General Care

Moose the pet rabbit in his own room

Think rabbits make a good starter pet because they are inexpensive, low-maintenance, and stoic? Toni Kim, a veterinary student at the University of Illinois and a House Rabbit Society educator, wants to dispel common misconceptions…
Read More >

Hand holding a newborn puppy

Fading Puppy Syndrome: When Puppies Fail to Thrive

November 27, 2023

Is there anything more sweet and cuddly than weeks-old puppies? Sadly, not every little pup lives long enough to start eating solid food. Dr. Alyssa Baratta-Martin, a veterinarian who recently joined the primary care service…
Read More >

a horse eats grass from a wheelbarrow

Horses Get Gastric Ulcers

November 10, 2023

Horses of every discipline and lifestyle may develop ulcers in their gastrointestinal tract, leading to poor appetite, poor performance, and possible colic. Dr. Rebecca Bishop, an equine veterinarian who is completing a PhD at the…
Read More >

dog eating its diet

What’s the Right Diet for Your Dog?

October 27, 2023

Taking a quick trip to the pet store can be challenging, given the myriad of options now available. In particular, there is a confusing and even frustrating array of diets for our canine companions. Dr….
Read More >

poster for Open House 2023

Have a Super Time at Vet Med Open House

September 18, 2023

This year the annual Open House at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine wants visitors to know that “Veterinarians Are Superheroes.” (Although they don’t—usually—wear capes.) People of all ages are encouraged to attend…
Read More >

Dr. Giorgia Podico presents an orphaned foal to a nurse mare.

Grafting an Orphaned Foal

May 30, 2023

In the horse world, springtime means foaling season. But what happens when you have a foal with no mare to supply milk? Bottle feeding and hand-raising the foal is costly, time-consuming, and often leads to…
Read More >

border collie running through grass with Frisbee

Beat the Heat: Set Your Pet Up for Summer Success

May 30, 2023

Summer weather is here: time to enjoy the outdoors with our pets! Dr. Canaan Shores, a veterinarian with the urgent and convenient care service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, offers advice to…
Read More >

closeup of a horse with snow on its face

Caring for Your Horse in Winter

January 19, 2023

Winter is here, and that means your horse’s diet and shelter may need adjustments. Dr. Scott Austin, an equine internal medicine specialist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, offers winter horse…
Read More >

horse eating grass

Spring Grass and Laminitis in Horses

March 12, 2022

Every year, once winter is over and the snow has receded, the grass starts its yearly explosion of growth. The spring helps bring hay and fresher forage for our horses. However, with the fresh forage…
Read More >

[red-footed tortoise]

The Tortoise and Its Care

January 11, 2022

If you’ve got the time—and the space—we may have a lifelong animal companion for you: a tortoise. Here with a primer on pet tortoises is Dr. Amanda Wong, a veterinarian completing a three-year residency in…
Read More >

[pet hedgehog]

How to Care for Your Hedgehog

March 17, 2021

Advice on Housing, Feeding, Protecting Hedgehogs are not tiny cats or spiny hamsters. Before getting a hedgehog as a pet, you need to understand their unique needs so you can keep it healthy and happy….
Read More >