Jake Shivley, clinical instructor at CVM, talks about the "Need for Spaying/Neutering Your Pets" on farm and family radio.

Can Animals be OCD?

Dr. Christine Calder, CVM resident, talks about "How Animals Can be OCD" on farm and family radio.

Pets can get respiratory infection year-round

By Susan Collins-Smith
MSU Ag Communications
JACKSON – Winter means cold and flu season is in full swing for humans, but pets can experience similar illnesses all year long.
“Upper respiratory infection is not prevalent during a certain time of year because most cases are caused by viruses, which are present year-round,” said Dr. Christine Bryan, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Patients can relapse during times of stress, other illness, injury, or in inadequate or overcrowded housing conditions, such as a shelter.”
Symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, cough, fever, nose and mouth ulcers, and hoarse voice. The symptoms usually last seven to 14 days. more...

Puppies need training, healthcare to thrive

By Susan Collins-Smith
MSU Ag Communications

JACKSON – In the months after Christmas, the pitter-patter of puppy paws leads to a lot of puddles and frayed sneakers.

But with proper care and training, the new puppy can become a devoted companion for many years.

“The first few weeks with a new puppy can be trying, but it’s also one of the most critical times for learning in the dog’s lifetime,” said Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary resident with a focus in behavior at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dogs learn more new things from ages 3 to 14 weeks than they will in their entire lives.”

Calder said owners should begin the training process on day one. This includes housetraining and basic commands, including sit, come, leave it and watch me.
To housetrain a puppy, create a schedule for feeding and closely supervise the puppy when he or she is in the house. Take bathroom breaks after meals, after playing and after sleeping. Also, watch the puppy for signs that he needs a bathroom break, such as sniffing and circling the floor.more...

Table scraps can lead to pet obesity, other illnesses

By Susan Collins-Smith
MSU Ag Communications

JACKSON – Holiday leftovers often end up in Rover’s dish, but those tasty morsels can lead to more than just an upset stomach.

Dr. Sarah Garcia, veterinarian in the Department of Clinical Science at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said veterinary professionals advise against feeding table scraps to any pet because they can cause health problems. more...

Imaging partnership benefits two- and four-legged patients

By Karen Templeton
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine

A special partnership focused on using imaging technology to treat brain tumors in cats and dogs shows promise for treating human patients.
Researchers at Veterinary Specialty Center, or VSC, an affiliate of the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and MSU’s Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies, are using imaging technology to understand more about canine and feline brain tumors. VSC is housed within the Premier Imaging complex in Starkville, just a few miles from the veterinary college. Premier treats human patients, while VSC treats animal patients.  more...

The Terri Nusz Endowed Equine Professorship will provide teaching and support in equine health.

Office of Public Affairs News Bureau (662) 325-3442 Contact: Amy Cagle December 09, 2013
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A $12.3 million gift from Mississippi State alumni Tommy and Terri Nusz of Houston, Texas, will benefit multiple academic colleges and units at the 135-year-old university.
The gift continues the Nusz' support of the land-grant institution and is one of the largest to date for the MSU Foundation's current fundraising endeavor, Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign.

"This leadership-level commitment from MSU alumni Tommy and Terri Nusz will have a far-reaching impact in helping Mississippi State University provide leadership and advance its mission of education, outreach, and research," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.
...
Continuing their focus on equine health, a portion of their gift assists the College of Veterinary Medicine with an endowed position known as the Terri Nusz Endowed Equine Professorship. Earnings from the $1 million endowment will provide a faculty holder salary supplement and support in teaching and research. Terri Nusz oversees the family's various interests in equine sport including TnT Equine Partners, Amalaya Investments, and Oasis Stables, and they want to encourage faculty efforts in equine study.  more...