Pet Talk

Exotic Pets: What To Know Before You Buy

We all have that friend, the one that sees a picture or video of a cute exotic animal and instantly thinks that it would be a perfect companion for them. Although owning an exotic pet can be a rewarding experience, most people are not prepared for the responsibilities or expenses that are tied with these […]

Feline Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms and Treatments

Is your middle-aged cat experiencing increased thirst, appetite, and urination?  Is your furry friend losing weight or has a change in behavior?  If so, your family cat may have hyperthyroidism. This common disease is caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, called T3 and T4, due to dysfunction of the thyroid glands in the cat’s […]

Eliminating Rabies Across the World

World Rabies Day is September 28, 2012. It is a day to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies. More than 55,000 people die from rabies worldwide every year, a rate of one person every 10 minutes. This is an astonishing number, especially because rabies in humans in 100 per cent preventable. […]

Assisting Service Dogs

Although most people have pets strictly for companionship, those with disabilities often use animals to help perform every day functions.  These “service animals” are trained to provide specific assistance tailored to their owner’s disability. Just like any animal, however, service animals can develop disabilities and need rehabilitation as well. There are multiple types of service animals.  […]

Staph infections and Methicillin Resistance in Companion Animals

Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria are all around us in an intimate way since it normally lives on the skin and mucous membranes of both people and animals alike. It usually is not of a concern to the individual if the skin is functioning normally and there is not a risk for infection (e.g., systemic illness and […]

How to Protect Horses with the Recent Increase in West Nile Virus Cases

The West Nile Virus cases in humans and horses have been on the rise in 2012, and, according to the CDC, human cases are at their highest levels since West Nile Virus was first detected in the United States in 1999. Dr. Tracy Norman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary […]

Poisonous to Pets: Common Household Toxins

For the past two weeks, Pet Talks have addressed poisonous foods and medications common in most homes. This week the focus is on miscellaneous poisonous items around the house including plants, pennies, and insecticides. Plants There are several plants that can be poisonous to pets. Lilies, for example, are toxic to cats. The ingestion of […]

Human Medicines Can Be Poison to Pets

Last week, Dr. Dorothy Black, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), shared suggestions for keeping cats and dogs safe from potentially toxic human foods. This week she discusses some common over-the-counter and prescription human medicines that are poisonous to pets. “Many homes have these medications, […]

Human Treats, Poison to Pets

There are a number of things around your house that can be deadly to your cats and dogs, some you may know, and some may be surprising. Some are even in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. Dr. Dorothy Black, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVM), […]

Texas A&M Parasitologist Offers Suggestions for Horse Deworming Treatments in Texas

Deworming treatments are often a regular component of horse health maintenance, but many horse owners may not understand the best schedule for their horse. While deworming regimens vary by region, there are some ground rules for owners to follow as they work with their veterinarians on a proper deworming schedule. Dr. Thomas Craig, professor at […]