Source: Science A new study suggests that dogs blink in response to other dogs blinking, similar to how humans and primates unconsciously mimic blinks to bond. Researchers found that dogs watching videos of blinking dogs blinked 16% more often than when viewing non-blinking clips, indicating potential facial mimicry. While dogs likely aren’t aware of their reactions, experts […]
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Source: WIBW Cold temperatures and wind chill can pose serious risks to livestock health, making it essential for owners to monitor their animals closely. Dr. Jeff Van Petten, a veterinarian at Meriden Animal Hospital, explains that snow on a cow’s back is a good sign, indicating effective body heat retention. For horses, those accustomed to blankets […]
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Source: PHL17 News K9 Hurricane, a 16-year-old Belgian Malinois and former U.S. Secret Service Special Operations Canine, passed away, leaving behind a heroic legacy. In 2014, he famously stopped a White House intruder while President Obama and his family were inside, earning him numerous awards, including the DHS Award for Valor and the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished […]
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Source: AAHA The Dog Aging Project aims to extend and improve the lives of dogs by studying genetic and lifestyle factors that impact aging. A key area of research is the Test of Rapamycin in Aging Dogs (TRIAD) clinical trial, which examines whether low doses of rapamycin, a drug used in human medicine, can extend canine lifespan and improve healthspan—the […]
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Source: WWSB ABC7 News Pythiosis, a rare and often fatal fungal infection caused by Pythium insidiosum, has been reported in at least five dogs in Sarasota and Manatee Counties in the past month, with four cases proving fatal. The infection affects the skin or gastrointestinal tract of dogs, leading to sores, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and loss […]
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Source: AAHA The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has officially opposed the introduction of mid-level practitioners (MLPs) in Veterinary medicine, citing concerns about patient safety, quality of care, and regulatory challenges. MLPs, similar to nurse practitioners in human medicine, would be allowed to diagnose, create treatment plans, and perform surgeries with less training than veterinarians. AAHA argues […]
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Source: USA Today The closure of Save This Life, a national pet microchip registration company, has left many pet owners concerned about their ability to reunite with lost pets. The Texas-based company shut down without notice, leaving its website and customer service unresponsive. State records indicate its tax status as “Franchise Tax Involuntarily Ended.” Microchips, which store […]
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Source: WCTV Veterinarians face significant mental health challenges, with CDC research indicating they are two to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The immense emotional burden of their profession, including euthanasia decisions and client pressures, contributes to high rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Dr. Jeffrey Godbey, a beloved Tallahassee […]
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Source: K8 News Two new Arkansas laws, Acts 18 and 19, will impact Veterinary medicine. Act 18 legalizes Veterinary telemedicine, allowing veterinarians to provide remote consultations, while Act 19 permits Veterinary technicians to respond to emergency calls without a veterinarian present. Dr. Norette Underwood of Trumann Animal Clinic sees benefits, particularly in improving access to care, but […]
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Source: PsyPost A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science reveals that cats form different attachment styles—secure, anxious, or avoidant—which impact their behavior, stress levels, and oxytocin release. Researchers at South China Agricultural University analyzed 30 pet cats using a secure base test and home interaction observations. Securely attached cats engaged positively with their owners, while anxious cats sought […]
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Source: AAHA The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) application process has undergone major modifications to streamline licensing. Changes include allowing students in AVMA- and CVMA-accredited programs to take the exam in their final semester, increasing exam windows from three to four annually, and providing an open application process. These updates aim to reduce the time from graduation […]
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Source: dvm 360 Tashi, a 7-year-old Shih-Tzu, was diagnosed with retinal detachment in both eyes, leading to vision loss. Seeking treatment, her owners discovered that UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine had recently acquired a state-of-the-art microscope, making them the second facility in California capable of performing retinal reattachment surgery. The procedure, led by Dr. Soohyun Kim, involved […]
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Source: Kansas Livestock Association The Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSVDL) is warning livestock producers about Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a red blood cell parasite recently detected in calves imported to Kansas. This parasite causes theileriosis, leading to anemia, weakness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, death, with mortality rates reaching up to 30%. The disease is primarily transmitted through […]
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Source: Drovers Cattle prices have reached record highs in early 2025, driven by historically low herd numbers and strong beef demand. According to CattleFax projections at CattleCon in San Antonio, the U.S. cow herd is at its smallest in 65 years, with total inventory down to 86.7 million head. Slaughter levels are also decreasing, with a projected one million […]
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Source: Feedstuffs The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved the establishment of the Center for Comparative Genomics to advance research in animal genetics. A joint initiative of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the center will enhance genomic research and training opportunities. Led by Dr. William […]
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Source: PR Newswire Puppy Food Bank, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing food supplies to pet rescue organizations, has announced actor Ernie Hudson as its new national ambassador. Best known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters, Hudson has appeared in over 200 films and TV shows and currently stars in BET’s The Family Business. As an ambassador, Hudson will […]
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Source: PR Newswire The pet services industry faced challenges in 2024, including shifting consumer behavior, rising labor costs, and declining revenues, particularly in daycare services. In-home pet care gained market share in urban areas, pressuring traditional facilities to innovate. Inflation also influenced consumer spending, with price-sensitive pet owners seeking discounts and bundled services. Millennials and Gen […]
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Source: VIN News VCA Animal Hospitals is permanently closing at least 17 urgent care centers across five states, marking a shift from its previous expansion strategy. Originally launched in 2022, VCA’s urgent care centers aimed to provide same-day or next-day care for non-life-threatening conditions. However, closures in Texas, California, Colorado, Illinois, and Arizona suggest a reassessment […]
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Source: dvm 360 A study from the Dog Aging Project (DAP) at Texas A&M University and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine found that an owner’s age significantly influences their dog’s diet more than their education or income. Researchers analyzed data from over 40,000 dog owners, examining demographic factors and pet characteristics such as age, breed, and diet. The study revealed that 82% […]
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Source: dvm 360 The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved a proposal from Kansas State University’s (KSU) Olathe Innovation Campus to oversee scientific reviews of new animal food ingredient submissions for AAFCO’s Official Publication. This initiative replaces the previous FDA-supported “Ingredient Definition Request” process, which ended after the expiration of an MOU between AAFCO and the […]
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