Pet Columns

Veterinarian and vet tech prepare to take blood sample from dog in exam room

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Seeking Young, Healthy Dogs for Study to Address Canine Diabetes
September 26, 2025

Area dog owners, here’s your chance to contribute to an important advance in animal health and get a free evaluation of your own pet’s health status! Experts at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary…
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dairy cows outdoors by birds

Why All the Fuss about Avian Influenza?

July 08, 2024

You’re coughing and you feel miserable. Is it “the flu”? Maybe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, most years, around 30 million people in the United States will become ill with influenza,…
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Cicada on a rock

Cicadas: Pet Treat or Pet Threat?

May 02, 2024

Periodical cicadas have an unusual but ancient life cycle. They spend most of their life underground, emerging every 13 or 17 years (depending on which brood of periodical cicada they are) for a rush of…
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A young bird receives care at the Wildlife Medical Clinic

When Does a Wildlife Baby Need Human Help?

April 11, 2024

This time of year, people begin to notice baby birds hopping on the lawn, while their pets begin to find hidden bunny nests. It’s orphan season, when wildlife have offspring and some of these offspring…
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a mare licks her newborn foal

Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals

March 12, 2024

Springtime means foaling season! Unfortunately, some new foals run into trouble and need veterinary support. Failure of passive transfer is one of the most common reasons that bring foals to the University of Illinois Veterinary…
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photo illustration of boxer and heart

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The Big Heart Disease

March 04, 2024

This one’s for all the gentle giants, dashing Danes, and persnickety pinschers. Owners frequently tell others about their dog’s “big heart.” But what if that is not a reference to the dog’s lovable personality? Dr….
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Arnie from Chicago at an 8-week puppy visit

How to Prepare for Your New Puppy

February 01, 2024

Adding a new four-legged member to your family? Dr. Alyssa Baratta-Martin, a primary care veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine South Clinic in Urbana, explains what owners will likely encounter when bringing their…
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a corgi stands in snow and sunshine

Winter Safety for Dogs

December 15, 2023

As the days inch further and further into winter and frigid temperatures, Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, director of the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine South Clinic, has important winter safety tips for those caring for pets….
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