Pet Columns

What’s the Buzz? Birds, Horses, People Get West Nile Virus

Jul 24, 2018 / Infectious Disease / Parasites / Public Health / Birds / Horses / Wildlife

Mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus Mosquito season is here. Not only are the bites inflicted by these flying pests itchy and annoying, they also carry the risk of disease for humans and animals alike. Veterinarians actively monitor, treat, and seek solutions for diseases that affect human and animal health. Heartworm disease is a well-publicized and...

Our Summer Spent Saving Turtles

Jan 28, 2018 / Advances in Medicine / Reptiles / Wildlife

Turtles play a role in environmental health Last summer, two rising second-year veterinary students traded blue lab coats and lecture halls in Urbana for chest-high waders and wetlands in Lake County in northeast Illinois. Working as part of the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Lauren Mumm and John...

Get to Know the Amazing Armadillo

Oct 30, 2017 / General Care / Public Health / Wildlife

But Experts Say, Don’t Get Too Close It’s official. With confirmed sightings last August, nine-banded armadillos are now part of the wildlife scene in east central Illinois. Dr. Julia Whittington, director of the Wildlife Medical Clinic, part of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, shares some fascinating facts about these new...

Pets and Wildlife Don’t Mix

Oct 17, 2016 / Preventive Health / Public Health / Cats / Dogs / Wildlife

Pet-Wildlife Interactions Endanger Both—and People It may seem like a harmless, if disgusting, remnant of your pet’s predator instinct when your cat—or maybe your very stealthy dog—presents you with its latest kill. The truth is, though, pet-wildlife interactions can be dangerous to both parties and have serious consequences for the conservation of species. “According to...

Attend Vet Med Open House on October 2

Sep 14, 2016 / General Care / Birds / Cats / Dogs / Exotics / Farm Animals / Horses / Wildlife

On Sunday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 350 veterinary students will host a behind-the-scenes look at the state’s only veterinary college. From prospective veterinarians to anyone fascinated by animals, everyone will find something of interest at the University of Illinois veterinary college Open House. The event offers more than 40...

It’s Time to Learn about Wildlife Babies

Mar 14, 2016 / General Care / Public Health / Wildlife

Wildlife babies do best when left in the wild Each spring, wildlife babies are taken from the wild by well-meaning people who believe the animals have been abandoned by their parents. Although it may be human nature to want to rescue an animal that looks like it needs help, the truth is wild babies rarely...

The Wild Side of Dental Health Month

Feb 15, 2016 / Dentistry / Wildlife

Dental problems can be fatal in wildlife February is National Pet Dental Health Month. For our pets, regular veterinary visits will address any dental problems, and rarely would these problems be life-threatening. But what about wild species? As Dr. Nichole Rosenhagen explains, dental problems that impair an animal’s ability to eat can be fatal in...

Dos and Don’ts of Cold Weather Birdbaths and Feeders

Nov 9, 2015 / General Care / Wildlife

Bird feeders and the simple yet effective concrete birdbath are great ways to attract nature’s own reality show to your windows. In order to make sure your bird oases promote wildlife health this winter, the experts from the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic in Urbana offer these guidelines. Do keep it clean In warm...

Rabbit Fever Can Infect People, Pets

Aug 18, 2015 / Infectious Disease / Preventive Health / Cats / Dogs / Wildlife

A disease of wildlife called tularemia, a.k.a. “rabbit fever,” has been reported in every state except Hawaii, according to Kelly Rockwell, a third-year student at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine who co-manages the student-run Wildlife Medical Clinic. “Tularemia has been around a long time. It is getting a lot of press lately...

Bald Eagle Recovers from West Nile Virus

Apr 21, 2015 / Disease / eagle / Wildlife

After three weeks of treatment, the eagle was ready to leave the Wildlife Medical Clinic The large bird discovered on the side of a gravel road in Effingham, Ill., was not moving much and didn’t seem to use its wings or legs. A closer look revealed that the bird was a bald eagle, the national...