UC Davis Large Animal Hospital

05/15/2026

Please welcome Dr. Allan Gunn as an Associate Clinical Professor in the Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction Service. Originally from what is now Zimbabwe, Dr. Gunn earned his veterinary degree from University of Edinburgh in Scotland. His professional achievements include:
--Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists
--Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists
--Registered Specialist in Veterinary Reproduction of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
--Registered Specialist in Veterinary Reproduction of the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council
--Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Just prior to coming to UC Davis, Dr. Gunn was an Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University in Australia.

Photo description: Man wearing glasses and blue shirt stands in pasture with two cows immediately in front of him. Two additional cows feed at a trough behind him.

05/13/2026

Dr. Carrie Finno, director of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health, joins the Vetrospective podcast to discuss equine research.

05/11/2026

The 36th Charles Heumphreus Memorial Equine Podiatry Symposium will be held at UC Davis on October 25, 2026. The program will offer a comprehensive exploration of equine podiatry, featuring expert presentations and hands-on labs designed to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Attendees will benefit from insights into advanced diagnostic imaging, shoeing techniques for performance and longevity, and innovative approaches to hoof wall reconstruction. The symposium fosters collaboration between farriers and veterinarians, emphasizing a team approach to equine foot care. Registration is FREE: https://ce.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/symposia-article/36th-charles-heumphreus-memorial-equine-podiatry-symposium

Photo description: horse hoof being treated by a farrier using a file

05/08/2026

Members of our Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction Service and our Dairy Production Medicine Service recently proved health checks for 500 rams at the 106th Annual California Ram Sale in Tulare. The event allows students great exposure to the livestock industry and also gives them an opportunity to gain valuable and extensive hands-on experience. UC Davis has provided this service at the Ram Sale for more than 50 years. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/livestock-team-provides-health-checks-california-ram-sale

Photo description: Sheep graze an overgrown green field with mountains in background. Behind them are livestock transport trucks. (photo courtesy of California Wool Growers Association)

05/06/2026

Do you have backyard chickens? Check out "Dr. Cluck's Backyard Chickens," a new book written by UC Davis vets as the ultimate guide to raising happy, healthy chickens.

UC Davis vets have penned “Dr. Cluck’s Backyard Chickens,” an animated book providing backyard chicken owners with science-based advice for poultry care at every life stage. Now available in paperback and hardcover.

Learn more at https://ucanr.edu/blog/food-blog/article/drcluck

Image description: Book cover of "Dr. Cluck's Backyard Chickens" by Dr. Evan Adler and Dr. Maurice Pitesky, featuring cartoon illustrations of a white chicken in a lab coat holding a large egg while a surprised golden rooster looks on, set in front of a real chicken coop.

05/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Adriana Garzon, a third-year resident in the Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction Service, on being selected as the recipient of the 2026 American Association of Veterinary Clinicians Resident Award. The recognition is given annually to a resident in their final year of training who has achieved a high degree of excellence in their chosen specialty. Dr. Garzon is the ninth UC Davis resident to win the award since its inception in 1998 and the first from any livestock residency program at the school.

Photo description:
Dr. Adriana Garzon (right) holds an award plaque presented to her by her mentor, faculty member Dr. Richard Pereira (left). Both are smiling and wearing blue UC Davis logo'd shirts standing in a grassy area on the UC Davis campus.

05/01/2026

Developed by our very own Dr. John Madigan...

Have you heard of the Madigan Squeeze?

The Madigan foal squeeze is a veterinarian-performed technique that uses a soft rope arranged in a specific way to apply steady, snug pressure around a newborn foal’s chest/ribcage. Many foals respond to this firm pressure by lying down (“flopping”) and entering a quiet, sleep-like state (slow-wave sleep).

It’s used as an aid for foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (“dummy foal”), and it’s also used in healthy foals (typically < 3 days old) to make procedures like plasma administration, ultrasound exams, or other minor procedures easier and less stressful. The squeeze is usually maintained for about 20 minutes (generally limited to 20–30 minutes) while the foal’s breathing, heart rate, and mucous membrane color are monitored.

After the squeeze, the rope is released, and the foal is allowed to stay down or get up on its own. For maladjusted foals, the team then observes alertness and nursing behavior; in some cases, the squeeze may be repeated every 2–4 hours if needed.

Important safety note: this is not anesthesia, and a foal can arouse and kick, so it should only be done by skilled clinicians. It’s not recommended with suspected rib fractures, respiratory distress, septic shock, severe prematurity with floppy chests, severe neuromuscular disease affecting breathing, or congenital anomalies.

If you have questions or concerns about your own foal, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Equine Hospital

04/29/2026

Magic, a former wild Mustang, was hospitalized at the UC Davis Large Animal Hospital for 39 days for botulism. She required daily lifting and rotating since she was too weak to stand on her own, feeding via a nasogastric tube, a urinary catheter, and around-the-clock supervision. She continued her recovery at home, and after four months, Magic fully regained all her weight and strength. Amazing effort by her care team, especially the technicians who were critical to her around-the-clock needs. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/former-wild-mustang-survives-botulism-scare

Photo descriptions:
Photo 1: Brown horse in hospital stall wearing harness to help her stand
Photo 2: Girl in purple shirt with helmet on walking brown horse in arena
Photo 3: Girl in red jacket with helmet on riding brown horse in arena
Photo 4: Brown horse wearing harness and hooked up to IV in a stall eating
Photo 5: Girl in purple shirt with helmet on smiling and petting brown horse. Award ribbons are visible in her hand.

04/22/2026

In the latest episode of Dean Mark Stetter's video series, he joins Dr. McNabb, Director of our Large Animal Hospital, at the UC Davis Beef Barn for a firsthand look at how we train students to manage cow calving.