Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

By choosing to adopt from an animal shelter, you give a second chance to a deserving pet and contribute to the welfare of animals in need. But it's not only the deep sense of fulfillment that comes from giving a home to an animal in need. The happiness and bond between a shelter pet and its adopter is truly special.

When Sophie the Newfoundland/golden retriever mix suddenly could not stand on her hind end, owner Angela McCoy Williams of Giles, Va. took Sophie to the emergency services at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). It was found that Sophie tore her cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in her rear right leg.

Heartworm infection is a serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. It is caused by worms that normally live in animals' heart, lungs, and blood vessels but can migrate to other tissues and organs, including the brain, kidneys, and eyes. These worms grow up to a foot long and can cause organ damage, heart failure, and lung disease. Cats and dogs can both get heartworm, though the disease looks different in the two species.

Millions of pets in the United States have microchips so they can be returned to their homes if they become lost. A collar and tag with your phone number may be the easiest way for you to be reunited with your pet, but collars can slip off — and a microchip can’t.

Did you know that May is National Pet Month? The VMCVM is full of pet lovers (duh!), so we’re giving you five fun ideas to celebrate the pets in your life.

Pets are beloved members of many families, so it's important to ensure that they receive the proper care in order to keep them healthy and happy. One aspect of pet care that is often overlooked is oral health. It’s been estimated that a whopping 85% of cats over the age of three suffer from dental disease!

Disasters can strike unexpectedly, leaving families and their beloved pets vulnerable and needing immediate assistance. Taking proactive measures to safeguard your pet's well-being by following a few simple steps can ensure their safety and increase the chances of a swift reunion in case of separation.

Pets hold a special place in our hearts – capturing their adorable antics and unique personalities through photography has become a popular and cherished pastime and even a profession. However, photographing our animal companions can be quite challenging due to their unpredictable antics. Here are some tips to help you get great photos of your furry, feathery, and even scaly friend from our college communications manager and photographer, Margie Christianson.

Poisoning is a leading cause of injury and death in companion animals in the USA. It's essential to stay informed about the most common causes of poisoning and to take steps to prevent it. By being vigilant and taking steps to protect your pet from toxic substances, you can help keep them safe and healthy.

It is often said that prevention is the best medicine — and that’s especially true for pet vaccinations. No pet owner wants to see a furry friend get sick, and as an added bonus, vaccinations are far less expensive than treating a disease.

As pet owners, we all want our furry companions to have long and happy lives, but as dogs and cats age, their needs change. Let’s look at some common health problems your pet may face in their old age.

Amidst the beeping monitors and busy footsteps of the bustling Veterinary Teaching Hospital, an extraordinary lifeline exists -- a blood bank, where like their human counterparts, dogs and cats regularly donate blood to support their fellow pets in the community.