Pet Columns

a veterinary student performs a neuter surgery on a pet at the University of Illinois. Photo by Fred Zwicky

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Factors Affecting Whether, How, and When to Neuter Your Pet
March 24, 2025

“Spay” and “neuter” are words frequently heard by owners of a new puppy, kitten, dog, or cat visiting the veterinary clinic. While spaying or neutering may be a requirement when adopting from a shelter and…
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Species

[Jr Surgery pre-op for cat]

Never Fear, the Anesthesiologist Is Here!

October 01, 2018

Anesthesia Needed for Many Procedures Anesthesia is an induced, temporary loss of sensation. It is an important part of any surgery or procedure that requires an animal to remain completely still. Although putting your pet…
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[Dr. Gary Brummet examines a cat]

Senior Cats at Risk for Hyperthyroidism

September 17, 2018

Prognosis Is Good with Early Diagnosis Senior cats are at a greater risk for developing hyperthyroidism than any other age group of cats. In fact, 95% of cats with hyperthyroid disease are 10 years old…
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[cat at veterinary visit]

Carboplatin Beads to Treat Feline Cancer

August 20, 2018

Less Invasive, Less Expensive Option Explored Feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) is an aggressive form of cancer in cats associated with the administration of vaccines and injectable medications. It affects as many as 1 in…
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[Zucca goes to the vet]

Cats Need Yearly Checkups, Year-round Enrichment

August 13, 2018

Find Out All That Cats Need Cats have a reputation for being low-maintenance, independent creatures, especially in comparison with dogs. But the truth is that providing a healthy, happy life for your cat involves a…
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[sick dog canine influenza]

New Dog Flu Is Here to Stay

July 30, 2018

Canine Influenza H3N2 Spread Across U.S. A new strain of canine influenza made headlines in 2015 when it first appeared in the United States, sickening hundreds of dogs in Chicago. It took less than three…
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[Dr. Annette McCoy examines a horse's leg]

First Aid for Horses

July 16, 2018

Be Prepared to Handle Wounds Would you know what to do if your horse accidentally encountered a sharp edge and ended up with a cut? Dr. Annette McCoy, an equine surgeon at the University of…
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[empty bench]

CARE Just a Call Away for Grieving Pet Owners

July 09, 2018

‘We promise to lend a compassionate ear’ [row][column size=”6″]Grieving the death of a pet can leave people feeling overwhelmed and alone. The Companion Animal Related Emotions (CARE) Pet Loss Helpline was established to provide help…
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[hot weather dog]

Avoid Hot Weather Hazards for Dogs

July 02, 2018

Dehydration, Heatstroke Are Preventable Ironically, the dog days of summer—the hottest time of the year—are not always good for dogs. Dr. Jennifer Reinhart, a specialist in veterinary internal medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary…
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