Pet Columns

Cicada on a rock

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Cicadas: Pet Treat or Pet Threat?
May 2, 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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Species

The necropsy room at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Necropsy Reveals Cause of Death, and Much More

January 26, 2023

Like an autopsy in human medicine, a necropsy allows veterinarians to glean a wide range of information about a deceased patient. What steps are involved in performing a necropsy? And why would a necropsy be…
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closeup of a horse with snow on its face

Caring for Your Horse in Winter

January 19, 2023

Winter is here, and that means your horse’s diet and shelter may need adjustments. Dr. Scott Austin, an equine internal medicine specialist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, offers winter horse…
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Dr. Lori Madsen conducts a lameness exam

Rehabilitation for Equine Companions

November 09, 2022

What does an elderly pasture pony have in common with a trail horse with a soft tissue injury and a Thoroughbred racehorse? They all can benefit from rehabilitation! Dr. Lori Madsen is an equine veterinarian…
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cat and dog lying on kitchen floor

What Are Nutraceuticals and How Can They Help My Pet?

October 26, 2022

Veterinarians routinely recommend nutraceuticals for their patients, with one survey finding that half or more do so. But what are nutraceuticals? Dr. Alex Gochenauer, a veterinary pharmacist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital…
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spooky dog on Halloween

Protect Pets from Halloween Hazards

October 13, 2022

You may love Halloween tricks and treats, but your furry friend most likely needs extra oversight during the celebration. Dr. Canaan Shores, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, sees dogs and…
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[bearded dragon looks at night sky]

Lightning Bugs Toxic to Bearded Dragons

August 16, 2022

It’s fun to spend a summer night catching and releasing lightning bugs, right? Well, not if you are a bearded dragon. Dr. Krista Keller, a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine at the University of Illinois…
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horse eating grass

Spring Grass and Laminitis in Horses

March 12, 2022

Every year, once winter is over and the snow has receded, the grass starts its yearly explosion of growth. The spring helps bring hay and fresher forage for our horses. However, with the fresh forage…
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Dr. Suma Rao (left) and veterinary student Natalie examine a dog.

Brushing Is Best for Pet Dental Health

January 31, 2022

Every February, the veterinary community celebrates National Pet Dental Health Month. It’s a chance to call attention to the link between your pet’s oral health and its overall health. Did you know that gum disease…
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