Common in Southeast Asia and the tropical Pacific islands, the rat lungworm is a parasite that can cause severe central nervous system disease in people and in animals. The parasite has been found in gastropods as well as more recently in invasive Cuban treefrogs in Florida. How worried should we be? On this show, Dr. Heather Walden, a parasitologist, will discuss how the rat lungworm is transmitted from host to host, why the discovery of new hosts for the parasite is a cause for concern, and what you can do to minimize the chance that you or your pets might become infected ..read more

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Ever thought you might want to bring an exotic pet into your household? Pets other than the traditional dog or cat have become increasingly popular in the past few decades. However, before you bring home a pet rabbit, a snake, an iguana, a ferret or some other exotic species, there are some things you need to carefully consider. Dr. Darryl Heard, a zoological medicine specialist, will talk about some of the more common exotic pet species, their specific needs and the pros and cons of exotic pet ownership ..read more

Infectious diseases in reptiles and amphibians might not get the media attention of some other health issues, but play a key role in animal and ecosystem health. On this show, two UF veterinarians, Dr. Jim Wellehan of the zoological medicine service, and Dr. Rob Ossiboff of the aquatic, amphibian and reptile pathology service, team up to discuss some of the diseases that can be found in both captive and wild populations of reptiles and amphibians in different parts of the world, and why understanding and controlling the spread of these diseases is so important ..read more

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can wreak havoc on their gastrointestinal system. Cats often will ingest thread, wool, plant materials and small toys, among other things, and are similarly at risk for foreign body obstruction. On this show, Dr. Kathleen Ham will discuss what happens when something gets stuck and causes a foreign body obstruction, what treatments are needed and what pet owners can do to minimize risks associated with this problem ..read more

It’s that time of year — when mosquitoes start bugging us again. Beyond inflicting uncomfortable bites, mosquitoes carry some daunting diseases, including heartworms, which can be deadly for dogs, cats and ferrets. Heartworm disease isn’t just a problem in the summer or the warmest parts of the county. Heartworm infections occur in all 50 states and create year-round issues. Once a mosquito injects heartworm larvae into an animal’s body, these immature forms travel to the heart and lungs where some can grow up to 12 inches long. The damage they inflict can be life-threatening without treatment ..read more

Cats that don’t feel well often eat less, losing weight if it goes on long enough. But what if your cat’s getting thin in spite of a good appetite? There are several feline medical problems that can cause weight loss — or worse — despite normal eating patterns. One is diabetes, because it causes cats to break down fat and protein instead of using sugar for energy. Another is hyperthyroidism, which is common in older cats. Cancer can also be the culprit. Less common, a malabsorption / maldigestion disorder can cause cats to shed weight in spite of a ravenous appetite. Any of these conditions of ..read more

While some dogs are easier to train than others, sometimes it’s the trainer who could use training. Great dog trainers share certain traits, like patience, discipline and consistency. But other qualities are just as important. For example, the ability to really listen and adapt to each dog is key. That requires real-time collaboration with a dog and the ability to tweak methods on the fly and make it fun. Some canine behavioral experts use parenting styles to evaluate methods of dog training. An authoritative style — that’s firm but kind and adaptable — best fosters canine persistence and atta ..read more

Spring, like any other season, presents unique hazards for pets. But if we know what to look for, we can enjoy the time with our furry friends. As the weather warms, thawing ponds are dangerous for dogs and poorly screened windows create chaos for cats. Spring also means gardening, and some plants — like rhododendrons and azaleas — are toxic to pets. Fertilizers and mulch contain a wide variety of dangerous compounds too — and slug bait is especially poisonous. A wide array of potentially dangerous creatures come out, including heartworm-carrying mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, bees and snakes. P ..read more

Today’s veterinarians wear a wide range of hats. They provide health care to animals, but also work in many other kinds of jobs. They help ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply, work to control the spread of diseases, and conduct scientific research that helps both animals and humans. On this show, Dr. Ashley Allen-Durrance, assistant dean of admissions and student success at UF, will discuss veterinary student recruitment, what’s involved in getting into veterinary school, how to prepare a strong application and what potential applicants should keep in mind before they apply ..read more