Why Cats Need Regular Vet Visits

Tips for Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, Thursday, August 22

Choosing the Right Carrier for Your Cat

Meet Dr. Norrell at Mutt Strut, Saturday, May 4

Come talk all things pets with Dr. Norrell at the Champaign County Humane Society Mutt Strut, tomorrow, Saturday, May 4. Stop by the University of Illinois Teaching Hospital booth and grab some fab pet swag while supplies last. Find out more about Mutt Strut

Spring Safety for Your Pet (Part 2): Heartworm, Fleas & Ticks

Spring Safety for Your Pet (Part 1)

The Easter Bunny brings lots of delicious treats--some of which can be downright dangerous for our animal companions.  Learn what to keep out of paw's reach this season. 

Watch Part 1 of Dr. Norrell's Spring Safety video on YouTube

What to Know About Vaccinating Your Kitten

 Dr. Kandi Norrell recently visited the WCIA Morning Show to discuss guidelines regarding vaccinations for kittens.

Watch Dr. Kandi Norell

Happy Tail Wagging Tuesday

Our Primary Care pups say Kendra gives the best hugs.

Celebrate Pet Dental, Health Month with Sammy!

Meet Sammy.

He came in for a wellness visit this week. His mom brushes his hair every day-- and doesn't it look fabulous!  After discussing his dental health during his  appointment, she has decided to add daily tooth brushing to their routine.  Way to celebrate Pet Dental Health Month, Sammy!  

Tell us about your pet's dental health routine?

Got Kittens?

Dr. Norrell's latest Pet Column talks about which vaccinations your kitten needs and why.

Read it online.

A Visit from Pixel, the Savannah Cat

Last night we had a visit from Pixel, the Savannah cat.

Savannahs are a Serval and domestic cat cross, and are known to be bright, inventive, intelligent, even ingenious!  Some even describe these playful, charming, and intensely energetic kitties as "very dog-like" because they are readily trainable, love to play fetch, and enjoy  outdoor walks on a leash. Some Savannahs even like riding in cars!  

Thanks for coming to see us Pixel!

Fighting Ovarian Cancer with Animal Passion

Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization: Fighting ovarian cancer with animal passion

This weekend, the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA) and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) launched an innovative new awareness program, the OCSA Veterinary Outreach Program, whose mission is "fighting ovarian cancer with animal passion," and seeks to engage and collaborate with the veterinary community members who have immediate access to individuals already included to discuss health issues in their presence.

ISVMA members have reported that "clients talking about their pet's health often feel comfortable talking to to the  veterinarian about their own health concerns.  This program provides that veterinarian with an easy transition into difficult concerns and conversations.  Raising awareness about this silent killer and saving lives will be the goal of the OSCA Veterinary Outreach Program.  The collaboration and exchange of information can ultimately help save lives," said Peter Weber, executive director, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association.

Though the program will focus on raising awareness about the often-missed symptoms of ovarian cancer, OCSA also announced a new veterinary medicine scholarship program that will award three $5000 scholarships starting in 2013.  Current second- and third-year Illinois veterinary students are eligible to apply.


For more information, visit http://www.ovariancancersymptomawareness.org

Dr. Kandi Norrell Donates Oxygen Masks for Pets to Fire Department that Rescued Cat

Photo: Dr. Kandi Norrell with Dutchess the cat and her rescuer and new owner, Toni Rose Day, a firefighter from Gibson City, and Chad Lowell, Invisible Fence of Mid-Illinois.

Yesterday, after a four-month stay at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dutchess is going home. And to mark Dutchess’s recovery, Dr. Kandi Norrell is donating a set of oxygen masks to the Gibson City fire department, the unit that rescued Dutchess, to help pets that may be caught in house fires in the future.

Dr. Norrell is a primary care veterinarian at the University of Illinois clinic. Though she was not involved in Dutchess’s treatment, she decided to make the donation through a partnership with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association’s foundation and Invisible Fence Brand. 

“The Project Breathe program allows local veterinarians to show their community that they care about the health and safety of their patients even when it comes to safety in the home,” says Dr. Norrell. “These kits will aid firefighters in administering life-saving care for pets that suffer smoke inhalation.”

Dr. Norrell encourages other veterinarians to contact the state veterinary association to find out how they can participate in Project Breathe for their own community.

More about Dutchess
Dutchess was just six months old when, on September 19, a house fire claimed all her family’s possessions, their Saybrook, Ill., home, and the life of the family dog. 

Dutchess was rescued by firefighter Toni Rose Day, but the cat had second- and third-degree burns. An initial grant from the college helped cover the cost of immediate care for Dutchess, but it was clear that she would need much more time and money to complete her recovery.

That’s when Toni created a Facebook page, “The Dutchess Burn Fund.” Within weeks more than 3,000 followers around the world were cheering for Dutchess. Donations from Sweden, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Dubai as well as dozens of states were sent to assist with the costs of Dutchess’s care.

Our Feline Friends Travel in Style

One of our feline patients came for a visit in this awesome carrier. Aside from looking cool, it has a number of features that make kitty's vet visit less stressful.

The soft sides give it just the right balance of comfort and durability. And it has multiple was to open up and provide access for the vet.

Plus, it's so cozy kitty's humans leave it out so kitty can use it as a bed. Since kitty sees it as a normal part of its environment, it becomes less anxious when it's time to come in and head to a vet visit.