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Heartworms is a term many pet owners hear but few really understand.

When left untreated, these infections, transmitted through mosquito bites, can slowly spread to the heart or lungs, damaging vital organs and eventually leading to death. 

Fortunately, preventative medications can allow owners to fight back.

Dr. Ashley Saunders, a veterinary cardiologist and professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, gets to the heart of the matter regarding heartworms.

From a parasite’s point of view, the heart is both an easy and devastating target. Since the heart collects blood from all over the body and has no protective barrier, it is easy to reach and invade. 

“Because of this, if you live in an area with mosquitoes, your pets are at risk for heartworm disease,” Saunders cautioned. 

These blood-sucking skeeters can live in almost any environment and are especially common near standing pools of water where they lay their eggs. 

Saunders recommends keeping pets inside as much as possible during the summer and other months when mosquitoes are active so that they are less likely to contract the disease.

The most common signs of heartworm disease include cough; increased breathing effort, especially with exercise or activity; lethargy; weakness; and, in the most severe cases, heart failure and sudden death.

“The worms trigger an immune response by the body, causing damage to the lungs and also injuring the heart and kidneys,” Saunders said. “Once a mosquito bites and transmits heartworms to your pet, it is the preventative medication that you give them that keeps the worms from continuing to grow and causes disease.” 

Because of this, giving your pets heartworm prevention routinely is the key to preventing heartworms. While heartworm medicine can be a hard pill to swallow for many pets, Saunders says several alternatives to pills for preventing heartworms.

“Heartworm preventatives come in all forms that can be given orally as a tablet or beef chew, topically on the skin, or as an injection. There are also options for pets with food allergies or when it is difficult to give oral medications,” Saunders said. “Most preventatives also include medications against various other parasites, like hookworms, roundworms, fleas, ticks, and others. Consult your veterinarian to identify the best preventative for your pet.” 

Heartworms can be an unpleasant and challenging disease to treat should your pet receive that diagnosis. Treatment involves a series of injections to kill adult worms living in the heart and blood vessels.

After treatment, rest is crucial because as the adult worms decompose, which begins within a few days, the debris lodges in small blood vessels in the lungs, absorbed back into the body. Heartworm fragments cause most complications following a heartworm treatment, so it is essential to keep pets quiet and reduce their activity for a month following the final heartworm treatment, Saunders said. 

Ultimately, if you suspect heartworms in your four-legged companion, it is crucial not to lose heart.

“The recovery rate with treatment depends on how bad the disease is at the time it is treated and which treatment protocol is used,” Saunders explained. “Dogs can recover following treatment, but those with severe damage may have long-term clinical signs or develop them at a later date.” 

Staying current with preventative medications, keeping your pets inside during mosquito season, and routinely consulting with your veterinarian are all critical factors in safeguarding your pet’s heart. 

Just like people, dogs can get stomach aches for a variety of reasons, from eating something they shouldn’t have to catching a disease. Because these causes have a wide range of severity, many dog owners are unsure of how to respond to a dog showing gastrointestinal (GI) upset and if a trip to the veterinarian is always necessary.

Dr. Emily Gould, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, discusses the common causes and symptoms of digestive issues, as well as what owners can do to help their pup through the pain.

“The most common gastrointestinal issues causing owners to seek veterinary care for their dogs are dietary indiscretion (eating of food that upsets their GI tract), ingestion of a foreign object, intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, and chronic inflammatory intestinal disease (caused by food allergies/intolerance or immune-mediated inflammation),” she said.

The most common symptoms for any form of GI upset are vomiting and diarrhea, which can appear as acute symptoms with a sudden onset or chronic symptoms with multiple episodes over several weeks.

“Some animals with GI upset will also become nauseous, which can manifest as excessive drooling/salivation, lip licking, and lack of interest in food,” Gould said. “The development of flatulence and/or loud ‘gut sounds’ (known as borborygmi) might also be noted in some cases.”

Many cases of GI upset will resolve on their own, but there are several symptoms owners can watch out for to determine if a trip to the veterinarian is necessary, including if the dog stops eating or drinking, is depressed/lethargic, has frequent or persistent vomit or diarrhea (lasting beyond 24 hours), blood in the vomitus or diarrhea, or is known to have ingested a foreign object.

“For the most part, if your pet is still acting like itself and eating and drinking normally, there is not always a need to bring them in for signs lasting less than 48 hours,” Gould said. “If signs continue for more than 48 hours or any of the earlier criteria are noted, veterinary care is warranted, as vomiting and diarrhea can cause life-threatening dehydration if medical care is not provided.”

One notable cause of GI upset in puppies, specifically, is parvovirus, a condition that can be life-threatening for dogs that have not been fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated puppies with GI issues should always be taken to a veterinarian because parvovirus can cause extreme dehydration and death within 24 hours without supportive care.

“Puppies, in general, also become dehydrated very quickly, so more than one or two episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a young dog necessitates veterinary care,” Gould said.

If a dog begins showing signs of stomach upset but is still willing to eat and drink, its owner can first try offering a bland, low-fat, highly digestible diet to resolve the issue.

“Boiled, skinless chicken or turkey breast mixed with white rice or low-fat cottage cheese can be offered in the short term,” Gould said. “The low-fat component makes the food easier to digest and helps the stomach empty its contents quickly.

“However, these are not balanced diets for long-term consumption, and continuing to feed an unbalanced diet can result in life-threatening nutrient deficiencies,” she reminds owners. “Long-term home-cooked diets must be formulated via a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.”

Other dietary changes that may help resolve and prevent GI upset are feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and not giving a dog table scraps, raw meat, or foods high in fat.

Because the causes of digestive issues can range from mild to severe, dog owners should always be on the lookout for any signs of discomfort. A quick response, and trip to the veterinarian, if necessary, can save time, money, and even a dog’s life.

“Gastrointestinal upset can be very distressing for owners, and it is always better to be on the safe side with having your dog evaluated if you are at all concerned,” Gould said. “While many causes of GI upset are not life threatening, some can be, which is why assessment by a veterinarian is never wrong.”

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

With so many different cat foods on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best option for your feline friend. When it comes to cats with illnesses and chronic conditions, prescription foods are a great option for giving your cat the tailored diet it needs.

These diets can be prescribed by a veterinarian for a variety of conditions, like chronic kidney disease and diabetes, and other medical needs, like weight loss and dental care.

While prescription diets are an important tool for managing cats’ medical needs, they should only be fed under the guidance of a veterinarian, according to Dr. Debra Zoran, a professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

“Prescription food must be fed like medicine and only administered as intended,” Zoran said. “These foods have a specific purpose and are meant to be fed only to cats with specific diseases.”

While some may think that feeding a healthy cat prescription food meant for a specific condition will help prevent that condition, that is not the case; in fact, this can cause negative side effects that can lead to serious health issues.

For example, prescription diets for chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually contain less than half the amount of protein normally present in cat foods because cats with CKD have more difficulty excreting protein waste products from their kidneys. Feeding this diet to a cat without CKD, however, would not provide enough protein and would have an altered mineral balance compared to what a healthy cat needs for a complete and balanced diet.

“Healthy cats that are being fed prescription CKD diets will start to lose their muscle mass because their body will use its own muscle to replace what is missing in the diet,” Zoran said. “They will also often gain weight because of the added fat and carbohydrates in the diet that are there to replace the protein.”

The potential consequences make it important for owners with multiple cats to feed each separately if only one is on a prescription diet or to at least talk to a veterinarian about the diet situation in your household.

Fortunately, there is no need to worry if one of the cats sneaks a few bites of the other’s food every now and again.

“It is not a problem if your healthy cat eats some of the prescription food occasionally—just as it will not be terrible for a cat with a specific disease to eat some of the non-prescription food once in a while,” Zoran said. “Ultimately, many of the special diets are just not intended for normal, healthy adult cats as a maintenance diet.

“However, that is not true for all prescription diets,” she said. “For example, prescription diets for cats with allergies or intestinal problems are complete and balanced and could be fed to a normal healthy cat. The difference is that the diet may have a different protein source (venison for a cat allergic to beef) or a more highly digestible mix of ingredients (for cats with intestinal problems). Although these diets are safe to feed to any cat, they are more expensive and unnecessary for a cat that doesn’t have a health issue.”

If a veterinarian determines that your cat would benefit from eating a prescription diet, you may be able to purchase the food directly through their clinic. Otherwise, the veterinarian can provide a prescription card that can be used to buy the food at most pet stores and many online retailers.

Whether your cat is diagnosed with a specific illness or is simply needing a healthier lifestyle, prescription foods may be a beneficial addition to their regular medical care. Sometimes something as simple as switching foods can even be the key to getting many more years with your loving companion.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

COLLEGE STATION, TX – A group of international scientists – including three researchers from Texas A&M University – have completed for the first time the genome sequence of the horse, which may open doors for improved breeding, disease treatment and even enhanced performance traits.

Dr. Loren Skow (left), Dr. Terje Raudsepp and Dr. Bhanu Chowdhary participated in the project to sequence the participated in the horse genome.

The multi-national team of 60 researchers has published its work on the project in the current issue of “Science” magazine. Funding groups include the National Human Genome Research Institute, the Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation, the Morris Animal Foundation and the European Science Foundation.

Texas A&M researchers Loren Skow, Bhanu Chowdhary and Terje Raudsepp, all associated with the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, participated in the horse genome project, completed at Broad Institute in Cambridge, Mass. The group took DNA from a single Thoroughbred mare for the sequencing project.

The researchers say that with more than 90 hereditary conditions such as infertility, muscle disorders, allergies and inflammatory diseases, sequencing the horse has much to offer as a model species.

“One thing we learned from the project is that the structure of the chromosomes in the horse is similar to other mammals, including humans,” Skow says.

“The information we collect from this will be helpful down the road in work with genetic mutations and identifying certain disorders, possibly even in developing strategies to increase disease resistance.”

Skow says that in general terms, horses and related donkeys and zebras have chromosome structures that evolved rapidly compared to other species. “This work gives us a chance to look closely at the entire evolutionary process of chromosome formation and diversification using the horse as a model,” he adds.

“It also lets us look at the human-animal model closer at the level of individual genes. If a gene has mutated in a horse, it may help us identify a similar process and how it relates to a clinical problem in humans. We may be able to point to that gene as the problem and work from there. About one-half of the horse genome sequence is very similar in organization to that of humans. So it gives us a human application, but it can also work vice versa – it may give us more knowledge about genetic problems in horses, too.”

The project has particular interest in Texas: the state is home to more than 1 million horses, the most of any state, and the horse industry has an economic impact of more than $5 billion, with 96,000 jobs directly related to the equine industry. About 300,000 Texans own at least one horse, studies show, and Texas leads the nation in the number of registered American Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses, Appaloosa Horses and American Miniature Horses.

Chowdhary, associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and one of the researchers involved in the project, notes that the Texas A&M team “helped to provide the background map of the horse genome.

“With the availability of the whole genome sequence, we have entered into a new era in equine research. The sequence has already led to the development of novel tools and resources that have initiated studies previously considered difficult or impossible.

“While the study of single traits or diseases will be significantly enhanced, it will now be possible to study complex traits governed by several genes, and perform association studies between traits important to the industry and variations observed in the genome.”

Chowdhary adds, “Advanced analysis can now be initiated to understand the molecular basis of disease resistance, reproduction, fertility, etc. Studies have been initiated on the molecular basis pathogenesis of important diseases. This reflects a major shift that has been possible only due to the complete genome sequence of the horse. There will definitely be more exciting research that will follow soon.”

Raudsepp says that completing the sequence “is exciting for what it tells us about the equine genome now, and what it can tell us years from now. We anticipate that the sequence assembly will trigger the development of new tools to study the horse genome in ways never envisioned earlier. It should significantly improve the speed and accuracy to determine the underlying genetics of simple and complex traits in horses.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, but this is a huge step for the scientific community,” she notes.

A tummy ache is never fun for people, but it can be life threatening for your pet.

“It’s not uncommon for most animals to have upset stomachs and vomit from time to time, but there’s usually a simple reason,” says Dr. Deb Zoran, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

A pet’s vomiting may be caused by a hairball in the stomach or small intestine or by other foreign material, such as plants, rocks or bones.  Diet could also be a cause.

“If a dog or cat has had a change of diet or if it has eaten spoiled food, it can result in nausea or vomiting,” adds Zoran.

“Just like when humans get food poisoning, the symptoms usually go away within 24 hours.  The digestive tract is cleared and whatever was causing the problem is gone.  However, if the animal has repeated vomiting, won’t eat, or the symptoms continue for more than 24 hours, the animal needs to see a veterinarian immediately.”

Zoran says frequent pet vomiting can be a difficult problem to pinpoint.

“The causes are numerous – food allergies, infection or inflammation in the intestinal tract, foreign objects that obstruct the bowel, ulcers, liver or kidney failure, diabetes, cancer – the list can go on and on,” says Zoran.

If the animal has been vomiting for more than 24 hours, the most serious problems are dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.  The animal has lost body fluids and they need to be replaced right away, then the source of the problem can be examined.

X-rays can often detect the source of the vomiting, and as with humans, barium liquid can be administered to the pet to outline the digestive tract.  Other tests that may be necessary include ultrasound, blood work, and an endoscopic examination to determine the problem.

“One key question is, does the cause of the vomiting come from inside the G.I. (gastrointestinal) tract or is it hidden elsewhere in the animal?” Zoran adds.  “If the problem is not in the G.I. tract, it can be harder to detect.”

If the pet owner detects blood in any food the animal has vomited, that should be a warning sign that something is not right.

“If blood is present, it’s a serious problem and possibly a life-threatening problem,” says Zoran.

“Unfortunately, it may not look like blood because the stomach acids will digest any blood present and the blood may look something like coffee grounds.  The best answer is, if you don’t think it looks like food, the animal needs medical attention as soon as possible,” says Zoran.

Other signs that should alarm pet owners: if the animal vomits every time it eats, vomits multiple times per day, or if the animal won’t eat at all and appears to be weak and depressed.

“All of these are warning signs that something serious is wrong and the pet needs medical help immediately,” says Zoran.

Frequent or persistent vomiting in any pet is not normal. If the animal has been vomiting excessively, it’s essential that it sees a veterinarian.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

While some dogs shed year-round, others shed seasonally during fall and spring months, in preparation for winter and summer weather. Although shedding is a natural process, there are ways to reduce shedding and keep loose hair to a minimum, which can improve your dog’s skin and coat health.

Harmony Diers, a veterinary technician at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that reducing a dog’s shedding begins with grooming.

“Ideally, brushing your dog at least three to four times a week for 5 to 10 minutes can help soften your dog’s coat and reduce the amount of hair that is shed,” Diers said. “You should also consider bathing your dog weekly during shedding season and two to three times a month during the months they shed less.”

Choosing the best type of brush can help reduce shedding as well.

Diers recommends brushes with metal or plastic-tipped wire pins and combs for short-haired dogs; dogs with thicker coats would benefit from brushes specifically made for deshedding. For curly-coated dogs, a slicker-style brush, characterized by a flat head with rows of wire pins, would work better.

“Grooming tools are not one size fits all,” Diers shared. “Choose the most comfortable option for your dog and their specific coat type.”

Certain dog breeds that have continuously growing hair need professional haircuts to keep up with shedding. Groomers have access to professional tools and brushes that make deshedding an easier task, so taking dogs to the beauty salon is the better option for some.

“Many dog owners take a hybrid approach of bathing their dogs at home and taking them to a professional groomer on occasion,” Diers said. “The most important thing is that your dog gets routine bathing and brushing.”

Choosing the right shampoo will also reduce shedding, skin irritation, and dry, flaky skin. The best shampoos are those without chemicals and artificial colors; instead, Diers suggests using shampoos that include all-natural ingredients such as oatmeal, chamomile, aloe vera, olive extracts, or lavender. These shampoos can benefit a dog’s health by maintaining their skin’s normal pH balance and essential skin oils.

She also recommends consulting with your veterinarian to discuss vitamins, supplements, and dietary modifications that may help improve your furry friend’s coat.

“Some veterinarians recommend omega fatty acid supplements to reduce excessive shedding and promote healthy skin,” Diers explained. “A well-balanced, high-quality diet—including those containing omega fatty acids and biotin, a B vitamin—will benefit your dog’s skin and coat.”

Finally, dogs may shed excessively or have a dry coat and skin because of a medical condition.

“Such conditions include flea or tick reactions; allergic skin conditions caused by environmental factors (pollen, grasses, etc.); food allergies; an unbalanced diet; or fungal, bacterial, and yeast infections,” Diers said. “These problems typically won’t resolve without intervention, so owners should consult their veterinarian if they suspect one of these conditions.”

Even though excess hair can be a nuisance during shedding season, owners have different options to reduce the shedding whether it is finding the best type of brush, selecting the right shampoo, or adding helpful nutrients to their pet’s diet. Finding what works best for your pet will keep them happy and healthy as the colder and warmer months approach.

In addition to the burden of fleas and ticks, pets can experience skin health issues, such as dry skin or allergic reactions. Fortunately, the veterinary dermatology service at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) can help.

Most dermatology cases at the CVM involve health issues with fleas and ticks, skin and ear allergies, and bacterial and yeast infections on the skin and in the ears. Dr. Adam Patterson, clinical associate professor and chief of dermatology at the CVM, explained some of the common reasons pets visit the dermatology service.

“In dermatology, we’re like allergists are to people,” Patterson said. “Animals can be allergic to many things, including fleas, the food they eat, plant pollen, or even indoor things, such as house dust mites and mold. At the CVM, we mainly treat allergic skin and ear disease of dogs, cats, and horses.”

In rare cases, veterinary dermatologists at the CVM also treat more serious conditions, such as autoimmune diseases of the skin. One such case includes Waylon, a Labrador Retriever that developed scabs on his nose and painful pimples on his paws.

“His own immune system was attacking his skin,” Patterson said. “His skin disease, called pemphigus foliaceus, can occur spontaneously. Occasionally, we believe it can be triggered by certain drugs or vaccines, but nothing has been fully proven.”

Though veterinary dermatologists are trained to treat emergency cases such as Waylon’s, Patterson reminded pet owners that these cases are rare. However, any changes in skin health, including the appearance of fleas and ticks, itch, hair loss, or other skin sores should always be reported to a veterinarian.

“Skin health is important because it may reflect disease limited to the skin or even signify a potentially more serious illness,” Patterson said.

Whether your pet lives primarily indoors or outdoors, taking care of their skin is important to their overall health. Be sure to consult your veterinarian about any concerns for your furry friend’s skin.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu .

Many dog owners have witnessed their pet excessively scratching their ears or rubbing their head on a hard surface. Some owners may even notice redness, swelling, or odor in their dog’s ear canal. Although we may do everything we can to keep our dogs clean, these common signs could be a result of a canine ear infection.

According to Dr. Alison Diesel, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, canine ear infections are common and can be caused by multiple factors. “There are several contributing factors associated with the development of ear infections in dogs,” she said. “Some factors, such as excess hair in the ear canals, excess wax production, and increased moisture, can contribute to the development of ear infections; however, they do not solely cause the infection. There is generally an underlying cause, such as parasites, allergies, or foreign bodies. Other causes include hormone imbalances, benign or cancerous growths in the ear canal, or physical trauma.”

If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it is important to consult your veterinarian. Treatment for canine ear infections depends on the underlying cause of the infection as well as the specific type of infection involved. Ear cleaners or topical medications, such as ear drops or lotion, are common in soothing canine ear infections. Sometimes, additional medications may be necessary to decrease swelling in the ear canals or treat infections that have migrated into the deeper structures of the ear, such as the middle or even inner ear.

Although it may seem as simple as thoroughly cleaning your dog’s ears to relieve them of irritation, Diesel recommended avoiding home remedies for an ear infection. “Some medications can be harmful or painful when used in certain infections,” she explained. “For example, the use of a medication containing antibiotics may contribute to the development of bacterial resistance if used improperly. It is best to consult your pet’s veterinarian prior to treating the ear infection at home. If you have a cleaner your veterinarian has prescribed for ear infections in the past, this may be tried initially; however, a follow up examination should be pursued if clinical signs persist.”

You may bathe Fido regularly, but this does not protect him from developing an ear infection. To effectively prevent canine ear irritation, be sure to check your dog’s ears weekly for debris and wax build up. If your dog swims a lot or has a history of ear infections, you should talk with your dog’s veterinarian about using an ear cleaner periodically as maintenance.

“In some cases, long-term maintenance ear care, such as periodic ear cleaning, may be helpful to help prevent infections,” Diesel said. “To address this most effectively, it is important to have a conversation with your pet’s veterinarian to help develop a long-term plan. Discussing particular activities your pet likes and or concerns you have will help your veterinarian formulate a righteous preventative care plan. For example, if you frequently plan on taking your dog swimming, your veterinarian may recommend an ear cleaner that has some drying properties for use after swimming. A veterinary dermatologist can also be an additional helpful resource for long-term ear care in your dog.”

To prevent your dog from developing an ear infection, remember to clean their ears regularly. Ear infections are one of the most common health problems in dogs, but it is not a condition that should be treated at home without the guidance of a veterinarian. Be sure to seek professional help in treating your dog’s ear infection.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu .

As any cat owner who has tried to wear a black shirt knows…well, shedding is a normal aspect of cat ownership. However, there are times when the hair just keeps coming and an owner may become concerned that their pet’s hair loss is abnormal and indicative of a larger issue.

Dr. Alison Diesel, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that cat owners can differentiate normal shedding from feline alopecia, or hair loss, if the hair coat is noted to be thin or has the absence of hair in areas.

“The biggest difference between normal shedding and alopecia in cats is that with normal shedding, there is not appreciable hair loss on the animal,” said Diesel. “While the owner may see tufts of fur and hairballs around the home, the cat looks to have a normal haircoat in regard to thickness, length, and density.”

Feline alopecia can have many causes, according to Diesel, ranging from parasites, such as fleas or mites, to infections, such as dermatophytosis, or ringworm.

“We can also see it with underlying allergies including to things like fleas, food, or the environment,” she said. “Genetics can also be a ‘cause’ of alopecia; this is normal in certain breeds of cats, such as the Sphinx. Lastly, there are some normal variants in cats that appear as alopecia. Examples include hair loss on the ear flaps of aging Siamese cats and sparsely haired skin in the preauricular region (top of the head in front of the ears) on cats of any breed.”

If an owner notices their cat is losing an abnormal amount of hair, they should also keep an eye out for accompanying symptoms that may point towards a larger problem.

“The most important thing to look for is whether the cat is also itchy. This can be shown by certain behaviors include scratching, biting, licking, chewing, pulling out hair, over grooming, and/or increased hairballs. Additionally, owners should monitor if there are any sores on the skin along with the hair loss,” she said. “Lastly, if anything has obviously changed with the overall health of the cat–signs of internal illness such as vomiting, change in appetite, or energy levels—owners should seek veterinary care.”

Pets experiencing unusual hair loss should be evaluated by their primary care veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist to help determine the reason for hair loss. They may conduct diagnostic tests and/or suggest a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s specific case.

While overgrooming most commonly has an underlying medical reason, typically related to itch or possibly pain, there are some cats where stress and behavioral contributions can play into the excessive grooming observed. Owners concerned that their pet is overgrooming may also wish to modify their pet’s environment in addition to bringing them in for a check-up. Ensure your pet has plenty of enrichment, which can include toys, window access, and hands-on playtime, in addition to areas where the cat can retreat and relax alone.

Hair loss may be reversible depending on the cause; Diesel said, “you can’t all of a sudden make a Sphinx grow hair, but hair can grow back following resolution of ringworm as an example.”

Although the line between normal shedding and feline alopecia may at times seem thin, prudent monitoring and prompt care can help owners keep their feline friend as happy, healthy, and fluffy as possible.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

Like humans, it is normal for dogs to experience the occasional upset stomach, or episode of diarrhea, but experiencing severe symptoms, such as bloody stools, may be a sign of something more serious.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of gastrointestinal diseases that result in the inflammation of the intestines. The exact cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in dogs is unknown, but bacteria and nutrients normally found in the intestine are thought to be the cause of the abnormal immune response that causes inflammation.

Dr. Jonathan Lidbury, assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained IBD’s potential causes. “IBD is a syndrome that is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation in dogs,” Lidbury said. “The cause of IBD in dogs is not fully known, but recent research has provided some important clues. Basically, there is a loss of tolerance in the dog’s intestinal immune system to the nutrients or bacteria that are normally found in the bowel. This leads to inflammation of the intestines.”

Common signs of IBD in dogs include excessive diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Dog owners may also notice rumbling sounds in the abdominal cavity, flatulence, and even bloody stools in dogs with IBD.

To diagnose the disease, your veterinarian may ask for a detailed history of your dog’s symptoms. “IBD in dogs is diagnosed by a combination of ruling out other causes of intestinal inflammation, such as infections or parasites,” Lidbury said. “They will also try to rule out metabolic disease, dietary intolerance or allergies, and an intestinal bacterial imbalance by treating with certain antibiotics. It is also important to document intestinal inflammation by performing an intestinal biopsy.”

If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, it is important to note that the disease can be managed, but not cured. Through careful treatment, your dog’s IBD symptoms can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids, such as prednisone. Providing appropriate nutrition will also help stabilize your dog’s body weight and prevent dehydration. Following your veterinarian’s suggested dietary plan and drug treatment and being patient with the results often leads to stabilized patients; however, check-ups with a veterinarian are necessary even in IBD patients whose symptoms are successfully managed.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the Web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu .