Texas A&M Veterinary Team Saves Cat From Life-Threatening Blockage Caused By Wine Cork

Vlad the Impaler, a black and white cat, laying on a purple towel with his feet folded under him
Vlad the Impaler

Vlad the Impaler, a 4-year-old tuxedo cat, is completely unlike his namesake, the infamous 15th century ruler of what is now Romania, who earned both his nickname and reputation for his brutality.   

“Our Vlad is the most friendly cat ever,” said owner Danielle Hardt. “He’ll go up to anybody and rub on them.” 

So, when Vlad suddenly began vomiting and stopped eating, Danielle and husband David Hardt ’96, immediately knew something was wrong, and their routine day soon shifted to panic as their usually playful, outgoing cat became extremely lethargic.

“He usually wants to explore, be with us, and be curious about everything, but all of a sudden, he just laid there,” Danielle said. 

The Hardts quickly took him to their local veterinarian, where he was treated for nausea and dehydration. But when his condition did not improve, they knew it was time to take him to a local emergency hospital. 

“Within 24 hours, he seemed to be doing worse,” David said. “It was 5 p.m. on Friday, the 4th of July, and we jumped in the car and headed straight to Texas A&M.”

At the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH), a veterinary team was able to determine the cause of his troubles, providing intensive treatment to remove a serious intestinal blockage that has allowed Vlad the Impaler to return to enjoying time with his family and being a menace only to the trees he climbs and the squirrels he chases.

Clawing For Answers

When Vlad arrived at the SATH’s Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) service, Dr. Shayna Doyle, a third-year resident veterinarian, and Dr. Molly Haman, a second-year resident veterinarian, worked in collaboration with a team of board-certified specialists to diagnose and treat his case. 

“He was very sick and dehydrated when he arrived,” Haman said. “His initial bloodwork showed a pattern that is classically seen in an upper gastrointestinal obstruction and indicated that he had a kidney injury.”

“Overnight while Vlad was in the ER, he suddenly became very weak and he developed neurologic signs,” she said. “He also began having trouble breathing, so the team didn’t want to take him straight to surgery due to his critical condition.”

 X-rays showed that he may have had a blockage, and an abdominal ultrasound ultimately revealed the exact location of the object lodged in Vlad’s small intestine. 

Vlad the Impaler, a black and white cat, laying on his back in a hallway

“The ultrasound confirmed Vlad had a foreign body obstruction,” Haman said. “It explained all his clinical signs and the complications he developed from having a foreign object stuck in his GI tract for 4 days. Unfortunately, his platelet count, or the number of cells that clot blood, was extremely low, making surgery risky.”

Because Vlad’s ability to form clots was impaired, his team prepared special blood products in case he needed a transfusion and set up continuous blood pressure monitoring to keep a close watch on him. Soon, Vlad’s team began a procedure to find the blockage causing him so much discomfort.

A Precise ‘Purr’-cedure

During surgery, the team finally discovered the source of Vlad’s blockage.

“We found a little cork material in his intestine,” Doyle said. “The owners drink wine, and they think he got into a cork that was left outside in the backyard.”

The cork had completely blocked Vlad’s intestine but, fortunately, had not damaged the intestinal wall.

“That was the good news,” Doyle said. “The obstruction was severe, but the tissue was still healthy enough for us to fix.”

The team carefully removed the cork, cleaned his belly to prevent infection, and placed several stitches.

“Once everything was cleaned and closed, we moved him to our intensive care unit so he could start recovering,” Doyle said. 

‘Paws’-itive Progress

After overcoming so many bumps in the road, Vlad gradually regained his strength.

“He was a huge fan favorite; everyone just loved him,” Haman said. “He is an absolute character and  such a cuddle bug too — he was just excited to see us every day.”

Likewise, Danielle and David enjoyed interacting with Vlad’s care team daily as they stayed in close contact with the hospital staff and faculty throughout Vlad’s surgery and recovery.

“Everybody was just so compassionate and had such great bedside manners,” David said. “We could just tell the sincerity in everybody we interacted with.”

After about 10 days in the hospital, Vlad’s bloodwork returned to normal, he regained his appetite, and he was strong enough to go home.

Feline Fine

Vlad the Impaler, a black and white cat, with black cats on either side of him, laying outside in the shade
Vlad relaxing in the backyard with the Hardts’ other cats, Bela Lugosi and Wednesday Adams.

Now that he is fully recovered, Vlad is back to his normal, mischievous, active self.

“He plays fetch with little sparkle balls and drops them in our hands like a dog,” David said. “He’ll climb — the other day he had to be a good 30 feet up in one of our oak trees. He just runs up there and runs back down.

“He recovered like absolutely nothing happened,” he said. “All his fur grew back in, and he’s had a 100% rebound.”

Despite their household being divided between two universities — Danielle, a University of Texas alumna, and David, a Texas A&M University alumnus — both appreciated how the Aggie hospital team worked seamlessly across specialties to take care of their special cat.

“I told Danielle, ‘You’re going to have to just accept that your favorite kitten is an Aggie,’” David said. “And she said, ‘Well, I married an Aggie, so I guess I can deal with my cat being an Aggie, too.’

“We’d 100% recommend A&M to anyone,” David said. “I knew if the Aggies couldn’t save him, no one could.”

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

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Counting Down To Commencement: BIMS Senior Reflects On The Passions, People That Shaped Her Veterinary Dreams

Christine Wang in front of the VENI horse statues
Christine Wang
Photos by Hannah Treider ’26, VMBS Communications

Senior biomedical sciences (BIMS) major Christine Wang has three major pieces of advice for students: “find your passions, find your people, and don’t give up.”

These have been important lessons she has learned during her own undergraduate journey at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS). Throughout her four years as a BIMS student, she not only gained the skills needed for her next big endeavor — a degree in veterinary medicine — but she also built self-confidence in her ability to persevere through tough times. 

Now, as her Dec. 18 graduation nears, Wang is even more committed — and prepared — to reaching her goal, no matter what challenges she might face.

A Passion For Veterinary Medicine

While growing up in Round Rock, Texas, Wang never dreamed of any career path besides veterinary medicine.

“I remember back in elementary school, we had a career day to dress up and present on what we wanted to be when we grew up,” she said. “I came in with a little stuffed animal and my white vet coat. This has just always been something that I’ve wanted to do.”

When it came time to choose a university, Wang was drawn to Texas A&M both for its well-established veterinary program and its culture. Majoring in BIMS would also give her the chance to become familiar with the VMBS, where she hoped to one day enroll as a veterinary student.

“I felt like because A&M has a vet school, they could provide me with resources and classes to set me up for success,” she said. “Plus, the Aggie traditions make this place feel a lot smaller than it is. At my New Student Conference, everybody was really friendly and welcoming.”

During her summers as a student, Wang continued to focus on veterinary medicine by shadowing local veterinarians to learn more about life in a veterinary practice.

“It was so cool just getting to be in that environment and see firsthand how their days go and what responsibilities they take on,” she said. “I learned a lot just by being there, even from the little things like phone calls and talking to the owners, and it definitely helped remind me why I want to become a vet and how the work that goes into that is going to be worth it.”

Building A Community

Christine Wang wearing a graduation cap and gown walking in front of purple flowers

Texas A&M has provided Wang with more than just a degree — it also has introduced her to a circle of friends who have provided endless support and encouragement. 

“It’s very important to have a support group; for me, at least, that really did get me through every day,” Wang said. “My friends are definitely my biggest supporters — they’re very understanding, empathetic, and encouraging. They always remind me of who I am, and I really do appreciate that.”

Wang also found support through the BIMS Advising Office, especially from her primary adviser, office director Jacob Clough.

“He provided me with a lot of good advice for academics and for personal situations I was going through, and I could tell that he genuinely wanted what was best for me,” she said. “I know he’s always there if I need anything.”

Likewise, a connection she made through shadowing gave Wang a wealth of encouragement and advice on pursuing a veterinary career.

“Megan, a practice manager and veterinary technician, was very encouraging and patient with me. She’d always let me try things at least once, and she let me peek over her shoulder all the time,” Wang said. “We were able to talk about everything, from our personal struggles to how we got into veterinary medicine. Even in the hard moments when I questioned if this is the right path for me, she was always there encouraging me.”

Keep Pushing Forward

Because the BIMS program is designed to prepare students for rigorous advanced degree programs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and more, it includes a variety of high-level science classes such as organic chemistry and physiology.

When Wang began to feel challenged by her courses, she used every tool at her disposal — from office hours to tutoring — to get ahead. Although she struggled at times, she’s now thankful for those challenges and how they made her a stronger student and future veterinarian.

“Knowing that I could overcome one of many hard classes for this degree instilled in me to keep going at it,” she said. “Yes, those times were tough, but I would not be who I am today without them.”

Now, Wang’s looking forward to spending a year gaining animal experience, possibly as a veterinary technician, before diving into veterinary school applications. No matter what the future holds, she’s confident in her ability to persevere and do what needs to be done to live out her dreams.

“It’s important to ground yourself, set a goal that you’re passionate about, and remind yourself what you’re working for and why you want it,” Wang said. “For me, I know that it’s all going to be worth it so that I’m able to become what I’ve always wanted to be.”

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

Small Cell GI Lymphoma: A Hidden Cancer Behind Feline Digestive Issues

A fluffy brown and white cat with bright green eyes

It’s not unusual for cats to have the occasional upset stomach, but when issues persist, something more serious could be going on.

One possible hidden cause is small cell gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma, a type of cancer that develops in the digestive tract and interferes with how the body absorbs nutrients. Because its signs resemble many common stomach issues, it can be hard to recognize.

Dr. Regina Hayburn, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares what cat owners should know about small cell GI lymphoma, from recognizing warning signs to understanding how it’s diagnosed and treated.

Understanding The Disease & Its Signs

Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes — immune cells that help the body fight infection — that causes both an overproduction of these cells and hinders their ability to function as they should. Because the GI tract contains a large number of these cells, it’s a common place for lymphoma to develop in cats.

“Small cell GI lymphoma is the most common cancer of a cat’s digestive system and a highly prevalent feline cancer overall,” Hayburn said. “It can form anywhere along the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine, or colon.”

This cancer is thought to be a spectrum of disease with inflammatory bowel disease, which is characterized by chronic inflammation in the GI tract that leads to abnormalities in the intestinal walls. This can alter how food and water move through the system and are absorbed.

Unlike large cell GI lymphoma — a much rarer form that causes sudden, severe illness — small cell GI lymphoma develops slowly, with signs often progressing over months to years.

“Because of the impaired motility and absorption, chronic vomiting and diarrhea are common, along with weight loss and decreased appetite, although some cats maintain a normal or even increased appetite in early stages,” Hayburn said. “As the disease progresses, cats often stop eating, vomit more frequently, and become increasingly lethargic and generally unwell due to chronic illness and weight loss.”

Getting A Diagnosis

Because symptoms resemble other digestive issues, the condition can be difficult to identify without proper testing. Bloodwork to evaluate overall health is an important first step.

While an abdominal ultrasound can show thickened GI wall layers or changes to the intestinal walls, it can’t confirm cancer. The only way to definitively diagnose GI lymphoma is through a tissue biopsy — removing a tissue sample for microscopic examination.

“Tissue biopsy can be done by endoscopy or surgery,” Hayburn said. “Endoscopic biopsies are minimally invasive but obtain really small pieces of tissue. Surgical biopsies can collect tissue samples from different parts of the intestine and include full intestinal thickness samples, but the con of this is that it’s an open-abdomen surgery.”

Once tissue is collected, veterinarians use additional tests to distinguish GI lymphoma from conditions like irritable bowel disease, which appears similar under ultrasound but requires different treatment.

Treatment Options

Small cell GI lymphoma is treatable but often requires long-term chemotherapy.

“The most common treatments involve oral chemotherapy (Chlorambucil) given at home and oral steroids (prednisolone). These medications can be given long-term and help control this disease for years,” Hayburn said. “This is generally well tolerated, but oral medications can be challenging for some cats.”

Because of this, veterinarians at Texas A&M are exploring new treatment options.

“We have a clinical trial generously funded by EveryCat Health looking at using radiation therapy in relapse cases, or those that did not see improvement with chemotherapy,” Hayburn said. “This would make treatment easier for cats who are difficult to orally medicate or who don’t like frequent veterinary visits.”

When undergoing chemotherapy treatment, success is measured by how the cat feels rather than imaging results.

“Abdominal ultrasounds might still show visible signs of the cancer even when the cat is feeling much better,” Hayburn said. “As long as the cat’s physical symptoms are managed — where the cat is eating well, gaining weight, and having minimal to no vomiting and diarrhea — the treatment plan is likely effective and doesn’t need to be changed.”

With early detection and attentive care, many cats go on to live happy, comfortable lives for years after diagnosis.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.

Texas A&M Pathology Team Earns National Awards

Reams and Chu shaking hands and exchanging an award
ACVP president Dr. Rachel Reams and Dr. Candice Chu

Faculty, students, and residents from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (VMBS) Department of Veterinary Pathobiology (VTPB) brought home several awards from two national veterinary meetings this fall.

VTPB was well-represented at both the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) annual meeting, held in New Orleans from Oct. 25-28, and the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) annual meeting, held in Aurora, Colorado, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5.

“Texas A&M is known for having a collegial and supportive environment,” said Dr. Candice Chu, an assistant professor. “Our anatomic pathology residents are always present to cheer for the clinical pathology talks and vice versa, which is not always the case at other institutions. The fact that our faculty and trainees consistently receive awards reflects both our active participation in our professional societies and the strong mentoring culture that elevates the quality of residency training.”

At the ACVP meeting, Chu received the Wendy Coe Leadership Award for her service on the ACVP Website Redesign Working Group and Dr. Raquel Rech, a clinical associate professor, received the Mid-Career Excellence Award for her reputation as a wonderful and inspiring educator and her expertise in pathology.

Three veterinary residents were also recognized at the ACVP meeting:

A group of students holding ribbons on stage
Texas A&M’s winning “Pathletes” team
  • Dr. Tajh Boston, a clinical pathology resident, received the Davis-Thompson Foundation’s Pathology Trainee and Scholarship Award for her outstanding achievements in veterinary pathology.
  • Dr. Sarah Jacobson, a clinical pathology resident, received third place in the ACVP Young Investigator Award competition’s clinical pathology focused area.
  • Jacobson and Dr. Yumi Chang, a Ph.D. student, received $500 Share the Future Presentation Travel Grants.

At the AAVLD conference, anatomic pathology resident Dr. Margaret Odom received a joint AAVLD and ACVP Diagnostic Pathology Travel Award for her original and creative oral presentation on parasitic nematodes in capybaras.

Finally, a team of Texas A&M students won first place in the gross pathology “Pathletes” competition held during the Student Engagement Committee’s networking breakfast.

“I was a Ph.D. student when I first attended ACVP in 2016 in New Orleans, and I still remember the excitement of receiving the Young Investigator Award at that time,” Chu said. “Nine years later, returning as faculty feels like a full circle moment. Now I have the privilege of watching my own residents and students present on stage. I truly could not be prouder of them.”

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

Leadership In Action: Texas A&M BIMS Student Prepares For Career In Emergency Medicine

Ujwal in a graduation cap and gown looking off center in front of the VENI building, with the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences name etched into the stone.
Ujwal Boinpally
Photo by Nadya Pichkasova, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

When Ujwal Boinpally walks the commencement stage on Dec. 18, he won’t just be celebrating his new undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences (BIMS) — he’ll be reflecting on the many experiences from the past four years that have shaped his career goals, his unique skillset, and his passions.

From conducting psychiatric research to saving lives as an emergency medical technician (EMT), Boinpally has spent his time at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) developing himself into a well-rounded future doctor.

His hard work and dedication also have earned him the special role of carrying the VMBS’ gonfalon, a special flag representing the college, at the graduation ceremony. Just as he leads and represents his class there, Boinpally will be sure to emerge as a medical leader in the years to come.

From Machines To Medicine

Growing up in Irving, Texas, Boinpally assumed that he would likely pursue a career in engineering or computer science like his parents. He even spent his time at Coppell High School as part of the Solar Car Club, building solar-powered cars and taking them to races.

“Both of my parents are software engineers, so that’s where I thought was going to end up,” he said. “I did a lot of computer science classes in high school. But when I was applying to college, I realized that while I like computer science, it’s not really something I want to do for my career.”

Focusing instead on his interest in biology and how he enjoyed interacting with people, Boinpally pivoted to consider a career in medicine and quickly found a mentor in his own doctor, Dr. Timothy Thomason ’98, a BIMS graduate who went on to become a successful ear, nose, and throat specialist in Irving.

With Thomason’s influence, Boinpally decided to follow a similar path by pursuing a BIMS degree at Texas A&M.

“I really like the culture here and that it’s a huge school,” Boinpally said. “Anything you want to do is out there for you to discover. I wanted that college experience, to move away from home for a little while and figure things out on my own. Texas A&M has that kind of environment.”

Discovering Research

Students Ujwal and Caleb standing in front of their research poster
Caleb Chambers and Boinpally with their research poster

One of the unique experiences Boinpally had at Texas A&M was the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research by working in labs on campus, the first of which was with Dr. Aref Zarin in the Department of Biology.

“We were studying motor movements in fruit flies, and it was my introduction into combining data analysis with biology,” Boinpally said. “The computer science merging with biology and medicine was really interesting to me.”

That experience led Boinpally to add a bioinformatics minor to his degree plan and to pursue another research position on campus, this time in the Psychiatric Genetics Lab at the Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine.

Boinpally’s project focused on substance use disorders and culminated in a published research article in Explorations (see page 40), a journal dedicated to student research at Texas A&M.

“The paper is about how different aspects of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect alcohol use outcomes in the future, specifically within the Latino population,” he said. “We found that hyperactivity is more likely to promote bad alcohol use outcomes versus inattentiveness. It’s also more pronounced in males than females.”

While focused solely on data analysis right now, this work could potentially lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for psychiatric disorders.

In addition to faculty members Drs. John Hettema and Shaunna Clark, Ph.D. student Amy Adams was a big influence on Boinpally during his time with the lab.

“She was a huge help with learning the R programming language for data analysis as well as with my medical school applications, since she’s an MD/Ph.D. student herself,” Boinpally said. “If there was one person who helped me the most during my time at A&M, it was probably her.”

Finding His Niche

Ujwal in a graduation cap and gown in the VENI main hallway
Boinpally
Photo by Nadya Pichkasova, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Boinpally also has spent his time in college exploring career paths through student organizations — including the Apprentice Doctor-Medical Chapter at Texas A&M and the American Medical Student Association — and as a supplemental instruction leader for physics.

However, it ended up being his off-campus experiences that had the most impact in shaping his career goals — to become an emergency doctor or trauma surgeon working on the front lines to save lives on a daily basis.

Boinpally spent six months of his junior year working as an EMT in Bryan, seeing a mix of routine transports and emergency cases from rural areas around town.

“In college, it’s pretty rare to be able to treat a patient by yourself, so this was a good experience to have that pressure and know what it feels like,” he said. “It’s just you in the back of the truck with your patient and if things go wrong, you have to think on the fly. You can learn a lot from textbooks, but you have to really be there and experience it to know what to do when things deviate from the textbook examples.”

Boinpally also worked as a scribe for a local emergency room, documenting cases for doctors and seeing the day-to-day life of an ER clinician. Finally, during his breaks from classes, he returned home to shadow his mentor, Thomason.

“That was cool, seeing how he interacts with other people and watching his surgeries,” Boinpally said. “It showed me how I want to treat my own patients as a doctor. It was a really good experience, and getting to see how the actual job is done, with someone I actually know, put it all into perspective.”

Ready For The Next Steps

Having completed his BIMS degree, Boinpally is excited to begin medical school in the fall, the next step in his educational journey.

Although a career in emergency medicine is his ultimate goal, he’s also hoping to continue conducting research in the future.

“I feel like if I didn’t want to become a doctor, I’d probably go into research,” he said. “As I’ve been interviewing at medical schools, one of the things I’ve been asking is how their students are involved in research and able to integrate that into their careers.”

During his break from school over the next several months, Boinpally plans to work as an EMT in Dallas while also taking some much-needed time to relax and travel.

For now, he’s excited for his friends and family to see him leading the charge at graduation, an honor that reflects his many outstanding accomplishments and endeavors during his time as a BIMS student at Texas A&M.

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

Em-bark-ing On A Holiday Getaway: Tips For Traveling With Pets

A brown and white dog laying in a kennel with a pink toy

The holiday season brings fun, food, and family, but for some, the travel it takes to get there can be chaotic and stressful. For pet owners hoping to include their furry friends in the festivities, a little extra planning can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and happy trip.

Dr. Christine Rutter, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers helpful tips for pet owners to consider before hitting the road with their furry companions.

On The Road Again

Whether your pet is a confident “road dog” or a cautious “‘fraidy cat,” their comfort level with travel should guide how you plan and prepare.

According to Rutter, pets accompanying their owners on holiday trips should feel safe and not as if they are being uprooted from the normal routines that bring them comfort and security.

“Some pets are extremely anxious in new environments and won’t settle down, won’t eat or eliminate on a leash, or will bark at every noise or new animals in their environment,” she said. “Other pets are very chill about traveling, love a car ride, and are perfectly happy in new environments; this usually happens because owners have done ‘practice trips’ with the pet to let them know that changing environments is OK.”

When spending an extended amount of time in a vehicle, Rutter recommends offering your pet entertainment and treats as a distraction from the road bumps and swift turns.

“I usually bring familiar food, a few familiar toys, and any needed medications in a ‘go bag,’” Rutter said.

Owners can also help reduce pets’ anxiety during travel by getting them used to being in a crate, riding in a car, and being in crowded and noisy environments before the actual trip occurs.

“Acclimating your pet to their travel arrangements and new environments before the trip is key,” Rutter said. “The other precaution that I recommend is to look up emergency veterinary hospitals along your route and preemptively investigate ‘daycare’ or boarding options if you plan to visit a location during your trip that does not allow pets.”

When preparing for a road trip, Rutter’s priorities for owners include:

  • Restraining pets with a crate or barrier while riding in a car
  • Making sure pets are leash trained and comfortable eliminating while on a leash
  • Locating pet-friendly hotels
  • Never leaving pets unattended in a hotel room, as this can lead to barking and significant anxiety
  • Never leaving pets unattended in a car — no matter the time of year

In addition, owners should be mindful of their pet’s need for breaks. Similar to humans, dogs and cats need to stretch their legs after a few hours of being in the car; the frequency of these breaks will depend on the pet’s health status and normal activity levels of the pet — more active dogs may need to get out more often and walk around.

Key to all of this is identifying the particular needs of your furry friend to ensure they’re comfortable being away from home.

Flight Travel Pre-purr-ations

Preparation is also especially important for plane travel with pets because airlines may have different rules on paperwork and crate requirements. Owners set on bringing a furry friend on board should contact the airline well in advance to make sure they are informed on the rules and expectations that plane travel with pets entails.

Taking weight and breed restrictions into consideration is vital if you want your pet to travel in a carrier at your feet rather than the common cargo hold.

“Particularly, many airlines will also have breed limitations that exclude brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds from unattended travel,” Rutter said.

Owners should talk to the airline and their veterinarian ahead of time about potential health concerns for brachycephalic breeds.

“Travel is hard, even for people who know what is going on,” Rutter said. “Many flights are quite long, and the process of check-in, flight, landing, and reclaiming the pet can be stressful and complicated.”

Because complications of air travel are more and more common, managing the logistics of a pet through those complications can be extremely hard, Rutter said.

For this reason, the pet’s veterinarian may prescribe a sedative medication to help ease nerves. Rutter advises doing a trial run of the medication at home so that you can know what to expect.

Bringing a pet along for your holiday festivities can be a great idea; after all, for many of us, pets are an important part of the family. A little extra planning for their comfort will help ensure your trip is filled with calm rides, cozy cuddles, and cheerful memories.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.

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VMBS’ Lea Poellmann Wins Texas A&M’s 2025 Three Minute Thesis Competition

Lea Poellmann and Dr. Fuhui Tong with the first place 3MT award trophy.
Lea Poellmann and Dr. Fuhui Tong
Photos by Butch Ireland

Poellmann’s presentation on research to help save dogs from a freshwater parasite takes top honors in the annual research presentation competition.

Sharing a story that tugged at the heartstrings and sparked research that will save the lives of pets, biomedical sciences Ph.D. student Lea Poellmann delivered the top presentation in Texas A&M University’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) final competition.

Poellmann’s “Mapping the Hidden Threat to Man’s Best Friend: Heterobilharzia americana in the Southwest,” bested nine other finalists and a record pool of 85 preliminary competitors to earn both the overall title and tops in the doctoral division.

Biomedical engineering’s Thalma Orado placed second in the doctoral division for her presentation “Green Means Go! A Color-Changing Smart Material for Dressing Chronic Wounds.” The People’s Choice award went to Paria Dehghanian from orthodontics and biomedical sciences for “When Tendons Become Bone: Building the Joint that Shapes Every Word and Bite.” Dehghanian’s award was a first in the 3MT competition for the College of Dentistry.

Prajina Neupane from soil and crop sciences won in the master’s division with her presentation, “Chicken Manure Incorporation and Biochar Co-Application Mitigate Nitrous Oxide Emissions.” Rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management’s Abigail Dwelle placed second with “From Helicopters to Habitat: Mapping Javelina across Southern Texas.” Mechanical engineering’s Valentina Torres Nieto was the People’s Choice winner for “Designing Composite Materials for a Sustainable Future.

Event Details

The stage and crowd at the Texas A&M 3MT competition

This was the thirteenth time the Graduate and Professional School at Texas A&M has held a 3MT competition. Developed by the University of Queensland in 2008, 3MT aims to improve graduate students’ research communication skills by giving them just three minutes and one slide to explain complex ideas to the general public.

Dr. Adam Seipp, professor of history and associate dean for graduate studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, served as emcee.

Competition judges were:

  • Karla Castillo, news anchor and executive producer for KBTX
  • Kristen Gunn, assistant vice president for creative and storytelling in Texas A&M’s Division of Marketing and Communications
  • Julie Kopycinski, chief government relations officer for Texas A&M
  • David Staack, deputy vice chancellor for research at the Texas A&M System
  • Patrick Williams, vice president for development at the Texas A&M Foundation
  • Zahra Ghiasi, chemical engineering doctoral student and 2024 Texas A&M 3MT winner

A Historic Win For The VMBS

Poellmann’s win marks a historic first overall win for the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) in the 13 years Texas A&M has held the 3MT competition.

Her presentation shared how the loss of a Labrador retriever named Drake inspired her team to investigate the spread of a freshwater parasite in the Southwestern United States that can cause serious illness in dogs. The research initiative, known as The Drake Project, found that the parasite is far more prevalent than was previously estimated and aims to protect pets by mapping and understanding this hidden threat.

“I am genuinely thrilled!” Poellmann said after her win. “The competition was a lot of fun and really meaningful, as it gave me the chance to share a project that matters so much to me.

“Watching my fellow presenters break down complex, ground-breaking science was something I genuinely admired,” she said. “It reflects how strongly Texas A&M supports its graduate students and how much innovation comes out of the research environment we have here, which is exactly what makes it such an inspiring place to be.”

Lea Poellmann giving her presentation on stage
Poellmann

Poellmann credits her mentor, assistant professor Dr. Kathleen Aicher, for encouraging her to compete.

“Dr. Aicher encouraged me to try 3MT,” she said. “Competing showed me how much we can discover about ourselves when we step into something new, which is why I would encourage anyone who is considering 3MT to simply try it. You grow from it no matter the outcome.”

Aicher credited Poellmann’s deeply personal commitment to her research for her ability to talk so passionately about it.

“Her research constantly places her in contact with the families and veterinarians of dogs affected by this parasite, which provides a constant reminder of ‘why’ she is doing this work,” Aicher said. “She has both celebrated the successes and mourned the losses of many of these beloved dogs. It’s effortless for her to communicate her research to those around her, as it comes directly from her heart. She is working to save the lives of dogs, and her research will absolutely accomplish that.”

Dr. Bonnie Rush, dean of the VMBS, emphasized the significance of Poellmann’s achievement.

“We are so proud of Lea’s exceptional work,” Rush said. “Congratulations to her and Dr. Aicher. The vision and scholarship of the Gastrointestinal Laboratory provided the infrastructure and support for her success. Pairing our competition with community outreach was a great way to show off A&M’s impact to our stakeholders.”

Looking ahead, Poellmann is eager to compete in the regional 3MT competition in February at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools’ Annual Meeting, this year to be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“I love this university and it is an absolute honor to represent Texas A&M and the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences,” she said. “The research focuses on a real and widespread risk for dogs in the United States, so it is a topic many people immediately connect with. The story of how our research initiative originated is something I experienced firsthand, so the emotions I try to convey are genuine. I think that authenticity is what resonates with people.”

Associate Provost and Grad School Dean Dr. Fuhui Tong congratulated this year’s finalists and noted the competition’s role in fostering research communication skills.

“From the winning presentation to others on using beneficial bacteria to protect infrastructure, developing smart bandages that signal infection, and building better makerspace networks to train future engineers, tonight’s finalists showcased the extraordinary research happening at Texas A&M,” Tong said. “We are proud of their achievements and inspired by their commitment to making a positive impact, as well as by their investment in learning to communicate their work effectively.”

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

Stopping The Spread Of EHV-1: Five Things To Know About Equine Herpesvirus

A group of brown horses eating in a pasture

Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a highly contagious virus in horses that can cause respiratory disease, reproductive issues, and neurologic disease. Because infected horses can spread the virus for an extended period of time, it’s especially important that owners take precautions during outbreaks.

Dr. Jared Janke, a clinical associate professor of equine internal medicine at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares five things horse owners should know about EHV-1.

1. EHV-1 Can Be Spread In Multiple Ways

EHV-1 spreads between horses through direct contact, airborne transmission in distances less than 30 feet, and indirect transmission by people and equipment.

“Quarantining and reducing exposure is vital because the virus spreads easily and can transmit from horse to horse before any clinical signs appear,” Janke said. “Preventing the movement of exposed horses helps cut off main transmission routes.”

It’s also especially important to avoid sharing any grooming equipment, water and feed sources, or other tools between infected and healthy horses, as the virus can survive in the environment for several weeks.

Likewise, owners and horse handlers should change their clothes and thoroughly wash their hands and arms after caring for infected horses.

2. The Virus Can Cause A Variety Of Clinical Signs

This herpesvirus causes three main categories of symptoms — respiratory, reproductive, and neurologic. The neurologic form, which causes a condition known as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), is the most dangerous and transmissible.

If a horse becomes infected with EHV-1, clinical signs typically appear within five to 10 days, but that period may be prolonged in cases of EHM.

EHM signs, caused by damage to blood vessels in the spinal cord and brain, often include high fever, lack of coordination, weakness, urinary dribbling (incontinence), and decreased sensation in the tail and perineal area.

Less commonly, the horse may show symptoms related to the brain, such as neurologic facial signs and head tilt.

Other non-neurologic signs of EHV-1 may include nasal discharge, coughing, and pregnancy loss in broodmares.

“Fever is the most consistent sign identified in EHV-1 infections, but it is usually not persistent,” Janke said. “It can come and go throughout the day, so owners should conduct temperature readings at least twice daily.

“The most concerning signs to watch for include fever, lethargy, limb incoordination, weakness, weak tail tone, and urine dribbling,” he said. “These signs can progress to an inability to stand, known as recumbency.”

3. Diagnosis And Reporting Are Key

If a horse is showing signs of EHV-1, its owner should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to discuss diagnosis, treatment, and quarantine.

“Any signs of fever along with hindlimb loss of coordination, urine dribbling, or weak tail tone should prompt an owner to isolate the horse, stop the movement of any animals in contact, and reach out to their veterinarian immediately,” Janke said. “Your veterinarian will help ensure that the proper diagnostic tests are performed and will notify their state’s animal health official of the ongoing situation.”

The virus can be diagnosed with a nasal swab and blood test that is sent to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Results are typically available in as little as one to two days.

Because the virus has high outbreak potential, the veterinarian will advise quarantining sick horses until diagnostic results are available.

“Owners must recognize that EHM is a reportable disease because of its highly contagious nature and the serious effects outbreaks can have on the horse industry,” Janke said. “Therefore, owners need to follow their veterinarian’s advice and the guidance of state animal health officials.”

4. Treatment Focuses On Managing Symptoms

A horse infected with EHV-1 will be quarantined based on the guidance of state animal health officials. This may include confinement at home or, if symptoms progress, receiving pre-approval to transport the horse to a veterinary facility equipped to isolate and manage EHV-1 infections.

Supportive care remains the primary approach for treating EHM, so infected horses are often given therapies like intravenous fluids and anti-inflammatory medications.

Antiviral medications are commonly considered; however, there remains a significant lack of solid evidence that they are beneficial, according to Janke.

“When these medications are used, they appear to be most beneficial when initiated before clinical signs or at very early stages of disease,” he said.

Unfortunately, once a horse loses its ability to stand, the condition becomes much more difficult to treat.

“The prognosis for horses with EHV-1 infections varies widely; however, most outbreaks of EHM have an overall 70-80% survival rate,” Janke said. “Horses with EHM that can still stand and show only mild to moderate neurologic signs have a good chance of recovery.”

An infected horse may continue shedding the virus even after symptoms are resolved, so it’s important to follow the guidance of your veterinarian and animal health officials. Repeated testing may be necessary before the horse is released from quarantine.

5. Prevention Is The Best Protection

Although EHV-1 vaccines are widely available, it is important to recognize that no current vaccine option directly prevents the clinical signs of EHV-1 infections, particularly EHM.

“The benefit of vaccination is that immunized horses may shed less virus, resulting in less contamination of the environment and other horses,” Janke said. “Your veterinarian can guide you on the selection of appropriate vaccine products for your horses.”

The best form of prevention remains keeping healthy horses away from infected horses and any equipment or people that have come into contact with EHV-1.

If there is an EHV-1 outbreak in your area, avoid traveling with horses until the outbreak is resolved and your local animal health officials have announced that it is safe to travel in the area.

Finally, if a horse is suspected to be sick or has been exposed to EHV-1, begin taking twice-daily rectal temperature readings and immediately separate it from other horses. Monitoring rectal temperatures throughout an outbreak event helps owners identify infected horses early.

“Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if your horse has been in contact with or is suspected to have been exposed to an infected horse,” Janke said. “This gives you a better chance of intervening early before clinical signs have developed. Your veterinarian can evaluate your horse’s risk of developing the disease and, in some cases, may prescribe preventive medications.”

In the event of an EHV-1 outbreak, the best steps an owner can take are closely monitoring their horses and acting immediately if infection is suspected. Simple precautions can make a big difference in stopping an EHV-1 outbreak in its tracks.

Pasture Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/tag/pasture-talk/. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.

Most Homemade Dog Diets Are Not Nutritionally Complete, Texas A&M Researchers Find

A brown dog being fed a diet of raw meat and fruit

Over the last two decades, homemade diets have seen a rise in popularity among dog owners. However, new research from the Dog Aging Project (DAP) reveals that most homemade diets are missing important nutrients that dogs need in order to lead healthy lives.

In their study, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the team assessed the nutritional completeness of 1,726 homemade diets based on ingredients and preparation methods provided by dog owners.

“We found that only 6% of homemade diets had the potential to be nutritionally complete,” said Dr. Janice O’Brien, a doctoral researcher at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. “Since our study didn’t include exact ingredient amounts, it’s possible that a smaller percentage than 6% were nutritionally complete.”

Diet information was gathered from open-ended survey responses from owners participating in the DAP, a collaborative initiative led by the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and other institutions that studies the effects of aging and what makes a healthy canine life.

Through the DAP, owners of the more than 50,000 dogs from all backgrounds enrolled in the study complete surveys, including on diets. For this study, the diet information was entered into an online tool called Balance It that helps owners create nutritionally complete homemade diets for their pets.

“Balance It is compliant with both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ recommendations for canine nutrition,” O’Brien said. “By entering the list of ingredients in each recipe into Balance It, we determined if there were nutrients missing.”

The Importance Of A Complete Meal

Based on the results of the study, dog owners should be aware that choosing to prepare a pet’s meals at home comes with responsibility, according to Dr. Katie Tolbert, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, small animal internist, and associate professor in VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

“There is a temptation for a lot of dog owners to go off script when preparing meals at home,” said Tolbert, who also is one of the study’s authors. “If you decide to formulate your dog’s food at home, be sure to work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and stick to the diet exactly as prescribed. Nothing is considered a ‘filler’ that you can leave out.”

For example, substituting different types of oil can change the nutritional completeness of the diet, and something as simple as a calcium supplement — a common addition in homemade dog food recipes — can cause serious problems if omitted.

“If your dog’s calcium and phosphate levels get out of balance, they can develop bone health problems, including a condition nicknamed ‘rubber jaw’ where the bone starts to become soft, like cartilage,” Tolbert said. “It can also cause problems in the kidneys.”

For dogs with existing illnesses, the stakes of good nutrition are even higher.

“Dogs that are not already in good health can have exacerbated symptoms if they do not receive a balanced diet that is specifically formulated to treat their disease,” Tolbert said.

Tolbert also recommends avoiding adding ingredients that are not safe for dogs, like whole bones or grapes.

“Grapes can be toxic to dogs,” she said. “Whole bones, on the other hand, are risky because dogs can end up with sharp pieces of bone in their stomach.”

Bringing Nutritional Completeness Home

For owners interested in feeding their dogs a homemade meal, the first step is to talk with your local veterinarian about your pet’s specific dietary needs. Then, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to create a healthy diet tailored to your pet.

Board certification ensures that the nutritionist has received advanced training from an accredited program.

If you plan to keep your dog on a homemade diet long-term, Tolbert recommends sending a sample to a food testing laboratory to make sure that the diet is the same in practice as it is on paper.

“It can be helpful to know exactly what is in the food you’re feeding your pet to make sure the recipe is as precise as possible,” Tolbert said.

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips: Keeping Your Companions Happy, Healthy, and Stress-Free

A dog stares intently at a platter of turkey and veggies sitting on the edge of a counter

Thanksgiving brings family, friends, and plenty of food to the table — but it can also create unexpected challenges for pets. From tempting treats to bustling gatherings, the holiday can be stressful and, even unsafe, for animals.

Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers pet safety tips to help owners keep their animals relaxed, healthy, and happy during celebrations from Thanksgiving through the New Year.

Calm Pets, Happy Guests

Whether you host a traditional Thanksgiving or a Friendsgiving, the holidays mean that your home may fill with faces that are unfamiliar to your pets. As such, when guests arrive, it’s important to remember to introduce pets to your visitors on the pet’s terms.

“Some animals are very eager to meet guests and will willingly approach them, but owners may need to help calm an overly excited dog to keep it from jumping on someone, especially if it’s a small kid or a frailer guest,” Teller explained. “On the other hand, pets that are more cautious around people they don’t know will need to be approached slowly.”

Owners can encourage new relationships by helping guests make positive first impressions. 

“An owner can give the guests some treats to share with the pet as encouragement, but if a pet does not want to interact with someone, it should never be forced,” Teller said.

Pets that may not easily adjust to holiday crowds could exhibit various signs of stress.

“One of the biggest results of stress in a pet is trying to hide or leave the home, so beware of doors that are left open as people enter and exit,” Teller said. “Dogs may also show stress by trembling, licking their lips, yawning, or avoiding people and activities.”

If a pet is not feeling the holiday, it’s important to not overwhelm them with attention.

“There’s a chance that if guests persist in giving unwanted attention to pets, the dog may growl or bark, or the dog or cat may bite or scratch someone in an effort to remove a perceived threat,” Teller said.

Owners should also evaluate and address their pet’s stress level at multiple points during the festivities so that they may determine the best solution for soothing their anxious companion.

“Some pets may be happier with a special treat or new toy in a quieter part of the home where they can avoid the festivities; others may be happier staying elsewhere, such as a boarding facility or at a friend’s home,” Teller said. “If pets have mild stress during parties or social gatherings, owners can speak with their veterinarian about using a short-acting medication to alleviate the anxiety.”

“In general, it is a good idea to avoid giving table food to your pet. If you feel you must share something, a couple bites of turkey with the skin removed and no gravy, some plain green beans, or a bite of bread can be fine.”

Dr. Lori Teller

Protecting Pets From Dangerous Bites And Chews

With so many moving parts on Thanksgiving Day, distractions are inevitable. Preparing your home can help prevent accidents or unsafe snacking when your attention is on your guests.

These preparations can include ensuring that dangerous decorations and breakable items are kept out of your pet’s reach.

For example, festive plants such as lilies, chrysanthemums, and some varieties of ferns are toxic to cats and dogs. In addition, natural accents like pinecones, acorns, and flint or calico corn — which may become tempting chew toys for pets — can cause choking, gastrointestinal blockages, stomach irritation, and internal injuries.  

Owners may want their pets to join in on the Thanksgiving meal, but they should be careful to avoid common holiday staples that can make pets ill. These include foods containing onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, walnuts, chocolate, or xylitol — which is often found in baked desserts and sugarless goods — as well as anything that is rich, seasoned, or alcoholic.

“In general, it is a good idea to avoid giving table food to your pet,” Teller said. “If you feel you must share something, a couple bites of turkey with the skin removed and no gravy, some plain green beans, or a bite of bread can be fine.”

Turkey should also be thoroughly cooked to prevent salmonella poisoning. Fully cooked and boneless ham also is OK to feed your pet if the ham isn’t seasoned with additional sugars and doesn’t contain a lot of fat.

While it may be tempting to feed your dogs the leftover turkey or ham bones, those present their own potential perils — bones can become lodged in the throat and can be problematic to the digestive tract; a splintered bone may require surgery to remove.

Fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea that can progress into something more serious — like dehydration or pancreatitis — requiring a hospital stay.

Additional important safety measures include keeping food away from the edges of tables and counters; storing trash containers where your pet can’t find them; and keeping plastic, strings, foil, and bags used during cooking out of pets’ reach.

If your pet does get their nose into the wrong dish or decoration, they may exhibit signs of poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and behavioral changes.

If you suspect that your animal has consumed a harmful substance, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) animal poison control center hotline — 888-426-4435 — is also available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Preparing Pets Ahead Of Time

To ensure your furry companions don’t get left out of holiday fun, there are things you can do ahead of time that will benefit your pets and keep them calm during your gathering.

“Taking a long walk before guests arrive can be a great way to tire your dog and minimize stress for both of you,” Teller said. “If your cat likes to chase a laser pointer or other toys, you can do that before guests arrive as well.”

Familiarizing your pets with guests who may visit during the holidays before the big day can also help pets more easily adjust to the festivities.

“Having people visit your home on a regular basis, where your pet can be exposed to guests and get used to the sounds and smells that go along with entertaining, goes a long way to prepare your pet for a gathering,” Teller said.

With a little bit of preparation and attention, you and your pet can have a healthy, happy, and stress-free Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.

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