Texas A&M Veterinarians Create New Strategies For Treating Ear Issues In Kangaroos
Diego the red kangaroo has an important job at the Texas A&M Winnie Carter Wildlife Center. In addition to teaching veterinary students about kangaroo care and medicine, he serves as a “seeing eye” kangaroo for his blind “roo mate,” Murdock. When Diego’s caretakers at the wildlife center noticed that he seemed to be experiencing discomfort […]
Texas A&M Wildlife Center Welcomes Two-Toed Sloth
The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (VMBS) Winnie Carter Wildlife Center recently welcomed its newest animal resident, a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth named “Michael Jr. Slow Poke Sloth.” Michael Jr. was given to the wildlife center by a nearby animal sanctuary and arrived at the VMBS on April 12. His name is […]
No More Creepy Crawlies: Keep Reptiles Safe From Parasites
Household chores are an important, but often looked, part of our daily lives. For our reptilian friends, though, having a safe and tidy environment is one of the best prevention methods against parasitic infections, according to Dr. Ashley Navarrette, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Navarrette […]
Turtle Brumation: The Benefits & Dangers Of The Hibernation Cycle
Some animals, like bears, are known for their infamous hibernation periods, but many people may not be aware that some reptiles, including many turtles and tortoises, experience a hibernation cycle as well. This period of dormancy, which occurs in reptiles during the colder months, in known as brumation. Dr. Ashley Navarrette, a clinical assistant professor […]
Take A Trip On The Wild Side: Ethical Exotic Pet Ownership
The term “exotic pet” encompasses a broad range of animals, loosely meaning any pet that is not a dog, cat, or farm animal. Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and director of the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center, says that it is also important […]
A Whole ‘Llama’ Fun: Alpacas And Llamas As Pets
Llamas and alpacas are closely related animals, both hailing from South America. Although they may have an exotic allure, they are commonly kept as companion animals and can make rewarding and unexpected pets for owners with the space and time. Dr. Evelyn MacKay, a clinical assistant professor of food animal medicine and field service at […]
Down To Business: Ferrets As Pets
Pets can come in all shapes and sizes. While some animal lovers may consider themselves “dog” or “cat” people, others enjoy smaller pets, also referred to as “pocket pets,” like ferrets. Many people like ferrets because they are relatively low maintenance, similar to a cat, according to Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, a clinical associate professor at […]
The Biting Truth Of Snake Envenomation
One of the joys of owning a pet is being able to observe their curious nature. However, when they stick their noses where they don’t belong, a dangerous situation can arise, especially in a state like Texas, which is home to more than 75 different species of snakes. Dr. Dalton Hindmarsh, a veterinary resident at […]
Every-Bunny Watch Out For GI Stasis
If you have a pet rabbit, you know how much they love to eat. The quality of a rabbit’s diet plays a huge role in its health, and an improper diet can lead to potentially serious diseases, including gastrointestinal (GI) stasis. Dr. J. Jill Heatley, an associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary […]
October 21 is Reptile Awareness Day
Once thought to be extinct, crested geckos were rediscovered in 1994. Since their reemergence, this gecko’s easy-going personality and low-maintenance lifestyle has made it a popular pet among children and adults alike. This Reptile Awareness Day, Rachel Ellerd, a second-year veterinary student at the Texas A&M College of Veterinarian Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, reminds us […]
