Pet Talk
Matters of the Heart: Hypertension
One out of every three adults has high blood pressure or hypertension. As with humans, hypertension is seen in pet cats and dogs. Primary hypertension occurs when the blood pressure is higher than normal with no other cause. Secondary hypertension, however, occurs when the blood pressure is higher than normal as a result from a […]
Matters of the Heart: Congenital Heart Disease
Humans and dogs often have similar health problems. One example of this is Congenital Heart Disease. Congenital Heart Disease refers to a problem the animal is born with. There are multiple types of Congenital Heart Disease: valve malformations or dysplasia, valve narrowing or stenosis, abnormal openings between the heart chambers or septal defects, and patent ductus […]
Dashing Through the Snow: Signs of Hypothermia
The weather in Texas is extremely unpredictable. One day it’s 60 degrees and raining, the next it’s 80 degrees with sunshine. Winters can be even worse with unexpected cold fronts. With extremely cold temperatures, hypothermia is a possibility for pets. Hypothermia, occurring in both humans and pets, is a condition characterized by abnormally low body temperatures. […]
Bringing your 4-legged friend home for the holidays
For many pet lovers, holiday traveling without their beloved pet simply won’t do. Taking your pet along can make a holiday event fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Sarah Griffin, a lecturer at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), says the first step in preparing for your pet’s travel is to […]
Strangles: Understanding Equine Distemper and Purpura Haemorrhagica
One of the most alarming of infectious diseases in the equine industry is Strangles, which is noted for the characteristic large swelling of lymph nodes under the jaw or in the throat area. Sometimes the node enlargement progresses to the point of interfering with airway or swallowing functions creating a concern that the patient might […]
Training tips for dogs
Taking care of a dog may seem like an easy, fun task, but many struggle with teaching their dog basic commands. These commands, such as sit and stay, are important for your dog’s safety and will also make your life with your new friend much more enjoyable. Training should start right when the dog is […]
Benefits of Exercising with your Dog
As the semester rolls on and tests pile up many students begin changing their daily routine to one that is more study friendly and, unfortunately, usually more desk-bound. What most students do not realize is that while your dog lies next to you on the couch day after day, it is being robbed of exercise […]
Veterans and Their Dogs
Decorated Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell was the only survivor of a 2005 mission in Afghanistan. He is considered the “Lone Survivor” because the mission was the largest loss of life in Seal history. Upon returning from combat, Luttrell received a Labrador retriever named D.A.S.Y. to help him cope with the loss of his teammates. D.A.S.Y., […]
Tips for Buying Dog Toys
Tennis balls, Frisbees, rawhides, and Kongs. Dog toys line the shelves of multiple aisles at pet stores. With all of the choices, which toys should or shouldn’t you buy for man’s best friend? Dr. Mark Stickney, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of General Surgery Services at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical […]
Dangers of Pet Halloween Costumes
With Halloween less than a week away, many pet owners have already purchased their animal’s costume. While these outfits can be fun and festive, the wrong outfit can pose dangers to your animal. Although costumes are a fun way to interact with your pet, Dr. Mark Stickney, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of General Surgery […]
