All articles tagged with #veterinary medicine
Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed the first documented cases of Marfan syndrome in domestic cats. The condition was identified in two sibling cats, Gary and Shaggy, who exhibited severe connective tissue abnormalities. The study, published in Scientific Reports, marks a significant milestone in veterinary genetics and provides a foundation for future diagnostic testing.
A new investigation by the nonprofit Clean Label Project tested 100 top-selling cat foods from 62 brands and found toxic contaminants in nearly all samples. Lead was detected in 99% of the products, while cadmium and arsenic appeared in 96% and 94% respectively. The study also identified toxic plastic chemicals and the herbicide glyphosate across wet, dry, and freeze-dried varieties. Fish-based foods showed higher levels of mercury and cadmium, whereas chicken-based options had higher rates of lead and herbicides. Experts warn that chronic exposure to these substances may accumulate in cats over time, potentially contributing to kidney disease, though the pet food industry maintains that current safety protocols ensure product safety.
A new investigation by the Clean Label Project found that nearly all top-selling cat foods contain toxic contaminants, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and plastic chemicals. Lead was detected in 99% of samples, while cadmium and arsenic appeared in 96% and 94% respectively. Fish-based foods showed significantly higher mercury levels, and dry food contained more lead than wet or air-dried options. Experts warn that chronic exposure may accumulate in cats, potentially contributing to kidney disease, though the industry argues current safety protocols ensure product safety.
Cornell University researchers have documented the first molecular characterization of Marfan syndrome in domestic cats. The study, published in Scientific Reports on September 19, 2026, details the condition in two sibling cats, Gary and Shaggy, who exhibited connective tissue abnormalities. The team identified a specific variant in the FBN1 gene, which codes for fibrillin-1, a key component of connective tissues. This discovery provides a foundation for improved veterinary diagnostics and potential genetic testing for the rare disorder in felines.
Researchers at Cornell University have documented the first molecular characterization of Marfan syndrome in domestic cats, identifying a specific genetic variant in two siblings that explains their connective tissue abnormalities.
A box turtle in Louisiana named Pedro, missing both back legs, was fitted with a lightweight, removable wheelchair built from a Lego car kit, syringe-case axles, and epoxy. Within minutes of being set down, Pedro could reverse and turn, demonstrating how creative, low-tech improvisation can outperform specialized hardware in veterinary care. The team weighed options, opting for wheels over 3-D-printed prosthetics for indoor use, and this case echoes a prior DIY wheelchair effort at a Maryland zoo as evidence that practical design often trumps complexity.
When Jackie the bald eagle died, fans turned their scrutiny on the Ojai Raptor Center, flooding wildlife professionals with questions about her care. The piece highlights Americans’ long-standing emotional attachment to bald eagles, notes the ongoing grief of caretaker Christian Weaver, and shows how public demand for transparency can clash with institutional updates.
A House of Lords environment committee urges restricting pet flea and tick spot-on treatments to professionals only, citing environmental risks from ingredients such as fipronil and imidacloprid that have been found in UK streams. The report recommends fewer over-the-counter sales, a risk-based approach to use, vet-led provisioning, clearer packaging warnings, and further research into environmental impacts; the government says it is reviewing availability to ensure correct usage, while industry groups defend the role of risk-based use in protecting animal and public health.
Two U.S. biotech firms are testing GLP-1 weight-loss therapies for overweight cats (Akston's Cornell trial and OKAVA's six‑month implant), signaling a potential veterinary market for human obesity drugs even as no feline products are approved; the effort unfolds amid high pet obesity rates and a broader shift toward premium nutrition and medicalization in the $200B pet economy.
Seven New World screwworm cases have been confirmed in the region, including a Texas dog, prompting containment efforts and warnings for pet owners. The parasite can infest any warm-blooded animal through open wounds or natural openings, causing pain and tissue damage; early vet treatment—larvae removal followed by larvicides/insecticides—yields the best outcomes. Daily wound checks, fly control, and quick veterinary contact are key to protecting pets, especially near the border or during travel; while not highly contagious between pets, households with multiple animals should monitor all wounds and report sightings of wildlife or stray animals.
In a Washington Post Ask a Vet column, Dr. Jane Sykes outlines the five core vaccines dogs need, explains why they protect against serious diseases like leptospirosis and parvo, and discusses why annual vaccination is increasingly emphasized over the older three‑year cycle to safeguard both canine and public health.
A Washington Post veterinary column warns that common household items—especially during Easter—can poison pets, including cut flowers, chocolates, and sago palms, with other hazards like raisins, ibuprofen, and pennies. It emphasizes that delays in treatment can be fatal and outlines the importance of recognizing indoor toxins and seeking prompt veterinary care when exposure occurs.
The FDA has approved Bravecto Quantum, a 12-month flea and tick preventative for dogs, administered via a single injection by a veterinarian, offering long-term protection and convenience, with some potential side effects to consider.
Nox, a peregrine falcon with a broken wing, was treated at UC Davis using advanced veterinary techniques, highlighting progress in wildlife rehabilitation. Despite successful surgery and rehabilitation, Nox was recaptured due to emaciation shortly after release and passed away. The case underscores the challenges of post-release care and inspires further research in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the balance between medical intervention and natural survival instincts.
A cat named Squeaks, suffering from a persistent infection after a severe leg injury, was successfully treated using personalized bacteriophage therapy. This groundbreaking approach, which targets specific bacteria with viruses, marks the first reported use of such treatment in academic veterinary medicine. The therapy, combined with antibiotics, healed the infection after other antibiotics had failed, highlighting the potential of phage therapy for treating antibiotic-resistant infections in pets.