Flamingo check-ups at the zoo; Meet Big Chief, the mini horse and media sensation following his colic surgery; School ranks #1 — again; Tools to help lower stress for livestock; Launch of our new podcast, the Vetrospective.
Common disinfectants shown to be more toxic when inhaled than swallowed; Magellanic penguins can serve as living monitors of their environment; California's produce tested to understand food safety risks; A kitten's successful brain surgery could transform care for humans.
When Joan Weill brought her Bichon Frisé Angel to UC Davis’ small animal hospital in 2018 for treatment related to her lymphoma, she never imagined it would lead to a long-term investment in the university’s school of veterinary medicine. She was just trying to save a beloved family member.
“When I walked into the reception, they didn't know me,” Joan recalled. “Everybody was so caring and kind, and they tried so hard to save her.”
For more than 70 years, the U.S. government has supported academic research, establishing this country as a powerhouse in innovation and technology. You likely benefit from that research without even knowing it—when you need a medical exam, or you are buying vegetables at the grocery store, or when you take your pet to a veterinary appointment.
It has been estimated that since 1950, every dollar of government research spending has generated $3 in economic returns. UC Davis estimates the economic impact of its research in California alone at $2 for every dollar in federal grants.
Does it seem like your pets are more prone to skin problems than ever before? Veterinary research and pet insurance data show that allergies are now among the most diagnosed chronic conditions in animals.
Increased awareness, improved diagnostics, year-round allergen exposure, and modern approaches to how pets are housed are all potential contributors to this rise.
There aren’t many veterinary medicine professionals who see the usual companion animals—dogs, cats, and horses—and also get the chance to work with exotic species like tigers, chimpanzees and alligators.
But when you’ve spent more than 30 years as a specialized technician in veterinary imaging, like Jason Peters, RVT, RLAT, it’s just another week on the job.
Alice Villalobos, DVM ’72 and her husband, Ira Lifland, have made a transformational estate gift to the school’s new Veterinary Cancer Center, which is part of the next phase of the Veterinary Medical Complex expansion.
Their commitment is the largest from an alumnus in the school's history. Once realized, it will help advance care and research for animals affected by cancer.
Minimally invasive treatment for liver disease; New All Species Imaging Center offers insight into equine neurology cases; Brain tumor clinical trial is latest neurosurgical advancement; Small animal role optimizes continuity of care.
Dr. Araya Radtanakatikanon, a third-year clinical pathology resident, shared what excites her about her chosen specialty and how she plans to use her UC Davis experiences to expand veterinary medicine in her home country.
Tell us about your journey to veterinary medicine.
