Pet Columns

cows stand in a flooded pen next to a barn

When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when…
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[Sonny, a French bulldog, in the University of Illinois veterinary hospital]

New Hope for Pets with Brachycephalic Syndrome

August 26, 2017

Illinois first in U.S. to offer procedure Brachycephalic syndrome: it’s a medical term for a variety of anatomical problems that sometimes obstruct the airways in pugs, bulldogs, and other pets (even cats!) with flat faces….
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[pyometra dog photo]

Infection in Dog’s Uterus Is Serious Business

August 15, 2017

Pyometra is a veterinary emergency When a middle-aged, intact female dog comes into the clinic with complaints from her owner that she has been depressed and lethargic, one of the first concerns that likely pops…
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[Bianca Martins with cataract patient]

Cataract Surgery Restores Dogs’ Vision

August 07, 2017

Surgery significantly improves quality of life “Both people and dogs get cataracts. Cataracts are an increased opacity, or cloudiness, of the lens of the eye, causing impaired vision,” says Dr. Bianca Martins, a veterinary ophthalmologist…
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[Trooper the dog was born with a palatal defect]

Cleft Palate Afflicts Pets Too

July 26, 2017

Normal Life Possible for Dogs with Palatal Defect “Every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate” begins the heartrending appeal for donations to ensure that these children have access…
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[patient with pacemaker is very active]

Pacemakers Solve Canine Heart Problems

July 18, 2017

‘They are more common than you think’ The heart is essential to the body, regardless of the species. Luckily, when dogs have heart problems, veterinary cardiologists, like Dr. Ryan Fries at the University of Illinois…
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[small animal emergency care]

Behind-the-Scenes in the ER

July 15, 2017

If you have concerns, bring your pet to the ER vet You’re worried, you’re weary, and maybe you’re waiting for what seems like hours. Fortunately, you and your pet are in good hands when you…
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[Golden Wednesdays at Illinois veterinary rehab]

Old Dogs (and Cats), New Tricks

July 09, 2017

Tips for Keeping Geriatric Pets Healthy Thanks to advancing medicine, pets live longer than ever before. However, with these added years of valuable life come more age-related health problems. In her role as a rehabilitation…
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[ticks, fleas, heartworms are major pet parasites]

Prevent the Big Three Pet Parasites

July 03, 2017

Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Nobody wants these bugs on their pets or in their house. But the reasons for keeping these bugs away go beyond just avoiding pests. “Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes are dangerous because…
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