The Village Veterinarian

04/27/2026

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/harmful-algal-blooms-habs

Understand harmful algal blooms (HABs), including how to diagnose and treat toxicosis in animals and how to prevent exposure.

04/27/2026

Please deworm your dog regularly and do not allow them to prey on rodents or scavenge carcasses. - Echinococcus multilocularis has been found in 1/3 of coyote stool samples in the Pacific Northwest and can be fatal to humans

This study, led by University of Washington researchers, is the first to detect E. multilocularis in a wild host on the West Coast of the contiguous U.S. Researchers surveyed 100 coyotes in the Puget Sound region, and found E. multilocularis in 37 of them.
The fact that we found it here in one-third of our coyotes was surprising, because it wasn't found anywhere in the Pacific Northwest until earlier this year."

When E. multilocularis infects an animal or person, it causes cancer-like cysts to form in the liver and sometimes other organs. If untreated, infection can be fatal.
Alveolar echinococcosis is considered the third most important food-borne illness globally, and one of the top 20 neglected tropical diseases by the World Health Organization. Many countries have developed robust protocols for tracking it.

https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0013502

04/27/2026

New evidence suggests that a disease-causing tapeworm that has been spreading across the United States and Canada has arrived in the Pacific Northwest. The tapeworm, called Echinococcus...

04/27/2026

https://apnews.com/article/molly-dog-rescue-helicopter-new-zealand-waterfall-b698bf1cb50d6f2b23b61f85ac17f2d7

A lost border collie has been rescued alive after her owner fell from a tall waterfall in New Zealand bush.

04/26/2026

FDA testing shows that 8 lots of Quest Cat Food contain extremely low or no thiamine (vitamin B1), an essential vitamin for cats. Continued feeding of the products could result in thiamine deficiency and cause serious health issues, including death.

If your cat has eaten the products and is showing symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, wobbly gait, falling, or seizures, stop feeding the products and contact a veterinarian immediately. If left untreated, thiamine deficiency can be deadly. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-advisory-certain-lots-quest-cat-food-pose-serious-health-risks-due-extremely-low-levels-thiamine

04/26/2026

Nutrition | Clinical | dvm360 connects veterinarians to essential medical news, veterinary expertise, and insights on pet care products and regulations.

01/26/2026

01/26/2026

🎶 ❄ ❄ Ice, Ice, Doggie... Those are the lyrics right? ❄❄🎶 Freezing, cold temperatures are in the forecast for many parts of the US this weekend. Here are a few tips to ensure you keep your pets safe.

You can find more information - including tips for livestock owners - at avma.org/ColdWeather

12/21/2025

Happy Hanukkah, from the FelineVMA. May the Festival of Lights bring you warmth, joy, and peace to your home.

12/16/2025

Great news from the North Pole: Santa Claus' reindeer have been officially cleared for their Christmas Eve journey following their annual veterinary checkup by the AVMA.

10/27/2025

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/a-dog-who-held-a-unique-job-in-king-county-court-retires/

Errol the courthouse dog, 12, has helped children and other vulnerable witnesses on the stand in King County Court.