Veterinary News From Medical News Today

28 February 2020

Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in animals. This category includes news on animal-related studies, pet food recalls, animal diseases, new advances in veterinary medicine and pet care.

• Catnip: What do we know about the feline drug?
  Catnip is the most famous stimulant for cats. How does it work, why does it not affect all cats, and are there any catnip alternatives? We investigate.
• Are some parrots selfless?
  Recent experiments involving African gray parrots and blue-headed macaws suggest that some parrot species may be naturally kind and altruistic.
• Could probiotics benefit cats?
  With the growing popularity of probiotics, some researchers are asking whether they might benefit felines. A recent, small-scale study investigates.
• Why are scientists painting stripes on cows?
  A group of scientists recently concluded that painting black and white stripes on cows might help protect them from biting insects.
• Why are baby pandas so small? Study explores
  Researchers have examined and compared panda skeletons with the skeletons of bears and other animals in an effort to answer an intriguing question.
• For rats, empathy may be a survival strategy
  Research in rats suggests that empathy may be an important element in the rodents’ remarkable ability to survive in difficult environments.
• Same-sex sexual behavior in animals: Do we have it all wrong?
  For many years, researchers have made certain assumptions about same-sex sexual behaviors in animals — but what if their assumptions have been wrong?
• Global warming may cause birds to shrink
  New research has analyzed trends in migratory bird size over a 38-year period and discovered a decline that may result from global warming.
• Researchers find over 40 new species of fish in one lake
  Researchers have found dozens of new fish species in just one African lake — a feat of diversity. The find also proves a key point in evolutionary biology.
• Only 'cat whisperers' can read felines' facial expressions
  New research finds that most people are unable to read cats' facial expressions, apart from a small group of so-called cat whisperers.
• Why scientists are studying hibernation to tackle obesity
  New research in hibernating mammals reveals that noncoding DNA may play a role in mechanisms related to obesity control in humans and other animals.
• Are most dolphins 'right-handed,' too?
  After studying dolphins for 6 years, researchers have found that these mammals have a preference for their right sides, similar to human right-handedness.
• Fixing bird wings with sheep bones
  The current method of fixing broken bird bones is not ideal. A recent study investigates whether pins made of dog or sheep bone might be more effective.
• How fast does a blue whale's heart beat?
  Scientists have recorded a blue whale's heart rate for the first time. The findings may explain why no other animal has ever been larger than a blue whale.
• New research finds better way of calculating dogs' real ages
  A team of researchers says that it has found a more accurate way to calculate dogs' real age and to show how it compares with age in human years.