Preventive Health

Vet student Hannah Vander Ploeg and Dr. Alyssa Baratta-Martin examine a black female dog. Photo by Fred Zwicky.

Most pet owners think of spaying their female pets to avoid unwanted litters and behaviors. But there’s another, much more urgent reason to spay your dog or cat: to protect her from a potentially life-threatening…
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a gray squirrel stands in a grassy area

What Pet Owners Should Know about Tularemia

May 08, 2025

When squirrels in Urbana started mysteriously dying last month, public health officials quickly traced the culprit: tularemia. While this bacterial disease may not be top of mind for most pet owners, it should be—especially during…
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Dr. Sam Sander examines a box turtle

Taking the U. (of I.) to the Zoo

May 05, 2025

Most animal patients seen by the specialists at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital are brought to the Urbana facility by their owners. However, clinicians and veterinary students also make “house calls” for animals…
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Tobias Ellis examines a horse's hoof to determine the best type of shoe for it.

If the Shoe Fits, You’ve Got a Good Farrier

February 03, 2025

Shoe shopping can be complicated. Is it the right color, style, brand, and fit? For horses, getting the right shoes is even more important and complicated. One shoe can mean the difference between a lame…
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