Pet Talk
Feline inappropriate elimination–thinking outside the litter box
Inappropriate elimination, or urinating outside of the litter box, is one of the most common problems noted by indoor cat owners. Currently, it is a dominant reason for owners to surrender their cats at a shelter. While it is a frustrating issue, inappropriate urination can stem from a number of underlying causes, including behavioral or […]
Preparing your horse for severe weather
Severe weather can be troublesome for humans and animals, alike. While small, indoor pets are easier to board and travel with, horses require additional preparedness and precautions. Dr. Jessica Millwood, a resident in equine practice at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said that planning ahead and paying attention to weather […]
Grappling with grackles
We’ve all seen and heard them—lurking in well-lit, open areas, swooping down from trees, lining up on power lines, and pecking at food left on the ground. Great-tailed grackles are notorious for congregating in our most frequented parking lots and city parks, but have you ever considered the diseases these pesky birds may carry? Dr. […]
September is National Service Dog Month
From providing companionship to keeping an eye-out for medical emergencies, emotional support and service dogs assist their handlers in a variety of ways. While both roles are vital for the well-being of their owners, their job descriptions are not the same—an emotional support animal is a companion animal that can benefit its owner by providing […]
Fatty tumors are nothing to fear
Finding a mysterious growth under your dog’s skin can be a frightening experience; however, owners can find comfort in knowing that these mystery bumps are not as uncommon as they may think. As dogs age, they can develop benign growths beneath the skin—the most common of these being lipomas, or fatty tumors. According to Dr. […]
Helping our pets cope with loss
Like humans, pets experience a complex array of emotions. The loss of a beloved human or a housemate can be devastating to pets in a household, leading to a period of grief and mourning. It may be difficult for owners to tell if their pet is in mourning, but Kit Darling, infection control coordinator at […]
Bovine vaccinations keep cows ‘happy’
Vaccinations are an essential component of preventative medicine when it comes to protecting the health of a herd of cattle. As National Immunization Awareness Month comes to a close, Dr. Brandon Dominguez, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, recommends that cattle begin a routine vaccination schedule […]
Routine vaccinations are essential for equine health
Vaccines are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to protect your horse’s health, preventing the contraction and spread of infectious diseases including Rabies, West Nile Virus, and Influenza. In continuation of National Immunization Awareness Month, Dr. Leslie Easterwood, a clinical assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers recommendations […]
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
Immunizations are one of the easiest ways to ensure that your pet lives a long and healthy life. According to Dr. Kate Creevy, an associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, vaccinations are an essential component of preventative medicine for companion animals. “The diseases against which vaccinations have been […]
Be on the lookout for vision impairment in pets
Like people, pets can experience poor or failing eyesight as they age. The onset of vision impairment in our pets can occur for a number of reasons, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases such as sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). SARDS, a disease that affects the function of the […]