In continued honor of Veterans Day (Nov. 11), we share our gratitude for the courageous service of military veterans. For several years the UW School of Veterinary Medicine has been a key partner with Journey Together Service Dog Inc., a nonprofit that provides highly trained service dogs at no charge to veterans and other Wisconsin residents diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Dogs in training reside at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution, where inmates provide their care and training. Our veterinary medical students present to the inmates lessons on common dog illnesses, disease prevention and first aid procedures, helping the inmates know what signs or symptoms to watch for in the dogs.
While Thanksgiving and other holidays will inevitably look different this year due to the pandemic, pet parents should still observe important safety precautions. Holiday feasts, festivities and travel can pose dangers to dogs, cats and other pets; see our advice for a safe and happy holiday season. The American Veterinary Medical Association also offers helpful tips to keep your pets healthy this Thanksgiving.
Dogs with chronic vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and weight loss are being recruited for a study investigating whether or not dogs need to be fasted for the gastrointestinal panel blood test, a commonly recommended test in dogs with these symptoms. This study may indicate that the current standard fasting requirements are not necessary, which would decrease patient stress and lessen challenges for owners and clinicians.
November marks National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is one of the most common problems in our companion animals. Pet owners should be aware of common warning signs of cancer. These include masses, persistent vomiting, dramatic weight change, sudden lameness, or major changes in appetite and energy.
Should your animal companion develop cancer, UW Veterinary Care's small animal oncology specialists are here to support you and your pet on this journey, bringing together the best cancer expertise and most effective treatments with a comprehensive approach to quickly and efficiently determine the best options for each patient.
The UW School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) has a unique gift for the animal lovers on your list -- one that truly helps those special animal companions in our lives.
Each year, the SVM is pleased to present original artwork for its holiday card fundraiser. This year, "Short and Sweet" and "Golden Moments" (right) feature the work of Wisconsin artist Robin Raab. For a suggested $10 donation per card, the SVM will send a holiday card to the recipient of your choice -- a thoughtful gift for family, friends, neighbors, veterinarians, or even special pets. These heart-warming, full-color cards will include a greeting stating that a donation was made to the SVM in the recipient's name and that proceeds will support projects that advance animal health.
