Pet care information by veterinarians for pet owners -- like you

The more you understand, the better you can partner with your veterinarian to maximize your pet's health.

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RUMINANTS
Small mammals

SMALL MAMMALS


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New and Updated Articles

Latest articles

  • Diabetic Dog Diet Open link in new window
    7/4/2026
    The dietary approaches for diabetic dogs are very different than those for diabetic cats.
  • Hard to Regulate Diabetic Cats Open link in new window
    7/4/2026
    The goal in long-term management of diabetes mellitus is the alleviation of unpleasant clinical signs (constant thirst, weight loss etc.) and prevention of dangerous secondary conditions (infections, ketoacidosis, etc.). To accomplish this, blood sugar levels should be regulated between 250 mg/dl and 80 mg/dl. This is not as good as the body's natural regulation but it is a fair and achievable goal in most cases.
  • Medial Luxating Patella in Dogs Open link in new window
    6/30/2026
    The medial luxating patella, commonly called trick knee, is an extremely common problem in toy breed dogs. An owner typically notices a little skip in the dog's step. The dog may even run on three legs, holding one hind leg up, and then miraculously be back on four legs as if nothing has happened.
  • Fluid Therapy in Pets Open link in new window
    6/29/2026
    Fluid therapy concerns the administration of fluids to bring down (and keep down) the toxin levels of kidney failure. There are many ways to deliver fluids.
  • New World Screwworms in Dogs and Cats Open link in new window
    6/25/2026
    New World screwworms are flesh-eating larvae (maggots) of the blowfly, Cochliomyia hominivorax.
  • Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) in Dogs Open link in new window
    6/23/2026
    Dogs nose around in all sorts of things but they should not get crusty or ulcerated noses. When they do, there is generally a disease afoot and biopsy may well be needed to determine what is going on. Discoid lupus, or DLE, is a common disease of the leather of the nose. Thankfully, it is usually easily treated and there are many options.
  • Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs Open link in new window
    6/23/2026
    When the bronchi are injured by irritants (cigarette smoke, air pollution, biochemical products of infection, etc.), they respond with a healing process that is inherently inflammatory. When the injury becomes ongoing, the inflammatory/healing process also becomes ongoing and the end result involves excessive mucus production in the airways. The mucus obstructs the smaller bronchi, which stimulates coughing, which in turn leads to irritation and then to inflammation and then to more mucus. A vicious cycle results.
  • Eye Infections in Dogs Open link in new window
    6/23/2026
    Because your dog's eyes are exposed to the environment, they can easily become irritated or infected.
  • Is My Dog Resource Guarding? Open link in new window
    6/20/2026
    Resource guarding in dogs can be instinctive, protecting what they perceive as valuable resources that belong to them. 
  • How To Choose a Muzzle Open link in new window
    6/20/2026
    Muzzle conditioning should go at the dog’s pace and always be paired with treats and positive experiences. 

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The same folks who provide Veterinary Partner® also offer a blog called VetzInsight. Rather than explain what occurs in a disease process and how to treat it - which Veterinary Partner® offers - our goal is not only to inform on larger issues but to tap into the numerous emotions at play within the human-animal bond. We're here to learn and have fun. If you're interested in learning more about a broader look at veterinary medicine, the veterinarians, the clients, and the patients, VetzInsight is a great learning experience.

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VIN News Service was created in 2008 as the news media arm of the Veterinary Information Network, the largest online information service devoted to veterinary medicine. Since 1991, VIN has served as a community where colleagues connect to share medical cases and their experiences navigating life, business and the profession. VIN is for veterinarians, by veterinarians. The VIN News Service, like VIN, is advertiser-free, supported by the dues of VIN members.

VIN News Service

VIN News Service


The content of this site is owned by Veterinary Information Network (VIN®), and its reproduction and distribution may only be done with VIN®'s express permission.

The information contained here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

Links to non-VIN websites do not imply a recommendation or endorsement by VIN® of the views or content contained within those sites.

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