Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A new network could help predict health problems in your pup

A study of over 26,000 dogs reveals which diseases tend to co-occur and provide insights into canine healthcare. The network analysis suggests new connections between diseases, such as low iron and protein in the urine, and helps guide veterinary practice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 14, 2025

Toxic well water will affect household pets first, new study finds

A new Virginia Tech study reveals that toxic well water primarily affects household pets, with 64% of dog drinking water samples containing high levels of potentially toxic heavy metals. Researchers found a correlation between untreated well water and poor health in dogs, highlighting the need for households to test and treat their water.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Water·DateAug 6, 2025

What cats may teach us about Long COVID

Scientists found that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) therapy improved immune recovery in cats with FIP, a disease similar to Long COVID. The study showed reduced systemic inflammation and increased regulatory T cells, suggesting potential benefits for human patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2025

A leap in canine medicine: Method for reproducible mesenchymal stem cells found

A team of researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University has successfully generated induced pluripotent stem cells from canine somatic cells and produced high-quality mesenchymal stem cells with high proliferation capacity. The study found that the highest quality MSCs were obtained from urine cells, offering a promising approach for reg...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRegenerative Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2025

Some dog breeds are more likely to get diarrhea

A study found that six breeds are significantly more likely to get diarrhea than generic crossbreeds, while two breeds are less likely. Most dogs recover quickly from diarrhea, but around 38% require antibiotic treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJun 11, 2025

Texas A&M Researcher compares AI, human evaluators in swine medicine

A Texas A&M research team led by Dr. Robert Valeris-Chacin is investigating the use of artificial intelligence to detect lesions in pig lungs, a sign of pneumonia-causing bacteria. The study found that while AI is not yet as accurate as human evaluators, it exhibits similar behaviors and has perfect consistency in its scoring.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalVeterinary Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Unlocking the mysteries of the brain

Scientists at Purdue University have identified new molecular markers for neurodegenerative diseases by analyzing protein behavior with age. The study sheds light on how phosphorylation causes protein aggregation, a hallmark of these diseases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateNov 22, 2024

AI algorithm accurately detects heart disease in dogs

A machine learning algorithm developed by University of Cambridge researchers can detect and grade heart murmurs in dogs with high accuracy, similar to expert cardiologists. The technology has the potential to empower primary care veterinarians to provide early detection and treatment, improving quality of life for dogs.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2024

New study sheds light on lily toxicity in cats; outpatient treatment may be viable option

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has revealed new insights into treating cats exposed to toxic lilies. The study found no significant difference in acute kidney injury prevalence between inpatient and outpatient groups, suggesting that outpatient management may be a viable option fo...

SourceAmerican Veterinary Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024

Researchers discover gene variants that determine speed of graying in horses

A study published in Nature Communications found that the number of copies of a small DNA sequence within the gray coat gene determines how fast a horse turns gray and whether it becomes white or gray. Horses with two copies of the duplication have slow-graying genes, while those with three copies develop into fast-graying horses.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateSep 19, 2024

Cooler heads prevail: New research reveals best way to prevent dogs from overheating

Researchers found that teaching dogs to voluntarily dunk their heads in water is the most effective method for rapidly cooling them down after exercise. The study also highlighted the importance of constant access to water and shade for outdoor pets.

SourceAmerican Veterinary Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2024

Grim statistics on koala survival odds

A University of Queensland study found that koalas are at high risk of euthanasia due to diseases like chlamydia and threats from habitat loss, with only 25% rescued and released into suitable habitat. The research analyzed over 50,000 koala sightings and hospital admissions between 1997 and 2019.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalSociety and Animals·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

Researchers find ideal place to take reptiles’ pulse rate

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered an easy-to-reach location on the back of a reptile's head to take their pulse rate, corresponding to heart rate in healthy animals. This technique allows for a more complete cardiovascular examination and can be used to treat animals under anesthesia or when they're feeling defensive.

SourceCornell University·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 5, 2024

In world 1st, high-quality feline iPSCs generated without genetic footprint

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated high-quality feline induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without a genetic footprint. These cells exhibit properties similar to human iPSCs and can differentiate into various cell types, making them a promising tool for veterinary regenerative medicine research.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRegenerative Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

Eco-friendly treatment saves squid eggs from newfound parasite

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully treated a newly discovered parasitic copepod species that was killing squid eggs. The eco-friendly treatment uses peracetic acid to kill the parasites in under two minutes, with zero effect on squids or their generations.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Study unveils complexity of zoonotic transmission chains

Researchers identified six distinct communities of zoonotic agent sharing in Austria, influenced by highly connected infectious agents, proximity to humans, and human activities. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to understanding and managing zoonoses, emphasizing the role of food and water in transmission.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Movement sensors show promise in identifying horses at injury risk

Researchers used movement sensors to track thoroughbreds' stride patterns and identified miniscule changes associated with increased injury risk. The technology has been shown to prevent catastrophic injuries by alerting trainers and veterinarians to intervene before a major injury occurs, resulting in longer careers for affected horses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJul 11, 2024

Researchers carry out first peer-reviewed study of fecal microbiota transplants in dolphins

Researchers successfully carried out pioneering fecal microbiota transplantations on Navy bottlenose dolphins, showing significant improvement and increased microbial diversity. The study's findings have important implications for marine mammal medicine, highlighting a non-antibiotic option to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

SourceApplied Microbiology International·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateMar 24, 2024

Training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can turn otherwise stressful events into play

A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can improve their emotional state and overall welfare. The researchers trained Holstein dairy heifers using food rewards and observed increased anticipatory behaviors and play, indicating a positive experience for the animals.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Wild bees develop tolerance to veterinary drugs

Wild stingless bee colonies in the Colombian Andes develop tolerance to the insecticide abamectin, which is derived from cattle medication ivermectin. Despite high concentrations of abamectin being lethal to bees, tolerant colonies grow at similar rates as non-tolerant ones

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Socialization for success: Two recent studies expand our understanding of how early social housing helps dairy calves thrive

Recent studies in JDS Communications have found that paired housing can build behavior skills, shape calf personalities, and set up animals for success in the herd. Early socialization has been shown to boost competitive skills, increase time drinking from a bottle, and make calves bolder towards novel objects and unfamiliar calves.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2023