Canine Topics
Aggressive Treatment Needed for Pet’s Orthopedic Pain
"Orthopedic pain is considered a severe type of pain that any mammal can experience," asserts Dr. Ashley Mitek, a veterinarian who is completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. And anyone who has broken their arm or torn their ACL would probably agree.
Dogs, Cats, and Automobiles
People are on the go, and increasingly, they are taking their pets along for the ride. While some pets seem born to ride, for others the loud noises and strange motions involved in traveling can be a real problem. Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, advises owners on issues related to animal behavior.
Ovarioectomy vs. Ovariohysterectomy: Which Way to Spay?
In veterinary medicine, one very common surgical procedure is the ovariohysterectomy, more commonly known as a "spay."" This procedure involves removing the ovaries and uterus down to the cervix to prevent a female pet from reproducing. According to Dr. Heidi Phillips, a surgeon at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana who specializes in urogenital and microsurgery, the traditional ovariohysterectomy is not the only way to safely sterilize a female pet.
Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats
August has been designated “National Immunization Awareness Month” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines are important for the health of people and pets alike! "All dogs and cats should receive regular vaccines to protect them from contagious diseases," says Dr. Gary Brummet, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, "although this does not mean your pet needs every vaccine available for dogs and cats."
Making sense of Pet Food Labels
In the past several years, the number of pet foods available has increased dramatically. With a variety of products lining the shelves at grocery stores, consumers are finding it very difficult to choose the right one. Reading the labels can make the situation even more confusing because they contain marketing hype along with important information about the food.