Small Animal | School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Danika Bannasch Honored with International Canine Health Award

Dr. Danika Bannasch, a renowned geneticist from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, recently received an International Canine Health Award for her role in transforming dog health. As some of Europe’s most prestigious veterinary honors, the awards were organized by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

News & Events

A Bulldog's Screw Tail Might Help Us Understand a Rare Genetic Disease in People

One of the most distinctive body parts of your typical English bulldog, French bulldog, or Boston terrier—their coiled screw tail—might be caused by a specific genetic mutation, suggests recent research. And more importantly for humans, that same genetic quirk might help scientists better understand a rare disorder in people.

Human & Animal Health

California Rises From the Ashes Again

In recent years, UC-Davis veterinary faculty and students have been on the front lines for various fires throughout the state, and this year was no different. In fact, the university closed its campus from Nov. 13-15, 2018, because of poor air quality as a result of the Camp Fire, but the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital remained open. In all, faculty and students at the hospital treated about 70 animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, horses, a donkey, cats, and a llama.

News & Events

How Cannabis Litter Can Attract and Harm Animals

The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is seeing an increasing number of cannabinoid intoxication since legalization. Animals find it on trails and in parks without their humans realizing it. Some dogs and cats need nothing more than extra comforting and fluids to counteract the effects, but others require additional medical intervention

Small Animal

Dogs, Cats Rescued From California Camp Fire Heal With Fish Skins

Several burned dogs and cats at the VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center in Chico are getting an unusual treatment to help them heal from injuries they suffered in the Camp Fire: fish skins. This is the first time sterilized tilapia skins have been used to treat burns on dogs and cats.

Small Animal

Update from Nutrition Services on Concern Between Diets and DCM in Dogs

There are recent concerns about reports of heart disease in some dogs eating commercial diets. UC Davis Nutrition Support Services provides this statement to offer guidance to owners/veterinarians regarding the nutritional aspects of this condition and best practice information regarding blood testing for taurine status.

Small Animal

Summer Programs Prepare Future Veterinarians

While part of UC Davis seems to operate at a slower pace in the summer, the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) is buzzing with activity as we host six different pre-veterinary programs for elementary to college students. This outreach is designed to show younger kids what being a veterinarian is like and to prepare older students for careers in veterinary medicine and research.

News & Events

UC Davis Investigates Link Between Dog Diets and Deadly Heart Disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. UC Davis is leading the investigation between these dog diets and heart disease.

Small Animal

FDA Warns of Possible Link Between Food, Canine Heart Disease

Pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients may be linked to cases of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, according to an alert to pet owners this week from the Food and Drug Administration.

16 Things You Can Catch From Your Pet

Pet owners have lower blood pressure and less stress, and they exercise more, among other benefits. But pets can sometimes also pass on diseases. People magazine highlights how taking good care of your pet will help prevent the spread.

Human & Animal Health