Dogs

Sometimes, people are just in the right place at the right time. Thankfully for Aika, neurologist Dr. Christine Toedebusch happened to be in the Emergency Room at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) when the 5-year-old corgi arrived. While she was checking on another patient, Dr. Toedebusch noticed Aika from across the room.

Augmented reality (AR) eyeglasses have the potential to improve outcomes in some complex canine veterinary surgeries, according to a new article in the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR).

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have long been known as contributors to orofacial pain and dysfunction in a dog’s ability to maintain a good quality of life, including eating, drinking, vocalizing, and using their mouth for useful activities. Treatment of TMJ conditions—such as cancerous tumors, severe inflammatory diseases, and septic arthritis—have progressed significantly over the past decade with research and clinical breakthroughs by veterinarians dedicated to oral health.

This article first appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of Synergy magazine

Dr. Maria Vasquez already has a favorite aspect to her position in the small animal hospital—helping manage stress for clinicians and families with hospitalized pets. By getting more hands-on time with her patients, she provides an additional resource to medical teams and reassurance to clients that the best care is being provided for their beloved pets.

This article first appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of Synergy magazine

Luna is back to work as a certified therapy dog—bringing her calm nature to healthcare centers, schools, airports, and other places—after neurosurgery to remove a difficult-to-access brain tumor. The 9-year-old Maltese was the first patient enrolled in a clinical trial investigating fluorescence-guided surgery to remove canine brain tumors.

This article first appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of Synergy magazine

A 2021 outbreak of leptospirosis that sickened more than 200 dogs in Los Angeles County reveals critical gaps in vaccination practices and raises broader concerns about the spread of the disease between animals and people, according to new research led by the University of California, Davis. 

Among dog breeds, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (tollers) have an unusually high rate of Addison's disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, notably cortisol and aldosterone. In humans, Addison's disease is thought to occur when the body's immune system attacks the adrenal glands, making it a type of autoimmune disease.

Spooner was an active 2-year-old Australian shepherd/poodle mix when owners Judith and Brad noticed problems with his claws in 2022. His veterinarian suspected he had symmetric lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO), a painful, immune-mediated disease that causes brittleness of the claws with abnormal growth and ultimately loss of the claw.

The top-ranked UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine may be known for its specialty care, but they also offer primary care for your animals. The Primary Care Service at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, or VMTH, provides treatment to make sure that your canine or feline friend receives the routine care they need.