Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital Helps Pig Achieve Royal Recovery
With help from the university’s veterinary team, a pig named King Louie overcame a life-threatening disease. In the classic tale of “Charlotte’s Web,” a pig named Wilbur captures hearts with his friendship and bravery. While not everyone gets to experience life with a swine of their own, the Ballard family knows what it’s like to […]
Protecting Your Pig From Diamond Skin Disease
Everybody wants to find a diamond in the rough, but no one wants their pig to develop diamond skin disease — an infection that can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to death if left untreated. Dr. Kevin Washburn, a professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and Dr. […]
Seasonal Menace: Protecting Against External Parasites
While rain followed by sunshine produces the eye-catching sight of a rainbow, it can also mark the need for livestock owners to confront the insects and parasites that thrive in the summer season. To help owners protect their livestock, Dr. Isabelle Louge, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & […]
Protecting Your Poultry From Bird Flu
With winter approaching, birds are migrating south to escape the cold and take advantage of more abundant food sources. But birds aren’t the only ones taking advantage of this migratory ritual. Avian influenza viruses, more commonly known as bird flu, can spread across the country if migrating birds carry the viruses with them on their […]
Designing Biosecurity Plans For Hobby Farms
More and more people are practicing farming because they enjoy the outdoors, animals, and the fruits of their labor as opposed to farming as a primary source of income. Even though “hobby farming” can be a fun activity, it still requires dedication and careful planning. One important aspect of developing a hobby farm with animals […]
Managing Parasite Infections In Small Ruminants
Warm seasons are an excellent time for livestock to roam outdoors and munch on the wild vegetation, yet with grazing comes the risk of ingesting parasites. Because small ruminants like sheep and goats are most at risk for parasites during grazing seasons, Dr. Isabelle Louge, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of […]
First-Time Alpaca Ownership: Preparing Their New Home
Buying and raising alpacas can be alluring, yet prospective owners should make special living preparations that will keep these fleece animals comfortable when they reach their new home. Dr. Dusty Nagy, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says owners should specifically consider shelters, grazing land, and coat […]
First-Time Alpaca Ownership: What To Consider Before Buying
Cute faces, fluffy bodies, and calm attitudes are among the reasons alpacas have gained popularity as fun and unique pets. “Many people choose to have alpacas as an alternative livestock animal,” explained Dr. Dusty Nagy, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “They are relatively small and respect […]
Recognizing When Your Pig Has A Skin Condition
As the summer heat continues to simmer, the risk of painful sunburns continues to be a concern as well. This is true for humans but also for animals like pigs, whose skin not only closely resembles that of humans but is more sensitive to dermatological diseases. Because of this, Dr. Jake Trautmann, a veterinary resident […]
Texas A&M Veterinary Student Taking Poultry Medicine To A New Degree
As both a Texas A&M Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and poultry science Ph.D. candidate, Nikolas Faust is on a mission to improve poultry health and welfare while also feeding the world. Like most students who dream of becoming a veterinarian, Faust intended to start his DVM upon his undergraduate graduation. However, when his initial […]
