Animal Airwaves: Recent Episodes

UF Health

Animal Airwaves is a daily radio series that features one-minute segments relating to animal health. Each module focuses on a different topic of interest to the owners of all types of animals, ranging from consumer tips offering insights into animal behavior to veterinary patient care breakthroughs and trends. A production of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Health Communications and 89.1 WUFT-FM in Gainesville, Animal Airwaves airs three times each day on 89.1 WUFT-FM and 90.1 WJUF-FM in North Central and Mid Florida.

Over half of mature light-breed horses in the U.S. are obese — an incidence that’s among the highest in the world.

For most of them, the problem is equine metabolic syndrome, which centers around abnormal insulin activity. That, in turn, is driven by people feeding their horses grain-based diets and concentrated carbohydrates. The resulting long-term insulin elevation drives fat storage, which predisposes the horse to laminitis — a painful, and sometimes fatal, breakdown of hoof structures — as well as other problems.

Now, equine veterinarians aren’t just focusing on a horse’s weight loss, they’re measuring the insulin levels that can drive obesity. As consumers and horse stewards, people can do their part by feeding better diets, including good quality hay, instead of relying heavily on tasty grains.

The American Heartworm Society, or AHS, recently released the results of its latest three-year survey of canine heartworm disease.

Although the Gulf Coast and southeastern U.S. still have high case numbers, the updated AHS map shows that canine heartworm disease has expanded to new areas far from these epicenters.

Several reasons are cited for these trends. Populations of infected wildlife, like coyotes, are expanding into urban areas. In addition, dogs are being adopted from heartworm-established areas and relocated to lower-risk locales. Increased storm activity is also fueling subsequent spikes in mosquito numbers. Finally, families moving into high-risk regions may be bringing unprotected pets.

Just remember, canine heartworm disease is nearly always avoidable with the right preventative.

For dogs with severe hip dysplasia that progresses in spite of conservative treatment, total hip replacement can restore their quality of life.

The hip joint is a classic ball-and-socket structure. The ball at the top of the thigh bone should fit smoothly into a cup-shaped part of the pelvis. In dogs with hip dysplasia, that fit is damaged. So, in a total hip replacement, both sites are removed and replaced with implants.

Postoperative pain management is critical, as is canine rehabilitation, which is a dog’s version of physical therapy. The animal’s activity must be strictly limited for at least three months, including crate confinement when the rest of the family is away.

If pet parents follow their veterinarian’s instructions to a T, their dogs will very likely regain excellent function.

A recently published case report from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences described two dogs that suffered toxicity after accidentally ingesting a livestock feed additive.

Ractopamine is often used as a growth promoter in cattle, pigs and poultry. As a beta-agonist, it can severely damage the heart muscle — as in dogs with access to feed or storage areas.

Both dogs presented with muscle tremors and severe ventricular arrythmias. However, standard treatments for the abnormal cardiac rhythms were ineffective — but beta-blockers did the trick.

This report alerts veterinarians to a novel cause of unexplained ventricular arrhythmias in dogs and details effective treatment. The earlier these dogs are treated, the better their chances are for survival.

Just like their right-handed or left-handed parents, dogs may have a paw preference.

A newly developed test includes four tasks that help determine a dog’s laterality, or pawedness. In one test, a dog is given a KONG toy filled with food, and the technician notes which paw the dog uses to steady it. The paw used to reach for a snack under furniture is also recorded. The technician also notes the paw chosen to take the first step down a staircase, as well as the paw that’s extended when the dog steps off a curb.

Laterality isn’t just a matter of curiosity. Whether a dog is right-pawed or left-pawed may be related to their behavior, emotions and reasoning. For example, left-pawed dogs may be more pessimistic than their right-pawed brethren, while ambidextrous dogs may be more fearful or aggressive.

If you’re a pooch parent, blastomycosis should be on your radar — especially if your dog’s a digger.

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection that most often affects dogs along river valleys in the Midwest as well as in the Southeast. It’s not contagious. Instead, dogs can get infected when they inhale mold spores from the soil.

Signs of blastomycosis — including fever, depression, respiratory problems and weight loss — usually take weeks to months to appear. Infection can spread to other parts of the body, too, with signs referring to the site of infection.

Treatment with antifungal medications generally results in a 50 to 75 percent recovery rate — but only after a dog has been treated for months. As with any infection, the earlier treatment is started, the better.

Good nutrition is key to managing feline diabetes. It may even help cats achieve diabetic remission — that is, maintenance of normal glucose levels for over four months without treatment.

In a recent trial, 72 overweight, diabetic, insulin-treated cats were fed the same specialized diet, but one group received maintenance portions while the other was fed calorie-restricted meals. After three months, 50 percent of cats in the calorie-restricted group achieved diabetic remission compared to 30 percent in the maintenance group. Even in those not achieving remission, insulin doses were reduced in 36 percent of cats in the calorie-restricted group.

In overweight diabetic cats, feeding a calorie-restricted diet with low-digestible carbohydrate and an increased nutrient-to-calorie ratio is a robust treatment tool.

For some pet parents, boarding their furry friends may be the only option when they’re away from home. But don’t despair. There are ways to help ease the stress on all of you.

Beforehand — particularly if your pet is medically compromised, elderly or super anxious — ask your veterinarian if boarding is a good idea.

Then, plan ahead by touring the boarding facility to ensure it will meet your pet’s needs. High-octane dogs often thrive on outside access and planned playtime, while cats generally enjoy quieter areas where they don’t have to face each other. If a facility won’t give you a tour or is lax about vaccinations, beware. These could be red flags regarding safety.

Bringing familiar items from home can also help, provided that your pet won’t destroy them and create a safety issue.

At least 32 states have laws that prohibit leaving an animal in a vehicle in dangerous conditions, or they provide civil immunity to folks who break in to save them.

Some laws specify that conditions must be life-threatening, including extremely hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation or inadequate food or water. Others merely state that conditions must pose a likely threat to the animal’s health and safety.

Good Samaritans are usually required to follow several rules, including noting that forced entry is the only way to save the animal, calling 911 or local law enforcement first and remaining on the scene until they arrive.

Remember, animals are at risk in milder conditions than you might think. In 70-degree weather, it takes only 20 minutes for the inside of a vehicle to reach 100 degrees.

Although a clinical pathologist’s role is primarily behind the scenes, bloodwork and general lab testing are critical for disease diagnosis and prevention in pets. When you visit the veterinarian, chances are you’ll be asked to have samples taken from your pet’s blood, serum or plasma, and urine to assess his or her health status. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Chris Lanier, a board-certified veterinary clinical pathologist, discusses the types of tests that typically take place in veterinary clinical pathology, and what they mean to you and your pet.

Veterinary pain management specialists who focus on anesthesia and analgesia are always looking for new ways to detect and minimize pain in animal patients undergoing anesthesia for a medical procedure. On today’s archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Ludovica Chiavaccini, a specialist in anesthesia and analgesia, discusses an exciting new research project that uses deep learning modeling and video technology to analyze facial expression as a predictor of pain in domestic goats, and how such a tool could potentially benefit patient care for a variety of species in the future.

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in our beloved pets. Dr. Ronald Gonçalves, an emergency medicine and critical care specialist at UF, discusses the potentially life-threatening condition. Heat stroke is a serious and often underestimated danger for animals, capable of causing severe organ damage or even death if not promptly addressed. Unlike humans, pets can’t easily regulate their body temperature or tell us when they’re overheating. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Gonçalves explains why certain animals are more susceptible to heat stroke, how to recognize the early warning signs and, most importantly, what steps pet owners can take to prevent this emergency situation.

When Florida’s marine mammals and sea turtles become sick, injured or die, a quick response is essential to understand the issues at play and, if needed, provide a means for care and treatment. At the University of Florida, the Marine Animal Rescue Program plays that role, working closely with other stranding networks within the state of Florida and nationally when needed. On this archived episode, Dr. Mike Walsh, a clinical associate professor and MAR program director, discusses some of the program’s accomplishments since its inception, including the recovery of a deceased dolphin and the collaborations that led to a diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Richard Hill, a professor of small animal medicine and nutrition expert at UF’s Small Animal Hospital discusses the alarming rise of pet obesity. Dr. Hill explains what’s driving the trend and why excess weight threatens your pet’s health with conditions like diabetes and joint disease. He’ll also share practical strategies for weight management. Listeners will learn how proper nutrition, appropriate exercise and veterinary guidance can help your furry companion maintain optimal health and extend their quality of life.

Quick bites, fast action. Snake bites are one of the most common occurrences in veterinary hospital emergency rooms through the summer months, and prompt medical attention can make the difference between life, death and/or a lengthy and expensive hospitalization. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Michael Schaer, UF CVM professor emeritus of emergency medicine, talks all things snake bites, discusses an update on recent lessons learned from several severe cases of pit viper envenomation, and shares an update on a promising new clinical trial drug used to treat coral snake envenomation.

When it comes to testing bear-resistant camping equipment, the bears have the last word.

To be labeled “bear-resistant,” products have to pass bear-assisted tests, and the grizzlies at Washington State University’s Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center are happy to oblige — and have been since 2022.

To warrant a bear-resistant rating, a product must weather 60 minutes of bears’ active efforts to breach it. Bears are wily, and each has its preferences when it comes to breaking and entering.

The testing process has benefits all around. Bear-resistant products reduce bears’ habituation to humans, and testing provides enrichment and physical activity for resident bears. And if a product can survive all this and still work for humans, it’s likely market-ready.

The oddest of odd animals on earth has to be the platypus. It’s a duck-billed mammal with flippers and a beaver-like tail and is one of only five species of mammals that lay eggs. The females make milk but have no nipples, and the males have venomous spurs on their hind legs. They’re exquisitely sensitive to electrical fields and use special sensory organs in their bills to detect prey in mud and murky water. They also glow under ultraviolet light.

Now, researchers have found that platypuses have pigment-producing intracellular structures more like those in birds than mammals. These help give birds their bright iridescent colors, but the reason for their presence in platypuses — a first in mammals — remains unknown.

It’s just one more mystery to solve in the perplexing platypus.

If your dog is suddenly unable to rise, or can’t move its legs, it becomes a scary situation for any pet owner. However, causes for “down dog” signs can vary greatly, ranging from trauma – such as being hit by a car – to affliction with tick-borne or other diseases, just to name a few. Getting to the root of the cause of your pet’s problem may require assistance from a veterinary neurologist. Dr. Gabriel Garcia, a board-certified veterinary neurologist at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, describes how veterinarians work toward a diagnosis, and why pet owners faced with this problem should not panic but rather seek immediate veterinary care for the best possible outcome.

While pet-proofing our homes, potential exposure to heavy metals often escapes our notice — but it can make our pets really sick.

Zinc intoxication usually results from swallowing pennies minted after 1982 when they became copper-coated zinc disks. Pets may also chew galvanized wire in their crates or lick zinc-containing diaper creams or sunscreens.

Lead poisoning often occurs when pets ingest paint chips in homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned. Toys, fishing lures and ammunition may also contain lead.

Copper toxicity is generally due to inadvertent feeding of high-copper diets. Specific dog breeds may also have genetic problems metabolizing copper.

If you think your pet has ingested or encountered potentially toxic heavy metals, contact your veterinarian right away.

Creative benefit packages are becoming more common in today’s workplace. Some companies are offering back-up care, which refers to temporary support for family members when regular care plans fall through. Along with children and seniors, some plans now include family pets, too.

In a recent survey of over 1,000 full-time employees with pets, about 75 percent had missed at least one day of work in the previous year to cover pet care, and over 25 percent had missed six days or more for the same reason.

Some companies that source back-up care say that around 50 percent of their corporate clients now cover the cost of pet walkers, sitters and emergency pet boarding for their employees. It’s a welcome perk for pet parents who can’t be home.

Tetanus is caused by bacteria that live in soil and manure, lying in wait to infect wounds, surgical sites and umbilical stumps in horses and livestock. So, it’s important to clean wounds well and monitor healing — but small wounds can easily go unnoticed.

Signs of tetanus include muscle spasms that may progress to a classic sawhorse stance. Affected animals can have trouble breathing and swallowing and are sensitive to sound and touch. Prolonged intensive treatment may save some, but about half don’t survive.

Fortunately, tetanus is easily preventable with vaccination. Horses should get an annual tetanus vaccination, while cattle and small ruminants are protected by the CD&T vaccine. If your animal gets hurt or has surgery, ask your veterinarian if a tetanus booster is recommended.

Colic — or abdominal pain resulting from gastrointestinal conditions — is one of the most common equine emergencies. While it can occur any time of year, there are specific causes of so-called “winter colic” and “spring colic.”

Winter colic most often involves impactions from horses eating drier diets, like hay. In freezing temperatures, horses also drink less water and exercise less, which results in dehydration and decreased gut motility.

In contrast, spring colic usually involves gas accumulation in the colon due to consumption of high-sugar, rapidly fermentable spring grass. Sudden shifts from hay to grass diets also lead to rapid changes in the gut’s microbial population.

That’s why it’s important to gradually introduce grass pasture. Ask your equine veterinarian for other tips to fend off spring colic.

Did you know that some of the longest animal migrations in the world are the river journeys of freshwater fish? You’ve likely heard of salmon or eel migrations, but billions of fish make epic treks, some as long as seven thousand miles across continents.

But now, these migrations are under threat by overfishing, pollution flowing into rivers and lakes, and dams blocking crucial waterways. Looming over it all is the ever-present threat of climate change causing water temperatures to rise.

Migratory freshwater fish that feed millions of people are some of the most vulnerable wildlife species on the planet. In fact, global freshwater fish populations have plummeted by 81 percent since 1970. Now is the time for nations to work across borders to solve the problem — before it’s too late.

Many dogs don’t miss a trick, especially when it comes to behavior repeated right in front of them. That’s how we inadvertently teach them the very dangerous habit of opening doors.

Lever-style and bar handle mechanisms make it easiest for dogs, since opening the door requires them to only hook their paw or mouth and press in a single direction to open the door. In contrast, round knobs require a turn and pull with an opposable thumb, which is an exclusively human ability.

If replacing hardware isn’t an option, child-proof mechanisms can prevent dogs from using lever-type handles. Child-proof locks also work to keep dogs out of cabinets and refrigerators.

Instead of frustrating your dog once he’s perfected the habit, try to dog-proof doors ahead of time.

Both animals and people can overdose on opioids, like fentanyl or heroine. Dogs — especially those on police K9 units — are the animals most at risk, since they explore their environment by sniffing and licking.

Affected dogs become lethargic and weak, then collapse and develop rapid, shallow breathing. At high doses, respiratory depression can quickly become fatal.

Once a dog has collapsed, administration of naloxone can reverse the effects of opioids within minutes. Narcan, the spray formulation, can be applied inside a dog’s nostrils. It’s harmless — even in the absence of an overdose — and can be accessed without a prescription at many retail pharmacies.

Narcan may have to be given more than once. And remember — any animal exposed to opioids should see a veterinarian immediately.

Canine epilepsy, which results in chronic intermittent seizure activity, is the most common neurologic condition in dogs. While most dogs with seizures fall down, shake and foam at the mouth, about one-third of them have much more subtle signs that are tougher to identify.

Electroencephalography, or EEG, uses small sensors placed on the head to examine brainwaves and is the diagnostic test of choice in people with seizures. While the variety of head shapes across canine breeds has limited its use in dogs, study of 3-D dog skull models has helped determine the optimal placement of EEG sensors. This information — along with use of wireless EEG equipment housed in a doggie backpack — allows veterinary neurologists to gather diagnostic information from active dogs at home — even between seizures.

Spring and summer are boom times for newborn wildlife like raccoons, foxes, skunks and coyotes. As they learn to navigate the world, they’re susceptible to many threats, including infection by the canine distemper virus. Dogs are vulnerable, too — and right now, distemper is flaring in some parts of the U.S.

Canine distemper spreads by bodily secretions — especially respiratory droplets — so dogs don’t need to directly contact a sick animal to get infected. What’s more, dogs may not show signs until two weeks after infection. Subsequently, respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurologic signs build until most sick animals die.

There’s no curative treatment for canine distemper, but vaccines are extremely effective. So, make sure your pooch is protected before going out where wildlife may spread distemper.

For those of you pooch parents who really want to get inside the mind of your dog, Harvard University may be a place to start.

Harvard’s Canine Brains Project — composed of a team of dog-loving neuroscientists, veterinary practitioners and handlers — works to determine what makes dogs behave the way they do. By using behavioral trials, neuroimaging, genetic testing and other noninvasive techniques, they’re learning how dogs receive commands, react to new situations, make connections and differ from their canine brethren.

The team is always looking for pet parents who share the same passion about learning what makes their dogs tick — and can accompany their canine companions to Boston. If your dog qualifies, the team may even be able to cover travel costs.

With hurricane season kicking off June 1, Dr. Larry Garcia, Clinical Associate Professor and Medical Director of UF’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (VETS), is roaring the readiness alert on disaster preparedness and the importance of planning for the safety of pets before disaster strikes. Every tail, paw, hoof and claw deserves a disaster plan that includes evacuation plans, pet-friendly shelters, an emergency evacuation kit and more. Under Garcia, the UF VETS team is composed of experienced professionals who provide disaster response and animal technical rescue in the face of emergencies like hurricanes, disease outbreaks and more. When a state of emergency knocks, UF VETS doesn’t just answer – they show up for our agricultural and animal companions with the boots, brains, skills and strategic expertise to deliver critical logistical support and mutual aid.

Spring may feel fresh and bright, but the dry air and surges of pollen often trigger allergies that leave our animals’ eyes irritated, itchy and uncomfortably dry. Add to that drought-like conditions, wildfires and poor air quality throughout much of the country, and you have the perfect storm for unfavorable ocular health. On this episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Caryn Plummer, professor, associate chair and board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at UF, will talk all things Ocular Surface Disease, including parts of the eye that can be affected, why ocular surface disease occurs, as well as signs, symptoms and treatment options, to ensure better blinks are ahead for large and small animals, alike.

Transcript:

DANA HILL: From WUFT-FM, this is Animal Airwaves Live, our weekly hour long show devoted to the discussion of the health and welfare of animals. I’m Dana Hill. So glad you could tune in here on this Friday, the 22nd of May, 2026. And so happy to welcome back to the program today from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Caryn Plummer. And we’re talking today about ocular surface disease. We’re going to learn about what it is, how it perhaps can be prevented and how it might be treated. So let me begin by welcoming you back to the program, Dr. Plummer. I’m really glad that you could be with me today.

DR. CARYN PLUMMER: Thanks, Dana. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you.

DH: If we think about problems with the eye, whether it is our eyes or our pet’s eyes, I think one thing that many of us can certainly understand is that almost any eye problem is going to be very unpleasant to experience for us, for our pets. It’s almost something that if you have a problem with your eye, it can make you really uncomfortable. You kind of can’t even stop thinking about it. Is that the case with what we’re talking about today, ocular surface disease?

CP: Absolutely. So, if anyone who’s gotten an eyelash or a piece of dust or a piece of dirt or something in their eye knows how really uncomfortable that can be. And if you’ve developed what’s called an ulcer, which is kind of like a scratch where some of the outer cell layers on your cornea, which is the windshield, the clear part of the cornea, if that happens, you get that sort of wound, it’s excruciatingly painful because the cornea has more little sensory nerve endings pretty much than anywhere else in your body. So it has this richly developed sensory nerve system that acts as a kind of an alarm system that tells your body something’s wrong and it creates this feedback loop that initiates healing. So it’s very important that if you get a scratch on your cornea, that that is not a persistent problem. It can cause a lot of problems, not only for your comfort, but also for the integrity of your eye.

DH: All right, so when we talk about the eye, I think that it’s useful perhaps, as we often do when you and I are discussing the eye, to maybe have some background information, just some kind of a little anatomy lesson when we talk about our eye and the different parts of the eye. Could you walk us through it?

CP: Sure, Absolutely. So the eyeball has – there are kind of two parts to the eye. There is the globe itself, the round structure that is our eyeball. And then there is what we call the adnexa, which is all the supportive tissue that protects the eye. So our eyelids are lac glands that produce the tears that moisten and protect the surface, the conjunctiva, which is that kind of mucous membrane that lines the inside of your eyelids and covers the white part of your eye. So these all work kind of in concert to make sure that our eyeballs are as healthy and protected as possible. Now, the front part of eyeball is the cornea. That’s the clear part that light passes through.

CP: And then that light will kind of pass through some lenses and get to the back of the eye and stimulate an electrical response that essentially turns into the image that we perceive as vision, what we’re seeing. But the front part of the eye, it’s really important because not only does it kind of focus the light into the eye, but it also provides that barrier that protects all of those very sensitive, delicate structures on the inside of the eye. So your windshield, if you will, serves a bunch of purposes. And when we talk about ocular surface disease, what we’re talking about is any sort of injury, insult, inflammation, disease that affects that front windshield and all of the structures that protect it.

DH: Okay, so any kind of problem with the ocular surface, any problem kind of with the cornea, can be classified then as ocular surface disease. Even like something caused by an injury?

CP: Sure, sure. Anything that affects the front of the eye, the cornea, can be considered ocular surface. Other things as well, like dry eye – so conjunctivitis — anything that’s going to affect how the cornea, that clear part, is surviving in its host environment.

DH: Yeah. Okay, so this gives us a lot to talk about then. So maybe let’s start by, with perhaps the leading causes of ocular surface disease. What do you see most in a clinical setting? And would actually, would you at the University of Florida, in a large veterinary sort of teaching hospital, see most of these cases or are they handled at, you know, the neighborhood veterinarian?

CP: Kind of both. We see a lot of surface disease in our practice. But, you know, the primary veterinarians, the family vets, serve as kind of the first line. So if a dog or a cat is having an eye problem, they generally will go to their primary veterinarian first, and they have kind of the opportunity to kind of be the first ones to recognize when there’s a problem. And that might be a transient little conjunctivitis from, you know, poor air quality or, you know, smoke from wildfires. It might be a chronic inflammatory condition like dry eye or what we call keratoconjunctivitis sicca. I tend to see the ones that are worse that didn’t respond to kind of the traditional or the first line therapies. But, you know, those cases are shared between, you know, general practices and our specialty practices.

DH: Yeah, right on. Okay, so let’s just kind of start then with a topic of recent interest here in North Central Florida. Now, if you’re listening to this episode, and it isn’t May 22, 2026, know that at the time that we were recording this program, we had been experiencing significant wildfires throughout North Central Florida. And, you know, you and I can try to do our best to stay indoors. Many people have jobs that keep them outside, and many of our pets need to go outside in order to get some recreation or do their pet business and so forth. So what kind of exposure does this create an opportunity for maybe ocular surface disease, having this exposure to wildfire smoke?

CP: Well, you know, wildfires are a major problem not just for air quality and, you know, the cardiovascular and respiratory things that I think everybody is kind of already aware of, but the smoke and the particulates that are present in that smoke can be really irritating to the ocular surface. So it can disrupt the tear film, it can cause the ocular immune system to kind of get lit on fire. And if you will forgive the pun, it activates this cascade of inflammatory events that can lead to not only irritation and discomfort, but also it affects the tear quality, it affects the health and the oxygenation of the ocular surface. So there’s a lot of things that can impact not only comfort, but also the health of your ocular surface. And we as humans can, like you say, get away from it. And it’s a little bit harder for our pets, either our companion animals, or even livestock that need to be outside.

DH: I’m so glad that you mentioned tears. I think tears are a kind of underappreciated part of our body. Yeah, right. Without tears, we would be doomed. Talk about how important tears are, how they’re made, and how we can really find our health compromised if we don’t have adequate quality tears.

CP: Yeah, dry eye is a huge problem, not just for our veterinary patients. You know, I see it the number one cause of conjunctivitis in dogs. Number one, it’s a huge problem, and it’s under recognized and under diagnosed and subsequently undertreated, but it is also a huge problem in human medicine. So in the United States alone, about 20% of all of the eye drops that are sold and bought are for dry eye disease, which is a lot, because if you think about all the different eye diseases that we get, we get scratches, we get cataracts, we get inflammation, we get glaucoma. There’s a lot of different types of diseases. But there’s, you know, the one huge market which is dry eye. And in the States alone, the direct medical cost of managing human patients with dry eye exceeds like, I think the last time I looked, it was like between five and six billion dollars a year, which is huge. So if it’s that big a deal, really, with a prevalence of.

CP: And globally in humans, between 10 and 20% of the population has some form of a tear dysfunction. You know, that’s a lot of. And if we, even if dogs even have a fraction of that, you know, generally prevalence reports suggest that dogs have, you know, anywhere from 4 to 10% of dogs will have some form of dry eye. That’s a lot of dogs. So keeping the ocular surface healthy and keeping our tear film healthy is really important. And the tears, they’re really kind of interesting.

CP: They, you know, we think about it as just this water that comes out of our tear ducts and kind of flushes the surface. And then we as humans have the capacity for psychogenic tearing, which is not common in most of our other species. But that fluid.

DH: You mean crying specifically?

CP: Yeah.

DH: Right.

CP: But the pure fluid is – there’s a lot of good stuff in it; provides oxygen to the ocular surface. It provides glucose, which is the energy required for the cells on the ocular surface to do their job and multiply and stay healthy. There are antibodies in the tear film that help prevent from microbial attack. There’s lipids in our tear film that keep that fluid, that thin film of fluid on our ocular surface at all times. There’s mucins, the tear film, that kind of keep that tear film stuck where it’s supposed to be. So it’s really actually quite complicated and quite elegant.

CP: So when we think about tears, we just think about that fluid that comes out and that is produced by a couple of different glands. In dogs and cats, they have a third eyelid, that membrane that sits in the corner of the eye on the inside. That’s…we don’t have that. It’s a structure that kind of went away during development and further evolution. But most domestic species and most exotic species have a third eyelid, and most animals that do have that third eyelid also have a gland or two associated with it that produces that liquid fraction of it here. So an orbital lacrimal gland, one that sits up essentially up above or behind the eye and the gland of the third eyelid, but on top of that, the conjunctiva, which is that thin vascular membrane that lines the surfaces of our lids and over the white part, the square of our eye, that produces mucin. Our eyelids themselves have little glands in them that produce a lipid.

CP: There’s a lot of things that go into the ocular surface that are not just the eyeball itself and the lacrimal glands themselves. It’s this whole sort of system that works together to produce this really important tear film.

DH: So when you say lipid, you mean like a kind of fat sort of that, right?

CP: Exactly.

DH: That is in this tear liquid that we have and our pets have. And this helps kind of what, spread the tears over the surface of the eye and help keep them coated along with kind of the blinking, which is just a natural sort of response that we have. And we do it without even thinking about it. And animals do, too, I imagine. So all of this is designed to ultimately, one, keep the eyes moist, but also to clear away any foreign bodies, that kind of thing. I mean, is that a big function of what tears and blinking do?

CP: Right? Absolutely. That lipid fraction helps prevent premature evaporation of our tears. So it kind of keeps them stuck there and prevents it from going away too quickly because there’s this constant turnover. We’re constantly producing a little bit of tears all the time, and then it drains down our nasolacrimal ducts into the nose or the oropharynx. So there’s this constant production of new fluid. And in an air environment that interface between our corneal tissues and the air in the environment, that fluid is going to evaporate. So that lipid helps keep it where it’s supposed to be.

DH: Now, animals live in just about every kind of natural environment there is, from moist and damp jungles to dry deserts. But let me ask, are certain species better adapted to producing tears in dry environments versus other animals? And the reason I asked this is because, you know, in Florida, we have quite an interesting sort of climate in the wintertime and up, you know, through relatively recently, we experienced a lot of, you know, really sort of dry days where the humidity is quite low. And I wonder whether or not that has any effect on the way that we experience dry eye. Just the dry air making it easier for tears and so forth to evaporate quickly.

CP: It does absolutely. So in more drier climes than where we live, that, that is a bigger problem. So it certainly, certainly does have that, that effect. Additionally, there are, you know, every different species has, you know, developed creative ways to kind of keep themselves happy and to best take care; take advantage of their environmental niches. So all animals have tears. Even snakes that don’t have eyelids per se, they still have tears underneath their spectacle. Marine mammals still have tears.

DH: What? That’s amazing. That’s absolutely amazing.

CP: Yeah, yeah. Their tear film composition is different. So every species is a little bit different in terms of the fraction of lipids and mucin and you know, what exactly goes into the tears that make them adapted to their environment. Yeah, marine mammals have, they have a lot of mucin. It’s quite sticky and viscous. It’s kind of interesting.

DH: Yeah. Okay, so what are some of the factors that can compromise animals’ ability to produce quality tears?

CP: Yeah, lots of things can. But the most common cause in dogs that get dry eye is an immune-mediated condition. So an autoimmune condition where the body essentially attacks the lacrimal glands. So that results in what we call a quantitative dry eye. So essentially we have means of measuring the amount of tears that an animal will produce. And the most common form that we see in dogs is where they essentially don’t produce enough of their liquid tears.

DH: Okay, and with something like that, is that a problem that can be readily diagnosed?

CP: It is. Actually there are a couple of things. Most of the time if you just take your dog to the vet and they are not exhibiting any signs of ocular irritation, their eyes aren’t red, they don’t have any mucus discharge, they don’t have, you know, what some people say is that green sleep that accumulates in the corner of their eyes. You know, it’s not part of the regular routine exam. If you’re going for your annual and you’re getting vaccines. And the eyes are seemingly from, you know, the minimal part of the ophthalmic exam that goes into an annual physical. They’re not going to reach for all the diagnostic testing. But if an animal presents with clinical signs, the eyes are red, the character of the eye discharge has changed, or if the animal is squinting, then that is a pretty straightforward and common diagnostic test to do.

CP: It’s what we call a Schirmer Tear Test. We have these little filter papers that we stick essentially underneath the eyelid and we measure the amount of tears that wick down that little filter paper in a set period of time, which is about a minute. They do the same test in people, it just takes generally a few minutes longer to get the same results.

DH: And if there is a problem that you can diagnose, what kinds of treatment options are available besides eye drops, which, you know, nobody wants to spend a whole day or many days putting eye drops in an animal’s eyes. They’re not going to like it.

CP: Well, you know, sometimes they come to appreciate it. Yes. For dry eye of the immune mediated form, we essentially put them on topical drops. They do get eye drops. And our goals are twofold. We use drugs, drugs like cyclosporine or tacrolimus that essentially decrease the inflammation in the glands, essentially modulating that immune response to allow those glands to produce more of their own good tears. So we call those lacrimal stimulants. And then on top of that, we also recommend supplementing with artificial tears.

CP: So artificial tears are really important to kind of get us over the hump until the eye starts producing more of its own good tears. And unfortunately, when quantitative dry eye is diagnosed, that is generally a lifelong problem. It is not something that you can treat them with for a couple of weeks and then all is well again. It is something that needs to be treated throughout that animal’s life.

DH: I mean, left untreated, it seems like there could be a lot of dire consequences up to. Including blindness, I imagine.

CP: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, in people doesn’t usually get that far. But in dogs, you know, they’re better people than we are. They don’t complain quite to the same extent that we would. But yes, with chronic irritation that leads to blood vessels growing into the cornea. It leads to scar tissue growing into the cornea. In some animals it will lead to actually pigmentation of the cornea where you get this brown pigment that grows over the surface. So all of those changes are going to affect the clarity of the cornea.

CP: So that will affect how that animal sees and how light gets into the inside of the eye to allow that pretty picture to form in our brains.

DH: Yeah.

CP: This, it also makes, makes the eye a greater risk for the development of ulcers or scratches, which can be really painful.

DH: And I imagine that ulcers and scratches are another type of ocular surface disease, Correct?

CP: Correct. Yeah. That’s when you get a physical disruption of the layers.

DH: Yeah. And that gives us a good place to maybe take our first break. I want to remind listeners that this is Animal Airwaves Live here on WUFT-FM, our weekly hour long show devoted to the discussion of the health and welfare of animals. I’m Dana Hill. My guest today from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is Dr. Caryn Plummer. And we’re talking today about ocular surface disease. We’ll be back with more right after this. Stay tuned.

DH: Welcome back to Animal Airwaves Live here on WUFT-FM. This is a weekly hour long show devoted to the discussion of the health and welfare of animals. I’m Dana Hill and my guest today from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is Dr. Caryn Plummer. We’re talking about ocular surface disease. These problems with our pet’s eyes that can be a stage extremely vexing. And when we left off, we had talked quite a bit about tears and how important tears are to protecting the surface of the eye and helping to prevent irritation. And you mentioned, Dr. Plummer, before we left off for the break, that ulcers are something that the eye can experience. And I imagine that these could be quite painful in addition to just maybe disrupting vision itself.

CP: Absolutely. Like I mentioned, there’s lots of nerve endings in the cornea and they can be really, really painful. So not only from the surface nerves, but there’s also a secondary reflex that happens when you get a scratch on your eye that causes some inflammation inside the eye. So you kind of have pain coming from two different mechanisms.

DH: Yeah. Okay, so what are some of the primary causes of ulcers? Maybe untreated problems with the tear glands might be one.

CP: Right? Absolutely. So dry eye can predispose both quantitative and qualitative. So you can have dry eye that, where you don’t produce enough liquid tears, but you can also have forms of dry eye that result from dysfunction of the other glands that produce the mucin or the lipids. So meibomian glands, those are the glands that line the eyelids, those produce that lipid. And that can be a real problem. Even if you’re making adequate amounts of liquid tears, if you don’t have that layer and that fraction that prevents it from evaporating, you can essentially have a functional dry eye. And we call that a qualitative dry eye.

CP: Dry eye can cause ulcers, physical trauma. So like a traumatic insult or a wound or kind of going into the bushes and scratching the eye on, you know, a foreign object, foreign bodies, all sorts of things like that can result in ulcers. But generally, we think, at least most of the time in dogs, it’s related to some sort of external irritant or trauma.

DH: Okay, so here’s where I want to point out one real big reason I would never want to trade places with one of our pets, although I will tell you that my cat’s got a pretty good life. If I get something in my eye, I have the ability to try to get it out my pet. And any pet really doesn’t have any kind of ability to try to remove some foreign body that’s gotten in the eye. Now, the eye has maybe some natural kind of means of attempting to remove foreign bodies, but with our pets and their lack of hands, they’re extremely limited in this regard. Does this create real potential for big problems and discomfort and pain for our pets?

CP: Absolutely, it certainly does. And you know, one of the ways the body kind of deals with those sorts of things is when there is a foreign body, it will actually upregulate the amount of tears that are produced. You know, that’s why when we have ocular pain, you know, you start to tear and you have seepage and that sort of thing. And that’s one of the natural mechanisms to try and flush things off the surface. But a lot of times, you know, the foreign bodies that we get on our, on our eyes, they’re so small that even we with opposable thumbs have, have problems getting them out. And you know, a dog or a cat, they experience that discomfort and they’ll self traumatize as a way to feel better. So they’ll rub, they’ll rub with their paws, they’ll rub on their forelimbs. But unfortunately they don’t have, you know, the capacity to dislodge those things as easily as we might.

CP: And I see a of ton, particularly certain times of year when there are certain little seed pods that are out and about. We see a lot of foreign bodies that have been present. They lodged themselves in the cornea and they’ve been there for days or weeks before anyone notices it. And I can tell that based on my exam, I can see there’s blood vessels growing in there and it’s been there for quite some time.

DH: Yeah. Well, look, one big problem here is that our pets, dogs and cats included, they sometimes kind of lead their way through the world with face first. Right. And you know, dogs and cats that are out kind of in the environment, sometimes just walking face first into tall grass, into shrubs, into, you name it. Not only that, but they’re closer to sand and dirt that’s kind of blown up by the wind or whatever. And this creates, I imagine, all kinds of opportunities for foreign bodies to make their way. Whether it’s just dust or dirt or little seed pods, as you say, thorns.

CP: Oh my gosh.

DH: Right.

CP: Yep.

DH: Right.

CP: The spray from insects. We see chemical abrasions from like stick bugs and things on a fairly regular, regular basis. So, yeah, you’re right. They absolutely lead face first and it can cause some problems.

DH: What can we do to identify when our pets are feeling uncomfortable in their eyes?

CP: Well, they’re going to tell you. So, the majority of the time, you know, ocular surface pain is different than like if you had glaucoma pain. So we’ve talked about glaucoma in the past and that kind of manifest. At least people report that manifestation as kind of like a headache type migraine sensation. Ocular surface pain is different. It’s very sharp and oftentimes it’s very acute in onset. So an animal will squint, they will tear. If they have the capacity to produce tears, they will sometimes have an increase in redness or color to their conjunctiva.

CP: Sometimes their eyelids will swell. So, generally, they will behave as if they are experiencing some discomfort. And you could sort of anthropomorphize there and say, oh, I can appreciate how that feels based on how my animal is essentially looking in the face, squinting, tearing, redness, furrowed brow, that sort of thing.

DH: Yeah, yeah, right. Okay. So we might not understand when we see our pets displaying some of these symptoms, what specifically led to the problem. But this is where it’s important to get in touch with a veterinarian. I imagine that eye problems are something that warrant, if not an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Certainly like one without much delay.

CP: Absolutely. Especially if, you know, the signs have come on acutely. Acute onset generally means that’s a same day emergency trip to the vet. And the problem is a lot of the sort of evidence of discomfort and the clinical signs of eye pain, they’re very similar for a whole bunch of different diseases. So for the layperson or even sometimes for the general veterinarian to be able to differentiate between what specifically is causing that pain, that can be quite challenging. And some of them are absolute emergencies that need treatment right now, and some of them don’t. They can wait a little bit longer. But knowing which one is which is really quite a challenge sometimes.

DH: Can we talk about some of the other kinds of traumas that the eye can experience? I mean, anything that you know of a severe injury we might notice. I mean, do the eyes be bleed the same way that other tissues might bleed?

CP: They do most of the time if you have an intraocular hemorrhage. So a bleed inside the eye that is the result of typically either a blunt trauma, some sort of impact like that. Think about getting hit by a baseball or something like that. Or if the eye develops a penetrating wound, so an ulcer that’s ruptured, or some sort of stick to the eye that’s gone all the way through the outer barriers and into the eye that will cause bleeding.

DH: Have you ever seen a dog scratched by a cat, for instance?

CP: Oh, my gosh. So often, yes. And it’s pretty typical, actually, when people get a new puppy and bring it home to the house that has an established older cat who is not having any of it.

DH: That’s right. That’s right. And so with something like that, I mean, are you worried both about the injury and then the potential for infection?

CP: Absolutely. Especially with the catclaw, because there are some interesting buggies that live in their claws, so absolutely, we worry about that. We worry about the damage that can be done to, not just to the cornea, but to the structures inside the eye, the iris, the lens, and for the possibility of implantation of some sort of bacterial agent.

DH: Ooh, yeah. I mean, in that sort of situation, what is your go to? Is that an antibiotics kind of situation?

CP: Yes. So if the globe is penetrated, is ruptured, many times we recommend surgery to kind of fix the wound. If it’s sealed, then we treat with antibiotics, generally, both topically and systemically, to try and minimize the impact and the proliferation of that bacteria within the eye, because that is very, very challenging to treat once it’s established itself. And, you know, sometimes what will happen is you will get them through that initial wound, but there’s a bacteria in the eye and that shows up even a few weeks later as a kind of an increase in clinical signs, an increase in pain and an increase in inflammation.

DH: Yeah, let’s talk a little bit about inflammation and bacteria. I mean, can this affect all parts of the eye, including the eyelids and the areas around the eye and the ducts and so forth?

CP: Yep. The eye has this interesting immune system. It’s called privilege. So the body does everything it can to prevent pathogens, bacteria, viruses, all those sorts of things, from impacting the inside of the eye. But, you know, our eyeballs are out in the world. They are constantly presented with whatever is in our environment. So our corneal surface, our conjunctiva, our eyelids, if there is something that has caused a scratch or a damaged wound that could allow a bug to set up housekeeping, or if there’s some sort of, you know, immunocompromised state that allows a bacteria to kind of proliferate we can see what we call blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva, and keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea.

DH: Yeah. Okay. Well, Dr. Plumer, this is where we’re going to take our last break of the program. I want to remind listeners that this is Animal Airwaves Live here on WUFT-FM. I’m Dana Hill. My guest from the UF College of Veterinary Medicine is Dr. Caryn Plummer, and we’ll be back with more right after this. Stay tuned.

DH: Welcome back to Animal Airwaves, live here on WUFT-FM. I’m Dana Hill, and my guest from the UF College of Veterinary Medicine is Dr. Caryn Plummer. And we’re talking today about ocular surface disease. And Dr. Plummer, you see a lot of animal patients who come in and are experiencing one of the many different causes of ocular surface disease. And I want to ask, when you see these pets, you’re taking an exam, right. Tell me what your eye exam kind of looks like, so to speak.

CP: Well, I have a kind of systematic approach to it. I want to make sure that I’m looking at all of the different structures and that I’m not missing something. So I, as a general rule, will look from the outside and then go in. So I will look at the animal before I’ve even laid hands on them. I will appreciate the symmetry between the two eyes, whether or not there’s any discharge, whether or not the animal is kind of squinting in one eye or the other or both. And then we move forward and kind of do our greetings. We pet them, we say hello, and essentially then look at the lids, the lid margins. We look at the glands, openings in the lids to see do they look healthy or not.

CP: Then we look at the ocular surface proper, so the conjunctiva and the cornea, and look for foreign material, look for blood vessels, look for defects, look for pigment, look for anything that looks off what we would consider normal or the spectrum of variations of normal. And then we move in and look at the interior structures, the front chamber, the iris, the lens, the retina and the optic nerve. And essentially you are comparing when you’re doing an exam what you’re seeing in real life in the patient that’s in front of you with what you have banked in your brain as what is normal.

DH: Right, right. Okay. So you probably don’t have too much trouble diagnosing some of these, like, larger problems, but are there ever problems related to ocular surface disease that are a bit more challenging to see, to ascertain, to diagnose.

CP: Yeah, sometimes, you know, especially if it’s a kind of early in the course or if it’s the clinical signs are subtle, you know, then that’s when we rely on some additional diagnostic tools. So we will do, like I mentioned, that tier test that measures quantity of tears. There are some other means of doing quantitative measurement in tears, especially in little, tiny animals. We do, you know, have altered means of doing it and really, really tiny eyes. But we also have, you know, some ocular stains that we use to evaluate the quality of the tear film and whether or not the cornea is intact. So there’s…you’ve probably seen that green stain that will get placed on the eye. That’s a stain called fluorescein. And it’s very useful.

CP: It has a lot of different utilities, but its main use is to determine if there’s a defect in the cornea. So the outer layer of cells, that essentially is the barrier cells, the epithelium, if that tissue has been removed, then that stain will essentially be retained by the deeper layers of the cornea. So you’ll have an area that kind of is highlighted green that tells you that is where the wound is. So that stain is very useful in helping us with defects. It also can help us to evaluate the quality of the tear film. So when you put the green stain on the ocular surface, even when there’s not an ulcer, it will diffuse through the tear film. And you can actually kind of time it to see how quickly it takes for it to dissipate. And that is a measurement of quality of tears.

CP: We also have a bunch of other stains that we can use that tell us whether or not the tear film is in good health. So essentially, qualitative measurements or assessments.

DH: Tears, are there, are there problems related to ocular surface disease that are much more difficult to treat or are treatments fairly available for many of the common eye problems?

CP: Well, a lot of the common eye problems, you know, conjunctivitis, which is a nonspecific thing, just means you have surface inflammation. And keratitis, nonspecific, just means that you have corneal inflammation. Those generally respond quite well to symptomatic therapy with anti-inflammatories, so topical steroids, topical antihistamines, those sorts of things. But a lot of times you’re treating the symptom and not the underlying cause. So especially if you have a situation where an animal has some conjunctivitis and you go to the vet and you get a short course of steroids, and it makes everything better. But as soon as you stop treating with the steroids, the signs come back. That typically means that there’s something else that hasn’t been identified and directly treated. So in dogs, most commonly that is that we’re not producing enough tears.

CP: So the treatment for that would be to try and stimulate them to produce their own good tears. In cats, a lot of times it’s because they have an infection, so they have herpes virus or chlamydia or some sort of an infectious ocular surface problem. So identifying that underlying cause is really helpful in kind of not only just finding a more directed treatment course, but also being able to better guide the owner, the pet parent, on what to expect moving forward. So a dog that has environmental allergies, you know, we’re not fixing that, we’re not curing that. We’re managing that with the, you know, the exception of if it’s possible to, you know, exclude whatever that allergen is from that patient’s environment.

DH: Something like a physical trauma, like a twig lashed across the eye or some foreign object that’s gotten in there, like some sand that has scraped up the surface. Do these heal themselves? For the most part.

CP: For the most part, they do, yes. You know, if it’s a foreign material, that certainly needs a little bit of help. But the eye has a great capacity to heal. So if you remove whatever the offending object was, if it’s still there, then the eye is going to heal up. A corneal ulcer. The most part, it’s going, you know, the patient’s going to heal on its own. My job as a veterinarian when I’m treating these is to kind of not get in the way of that normal healing process, but also to make sure that I am kind of augmenting the body’s own reaction. So if I’m concerned about an infection or the possibility of infection, that’s one of the worst things that can happen for a corneal ulcer, because it can make it deeper, it can make it more serious, it can make it more likely to rupture, to perforate.

CP: So we use antibiotics not to heal the eye. The body does itself, just to prevent any secondary complications that you get from a pathogen that was present. We also use anti-inflammatories or things like atropine to dilate the pupil and stop some of the muscle spasms that occur. So we’re treating the pain associated with that. Sometimes we’ll use drops like autologous serum, which is essentially a blood product or other types of what we call anticholinergics to kind of minimize the enzyme activity that takes place in a corneal ulcer that can make it worse. But for the most part, if the foreign object is removed, the body’s going to heal itself. It has a tremendous capacity. We just kind of support it as it’s doing so on its own.

CP: And one of the most important ways to do that is preventing self-trauma. So if your veterinarian puts your pet in an Elizabethan collar, one of those lampshades, it’s not to be a pain or to be obstructionist to your lifestyle. And it’s really important to prevent that self-trauma because our pets don’t, you know, they feel pain. What are they going to do? They rub or they’ll rub their eye against the couch or the carpet. And, you know, it feels really good in the moment, but it’s not helping that healing process. Oftentimes it’s setting them back. So those, especially the rigid cones, they’re really important to prevent that patient from doing damage to cells.

DH: Yeah. Well, Dr. Plummer, that’s really, really great advice. And, you know, when we started out the program, we were talking about, you know, the way that eye problems can be some of the most vexing because it’s hard to think about anything else when something is irritating your eye. And fundamentally, I think what would be most important for listeners to take away is that, you know, veterinarians are there to help you diagnose these ailments and get treatment for your pets so that they feel better.

CP: Absolutely. That’s what we’re here for.

DH: All right, well, Dr. Caryn Plummer is a veterinarian at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Thank you so much for joining me today.

CP: My pleasure. Thank you, Dana.

DH: And I want to thank you all for listening to the program today. I hope you’ll join me next time for another episode of Animal Airwaves Live. Bye.

You may think of Toxocara, or roundworms, as parasites that only affect dogs and cats. But toxocariasis – roundworm infection – can cause serious disease in people, too.

Dogs are the main source of Toxocara. Adult worms in their digestive tract produce eggs that pass in the stool. After they’re ingested from the environment, the eggs hatch in the intestine where they can burrow through the intestinal wall and travel to other organs.

Roundworm eggs are highly resistant to environmental extremes. In disadvantaged communities with high levels of soil contamination, the incidence of Toxocara infections in people — or human toxocariasis — can soar, especially among children and in warm weather.

We can all help by treating our pets with a monthly roundworm preventative. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.

It’s normal to feel disappointment upon learning that your dog or cat was born with a congenital disease. The good news is that surgery can correct many congenital defects, giving pets a real chance at a normal, happy life or, at the very least, a better quality of life for the rest of their days. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Kathleen Ham, a board-certified small animal surgery specialist, discusses some of the common congenital diseases she treats and how advancements in veterinary surgery have made clinical solutions possible for many animals.

Our pets love springtime just as much as we do. But even in balmy weather, we need to protect them against potential dangers.

Topping the list are parasites, like fleas, ticks and heartworm. Nowadays, these can cause problems year-round, but the threat is highest in warm weather. Ask your veterinarian about safe preventatives.

Gardens can be attractive to our furry friends, but they’re not all fun and games. Some plants — like tulips, daffodils and lilies — are toxic to pets. Lilies are especially very dangerous to cats.

Chemicals in traditional garden fertilizers and pesticides can also make pets sick, so either keep them off limits or replace them with pet-friendly products.

Finally, contact your veterinarian if your pet starts getting super itchy. It may be a sign of seasonal allergies.

Hanging on to your pet’s old medications can be risky, but what’s the best way to get rid of them?

The safest method is to use take-back programs offered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA. These include accessing year-round locations — like collection sites at pharmacies, clinics or police stations — or taking part in national take-back events.

If these options aren’t available, the DEA website has a list of flushable medications.

You can also ask your pharmacy about the availability of prepaid drug mail-back envelopes or DisposeRx packets. The latter forms a disposable gel when mixed with water and medications.

If all else fails, you can combine medications with used coffee grounds or cat litter and seal the mixture in a sturdy container before throwing it in your trash.

Each year, thousands of animal and plant species are objects of illegal wildlife trafficking. Many affected mammals — like elephants and rhinos — are well known, but chances are you’ve never heard of the most trafficked mammal of all, the pangolin.

Pangolins are shy, scaled insect eaters that arguably look more like reptiles than mammals. The eight pangolin species that inhabit Asia and Africa are all highly endangered. Their meat is considered a delicacy, and traditional medicine holds that their scales can cure a variety of ailments.

Nearly a million pangolins have been snatched from the wild over the past decade. Their scales and ability to roll into tight balls are ideal defense mechanisms against natural predators, but they’re no match against humans, the most dangerous threat of all.

Recently, dogs in need of critical first aid have received some positive news.

Following a risk review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Mantel Technologies’ canine freeze-dried plasma — or cFDP — is now available for preorder. It’s intended to treat hypovolemia — that’s low blood volume — and to control hemorrhage.

Plasma is the liquid part of blood, which makes up about half of the blood volume. Traditional plasma products are typically kept frozen and require thawing before use. In contrast, cFDP is a shelf-stable formulation that can be reconstituted with sterile water and given intravenously in emergencies. This makes it particularly useful for trauma cases or in remote settings where whole blood products aren’t accessible or easily stored. Even working military dogs can benefit.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has had a busy first quarter of 2026 approving medications for the animals that we care so much about.

In early March—and five years after issuing conditional approval—the FDA granted full approval to Laverdia®, the first oral treatment for canine lymphoma, a type of cancer involving the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. Laverdia® is available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

Pet parents can administer Laverdia® twice weekly at home under their veterinarian’s direction and by carefully following the safety directions in the product’s client information sheet. For example, medical gloves safe for use with chemotherapy drugs should be worn while handling the drug, the dog’s food and water bowls, as well as while cleaning up after a treated dog.

From mild gastrointestinal upset to more severe symptoms, even death, poisonous plants can be toxic to livestock. Learning to recognize these plants and properly manage animals and pastures is critical to ensuring the safety of horses and cattle. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Chris Martyniuk, a professor of toxicology, discusses how you can better educate yourself about situations and locations where plant toxicity is the most threatening to livestock, some of the worst plant culprits, and what to do if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous plant.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Numelvi tablets for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs six months of age or older.

According to data from studies conducted by the pharmaceutical company, once-daily Numelvi works quickly to quell itching. Because it’s highly selective for the intracellular enzymes that mediate itch and inflammation in allergic dermatitis, it has minimal effects on other beneficial immune functions, like response to vaccination.

Numelvi is available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian. It now joins several other anti-itch medications used to help soothe the discomfort of canine allergic dermatitis. If your dog is affected, talk to your veterinarian about recommended treatment options.

As of April 2026, New World Screwworm, or NWS, still hasn’t made its way into the U.S. But if, or when, it does, there’s a new agent to fight it.

You may recall that NWS is a maggot that invades the healthy flesh of animals, often causing severe tissue damage. In March of this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for a topical spray used to prevent and treat NWS in a variety of animals. F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide can be used in livestock, horses, wild and exotic mammals, as well as wild and pet birds, but it should not be used in pet dogs and cats.

Although this product is available over the counter without a prescription, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian before using it on your animals.

Both people and dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies — it’s just that they’re affected in different ways.

In each case, allergic individuals overreact to certain environmental substances, like pollen, grass, dust or mold. But while people tend to develop upper respiratory signs — like sneezing and a runny nose — affected dogs become itchy in certain areas, or even all over. They can also be prone to ear and skin infections.

While canine seasonal allergies can’t be cured, they can be managed with baths, medications, antimicrobials and even allergy shots. So, if your buddy is affected, talk to your veterinarian about easing the discomfort. Once you have a diagnosis, you can get a jump on treatment before the next allergy season rolls around.

As the weather warms, dogs and their humans have something in common — that’s the threat of Lyme disease caused by bacteria spread by blacklegged, or deer, ticks.

As opposed to people infected with the bacteria — about 90 percent of whom get sick — most dogs don’t develop clinical signs. But for the five or 10 percent that do, common abnormalities include intermittent lameness, swollen joints and fever. A few may even develop severe kidney disease.

Once an infected tick attaches, it takes 24 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria. But don’t count on finding and removing every tick, since some are as small as poppy seeds. While removal helps, tick preventative is the most reliable way to go. In addition, ask your veterinarian if your dog should be vaccinated against Lyme disease.

Scientists have long known that cats have an uncanny ability to land on their feet when they fall. But just how they do it remained a mystery.

Earlier this year, researchers provided some important clues after comparing the spines from donated cat cadavers to videos of live cats. They found that cats have an extremely flexible upper spine — able to twist nearly 360 degrees — but a stiffer and heavier lower one. That means they can quickly rotate their upper torso to face the ground, allowing them to see how to adjust the rest of their body for a safe landing.

Importantly though, this ability is far from foolproof. Even cats can be severely injured, or worse, if they fall from considerable heights. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your windows closed around your feline friends.

For bumblebees, beating the odds is old hat. After all, their ability to fly was once a mystery. Now we know that bumblebee queens can survive under water — sometimes for up to a week.

Each winter, some insects go into a period of suspended development called diapause when bumblebee queens may snuggle into burrows and nod off. But their underground nests are prone to flooding, and bees in diapause are too groggy to respond quickly. So, how do they save themselves?

First, diapause cuts a queen’s metabolism by about 95 percent. What’s more, queens have evolved the ability to use the oxygen in water and expel carbon dioxide. Finally, when oxygen is scarce, cells switch to anaerobic metabolism, which allows for the generation of energy without oxygen.

It’s just another amazing bumblebee strategy.

In most cases, pregnant dogs and cats deliver their litter without complications, but veterinary care is important to ensure your pet’s health before, during and after delivery. However, pregnancy complications can occur in any breed, and at any age. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Drs. Audrey Kelleman and Luis de Aguiar, board-certified specialists in theriogenology, or animal reproduction, share information about common pregnancy complications seen in pets and signs to watch for to indicate animals need immediate veterinary care.

So, you want to be a veterinarian? In addition to caring for dogs, cats and other animal species as clinical practitioners, today’s veterinarians use their skill sets in a variety of careers, including the military, industry and others. A successful application to veterinary school involves an understanding of the profession and how prospective students aim to contribute to it. On today’s archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Ashley Allen-Durrance, assistant dean of admissions and student success at UF CVM, will discuss veterinary student recruitment, what’s involved in getting into veterinary school, how to prepare a strong application and what potential applicants should keep in mind before they apply.

Sepsis – along with septic shock – is a major cause of death in people and animals and is a medical emergency when it occurs. Initially caused by an existing infection that progresses to widespread dysregulated inflammation, sepsis can originate from any infection – like gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive or urinary tract infections, for example. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Ronald Gonçalves, a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine and critical care, covers how veterinarians manage this serious condition when it occurs in their patients, and why prompt diagnosis and treatment can be the difference between life and death.

Veterinary oncology today makes use of increasingly sophisticated tools and methods for treating cancer in pets. In addition to surgery and medical therapies like chemotherapy, radiation oncology is a veterinary specialty that entails the use of controlled radiation to treat certain types of cancer. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Marilia Takada, a clinical assistant professor and veterinary radiation oncology specialist, details what radiation therapy is, how it works and the types of cancer it’s most frequently used to treat. Dr. Takada also discusses why radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Many families are hesitant to introduce more paws into their homes, unaware that they have the option to foster. Fostering gives animals a safe and stress-free environment while also providing essential rehabilitation for animals with special needs or health conditions that need extra care and treatment. Still, many are uninformed about the life-changing impact that fostering has for animals, shelter and the humans who take part. This episode of Animal Airwaves Live follows students in UF’s Medi-Gators Mentorship Program as they share their insights after tracking foster cases in the Gainesville community. The group sheds light on why fostering matters, and how the public can help make a difference in the lives of animals without ever leaving their couch.

On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, uncover the hidden threat of rat lungworm in dogs with UF experts Dr. Heather Walden, an associate professor of parasitology, and Dr. Amy Stone, a clinical associate professor of primary care and dentistry. Dr. Walden will explore the parasitic nematode’s biology, while Dr. Stone will provide crucial insights into canine infection, clinical symptoms and treatment strategies specific to four-legged companions. Plus, learn how to protect your dogs from this established parasitic danger in Florida.

Veterinary technicians are essential to veterinary hospitals and practices. They offer high‑quality veterinary care by supporting veterinarians, delivering hands‑on treatment, running diagnostics, educating owners and keeping clinics operating smoothly. Vet tech roles are diverse and career paths can vary widely. On this archived episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Holly Kitchen, a certified veterinary technician (CVT) and veterinary technician specialist in ophthalmology (VTS), shares her career journey and insights into her specialization, along with some of the rewards unique to the veterinary technician profession.

Diagnostic laboratories are a key part of the veterinary care team, but one most people don’t commonly interact with. Dr. Michael Dark, clinical associate professor and director of UF’s veterinary diagnostic labs, joins Animal Airwaves Live to discuss the importance of diagnostic laboratories to veterinary care, their role in the veterinary hospital system, and how UF’s recent accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians – only the second accredited laboratory in the state – emphasizes UF’s commitment to quality and opens opportunities for collaboration.

Genetic testing can play a valuable role in human and animal health, alike. Canine genetic testing can screen for hundreds of inherited diseases, reveal traits and tendencies based on breed, support better training and behavior awareness, and, ultimately, improve veterinary care and long-term wellbeing. On this episode of Animal Airwaves Live, Dr. Rebecca Nance-Richey, a biomedical research scientist in our department of small animal clinical sciences, discusses the value of genetic information, what defines a breed genetically, and how breed and health panels actually work for your pooch. Plus, she offers anecdotal experience with her German Shepherd, Stella, who was identified as at-risk for Degenerative Myelopathy through canine genetic testing.

While dog supplements aren’t inherently bad, many are poorly regulated and unnecessary if your pooch is eating a complete and balanced diet. On this episode, Dr. Richard Hill, a professor of small animal medicine and nutrition expert, talks all things pups and supplements, including regulatory issues with pet supplements, the dangers of over-supplementation and why herbal and holistic supplements can be dangerous. More nutrients do not always mean better health. It’s easy to disrupt balanced formulas and, in some cases, supplements can delay proper treatment or mask real medical conditions. Always consult with your veterinarian on canine diets and nutrition; routine supplementation is not recommended without veterinary oversight, according to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

The oldest wild bird on record has once again returned to her breeding ground.

Wisdom is a 75-year-old Laysan albatross who’s been breeding on Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean for seven decades. After mating, females lay a single egg, which the mating pair raises together. A few years ago, Wisdom’s mate did not return with her, but a year ago, she came back with a new mate.

Albatrosses spend up to 90 percent of their time in the air. In her lifetime, Wisdom has flown an estimated three million miles, laid 50 to 60 eggs and raised nearly 36 chicks.

Wisdom is a grandmother as of 2021, and she’s outlived the ornithologist who placed an identification band on her in 1956. Now, her many followers are eagerly waiting to hear if she and her mate can successfully raise a chick during this breeding season.

A new RNA rabies vaccine for pets is another target of misinformation.

An online influencer said that Nobivac NXT Rabies is “even more lethal” than previous vaccines. The truth is that, before approval, all veterinary vaccines are tested for safety and efficacy by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Also, RNA vaccines don’t require adjuvants to boost immune reactions. Since these are the vaccine components most often involved in allergic reactions, RNA vaccines are expected to cause fewer side effects than conventional ones.

An online physician also implied that Nobivac NXT might cause rabies to spread to people. That’s impossible, since it doesn’t contain the genetic information needed to create new rabies virus particles.

So, be careful what you read about vaccines — for yourself and for your pets.

Each fall, monarch butterflies take off from as far away as Ontario and fly to central Mexico where they overwinter. Now, for the first time, scientists can track individual monarchs along this epic journey.

That’s because of a 60-milligram, solar-powered radio tag that’s attached to select butterflies. The monarchs, which weigh between 500 and 600 milligrams, are then tracked on a cellphone app developed by the tag manufacturer.

Butterfly aficionados can also follow individual monarchs on a free app called Project Monarch Science. They can plant pollinator gardens, too, which help nourish butterflies along their route.

This technology will hopefully provide crucial data on hundreds of species of butterflies at a time when they need all the help they can get.

When it’s cold outside, our pets can feel the freeze, too. In fact, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too frosty for your furry friend as well — especially if your buddy is ill, very young or quite old.

Some pets can develop hypothermia if left outside for more than a few minutes in frigid weather. Signs can include shivering, a hunched posture and anxiety or lethargy. Insulated coats and booties can protect pets for longer periods of time, but no pet should be left outside if the temperature is below freezing.

Ice can be a problem too — but deicers may be worse. Salt and other components can cause chemical burns on contact and make pets sick if ingested. Antifreeze is particularly dangerous, so be sure to keep it as far away from pets as possible.

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, have you considered your pet’s affect?

In the U.S., over 25 percent of the environmental impact from meat consumption comes from dog and cat foods. Cats need more animal protein than dogs do, and keep in mind that chicken and fish are environmentally friendlier than beef.

Feeding kibble and wet pet food has a lower environmental impact than feeding human-grade food, because these foods contain animal parts we would otherwise discard. Also, be aware that pet food brands aiming for sustainability might be labeled as climate neutral certified, regenerative organic certified or a certified B corporation.

And it’s not just about your pet’s diet. Consider durable toys and accessories made from recyclable materials that are gentler on the planet.

New World Screwworm, or NWS, hasn’t arrived in the U.S. yet and livestock owners want to keep it that way.

NWS flies produce larvae that feed on live tissue, causing pain, infection and death if left untreated. One of the best ways to protect animals — most commonly cattle, goats, sheep and horses — is to keep a close eye on them. Fly control is important, too.

NWS targets wounds, so daily inspection of animals and prompt wound care are key, including covering wounds to keep flies out. Bringing animals with wounds closer to the barn facilitates frequent monitoring. As larvae burrow deeper, wounds may develop a foul odor, and animals tend to get restless and lose weight. Ask your veterinarian what else to look for and call immediately if you suspect NWS.

Traditional glucose monitoring in diabetic dogs and cats involves manual collection of blood for testing. Another option may be continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM.

CGM is currently used off-label in pets. A veterinarian applies the sensor to a shaved patch of skin on the pet’s upper back. Glucose levels are then measured every one to 15 minutes, and data are transmitted to a reader or smartphone for up to 15 days.

CGM can identify short- and long-term glucose trends. In addition, alerts to levels outside pre-set ranges allow for timely intervention.

However, CGM sensors can cost at least $200 per month. The limited range of sensor transmission to a data reader also means that data cannot be accessed remotely.

Veterinarians can help folks weigh the pros and cons to see if CGM may work for their pet.

A new study on how people perceive cats may contain valuable clues for feline care and welfare.

Researchers showed 665 study participants images of 12 cats, which included AI-generated backgrounds of both indoor and outdoor settings. Participants were then asked to rate the cat’s emotion in each setting.

Indoor backgrounds led to higher ratings of positive emotions, while outdoor backgrounds were associated with more unsettled ones. This trend held even among people who thought cats should be allowed outside. What’s more, the participant’s own emotions tended to reflect how they judged those in cats.

Our perceptions about cat communication strongly influence how we care for them — including how to best position those needing homes. Results of the study could be a valuable teaching tool.

With all the buzz about GLP-1 drugs in people, could they potentially benefit obese or diabetic dogs and cats, too? Several veterinary pharmaceutical companies are exploring these options.

About 60 percent of U.S. dogs and cats are obese, and hundreds of thousands are diabetic. Simply stressing diet and exercise isn’t significantly easing the obesity epidemic. As for diabetes, pets often need insulin injections twice daily, making this a labor-intensive and costly treatment.

Late in 2025, a pharmaceutical company in San Francisco began a pilot study of a GLP-1 drug in obese cats. Small injectable implants slowly release the drug over six months. If results live up to the promise, a larger trial will be launched with the aim of applying for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval within two years.

Your senior cat’s increased affection and chatty behavior may seem charming, but these could be early signs of feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCD, a type of progressive feline dementia.

A recent study showed that brain changes in cats with FCD are very similar to those in people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, with cats, we often mistake the behavioral changes for normal aging.

Most cats with FCD vocalize more, have accidents in the house and seem clingier. Additional signs may include restless sleep, anxiety and disorientation, slowing down and memory lapses.

Other common conditions in elderly cats — like pain, high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism — can also cause these signs. So, it’s important to have your veterinarian rule them out and formulate a plan to make your cat more comfortable.

As of early December 2025, 60 cases of equine herpesvirus-1, or EHV-1, have been reported in horses from eight states, with most showing neurologic signs.

EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most common of the nine EHV viruses and the ones posing the highest risk to horses. Both can cause mild self-limiting respiratory disease and abortion, but EHV-1 can also cause potentially fatal neurologic disease.

Carrier horses with no clinical signs can spread EHV to other horses. Vaccines are approved for the respiratory and abortive forms of EHV, but there’s no vaccine currently labeled for the neurologic form.

Disease spread can be mitigated by isolating and monitoring new or returning horses for at least 21 days and regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces.

After a family’s pet goat was euthanized, the land on their farm precluded burial. Instead, they cremated the animal’s remains, assuming that high heat would reduce them to ashes.

Unbeknownst to them, their dog sniffed out the site. The next day, her gait was unsteady and she started vomiting. Fortunately, someone collected the charred bits that came up.

With their dog’s condition quickly declining, the family arrived at the university veterinary hospital. The sample and history suggested to the veterinarian’s that the dog had been secondarily poisoned by pentobarbital in the euthanasia solution. After receiving the appropriate treatment, she made a full recovery.

This serves as a warning — both regarding the safe disposal of euthanized animals and the importance of collecting samples.

With the goal of reducing catastrophic fractures in racehorses, researchers in Australia aimed to stop bone damage altogether. They found that intensive training suppresses bone remodeling, which is how bones repair microdamage before it develops into fractures. In contrast, normal exercise stimulates the growth of thicker bone that’s more fracture-resistant.

They developed a mathematical model to simulate how bone sensors naturally detect exercise stress and transmit signals for repair. The model also showed that high-speed running over long distances overwhelms this repair system and allows bone damage to accumulate.

To strike a balance for training, the researchers posited that high-speed training could be shortened in distance and duration, with rest periods of normal exercise offered more frequently.

A recent study of nearly 45 hundred dogs linked stressful events during puppyhood to aggression and fear later on.

Pet parents used a validated questionnaire to report their dog’s history and behavior. Higher scores meant stronger fearful or aggressive responses to common triggers.

A third of the dogs had experienced trauma, such as physical abuse, surrender to a shelter or serious injury. Compared to those that faced adversity later in life, dogs exposed before six months of age scored higher on fear and aggression scales. Behavioral responses to the same triggers also differed from one breed to another, showing that genetics and environment interact to form a dog’s behavior.

Even with dogs that have a rough start, loving care, individual training and environmental enrichment can help with behavioral issues.

In many rural areas, there’s no access to emergency veterinary care. That’s why it falls to first responders to provide first aid.

Recently, a veterinarian in the remote area of Sitka, Alaska, was invited to teach a pet first aid workshop at the Alaska Fire Conference. Firefighters were shown how to recognize respiratory distress in dogs and cats, and then how to perform CPR and administer oxygen.

Firefighters are already proficient in providing emergency care — they just need to know how to modify the techniques for animals. Participants were also given oxygen masks and breathing tubes to take back to their communities.

The timing of the training was spot on. One week later, when a typhoon hit Western Alaska, many pets were separated from their families and required care.

The expense of veterinary care, pet food and supplies is a key reason why pets are being surrendered to shelters, but pet care resources can be tapped before it comes to that.

Some veterinarians may be willing to set up payment plans for their fees. Third-party payment services, like Care Credit or ScratchPay, which allow clients to pay over time, may also be available. Alternatively, low-cost or shelter clinics may be able to provide services for clients with limited income.

One resource for affordable pet food and supplies is Pet Finder Helper. Once on the website, pet parents can select “Food Pantry and Supplies,” enter their city, state and zip code and then select “Search” to find nearby outlets.

These resources and more may help ease financial pain and help keep pets in their homes.

Data from two case series involving infections in animals and humans suggest that multidrug-resistant bacteria can spread from pets to people.

Two separate investigations were initially undertaken. The first involved a cluster of carbaPENemase-producing E. coli, or CPE, infections in dogs and cats at a veterinary teaching hospital. The second analyzed several human infections from the same county months later.

When data from both investigations were entered into a national database, scientists noted the bacteria were highly related. What’s more, the people with CPE infections had pets that were treated at the veterinary hospital months earlier.

CPE are multidrug-resistant bacteria that primarily cause very serious infections in hospitalized patients. Sharing veterinary and human data might help slow their spread.

Waters around the San Juan Islands, lying between Washington and Vancouver, are home to critically endangered southern orca whales. Now numbering only 74 animals, efforts to monitor their health are more crucial than ever.

Previous methods — like shooting barbed biopsy darts into the whale’s large dorsal fin — sometimes resulted in nonhealing wounds and infections. Less invasive methods relied on nearby boats that were stressful to the whales.

More recent protocols have focused on efficiency without the stress. Scent-detection dogs find whale droppings that contain a wealth of biologic information. In addition, drones have been developed to hover over the whales’ blowholes and collect breath samples. Fortunately, the whales don’t mind the drones, which are key to collecting data, too.

Is your furry friend constantly scratching or experiencing digestive issues? Join us on Animal Airwaves-Live as Dr. Richard Hill, a small animal internal medicine and nutrition specialist, dives into the complex world of pet food allergies and immune-mediated diseases. Dr. Hill will shed light on the misconceptions surrounding dietary allergies in dogs and cats, explain the importance of proper diet trials, and discuss why there are no quick fixes when it comes to identifying and managing food sensitivities.a

This week on Animal Airwaves, we’re focusing on your furry friend’s peepers! Join us as we welcome Dr. Bret Moore, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, who’ll share his expertise on recognizing and treating eye problems in pets. Dr. Moore will discuss why early detection is crucial for maintaining your pet’s vision and overall eye health. Learn about common signs of eye issues, when to seek veterinary care, and how prompt treatment can lead to better outcomes.

Has your pet shown abnormal behavior lately, such as hiding or growling? Our animals can’t tell us when they’re hurting, and assessing pain in our pets can be difficult. It’s important that pet owners be tuned in to any changes in behavior, the way your pet stands, walks or even looks at you. On this show, Dr. Elizabeth Maxwell, a surgical oncology specialist, will discuss why pain assessment is so important and why contacting your veterinarian is critical if you suspect your pet is in pain. She’ll also discuss methods of pain management.

Having your horse vaccinated routinely is important to ensure it stay protected against infectious diseases. However, each horse’s immune system is different, so horse owners should talk to their veterinarian about which immunization program makes the most sense for their animal. On this show, Dr. Martha Mallicote, an equine internal medicine specialist, will discuss the importance of vaccination as a part of routine health care for horses. She’ll also address why keeping your horse healthy involves more than just adhering to a vaccination protocol, and why good nutrition, deworming, pasture management and minimizing stress and overcrowding are also important factors.

The successful identification of animal abuse and deaths caused by such abuse typically involves not just the veterinary forensic pathologist who can confirm the cause of death, but also representatives of various agencies and organizations ranging from animal shelters to law enforcement at multiple levels. On this show, Dr. Adam Stern, a veterinary forensic pathologist, will discuss the process through which successful prosecution of animal abusers typically occurs, and how members of the public can also play a role in bringing such abusers to justice.

When it comes to saving a pet’s life, every second counts. Recent updates to veterinary CPR guidelines are changing the way we approach emergency care for our furry friends. On this show, Dr. Jake Wolf, an emergency and critical care specialist, will discuss the latest advancements in pet CPR. As a key contributor to the RECOVER initiative’s 2024 CPR Guidelines, Dr. Wolf will share insights on improved chest compression techniques, safe breathing methods for cats and dogs, and critical updates in medication administration and defibrillation. Learn how these new standards are enhancing the quality of emergency care and improving survival rates for our beloved companions.

Untreated diabetes can be life-threatening to your dog or cat, so it’s important to recognize the signs.

Diabetes is more common in cats than dogs, but the signs for both are similar. Excessive drinking and urinating are the most common, but some animals may become ravenous without gaining weight. Any of these signs warrant a trip to your veterinarian, who can diagnose diabetes using blood and urine tests.

Daily insulin injections are the most common treatment, which most animals don’t mind. For cats who’ve never been on insulin, there’s now an alternative oral treatment. Diet is also important in stabilizing your pet’s blood sugar and weight. And regular veterinary checkups are key to noting changes and fine-tuning therapy.

We spend a lot of time talking about tick prevention in our pets, but these creepy crawlers bother all sorts of animals — including horses. Worse yet, they can transmit dangerous diseases, which in horses include Lyme disease and equine granulocytic [gran-you-low-SIT-ick] anaplasmosis [ann-uh-plaz-MOE-sus].

Horses encounter ticks when they graze or just brush against vegetation. Most ticks prefer a horse’s head — or just under it — as well as their belly, mane and tail. That’s why daily grooming is the best way to check for ticks.

But prevention is the real way to go. Make sure to use a tick preventative that’s approved for horses, and don’t combine products unless you check with your veterinarian. It’s also important to have your horse vaccinated against Lyme disease.

In hot dry weather, your horse’s hooves can really take a beating.

Dry, hard ground increases the risk of lameness. Risks are even worse when a horse is exposed to alternating wet and dry conditions — like evening turnout in dew-soaked grass and hot, dry conditions during the day. The cycle causes a horse’s hooves to repeatedly swell and contract, ultimately causing horseshoe nails to loosen. The process speeds up if a horse stomps at flies or often walks the fence line.

Applying a hoof toughener before evening turnout cuts moisture absorption, while using Venice turpentine toughens soles. Strong fly protection and shorter turnouts can help. Shortening your summer shoeing schedule can also help ensure your buddy’s hoof health.

As temperatures break record highs all over the world, it’s more important than ever to protect our pets from the heat.

The best way to do that is to keep them cool indoors and provide plenty of fresh water. Pets shouldn’t stay out longer than five or 10 minutes in the midday heat — just long enough to do their business. Morning or evening walks are best. And never leave them in a car.

Heat exhaustion is most common in flat-faced animals, very young or elderly pets and those with underlying health problems. Signs can include excessive panting and drooling, restlessness and overgrooming. If you’re worried, never put your buddy in ice-cold water, which can make things worse. Instead, apply cool towels and get to a veterinary clinic.

When we call out certain plants for being hazardous to pets, we’re usually talking about toxicity. But with foxtails, it’s all about physical contact.

Foxtails are seemingly innocuous seed pods that arise from all sorts of grasses across the U.S. Their salient features are long, sticky fronds that attach to an animal’s fur. From there, pieces of the seed pod can work their way into an animal’s skin, eyes, ears or nose — sometimes much deeper.

Foxtails are especially prone to burrow between a pet’s toes, where they often cause painful inflammation. Paw chewing, eye discharge, coughing or sneezing and head shaking and are all signs to check for these sinister seed pods. Left unchecked, they can cause serious problems.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, was busy this spring approving medications for dogs with heart disease.

Pimobendan [pea-moh-BEN-din] and torsemide [TORE-suh-mide] were approved for dogs in congestive heart failure — that’s fluid buildup due to heart disease, when it’s caused by myxomatous [mix-OH-mah-tus] mitral valve disease, or a thickened heart valve.

Pimobendan was also approved for dogs in congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy, which involves an abnormal heart muscle. Both conditions are diagnosed with imaging tests.

Torsemide has conditional approval in combination with other medications used to treat congestive heart failure. That means it can be safely while its effectiveness is studied.

If you’re a pup parent who’s planning to have your dog spayed or neutered — often referred to as “neutered” for both — you may have lots of questions.

For years, it’s been common to neuter dogs before they turn one year old — that is, before they mature. But in the past 20 years, research has shown that early neutering can increase the risk of joint disorders in certain breeds — especially the larger and heavier ones. Early neutering can also increase the risk of some cancers in some breeds. The risks of early neutering can even vary between males and females of the same breed.

Neutering age guidelines by sex and breed have recently been updated, so talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your canine companion.

Most dogs love to eat. But what should you do if your pooch is absolutely obsessed with food?

If your buddy can’t ever seem to get enough to eat, there could be lots of reasons why. So, start by scheduling a visit with your veterinarian. Diabetes, Cushing’s disease and cancer are just three conditions that can increase a dog’s appetite. If your pooch gets a clean bill of health, ask your veterinarian how to calm your dog’s cravings.

Consider trying a food that’s higher in fiber. Offering veggies might help too — both in meals and as treats. Feeding multiple smaller meals each day may do the trick. Also, think about using your dog’s penchant for treats to help with training — like finding activities to distract from the cravings.

Alligators are large and intimidating creatures, due to their size and unique anatomy, including an armored body, short legs, broad snouts and powerful tails. Most live in the South, along the edges of permanent bodies of water, such as lakes, swamps and rivers, but others reside in zoos and parks. On this show, Dr. Darryl Heard, a zoological medicine specialist, will discuss why alligators are an important part of ecosystem health, along with the challenges and rewards of working with this species to keep them healthy.

In parts of the U.S., summer brings reports of anthrax in cattle. It hits rapidly, killing cattle without warning. That’s why some ranchers vaccinate their herds.

Anthrax is caused by bacteria that can lie dormant in the soil for many years before being reactivated and causing infections. Anthrax vaccine is inexpensive and effective, but it must be used with caution to prevent exposure to humans.

Anthrax is a reportable disease because it has serious health ramifications — both for people and animals. In areas where anthrax persists year after year, annual vaccination of cattle is generally recommended. Even so, consultation with a veterinarian is advised before vaccinating any animals.

Cats are always safest indoors. But if your feline friend likes to roam in warm weather, here are some hazards to keep in mind.

Traffic accidents and animal bites can happen at any time but are most common in summer when people and animals are out and about. Excessive heat can cause dehydration, so make sure fresh water is always available. That should keep your cat away from algae-contaminated water, which is often fatal.

Many cats like to sunbathe, but some burn easily and can benefit from cat-friendly sunscreens. Insect stings, snake bites, contact with toxic toads and lilies are all dangerous, too.

Protecting against fleas and ticks is also important — but don’t use preventatives containing permethrin. It’s toxic to cats.

A cat’s paws do more than cushion their gait and help them stick their landings. They provide a window into their overall health.

Some cats develop a condition called plasma cell pododermatitis, also known as “pillow foot.” Plasma cells are immune cells that normally pump out antibodies to fight infections. But in pillow foot, many of these cells invade soft tissues of the paw, causing swelling and even open sores. It can leave cats in great pain, less active and often lame. Some develop fevers and lose their appetite.

This is when keen veterinary diagnostic skills are called for, since other conditions can look similar. Once diagnosed, a veterinarian can formulate an individual treatment plan.

Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is akin to HIV in people. It weakens a cat’s immune system, increasing the risk of infections and certain cancers. So, is it possible for FIV-positive cats to live good lives?

The odds are better than you might think — if a cat’s care centers around optimizing health and catching medical issues quickly. That means keeping FIV-positive cats indoors where they’re less apt to catch infections. Top-line nutrition helps, which means avoiding raw foods that can carry germs. Frequent checkups are key — every 4 to 6 months is recommended.

There’s no guarantee that FIV-positive cats won’t develop fatal problems, but with excellent care, they have a good chance of living long, happy lives.

If your pet has breathing challenges, summer can be a particularly tough time. In fact, you might not even notice issues until the weather gets warm.

Respiratory problems can present in many ways, often involving panting, snorting or raspy breathing and coughing. Dogs might exhibit open-mouth breathing — which can be normal in warm weather — but it’s a much more serious sign in cats, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Abnormal signs may point to a primary respiratory problem, but they might be symptomatic of problems in other body systems. That’s why it’s important to schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible, so that examination and diagnostic tests can zero in on the source. In the meantime, keep your pet cool and cut back on exercise.

Summer may seem carefree, but it’s no time for pooch parents to let down their guard. That’s when dogs are most at risk of so-called blue-green algae poisoning.

The culprit is actually a toxin-producing cyanobacteria [sigh-an-oh-back-TEAR-ee-ah] that can be found in ponds, lakes and slow-moving rivers. Exposure to the most serious of these toxins can cause liver or neurologic damage and since there’s no antidote, cyanobacterial toxicity can rapidly be fatal. If a poisoned dog makes it to a veterinary clinic, her survival depends on intensive care.

Tell-tale blue-green algal blooms develop in stagnant water, especially during warm dry periods. If you think your dog has been exposed, rinse him with fresh water and bring him to a veterinary hospital right away.

In the U.S. alone, nearly 12 million dogs and cats are diagnosed with cancer each year. Along with pain and discomfort, cancer and its treatment often result in decreased appetite and malnutrition, which can lower treatment responses, hasten remissions and lessen a pet’s quality of life.

About six years ago, researchers began developing diets for dogs and cats with cancer that are calorie-dense, nutritious and tasty. In dogs with cancer — who were studied first — many enthusiastically accepted the food, ate significantly more and increased their calorie intake, which increased their body weight and boosted their quality of life.

If your dog or cat is living with cancer, ask your veterinarian about available prescription diets to help your buddy thrive.

The cranial cruciate [CREW-she-ut] ligament, or CCL, is one of several ligaments that stabilize a dog’s knee. When one of these ligaments breaks down — and it’s often the CCL — it makes for a painful, unstable joint.

Dogs with an acutely ruptured CCL are normally in such pain that they’re unable to bear weight on the injured leg. That may improve over a week or so, but the knee will remain swollen and quickly develop degenerative changes, resulting in chronic lameness and pain.

Studies show that surgical repair of a ruptured CCL results in significantly less lameness and need for long-term pain relief than nonsurgical treatment.

You may not be able to prevent your dog from rupturing a CCL, but you might be able to choose the most effective treatment out there.

Does your dog love to spend the day at the beach? If so, remember that a day of fun can quickly go south if your dog drinks too much seawater.

A five-pound dog only needs to ingest 1 teaspoon of salt to develop severe salt toxicity — about the amount in just two-thirds of a cup of seawater.

Salt toxicity can result in serious kidney and neurologic symptoms within about 3 hours of a dog consuming too much salt. Without immediate veterinary care, the condition can be fatal.

Besides seawater, other items to avoid include rock salt, homemade play dough, paintballs, and salt dough used to make ornaments.

It’s just another case of preventing a problem that can cause a world of hurt for your pooch.

You’ve found a great pet sitter, so now you’re planning a vacation without your beasty buddy. But how can you help the sitter act as your agent in an emergency if you can’t be reached?

Along with your feeding, medicating and other care instructions, consider creating a pet care emergency authorization document, which states your veterinary care preferences. Then give a signed copy to your pet sitter and veterinarian.

That way, if you or your travelling companions can’t be reached, the document will state your financial and ethical concerns regarding emergency care.

Also, be sure you and your pet sitter have agreed on how expenses will be handled while you’re gone — whether that involves reimbursement or providing a form of payment.

Grizzly bears eat all sorts of things, including many types of mammals and plants — even mushrooms and dirt. But one of their most crucial food sources may surprise you.

Every summer in the Rocky Mountain West, grizzlies gorge on army cutworm moths. Chock full of fat, the moths provide a key source of energy before the bears hibernate.

The thought of a bear eating up to 40,000 moths a day has prompted tourists to come see it for themselves. Sadly, they scare many bears away, depriving them of up to 20,000 calories per day — just when they need them the most.

Grizzly bear populations have come back from dangerously low levels, thanks in large part to the Endangered Species Act, but they remain vulnerable. Let’s do all we can to help them survive.

Many dogs love to scarf up “treats” whenever and wherever they find them. You might be surprised how dangerous a common household or yard source can be.

Compost is a tempting grab bag of goodies for some dogs. On the surface, it might seem safe enough. After all, it’s just bits of food we might share with our dogs when they’re fresh. But once these items sit for a while and get moldy, they develop toxins that can cause severe neurologic problems when ingested.

Within 30 minutes of eating food containing these mycotoxins, dogs can develop weakness and tremors, which can lead to seizures. At that point, they need emergency care ASAP.

So, before this happens to your pooch, make sure your compost pile is off limits.

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, affects 50% of cats in general and up to 80% of cats over 15 years of age. There’s no cure, and nutrition is the only intervention known to slow its progression.

That’s why veterinary specialists now recommend that cats start a therapeutic diet as soon as they’re diagnosed with CKD — one with enough protein to help maintain lean body mass but not so much that the kidneys are taxed. A good choice for most cats with CKD is an easily digestible diet low in phosphorus, high in omega-3 fatty acids and rich in essential amino acids — and of course it needs to be tasty.

As cats age, they’re more at risk for CKD. Be sure to adjust veterinary visits accordingly to catch signs of CKD as soon as possible.

We do everything to help our feline friends, so it’s heartbreaking when a medication that’s meant to help ends up being life-threatening.

Ingredients like eprinomectin [epp-rin-oh-MEC-tin], ivermectin [eye-ver-MEC-tin], selamectin [sell-ah-MEC-tin] and cisapride [SIS-ah-pride] are found in popular medications, including parasiticides. They’re safe and effective in most cats but can cause serious adverse effects in cats with a mutation in the MDR1 gene. These cats can’t prevent drugs like these — and maybe others — from entering the brain and causing severe, sometimes fatal, neurotoxic reactions.

Researchers estimate that up to 4% of cats — about 4 million just in the U.S. — have at least one copy of the MDR1 mutation. That’s why they recommend that all cats be tested to ensure their medications won’t hurt them.a

In the U.S., H5N1 avian influenza — aka the bird flu — has been sickening and killing wild and commercially raised birds since 2021. The virus has also spread to some mammals, including livestock and pets.

Cats are particularly vulnerable, especially outdoor cats that hunt birds. They don’t need to eat their prey — close contact is enough for an infection to spread. And once infected, cats have a high death rate from bird flu.

Feeding cats raw meat diets, especially poultry — also increases the risk of infection. Now with the appearance of H5N1 in cattle, feeding raw beef is risky, too. Offering unpasteurized milk also puts cats at risk.

Avoiding these risks can give cats the best chance of dodging potentially deadly infections.

If your dog seems to have morning sickness, it might be BVS

Dogs can vomit for many reasons — even if they haven’t eaten for a while.

If your dog throws up yellow fluid or foam first thing in the morning, it could be from bilious [BILL-ee-us] vomiting syndrome, or BVS. For some dogs, waiting all night to eat is a bit too much. Come morning, they may not be interested in food or may exhibit nausea by drooling or smacking their lips.

If this sounds familiar, schedule a visit with your veterinarian to sort out the cause. If it’s due to BVS, the recommendation might be to feed more frequent smaller meals, including one just before bedtime. If that’s the case, take care not to add more total daily calories, just readjust feedings. Every dog has different needs, so check with your veterinarian before making changes.

Similar to people, pets are living longer lives these days due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits. But with extended lives comes a whole new set of age-related conditions, which in turn affects the care needs of these “pet elders” – our beloved senior pets. This show’s guest, Dr. Amy Stone, who heads the primary care and dentistry service at UF, will discuss some of the common conditions that affect older pets, which are among the same problems that affect older people: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney/urinary tract disease, senility, among others. She’ll also talk about how to work with your veterinarian at every stage of your pet’s life to ensure that the aging process is as graceful and as painless as it can be.

When Florida’s marine mammals and sea turtles become sick, injured or die, a quick response is essential to understand the issues at play and, if needed, provide a means for care and treatment. At the University of Florida, the Marine Animal Rescue Program plays that role, working closely with other stranding networks within the state of Florida and nationally when needed. On this show, Dr. Mike Walsh, a clinical associate professor at UF and the program’s director, will discuss some of the program’s accomplishments since its inception, including the recovery of a deceased dolphin and the collaborations that led to a diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

Armadillos are the only known animal to carry leprosy in the Americas. Seen everywhere in Florida, these animals often look for insects to eat by digging in flowerbed, then resting in a burrow. Although there have been reports of people becoming infected with leprosy after coming into contact with armadillos, the details of these encounters are unclear. On this show, Dr. Juan Campos Krauer, an assistant professor and extension veterinarian, will discuss armadillo habits and the potential for human interaction, and why while caution is called for, the threat of infection by this species is minimal.

The decision to bring a new pet into your household is a big one, and not to be taken lightly. Whether you’re considering a cat, a dog, or some other species, you’ll want to be sure your lifestyle is conducive to meeting the pet’s needs. You should also prepare to make some adjustments in your environment, schedule and finances; it’s important that the pet’s needs be met, but to do so you also need to be able to cover the expenses of responsible pet ownership, from food to veterinary care when needed. On this show, Dr. Wendy Mandese, a primary care and dentistry veterinarian, will cover what you need to know before and after you offer a forever home to a new family member.

All animals can be affected by toxins in household products — just in different ways. Dogs like to chew on things like detergent pods, while cats tend to groom substances off their fur. Birds are especially sensitive to airborne toxins, while amphibians absorb toxins through their skin.

Toxicity is often directly related to the concentration of chemicals. Multipurpose cleaners are usually pretty dilute, whereas corrosive products—like oven cleaners — are much more concentrated. Products that are very acidic or alkaline are also more caustic.

Make sure to store household products safely and use them only as directed. As a general rule, keep animals away while you’re cleaning and let them return only when you can’t smell the product anymore.

Canine distemper — a viral infection that’s often deadly in dogs—is surging in some parts of the country. Here’s how to keep your pooch safe.

First and foremost, stay up to date with your dog’s vaccinations. The canine distemper vaccine is super effective, but dogs need periodic boosters to maintain strong immunity.

Infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets from other dogs as well as raccoons — and sometimes foxes and skunks. Contaminated objects can also spread the virus, so keep food and water sources away from wildlife and other dogs.

You can also help by reporting raccoons that are active during the day (they’re usually out only at night) or any susceptible wild animals exhibiting abnormal respiratory or neurologic signs.

Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to an eye disease known as glaucoma, which causes high pressure inside of the eyeball. Have you noticed changes in eye size or color, such as a really red or cloudy or bluish appearance? Those are among the clinical signs that could indicate your dog has developed glaucoma, a painful condition that can cause blindness if left untreated. On this show, Dr Caryn Plummer, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, will discuss causes of the disease, which breeds are most susceptible to it, common treatment practices and why it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately if you see signs of eye trouble in your pet.

Vehicular trauma, or injury sustained when your dog is hit by a moving vehicle, is common in dogs who are allowed to roam outdoors while unattended. Even when a dog is kept inside, accidents can happen: an animal can escape through an open door, or get away from you during a walk or another outing. Injuries caused by vehicles can be minor or life-threatening, and each case is different. However, in every situation, immediate veterinary attention is critical. On this show, Dr. Carl Southern, a small animal veterinary emergency and critical care specialist, will discuss the types of injuries caused by vehicular trauma that are commonly seen in the emergency room, how these injuries are typically treated and what anyone taking an animal hit by a car to the ER needs to be aware to ensure the animal is stable during transport.

One of the most common heart problems seen by veterinary cardiologists is degenerative mitral valve disease. Although any breed of dog can be afflicted with the disease, certain small-breed dogs are more prone to it, and the likelihood of developing the ailment grows as dogs age. The progressive nature of mitral valve disease means that many dogs with it will go on to develop congestive heart failure, and ultimately die. Only open heart surgery, a highly specialized procedure, can offer a definitive treatment. On this show, Dr. Darcy Adin, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist who oversees a new open heart surgery program for dogs at the University of Florida, will discuss how the program is making a difference in the lives of mitral valve disease patients and their owners.

Keeping Fido fit is not only important for his mental and physical health, it’s a great way to build your bond and keep you active as well. However, just as people can hurt themselves by engaging in too much or the wrong types of exercise for their bodies, dogs, too, are susceptible to injury if a fitness plan isn’t carefully thought out. On this show, Dr. Christina Montalbano, a clinical assistant professor of integrative and mobility medicine, will discuss safe exercise for dogs of all ages. She’ll also offer recommendations for safe levels of exercise for dogs of different ages, from puppy to senior, surface considerations, safer ways to play fetch and how to identify signs of fatigue and injury.

In most cases, pregnant dogs and cats deliver their litters without complications, but veterinary care is important to ensure your pet’s health before, during and after delivery. However, pregnancy complications can occur in any breed, and at any age. On this show, Drs. Audrey Kelleman and Luis de Aguiar, board-certified specialists in theriogenology, or animal reproduction, will share information about common pregnancy complications seen in pets and signs to watch for to indicate these animals need immediate veterinary care.

So you want to be a veterinarian? In addition to caring for dogs, cats and other animal species as clinical practitioners, today’s veterinarians use their skill sets in a variety of careers, including the military, industry and others. A successful application to veterinary school involves an understanding of the profession and how prospective students aim to contribute to it. On today’s show, Dr. Ashley Allen-Durrance, assistant dean of admissions and student success at UF, will discuss veterinary student recruitment, what’s involved in getting into veterinary school, how to prepare a strong application and what potential applicants should keep in mind before they apply.

All animal species can experience certain types of eye disease, but in exotic or wild animals, the diagnosis and treatment eye problems can be difficult, even for highly trained veterinary ophthalmologists. The explosion in popularity of exotic animals as pets, coupled with the need for improved medical attention to endangered species, are reasons why ophthalmology has become an important medical specialty for managing the health of exotic and wild animals. On this show, Dr. Bret Moore, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, will discuss some of the challenges associated with maintaining vision health in these species.

If your dog is suddenly unable to rise, or can’t move its legs, that’s a scary situation for any pet owner. However, the causes for these signs can vary greatly, ranging from trauma – such as being hit by a car – to affliction with tick-borne or other diseases, to name just a few. Getting to the root of the cause of your pet’s problem may require assistance from a veterinary neurology specialist. Dr. Gabriel Garcia, a board-certified veterinary neurologist, will describe how veterinarians work toward a diagnosis in these situations, and why pet owners faced with this problem should not panic but rather seek immediate veterinary care for the best possible outcome.

The overwhelming choice of dog foods is enough to make a pooch parent’s head spin, from boutique foods to seemingly infinite types of kibble, each touting itself as most nutritious. How does one make sense of it all?

Start by choosing a food made in the United States, where the Association of American Feed Control Officers, or AAFCO, sets dietary standards for dogs of all ages. It’s ideal if the brand has gone through feeding trials.

The manufacturer should employ veterinary nutritionists take part in peer-reviewed research. They should also be easy to contact if you have questions.

In the end, your dog’s health will be the judge. Monitor your buddy’s weight, stool, skin and coat and contact your veterinarian if anything’s off.

Depending on where you live, it’s calving season or soon will be. So, now’s the time to plan for common health problems.

Recently weaned calves are particularly at risk for respiratory disease. Your first step should be to look for telltale signs like coughing, difficulty breathing and a reduced appetite. Your veterinarian can get a better sense by using a stethoscope to listen to the calf’s breathing, taking its temperature or running other tests.

An established veterinary-client-patient relationship may allow some caretakers to administer certain treatments without an exam first.

Supportive care measures, like dry bedding, tasty feed and time away from competitive pen mates, are just as important.

Veterinary oncology today makes use of increasingly sophisticated tools and methods for treating cancer in pets. In addition to surgery and medical therapy, or chemotherapy, radiation oncology is a veterinary specialty that entails the use of controlled radiation to treat certain types of cancer. On this show, Dr. Marilia Takada, a clinical assistant professor and veterinary radiation oncology specialist, will discuss what radiation therapy is, how it works and types of cancer it’s used most frequently to treat. She’ll also discuss why radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Exposure to smoke is bad for us all, our pets included. Reports from a recent study show that it might even increase the risk of cancer in some dogs.

Researchers looked at Scottish terriers, because they already have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than other breeds. The study followed 120 Scotties for three years, examining their lifestyles, analyzing urine samples and speaking with their owners.

The researchers found that Scotties exposed to smoke had a six times higher chance of developing bladder cancer, well above the breed’s typical risk. Metabolites from smoke were found in the dogs’ urine, even if they were only exposed to smoke on clothes.

The results are sobering — for our pets and for us, too.

When you hear the term “scratches” in an equine context, it doesn’t refer to a superficial wound. Instead, it means a skin infection involving a horse’s lower leg. Sometimes it goes by “greasy heel,” “mud fever” or other colorful term.

Scratches is often seen in wet or muddy environments. Horses with long feathered coats, like draft breeds, are most at risk because their hair traps moisture, which can foster bacterial and fungal infections. But scratches can affect any horse.

Typical signs include scabs and a greasy discharge that progresses to inflammation, itchiness and pain. In severe cases, the skin can thicken and crack. As always, any suspicious abnormality should be addressed as soon as possible.

Even though many of us consider our pets family, most of us haven’t created a plan for their care if something happens to us. That means they could end up in shelters once we’re gone.

But there are steps you can take now to ensure that doesn’t happen. First, identify a guardian willing to care for your pet. You’ll need to consider costs, including food, preventative medicine and vet visits.

Your best bet might be to create a legally binding document that states your specific wishes. That could mean establishing a pet trust, which can be costly. Or you might put your wishes in writing and have the document notarized. Many websites can guide you and suggest legal wording for such a document.

It’s common for horses to have two or more swollen legs after times of decreased exercise. This so-called “stocking up” usually resolves with exercise, which helps move fluid through the lymphatic system.

A far more serious condition is lymphangitis [lymph-an-JĪ-tus], which involves acute, painful swelling, generally of a hindlimb. Affected horses often develop severe lameness and a fever. They may breathe rapidly, eat less and seem depressed.

The cause of lymphangitis isn’t well understood, but it likely involves bacterial entry through skin damage. The lymphatic system, including lymph nodes and blood vessels, can become infected and damaged.

So, be on guard: horses with lymphangitis need aggressive veterinary treatment as soon as possible.

The condition known as sepsis, along with septic shock, is a major cause of death in people and in animals and a medical emergency when it occurs. Initially caused by an existing infection that progresses to a widespread dysregulated inflammation, sepsis can originate from any infection from the gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive or urinary tract, for example. On this show, Dr. Ronald Gonçalves, a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine and clinical care, will describe how veterinarians manage this critical condition when it occurs in their patients, and why prompt diagnosis and treatment can be the difference between life and death.

Late in 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, sent letters to nine manufacturers and distributors, warning them to stop selling illegally marketed over-the-counter antibiotics.

The drugs in question are marketed for species like aquarium fish and pet birds but contain antibiotics — like amoxicillin, penicillin, erythromycin and others — that are important in human medicine.

The FDA sees two public health risks with these drugs. First, they haven’t been through FDA review for safety and effectiveness in the species for which they’re being marketed. In addition, inappropriate and indiscriminate use can increase antimicrobial resistance, which puts both people and animals at risk.

You might think a collar is unnecessary if your pet is always indoors. But here’s why most veterinarians disagree.

First, indoor pets can escape. Some pet parents get hung up on the possibility that their pets might possibly could get hung up on their collars. But in most cases, the pros outweigh the cons.

And microchips don’t take the place of collars. Microchips must be read at a veterinary clinic, but anyone can read a collar ID right then and there.

Finally, animals with collars are perceived as being members of a family and are more likely to be approached than their collarless brethren.

There might be health reasons not to use a collar on your particular pet, but in general, a collar ID just might save your buddy’s life.

If your cat has small, crusty bumps on her head, trunk or tail base, she may be suffering from miliary [pronounced like “military” but without the “t”] dermatitis. Other signs can include scratching, inflammation, hair loss or thinning — even behavior changes due to discomfort.

Miliary dermatitis is not a single disease but rather an umbrella term for the skin’s reaction to any allergy. The question is, allergy to what? Some cats are allergic to fleas or other parasites. Others have allergies to certain foods. And some of our feline friends suffer from atopic dermatitis — that involves allergies to environmental substances, like pollen, dust mites or mold.

Once your veterinarian helps you pin down the cause, treatment can address the problem.

You might think that dogs have an edge when it comes to playing fetch. But it turns out that lots of cats like it too. Just on their own terms.

Researchers in Great Britain surveyed nearly 1,000 parents of over 1,100 cats to see if their feline friends retrieved thrown objects. Nearly 95% of them did — and without any specific training — usually starting when they were less than a year old.

As opposed to dogs, cats usually decide when they want to play fetch. They also play fetch on their own, mimicking interactions with prey, while dogs prefer the social aspect, engaging with people or other dogs.

Whether or not your cat likes to fetch, playing together does wonders in strengthening your relationship.

The liver is the body’s recycling and detoxifying center. In normal dogs, the portal vein carries blood from the digestive tract to the liver where toxins are removed. Then the blood travels to the systemic circulation to nourish the body.

But in some dogs, blood draining the intestinal tract is shunted directly into the systemic circulation, bypassing the liver altogether. Affected dogs often present with neurologic signs due to the toxins in their blood. Portosystemic shunts are often congenital, so the classic presentation is a puppy that acts drunk after eating.

Portosystemic shunts are relatively easy to diagnose. And while treatment may involve abdominal surgery, some cases can be treated with minimally invasive techniques by using interventional radiology to close the shunt.

Just as “Dr. Google” can be a good way to find out more about a specific disease or problem in people or in animals, it is also dangerous to rely on the internet for credible medical information. Veterinary chiropractic videos abound on social media, with ample examples of inappropriate, dangerous and even illegal chiropractic treatment on animals. On this show, Dr. Jennifer Repac, a clinical assistant professor with UF’s integrative medicine service and a board-certified canine sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist who is certified in veterinary chiropractic, will discuss what chiropractic is and why you shouldn’t always believe what you see on TV (or TikTok.)

As cute as they are, flat-faced — or brachycephalic [brā-kē-sĕ-FӐ-lĭk] — dogs, like Frenchies, Boston terriers and pugs, have lots of health problems. One of them is sleep deprivation.

Caused by sleep apnea, it’s a result of the breeds’ shortened heads and resulting upper respiratory tract malformations. Brachycephalic breeds have longer periods of rapid eye movement sleep, which is associated with increased brain activity, compared with other breeds.

Affected dogs are often sleepy during the day and can have trouble learning. They’re more apt to snore. Some dogs sleep with a ball in their mouth just to help keep their airways open.

It makes you wonder: Does the cuteness factor in flat-faced dogs warrant this kind of suffering?

While cardiovascular disease in horses is less common than in people, dogs and cats, because horses are often expected to perform work or athletic feats, their cardiovascular condition may be relatively more important, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. On this show, Dr. Meg Sleeper, a veterinary cardiology specialist, will discuss how heart problems are most frequently diagnosed in horses, and some of the tools that specialists are able to use these days to both diagnose and treat different types of heart disease when it occurs in their equine patients.

Tendon injuries in any species have a tough time healing. The repair tissue is more like a scar than regular tendon — it’s less elastic and weaker, making it susceptible to re-injury. Some tendon injuries are also at risk of mineralization and adhesion — that is, hardening and sticking — decreasing the tendon’s range of motion.

Stem cells are being examined for potential use in treating tendon injuries in horses. Stem cells reproduce well, can develop into many types of specialized cells and stimulate the production of healing molecules. What’s more, local injection of stem cells could replace invasive repairs.

Who knows? If stem cells help heal equine tendon injuries, they may help in other species, too — including humans.

Every year, car accidents take a sobering toll on human health and lives. But sadly, there are no statistics on the number of vehicular injuries and deaths for pet passengers.

Although many pets ride with their humans, there are no regulations for their safety, only general recommendations. In an accident or even sudden breaking or swerving, a pet can become a projectile, seriously endangering their safety and yours. Deployment of air bags can also severely injure pets.

To avoid these risks — as well as driver distraction — veterinarians recommend restraining pets, ideally in crates anchored in the rear of the car. Other restraint methods have been evaluated by the Center for Pet Safety, so check out their test results online.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so it’s a great time to focus on our pet’s pearly whites.

Good dental health is a key part of any pet’s overall health. For example, periodontal disease — inflammation or infection of the gums and other soft tissues around the teeth — can spread to other parts of the body.

That’s why your pet should have a complete veterinary dental exam and cleaning at least once a year. More often if your pet develops bad breath, trouble eating, a reduced appetite, bleeding from the mouth — even general irritability.

One last thing: Veterinarians recommend that pets be anesthetized for optimal dental evaluation and teeth cleaning. Preventing movement, stress and pain makes the procedure safer.

Winter can be a tough time for cows, depending on their condition and fluctuating temperatures.

Cows in good condition with thick winter coats generally hold their own in temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. But for thin cows or those with wet haircoats, temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees can cause trouble.

For each degree below those temperatures, a cow’s energy needs increase by about 1%. So, if temperatures drop below 0 degrees, cows need at least a 30% increase in maintenance calories.

Producers can help by always having fresh hay available, supplementing with concentrated feed and ensuring easy access to unfrozen water. Sheltering animals from wind and precipitation decreases cold stress too.

When is poop too soft or too hard? Poop quality can be a source of worry especially for new pet owners. Is there something wrong with the diet or is the gut working normally? Is a visit to your veterinarian or even referral to an internal medicine or nutrition specialist a good idea? On this show, Dr. Richard Hill, who is board-certified in both small animal internal medicine and nutrition, will discuss what affects fecal form, different types of diarrhea and common reasons for changes in poop quality. More importantly, he’ll talk about what information you should take with your pet to a veterinarian to help come up with an effective treatment plan.

Do you reflexively leave a light on when leaving your pets home alone? Many of us do, but chances are it does more for our peace of mind than theirs.

While it’s always a good idea to let pets have access to ambient light, most don’t need lights left on at night. Like us, dogs are most active during the day, and their activity is prompted by natural light from outside. In contrast, cats are more active at night. That said, both dogs and cats see better in the dark than we do, thanks to the light reflective layer in the back of their eyes.

However, pets who don’t see well can benefit from extra light to help keep them safe and tamp down their anxiety. And whenever possible, every pet benefits from a steady light routine.

Many veterinary procedures that used to require major surgery can now be accomplished through minimally invasive means, all because of interventional radiology.

This technology uses imaging to guide therapeutic procedures. Once small instruments are placed into blood vessels or tiny incisions, real-time videos created by ultrasound, X-rays or fiberoptic tubes guide them through the body to the site of repair.

Interventional radiology can be used for heart, airway and gastrointestinal or urinary tract conditions, just to name a few. Not surprisingly, these procedures require considerable expertise, but result in numerous benefits, including lower risks, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.

Laminitis [lă-mah-NĪ-tŭs] — or inflammation of the tissues connecting the hoof to underlying bone — remains a potentially debilitating disease in our equine companions. Of the possible causes, one of the most common is hyperinsulinemia [hī-per-insŭ-lǐn-Ē-mē-ah].

Also known as equine metabolic syndrome, most animals affected by hyperinsulinemia are obese. They produce too much insulin that doesn’t work effectively in controlling fat. Coupled with a high carbohydrate diet, this can snowball into laminitis.

The process is complicated, but good management can nip it in the bud. Controlling obesity is key, including curbing carbs and encouraging exercise. Equine veterinarians play a key role in identifying and monitoring animals at risk, supervising their management and medicating those who need extra help.

In the last half of 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) approved several drugs for certain pets.

In August, Senvelgo, a once-daily liquid oral medication, was approved for feline diabetes. Up to now, at least 30% of cats with diabetes have gone untreated due to challenges of previous treatment regimens.

Then in September, the FDA issued conditional approval of Fidoquel-CA1, a phenobarbital tablet for dogs with epilepsy.

Finally, in November, the oral drug Bonqat was approved to quell fear and anxiety in cats before and during veterinary visits.

FDA approval ensures that drugs have been rigorously tested for efficacy and safety — and now our pets have more medications than ever specifically geared to their needs.

Dogs are hard-wired to be curious about others of their kind — which can result in frustrating situations when you’re out and about.

Even a usually well-behaved dog might surrender to temptation and run over to another pooch while out on a walk. But instead of coaxing him to return, you might be able to stop the reflex in its tracks.

The key is to make yourself more enticing than the alternative. A simple solution is to come armed with toys and treats. When your dog is poised to run over to another one, presenting a treat or a toy can reset the scenario. In short, you present a high-value alternative.

So, next time you’re both on your way out for a walk, bring along some fun “ammunition” to keep your dog focused.

In a recent study, dogs fed undercooked meat were more likely to pass antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their stool. Surface contamination then increases the risk of the bacteria spreading to people, making some infections tougher to treat.

The major cause of antibiotic resistance is overuse of antibiotics. Inappropriate antibiotic use in livestock can increase antibiotic resistance in their normal bacterial flora, which then extends to their meat. In this study, antibiotic-resistant E. coli [Ē. CŌ-lī] were more often found in the stool of dogs fed raw or undercooked meat.

That’s why the American Veterinary Medical Association discourages feeding raw animal protein to dogs and cats. Thoroughly cooking the protein helps avoid the problem.

The optimal healthcare plan is one that keeps pets thriving by preventing illness and disease before it ever happens. Often termed “wellness programs”, preventative healthcare may include vaccination, internal and external parasite prevention, dental and hoof care. In this session Dr Sally DeNotta will discuss wellness programs for horses and share a few key updates for horse owners in Florida and beyond.

Recently, you might have heard about a mysterious dog illness cropping up in some states. Although this may involve a new pathogen, it’s likely part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex, or C-I-R-D-C, that intermittently flares up.

CIRDC is a group of individual bacterial and viral diseases, any of which can spread from dog to dog. Most affected dogs develop only mild signs — classically a cough, but sometimes a runny nose or eyes. However, occasionally a dog can develop more serious respiratory disease.

If you’re a pooch parent, you can help by keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations and staying away from canine gatherings — especially during outbreaks. Ask your veterinarian for more advice tailored to your dog’s needs.

Since most pet parents consider their beastie buddies members of the family, it may not be surprising that most folks would pass on an otherwise ideal house if it doesn’t suit their pets’ fancies.

Enter “barkitecture,” which is basically home design geared to pets, with some aesthetics for us thrown in. Obvious examples include fenced-in yards and custom-built dog runs or catios — those are cat-safe outdoor enclosures. But that’s just the start. From custom-built dog nooks and pup showers in mudrooms to built-in feeding stations and pet beds hidden in nightstands, the sky’s the limit for some pampered pets.

But let’s face it — a lot of it’s geared to us. All our pets really want is to be safe and loved with room to do their thing.

The small ruminant industry, specifically sheep and goats, is an important one in the United States and in Florida. While most of these animals are raised for food production, including meat, milk and dairy products, they are also used for other purposes, such as fiber for the wool market. Providing the best and most accurate information about herd health is critical, particularly in Florida, where surviving in our harsh environment can be a challenge for these animals. Dr. Brittany Diehl, a clinical assistant professor and small ruminant extension specialist, will discuss how she and her extension team work to ensure producers have the tools they need to be successful.

Recent media coverage of a “mysterious” respiratory illness in dogs in the United States has created concern with dog owners. While there is always a year-round baseline incidence of dogs with a respiratory infection, spikes in the number of affected dogs occur periodically during a typical year. At this time, it is unclear if the current surge in numbers is part of the expected cycle, is truly larger than expected, or if media coverage has amplified the situation. On this show, Dr. Cynda Crawford, a clinical associate professor of shelter medicine at UF with expertise in infectious diseases in dogs and cats, will provide an update on the current situation and discuss what pet owners most need to be aware of, including when veterinary care is needed.

Veterinary technicians fill many roles in veterinary clinics. You might even say they’re the glue that holds the clinic together.

Veterinary technology programs are usually two to four years long. Then before they can practice, graduates must pass a veterinary board exam. Over time, they have continuing education and re-certification requirements.

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, treat animals, collect blood and other samples and run laboratory tests. They also often help with dental and other procedures, monitor anesthesia and even manage the clinic.

The demand for veterinary technicians has never been greater. So, if you know an animal lover with the compassion and determination to do the job, spread the word.

Frequent nail trims are part of keeping your cat safe, so it helps if you can trim them yourself.

Start with a cat nail clipper that’s sharp enough to cut quickly. Styptic powder also helps in case you clip a nail too short.

Try wrapping your cat in a towel, extending one paw at a time, or having your cat lie on your lap, facing up and away. Start by just rubbing a paw for a bit. Once your cat’s comfortable, press a toe and extend the nail. Offer a treat after every short session.

For the next step, let your cat explore the clipper. To get your buddy used to the sound, clip a piece of dry pasta nearby then offer a treat.

Next time, start by clipping one nail, removing only the point. Gradually try more nails, offering treats as you go.

Nonhealing ulcers on the eye’s surface, or cornea, are common in dogs—especially those with shortened faces and prominent eyes. But now help may be coming from an unlikely source — fish skin.

Tilapia [tĭ-LAH-pē-ah] skin, to be precise. It’s chock full of collagen that stimulates cell growth. Tilapia skin has already been studied in human and veterinary medicine, from bandaging burns to repairing heart valves and more.

Now, a veterinary ophthalmologist is studying its use to repair corneal lesions in dogs. She sutures a scaffolding matrix made of pure tilapia collagen over corneal lesions to promote cell regeneration. Over 400 dogs have healed quickly with minimal scarring.

Next, she plans to study the technique in cats — and humans, too.

Horses are living longer lives these days, thanks to improvements in health care and nutrition. Due to these improvements in equine longevity, horses are much more likely to develop age-related diseases in their senior years. One of the most common diseases of older horses is equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, or PPID. PPID is a neurodegenerative disease that is similar to Parkinson’s disease in people. Once known as equine Cushing’s disease, this condition can cause dramatic changes in the affected horse’s performance, immune function and overall health. Left untreated, horses with PPID lose their muscle mass and ultimately develop a long, shaggy haircoat. On this show, Dr. Dianne McFarlane, an expert in senior horse health care as well as equine endocrinology, will discuss what causes PPID as well as how to recognize its signs, diagnostic tests used to confirm disease, available treatments and why a good relationship with your veterinarian is so important.

Each day in the United States, about 20 military veterans die by suicide, often after suffering with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. But it turns out that connection with a service dog may mean the difference between life and death.

K9s for Warriors is the largest provider of service dogs for veterans. They rescue most of their dogs from shelters before training them to help their veteran companions re-enter society with dignity and independence. After graduating from the program, the vast majority of veterans report fewer thoughts of suicide. They need less medication.

As K9s for Warriors puts it, “Each pair who graduates from our program represents two lives saved — the service dog and the warrior.”

For decades, Monkey Island near Puerto Rico has been home to 1,700 rhesus macaques [RĒ-sus muh-CӐX] in a sort of natural laboratory where the monkeys roam free. Each day, researchers arrive to gather biologic and behavioral data.

The monkeys have a rigid social hierarchy, forming strong bonds with some but showing aggression to others.

That all changed in 2017 when Hurricane Maria destroyed most of the island’s lush foliage. All but 50 of the monkeys survived by adapting to their new environment and showing tolerance to other monkeys. But tests showed that their immune systems had aged nearly 2 years since the storm.

Rhesus macaques share most of our DNA, so scientists want to know what this might mean for humans facing climate disasters.

Feline brain tumors are uncommon, but they’re one cause of neurologic abnormalities in senior cats.

The most common sign of a brain tumor is seizures, but affected cats can also exhibit problems with their vision, behavior or movement as well as back or neck pain. There are many causes of neurologic problems, so test results are key to diagnosis.

The words “brain tumor” conjure up an inevitably fatal disease, but that’s not always the case. About 85% of feline brain tumors are meningiomas [mah-nĭn-gē-Ō-mahs], which are benign, so they don’t spread. And because they develop in membranes that cover the brain, they can be relatively easy to remove.

If your cat starts showing neurologic signs at any age, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Winter poses special concerns for keeping pets safe and cozy. Indoors, our furry friends are warm enough if we are. It’s outdoors where hazards run high.

That’s where pets are at risk of frostbite to their ears or unfurred areas. Road salt and de-icing products are irritating too, through skin contact or licking. So, be sure to wipe your pet’s paws after walks or get them used to wearing booties. Also, exposure to ethylene glycol antifreeze can be deadly, so use a nontoxic propylene glycol product instead.

Outdoor pets need a dry, draft-free enclosure, large enough to move around but small enough to hold body heat. Warm bedding, a covered doorway and nonfrozen, unobstructed water sources are crucial too.

Giardia duodenalis [gē-AHR-dē-ah doo-ō-dǐ-NӐ-luhs] is an intestinal parasite that can affect lots of animals — including dogs — and people too. It can also spread from animals to humans. Infection with this parasite — known as giardiasis [gē-ahr-DĪ-ah-sus] — often causes diarrhea, which is sometimes severe.

Metronidazole is the drug of choice for giardiasis, but traditionally, veterinarians only had the option of using a human formulation. However, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved an oral version of the drug to treat Giardia infections in dogs.

The medication is only available by prescription from a veterinarian and comes with label recommendations for safe handling. Ask your veterinarian for more information if the need arises.

Invasive pythons in southern Florida have been devastating to the region’s ecology, competing with native species for habitat and food sources. In addition to those known threats, a new study has revealed that Burmese pythons have introduced new viral pathogens into the environment. Rob Ossiboff, a veterinary pathologist and wildlife disease expert, will discuss some of the potential implications of these viruses and other diseases introduced by the pythons for native wildlife and ecosystem health.

When it comes to pampering your cat, there’s nothing better than a saucer of milk, right? It turns out that’s a myth, and here’s why.

Kittens drink their mothers’ milk until they start eating solid food. Then they lose the ability to break down the lactose in milk, making them largely lactose intolerant.

If it’s not digested, lactose stays in the digestive tract where it ferments and attracts fluid. That results in gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and an uncomfortable cat.

Even abandoned kittens shouldn’t be fed cow’s milk but should get kitten milk replacer instead. It’s formulated specifically for a cat’s nutritional needs.

If you want to treat your cat, pick a healthy protein snack instead of milk.

When you hear the term “luxury textiles,” do you think silk, vicuña [vi-COO-nyah] or cashmere? Chances are you don’t conjure up chiengora [she-en-GŌ-rah] — but maybe you should.

Chiengora — a mashup of “chien” for “dog” and “gora” for legendary luxe angora fibers — means turning dog hair into textiles. Since the hair is simply gathered after grooming, no dogs are harmed.

There’s a lot to be said for dog hair — it’s hardy, fine yet warm and spins into gorgeous fabric. It’s the marketing that’s tough. Gathering dog hair from grooming salons is ideal for consistency but costly. That’s why some dog yarns cost at least 650 dollars per kilogram.

Once pooch parents are educated about the process and the sourcing can be scaled, these high-quality textiles might be able to sell themselves.

Animals have all sorts of talents, some that uniquely qualify them for certain jobs.

Take ferrets, for example. Their body shape, flexibility and attraction to tunnels make them a perfect fit for laying cable. Trained ferrets wear a harness attached to a cable. Lured by the smell of a treat at the end of the line, some have carried cable for over 800 feet.

In the vineyards of South Africa, Indian runner ducks eat insects, snails and worms that would otherwise feast on grape vines. Similarly, some wineries in Spain invite spiders to trap cork-eating moths otherwise bound for wine barrels.

From rodents that sniff out mines and tuberculosis to hawks that scare pigeons away from railway stations, animals help humans get the job done.

There’s no lack of trainers on social media touting their purported ability to control dogs. But the egregious methods of some have caught the attention of animal welfare organizations and veterinary behaviorists.

Last September, the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, or ACVB, issued a statement countering the aggressive practices used by some of these media darlings. In it, these experts assert that using physical force to correct canine behavior can make dogs more fearful and aggressive, increasing risks to people too. Instead, the ACVB supports positive reinforcement and environmental management to foster desired behaviors.

It’s easy to be swayed by apparent quick fixes, but tried and true methods work in the long run.

The holidays bring cheer, color, food and so much more to many, but if you’re not careful, they can also bring headaches and worse when it comes to your pets. Elements of holiday decorating that can be part of a festive routine, such as ornaments, ribbons and wreath, can be tempting for pets to play with and eat, potentially causing choking or intestinal blockage. Other potential hazards include electric lights, candles and certain types of plants. On this show, Dr. Jake Wolf, an emergency and critical care specialist, will address some of the most common issues seen by veterinarians at this time of year and what can be done to prevent the problems from occurring.

Keeping your pets safe over the holiday season has many aspects. Parties, food, and decorations can pose problems for pets, from tempting overindulgence that could lead to gastrointestinal upset to ingesting a foreign body that could mean a trip to the emergency room. If you have travel plans, you may also need to board your pet for a period of time, so it’s important to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. On this show, Dr. Amy Stone will discuss what every pet owner should keep in mind over the holidays in order to minimize stress on everyone in the household, as well as visitors from outside of it.

Dec. 15, 2023: “Home for the Holidays: How to Avoid a Trip to the ER With Your Pet this Season”

Plant life, including ornamental bushes and shrubbery, is ubiquitous throughout the country. While plants play an important role in the ecosystem and can be a beautiful arrangement in someone’s garden, some species can prove toxic to animals who ingest their leaves, seeds or stems. Dr. Chris Martyniuk, a toxicologist, will address some of the “usual suspects” as well as lesser known plants that scientists and veterinarians know can cause death to animals if eaten. You may never look at your yard the same way.

Pets get diabetes, just like people do. And like people, pets can develop the disease at any stage in life, but obese dogs and cats are at the highest risk. On this show, Dr. Avin Arjoonsingh, a clinical assistant professor and small animal medicine specialist, will share his experience in treating pets with diabetes and how different types of insulins can be applied in the long-term management of the disease. He’ll also discuss signs to look for that could indicate your pet has diabetes, and why early diagnosis offers animals afflicted with it the best chance for a longer, healthier life.

Advanced diagnostic imaging tools can be life-saving for large and small animals. Expertise in this key area of veterinary medicine is critical for both pinpointing diseases and guiding the treatment process.

On this show, Dr. Federico Vilaplana Grosso, a clinical associate professor and diagnostic imaging specialist, will discuss some of the tools used most frequently these days in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases. He’ll also discuss how veterinary specialists can supplement what general practitioners are able to do when the need for diagnostic images arises, and how technology has evolved to enable the veterinary care team to obtain faster and ever more accurate diagnoses in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet or horse.

With chillier weather accompanying the fall months, manatees move south to spend the winter in warm-water refuges like natural springs or artificially warm power plant discharges. On this show, Dr. Iske Larkin, who studies manatee reproduction, physiology and behavior, will discuss how manatees know to move to warmer waters with the fall season, and what movement patterns tell us about these fascinating creatures. She’ll also discuss how to tell if a manatee might not be following typical migration patterns and how to report a manatee that may need to be rescued.

Having your horse vaccinated routinely is important to ensure it stay protected against infectious diseases. However, each horse’s immune system is different, so horse owners should talk to their veterinarian about which immunization program makes the most sense for their animal. On this show, Dr. Martha Mallicote, an equine internal medicine specialist, will discuss the importance of vaccination as a part of routine health care for horses. She’ll also address why keeping your horse healthy involves more than just adhering to a vaccination protocol, and why good nutrition, deworming, pasture management and minimizing stress and overcrowding are also important factors.

Veterinary technicians, or nurses, are the backbone of veterinary hospitals and practices nationwide. The roles that these nurses play are increasingly diverse, and the path to careers in this field can take many turns. On this show, three veterinary technicians who work in the specialty of anesthesia and pain management will share how their separate journeys overlapped to bring them to a career they find both challenging and rewarding, and the passion that keeps them going.

All dog and cat owners want the best for their pet, but are bombarded with information that one food is better than another by advertisers and web sites trying to push the benefits of one food over another. Although some pets have special medical needs, most pet foods sold in the United States are suitable for a healthy dog or cat. On this show, Dr. Richard Hill, a board-certified veterinary internist and nutritionist, will discuss what to look for in a pet food and why the key to feeding your pet well is choosing a complete and balanced food and avoiding too many expensive treats. He’ll also discuss the relative merits of various pet food categories: canned versus wet, raw versus cooked, “fresh” vs other, “grain-free” versus other and more, along with the importance of keeping your pet fit and trim.

A common disease in older cats, chronic kidney disease, or CKD — also known as chronic renal failure — is a long-standing kidney dysfunction that most frequently affects older animals but can also occur in cats at any age. Early clinical signs of the disease may include increased thirst and more frequent urination, along with decreased appetite and nausea. In later stages, felines with CKD may also have nausea in addition to being lethargic or dehydrated. While no treatment can reverse CKD, on this show, Dr. Autumn Harris, an assistant professor and internal medicine specialist, will discuss promising new studies that could lead to earlier detection of the disease in cats or new exciting treatment options.

Because of its higher moisture content, wet food is healthier than dry for most cats. But what if your feline friend is a kibble junkie?

Don’t despair. With time and perseverance, you can make the switch to a wet food diet. If your cat’s a free-choice eater, start by converting to mealtime feeding so your buddy can get hungry. That’s key to the process.

Then, start mixing wet and dry foods or just serve them together. Each day, remove some kibble and offer more wet food. Alternatively — when your cat’s hungriest — offer the wet food before the dry. Slightly heating canned food can boost its aroma. You can also ask your veterinarian about sprinkling on a tasty feline nutritional supplement.

If at any time your cat stops eating for a day, halt the process and go back to your buddy’s preferred diet before trying again after a few days.

If you choose to eat foods past their expiration date, that’s your business. But when it comes to feeding your pet, veterinarians suggest you toe the line.

Expiration dates anticipate the rate of microscopic spoilage, depending on the food content and environmental factors. Just because you can’t detect spoilage doesn’t mean expired food is safe for your pet.

Some foods, like canned diets, have a longer shelf life than others. Kibble and foods high in fat don’t last as long. Whatever the diet, make sure you store it as directed, away from heat and humidity.

It’s especially important to keep pets away from garbage where toxins from bacteria and mold can make them super sick. Don’t be fooled by that old adage that animals won’t eat anything that’s bad for them. Many will eat whatever they can get into.

Alligators are large and intimidating creatures, due to their size and unique anatomy, including an armored body, short legs, broad snouts and powerful tails. Most live in the South, along the edges of permanent bodies of water, such as lakes, swamps and rivers, but others reside in zoos and parks. On this show, Dr. Darryl Heard, a zoological medicine specialist, will discuss why alligators are an important part of ecosystem health, along with the challenges and rewards of working with this species to keep them healthy.

Cats can make great companions — if you know what to expect and believe a cat will be compatible with your lifestyle.

To that end, the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests you answer some key questions. First, will a cat get along with your current pets? If so, do you have the time to give a cat the care and attention it needs? Cats require plenty of stimulation, social interaction and exercise. So, if you have long work days and lots of commitments, you may need to reconsider.

Cats also need to engage in normal feline behavior, so can you adapt your home to their exploration, predatory play and scratching? Also keep in mind that kittens need a lot more time and supervision than adult cats.

Finally, you’ll need a feline-friendly veterinarian to advise you on your cat’s diet and other health care needs.

Just like people and pets, horses can get sick from wildfire smoke — especially if they have equine asthma.

Irritants in wildfire smoke can cause even the healthiest of horses to cough and wheeze. That’s when it’s important not to stress their respiratory tract further by riding or working them. They’ll also need plenty of water to keep their airways moist. Some folks even feed salt to increase their horses’ water intake.

Of course, methods for reducing environmental dust will help too, like soaking hay and using dust-free bedding. Using barn fans to move stagnant air is another good idea.

If your horse has a pre-existing respiratory condition, contact your veterinarian for other suggestions during periods of smoke exposure. And for all horses, any symptoms of respiratory distress warrant immediate veterinary attention.

If you have, or will be getting, sheep or goats, make sure you know about the tendency of these small ruminants to develop urinary tract problems — and what you...

In our fast-paced world, many of us feel the only way to keep up is to multi-task. But sometimes it’s best to concentrate on the activity at hand — and...

The Dog Aging Project is a collaboration among pooch parents, veterinarians and researchers looking to identify the biologic and environmental factors that allow our canine companions to live their best — and longest — lives. The project is following tens of thousands of dogs for ten years and announcing some of their findings along the way.

Their survey data on more than 21,000 dogs show that dogs who live together — experiencing routine canine interaction — are significantly healthier than those that don’t. Other factors, such as living in stable neighborhoods, in homes with greater financial stability and with older adults, lead to better health outcomes too. But these factors have only about one-fifth the impact of canine socialization.

It looks like our dogs know what’s good for them when they rush to play with fellow canines.

Similar to human medicine, the veterinary profession has different specialties that enable veterinarians, nurses, and staff to excel at particular topics. Just like your family doctor, family veterinarians are the front line of care that support most of you and your pet’s needs, from preventative care all the way to life-saving surgery. Collaboration with or referral to veterinary specialists has usually been reserved for the worst-of-the-worst conditions, or the most frustrating cases. However, on this show Dr. Bret Moore, a veterinary ophthalmologist, will discuss that true collaboration in veterinary practice means working together on a regular basis, and will share how it benefits pets, pet owners, and even veterinary professionals. We will discuss how current research and communication methods are improving our collaborative methods and opening up doors to be able to provide your pet with the best possible care in the most effective way possible.

A common disease in older cats, chronic kidney disease, or CKD — also known as chronic renal failure — is a long-standing kidney dysfunction that most frequently affects older animals but can also occur in cats at any age. Early clinical signs of the disease may include increased thirst and more frequent urination, along with decreased appetite and nausea. In later stages, felines with CKD may also have nausea in addition to being lethargic or dehydrated. While no treatment can reverse CKD, on this show, Dr. Autumn Harris, an assistant professor and internal medicine specialist, will discuss promising new studies that could lead to earlier detection of the disease in cats or new exciting treatment options.

Snake bites are a common problem in veterinary hospital emergency rooms in the summer months, and prompt medical attention can make the difference between life and death. On this show, Dr. Michael Schaer, a professor emeritus of emergency medicine and critical care, will discuss different types of snake bite, the kinds of snakes associated with the most serious bites, and how veterinarians assess and treat snake bite in the ER. He’ll also discuss what pet owners should do if they suspect their animal has been bitten by a venomous snake.

Is your pet itchy? Are you frustrated with how to manage the situation? You’re not alone. Conditions that can cause itchiness are among the top health issues for dogs and...

When most people think of farm animals, they conjure traditional farm species, such as ruminants, poultry, swine and horses. But veterinarians also play an important role in the farming of...

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is a pathogen transmitted by midges that causes significant economic loss in the white-tailed deer farming industry and affects wild deer as well. On this show,...

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can...

Anhidrosis, or the inability to sweat, poses a dangerous situation for horses in high heat or exercise. Known as “non-sweaters,” horses with this disease can experience extreme distress on hot...

Plant life, including ornamental bushes and shrubbery, is ubiquitous throughout the country. While plants play an important role in the ecosystem and can be a beautiful arrangement in someone’s garden,...

When is poop too soft or too hard? Poop quality can be a source of worry especially for new pet owners. Is there something wrong with the diet or is...

If your pet undergoes an invasive procedure, anesthesia is administered to reduce the animal’s discomfort and ensure a safe and comfortable outcome. At the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital, technicians...

When animal shelters are overcrowded, a sad consequence can be the euthanasia of animals there is no room for. The use of effective animal relocation and transport programs can be...

Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in our country, and animal shelters, which provide temporary care and shelter of homeless or unwanted animals, have always faced challenges. Shelters for community...

Over the history of life, infectious diseases have had huge impacts on species, and are perhaps the biggest selective factor in evolution. On this show, Dr. Jim Wellehan, a professor...

Summer is here, and warmer weather presents situations that could cause problems for your pet. Heat stroke and snake bite are two of the most common problems seen in veterinary...

Common in Southeast Asia and the tropical Pacific islands, the rat lungworm is a parasite that can cause severe central nervous system disease in people and in animals. The parasite has been found in gastropods as well as more recently in invasive Cuban treefrogs in Florida. How worried should we be? On this show, Dr. Heather Walden, a parasitologist, will discuss how the rat lungworm is transmitted from host to host, why the discovery of new hosts for the parasite is a cause for concern, and what you can do to minimize the chance that you or your pets might become infected.

Coming Soon

Ever thought you might want to bring an exotic pet into your household? Pets other than the traditional dog or cat have become increasingly popular in the past few decades. However, before you bring home a pet rabbit, a snake, an iguana, a ferret or some other exotic species, there are some things you need to carefully consider. Dr. Darryl Heard, a zoological medicine specialist, will talk about some of the more common exotic pet species, their specific needs and the pros and cons of exotic pet ownership.

Infectious diseases in reptiles and amphibians might not get the media attention of some other health issues, but play a key role in animal and ecosystem health. On this show, two UF veterinarians, Dr. Jim Wellehan of the zoological medicine service, and Dr. Rob Ossiboff of the aquatic, amphibian and reptile pathology service, team up to discuss some of the diseases that can be found in both captive and wild populations of reptiles and amphibians in different parts of the world, and why understanding and controlling the spread of these diseases is so important.

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can wreak havoc on their gastrointestinal system. Cats often will ingest thread, wool, plant materials and small toys, among other things, and are similarly at risk for foreign body obstruction. On this show, Dr. Kathleen Ham will discuss what happens when something gets stuck and causes a foreign body obstruction, what treatments are needed and what pet owners can do to minimize risks associated with this problem, both inside and outside of the household.

It’s that time of year — when mosquitoes start bugging us again. Beyond inflicting uncomfortable bites, mosquitoes carry some daunting diseases, including heartworms, which can be deadly for dogs, cats and ferrets.

Heartworm disease isn’t just a problem in the summer or the warmest parts of the county. Heartworm infections occur in all 50 states and create year-round issues.

Once a mosquito injects heartworm larvae into an animal’s body, these immature forms travel to the heart and lungs where some can grow up to 12 inches long. The damage they inflict can be life-threatening without treatment, which is costly and grueling on its own. That’s why prevention is so worth the effort.

Most veterinarians now recommend year-round treatment with a heartworm preventative. Talk to yours about the best choice for your furry friend.

Advanced diagnostic imaging tools can be life-saving for large and small animals. Expertise in this key area of veterinary medicine is critical for both pinpointing diseases and guiding the treatment process.

On this show, Dr. Federico Vilaplana Grosso, a clinical associate professor and diagnostic imaging specialist, will discuss some of the tools used most frequently these days in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases. He’ll also discuss how veterinary specialists can supplement what general practitioners are able to do when the need for diagnostic images arises, and how technology has evolved to enable the veterinary care team to obtain faster and ever more accurate diagnoses in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet or horse.

Cats that don’t feel well often eat less, losing weight if it goes on long enough. But what if your cat’s getting thin in spite of a good appetite?

There are several feline medical problems that can cause weight loss — or worse — despite normal eating patterns. One is diabetes, because it causes cats to break down fat and protein instead of using sugar for energy. Another is hyperthyroidism, which is common in older cats. Cancer can also be the culprit. Less common, a malabsorption / maldigestion disorder can cause cats to shed weight in spite of a ravenous appetite.

Any of these conditions often cause other symptoms too, which you’re likely to notice. But don’t sit on it — schedule a veterinary checkup if your kitty’s weight loss is unintentional or you have other concerns.

While some dogs are easier to train than others, sometimes it’s the trainer who could use training.

Great dog trainers share certain traits, like patience, discipline and consistency. But other qualities are just as important. For example, the ability to really listen and adapt to each dog is key. That requires real-time collaboration with a dog and the ability to tweak methods on the fly and make it fun.

Some canine behavioral experts use parenting styles to evaluate methods of dog training. An authoritative style — that’s firm but kind and adaptable — best fosters canine persistence and attachment. That’s in contrast to a permissive style, which doesn’t set clear expectations, or an authoritarian style, which emphasizes firmness over warmth.

So, if your dog flunked obedience class, perhaps Fido isn’t the only one to blame.

Spring, like any other season, presents unique hazards for pets. But if we know what to look for, we can enjoy the time with our furry friends.

As the weather warms, thawing ponds are dangerous for dogs and poorly screened windows create chaos for cats.

Spring also means gardening, and some plants — like rhododendrons and azaleas — are toxic to pets. Fertilizers and mulch contain a wide variety of dangerous compounds too — and slug bait is especially poisonous.

A wide array of potentially dangerous creatures come out, including heartworm-carrying mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, bees and snakes. Prevention helps with the tiny ones, while vigilance mitigates the dangers of others.

Finally, some pets are allergic to dust, plants and pollen. Contact your veterinarian if your pet needs some springtime relief.

Another Salmonella outbreak has been in the news — this time linked to pet bearded dragons. First reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, in October 2022, the outbreak has affected at least 32 people across 20 states. At least 10 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

Over half the cases have involved children under the age of 5, but people of all ages have been affected. Salmonella infections are most concerning in those with weak or immature immune systems.

While this doesn’t mean you need to rehome your bearded dragon, reptile pets shouldn’t be handled by children under five. Everything that comes in contact with a reptile should be cleaned and disinfected, and frequent thorough hand washing is a must.

Today’s veterinarians wear a wide range of hats. They provide health care to animals, but also work in many other kinds of jobs. They help ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply, work to control the spread of diseases, and conduct scientific research that helps both animals and humans. On this show, Dr. Ashley Allen-Durrance, assistant dean of admissions and student success at UF, will discuss veterinary student recruitment, what’s involved in getting into veterinary school, how to prepare a strong application and what potential applicants should keep in mind before they apply.

Nearly one in three pets gets lost at some point, putting some at risk of never finding their way back home. Fortunately, microchipped pets are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families.

Microchipping is so effective that some cities in Texas now require dog owners to microchip their canine. Those who don’t comply can be fined. City administrators aren’t trying to punish pet parents. Lost pets can end up in shelters, and they want to free up the space for animals that really need it.

Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and are easily injected under the skin. The chip contains an identification number linked to a database, which becomes visible when the chip is scanned. That allows contact with the owners.

Microchipping is an easy way to help keep our pets safe, so let’s all get with the program.

Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying to pets — they can transmit dangerous diseases. That’s why preventatives are so important. But before you buy a canine medication for your feline friend — stop! That could be a lethal choice.

The biggest culprits are pyrethrins — particularly permethrins, the synthetic versions. They work just fine in dogs, but they’re fatal for cats because of their different liver metabolism. Permethrins can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled or ingested — even by grooming a canine companion. Any route is fraught for felines.

Read labels carefully to ensure that the flea and tick preventative you choose is cat friendly. And check your lawn treatments and tick-repellent clothes, too, because they may contain permethrins. Finally, if your cat is exposed to a canine preventative, seek veterinary care ASAP.

During the past couple of years, Bluetooth devices — like Apple AirTags — have gained a rep as hacks for finding luggage. So, it’s no surprise that manufacturers have designed pet accessories to accommodate them, too. But AirTags aren’t great for tracking lost pets.

Unless you’re trying to find a pet indoors — like a cowering cat — an AirTag won’t do you much good. That’s because beyond about 800 feet, you won’t pick up the tag with your phone alone. So, it’s useless for tracking pets missing outdoors.

Worse yet, some pets will chew and even swallow AirTags. Beyond potentially obstructing the digestive tract, AirTags contain batteries, which can leak internally once ingested.

Fortunately, there’s a better option — that’s microchipping your pet, along with tagging your buddy’s collar or harness.

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can wreak havoc on their gastrointestinal system. Cats often will ingest thread, wool, plant materials and small toys, among other things, and are similarly at risk for foreign body obstruction. On this show, Dr. Kathleen Ham will discuss what happens when something gets stuck and causes a foreign body obstruction, what treatments are needed and what pet owners can do to minimize risks associated with this problem, both inside and outside of the household.

Some dogs really like fruit. After all, they’re omnivores, which means they eat both animal and plant materials. But are all fruits safe — and how much can they eat?

Grapes, raisins and some wild berries are flat-out toxic to dogs. It’s also best to steer clear of avocados and tomatoes, which sometimes cause problems. But others are fair game, depending on your dog’s tastes and medical issues. That said, it’s always good to run any diet change by your veterinarian first.

Fruits are best used as treats — under 10% of your dog’s diet and less if your pooch is diabetic or obese. Many fruits are high in sugar — especially dried varieties — but fresh apples, berries and melons are on point. Just remove the peels, rinds, pits and seeds before treating your dog, since they can be dangerous if swallowed.

While we sometimes erroneously attribute human emotions to pets, we can see that pets grieve when they lose their special person.

They miss their companion’s company, shared routines and likely much more. They might get clingy, sleep more and eat less. Some frequent their buddy’s favorite spot. And cats, in particular, may vocalize more frequently and loudly.

As with people, there’s no timetable for a pet’s grief. But there are ways we can help — like sticking to their routine, offering extra attention and being patient if they revert to, or develop, troublesome behaviors.

It’s important to reach out for veterinary help with concerns. That’s especially true if cats stop eating, because they can quickly develop life-threatening medical issues.

Animals have a profound ability to adapt. We can be there for them as they do.

Nothing evokes spring like flowers, and lilies are especially elegant. But they spell trouble if you have a cat.

No flower presents more of a threat to our feline friends than lilies — day lilies and true lilies, to be exact — like tiger lilies and Easter lilies. Every part of the plant is poisonous to cats — even the pollen on the table and water in the vase. A cat only has to ingest a bit of pollen while grooming to develop fatal kidney failure within a few days.

Early signs of lily poisoning include drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite. Prompt intensive care — within 12 hours or so — can improve a cat’s chances of surviving lily toxicity. But if a cat’s part of your family, don’t think twice. Keep lilies out of your house altogether.

Cats develop preventable or treatable health issues, just like dogs. So, why do they visit veterinarians only half as often?

Sure, most cats dread leaving home to visit the clinic, while many dogs consider it an adventure. But there are ways around that.

Truth is, some folks think cats are pretty low maintenance pets, especially compared with dogs. After all, they’re more independent and they hardly complain. But since cats are masters at hiding their discomfort, wellness checkups are especially important for veterinarians to identify and address problems as soon as possible. They can even prevent some from occurring at all.

Being responsible cat parents means more than just feeding our cats and scooping out their litter boxes. By providing routine health care, we give them a chance to live their full nine lives.

The successful identification of animal abuse and deaths caused by such abuse typically involves not just the veterinary forensic pathologist who can confirm the cause of death, but also representatives of various agencies and organizations ranging from animal shelters to law enforcement at multiple levels. On this show, Dr. Adam Stern, a veterinary forensic pathologist, will discuss the process through which successful prosecution of animal abusers typically occurs, and how members of the public can also play a role in bringing such abusers to justice.

Whenever an animal requires surgery, the administration of anesthetic is key to minimizing pain and maximizing patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Each case is different, however, and it’s the job of the veterinary anesthesia specialist to determine what type of drug to use, how it should be administered and what dose is most appropriate to manage pain in the animal patient. On this show, Dr. Ludovica Chiavaccini, a veterinary anesthesia and analgesia specialist, will discuss the critical role of the anesthesia specialist in pain management for large and small animals, and knowledge in the field has grown in recent years.

A key part of training a puppy usually includes crate training, to keep your buddy safe and out of mischief. But what if your dog whines in the crate?

It takes any puppy some getting used to — especially one that’s newly separated from a litter. First, make sure the crate’s big enough for comfort but not so big that it isn’t cozy. Adding soft bedding and a safe toy helps, too. Most pups want to be near their family, so placement’s also important.

If your pup still whines, try to ignore the behavior until it stops, then reward your little one by opening the door. Dogs should think of their crate as their happy place, so make it accessible all the time — and never use it as punishment.

One more thing: If the whining’s a new thing and your puppy’s already crate-trained, discuss the behavior with your veterinarian.

Integrative veterinary medicine, along with sports medicine and rehabilitation are a subset of complementary and alternative therapies used in tandem with conventional veterinary care for pets. This unique group of patient care approaches has grown increasingly popular for pets, just as they have for people. On this show, Dr. Erin Miscioscia, a clinical assistant professor of integrative medicine, will discuss some of the more popular integrative approaches and how they are being used in veterinary medicine today to treat pain, geriatric diseases, arthritis, and sports injuries along with several other conditions.

Equine surgery is challenging. But consider that one of the most daunting aspects is protecting the horse during recovery from general anesthesia.

General anesthetics can cause weakness and disorientation as a horse wakes up and tries to stand. One way to decrease the risk of injury is to use standing sedation instead.

Thanks to advanced sedation and local anesthetic techniques, many surgical procedures can now be performed while the horse stands. Examples include arthroscopy (that’s looking inside a joint with a camera), certain fracture repairs and sinus surgeries.

But standing surgery has challenges of its own. Some horses may move or get the urge to lie down, and it can be tough to maintain a sterile surgical field.

If surgery’s in the cards for your horse, ask your veterinarian about the relative risks involved.

Many farmers and ranchers already have a relationship with a trusted veterinarian. But if you prefer to treat your animals yourself, you’ll have some changes in store.

For the time being, farmers and ranchers can buy antibiotics off the shelves in most farm supply stores. But come June 2023, doing so will require a prescription from a veterinarian. First, the producer will need to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which is required before a veterinarian can write a prescription. While the cost of antibiotics from feed stores, or elsewhere, isn’t expected to rise, a veterinary visit to get the ball rolling carries a fee.

So, now’s the time to schedule an appointment so the veterinarian can get to know your herd. That way, your animals won’t experience any gaps in treatment.

Early in 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the first vaccine ever developed for honeybees — or any insect in the United States, for that matter.

Global populations of honeybees have been taking lots of hits, from climate change and habitat loss to pesticides and disease. Bees are susceptible to a number of viral, parasitic and bacterial infections, including an especially aggressive one called American foulbrood. The new vaccine contains dead Paenibacillus [pain-ŭ-bă-SILL-us], the bacteria responsible for American foulbrood. After it’s mixed with a feed given to queen bees, the ingested vaccine provides immunity for the queen’s developing larvae.

Bees are vital to many of the world’s crops, including $15 billion worth in the United States alone. It’s only right that we try to protect them as we do other livestock.

Many pet parents will move mountains to help their sick fur babies — especially those with terminal illnesses. But sadly, some people take advantage of this bond for their own gain.

Recently, a man in Pennsylvania was convicted of defrauding 900 pet owners out of more than $1 million used to purchase what they believed were cancer-curing drugs. For big dollars, he also promised to enroll customers’ pets in promising clinical trials. By the end, the state found that the so-called drugs in question were just homemade mixtures of bulk ingredients.

To avoid this kind of cruelty, make sure to ask your veterinarian before using any product you think may help your pet. That’s because you, your veterinarian and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which approves veterinary drugs, put your pet’s safety above all else.

Young dogs are rambunctious, and they can hurt themselves if they overdo it. But what if your puppy suddenly becomes lame for no apparent reason?

It could be due to panosteitis [pan-ăs-tē-Ī-tus], a painful inflammation of long bones in the leg. It’s especially common in young, fast-growing, large breeds and is sometimes dismissed as “growing pains.” A classic sign is lameness that crops up in different legs at varying times.

Panosteitis typically waxes and wanes until it spontaneously resolves when the dog is about two years old. The cause is unknown, but genetics may be involved in some breeds.

There’s no specific treatment either, although pain may need to be addressed with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatories. Reach out to your veterinarian if you have specific questions about panosteitis or the best way to care for your pup.

Dairy calves can face a rocky road during their first few weeks of life. Diarrhea and pneumonia are common problems, but another that may fly under the radar is an umbilical, or naval, infection, usually caused by bacterial contamination.

After producing painful inflammation, bacteria can spread from the naval into the bloodstream and then to the joints, lungs and other organs. The result can be serious secondary infections like arthritis and pneumonia. Even after treatment, affected calves may face decreased weight gain and a higher risk of death.

The reported rate of umbilical infections varies widely, in part because signs aren’t as obvious as with diarrhea and pneumonia. That’s why it’s important for dairy producers to set up protocols with their veterinarian to help prevent these infections and identify them early on.

While cardiovascular disease in horses is less common than in people, dogs and cats, because horses are often expected to perform work or athletic feats, their cardiovascular condition may be relatively more important, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. On this show, Dr. Meg Sleeper, a veterinary cardiology specialist, will discuss how heart problems are most frequently diagnosed in horses, and some of the tools that specialists are able to use these days to both diagnose and treat different types of heart disease when it occurs in their equine patients.

We’ve long viewed donkeys as the quintessential beasts of burden, but they’re finally coming into focus. From the Irish movie, “The Banshees of Inisherin” [in-ish-AIR-in] to the Polish film, “EO” [Ē-oh], donkeys are having a moment — and it’s not a moment too soon.

Beyond being stoic and hardworking, donkeys are playful, smart and affectionate. Over thousands of years as prey animals, donkeys have evolved to hide their vulnerability from predators. They’ve done it so well that they’ve been stereotyped as stubborn, stupid and unfeeling — robotic animals meant to do our bidding. And that’s put them in plenty of peril.

We’re becoming more aware of the abuse and neglect that donkeys have endured over the ages, and still encounter today. We’ve used donkeys for centuries to build our nations. Now, it’s time for us to give back to them.

If you’re a cat parent, you’re probably familiar with your buddy’s various meows and what they mean. But you may not have heard a loud, plaintive wail — or yowl — which can also mean different things.

This mournful cry is common among cats in heat or those looking to mate. But with neutered cats, yowling is most common among seniors. The main causes are pain and disorientation, from hearing loss, for example. Cats might yowl if they have arthritis, hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease — all of which are common in elders. Feline cognitive dysfunction — akin to dementia in people — affects over 50% of cats in their early- to mid-teens and can also resulting in yowling.

If your cat has started yowling, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to look for the cause and ways to ease your buddy’s stress.

Sometimes when our pets play, they inadvertently swallow objects. These ingested non-food items are called foreign bodies—and the ones that look the most benign sometimes cause the biggest problems.

We’re talking about linear foreign bodies, which are any long, slender objects — like threads, yarn and tinsel — that cats especially love to play with. When swallowed, one end of the linear foreign body can become anchored in the upper digestive tract, say, under the tongue, while the back end keeps trying to pass, bunching up in the intestines as it goes. Eventually, the object can tighten and work like a saw against the intestinal wall, causing tears and dangerous leaks into the abdomen.

At this point, the treatment is emergency surgery. But you can avoid all the drama by keeping your cat away from string, thread, yarn and the like.

There’s a serious health problem plaguing up to 80% of our cats and dogs — that’s more than suffer from cancer, heart disease and obesity. Believe it or not, periodontal, or gum, disease is the number one medical condition affecting pets.

Bacterial buildup on teeth causes tartar, which leads to gum inflammation. If the tartar is removed, the tissues heal. If not, the inflammation spreads to bones supporting the teeth, resulting in periodontal disease.

But that’s not all. Subsequent bleeding, pain and tooth loss make it difficult for some pets to eat. And if bacteria enter the blood stream, they can be carried to numerous organs, causing severe illness or worse.

That’s why it’s important to schedule annual dental checkups with your veterinarian. Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy is an investment in their future.

If you watch pet food commercials, you’ve likely heard announcers breathlessly warn of diets containing animal by-products. So, just what are these ingredients and how dangerous are they?

Truth is, the “yuck” factor attached to by-products is merely an American — and distinctly human — convention. By-products refer to organs and entrails, like liver, bone, stomach and cleaned intestines. While we may shy away from them, they’re tasty to our dogs and cats and often more nutritious, and just as safe, as the muscle meats we find more appealing. That said, certain components — like hair, hooves, hide or intestinal contents — are strictly rejected as by-products.

Ironically, some companies avoid the stigma of “by-products” on their labels and list out specific organs instead. It’s all the same — and perfectly fine for your pet.

What lies beneath the skin surface in humans and in animals is a whole ecosystem of microbes known as the microbiome. Yet in each person, and in each animal, that system is highly variable. Today’s Animal Airwaves-Live features Dr. Aline Hoffman, a veterinary anatomic pathology specialist who has a special interest in dermatopathology and studies the role of the skin microbiome in the health of companion animals. She’ll discuss some of her recent research and findings about how the skin microbiome in each animal affects the likelihood of disease, and how it could even be a reason why your pet has a unique smell.

Extreme Weather Patterns and Natural Disasters are happening more frequently than ever before, and in addition to the risk they pose for people and property, they also increase the likelihood that your pets and farm animals will be exposed to infectious diseases. Dr. Sally DeNotta, a veterinarian and infectious disease specialist at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, will discuss how your animals may be exposed to disease during extreme weather patterns, and more importantly – how you can prevent them from becoming infected.

So called “raw food diets” may mean different things to different people, but pet owners need to understand the risks associated with feeding diets other than pet food manufactured commercially. On this show, Dr. Richard Hill, a veterinary internal medicine specialist and nutrition expert, discusses why people are often drawn to feeding these types of diets to their pets but lack the understanding of risks associated with them. He’ll also discuss situations where feeding special diets that may consist of certain raw foods could be beneficial, but why discussing your pet’s diet with your veterinarian is so important, especially for animals with certain health conditions.

Similar to people, pets are living longer lives these days due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits. But with extended lives comes a whole new set of age-related conditions, which in turn affects the care needs of these “pet elders” – our beloved senior pets. This show’s guest, Dr. Amy Stone, who heads the primary care and dentistry service at UF, will discuss some of the common conditions that affect older pets, which are among the same problems that affect older people: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney/urinary tract disease, senility, among others. She’ll also talk about how to work with your veterinarian at every stage of your pet’s life to ensure that the aging process is as graceful and as painless as it can be.

In the aftermath of a disaster, veterinary colleges are often called upon to respond, whether by sending teams into the field to provide direct medical assistance to injured or displaced animals, offering support to animal shelters, or in other ways. Dr. Larry Garcia, medical director of the UF Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service, discusses some of the aspects of managing a field hospital in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, why disaster response training is an important part of veterinary medical education and why having a disaster plan is important for all pet owners.

Have you always assumed that because dogs can hear better than humans, they probably don’t need to see very well? Have you even wondered what colors they can see, or if they can see only in black and white? Do dogs really watch the TV? Do some dogs need glasses to correct near-sightedness or far-sightedness? While dogs definitely see the world differently than people do, you might be surprised at some of their visual capabilities, and the differences in visual perception between human and canines. On this show, Dr. Bret Moore, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, will discuss what pet owners need to understand about the way a dog sees and what to do if you suspect your dog may be having vision issues.

As our dogs age, it’s common for their hearing to fail. But there are ways you can help your pooch to cope.

Dogs compensate so well that it’s tough to detect hearing loss until it’s severe. Your dog may stop noticing sounds that used to elicit a response or may startle when touched. Deeper than normal sleeping and excessive barking —sometimes a sign of anxiety — can be tell-tale signs too.

Dogs that are hard of hearing can be trained to respond to touch or flashing lights instead of spoken cues. Another option involves using a vibration collar, which produces a slight shaking when you press a remote-control button, prompting your dog to come to you. Of course, deaf dogs should always be leashed when they’re outdoors.

Your dog doesn’t need to hear to be happy, as long as you can quell his anxiety and keep him safe.

It can be really unsettling to hear that your pet has a heart murmur. But before you panic, let’s take a look at what causes murmurs and what they mean for your pet’s health.

Simply put, murmurs are vibrations caused by abnormal blood flow through the heart or large blood vessels. Murmurs have lots of potential causes. For example, heart structures can be defective at birth, causing rerouting of the normal blood flow. Heart valves or walls can also become misshapen as dogs age. Even thin blood from anemia can cause a murmur.

Once your veterinarian detects a murmur, they’ll look for other signs and symptoms and conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause and whether it needs to be treated. The sooner that happens, the better — before whatever’s causing the abnormalities lead to other problems.

Involving the environment, animals and people, leptospirosis is a classic One Health disease — and one that public health experts and veterinarians have in their sights.

The spread of leptospirosis relies on three things: the ability of its disease-causing bacteria to thrive in the environment; the presence of host animals — usually rodents — where the bacteria can reproduce and be passed; and interactions between animals, people and the environment.

Each year, leptospirosis affects 1 million people worldwide, and it can also cause serious disease in dogs, horses, livestock and wildlife. Once primarily found in the tropics, leptospirosis is now found elsewhere too, including in the United States.

Fortunately, there are leptospirosis vaccines approved for use in animals. Ask your veterinarian if that’s something they’d recommend.

Primary care, or general practice, veterinarians do a little bit of everything. Your local veterinarian is likely to be a generalist who treats both healthy and sick animals and is someone who can follow your pet throughout its lifetime and work with you to obtain additional specialty care if needed. Because of this, establishing a relationship with a primary care veterinarian when your pet is healthy is key. On this show, Dr. Wendy Mandese, a primary care and dentistry veterinarian, will discuss why routine wellness examinations are necessary in order to properly manage a pet’s health as it ages, and why an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure when it comes to keeping our four-legged family members happy and healthy.

When bringing a new kitten home to your older cat, plan for a gradual introduction.

First, let your kitten explore her previously appointed private space while your older cat gets used to the new smells. After a few days, it’s the kitten’s turn to check out the house while your senior cat retreats to his own space.

Then, let the cats see each other through a screen or gate. Once they start sniffing noses or rubbing against the surface, let them meet face to face. As they become more comfortable, you can increase their supervised time together.

Some hissing or swatting is normal as your resident cat sets boundaries. Try playing with both cats together, praising and rewarding them — especially your senior cat — if they’re tolerating each other.

This process can be tweaked — just keep gauging each cat’s stress level along the way.

Obesity is a major health problem for cats, but fortunately, there are lots of ways to tackle it — including a plan developed by two feline behavioral specialists in the UK.

The central concept of the Five-A-Day Felix Plan involves mimicking how cats behave in the wild by eating frequent small meals. To that end, a cat’s daily ration is divided into at least 5 portions that are fed during a 24-hour period — that means overnight, too.

Ideally, the location of the food is often switched up so that cats can search it out. Puzzle feeders are also encouraged so that cats can work at retrieving their food. You can buy puzzle feeders or find directions online for making your own.

Last, but not least, cats should always have plenty of water available in a few locations — especially if a large portion of their diet is kibble.

You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t feed wildlife. But do you know why it’s a bad idea?

Offering our snacks is especially harmful to wild animals. The addictive taste and easy access allow them to fill up on empty calories and bypass the nutritious foods they need. If it becomes a habit, they may slack off hunting and foraging, becoming more dependent on food that might disappear at any time. So, feeding wild animals can throw off an entire ecosystem whose populations are intertwined.

Food conditioning — which is what this is called — also makes animals aggressive, as they lose their fear of people to take their favored foods any way they can get them.

Don’t rock the boat by feeding wild animals. That includes cleaning up your picnic or campsite, so no trash or crumbs are left behind.

It turns out that training may not just teach our dogs specific behaviors. It might help them solve problems that come along in the future.

In people, testing has shown that learning how to solve one problem makes it easier to solve the next one — even if it’s completely unrelated. It may all come down to persistence, or continued motivation.

In dogs, positive reinforcement — or receiving rewards — is a key part of training. But what about highly trained animals — like search-and-rescue or agility dogs — that perform a linked chain of behaviors without getting rewarded for each one? That is, how do they remember them all?

They’ve likely learned persistence, which prevents the behavior from fading away and helps them face the next problem ahead. So, far from being one-trick canines, they’re set up for success going forward.

Just like in people, acupuncture is used for pain relief in certain dogs — especially those for whom other treatments might not be recommended or haven’t been effective.

Acupuncture works in several ways to ease a dog’s discomfort. First, needle insertion at specified sites bolsters blood circulation, causing muscles to relax, both locally and elsewhere in the body. The process also stimulates the nervous system, prompting the release of natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances.

Acupuncture is most often used in dogs to treat arthritis and various musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions, usually in combination with other treatments. It’s performed while dogs are awake, and since they often relax quickly and there are no systemic side effects, most soon learn that it’s a feel-good thing.

Winter can be a dangerous time for animals — and your car could be one of the scariest places of all for an outdoor cat that’s trying to warm up.

After your car’s engine has been turned off and while it’s still warm, cats may be enticed to crawl up under the hood where they’ll find heat. But things can go terribly wrong once the engine revs, the fan belts begin turning and other parts start whirring.

You can prevent cats from getting severely injured or worse by alerting them before you start your car. A honk or several taps on the hood will help move them on their way.

This is reason enough not to let your cat wander outside. You can help prevent other cats from climbing under the hood by parking in a closed garage or covering your car to prevent entry into the engine compartment. Using a motion sensor alarm is another option.

If you’ve read or heard about a dog’s life being saved through a blood transfusion, chances are a blood bank that collects blood and blood products from qualified canine blood donors was involved. On this show, veterinary technician Camille Kelly, who manages the canine blood donor program at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, will discuss common conditions that can require a blood transfusion and how to determine if your dog might be suitable as a donor. She’ll also share how blood is collected, processed and stored and why there is an increasing demand for blood products these days to help animals in need.

In the aftermath of a disaster, veterinary colleges are often called upon to respond, whether by sending teams into the field to provide direct medical assistance to injured or displaced animals, offering support to animal shelters, or in other ways. Dr. Larry Garcia, medical director of the UF Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service, discusses some of the aspects of managing a field hospital in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, why disaster response training is an important part of veterinary medical education and why having a disaster plan is important for all pet owners.

Owning an exotic animal as a pet can be a both learning and a rewarding experience, as they are so different from dogs and cats. Animals such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, snakes, iguanas and other unique creatures have specific needs, however. On this show, Dr. Darryl Heard, a zoological medicine specialist, will discuss some of the most common exotic pets, along with frequently seen medical issues affecting them, and why educating yourself properly about an exotic animal’s social, nutritional and environmental needs is so important to ensure you don’t end up with a pet whose needs are more than you bargained for.

Invasive pythons in southern Florida have been devastating to the region’s ecology, competing with native species for habitat and food sources. In addition to those known threats, a new study has revealed that Burmese pythons have introduced new viral pathogens into the environment. Rob Ossiboff, a veterinary pathologist and wildlife disease expert, will discuss some of the potential implications of these viruses and other diseases introduced by the pythons for native wildlife and ecosystem health.

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Endocrine tumors are relatively rare in dogs and cats compared to other forms of cancer. Due to the role of the endocrine system, however, their potential impact on health is...

Endocrine tumors are relatively rare in dogs and cats compared to other forms of cancer. Due to the role of the endocrine system, however, their potential impact on health is...

The news is full of accounts of viruses jumping species from animal to animal and subsequently to humans. But why and how is this happening, and how are patterns of...

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Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is a pathogen transmitted by midges that causes significant economic loss in the white-tailed deer farming industry and affects wild deer as well. On this show,...

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If your pet is having eye or vision problems, it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, but routine eye examinations are part of regular physical examinations. Tests performed on...

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As many as one in three dogs exhibit behavior like tail chasing, obsessive licking, compulsive barking — even chasing lights reflected on walls. So, what makes them act this way?...

As pet parents, we reap all sorts of rewards. Now it looks like one of them is a sharper mind. A recent study found that no matter the species, parenting...

How is it that a 16-year-old cat can be healthy as a horse while appearing to be all skin and bones? It has to do with the frailty syndrome. As...

Did you know that horses have the largest eye of any land mammal? Injuries to the horse eye can affect both horse and rider welfare, and horse owners should be...

When it takes a long time to swallow a big bite, you have to figure out a way to breathe at the same time. So, just how does a boa...

In a recent survey of nearly 400 horse owners, almost 30% had purchased painkillers for their horses from someone other than their veterinarian. Nearly two-thirds of them bought drugs from...

Changes in our social and professional lives during the pandemic impacted many of our relationships — for better or worse. The equine-human bond was no exception. For those lucky enough...

Cats and their litter boxes. It all seems so simple, but using the litter box can be a source of great stress for cats—and that can result in major medical...

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can...

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can...

Graceful, coordinated movement is a quintessential feline trait. So, what should we make of cats that are completely off-kilter? Kittens born with a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia have an underdeveloped...

Some conditions affect dogs from birth and worsen progressively in spite of supportive care. So, wouldn’t it be great to prevent them in the first place? One of these is...

Equine asthma includes a group of inflammatory airway conditions that incite coughing in horses. One of the most common forms affects stabled horses fed hay. For them, airborne irritants and...

Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a respiratory, and recently neurologic, disease of birds caused by influenza Type A viruses. A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza is now causing...

Have you considered offering a forever home to a new pet? Most people have, but the success of that new relationship is largely a function of responsible pet ownership and...

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is a pathogen transmitted by midges that causes significant economic loss in the white-tailed deer farming industry and affects wild deer as well. On this show,...

Some of the most vulnerable victims of the war in Ukraine are animals that are captive in zoos and unable to escape the shelling. Before the war, the Feldman Ecopark...

The war in Ukraine is a tragedy for humans and animals alike. As people escape their homes to save their lives, many are taking their beloved pets with them. For...

There comes a time in some partnerships when a person has tried everything to no avail. That can happen on occasion with pet parents and their behavior-challenged fur babies. If...

In recent years, the demand for service dogs has shot up as our canine friends have demonstrated their aptitude for helping people with a growing range of disabilities. It can...

Similar to people, pets are living longer lives these days due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits. But with extended lives comes a whole new set of age-related conditions,...

An amazing project being conducted in space just may help save animals on Earth. There, a computer is tracking the behaviors and migrations of a host of mammals and birds...

Every week, we hear about newly endangered species. One of the most recent is the iconic koala. The Australian government recently issued an endangered status to koalas based on their...

If you’re immunocompromised, you may wonder whether you should have a feline pet. You’ll want to talk to your physician, but here are some guidelines if you get the okay....

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is a contagious infection of poultry that’s once again spreading across the United States. Already this year, millions of birds in commercial flocks have...

So called “raw food diets” may mean different things to different people, but pet owners need to understand the risks associated with feeding diets other than pet food manufactured commercially....

Pannus is a lifelong degenerative disease in dogs that can cause blindness if not treated. It involves the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. In the early stages,...

During the pandemic, stress has run high and patience has worn thin. Our pets have calmed us, but ironically, a number of us have taken out our anxieties on the...

In the wild, cats eat the intestinal tract of their prey last — that’s the part full of plant fiber. Instead, they prefer animal fiber found in fur, bone, cartilage...

Let me guess — shortly after you receive a boxed delivery, you find your cat snuggled up inside the cardboard container. Have you ever wondered why? Even when they have...

Gopher tortoises are found throughout Florida and the Southeast and are affected by various diseases, including upper respiratory tract disease. A new story from the University of Florida this summer...

As part of caring for robust collections of large animals, zoos face loads of challenges. On a day-to-day basis, one of the biggest is dealing with waste — manure, that...

Keeping our horses in shape includes staying on top of their dental health. That means choosing the right dental team. Equine veterinarians undergo years of training to examine and treat...

Valley fever is a serious disease in both animals and people. And as cases increase in humans, the same is happening with dogs. The fungal organism responsible is endemic to...

Beef cattle herds should be vaccinated regularly to protect the animals from diseases caused by infectious organisms such as viruses, bacteria and protozoans. Vaccines work by stimulating an animal’s immune...

Rat lungworms are hazardous to people and their pets alike. These parasites hitch rides in several hosts, including snails and slugs. Now, Cuban treefrogs have been added to the list....

Pet insurance is great for buffering unexpected veterinary expenses. But be sure to factor in policy-associated costs when determining the most responsible financial plan for your situation. If your budget’s...

Early this year, a large bird of prey was rescued in Singapore after being found unable to fly due to feather loss from its wings and tail. Normally, molting and...

It’s no surprise that dogs and kids love each other. But that’s not all they have in common. Cancer is the number one cause of disease-related death in children. And...

A hunt raging out West is the latest salvo in a pitched battle involving the iconic gray wolf. For decades, it’s been at the mercy of humans either intent on...

At some point, your dog may need professional training. The question is, how do you find a good fit? Most dogs need skill training, a time when the trainer teaches...

Horses are living longer lives these days, thanks to improvements in health care and nutrition. Due to these improvements in equine longevity, horses are much more likely to develop age-related...

Nearly 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 230 cats have diabetes — and the numbers keep going up. As in people, diabetes in our pets is usually treated with...

Asian longhorned ticks are swarming the United States, many carrying blood parasites that cause bovine theileriosis [tī-leer-ē-Ō-sus] — or bovine anemia. Along with red blood cell destruction, theileriosis in cattle...

Do we think it’s okay if wildlife isn’t “wild” anymore? We ask because certain species are thriving in captivity while nearing extinction in the wild. Take the axolotl [ax-ah-LŎT-ahl], an...

Common in Southeast Asia and the tropical Pacific islands, the rat lungworm is a parasite that can cause severe central nervous system disease in people and in animals. The parasite...

Weeds and plants in natural areas can pose risks to a variety of animal species. Understanding what’s in your yard or pasture can go a long way to help you...

The time of zoos as menageries for public entertainment is in the dark, distant past along with the concrete jails that housed these broken animals. In their place, modern zoos...

A growing number of veterinarians in the United States are involved in fish medicine, including fish farming — or aquaculture — and related fields. In other countries, most aquaculture facilities...

Whatever your dog’s age, it’s never too soon to help ward off dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction, or CCD. Preventative measures are much the same for dogs as...

In human medicine, just 67% of patients follow on their surgeon’s recheck recommendations after orthopedic surgery. So, how does that compare to clients whose pets have similar surgeries? Researchers at...

Kidney disease commonly affects dogs and cats and is often associated with poor prognosis in the later stages. Despite the clinical importance of kidney disease, early detection can be challenging;...

These days, veterinary teams do more than ever to optimize anesthesia safety for pets. Ahead of time, veterinarians examine pets and order blood tests, especially those assessing the liver and...

For residents in assisted living, transition from their prior homes and routines can be emotionally crushing. One way to brighten the darkness is with therapy animals — even when it...

If you were asked to imagine a fish driving a car, you would likely envision a Dr. Seuss book, not an animal behavior experiment. But wait… When researchers in Israel...

Once in a while, we hear about a species coming back from the dead. That’s played out in Australia over the past decade. For 140 years, there were no confirmed...

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, also known as Coronavirus Infectious Disease-19, or COVID-19, was first discovered in Wuhan, China in late 2019, spreading and causing a global pandemic that...

Cats are especially attuned to their environment due — in large part — to their sensitive hearing. So, what happens when a cat becomes deaf? Older cats most often lose...

Joint infections, usually from traumatic wounds, are common in horses. How and when they’re treated makes all the difference to the horse’s survival and return to function. There are four...

Anhidrosis — or the inability to sweat — is a uniquely equine condition. Affected horses are at risk of overheating, which can lead to serious consequences. Anhidrosis is most common...

Some dogs can be trained to sniff out COVID — and they’re pretty darned good at it. Studies have reported a 98% accuracy rating for COVID detection by trained dogs....

Endocrine tumors are relatively rare in dogs and cats compared to other forms of cancer. Due to the role of the endocrine system, however, their potential impact on health is...

Do you have a foal on your farm? Thinking of breeding your horse in the near future? Join Dr. Sally DeNotta, a clinical assistant professor and UF’s equine extension veterinarian, as...

White line disease is a smoldering problem that hides in your horse’s foot until it breaks free, causing the hoof wall to break down and your horse to become sore....

Dogs with jobs have special requirements regarding veterinary exams and treatment, and new guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association are giving those air. Their focus is on five groups...

Dental X-rays work the same way for pets as they do for people. They let the veterinary team see inside your pet’s teeth and under the gums so that they...

Some pet parents are nervous about having their fur babies anesthetized for dentistry. So, let’s see why anesthesia is so important for optimal dental care. It’s tough enough to examine...

Collaborative care to enhance patient care outcomes happens when primary care veterinarians enlist the help of qualified veterinary medical specialists to solve complex cases or those requiring resources unavailable at...

As veterinary care has advanced, blood transfusions for pets have become more routine. So it’s no surprise that the supply of veterinary blood products has been waning. The pandemic has...

Birds in zoos usually live longer than their wild counterparts, but old age and artificial surfaces can take a toll. With some stubborn foot problems, bird orthotics can help a...

It’s not rare to hear about the discovery of another novel infectious disease. But when the disease is fatal to an endangered species, the level of alert ticks up. Veterinary...

Hyperbaric therapy may be best known as a treatment for the bends, which occurs when divers surface too fast, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in their blood and tissues. Turns...

The Human Genome Project was one of the most amazing scientific feats of all time. Between 1990 and 2003, a group of scientists mapped every human gene, creating a genetic...

Veterinary technicians, also known as veterinary nurses, fill a variety of supportive roles in the care of animals. In the veterinarian’s office or hospital, nurses work both directly with animal...

You probably know that many dogs are afraid of loud noises, like thunder or fireworks. But you may be less aware of canine anxiety caused by common household sounds. Dogs...

If you suddenly find your horse or pony munching on wood shavings you use for bedding, take a look at their diet. Horses or ponies on a restricted diet —...

When your pet is bleeding, you need to take matters into your own hands while you determine next steps. First aid for minor wounds is pretty easy. You use a...

Beef cattle herds should be vaccinated regularly to protect the animals from diseases caused by infectious organisms such as viruses, bacteria and protozoans. Vaccines work by stimulating an animal’s immune...

The term zoonotic infection — that is, infection that can spread from animals to people — often conjures up exotic diseases like Ebola. Truth is, most zoonotic infections happen right...

It’s always important to watch our pets carefully during the holidays. But it’s even better if we can resolve to mind these suggestions all year long. For starters, it’s crucial...

Feline pancreatitis doesn’t get as much buzz as the canine variety, but cats know what it means. Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause enzymes to leak...

Cats have no problem letting us know what they like and what they don’t. But if a cat reacts way out of proportion when being petted on the back, it...

If you’re not familiar with equine coronavirus, let’s look at what it is and — just as importantly — what it isn’t. Some coronaviruses can cause serious respiratory disease in...

Pet food marketing can create a number of misconceptions for pet parents. One is that dogs are obligate carnivores — that is, they need lots of meat. That’s not true....

If we pay attention, we can learn something every day about how climate change is impacting animals. For example, did you know that birds are shrinking in response to warmer...

If your dog or cat has frequent digestive issues, a picky appetite or inexplicable weight loss, they might be suffering from one of many types of chronic enteropathy. We don’t...

If you have a horse, choosing the right farrier to tend to your horse’s hooves is central to your buddy’s overall health. First, look for someone who’s familiar with your...

Horses, by nature, are accident-prone due to specific behaviors, including their instinctive flight-or-fight response, dominance hierarchy and natural curiosity. Cuts, bruises and lacerations are among the most common equine emergencies,...

Did you know that adult cats don’t meow to each other? That’s right. Although kittens’ meow at their moms to signal their needs, adult cats only meow at us. And...

In the United States alone, nearly 1 billion birds die each year from collisions with glass. Unlike us, birds don’t see glass as a solid object. Instead, reflections appear as...

As many of us swear off—or at least cut back—our meat consumption, pet diets are facing scrutiny too. Dog and cat foods are responsible for nearly one-third the environmental cost...

When most people think of farm animals, they conjure traditional farm species, such as ruminants, poultry, swine and horses. But veterinarians also play an important role in the farming of...

Integrative veterinary medicine, along with sports medicine and rehabilitation are a subset of complementary and alternative therapies used in tandem with conventional veterinary care for pets. This unique group of patient care approaches has grown increasingly popular for pets, just as they have for people. On this show, Dr. Erin Miscioscia, a clinical assistant professor of integrative medicine, will discuss some of the more popular integrative approaches and how they are being used in veterinary medicine today to treat pain, geriatric diseases, arthritis, and sports injuries along with several other conditions.

Veterinarians in the military play a vital role in rebuilding and improving animal care systems in underdeveloped and war-torn countries. They also provide valuable public health capabilities through veterinary medical and surgical care, food safety and defense, and biomedical research and development. On this show, Dr. Chris Lanier, a veterinary clinical pathology specialist who served for 20 years as an Army Veterinary Corps officer, will share his insights about the range of experience military service can provide to veterinarians, how the public benefits and why future veterinarians might consider a role in the military as a potential career.

If your pet is having eye or vision problems, it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, but routine eye examinations are part of regular physical examinations. Tests performed on your pet’s eyes will vary depending on the situation, but in all cases, your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmology specialist will be examining the pet’s eyes and surrounding tissues. These tests are also generally non-invasive and painless. On this show, Dr. Caryn Plummer, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, will explain what’s involved in some of the routine tests performed and will share what to expect if your pet needs an eye exam, in addition to what veterinarians are looking for in their assessment.

A battle is raging over the fate of 86,000 thousand mustangs and wild burros remaining in the western United States. During the past 50 years, the Bureau of Land Management has captured and adopted out over 270,000 additional animals and now, animal advocates are fighting to keep the remaining population in their natural habitat.

The bureau BLM says that public lands can support only one-third of the remaining animals, but animal advocates claim that ranchers just don’t want the mustangs and burros vying with their livestock for forage.

Also at issue is the $1,000 incentive the bureau uses to boost adoptions. Some unscrupulous adopters take the cash then illegally sell their animals to slaughterhouses. While the bureau pledges to institute a stricter adoption regimen, animal advocates don’t envision anything changing until the cash windfalls end.

Since its U.S. debut in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has spread to 14 states in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Midwest, wreaking havoc on trees, grapevines and other plants along the way.

Although traps are recommended to stop these insects, there are good ones and others that do even more harm. The worst of the latter are the sticky tape that some folks wrap around their trees. Along with lanternflies, the tape traps birds, bats, other small mammals and snakes that injure themselves frantically trying to escape. Only about 10% of these animals survive their gruesome ordeal.

A far more humane solution is the circle trap, which funnels lanternflies through a mesh and into a container, preventing injury to nontarget animals.

Many birds love eating lanternflies, so keeping them safe also allows them to eat their fill.

Some pet parents know about the risks raw meat diets pose to pets. Bacterial contamination can still make pets sick, but there are other dangers, too.

A recent study showed that although various commercial dog foods carried some undesirable bacteria, raw meat diets were more likely to contain bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics. These bacteria are especially dangerous when transmitted to immunosuppressed people or pets. In addition, there are risks posed to the public by the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Some still tout the benefits of raw food diets, but most such claims haven’t been proven. However, evidence of the potentially dangerous effects is building — especially as they impact immunocompromised, very young or elderly dogs. Now it looks like the same may hold true for their humans.

Congestive heart failure affects dogs and cats in a similar way to people. Regardless of the underlying cause of heart failure, the symptoms, treatment approaches, and goals are similar. Although heart failure in pets usually carries a guarded long-term prognosis, both veterinarians and owners alike have a common desire to provide the best possible quality of life during this time. On this show, Dr. Darcy Adin, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, will discuss what signs dogs and cats show when they are experiencing heart failure, how veterinarians diagnose, treat, and monitor heart failure, and what you can do at home as an active participant in your pet’s care.

Just because most essential oils are safe for us doesn’t mean the same holds true for our pets. In fact, many of these oils are toxic to animals.

The danger isn’t just that pets inhale diffused oils. They can also ingest them when droplets land on their feathers or fur. Either can cause serious problems.

Birds, with their sensitive respiratory tracts, are especially at risk and should never be exposed to essential oils. The same goes for any animal with respiratory issues. For cats, who metabolize substances much differently than we do, exposure to essential oils can be really dangerous. Very small animals can also be overwhelmed by exposure. Even dogs, who are super sensitive to smells, may be irritated by oils.

Essential oils just aren’t worth the risk in homes with pets. After all, our pets are much more essential.

You might think that indoor cats don’t need parasite preventatives. But these three3 parasites show why homebodies still need protection.

Fleas are notorious for clinging to shoes, pants and other pets that go outdoors. Not only do they cause itching and inflammation — they also spread tapeworms to cats.

Cockroaches and rodents can carry young roundworms and hookworms. So, when a cat catches and eats these prey animals, they ingest the parasites too, which cause a variety of feline digestive problems.

Finally, up to 30% of cats infected with heartworms live indoors only. The mosquitoes that carry heartworm can get inside and bite cats, just like they bite us.

Talk to your veterinarian about the various ways to protect your cat against parasites. An ounce of prevention makes all the difference.

Researching the genetics of disease in our furry friends compared to humans tends to have a canine bias, in part because of the variety that canine breeds bring to the table. But cats offer equally valuable features.

For example, the cat’s genome is organized quite a bit like a human’s, so, discovering how feline genes impact disease could help humans too.

But just like us, dogs get cancer more often than cats. If there’s a genetic reason, we might benefit from the research.

Cats have already had a positive impact on human disease. Studying cats with feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, aided discovery of the human variety, HIV. In addition, remdesivir, a treatment for COVID-19 patients, was first used to treat cats with another type of coronavirus.

So, while dogs are said to be man’s best friends, cats may beg to differ.

Many dogs have mobility issues due to birth defects, injuries or aging. If your pooch is one of them, there are ways you and others can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat the problem.

You can help by observing your dog and providing details on lameness, reduced stamina or the inability to perform certain activities.

Your veterinarian may also refer you to a certified animal rehabilitation practitioner as part of the treatment plan. A canine physical therapist of sorts, they’ll gently work your dog’s joints, massage muscles and use low-impact ways to build stamina, increase range of motion and ease pain. Again, you can help at home by walking your pooch on grass or sand instead of concrete.

Following your veterinarian’s direction on feeding and administering medications will help round out your dog’s treatment plan.

Noise anxiety impacts nearly 70% percent of dogs in the United States, but only a fraction of them receive the treatment they sorely need. That’s a shame, because a dog suffering from noise anxiety is similar to someone having panic attacks.

Whether it’s fear of thunder, fireworks or household sounds, canine noise anxiety is complicated. That’s why the tendency of many pooch parents to try to cure the problem with cuddling is just wishful thinking.

The earlier canine noise anxiety is addressed medically, the better the chances of successful treatment. Veterinary behaviorists often rely on a combination of environmental management, behavior modification and medication.

So, if your dog lives in fear of certain sounds, get the veterinary help this crippling condition deserves.

Pet food recalls and other problems with pet foods reported in the press over the last several years have caused dog and cat owners a lot of anxiety as to how best to feed their pet companions. It is important, however, to put each recall in perspective and to know how best to ensure your pet’s safety? Dr. Richard Hill, a specialist in both small animal medicine and veterinary nutrition, will share what you need to know about pet food recalls, including how to track the most up-to-date information and when to call the veterinarian if you fear your pet is becoming sick.

For years now, veterinary dogma has held that pooches should be neutered at 6 months of age. But it’s more complicated than that. The American Veterinary Medical Association now says that there is no single recommendation that applies to all dogs.

Research over the past decade has shown that early neutering may be linked to the risk of joint problems, obesity — even cancer — especially in large breeds. Loss of reproductive hormones may also impact growth, musculature and a dog’s memory. Fortunately, most of these risks subside if a dog is neutered when older.

That’s a good thing, because neutering at the right time reduces the incidence of other cancers and potentially life-threatening infections of the uterus. In fact, studies have concluded that neutered dogs live longer. Like so many things, it’s all about the timing.

Turtles and tortoises — collectively known as chelonians [chell-Ō-nee-uhns] — may seem indestructible but they’re susceptible to injury like every other animal. Whether from being dropped, hit by a car or bitten by a dog, shell trauma is a common problem.

Although the chelonian shell may seem like an inert piece of armor, it’s not. It consists of vascular, neurologically sensitive bone plates covered with scutes that shed periodically.

When the shell is damaged, the underlying bone can fracture, sometimes exposing vulnerable organs — like the lungs and abdominal structures — beneath. That’s why significant shell trauma requires prompt veterinary attention instead of an at-home fix. Fortunately, veterinarians with reptile expertise have many options at their disposal for treating their shell-shocked patients.

Hypertension — or consistently high blood pressure — is a common problem in older cats. But it may even be more pervasive than originally thought.

A recent study measured the blood pressure of more than 10,000 cats over 7 years of age. More than 40% of the cats had blood pressure measurements at least 30% higher than healthy cats. Feline hypertension is often associated with chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. But many of these cats showed no outward signs and would not have been targeted for treatment until they had significant organ damage.

As a result of these findings, some feline practitioners are adding blood pressure measurements to their senior wellness exams. The earlier hypertension is detected, the sooner cats can be treated to help prevent dangerous complications.

Dogs aren’t the only ones hiking and camping these days. Adventure cats are getting in on the action, too.

We’re not talking about cats having solo adventures outdoors, many times with serious consequences. Adventure cats are side by side with their humans, walking on a leash, observing from the top of a backpack, sitting in a kayak or standing on a paddleboard. No matter the activity, they’re living large on a leash.

Training a cat to a harness and leash takes time and lots of patience. Generally, the younger the cat, the easier the process, but some older cats can learn too.

That said, not every cat is an adventure cat. Some are overwhelmed by nature’s sensory input. Even if your buddy takes to it, adventuring will be on your cat’s terms, not yours. Still, adventuring allows the two of you to make the world your oyster.

All of us know we can’t predict the future, but there are things you can do to prevent your pet from experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Threats are present to animals in our homes and in our yards, but understanding what those threats are, and how to limit the possibility pets will encounter them, can be life-saving knowledge. Dr. Adesola Odunayo, an emergency and critical care specialist, will discuss some of the common emergencies pet owners face with their animals, ways to prevent these events from occurring and why the right pet insurance can be a life-saving investment.

When it comes to your pets, extra food around the house, particularly candy such as chocolate, excessively sugary foods or anything containing grapes or raisins, can be toxic to pets. On this show, Dr. Wendy Mandese, a primary care and dentistry expert, will share common-sense “tricks” regarding what pet owners should be most mindful of during Halloween, including tips for safe foods to “treat” your pet with. Even costumes, decorations and extra household traffic can create health issues for pets. Dr. Mandese will discuss why knowing how to prevent an emergency from occurring ahead of time can make all the difference in ensuring your pet’s safety before and after trick-or treating.

When your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, it is natural to feel helpless, even alarmed. Just as in people, when a pet ages, their immune system weakens and cancer becomes a higher risk. Although cancer is the main cause of death in nearly 50 percent of all dogs, it is most often found in aging animals, although some breeds are more prone to developing cancer than others. On this show, Dr. Sandra Bechtel, a medical oncology specialist, will discuss steps you can take to educate yourself about the type of cancer your pet has, options for treatment, costs involved and what to expect if you do opt for treatment.

When your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, it is natural to feel helpless, even alarmed. Just as in people, when a pet ages, their immune system weakens and cancer becomes a higher risk. Although cancer is the main cause of death in nearly 50 percent of all dogs, it is most often found in aging animals, although some breeds are more prone to developing cancer than others. On this show, Dr. Sandra Bechtel, a medical oncology specialist, will discuss steps you can take to educate yourself about the type of cancer your pet has, options for treatment, costs involved and what to expect if you do opt for treatment.

Although scientists continue to study the effects of COVID-19 in animals, we know that some big cats and gorillas have been infected in zoos in the United States and elsewhere.

This summer, Zoetis, a veterinary pharmaceutical company, donated 11 thousand doses of a conditionally approved COVID-19 vaccine to zoos, wild animal sanctuaries, universities and other conservation facilities in the United States. This vaccine is being developed for animals only. So far, apes, bears, mountain lions, mink and ferrets have received the vaccine.

The US Department of Agriculture has not considered any vaccine candidates for dogs and cats. Advice from experts remains the same with regard to protecting our pets: if you have COVID-19 symptoms, isolate from your pets as you would from people.

These days, it can be tough to make a timely appointment with a veterinarian. In fact, long waits have now become commonplace at many veterinary clinics.

This logjam can be attributed to several factors. Nearly 11 million US households adopted new pets as of September 2020, and these folks are anxious to schedule checkups and vaccinations. And although most clinics have relaxed their curbside COVID-19 protocols, they’re still not back to their efficient routines.

As for existing pet parents, many postponed routine visits when COVID-19 was first raging, and now they want to make up for lost time. People have also been spending more hours at home, giving them more time to spot potential problems in their pets.

Veterinarians are doing their very best to help our pets. Let’s show them the love they need, too.

Gopher tortoises are found throughout Florida and the Southeast and are affected by various diseases, including upper respiratory tract disease. A new story from the University of Florida this summer revealed the discovery of yet another emerging disease affecting gopher tortoise — one associated with high mortality in the long-lived species. On this show, Dr. Jim Wellehan, a professor of zoological medicine with expertise in microbiology, will discuss the significance of his team’s recent findings, what they mean for the species and the people caring for them, and possible relationships between this new disease and other emerging diseases affecting reptiles.

Trance-like syndrome in a dog can be a spooky sight to behold, but it doesn’t appear to have more ominous effects.

Dogs that exhibit this behavior — called trancing, for short — will creep, as if in slow motion, under materials that skim their back, like hanging leaves, tablecloths or other fabrics.

Trancing is by far most common in bull terriers, but greyhounds and some other breeds can engage in it too.

No one knows what causes trancing. Dogs remain aware during the episodes and most can easily be called out of them, so it’s not like some type of seizure. Beyond that, none of the brief studies or surveys conducted have shown a correlation with other neurologic behavior.

In short, affected dogs don’t appear distressed by trancing, so you shouldn’t be either. It may just be a mystery that stays that way.

Training a police dog is quite involved — certainly more than we can cover here. But hopefully we can answer a few common questions.

Breeds best suited for most police work are German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois [mă-lăn-WAH] and Dutch Shepherds. Labrador Retrievers are also great at detecting narcotics, explosives and other forms of evidence.

Purchasing a pup is well beyond the budget of most police departments, so many rely on public or corporate donations for this investment.

Most pups are mature enough to focus on training when they’re about a year old. General patrol training includes obedience, agility, tracking and various forms of searching.

Police dogs and their handlers form incredibly strong, lifelong bonds. That’s why — when a police dog retires — he or she spends their golden years being pampered in the handler’s home.

In a nation full of pet lovers, even truckers have a yen for animal companionship.

In 2013, over 60 percent of truckers were pet parents, and 40 percent of them took their pets on the road. Nowadays, you might see dogs, cats, parrots … even pot-bellied pigs as trucker pets.

It makes sense from the trucker’s point of view. They’re away from their families for long stretches, and pets counter the loneliness.

With a few breed and weight restrictions, most trucking companies don’t mind either. They want to keep their drivers happy in the midst of a nationwide shortage.

But what about the pets? For many dogs, it’s a win-win-win: being with their favorite person, riding in a vehicle and getting exercise at truck stops. As for the others, truckers do an amazing job tricking out their rigs to make their pets comfy.

What’s your take on it?

Most of us assume that cancer is just a problem for older dogs. But some forms of cancer — particularly oral ones — affect youngsters, too.

For example, a pink, cauliflower-like mass inside the mouth of a young pup may be a type of oral papilloma. It can affect dogs of any age, including young ones. Fortunately, it doesn’t usually spread and surgical treatment — though aggressive — is often curative.

Other oral tumors can develop in dogs less than a year old. Some can invade the bones around the mouth or grow into the nasal cavity and cause breathing problems. Others, like viral papillomas, often resolve on their own but are infectious to other dogs.

This underscores the importance of routine veterinary exams. You can do your part by regularly checking your dog’s mouth for new lumps or other abnormalities.

Blister beetles pose a threat to horses and some livestock every year, but they’re most problematic in hot, dry weather.

Blister beetles produce cantharidin, a toxin that causes inflammation and blister formation in digestive tissues. When they swarm in alfalfa fields, many wind up dead in cut hay bales. Ingestion of 30 to 50 blister beetles can be deadly to a horse, but even fluid from crushed beetles is toxic.

Signs generally appear within six to eight hours after a horse eats contaminated alfalfa hay. These horses usually show signs of abdominal pain, but the toxin can target multiple organ systems, including the kidneys. Affected horses can die within hours.

There’s no cure for blister beetle ingestion, but a veterinarian can provide supportive care — the earlier, the better. If you live in a region with blister beetles, the best way to sidestep the problem may be to avoid feeding horses alfalfa hay altogether.

Hamsters are popular pets, but there’s a lot to learn before bringing one home.

If you’re considering more than one hamster, be aware that two males or two females housed together may fight over territory. On the other hand, a male and a female are likely to mate and have babies.

A hamster’s diet should be mostly commercial hamster food, but a bit of fresh greens, fruit, veggies or nuts is fine now and then. Hamsters also need safe materials to chew on to help keep their teeth from overgrowing.

Hamster balls are a great way for these little guys to get exercise. Wheels can work too, but they need to be the right size—not too large for hamsters and not so small that a hamster has to overarch its back to run.

Just like other pets, hamsters need routine wellness exams. That’s a good time to ask about nail and teeth trims, too.

If it seems like fireflies are disappearing, it’s because they are. Experts agree that their population decline has three root causes.

Many firefly species have specialized habitats and diets. And because they can’t fly far, they can’t just move to a new neighborhood once their environment changes.

Light pollution is another hazard. The ubiquitous skyglow in many areas is disorienting to fireflies. Bright lights can blind them or at least interfere with their light displays during mating.

As for pesticides, the biggest danger is to firefly larvae, which receive a double dose — through their watery environment and the small creatures they feed on.

Fireflies have existed for over 100 million years, so it would be a shame to see their lights go out. Firefly Watch, a nonprofit organization, suggests ways you can help them.

It may be a cliché, but a dog attacking a mail carrier is no laughing matter.

Last year, over 58 hundred postal workers were attacked by dogs, more than the previous year. There may be several reasons why: more people were at home, more orders were delivered, and more dogs were adopted during the pandemic.

One thing’s for certain: we all need to help protect delivery folks. So, if a package is delivered to your door, put your dog in a separate closed room before opening the entry. Also, ask children and others in the family not to take mail directly from the postal carrier. Some dogs see that as a threat to their humans.

Take note: if postal carriers consider your dog a threat, they can refuse to deliver mail to your home. So, to avoid frequent treks to the post office, corral your pooch and help keep mail carriers safe.

This summer, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suspended the importation of dogs from 113 countries that are at high risk for rabies transmission.

Compared to 2019, over 50 percent more of these dogs have been arriving with false or incomplete rabies paperwork. The United States has not had a case of dog-associated rabies since 2007, although rabies is still transmitted by from other animals. The CDC is looking to keep this run intact.

At least 60 thousand dogs are expected to fall under the temporary ban, although the number could be as high as 120 thousand. And while most international animal welfare organizations understand the reasons behind the ban, many would like to see less drastic means used to reach the same goal.

Details on the ban — including exemptions and countries affected — are available on the CDC website.

Unfortunately, dogs suffer wild animal attacks all too often. But here’s one you may not see coming.

Beavers usually keep to themselves, but they’ll attack if they feel threatened. It’s their razor-sharp front teeth that do the most damage — slicing through arteries with a single bite — and the resulting blood loss can kill a dog.

While beavers generally don’t wander more than a hundred yards from the water, young males looking for a mate or beavers protecting kits tend to be very aggressive. The first warning is usually a tail slap on the water, but a wary beaver can get out and charge a dog in no time. Beavers also won’t hesitate to attack dogs in the water.

So, if you and your pooch are strolling near water, keep a lookout for beaver lodges or gnawed sticks on the bank. Then, give these guys a very wide berth.

Preparing tomorrow’s veterinarians for the skills they need to be successful in practice involves much more than helping students master clinical skills for taking care of animal patients. Understanding best practices for business management is an important part of career readiness in the field of veterinary medicine. On this show, Dr. Martha Mallicote, who coordinates the veterinary business management certificate program for veterinary students at UF, will explain what some of those best practices are and how students are taught these skills through unique hands-on learning opportunities. Having a sound business plan that encompasses everything from staffing to bookkeeping to marketing not only facilitates a successful bottom line, but also helps to streamline efficiencies to ensure the best possible care for animal patients.

Although advanced therapies have greatly enhanced the outcomes in pets with cancer, in some cases, treatment takes the form of palliation — defined as treating the symptoms of a disease or disorder, to maximize patient comfort, rather than attempting to cure it. On this show, Dr. Stacey Fox-Alvarez, a clinical assistant professor of oncology, will discuss different forms of palliative treatment used by veterinarians and how these treatments work to improve the quality of life of dogs and cats with cancer. She will also discuss the importance of monitoring and prioritizing quality of life in patients with cancer, whether they receive advanced treatment or palliative care alone, and how working with a cancer specialist can help meet these goals.

So your pet has had surgery. What now? Post-operative care is critical for a safe and successful recovery, and both you and your veterinarian will need to partner in the effort to make sure your pet’s recuperation is as smooth as it can be. On this show, Dr. Kathleen Hamm, a clinical associate professor of small animal surgery, will share what you need to know to keep your pet as comfortable as possible after a surgical procedure.

Dogs and cats experience eye problems, just as people do. They can have problems with vision loss as well as conditions experienced by their humans, such as glaucoma, cataracts, corneal injuries and tumors of the eye. However, diseases of pets’ eyes are not always readily apparent to their owners. Although an obvious eye injury might prompt a pet owner to seek immediate veterinary care, the fact is that eye health is important to monitor regularly as a part of overall pet wellness. Dr. Ralph Hamor, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, will talk about why routine eye check-ups are important for your pet as well as common eye problems seen in animals and how these problems are diagnosed and treated by veterinary eye specialists.

The very nature of wild animals dictates that most of their handling in a medical setting requires sedation or anesthesia, from a basic clinical examination to other types of medical and surgical procedures. Although the principals of general veterinary anesthesia apply to zoo and wild animals, the physiological differences of each species often requires specific protocols to keep both animal and veterinarian safe. On this show, Dr. Darryl Heard, an associate professor and zoological medicine specialist, shares some of the considerations veterinarians working in this specialty must make when it comes to ensuring positive outcomes in their cases.

Does your pet have a constant itch? Understanding and managing allergies in pets can be a huge challenge, both for pet owners and their veterinarians. In a follow-up to an earlier show on itchy pets, Dr. Dunbar Gram, a veterinary dermatology specialist, will discuss how certain parasites – fleas being high on the list — can cause allergic reactions, including acute problems with itching, in our pets and what pet owners can do to better manage and control these parasites on their animals and in their environment.

When you’re planning a stay at a dog-friendly hotel, keep a few things in mind.

First, make sure your dog has identification, including a microchip. When you reserve a room, choose the ground floor, if possible. That way, it’s a shorter trip outside and you won’t have to navigate the elevator. Also, if your dog likes playing, downstairs neighbors won’t be disturbed.

Before letting your pooch explore the room, take a good look around to check for hazards, including stray medications. Consider bringing your dog’s favorite blanket from home to cover the bedspread and make him feel at home.

If you need to leave your pooch alone for a little while, he’s safest in his crate. Just make sure the hotel knows how to reach you in case he starts crying.

Then once you’re set, give your furry friend a healthy snack while you order room service!

Retractable leashes are a hit with lots of pooch parents. They let dogs explore while keeping them relatively close. But there are other things to bear in mind as well.

Pooch parents need to be aware when the leash is on the open setting. That’s when dogs can roam farther away—sometimes far enough to get into traffic or a scuffle with another dog. It’s especially important when walking a pooch in a busy city. And if a pet parent locks the leash just as their dog is charging off, the pooch can suffer serious neck injuries.

It’s not just dogs that can be injured. Sometimes people get caught up in the leash and fall. In addition, serious hand injuries can occur if a person grabs an opening or closing leash.

Retractable leads have valuable pros, but pooch parents need to be alert to the cons as well.

We’ve spoken about canine brucellosis [broo-cell-Ō-sus] before, but there’s still more to learn about this serious infection.

Brucellosis is a leading cause of infertility in breeding dogs, both female and male. Although a classic sign of brucellosis is abortion, males can develop testicular infections and inflammation of the prostate gland. In either sex, the infection can spread to many other tissues, including the eyes, spine, liver and lymph nodes.

It’s crucial to test male and female dogs for brucellosis before they’re bred. Blood tests can detect anti-Brucella [broo-CELL-ah] antibodies, which indicate exposure. An even more precise test can identify the DNA of Brucella bacteria themselves.

Brucellosis is very difficult to treat, and because it can be transmitted to people, it’s crucial to identify and quarantine affected dogs.

Did you know that laser surgery is used to treat pets?

Laser beams, like visual light, are types of electromagnetic radiation. It’s just that the energy of a laser beam is concentrated on a specific point so that it can cut or destroy tissue very precisely.

Compared to traditional methods, laser surgery can result in less blood loss, which is crucial in very small animals. It can also accelerate healing, lower the risk of infection and reduce postoperative pain. Veterinarians use laser surgery for skin lesion removal, dental procedures, anal sac resection—the list goes on. In particular, it’s great for treating lesions that are tough to access, like removing masses between toes.

Laser surgery is just one more tool that’s pushed the envelope of veterinary surgical therapy.

Cats hold their cards close to the vest. Even when they’re sick, they often hide signs until the disease has progressed. That’s why wellness examinations and laboratory tests are key—especially in senior cats that have an increased risk of medical problems.

Essential laboratory evaluation of senior cats involves blood and urine tests. A complete blood count provides information about blood cells, which can identify infection or anemia. A biochemistry profile evaluates organs and tissues by measuring components they release into the blood. Measurement of thyroid hormone looks for excess levels, which are indicative of hyperthyroidism. Finally, urine is analyzed to monitor kidney health and look for signs of diabetes.

The sooner veterinarians can root out medical problems in our feline friends, the earlier they can be treated.

It’s nearly holiday time, and that means it’s time to be extra vigilant with your pet. Here are some potential pitfalls.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute, is okay for you, but it’s poisonous to your pet. The same goes for grapes, raisins and currants. Chocolate is dangerous too—the darker, the more sinister.

It’s not just food—the packaging can be risky, too. Plastic bags can get stuck on a pet’s head or can obstruct the digestive tract if eaten. The same goes for decorations.

Pet costumes can be restrictive or get caught up and most pets aren’t big fans anyway. Household hazards include electric cords and lighted candles. What’s more, frequent opening and closing of doors can allow pets to run off or get a paw or tail caught.

The hubbub alone can stress pets out. So keep the routine as normal as possible in your buddy’s part of the house.

If you have leftover pet medications, dispose of them properly—and as soon as possible.

The best way to get rid of any medication is to deposit it at a drug take-back location. Many police departments now have drug disposal kiosks. Also, be on the lookout for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day when additional sites are available.

If you can’t reach a drug take-back site, the disposal protocol depends on the medication. A few drugs can be flushed down the toilet—but only if they’re on the FDA flush list that can be accessed online. You should mix any other medications with an unappealing, inert substance, like coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter, and seal it all in a container that’s place in the trash.

One last thing: always cross out any personal information on packaging before it’s recycled.

Your dog’s collar—it’s just a place to hang tags and a way to grab your pooch on the fly, right? Well, there’s a lot more to consider with collars.

The fit needs to be just right. That means you should only be able to fit your thumb between the collar and your dog’s neck. If the collar’s too loose, your pooch can get hung up when jumping over an object. He could also get a leg or teeth caught under the collar while scratching or grooming. These are reasons why breakaway collars are so safe: they release under excess pressure.

If your dog’s collar is too tight, it can irritate the skin, resulting in scratching or even infection. That’s why some veterinarians recommend removing a dog’s collar at night to give the skin a rest. But make sure your dog is microchipped—in case she dashes out the door while collarless.

Similar to people, pets are living longer lives these days due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits. But with extended lives comes a whole new set of age-related conditions, which in turn affects the care needs of these “pet elders” – our beloved senior pets. This show’s guest, Dr. Amy Stone, who heads the primary care and dentistry service at UF, will discuss some of the common conditions that affect older pets, which are among the same problems that affect older people: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney/urinary tract disease, senility, among others. She’ll also talk about how to work with your veterinarian at every stage of your pet’s life to ensure that the aging process is as graceful and as painless as it can be.

Himalayan salt lamps are popular decorative item, and some folks even claim they have health benefits. That remains unproven, but one thing’s for sure: salt lamps can pose risks for pets.

The glow of salt lamps is created by bulbs placed inside chunks of pink Himalayan salt. The light is soothing to us and can be equally appealing to our pets.

The problem is, some pets like to lick the salt. In fact, they can crave it like we do salty snacks. But in small animals, a little salt goes a long way. Too much can cause neurologic deficits, ranging from dullness and staggering to seizures.

Their curiosity, coupled with a penchant for leaping onto surfaces, means that cats are usually most at risk. But if you’re a pet parent, you don’t need to get rid of your salt lamp. Just keep it out of your buddy’s reach.

If you have a horse, chances are your buddy has had a Coggins test. That’s because all states require it. But do you actually know what it’s for?

The Coggins test checks for antibodies to equine infectious anemia virus—or EIA—in a horse’s blood. EIA causes chronic, sometimes fatal infections in horses, and it’s easily transmitted from one horse to another by flying insects. However, some horses simply carry the virus without appearing sick.

Testing requirements for EIA were instituted decades ago to help regulate the movement of virus carriers. Most states don’t allow horses to enter without negative Coggins test results from the last 6 to 12 months.

The really scary thing about EIA is that there’s no vaccine to prevent it and no treatment to cure it. That’s why the Coggins test is so important in bridging the gaps in protection.

Climate change is impacting our lives in many ways. But one that might not be on your radar is an increase in zoonotic diseases.

Those are infections that can spread from animals to people. Transmission often requires a vector, like a mosquito, that bites an infected animal then bites a person. Some zoonotic pathogens are very specific—that is, they only affect a limited number of species. Others, like the rabies virus, can infect many species and therefore increase the risk to humans.

As climates go through drastic changes, pathogens—even quite specific ones—can be pressured to find new animal carriers. In particular, some pathogens appear to become less picky in warmer, drier climates.

It’s one more health concern to contemplate as we strive to rein in climate change.

With all the buzz about nutrition, let’s set a few things straight about feline food.

Some folks think it’s best for cats to eat raw meat. That might work if a cat kills and immediately eats enough prey to meet dietary requirements, but that’s not realistic for pets. Without consuming the whole carcass, cats are at risk for serious mineral deficiencies. And if a cat eats raw meat that’s been handled and transported, there’s a risk of bacterial infection—for the cat as well as other animals and people in contact.

You might also have heard that cats don’t need carbohydrates, but that’s another myth. In fact, results of a recent study show that left to their own devices, most cats would design a diet containing about 12 percent carbs. After all, most prey animals eat carbohydrates, which also get eaten by the feline predator.

Urinary stones are frequently responsible for lower urinary tract disease in dogs and cats, and can be caused by multiple factors. Dr. Alex Gallagher, a small animal medicine specialist, will discuss how some of the more common causes of this condition, how to spot signs your pet may be experiencing this condition and when to call the veterinarian for help. He’ll also talk about minimally invasive treatments for these stones

If your dog is suddenly unable to rise, or can’t move its legs, that’s a scary situation for any pet owner. However, the causes for these signs can vary greatly, ranging from trauma – such as being hit by a car – to affliction with tick-borne or other diseases, to name just a few. Getting to the root of the cause of your pet’s problem may require assistance from a veterinary neurology specialist. Dr. Gabriel Garcia, a board-certified veterinary neurologist, will describe how veterinarians work toward a diagnosis in these situations, and why pet owners faced with this problem should not panic but rather seek immediate veterinary care for the best possible outcome.

Unfortunately, animal cruelty is all around us. Although animal cruelty investigations are led by law enforcement, veterinarians play a huge role in these investigations. On this show, Dr. Adam Stern, a veterinary pathologist specializing in veterinary forensics, will provide us with updates on the University of Florida’s role in these investigations and the training of the next generation of veterinarians. Additionally, he will talk about his “A Dog Has No Name” and A Cat Has No Name” programs, aimed at identifying the cause of death of unowned, deceased animals in hopes of bringing animal abusers to justice.

Just like in people, animal health and strength tend to decline with age. Have you noticed that your aging pet is having more difficulty getting around? Signs of mobility can vary, including reluctance to walk, limping, behavior changes or reluctance to engage in previously normal activities. On this show, Dr. Jennifer Repac, a clinical assistant professor of integrative medicine, will share some of the ways veterinarians work with their older animal patients to improve mobility and reduce pain.