Animal Health

Animal care advice and information from our experts.

closeup of a brown horse's two front hooves

Equine hoof abscesses: A real pain in the foot

Abscesses are a commonly seen hoof problem and cause of severe lameness in equine practice. An abscess is a pocket of purulent material (pus) trapped in the hoof, caused by bacteria that penetrates the protective, hard, keratinized epithelium of the hoof wall/sole. The bacteria can penetrate the hoof through a defect in the hoof wall […]

a black and white picture of pills

When to use – and when not to use – antibiotics in veterinary dentistry

When it comes to antibiotic resistance in veterinary medicine, both veterinarians and pet owners play an important role in helping prevent it. It is not always easy to know when antibiotics are needed, so our dentistry and oral surgery team created simple, practical guidelines you can rely on. These recommendations are designed to support you, […]

The brick entrance of the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital with exterior signage and a green campus directory in front.

CBS News: Colorado vets share what pets can, and can’t, enjoy at holiday meals

Veterinarians in Colorado are warning pet owners to watch what their furry friends eat during the holidays, as many popular foods and plants can poison them. Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital shared a message for pet owners on Thanksgiving, and encouraged anyone whose animals may have made “questionable holiday snack decisions” to contact them.

close up picture of a pug, his tongue folded out in a flower like position

Schedule an oral exam every year to help your dog prevent dental disease

Periodontal disease – a form of dental disease – is the most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs and cats, and it’s preventable. It can be difficult for pet owners to notice signs of dental disease until it’s very severe, which is why it’s important to take your dog to the vet for an oral exam […]

a far away picture of a wildfire, the green mountains with a plume of smoke behind them, emergency crews in the foreground

How to prep for an emergency with a pet evacuation kit

While you can’t exactly pencil an emergency or disaster into your calendar, you can take steps to prepare for these types of situations as much as possible before they occur. When you create a disaster plan for your family, including collecting and storing evacuation supplies, make sure you think about your pets, too. Creating a […]

a close up picture of a horse's eye

Equine eye issues are always an emergency

Why do horses injure their eyes so much? The horse’s large globe and prominent placement on the sides of their head makes the eyeball very susceptible to trauma. Injury or discomfort to the eye can be subtle. Clinical signs include squinting, tearing, increased discharge, swelling around the eye, red conjunctiva, and/or the eyelashes pointing down […]

a close up of a brown and white horse grazing on green grass

Osteochondritis dissecans in horses

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint disorder that can significantly impact the health and performance of horses. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it is crucial for horse owners. What is osteochondritis dissecans? OCD is a developmental orthopedic disease. There are three terms that are commonly used in association with the disease: What […]

a close up of a brindled dog smiling at the camera, paws and chin resting on a tree with green grass in the background

Heartworm disease on the rise in Northern Colorado: What pet owners need to know

As spring settles in and outdoor activity picks up, there’s another seasonal shift to be aware of: mosquito season—and with it, an increased risk of heartworm disease. Recent trends show a growing number of heartworm cases in Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and surrounding areas. This rise in cases highlights a crucial reminder for pet […]

X-ray of laminitic hoof with significant coffin bone rotation

Laminitis in horses

A painful foot condition, laminitis can be the result of various disease processes. Once a horse has had a bout of laminitis, they may be more susceptible to future episodes, which is why recognition and prompt treatment of laminitis is critical to achieving the best possible outcome.

a white horse grazes on grass

Equine spring wellness exams

Spring wellness exams are routine exams to make sure your horse is happy and healthy as they transition out of winter and gear up for summertime.

a small french bull dog gets a check up, two veterinary professionals holding him, listening to his lungs

What is cleft palate in dogs and cats?

Congenital cleft palates are a developmental abnormality where the two halves of the skull don’t fuse properly, leading to a defect in the middle of the skull.

a close up picture of a dogs mouth

When should I take my pet to the dentist?

By partnering with your primary care veterinarian, experts in the Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery service at the CSU Veterinary Health System can provide comprehensive care to your dog or cat.

a basset hound sits in a brightly lit room in front of a Christmas tree

Tips to keep your pets safe during the holidays

Dr. Amanda Cavanagh, an assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care and head of CSU’s Emergency and Urgent Care Service, shares tips to keep pets safe during the holidays.