Has progress been made in prostate cancer for dogs, why does prostate enlargement occur, and what do veterinarians recommend for early onset? Board-certified specialists Michelle Turek and Elizabeth Alvarezrecently responded to this reader question in our Ask a UW Veterinarian column. Do you have a question about your pet's health? Submit it for consideration for a future column.
In a recent appearance on Wisconsin Public Radio, UW Veterinary Care's Sandra Sawchuk shared feeding tips to help keep felines happy and fit. "If a cat had its way, they'd be eating 10 to 15 little bite-sized meals a day and hunting for their food," she said. Because cats like to hunt and forage, interactive food toys and puzzles can make meal time fun and active. Two resources Sawchuk recommends: the American Association of Feline Practitioners' "How to Feed a Cat" statement and client brochure, and the website Food Puzzles for Cats.
The Small Animal Internal Medicine and Oncology Services are recruiting dogs with bladder cancer to determine whether exposure to certain environmental chemicals contributes to the risk of bladder cancer in dogs. Any dog diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder or urethra qualifies for the study (ideally enrolled prior to surgery or chemotherapy). A urine sample is collected, either at UW Veterinary Care, the dog's primary care veterinary clinic or at home, and owners will be asked to complete an environmental exposure questionnaire.
Our animal patients cannot speak for themselves, so our staff rely on diagnostic imaging as they diagnose and treat illness. UW Veterinary Care is equipped with the most cutting-edge imaging technologies -- including digital radiography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, contrast or dye studies, CT scans for small and large animals, MRI, and nuclear imaging -- so you can rest assured that your animal will receive the right tests and fast results. Imaging studies are reviewed and reported on the same day, often at the time of the study, by our in-house board-certified radiologists and residents in training to provide accurate answers in a timely fashion.
September 8 marked National Pet Memorial Day, a time to honor our pets, both past and present, and celebrate the lasting bond we share with animals. At the UW School of Veterinary Medicine and UW Veterinary Care, we understand the meaningful difference that pets make in our lives. We offer several ways to recognize that impact while supporting animal health, including cards, bricks, and tiles.
