Dog News

H3N2 canine influenza has caused outbreaks across the Southern US, putting dogs at risk of pneumonia and even death in rare cases, leading some shelters and kennels to suspend operations in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. Veterinarian Silene St. Bernard said the spread of canine influenza slowed while people isolated during

Dr. Glenn Blodgett Dr. Glenn P. “Doc” Blodgett, a pioneer in equine theriogenology, died Nov. 20, 2022, at age 73. He shaped the U.S. performance horse industry over a 40-year career with the storied Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. Outside of practice, Dr. Blodgett held leadership positions with the American Association of Equine Practitioners,

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust found that 87% of survey respondents said having a dog enables them to be a better version of themselves, and the ways in which dogs influence people helps them not just at home, but at work, too, writes sociologist and author Tracy Brower. Dog ownership contributes to a positive outlook,

Dr. Brad Ryan and his grandmother Joy Ryan have driven 50,000 miles together. They’ve also flown to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands—all toward reaching their goal of visiting all 63 U.S. national parks. And now they are closing in on their last stop: the National Park of American Samoa, located in the U.S. territory

Dozens of communities in northwestern and western Alaska have limited or no access to veterinary care, putting residents, wildlife and pets at risk for rabies and other zoonotic diseases, according to the Alaska Federation of Natives. The organization is urging the Indian Health Service to allocate more funding for veterinary health care.

AVMA member AVMA honor roll member Nonmember Robert R. Billiar Dr. Billiar (Iowa State ’58), 90, South Sioux City, Nebraska, died Sept. 29, 2022. He owned South Sioux City Animal Hospital until he was 83 and then worked part time at Elk Creek Animal Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, for another four years. Dr. Billiar

Scottish Terriers are 20 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than most other breeds, says veterinarian Deborah Knapp, who studies canine bladder cancer with colleagues at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Screening Scotties every six months for three years has allowed the researchers to spot bladder cancer at its earliest stages, compare treatment

Event Annual surgery summit, Oct. 12-15, Portland, Oregon Awards ACVS Founders’ Award for Career Achievement Dr. David E. Freeman Dr. David E. Freeman, Gainesville, Florida, won this award, recognizing the contributions of an ACVS diplomate in specialized research, practice leadership, surgical skill, and service to the college and to the veterinary community. A 1972 veterinary

“Holiday treats are fine for healthy dogs” but may be harmful to pets with allergies, sensitivities or underlying health conditions, says AVMA President Dr. Lori Teller. However, some foods are dangerous in any amount, and Salem Animal Hospital in Virginia developed a neat list of common Thanksgiving foods that should never be shared with pets.

Dr. Jim Pillen, the Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, won by an overwhelming majority this November, garnering nearly 60% of the vote against the Democratic and Libertarian nominees. Dr. Jim Pillen A Nebraska native, Dr. Pillen grew up on a farm in Platte County and raised pigs with his father, Dale Pillen. Dr. Pillen played

More than 50 million birds across 46 states have been culled since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza began in February, making the death toll as high as the 2014-2015 outbreak and leading to higher prices for chickens and turkeys. Waterfowl are natural hosts for avian influenza viruses and don’t usually get sick, but

Event 55th annual conference, Sept. 22-24, Long Beach, California Program The conference drew 1,145 attendees. Dr. Vernard Hodges, a practitioner from Georgia and co-star of Nat Geo Wild’s “Critter Fixers: Country Vets,” discussed diversity and “expanding the herd” of veterinarians. Continuing education included sessions on beef cattle, dairy cattle, clinical skills, and practice management; student

A study published in Nature found few well-nourished bats carry detectable levels of Hendra virus, but blood samples from emaciated bats had high levels of the virus, which can cause fatal infections in horses and people. The researchers found bats are more likely to be carrying Hendra when a lack of winter flowers creates a

The American Association of Feline Practitioners established the Cat Friendly Practice Program in 2012 to elevate care for cats by enhancing the environment and experience of a veterinary visit to reduce the stress for the cat, cat caregiver, and veterinary team. The AAFP has been celebrating the 10th anniversary of the CFP Program this year

A 45-year-old African elephant at Oakland Zoo is undergoing stem cell therapy for arthritis that had become so severe she could not lie down and had developed lesions on her toes. The zoo’s senior veterinarian, Ryan Sadler, collaborated with Valerie Johnson from Michigan State University to perform the therapy, which has been used with two

The AVMA is seeking volunteers to become leaders of the Association or to serve in council or committee positions, taking on top issues in veterinary medicine. The Association currently seeks candidates for president-elect and vice president and for two seats on the AVMA Board of Directors as well as nominations or applications for numerous other

Various programs in the US, such as Pets and Vets and Operation at Ease, match military veterans with companion and service animals. Pets and Vets, run by Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek, Calif., fosters shelter dogs and trains them to be service dogs for veterans, and Operation at Ease in New

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is Nov. 18-24, together with U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week. According to the World Health Organization, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is a global campaign that is celebrated annually to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and encourage best practices to reduce the further emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. U.S. Antibiotic