Where passion for animals, science, and medicine lives…
In some parts of the country, fall has arrived. Unfortunately, in South Texas, we never really make the transition to fall colors, pumpkin spice, or crisp sunrises. What we settle for instead, is cooling weather and decreasing hordes of blood thirsty mosquitoes. These aerial vampires not only cause intense irritation and itching from bites, they Continue Reading
In our last podcast, we introduced our listeners to the basics of farmed Pacific white shrimp. But, with any commercial livestock operation comes increased risk of disease. The first disease we discussed was infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV). First reported this year, IHHNV was not the first shrimp FAD to occur in the Continue Reading
When we discuss foreign animal diseases, we usually think of mammals, with the occasional bird outbreak. But, in the field of veterinary medicine, we treat all species. Texas has extremely varied geographic terrain, allowing many different species to call this home. Farmed Pacific white shrimp offers a sustainable source of fresh shrimp to many areas Continue Reading
The most powerful woman in the world blinded her own son to uphold her beliefs Gorgeous, brilliant, and powerful, the Empress Irene perched upon her throne and contemplated her Eastern Roman Empire. She sought to reunite it with the West through marriage with none other than Charlemagne. Luckily for the great Carolingian king, pleuritis killed Continue Reading
Vacation season draws to a close. School will soon start back. Many people enjoyed a relaxing getaway, and perhaps stayed in a nice hotel. In the recent outbreak of pneumonia in Atlanta, Georgia, we are reminded that occasionally people come home from vacation with more than a tan and some great memories. This particular type Continue Reading
Not a lot of farts, just a soupçon of farts, a light crop-dusting perhaps. Why is this? Our many bacterial nemeses do not like their DNA with farts, so it keeps ours separate. As you may have guessed, a bit of creative license exists here, but you won’t forget this mnemonic device. When do our Continue Reading
Great stories require great villains, which implies three-dimensional, well-developed characters. Often, they generate more interest and fascination than the hero, hence, the prevalence of antiheroes in modern movies and tv. From DC comics, Poison Ivy instills ambivalence. As Batman’s nemesis, we begin hating her, but may discover ourselves admiring her. Her passion revolves around the Continue Reading
Who of you can resist dipping your toes in an inviting lake or pond on a hot summer day? Even dogs appreciate the fun and relaxation that comes with swimming and wading in water. Hidden in that water are many toxins, some produced from harmful algal blooms. We will cover the most common ones here.
We are at the peak of summer equine activities: fairs, rodeos, trail rides, weekend ropings. Unfortunately, many horse owners elect to stay home to protect their horses. Vesicular stomatitis virus is sweeping across the western United States. According to the USDA Situation Report, 209 premises have been identified across 4 states. If you live in Continue Reading
Clean water is the key to maintaining any civilization. John Snow is credited with linking a cholera epidemic to contaminated drinking water in 1855. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diarrheal diseases (such as cholera) kill more children than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined, making diarrheal disease the second leading cause Continue Reading