines emphasize mentorship, supervision, outcomes
It’s a first! AVMA’s Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines and Veterinary Large Animal Ambulatory Internship Guidelines outline the structure of a successful large animal internship for both scenarios, accounting for issues specific to working in such practices. Source: AVMA, April 28, 2025. Link. The internship guidelines say that such programs should be a one-year … [Read more...]
Better feed, fewer burps: Scientists target dairy gas emissions
University of Florida research provides a different perspective on methane gas which is consistently under fire in the greenhouse gas dialogue. When cows’ stomachs make methane, they lose valuable energy that could otherwise be used to make milk or meat. Keeping methane in is better than having it come out. The researchers investigated a potential dairy cattle … [Read more...]
Lowering unit cost of production in cow-calf herds
Although the beef market remains strong, there is a limit to how much an animal will bring in the marketplace. At some point, cow-calf producers must consider managing input costs to yield higher profits. Aaron Berger shares ways to address the costs of production in this article. Source: The Stockman, April 2025. Link. Commentary Historically, producers often reduced … [Read more...]
Tick control may be possible from exposed animals’ immune systems
Could it be? New Washington State University research reveals that animals like deer mice, rabbits and cattle can develop resistance to tick bites. And once they do, tick populations start to plummet. Ticks feeding on previously exposed animals were 23 percent less likely to reach adulthood, and female ticks that did survive produced 32 percent fewer larvae. Simulations … [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...]
New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks
Content provided by Merck Animal Health A new survey of AAEP members builds on a 2023 survey of horse owners, where researchers sought to better understand of owners’ knowledge and awareness of biosecurity practices for preventing infectious disease in the United States. The results of both surveys reveal many horse owners underestimate infectious disease risks and only take … [Read more...]
Mental health considerations for cats
We often see articles about the mental health and emotional benefits cats provide to us when we suffer with mental health issues. But do cats experience sadness? Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares what we need to know and consider when it comes to the mental health care of our cats in this article from the ASPCA® Pet Health Program. Hauser covers feline depression, anxiety and … [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...]
The economic case for saving human jobs
Commentary Already fatigued by the onslaught of AI-enabled communications, inquiries and robocalls, this article appeared to initiate thought beyond the current inconveniences. One would hope AI would eventually create more opportunities but Faisal Hoque shares a different perspective. How our societies and economies will deal with automation may have profound consequences … [Read more...]
Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
May will bring a plethora of content on mental health as society continues to address and prevent challenges of the mind and emotions. Suicide is always top of mind, but being more aware and less polarized by “mental health” can help avert crises. Whether one-on-one or communicating with your constituents, consistency is important. We’re sharing a few resources in the links … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 1, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 25, 2024. Link. Most read posts from April 25, 2025 AHD Bulletin – New guide to choosing a pet boarding facility. Link. April 25th. National hairball awareness day. Link. Selling the emotion. Link. MAVT Veterinary Technician licensure bill passed. Link. Environmental management key; … [Read more...]
Chewy Health president shares 3 trends revolutionizing pet healthcare
Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, shares shifts in pet parent behavior she believes to be shaping the future of veterinary care: An increasing focus on preventative health Greater adoption of digital tools A stronger commitment to building trusted, long-term relationships with veterinary teams Source: Forbes, April 25, 2025. … [Read more...]
New lifestage infographics support pet owner education and identify health needs
More than half of U.S. pet owners skip or decline needed veterinary care <Link>, according to a recent study. Veterinary care need not be out of reach for most pet owners, but educating them is required to improve adherence to important veterinary care. Two new infographics from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program will help animal health pros discuss wellness and … [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...]
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...]
Consider a pet insurance specialist as part of the veterinary team
Studies show that clients with insurance are more likely to pursue treatment plans and get advanced care for their pets. Liz Devitt, DVM, shares how dedicating a team member as a pet insurance specialist could be a win-win-win for clients, their pets and a veterinary practice. In this capacity, the specialist would be a resource, not a salesperson, to help pet owners select a … [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...]
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...]
Tractor Supply launches service to streamline pet prescriptions
Tractor Supply launched Tractor Supply Rx in a bid to enhance convenience for customers ordering pet and animal medications. Its features include automatic delivery through the Autoship program, access to expert pharmacy advice and a price match guarantee. The objective is to provide an easy, one-stop shopping destination for the 38 million Neighbor’s Club members, of whom 75 … [Read more...]
90 percent of animal owners trust, appreciate veterinary teams; underestimate the demands of the profession
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Going Beyond campaign seeks to spotlight aspects of veterinary work that often remain unseen and underrecognized. Compiled ahead of World Veterinary Day, the most recent global survey results reveal animal owners’ perceptions of the essential role that veterinarians play in animal health and community well-being and compare their perceptions to previous … [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...]