Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital

08/21/2026

❓ True or false? Dogs get the most hot spots in summer.

✅ TRUE!

Summer heat can cause allergy flare-ups for dogs and lead to itchy lesions called hot spots, which appear suddenly and get bigger quickly. Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Ivan Ravera has the best tips for preventing, identifying, and treating hot spots!

For your dog, summer can be when allergies start to flare, resulting in hot spots.. Here is what a pet owner can do.

08/07/2026

☀️ The summer heat is exhausting and can be dangerous — especially for your pets! 🐾

Heatstroke in pets is common and can be easy to miss. It is important to know how to prevent overheating and recognize the symptoms, so here's all you should know to protect your pets from heatstroke this summer!

As we move into summer, it's important to know the signs of heatstroke in your pet and what to do for their safety and health.

06/24/2026

Summer storms and fireworks season is here — and for many pets, that means real distress. Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine expert Dr. Tim Julien says the best time to act is before the first boom, not after.

From creating a storm-safe space to knowing when to call your vet, here's what you need to know to keep your dog or cat calm this summer.

While anxious dogs tend to make their distress very obvious, cats are masters at hiding their fear. Noise phobia is not a behavioral quirk; it is a profound medical condition.

04/30/2026

Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition that affects both dogs and cats. In this series, veterinarian Alley LaPlante explains how the disease spreads, why it affects each species differently, and why consistent prevention and annual testing are both necessary to keep your pet protected.

Heartworm disease is serious, but it's also one of the most preventable health threats your pet will face. The key is understanding how this parasitic disease spreads, why it affects dogs and cats differently, and why consistent prevention matters more than you might think.

04/29/2026

Does your small dog have a heart murmur? VMCVM researchers are looking for pups to help advance early detection of heart disease — and yours may be eligible.

Dogs must be at least 4 years old, under 44 pounds, diagnosed with a Grade 3 or louder heart murmur, and not currently on heart medications.

By participating, you’ll help us discover new ways to catch heart disease early. Plus, as a thank you, your pup will receive a COMPLIMENTARY chest X-ray and professional echocardiogram—($500+ value) and a great way to stay on top of their heart health.

To learn more or enroll your dog, contact Robyn Fox at [email protected] or 540-231-4621, or visit the link below.

Purpose: To see how accurate a standard x-ray is for detecting a serious, early-stage heart condition in dogs. We will be looking at dogs who were found to have a heart murmur during a regular checkup but are not showing any outward signs of illness.

04/28/2026

Spring allergies aren't just a human problem!

From flea allergy dermatitis to airborne allergens to food sensitivities, cats and dogs can experience a range of allergy symptoms that often show up as itchy skin, ear infections, and hair loss rather than sneezing. If your pet seems uncomfortable this season, it might be worth a trip to the vet. (Or get a referral to our dermatology team!)

Clinical assistant professor Dr. Jenny Marin breaks down what you need to know about pet allergies and when to seek care.

Spring is in full swing, which means pollen and other allergens are wreaking havoc on the 50 million Americans who experience seasonal allergies. But humans aren’t the only species that suffer due to allergens — other animals, including our pets, can have allergies, too.

04/27/2026

Lameness is one of the most common challenges facing senior horses — but what's actually causing it? 🐴

Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Lauren Trager, breaks down the most common culprits, from osteoarthritis to soft tissue injuries to hoof problems, in this Ask TheHorse Live podcast excerpt.

Dr. Lauren Trager describes the most common causes of lameness she sees in senior horses, from neck arthritis to degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis.

04/21/2026

Spring is here, and the garden is calling — but before you head outside with your pets, there are a few things worth knowing to keep them safe!

From plants that are toxic to cats and dogs to storing fertilizers safely to watching out for ticks and overheating, our veterinarians have four simple tips to help you create a garden you and your pets can enjoy together all season long. 🌱🐾

Gardening offers the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and make your yard prettier. Here are some ways to create a safe garden you and your pets can enjoy.

04/20/2026

🚨 URGENT: Disease alert — EHV-1 (Neurologic) confirmed. Horse owners and caretakers, please read and share!

A confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the neurologic form of EHV-1 — has been reported at a horse show in Culpeper County, Virginia.

A 21-year-old Thoroughbred gelding competing at a show developed clinical signs on April 17, 2026, including lethargy, lower-limb swelling, and sudden-onset ataxia (loss of coordination). The horse has since been euthanized. This information has been confirmed by a university clinician, a private practitioner, and Virginia's State Animal Health Official.

⚠️Quarantine (as of April 20, 2026) — 42 horses may have been exposed, and are now under a state-mandated 2-week quarantine at their home farms, in areas that will not expose other horses.

EHV-1 is a highly contagious herpesvirus spread through direct horse-to-horse contact, respiratory secretions, and contaminated equipment or hands. For more information about EHV-1 and updates on this case, please visit the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) website.

📍 If you have concerns about your horses or need to report illness, contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) or your primary care veterinarian immediately.

04/20/2026

Subclinical pneumonia in calves is a quiet problem — calves can appear perfectly healthy while carrying significant lung disease, making it easy to miss until treatment becomes more difficult and more costly. 🐄

Assistant Professor of Production Management Medicine Dr. Sebastián Umaña Sedó is working to change that with thoracic ultrasound — the same technology used to diagnose pregnancies — to detect lung disease in calves earlier and more precisely than routine health scoring alone.

Read more about how this tool is reshaping calf health management

Subclinical pneumonia is quietly driving treatment costs and long-term performance losses, but thoracic ultrasound is giving veterinarians a way to finally see it.