Pet ownership is on the rise, and it’s not just cats and dogs. More and more, small livestock—pygmy goats, potbellied pigs, and backyard chickens—are being kept as pets in urban and suburban areas. But what happens when that miniature pig reaches maturity and its unprepared owners can’t properly care for the 200-pound animal in their third-floor apartment? What happens when the baby goat outgrows its pajamas, and the reality of caring for a farm animal sets in?

Finding veterinary care for food animal species can be difficult in the big city, where most practitioners specialize in small animals. And when the owners are ill equipped to care for farm animals, the unfortunate reality is, many are surrendered to shelters that may not be outfitted to house or care for them. Worse yet, they are abandoned or even seized.

In today’s episode, we’re continuing our 2024 Midwest Veterinary Conference Preview Series with Dr. Alissa Wilhelm, a mixed-animal practitioner and assistant professor at OSU Large Animal Services. From husbandry and wellness plans to common diseases and treatment, she offers a sneak peek into her sessions in the Shelter Animal track. Her goal is to equip shelters and small animal veterinarians with basic knowledge of nontraditional pets, so they are better able to treat these animals and educate their owners.

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For show notes, a transcript, and to learn more about today's guest, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.fullyvettedpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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