Veterinary News,
Explained.

AAHA released new canine-specific diabetes management guidelines covering diagnosis, insulin therapy, monitoring, troubleshooting, hypoglycemia, concurrent disease, nutrition, and client support. AAHA separated the canine and feline guidelines to reflect important species differences in diabetes pathophysiology and management.

AAHA Trends published practical hospice and palliative-care guidance emphasizing repeated pain and quality-of-life scoring, advance escalation plans, clear after-hours instructions, and preparation for predictable pain flares before a crisis occurs.

AAHA reviewed radiography positioning aids such as radiolucent troughs, wedges, sandbags, straps, tape, and other supports that can improve positioning, reduce repeats, and make hands-free radiography more achievable.

USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System began Phase I of a national equine industry study on August 1, 2026. Selected operations across all 50 states will provide data on care, disease occurrence, veterinary-service use, and horses considered at risk or in vocational transition.

AAHA Trends reported USDA approval of TruCan Ultra Lyme-L4, described as the first 0.5 mL combination Lyme and four-serovar leptospirosis vaccine for dogs. The article reviews current recommendations, exposure risk, and the potential value of reducing injection count.

A clinical review examines indications, calculations, expected effects, and risks of sodium bicarbonate therapy in small animals. The topic includes severe metabolic acidosis, selected toxicities, electrolyte effects, ventilation requirements, and the danger of treating a number without addressing the cause.

A current review summarizes periodontal disease in dogs and cats, including plaque biofilm, gingivitis, attachment loss, bone destruction, clinical staging, prevention, and the need for examination and treatment below the gumline.

A 2026 article series on feline medical emergencies discusses triage and stabilization priorities before addressing shock, dyspnea, feline aortic thromboembolism, and anemia.

AVMA reported on the release of first diagnostic guidelines for canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome and the push to identify earlier disease stages.

AAHA explains how annual wellness testing can help veterinarians track changes over time and tailor care to an individual pet.

AVMA covered the argument that long-held human beliefs about cats can shape feline health, welfare, and access to care.

AAHA published a reader-friendly article on how cats hide pain, how behavior changes can signal discomfort, and how practical tools such as grimace scales, pain checklists, and home videos can help owners and veterinary teams catch problems earlier.

AVMA highlighted how better understanding feline behavior can improve diagnosis, clinical interpretation, and the human-animal bond.