2019 They Ate What?! People's Choice winners revealedDecember 3, 2019As part of the annual They Ate What?! X-ray Contest, VPN invites its reader community to vote on what they think is the best rad among the finalists.
SPONSORED CONTENTFast Itch Relief for Canine PatientsA treatment for allergic and atopic dermatitis, given just once a day. Visibly improves itch fast. + Learn More Now
Veterinarians lead council for animal protectionNovember 20, 2019Ten veterinarians from across the U.S. have joined forces as the leaders of national advocacy campaigns for animal health, safety, and wellness.
Celebrity pig Esther helps campaign for large animal CT scannerApril 17, 2018Canadian social media starlet Esther the Wonder Pig has ignited a campaign to raise money for a large animal CT scanner for the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). The first of its kind Canada, the Pegaso CT scanner will provide diagnostic imaging for pigs, standing horses, and other large animals. Last fall, Esther, the 650-pound pig from Campbellville, Ontario, Canada, started experiencing health complications that caused her to seizure and hyperventilate. Veterinarians at OVC recommended a CT scan to better diagnose her condition, but told owners Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter a scanner able to accommodate an animal of her size was not available in Canada. Further, transporting Esther to the U.S. would involve a three-week quarantine upon her return. Fortunately, the pig recovered on her own and was able to forgo the scan, but Jenkins and Walter decided to ignite a fundraiser to save other large animal owners future distress. "We wanted to give large animals the same opportunities that we give to our typical companion animals," said Jenkins. "As soon as we realized there was nothing there for Esther, we started working to get a large-scale scanner in place. …
Salmonella outbreak linked to pet guinea pigsMarch 26, 2018 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported nine cases of Salmonella infection connected to pet guinea pigs across eight states. The illnesses, which resulted in one hospitalization, ranged from July 2015 to Dec. 2017. "This outbreak is a reminder that pet rodents such as guinea pigs, regardless of where they are purchased or adopted, can carry Salmonella bacteria even when they look healthy and clean," states the advisory. States cited in the advisory include Colorado, with two reported cases, as well as Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Virginia, and Vermont, with one case each. The outbreak strain of the bacteria was identified in a sample collected from the guinea pig belonging to the patient in Vermont. Illness resulting from exposure to Salmonella usually lasts four to seven days. Those affected usually recover without treatment, but extreme cases of diarrhea and vomiting can lead to hospitalization. Infection is considered most dangerous for children younger than 5, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The CDC recommends veterinarians remind clients with pet rodents to enforce good hygiene practices, especially in regard to young children. To read the full report, click
Morris Animal Foundation funds 11 wildlife research studiesJuly 11, 2017Morris Animal Foundation hopes to advance the health of certain wildlife species through its funding of 11 studies aimed at tuberculosis, lead exposure, vaccine strategies, assessing chronic stress and more.
A day in the life of an exotic vet practiceApril 25, 2017Seeing a wide variety of avian, reptile and small mammal exotic pets every day is exciting and stimulating. Ever wonder what a day in the life looks like for me and my staff? Our first case might be a rabbit with an abscess on its mandible, an iguana with front and rear leg tremors or a macaw with a metal clasp that penetrated the underside of its tongue and encircled its mandibular beak.
Oxbow MAP policy goes into effectApril 11, 2017In a move designed to keep the integrity of the pricing of its products sacrosanct, Oxbow Animal Health, which manufactures food, litter, bedding, supplements and accessories for small, exotic pets, has initiated a minimum advertised price (MAP) policy for the majority of its products.
Avian influenza affects poultry, people around the globeApril 5, 2017Avian influenza, which brought an early demise to nearly 50 million chickens and turkeys and doubled the price of eggs in the U.S. in 2015, has returned.
How to include exotics in your vet clinicMarch 29, 2017The thrill of seeing a different species at almost every appointment is a wondrous day for those of us who enjoy treating avian and exotic pets. More and more veterinary students are seeking course work on exotic species, and more graduates are looking for employment opportunities that offer an avian or exotic pet-owning clientele.
PSI: More pet sitters are watching chickensJanuary 17, 2017Pet-sitting services are no longer just for dogs and cats. Increasingly, professional pet sitters are taking care of backyard chickens when a city-slicker owner heads out of town, according to Pet Sitters International.
