Exotics

Dr. Sam Sander examines a box turtle

Recent

Taking the U. (of I.) to the Zoo
May 5, 2025

Most animal patients seen by the specialists at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital are brought to the Urbana facility by their owners. However, clinicians and veterinary students also make “house calls” for animals…
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Categories

Species

poster for Open House 2023

Have a Super Time at Vet Med Open House

September 18, 2023

This year the annual Open House at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine wants visitors to know that “Veterinarians Are Superheroes.” (Although they don’t—usually—wear capes.) People of all ages are encouraged to attend…
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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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[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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[pet tarantula]

When Your Pet Has Eight Legs

December 10, 2019

Tarantulas May Live 10 to 30 Years Not all “furry friends” have fur. Some people choose tarantulas as their family companion. Dr. Krista Keller, a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine at the University of Illinois…
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[dog in a car]

Traveling with Pets: Know the Rules

December 08, 2019

Pet travel is regulated “Most people consider pets as family members and often bring their pets with them when traveling,” says Dr. Adriana Roman-Muniz, a veterinary medical officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)…
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[Dr. Stephanie Keating intubates a tiger]

Big Cat Care Requires Anesthesia

January 28, 2019

Illinois Anesthesia Team Helps Exotic Felines Think your cat is uncooperative during a veterinary examination? Image if your cat weighed more than 400 pounds and had three-inch-long teeth and claws! Unsurprisingly, lions, tigers, and other…
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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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