Animal Airwaves

Animal Airwaves

By UF HealthHealth & FitnessEducation
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Animal Airwaves episodes

  • Now, fish can get the veterinary care they deserve

    There are 32,000 fish species in the world — that’s more than all other vertebrate species combined. So, it’s a good thing there are fish veterinarians to care for them. But how do they do it?

    Care begins by analyzing the water quality, since most fish conditions can be traced to their environment.
    Once a fish is netted, they’re placed in an exam tub containing sedative-laced water from their habitat. That reduces stress on the fish and allows a complete exam. Diagnostics may then include biopsies, X-rays, ultrasound or other tests. After diagnosis, treatment might involve medication or even surgery.
    Fish may not look like dogs or cats, but their care has many similarities — including pet parents or caretakers devoted to them.

     

    1 min
  • Good news for hyperthyroid cats

    In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Felanorm [FEEL-ah-norm], the first generic form of methimazole for treating hyperthyroidism in cats.

    Hyperthyroidism is common in cats over eight years old. It causes the body’s metabolism to rev up, resulting in weight loss in spite of a good appetite. Other signs can include increased drinking and urinating, vomiting, diarrhea and a poor coat.
    Methimazole products approved for people are not safe and effective in cats. For now, Felanorm is one of two oral methimazole drugs approved for felines. The other is Felimazole [fell-IM-ah-zol], which was approved in 2009. Either drug must be prescribed by a veterinarian after diagnostic tests, and treated cats must be closely monitored.

    1 min
  • Why air travel with pets is nerve-wracking

    Although the Department of Transportation reported only seven animal deaths out of over 188,000 animal flyers in 2022, that’s seven too many for their grieving pet parents.

    The truth is air travel in cargo or the cabin can be risky for pets. Cargo travel is especially dicey during hot or cold weather. But cargo air pressurization is less precise than in the cabin, posing increased risks for pets with heart issues. And for pets with short muzzles and flattened faces, cargo travel is never recommended.
    Even cabin travel can be uncertain, since owners may not be able to open carriers and aid pets when needed.
    If you must fly with your pet, try to keep them with you at all times, and equip their carrier with plenty of water.

    1 min
  • Why do some cats scratch so much?

    Cats are meant to use their claws, and that means scratching — which can be problematic when it comes at the expense of your furniture. So, what can you do?

    To determine why some cats scratch more than others, researchers surveyed over 1,200 cat parents, asking about their daily life as well as their cats’ characteristics and scratching behavior. They found stress was the main reason for excessive scratching, and the presence of young children appeared to magnify it. Long periods of stimulation — like playing — and aggression are also likely to amplify scratching.
    So, along with safe scratching materials, you can offer safe hiding spaces and shorter play periods that mimic hunting. Other stress reducers may help too.

    1 min
  • What does it mean if a cat chatters?

    Is your cat a chatterbox? You may be able to translate your cat’s vocalizations, but chattering can be baffling to decipher.

    If you’ve heard these characteristic feline chirps and twitters, chances are it’s when your buddy’s at the window staring at birds, squirrels or other critters. Feline chatters are similar to noises made by small prey animals, which could indicate they’re meant to fool prey. On the other hand, chattering might be an expression of excitement — or even frustration at not being able to get to their prey.
    In any event, chattering is perfectly normal feline behavior. Just be careful if your cat does it when you’re playing — especially with prey-type toys — since their next move may be to pounce.

    1 min
  • So-called wobbly cats can live happy lives

    We’ve likely all seen pets with disabilities and wondered if they can live happy lives. So, let’s talk about cats with cerebellar hypoplasia [sare-uh-BELL-er high-po-PLAY-zha], or CH [C-H] for short.

    CH is a congenital condition caused by a viral infection in a pregnant cat, which is passed to her unborn kitten. The virus damages the part of the kitten’s brain that controls balance, resulting in jerky uncoordinated movements.
    CH, sometimes called “wobbly cat syndrome,” is not infectious in the newborn, but there’s no cure for the damage. Still, it doesn’t have to affect the cat’s quality of life. Some CH cats are just a bit unsteady, while others can’t walk on their own. But even severely affected cats can live happily — if they get great care.

    1 min
  • Eyes on the Prize: Advancing in Veterinary Technology

    Veterinary technicians, or nurses, are essential to veterinary hospitals and practices. Their roles are diverse, and career paths can vary widely. On this week’s Animal Airwaves-Live, Holly Kitchen, a certified veterinary technician (CVT) and veterinary technician specialist in ophthalmology (VTS), shares her career journey and insights into her specialization, along with some of the rewards unique to her profession.

    47 min
  • Venom Decoded: Unraveling the Mysteries of Coral Snake Bites

    Join us for a riveting episode of Animal Airwaves – Live! featuring Dr. Cory Woliver, an emergency and critical care expert at the UF Small Animal Hospital. Dr. Woliver delves into the lives of coral snakes, discussing what happens from an envenomation and what makes these snakes unique among venomous serpents. Dr. Woliver will also discuss his groundbreaking clinical trial, which is being used to treat dogs envenomated by coral snakes. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain potentially life-saving knowledge about this elusive fossorial species and the latest advancement in treatment.

    47 min
  • A park experience for every pooch

    Public dog parks aren’t the best places for every dog — like pooches who react fearfully or aggressively toward others. Now there may be other options for dogs to feel their oats while still feeling safe.

    For example, the online app Sniffspot was created to connect dog parents with homeowners looking to rent out their private property. Rentals are available by the hour with fees based on the size of the area, its location and what it offers.
    This app has nationwide listings by locale and has reportedly helped over 100,000 guests to date — but there may be similar services available out there as well. So now, overreactive dogs can get the benefits without the worries of outdoor off-leash time.

    1 min
  • Beat the Heat: Protecting Pets from Heat Stroke

    As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in our beloved pets. Dr. Ronald Goncalves, an emergency medicine and critical care specialist, brings his expertise to Animal Airwaves-Live to discuss this potentially life-threatening condition. Heat stroke is a serious and often underestimated danger for animals, capable of causing severe organ damage or even death if not promptly addressed. Unlike humans, pets can’t easily regulate their body temperature or tell us when they’re overheating. Dr. Goncalves will explain why certain animals are more susceptible to heat stroke, how to recognize the early warning signs, and most importantly, what steps pet owners can take to prevent this emergency situation.

    47 min

About Animal Airwaves

From the publisher's feed

Animal Airwaves is a daily radio series that features one-minute segments relating to animal health. Each module focuses on a different topic of interest to the owners of all types of animals, ranging…