Pet Talk
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 […]
Texas A&M Theriogenologist Explores Alternate Method of Identifying Genetic Disease in Horses
Dr. Allyson Ripley, a senior equine theriogenology resident in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), has been working on an exciting research project for the last year that aims to find an alternate means of determining fetal genotype and detecting genetic diseases before birth. Currently, determining if future offspring will […]
Brucella canis is a disease of dogs and humans
Brucella canis, a strain of brucellosis that can be carried by dogs, is one of the leading causes of canine infertility. The highly contagious, and often underrecognized, bacterium can lead to abortions, stillborn puppies, testicular abnormalities, and failure to conceive, but can also cause back pain and inflammation of the spinal column in dogs. Dr. Angela […]
Training your pet parrot
The benefits of training a pet parrot extend well beyond the entertainment value of owning a talking bird who can do entertaining tricks. Training strengthens the bond between owner and parrot, provides companionship, and increases the health and well-being of the parrot. Connie Woodman is a bird enthusiast and a graduate student at the Texas […]
Protect your pets from coyotes and other wild animals
Although most wild animals mind their business and don’t bother humans, some wild animals, such as coyotes, can wander into human environments and cause harm to pets. “It’s pretty amazing how much damage coyotes can do to pets, especially when you consider that coyotes are roughly the size of a domestic dog,” said Christine Rutter, […]
Could your pet benefit from acupuncture treatment?
If you’ve ever wanted to try a safe and effective form of alternative medicine for your pet, consider acupuncture. Part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, the act of inserting small needles in certain parts in the body, can offer many benefits to a variety of pets, according to Dr. Daniel Eckman, a veterinarian at the […]
Heartworms in cats
Heartworms, which are spread by mosquitos, can cause serious health complications in pets. Although heartworms are more commonly diagnosed in dogs, cats are also at risk for this disease. Megan Arroyo, a veterinary student at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained how heartworms can harm our feline friends. “The adult […]
Mammary tumors in dogs
Many of us know someone affected by cancer. Unfortunately, cancer in the mammary glands (similar to breast cancer in humans) can also occur in both male and female dogs. In fact, mammary tumors are the most common type of tumor seen in intact (not spayed) female dogs. Dr. Brandan Wustefeld-Janssens, assistant professor of surgical oncology […]
Kittens born to feral cats can still be “purr”-fect pets
Feral cats may look cute and cuddly, but they are a lot different than a typical house cat. While feral cats are considered wild animals and prefer to live their lives outdoors, their kittens can be rescued from the streets and put into loving homes as pets. Feral cats have never been socialized to humans. […]
