June 2020
Note: As the nation contends with two simultaneous pandemics and public health crises -- the novel coronavirus and systemic racism -- and also celebrates Pride Month, the School of Veterinary Medicine and UW Veterinary Care share their steadfast commitment to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and supporting all of our students, faculty, staff, clients and other friends of the school. The school and hospital will continue to advance these critical initiatives and recently shared a variety of resources related to understanding and addressing racism and championing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Rayne border collie patient of UW Veterinary Care
'ALWAYS BY MY SIDE'
In difficult times, our pets provide nurturing love and comfort -- or even a shoulder to cry on. That was certainly the case for Julie Willis, whose border collie Rayne was by her side through a family loss.  "Rayne's speckled coat absorbed my tears, and she never flinched when I gripped her with one hand, while holding Mom's with my other," writes Willis. Rayne is both a working farm dog and certified therapy dog, focusing on the patient and "almost melting into them" when she visits care facilities . 

Read Rayne's Story

Pet Tips and Clinical Studies
ASK A UW VETERINARIAN_ SAFE TOYS FOR CATS
SAFE TOYS FOR CATS
June marks Adopt-a-Cat Month. If you've recently added a new feline family member, or plan to, review these suggestions for safe toys, as well as items to avoid, from UW Veterinary Care's Primary Care team. Concerned and conscientious cat owners, especially of young, active kittens, have to balance the safety of their pets with cats' deep desire to hunt and play. Toys that encourage stalking and pouncing help keep cats happy and active, but some toys can be dangerous, particularly if ingested.
 

VACCINATION AGAINST CANINE CANCER STUDY
VACCINATION AGAINST CANCER 
UW Veterinary Care's Oncology Service is now recruiting dogs for the Vaccination Against Canine Cancer Study. The goal of this trial is to evaluate a new vaccine strategy for the prevention, rather than treatment, of dogs with cancer. Healthy dogs of certain breeds, 6 to 10 years old, will be randomized to receive either a series of vaccines or placebo vaccines. Dogs will live at home and be checked 2-3 times yearly for 5 years after enrollment. Related: View Big Ten Network coverage of this study.

Featured Service
Primary Care Telemedicine Service
cat on desk by person at computer
As we continue to find ways to best manage patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to announce that our Primary Care clinicians are now providing video visits or telemedicine services for non-life-threatening health issues. Cases that may benefit from this service include:
  • Repeat ear infections
  • Itchy skin, rashes or hotspots
  • "Kennel cough"
  • Behavioral issues
  • Acute diarrhea (<24-48 hours duration)
  • Preventative care
  • Specific orthopedic issues
  • Quality of life and hospice care
  • Chronic case management as directed by your primary veterinarian
  • Virtual rechecks as directed by your primary veterinarian
  • Other topics 
The only requirement to use these virtual services is that you and your pet must have been seen previously by our Primary Care team. To determine if your pet is a good candidate for a virtual visit, please contact us.
  
UW Veterinary Care
608-263-7600
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