Pet Talk
Heartworm Awareness
April has been designated as National Heartworm Awareness Month. Don’t let April pass you by without educating yourself on this possible pet killer. Sultry spring and summer days may cause dogs and cats to suffer from mosquito bites that can lead to heartworm disease, says Dr. Sonya Gordon, associate professor in the Department of Small […]
Ligament Tears
While ligament tears can cause serious setbacks in an athlete’s career, a similar injury can mean surgery and rehabilitation for your pet. According to Dr. Sharon Kerwin, professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, as they are referred to […]
A Case of the Snuffles
If your Peter Rabbit has a runny nose, he may have more than a case of the sniffles. He could have “snuffles,” a common upper respiratory infection in rabbits. “Snuffles is a disease which affects the eyes and nose and sometimes the lungs, skin, or even the middle ear of rabbits,” says Dr. Jill Heatley, […]
Animals and Allergies
With the emergence of springtime, comes the arrival of allergies. Although the landscape is lush, many people experience the beauty that comes with the warmer weather as well as the bothersome allergy symptoms. Pets can also be affected by allergies and it is important to be mindful of any symptoms that your pet might be […]
Feather Plucking
Nail-biting, gum smacking, knuckle popping – they can be irritating habits people have. Even birds display their share of odd behaviors. Feather plucking is a common habit among parrot-type birds, says Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, a veterinarian with the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. While most […]
Horses and Thunderstorms
Severe weather can be a troubling event, especially when there are animals whose welfare and comfort is of concern as well. Small pets can usually take cover with their owners during thunderstorms, but what precautions can an owner take for larger animals such as horses? “The first step in protecting your horses and other livestock […]
Pet Toys
It is never desirable to leave a pet at home alone, but when it is necessary, it is nice to know the pet will be entertained. But the price of entertainment can be high when the pet is left with inappropriate toys; some toys may cause choking or even require surgery to eliminate the problem. […]
It’s Showtime!
For many FFA and 4-H youth and their animals, it’s showtime. Now is the time of year when many young adults are showing off such livestock as cattle, sheep, swine, and goats at fairs and competitions all over the country. Dr. Floron Faries, professor and extension veterinarian, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System, has […]
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
Like people, dogs are susceptible to the negative effects of aging on the mind and body. Canine cognitive dysfunction or “doggie dementia” is a disorder similar to dementia in people. “Signs for canine cognitive dysfunction include problems with learning, housetraining, awareness of surroundings, and problems with the wake/sleep cycle,” said Dr. Joseph Mankin, clinical assistant […]
Tummy Ache
A tummy ache is never fun for people, but it can be life threatening for your pet. “It’s not uncommon for most animals to have upset stomachs and vomit from time to time, but there’s usually a simple reason,” says Dr. Deb Zoran, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical […]
