We discuss some of the main urologic goals for our pediatric patients with spina bifida. In addition to different treatment options and management considerations, we address the importance of multidisciplinary care.UF Health Shands Hospital

The fountain of youth may not exist, but veganism does. And a new study suggests that just two months spent on a vegan diet is enough to slow down the biological aging process. Stanford University researchers studied 21 pairs of identical twins who followed either an omnivorous or vegan diet for eight weeks. Using identical twins allowed them to co…

It’s a question as old as time: Nature or nurture? When it comes to the malleable, hormone-driven teenage brain, new research suggests the environment in which that adolescent brain develops plays a big role during a time when 75 percent of mental health disorders first appear. Researchers from Yale University turned to a series of complex algorith…

What if your kid’s Halloween candy was healthier and better for the environment? Swiss researchers may have made that fantasy more viable with their creation of “whole-fruit chocolate.” We all know chocolate is a guilty pleasure. The chocolate that fills trick-or-treaters buckets is high in sugar and saturated fat and contributes to obesity and hea…

Scientists are suggesting that we all might have a stake in the stock market even if we’ve never owned a share in any company. Our very health might be impacted. Chinese scientists found in a recent study that stock market volatility is associated with a higher death rate from cardiovascular illnesses like stroke or a heart attack. The mortality ri…

A persistent American myth holds that it can be safe to smoke during pregnancy if it’s just a tiny bit. A new study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, however, reiterates that the number of cigarettes that can be safely lit by an expectant mother is easy to calculate. It’s zero, zip, nada. Researchers say it’s best to quit smoking…

Sometimes animals need blood transfusions just like people do — for blood loss, surgery or serious illnesses. The North American Veterinary Blood Bank — or NAVBB — supplies blood to animal hospitals when they need it, and they’re always looking for donors. If you’re interested in volunteering your dog or cat as a donor, here are some requirements t…

We’ve talked before about the millions of birds that die annually after crashing into buildings. However, the statistics have been off. Tragically, the more accurate count is in the hundreds of millions. Up to now, bird fatalities have been tallied by the number of carcasses found at building sites. But a recent study found that fewer than 10% of b…

We may be done with hot weather, but it’s likely not done with us — or our pets. So, now’s not the time to let your guard down about pets in cars. Even at a comfortable 70 degrees outside, it only takes 20 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 100 degrees — and pets with shortened flat muzzles or those that have recently exercised can get danger…

In people, removing creases around the eyes is usually done via a cosmetic procedure dubbed a “nip and tuck.” But in animals, periocular surgery — or surgery around the eye — is usually an essential procedure performed to improve the animal’s quality of life. Some dogs and cats’ eyelids roll inward, causing their eyelashes to rub against the eye’s …

It’s that time of year when hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding can batter small farms — but a disaster plan can help mitigate the dangers to livestock. The first hazard is debris, which can cause serious physical injuries. After that, flood waters carrying bacteria, chemicals and other toxins can spread disease. High humidity means more germ-…

There are 32,000 fish species in the world — that’s more than all other vertebrate species combined. So, it’s a good thing there are fish veterinarians to care for them. But how do they do it? Care begins by analyzing the water quality, since most fish conditions can be traced to their environment. Once a fish is netted, they’re placed in an exam t…

In July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Felanorm [FEEL-ah-norm], the first generic form of methimazole for treating hyperthyroidism in cats. Hyperthyroidism is common in cats over eight years old. It causes the body’s metabolism to rev up, resulting in weight loss in spite of a good appetite. Other signs can include increased d…

Although the Department of Transportation reported only seven animal deaths out of over 188,000 animal flyers in 2022, that’s seven too many for their grieving pet parents. The truth is air travel in cargo or the cabin can be risky for pets. Cargo travel is especially dicey during hot or cold weather. But cargo air pressurization is less precise th…

Cats are meant to use their claws, and that means scratching — which can be problematic when it comes at the expense of your furniture. So, what can you do? To determine why some cats scratch more than others, researchers surveyed over 1,200 cat parents, asking about their daily life as well as their cats’ characteristics and scratching behavior. T…

Is your cat a chatterbox? You may be able to translate your cat’s vocalizations, but chattering can be baffling to decipher. If you’ve heard these characteristic feline chirps and twitters, chances are it’s when your buddy’s at the window staring at birds, squirrels or other critters. Feline chatters are similar to noises made by small prey animals…

We’ve likely all seen pets with disabilities and wondered if they can live happy lives. So, let’s talk about cats with cerebellar hypoplasia [sare-uh-BELL-er high-po-PLAY-zha], or CH [C-H] for short. CH is a congenital condition caused by a viral infection in a pregnant cat, which is passed to her unborn kitten. The virus damages the part of the ki…

Thomas Schrepfer, M.D., discusses what sialendoscopy is, how it works as a minimally invasive technique, and the benefits and limitations in treating salivary gland disorders.UF Health Shands Hospital

Smell and memory have long seemed inextricably linked. It’s more than the way a certain aroma can trigger a strong, long-ago memory. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other disorders involving the brain are often preceded by a loss of olfactory capacity. Scientists, for example, are today studying how the loss of the sense of smell with COVID-19 infection…

You don’t want be as slow as a sloth in recognizing the symptoms of this virus. The Oropouche [Orr-oh-pooch] virus, also known as “sloth fever,” has been reported in the United States. More than 8,000 cases have been confirmed this year, most of which originate from South America, where the virus is endemic. Thus far, U.S. residents traveling from …

Salvatore Scali, MD, provides a contemporary perspective on aortic surgery training will be discussed highlighting current case volumes and future projections among training programs in the United States. The barriers to open aortic surgical training and potential opportunities that are available to offset these challenges longitudinally will be di…

You’ve heard the saying “kill them with kindness.” Sadly, a modern version of that old saw might be “kill them with rudeness.” New research finds that workplace sass not only hinders team productivity but can threaten lives. A team led by researchers from Indiana University and the University of Florida conducted five studies to gauge how negative …

Do you love your pet? No need to answer … of course you do. You cherish your pup’s greeting when returning from work. You appreciate the moments your cat shows affection by brushing against your leg. We all want our pets healthy and happy. They make us happy, too. Interacting with them lowers our cortisol levels and blood pressure. The American Pet…

Veterinary technicians, or nurses, are essential to veterinary hospitals and practices. Their roles are diverse, and career paths can vary widely. On this week’s Animal Airwaves-Live, Holly Kitchen, a certified veterinary technician (CVT) and veterinary technician specialist in ophthalmology (VTS), shares her career journey and insights into her sp…

Is your newborn getting all the nutrients needed to grow? If you rely on baby food, the answer might surprise you. According to research by the George Institute for Global Health in Australia, about 60% of packaged baby food sold in the United States does not meet nutritional standards set by the World Health Organization. Using standards from the …

While a mosquito bite might be nothing but a fleeting nuisance for some, in many parts of the world, the buzzing pest poses a serious concern. Mosquitoes are notorious for spreading deadly diseases, like malaria, which kills over 400,000 people each year. It’s no surprise mosquitoes have earned the title of the deadliest animal, along with the unof…

ECPR is a treatment option for patients who otherwise would face near-certain death. It involves the use of a machine that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lung.UF Health Shands Hospital

It lasts about three years but feels like 300. You’ll endure unspeakable terrors, like public speaking, group exercise and misperceiving your talents as a dancer … all while dodging pimples and acrid body odor. You won’t recognize yourself — or your friends. It happens to everyone. It, friends, is middle school. According to research from scientist…

Doctors in recent years have noticed an alarming trend: Colorectal cancer rates among younger people have nearly doubled. Between 1995 and 2019, colorectal cancer diagnoses increased from 11 percent to 20 percent in people under 55 years old. That’s one in five individuals. Scientists have been working to get to the bottom of this trend and a new C…

When you reach into your bathroom cabinet for a swig of mouthwash, you probably wouldn’t expect to find matcha [maa-chuh] there. But a new study has found that when used as a dental hygiene product, matcha can reduce the risk of gum disease caused by the growth of bacteria. Matcha, a vibrant green tea powder, is known for its antioxidant properties…

Join us for a riveting episode of Animal Airwaves – Live! featuring Dr. Cory Woliver, an emergency and critical care expert at the UF Small Animal Hospital. Dr. Woliver delves into the lives of coral snakes, discussing what happens from an envenomation and what makes these snakes unique among venomous serpents. Dr. Woliver will also discuss his gro…

Mindfulness, or the ability to be fully present in whatever moment you’re in, requires focusing attention on the present — without judgment, and with a gentle curiosity about what is going on around you. Research has long touted this as something of a silver bullet we all can practice to reduce stress. Now, researchers from North Carolina State Uni…

Humans have had their hands in the proverbial honey jar for millennia. There’s just something about the sticky sweetness, wonderful golden color, and rich flavor that keeps us coming back for more. Honey’s health benefits have long been explored, with evidence of honey being used for therapeutic purposes in ancient Greece and ancient Egypt. Even af…

What color is pain relief? A study from the University of Arizona in Tucson suggests green — at least when it comes to migraines. Previously, researchers discovered that green light could lead to pain relief in laboratory rats. Now, researchers are exploring the healing hue as a preventive treatment for people who experience migraines. A migraine i…

Jeffrey Friedman, MD, FACS, FASMBS, discusses gastroparesis, a challenging condition where the stomach’s delayed emptying triggers discomforting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. He explores how precise diagnostic tests and a range of treatment options, from dietary changes to advanced surgical solutions, can offer relie…

Those concerned about the effects of popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on their mental health may soon find peace of mind. A new study suggests GLP-1RA drugs, a class of glucose-lowering drugs that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, may not cause increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in older adults. Researchers from the Univers…

Want to add years to your life? Start by touching your toes — or at least give it a go. New research suggests that increased flexibility might lower the risk of premature death among middle-aged adults. Danish researchers studied over 3,000 adults between the ages of 46 and 65 who were part of an exercise study in Brazil. Researchers followed the p…

Grief after losing a loved one may have a significant impact on your body, not just your brain. Or your aching heart. A new study from Columbia University suggests that loss accelerates biological aging, even starting as early as your 30s. Put simply, biological age refers to the age of your cells and functionality of your organs. It can be used to…

Who knew a bunch of fat cats could teach us so much? These chunky cats, however, might just help us shed the pounds. Got an obese cat? You aren’t alone in overindulging your pet. Six out of 10 cats in the U.S. are overweight. Cats don’t know better. Their humans feed them, after all, and have their own problems walking by the food bowl without stop…

Your body composition might predict your likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline later in life. A new study suggests that fat and muscle distribution could be used to assess the risk of developing neurogenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The two neurodegenerative disease affect more than 60 million people. Chinese researchers…

Public dog parks aren’t the best places for every dog — like pooches who react fearfully or aggressively toward others. Now there may be other options for dogs to feel their oats while still feeling safe. For example, the online app Sniffspot was created to connect dog parents with homeowners looking to rent out their private property. Rentals are …

Doctors can rest easy, with the knowledge that artificial intelligence hasn’t replaced them yet. A new study suggests that humans prefer medical advice from real people over AI, even if the advice is exactly the same. German researchers conducted two studies to determine if feelings about digital medical advice changed, depending on its perceived s…

The face is the touchstone of our emotional world. A person’s collection of facial features helps define their identity and make a first impression. In the future, it also might define health status. Our mugs are not a uniform temperature where a nose or a cheek and jowl or lower lip are all similarly warm or cold. Instead, our faces emit patterns …

When your child is upset and on the verge of making a scene in the cereal aisle, it can be easy to fill their hands with a smartphone or tablet so you can keep filling your cart. A new study, however, says this quick fix may hinder your child’s emotional development. Canadian and Hungarian researchers followed 265 Canadian families with preschool-a…

Aside from the debt, getting a new car is loads of fun. Learning all its features. Feeling fancy when you drive it. And of course, delighting in that new-car aroma. Its time-limited bouquet hits every time you buckle up, fooling you into thinking you absolutely will go years never sullying your ride with so much as a single wayward French fry. New …

Grandpa isn’t the only one who can benefit from eating prunes. A new study found that eating prunes improved bone health and lowered the risk of bone disease in postmenopausal women. Researchers from U.S. universities found that those who routinely ate prunes maintained better bone density and strength than those who didn’t. The scientists separate…

Imagine yourself old. If you’re already old, just think of yourself as you are now. But instead of how you feel or expect you would feel, envision older adulthood as a time your joints aren’t complaining. You need no walker because you’re not frail, so you haven’t broken any bones. Your eyesight and hearing? Imperfect, but not terrible. How would t…

Your schedule of bowel movements can provide valuable insight into your health. Of course, when we talk schedule, it must be emphasized that no appointment is necessary for this activity. It turns out that the frequency of those movements might say something about your well-being. University of Washington scientists say in a new study that the freq…

Imagine your child is walking through a mall, alone. Your little one passes shop after shop and person after person. Of course, you hope your child won’t talk to strangers or give anyone their personal information. Or that no one encourages them to do something they shouldn’t. Online life today is just as perilous for children as being alone in pub…

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in our beloved pets. Dr. Ronald Goncalves, an emergency medicine and critical care specialist, brings his expertise to Animal Airwaves-Live to discuss this potentially life-threatening condition. Heat stroke is a serious and often underestimated danger for animals, capable of causing severe orga…