Pet Columns

cows stand in a flooded pen next to a barn

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Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan
June 19, 2025

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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[Dr. Catherine Foreman-Hesterberg adjusts horse's spine]

Chiropractic Adjustment for Animals

August 12, 2020

Most Effective for Biomechanical Conditions For centuries now, many cultures have practiced spinal manipulation in people as a therapy to complement traditional medicine. It’s unclear when this practice was first used for animals, but the…
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Cancer in Cats: More Research Needed

July 20, 2020

Cancer Treatment Has Come a Long Way Animals and humans have a lot in common. Not only do they share the same living environments, but they also share many similar segments of genes. This makes…
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[Hannah Bailey after the procedure]

Minimally Invasive Procedure Fixes Puppy’s Problem

July 01, 2020

Treatment for Persistent Right Aortic Arch Hannah Bailey was sick. The six-month-old mixed-breed puppy couldn’t keep food down. She had lost weight. Her local veterinarian diagnosed an enlarged esophagus and suggested that her new owners…
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[Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, right, teaches how to do a physical exam of a dog]

Fat Cats and Heavy Hounds

June 14, 2020

The Problem of Overweight Pets By most estimates, well over half of all cats and dogs in the United States are overweight. Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, a small animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary…
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[radiographing foal's leg]

Hospital Delivers Care for Special-Needs Foals

April 29, 2020

Foals and Mares Sometimes Need Help While people are sheltering in place and implementing social distancing, life goes on for some creatures. In the equine medicine and surgery service at the University of Illinois Veterinary…
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[Dr. Krista Keller with Leo]

Parrots Are Forever

April 22, 2020

Research the Commitments of Ownership Parrots are gorgeous, highly intelligent, socially complex, loud, long-lived birds. Anyone who is contemplating adding a parrot to the family should thoroughly research the needs of these fascinating and demanding…
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[Dr. Danielle Strahl-Heldreth with a horse and students]

Field Anesthesia for Horse Surgeries

April 01, 2020

Field Anesthesia Requires Thought, Preparation Anesthesia is important for controlling pain and ensuring the safety of patient and caregivers during a surgical procedure. But for some animal patients, anesthesia use isn’t confined to the operating…
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[cat]

Rabies Vaccination Required for All Cats in Illinois

January 26, 2020

Vaccinated Pets Protect Public Health Dr. Ashley Mitek, assistant teaching professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and small animal Extension veterinarian, compiled the following FAQs about the new cat rabies law,…
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