A team of experts from Texas A&M University and the University of Georgia are collaborating on a series of research projects.

Chagas disease is being studied by a team of investigators from Texas A&M University in College Station and the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens. The collaborative team has several new projects that aim to address prevalence, diagnostics, and treatment for the benefit of canines and humans. This work is supported by more than $4 million in funding from the federal government and nongovernmental organizations, according to Texas A&M.

Chagas disease is a tropical condition that is common in dogs and humans and is caused by the 

 parasite. The disease is most commonly spread by fecal matter from triatomine insects, which are also known as "kissing bugs" that have bitten and fed on the blood of infected hosts.

Chagas disease can be life-threatening to both canines and humans when left untreated.

 Often unnoticed in early stages, the disease is a chronic infection that can lead to serious heart and digestive system problems. Early diagnosis is important, as the infection is difficult to detect and the disease is challenging to treat, according to Texas A&M.

“These projects will advance Chagas disease research to understand the process of natural infections, disease, and effect of treatments,” Sarah Hamer, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVPM, a project leader and professor in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences (VMBS), said in a news release.

 “These projects combine many aspects of biomedical research. We’re conducting field and laboratory research, treating dogs, measuring clinical outcomes, and studying ecological factors. It’s truly a ‘One Health’ approach.”

Most human cases of Chagas disease have been reported from South and Central America and Mexico, but there are also established triatomine bug populations across the southern United States, according to Texas A&M. Dogs in Texas are important data sources for Chagas disease because they often encounter these parasites, according to investigators.

“Unfortunately, Texas has emerged as a hot spot of infected kissing bugs, infected wildlife, and infected dogs across the landscape,” Hamer said.

 “We think dogs are getting infected when they eat the insects.”

Study shows that Mexican free-tailed bats do not carry the parasite responsible for Chagas disease

Participants in the study include privately owned canines and working dogs. “Dogs that work in customs and border protection and for the Transportation Security Administration can be exposed to Chagas disease,” Ashley Saunders, DVM, DACVIM, a project leader, professor, and cardiologist in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Studies at Texas A&M VMBS, said in the release. “Some of our work will be a continuation of previous studies of the clinical impacts of the disease on canine cardiac health, as well as how the dogs are exposed to the parasite so we can help minimize their risk.”

While announcing the study initiative and funding, Texas A&M addressed 3 investigation projects included in the research initiative. They include one that may help advance human health through the study of canine patients, another that focuses on working dogs, and a third aiming to improve the management of Chagas disease in canines.

In the first project, funded by the National Institutes of Health, investigators aim to establish optimal protocols for the detection and treatment of the Chagas infection that can potentially lead to the prevention of cardiac disease development. Innovative diagnostics and treatment strategies are being utilized to conduct this study.

"There are a number of important questions related to treatment efficacy and the protection that cured subjects have from future infection that cannot be easily addressed in humans but can be in these dog populations that are under intense transmission pressure in Texas,” Rick Tarleton, PhD, a project leader, UGA Regents Professor, and UGA Athletic Association Distinguished Professor, said in a news release.

This study will track infected individuals using a combination approach with sensitive tests that detect parasite DNA and the body’s response to infection.

Dogs are a good model for examining the effectiveness of the treatment for humans, as Chagas disease presents similarly in canines as it does in humans. The drug being administered in the study is an existing treatment for Chagas disease in humans, according to Saunders.

Investigators will monitor working dogs owned by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the second project, which is funded by the DHS. These dogs are often trained in areas where Chagas disease is prevalent, including Texas, and investigators are seeking to understand how they are exposed to the disease and the effects it can have on heart health.

“One of the reasons that monitoring dogs is so helpful is because Chagas disease can produce so many different subsets of health problems,” Saunders said in the release.

 “Some dogs end up with a heart abnormality, but a large number continue living and working happily for many years. Others will die quite suddenly, before anyone knew they had the disease.”

“Recording health information from such a large population of dogs will hopefully help us understand why the disease develops in different ways,” Hamer added.

Investigators noted that although government-working dogs are commonly trained in Texas, they can perform their jobs anywhere in the US. Therefore, working dogs infected with 

could be transported to regions across the country that do not currently have as much prevalence or awareness of the parasite.

The third project is supported by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. It will develop a staging system for Chagas disease in dogs, with the investigative team treating and monitoring pet dogs brought to Texas A&M’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital.

“The staging system we develop will help us to categorize the severity of disease, making it easier to determine which dogs will benefit most from drug treatment,” Saunders said.

“This scoring system will work hand-in-hand with our improved diagnostic and treatment plan.”

Research collaboration takes ‘One Health’ approach to study Chagas disease exposure, treatment effectiveness. News release. Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences. May 7, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. 

https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2025/05/07/research-collaboration-takes-one-health-approach-to-study-chagas-disease-exposure-treatment-effectiveness/

Chagas disease in dogs. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences. April 5, 2018. Accessed May 7, 2025. 

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/chagas-disease-in-dogs-2018/

About Chagas disease. CDC. September 4, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. 

https://www.cdc.gov/chagas/about/index.html#:~:text=About%208%20million%20people%20globally,where%20we%20find%20Chagas%20disease

Articles

Investigators are studying Chagas disease with a One Health approach

, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Josh Rosen, DVM, to the show to discuss clinical empathy in practice. Throughout the episode, Rosen and  Christman talk about how empathy in the exam room can help build trust and  improve patient outcomes by acknowledging and understanding a client's emotions 

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity.

 When we talk about empathy, what do you think are some common myths or misunderstandings that there may be about empathy and vet med that you wish more people would recognize?

he biggest thing that I hear is that it takes too much time.... I think that people don't recognize how much redundancy exists because of poor communication. How many times have we had something have to be redone, or had to redo a treatment plan, or have the assistant go back and forth between the exam room and the treatment room because we missed the mark on what we thought the pet parent was aiming for that day, as far as their goals are concerned? When we have that connection, and when I'm able to really be on the same team with that pet parent, in regards to whatever they're presenting for, I'm able to go through my recommendations and feel confident being present in that room when we review the treatment plan. So [now] that I'm here, let's talk about any struggles that you have so that we make a plan that is best suited for you. 

The other reason why I'm doing that is so we aren't inefficient, right? I don't want that time wasted going back and forth and then maybe even exhausting the pet parent to make them eventually feel like it's not worth doing anything, because that would be the worst-case scenario.... The other thing, too, is that empathy does not mean agreeing, and I think that I probably take that one a little bit too personal sometimes, but...you don't have to agree with someone in order to empathize [with] them. In fact, if you don't agree with someone, it may be even more important for you to try to empathize, because clearly you're not understanding their perspective. If you think you're at odds with each other because they disagree with you, if you're feeling as though there's [a] 1-vs-1 attitude when we're talking about treatment plan presentation, it often is that we're falling into the habit that we can't empathize if we don't agree. And it's just the complete opposite. If you want that pet parent to buy-in, you need to empathize with them if they don't agree. You need to see what that pain point is so you can meet them halfway. 

Podcasts

Take a deep dive into the world of clinical empathy in veterinary medicine with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and Josh Rosen, DVM.

Clinical empathy for you, me, and everybody 

The application period for the 2026 Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies program is now open through August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM US Central Standard Time. The program offers funding globally for research on the distinct connections between humans and their pets.

Funding is offered to applicants affiliated with universities, foundations, charities, and nongovernmental organizations but is not limited to these organizations. Applicants may receive up to $40,000 in research funding per proposal.

This year, proposals that explore the benefits of the human-animal bond for people in vulnerable positions, the impact of human-animal interactions on the well-being of pets, and the bond between people and cats will be given preference. The application form and requirements can be found 

"At Purina, we truly believe that people and pets are better together, and we are invested in understanding how to create stronger bonds and more joyful lives together," Francois Martin, PhD, MA, manager of global pet behavior and welfare at Purina, said in a news release.

 "Through our Human-Animal Bond Studies program, we can better understand the healing power of pets and the variety of ways in which the bonds with our pets impact their lives and ours."

According to Purina, the rules for the 2026 sponsorship applications are as follows

Only proposals about cats and/or dogs will be evaluated.

Only 1 proposal per researcher will be evaluated.

Applicants with other corporate affiliations may pose a conflict of interest with Nestlé Purina PetCare Company's (Purina) business. Potential conflicts of interest will be evaluated by Purina. Purina reserves the right to disqualify an applicant/researcher on the grounds of conflict of interest.

All research studies will require approval by Purina and the local ethical/animal use committee and must be fully compliant with local and national animal welfare regulations.

Purina will only fund noninvasive research studies and procedures consistent with routine veterinary care. We do not participate in any invasive research that causes injury, illness, or disease, or that results in euthanasia of dogs or cats.

All applications must provide a timeline with specific deliverables.

All applications must present a detailed budget.

Payments to the selected applicants will be divided by Nestlé Purina into predetermined installments.

University overhead cost will be limited to $1000 maximum per application.

If the application is accepted, Purina will be acknowledged as a sponsor in all communications about the project.

Projects must be completed within a maximum of 2 years after receiving the first installment.

A final report must be submitted to Purina in order to receive the final installment.

All communications regarding the sponsored projects (eg, scientific abstracts, peer-reviewed publications) must be submitted to Purina for review before submission.

If any intellectual property is generated by the sponsorship, Purina shall have exclusive rights to negotiate a license for intellectual property first.

Evaluations for applications will be completed in September 2025, and contracts for allocated sponsorships will be signed that fall. Funds will be allocated based on the specific requirements of each project once contracts are signed in early 2026. Additionally, the allocation of funds will occur following a review of the final project reports. All studies must be completed by December 2027, according to Purina.

Purina opens funding opportunities for scientific research proposals on the unique bond between people and pets. News release. Purina. May 2, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purina-opens-funding-opportunities-for-scientific-research-proposals-on-the-unique-bond-between-people-and-pets-302445204.html

2026 Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies. Purina. April 29, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.purina.com/humananimalbond

The program offers up to $40,000 in funding for accepted proposals on the human-animal bond.

Application period for 2026 Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond Studies program now open

To meet the increasing need for pet health services, many practices are opening new locations or expanding their services. Other animal care establishments, such as day cares, are following suit with location expansions to help meet the demands of pet owners. Moreover, recently, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the US launched a digital pet pharmacy.

Below are 3 recent and upcoming animal care facility and digital business openings:

Animal ER of University Park (Bradenton, Florida)

Animal ER of University Park in Bradenton, Florida

(Image courtesy of Ethos Veterinary Health)

Animal ER of University Park (AERUP) recently relocated to a new, cutting-edge building, located across the street from their previous location. The new facility has 5000 sq ft of space with 6 exam rooms, a specialized waiting area for cats and dogs, a treatment area with 6 exam tables, an operating room, a special procedures room, an intensive care unit ward with Snyder oxygen cages, and separate dog and cat wards, with 2 isolation wards and enclosed outdoor walk areas for dogs and isolation patients. Additionally, AERUP is extending its hours to 24/7 care for emergency services.

“This move represents an exciting new chapter for Animal ER of University Park,” Caroline McQuillan, hospital director at AERUP, said in a news release.

“We are committed to providing exceptional emergency and urgent care, and this new space allows us to expand our capabilities while ensuring a more comfortable experience for pets and their families.”

Late last month, Tractor Supply Co announced the launch of TractorSupplyRx, a new, low-cost pet and animal pharmacy service. Through the new platform, clients can purchase pet and animal medications, enroll in automatic delivery, and obtain pharmacy advice from experts, according to the company. In 2024, Tractor Supply acquired Allivet to expand its veterinary pharmacy capabilities and fulfill prescriptions through its new pharmacy service.

“With 3 out of 4 of our 38 million Neighbor’s Club members owning a pet or animal, we have continually sought ways to provide an easy, 1-stop shopping destination for all their needs,” Rob Mills, executive vice president and chief technology, digital, and corporate strategy officer at Tractor Supply, said in a news release.

 “We are now able to provide our pet customers with seamless, trusted access to the best value in medications and the expert guidance needed to help their pets and animals thrive—along with their favorite food, treats, toys, and more.”

Dogdrop in Austin, Texas (Image courtesy of Dogdrop)

The dog day care, Dogdrop, is opening a new location in East Austin, Texas, this fall. The facility operates through a no-appointment-necessary model that requires payment in 30-minute increments. According to the organization, the location will have specialized play areas for the different personalities of dogs and will send clients real-time text updates with photos during each visit.

“Austin pet parents deserve a modern day care option that fits their on-the-go lifestyle," Shaina Denny, CEO of Dogdrop, said in a company release.

 "Our members love that they can drop off their dogs for just a few hours rather than committing to a full day, and they appreciate receiving text updates with photos throughout their dog's stay. We've reimagined dog day care for today's pet parent, and we're thrilled to bring this concept to East Austin.”

Think your hospital has an award-winning design? Submit to the 2025 Hospital Design360® Competition by May 31! Winners will receive national recognition in the dvm360® magazine, a Hospital Design Award, and free admission to a 2025 Fetch Conference. Categories include over 8,000 sq. ft., 3,500–8,000 sq. ft., and under 3,500 sq. ft. Enter 

Animal ER of University Park announces exciting move to a new, state-of-the-art facility. News release. Animal ER of University Park. April 29, 2025.

Tractor Supply launches new Tractor Supply Rx with easy ordering for pet and animal pharmacy needs. News release. Tractor Supply Company. April 21, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250421317180/en/Tractor-Supply-Launches-New-Tractor-Supply-Rx-With-Easy-Ordering-for-Pet-and-Animal-Pharmacy-Needs

Austin goes to the dogs: Dogdrop brings innovative pet care to East Austin. News release. Dogdrop. April 21, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/austin-goes-to-the-dogs-dogdrop-brings-innovative-pet-care-to-east-austin-302434502.html

The latest updates relating to animal care establishments and platforms.

Clinic center: New virtual pet pharmacy service and more

Back pain can be debilitating in dogs. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when discs bulge or burst, compressing the spinal cord.

 Symptoms range from pain and difficulty walking to severe neurological deficits and paralysis. Survival is high with either surgery or medical management, but the disease leaves long-lasting effects on the quality of life (QOL) of both the dog and their owner.

IVDD affects dogs of all breeds and ages. Chondrodystrophic breeds with the expression of FGF4 retrogenes on chromosome 12 are at the highest risk, including dachshunds, French bulldogs, beagles, shih tzus, cocker spaniels, pugs, basset hounds, and bichon frise. However, nonchondrodystrophic breeds such as German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, dalmatians, Bernese mountain dogs, boxers, and mixed breeds can develop IVDD, too.

Historically, studies defined IVDD prognosis by improvement in neurological function and ambulation recovery without consideration of chronic sequelae. A recent study examined the long-term effects of IVDD through owner-reported QOL and caregiver burden.

The severity of neurological signs, availability of diagnostic imaging, access to specialized treatment, owner adherence, and financial limitations all influence IVDD outcomes. Acute treatment options are surgery or medical management. Surgery is typically reserved for nonambulatory dogs and is associated with better success rates, quicker recovery times, and lower risk of recurrence. Medical management involves pain control with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, opioids, or pregabalin.

The authors interviewed 31 pet owners with dogs treated for IVDD. A full 58% reported residual problems such as kyphosis (an abnormal convex curvature of the spine), signs of pain, gait abnormalities, and decreased exercise tolerance. Persistent symptoms of IVDD could all be related to pain. Despite this, few dogs received long-term pain medications, and most owners viewed their dog’s QOL as good, suggesting IVDD-related pain may be overlooked. Regular follow-up visits and pain assessments are essential for chronic sequelae management.

Among respondents, 47% still felt negatively impacted by their dog’s IVDD diagnosis and found managing this condition challenging. These results emphasize that IVDD is a chronic disease and that treatment should last beyond the acute phase. It is crucial to prepare and support owners to minimize both their dog's suffering and their own suffering as a result of IVDD.

Samsøe-Schmidt F, Berendt M, Miles JE. Chronic sequelae and owner burdens are common following canine intervertebral disc disease. 

Morrison BJ. IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) in dogs. PetMD. Published December 6, 2022. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_intervertebral_disc_disease

A recent study examined long-term effects of the disease.

Understanding canine intervertebral disc disease

We are officially less than 30 days away from Fetch Nashville 2025! When going to a conference, all the events and activities can sometimes feel overwhelming when trying to decide where to go, who to see, and when to do it. To help, we compiled a list of labs still available, keynotes not to miss, and 

’s very own Consult and Connect to help you navigate your Fetch Nashville experience. 

Discovering the Delights of Dermatology: One Woman’s Journey Into Derm and How You Will Learn to Love It Too!

To kick off Fetch Nashville day 1, after some early morning continuing education (CE) sessions, Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, shares her journey into dermatology through her love of music. Throughout her address, Miller will take attendees on the not-so-straightforward path she followed in veterinary medicine and how, as you continue to move through the industry, passions you might not have expected may present themselves. Sponsored by Blue Buffalo, this keynote address kicks off at 9:15 AM CDT in room 101 A-E. Make sure you do not miss it!

The Top 5 Seismic Things Happening in Animal Care You Need To Know About and Take Action On

Fetch welcomes back to our keynote stage Temple Grandin, PhD, and Marty Becker, DVM, Elite FFCP-V, to explore with attendees important changes that have been made in animal care today and provide practical insights attendees can apply moving forward in their careers. This lecture will take place on day 2 at 9:15 AM CDT and is sponsored by Vetway. 

At every Fetch conference, attendees can participate in Consult and Connect. Set up in a booth in the exhibit hall, faculty will be available to attendees to consult on cases or ask questions that they may not have been able to ask prior to or after their lectures or hands-on labs. The following faculty will be available at the Consult and Connect booth. The conversations at the booth are not available for CE credits.

Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

Tabitha Kucera, CCBC, RVT, KPA-CTP, VTS (Behavior)

Patella Luxation Lab: Introducing RidgeStop™

Led by Bruce Nwadike, DVM, DACVS, MRCVS, on May 31, 2025, from 1:15-4:15 CDT, this 3-hour hands-on lab will include a 1-hour lecture followed by 2 hours of practical laboratory work. Each of the participants will deepen their understanding of patellar luxation through the lecture’s coverage of diagnostic techniques and treatment selection. Through a strong emphasis on the novel and minimally invasive alternative to traditional sulcoplasty, RidgeStop, the lecture will show that this product utilizes a medical-grade ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene implant to provide stability but also minimal joint interference.

This course is for veterinarians only, with seating limited to 16 per group. There is a 3-hour prerequisite online course that is included in the fee, and registrants will be emailed access to the online course. Sponsored by OrthoMed North America, Inc, participants will earn 6.0 hours of RACE-approved CE credit.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Lab: Introducing MMP

This 2-hour hands-on lab will also be led by Nwadike and offers a practical introduction to the Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP). MMP is a progressive tibial tuberosity advancement technique for treating canine cruciate ligament disease. This lab is designed for both first-opinion and referral surgeons and will equip them with the skills needed to confidently perform MMP in their clinics. Each participating attendee will leave the lab with a deeper understanding of cruciate disease diagnosis and with the confidence required to implement a repeatable and successful surgical technique.

This course will take place from 10:15 AM-12:15 PM CDT. Attendees will need to complete 4 hours of prerequisite online courses, and registrants will be emailed access to the online course. Sponsored by OrthoMed North America, Inc, attendees will gain 6.0 hours of RACE-approved CE credits.

Heading to Fetch Nashville in a few weeks? If so, check out what keynotes, hands-on labs, and other learning opportunities are waiting for you in the Music City.