Articles Library on Cats, Dogs, Birds, Horses, Fish, Rabbits, Reptiles, Ferrets, Exotics, Chinchillas and other pets.

Shope Papilloma Virus

Shope papilloma virus, sometimes referred to as cottontail cutaneous papilloma virus, is a viral disease that causes malignant tumors to grow in rabbits, often on its head. The virus is seen in wild rabbits, as well as domestic or pet rabbits.

Outbreaks of the disease more commonly seen during the summer and fall, when populations of disease-carrying insects are highest. Keeping rabbits indoors during these seasons is recommended.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management
• Prevention

Read Full Article Here

Conjunctivitis

Sometimes referred to as “pink eye” or “red eye,” conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the eye’s outermost layer. Frequently due to bacterial infections, there are two kinds of bacteria that are most commonly involved in conjunctivitis: Bordetella and Streptococcus. Although conjunctivitis is not a very serious condition in guinea pigs, its underlying cause needs to be identified and treated promptly to prevent any further complications.

Guinea pigs are very sensitive animals and are likely to develop allergic reactions to some antibiotic medications. Therefore, it is best to consult a veterinarian before attempting to administer any eye drops or ointments at home.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management
• Prevention

Read Full Article Here

Everyone’s tried home remedies. But they’re not all created equal. With that in mind, here are my top eight picks for safe and effective treatment of minor ills:

1. Epsom salts: When pet wounds and swellings inevitably rear their ugly heads, Epsom salts are almost always helpful for optimal home care. As long as your pet will abide wet ministrations, Epsom salt soaks and hot packs are a great adjunct to antibiotics and surgical attention. Sometimes they can even do the job on their own––just don’t skip the step where you see your vet first!

2. Chamomile tea: Considered the ultimate home care for upset human tummies, I’ve used strong chamomile tea for a number of skin ailments in pets. This common West Indian remedy relies on the natural disinfectant effect of the plant. A soothing solution, chamomile calms minor skin irritations by killing yeast and bacteria complicating the lesions with their presence—without the harshness that may reduce the body’s own “happy” bugs.

Read Full Article Here

Physical Characteristics

The Snowshoe has a smooth but short coat, which is colored blue, lilax, chocolate or seal point — “point” is in reference to a pale body color with relatively darker extremities; i.e., the face, ears, feet and tail. It is a long, stout medium-sized cat with startling blue eyes. Athletic, with a tendency to be stocky in appearance. The cat’s white feet are its most distinguishing feature (and the reason for breeds name), with the white frequently extending to the ankle, giving the feet a sock, or boot appearance.

Read Full Article Here

Metabolic Skin Disease in Dogs

Diabetic hepatopathy is a disease of the liver which causes lesions to develop on the liver. It is associated with diabetes mellitus, and for unknown reasons, this type of liver disease is also associated with lesions on the skin. One of the possibilities may be a link to metabolic system and a change in the organ systems.

This is a relatively uncommon disease and there is no breed that is more disposed than others, but it does tend to affect predominantly male dogs that are middle-aged to older.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living And Management

Read Full Article Here

Retained Deciduous Teeth in Dogs

A retained or persistent deciduous (baby) tooth is one that is still present despite the eruption of the permanent tooth (between three to seven months of age). This can cause the permanent teeth to erupt in abnormal positions, resulting in an incorrect bite pattern (or how the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting or chewing). Retained deciduous teeth may also cause overcrowding of teeth, accidental bites into the palate, or an abnormal jaw position.

As with most oral issues, early recognition and immediate dental care is essential to prevent permanent damage. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed until later in life.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living And Management

Read Full Article Here

Electrocution in Cats

Electrocution from chewing on an electrical cord is the single most common type of electrical injury in household pets. Electrical injuries can result in burns to the surrounding area (e.g., the mouth, hair), or in alterations to the electrical conduction in the heart, muscles, and other tissues. The possible complications that follow an electric cord bite injury are fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and high blood pressure in the arteries near the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Additionally, there have been reports of animals developing cataracts – an eye abnormality – after such injuries.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living And Management

Read Full Article Here

Although it is referred to by various names, including Longhair and Highland Fold, Coupari was the name given to the long-haired version of the Scottish Fold by British breeders. Its large eyes and folded ears make this affectionate cat a wonderful pet for both children and adults.

Physical Characteristics

The appearance of this medium-sized cat has been compared to a wise owl: large, rounded eyes, sweet expression, full cheeks, and a short nose. Its most remarkable feature, however, is its folded ears, which do not fold forward until the cat is three months old. Its soft, resilient single coat, meanwhile, is long and comes in a variety of colors and pattern.

Read Full Article Here

Exophthalmos, Enophthalmos, and Strabismus in Dogs

Exophthalmos, enophthalmos, and strabismus are all diseases which cause the dog’s eyeball to be abnormally positioned.

With exophthalmos, the dog’s eyeball protrudes, or bulges, from the orbit of the eye. This may be due to a space-occupying mass behind the eyeball. Enophthalmos, meanwhile, causes the eyeball to recess, or sink, into the skull. Lastly, strabismus is when an affected animal’s eye appears to look off at a different angle, unable to focus in the same direction as the other eye. This can occur with one or both eyes, and is more commonly referred to as “crossed eyes.”

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

Read Full Article Here

Rhabdomyosarcoma in Dogs

Rhabdomyosarcomas are malignant, aggressive, easily metastasizing (spreading) tumors. They arise from striated muscles (banded – not smooth, muscles of the skeletal and cardiac musculature) in adults, and from embryonic stem cells in juveniles. These tumors are often found in the larynx (voice box), the tongue, and in the heart. Aggressive and widespread metastasizing can occur in the lungs, the liver, the spleen, the kidneys, and the adrenal glands.

The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects cats please visit this page in the PetMD pet health library.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

Read Full Article Here