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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Animal Rehabilitation Plans Tailored to the Patient

March 12, 2018

Plans’ Success Depends on Implementation at Home Physical rehabilitation for animals is the process of evaluating and managing patients with painful or functionally limiting conditions caused by illness or injury. Carrie Chandler-Harrison is a certified…
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[jababy gets four root canals]

Big Cats, Little Cats Need a Dentist

February 17, 2018

Teeth Similar in Structure, Different in Care Dr. Katherine Kling is a veterinarian who typically sees dogs and cats through the dentistry service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Recently Dr….
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[kitten plays with a ball of yarn]

Help! My Pet Swallowed a —!

February 04, 2018

A ‘foreign body’ may pose a medical emergency Animals are very curious creatures. But, as the old adage goes, curiosity can be deadly, or at least dangerous. So it is with animals that swallow things…
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[Blanding's turtle]

Our Summer Spent Saving Turtles

January 28, 2018

Turtles play a role in environmental health Last summer, two rising second-year veterinary students traded blue lab coats and lecture halls in Urbana for chest-high waders and wetlands in Lake County in northeast Illinois. Working…
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[cat eating from a bowl]

What to Look for on a Pet Food Label

January 22, 2018

Regulations control wording on a pet food label The seemingly endless brightly colored cans, bags, and boxes in the pet food aisles can be quite overwhelming for pet owners. Dr. Kelly Swanson, an animal sciences…
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[Dr. Kimbery Selting with Spike]

Chemotherapy for Pets Focuses on Quality of Life

January 15, 2018

Pet’s cancer may be managed vs. cured The word “chemotherapy” conjures up images of nauseous, balding, and debilitated patients. While supportive therapies are available to soften these side effects in human cancer patients, it’s true…
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Top Five Pet Health Columns from 2017

January 02, 2018

Enjoy the Most-Read Columns from 2017 What topics did pet owners find most fascinating last year? We checked our website analytics, and discovered that fungal disease, behavioral issues, and cutting-edge treatments offered only at our…
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