Animal Welfare Science
Beautiful Spring Lilies Pose Serious Danger to Cats
March 27, 2026
Spring weather heralds the arrival of the beautiful blooms of true lilies (Lilium sp.) and daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.). Unfortunately, many cats have been poisoned by these lovely plants. The poisoning is so severe and the possible consequences so dire (even death) that in 2021, the FDA issued this warning:
“Lilies in the “true lily” and “daylily” families are very dangerous for cats. The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, licking a few pollen grains off its fur while grooming, or drinking the water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days. The toxin, which only affects cats, has not been identified. Dogs that eat lilies may have minor stomach upset but they don’t develop kidney failure.”
Contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in animals to address wildlife overpopulation
March 6, 2026
A Purdue University contraceptive vaccine seeks to address animal overpopulation by markedly reducing fertility in feral horses, deer, swine and other animals. Dr. Harm HogenEsch, distinguished professor of immunopathology in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Raluca Ostafe, director of Purdue University’s Molecular Evolution Protein Engineering and Production Facility, both members of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, have designed the vaccine based on the IZUMO1 mammalian sperm protein. It induces a robust and long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals.
An Alumna’s Giant Leap of Faith
January 22, 2026
Argo the Doberman was in trouble. Diagnosed with ventricular arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm, he could collapse and die at any moment. Although a local specialty clinic had stabilized him, his owner, Dr. Laura Strong (PU DVM ’87), knew that traditional medication wouldn’t be enough. In her search to give Argo a chance to live a longer life, Dr. Strong returned to her alma mater, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, which is pioneering a cardiac procedure for dogs.
Trick-or-Treat without the stress: Tips to keep your pets safe this Halloween
October 31, 2025
It’s Halloween! So don’t forget about your furry friends and how the excitement of trick-or-treaters and unfamiliar faces can disrupt their usual routine. Pets go missing all year long, of course, but especially during Fourth of July and Halloween celebrations.
Running like the wind: Studying asthma in horses helps lead human health insights
October 10, 2025
As Purdue focuses attention on research that is part of the university’s One Health strategic initiative, the spotlight is shining on Purdue Veterinary Medicine studies linking animal health with human health. One example, highlighted by the university this week, involves equine asthma research explained in an article by Purdue Brand Studio Senior Science Writer Brittany Steff.
PVM Faculty Honored for Research Success with Purdue Seed for Success Acorn Awards
November 15, 2024
When Purdue University’s Office of Research honored the accomplishments and innovative ideas of a host of researchers this week, several Purdue Veterinary Medicine scholars were among those recognized. At a ceremony Wednesday, November 14, in the Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms, the annual Seed for Success Acorn Awards were presented to Purdue Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-PIs who secured research awards of $1 million or more for a single proposal in fiscal year 2024.
Ugandan Wildlife Veterinarian Captivates Lynn Hall Audience with Message about Conservation of Gorillas
October 4, 2024
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed an international visitor this week who traveled half-way around the world to share a presentation with veterinary students entitled Conservaton of Gorillas through the One Health Approach. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, from Uganda, was a 2023 finalist for the Indianapolis Prize, which is awarded by the Indianapolis Zoo and is considered the world’s leading animal conservation award.
Upcoming Forum Brings Applied Science to Issues of Canine Welfare and Dog Breeding
April 26, 2024
The 2024 Canine Welfare Science Forum organized by the Purdue University Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS) will explore the changing landscape for dog supply and demand during a two-day program in June. Sessions will address the urgent need for innovation, collaborative problem-solving, and use of best-practices to get dogs into homes and keep them there.
PVM Achieves Research Funding Record
December 15, 2023
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s research enterprise reached a record level of funding in the most recent fiscal year (2022/2023), exceeding $15 million, which represents an increase of more than 6.5% over the preceding year. About 60% of the college’s research funding comes in the form of grants from the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH).
PVM Faculty Member Candace Croney Receives Prestigious 2023 AVMA Humane Award
June 19, 2023
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced last month (May 11) that the recipient of the 2023 AVMA Humane Award is Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue professor of animal behavior and well-being and director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS). Dr. Croney holds a joint appointment in the colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture. The award recognizes Dr. Croney for her exceptional dedication and contributions to the field of animal welfare.
