Vet Candy – Veterinary Lifestyle, News & Learning

The Walking (Vet) Dead: The Palmers Unravel the Truth About Zombies!

It’s brains, science, and spine-chilling stories in this special spooky season episode of Obsessed with the Palmers! Join the ultimate vet-med duo as they sink their teeth into the history of zombies—from ancient rituals to modern-day outbreaks. Could a virus really turn us into the walking dead? And what about animals—are there actual cases of zombie-like behavior in the wild? Get ready for eerie insights, freaky facts, and the science behind why zombies have us all on edge. Beware: this episode just might have you double-checking the lock on your door!
 
 
Obsessed with the Palmers follows a dynamic vet med couple with a passion for creatures of all kinds—both real and mythical! Blending their expertise in animal science with a dash of mystery, the Palmers dive deep into the legends, lore, and science behind cryptids and creepy creatures worldwide. Each episode explores spine-tingling tales and rare animal facts, uncovering how folklore and reality often intertwine in fascinating ways. Whether it’s Bigfoot’s anatomy, the elusive Chupacabra, or even the legends surrounding mythical beasts, the Palmers bring curiosity, fun, and a scientific twist to every tale!

Cat’s Belly Keeps Growing—The Shocking Discovery That Left Vets Speechless!

In this episode of Medical Mysteries with Dr. Courtney, Dr. Courtney Campbell is joined by vet tech Peter, who uncovers the mystery of a cat with an unusually large belly. Is it simply overeating, or could something more sinister be causing this feline’s belly to balloon? Tune in to find out what’s behind this big-bellied enigma!

Inside the Witch's Lair: Unmasking Baba Yaga's Chilling Legends on Obsessed with the Palmers

Get ready for spine-tingling chills as we dive deep into the twisted world of Baba Yaga, the infamous witch of Slavic folklore! In this special spooky season episode, the Palmers uncover secrets about her creepy chicken-legged house, her twisted brand of magic, and why she’s much more than just a bedtime scare. Is she a monstrous villain—or a misunderstood anti-hero of the forest? Join us as we explore her haunting tales, freaky facts, and why she still fascinates (and terrifies!) generations today. Grab your broomstick—it’s going to be a wild ride!
 
Obsessed with the Palmers follows a dynamic vet med couple with a passion for creatures of all kinds—both real and mythical! Blending their expertise in animal science with a dash of mystery, the Palmers dive deep into the legends, lore, and science behind cryptids and creepy creatures worldwide. Each episode explores spine-tingling tales and rare animal facts, uncovering how folklore and reality often intertwine in fascinating ways. Whether it’s Bigfoot’s anatomy, the elusive Chupacabra, or even the legends surrounding mythical beasts, the Palmers bring curiosity, fun, and a scientific twist to every tale!

Shocking Discovery: Climate Change Is Causing Painful Ice Injuries to Polar Bears' Feet!

Polar bears in some parts of the high Arctic are developing ice buildup and related injuries to their feet, apparently due to changing sea ice conditions in a warming Arctic. While surveying the health of two polar bear populations, researchers found lacerations, hair loss, ice buildup and skin ulcerations primarily affecting the feet of adult bears as well as other parts of the body. Two bears had ice blocks up to 1 foot (30 centimeters) in diameter stuck to their foot pads, which caused deep, bleeding cuts and made it difficult for them to walk.
The study led by the University of Washington was published Oct. 22 in the journal Ecology. It’s the first time that such injuries have been documented in polar bears.
The researchers suggest several mechanisms for how the shift from a climate that used to remain well below freezing to one with freeze–thaw cycles could be causing ice buildup and injuries.

Think Fetch is Just for Dogs? New Study Reveals 41% of Cats Love to Play Too!

The next time you hear "go fetch," don't assume it's for a dog. 
Cats like to engage in the playful behavior more than people might think. A new study from researchers at Purdue University and the University of Pennsylvania found that 41% of cats fetch, compared with about 78% of dogs.
Mikel Delgado, a senior research scientist at Purdue who led the study, said prior to their research, it was well established that some cats play fetch. (Previous studies have documented fetching behavior among felines.) What stood out to Delgado was just how many cats retrieve. 
 

Microplastics Found in Dolphin Breaths: Could the Ocean's Top Predators Be in Danger?

U.S. researchers have detected microplastic particles in air exhaled by wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting that inhalation may be a relevant route of exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants. Miranda Dziobak of the College of Charleston in South Carolina, U.S., and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on October 16, 2024.
 
 

Breakthrough: 'Cat Parasite' Engineered to Deliver Life-Saving Drugs to the Human Brain!

In a breakthrough study an international team of scientists led by researchers from Tel Aviv and Glasgow Universities, the 'cat parasite' Toxoplasma gondii was engineered to deliver drugs to the human brain.
The study was led by Prof. Oded Rechavi from the Department of Neurobiology and the Sagol School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University, together with his PhD student Dr. Shahar Bracha, and with Prof. Lilach Sheiner, an Israeli scientist and toxoplasma expert from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. The results were published in the leading scientific journal Nature Microbiology.

New Study Highlights Effectiveness of Tigilanol Tiglate for Treating Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

Dive into the latest findings on tigilanol tiglate, a cutting-edge local treatment for mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs. As this treatment gains traction in the veterinary world, questions about its effectiveness and long-term impact linger. We explore a recent multicenter, retrospective study that sheds light on how well tigilanol tiglate works and what to expect from its use.

New Proposal to Fix Vet Shortage in Colorado Sparks Fierce Debate: Will It Help or Harm Your Pets?

Proposition 129 in Colorado is a ballot measure aimed at addressing the state's shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural areas. The measure, endorsed by Governor Jared Polis and supported by the Vet Care Coalition, proposes the creation of a new role called the Veterinary Professional Associate - also know as a Vet P.A.). These Vet P.A.s would hold a two-year master's degree, be credentialed by the state veterinary board, and work under licensed veterinarians. The initiative is designed to improve access to veterinary care and reduce costs, especially in rural "vet care deserts" where residents face long travel times and high costs for veterinary services.
Supporters argue that Proposition 129 will alleviate the strain on veterinary practices and expand care to underserved areas. Proponents like Dr. Apryl Steele, CEO of the Denver Dumb Friends League, emphasize the benefits for low-income and rural residents who currently struggle with access to timely veterinary services. More than 100,000 families in areas like Limon, Montrose, and Aurora are believed to be affected by the veterinary shortage.
However, opponents of the measure argue that introducing Vet P.A.s could put pets at risk by placing less-qualified individuals in critical veterinary roles. As the debate continues, Colorado voters will have to weigh the potential benefits for improving access to care against concerns about the quality of care provided under this new role.
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Cat Survives the Unthinkable—Can Vets Reverse the Damage After a Washing Machine Accident?

This week on Medical Mysteries with Dr. Courtney, Dr. Courtney Campbell joins forces with criticalist Dr. Carey Hemmelgarn to tackle a heart-wrenching case—a cat that was accidentally washed in a washing machine. With the cat’s life hanging in the balance, can Dr. Hemmelgarn pull off a miracle and save this feline from a tragic end?