Tip 1 – Cat Litter Box – Trouble

If you have a cat litter box that has a top part with an opening that sits on top of the regular litter box , you may be experiencing occasional problems with the cat not defecating in the litter box. …

Aging Dogs and Cats – Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome CDS – Pet tip 126

Just like us, animals experience some classical signs of aging. When our cats and dogs reach their senior years, it is normal for them to develop a few grey hairs and spend a few more hours sleeping on the couch. …

Tip 83 – Can my cat get depressed – depressed cat – cat depression

Just like humans, cats can suffer from depression. The usual reasons they become depressed involve major changes (in the mind of the cat, or the human for that matter) to their routine. Changing cat food or kitty litter (both the …

Common Ferret Diseases

Ferrets are sweet, intelligent little animals that many of us love. Before introducing one to your family however, there are a few things to know about ferrets, namely the common diseases they may suffer from. Here is a list of some of the diseases that ferrets commonly get, along with how they are diagnosed and treated.

Pyoderma: Pyoderma literally means pus (pyo-) in the skin (derm-). This is due to a bacterial infection; usually secondary to trauma or self-inflicted wounds from having itchy skin. Clinical signs are variable, either from mild superficial lesions to areas of furunculosis, which means the hair follicle itself is completely damaged from all the bacteria hiding in and around the hair shaft.

Questions to Ask when Choosing a Breeder

Questions to ask when choosing a breeder.

A personal recommendation from a satisfied owner is an excellent way to find a breeder. Ask any of your dog-owning friends or a veterinarian. They may have a client who breeds and would …

Cat Diabetes

In North America, one of the up and coming disease “epidemics” to be noted in people is diabetes (diabetes mellitus). This is a disease that most often affects obese, middle-aged patients. Coincidently, the same phenomenon can be found in our …

Cat Respiratory Disease

Sometimes we notice our cats coughing and sneezing. Is it something to worry about? Do cats get colds like humans do? How does one know if it is serious? How long should one wait before bringing the cat to the …

Dog Jumps on Counter – Pet tip 204

There’s a really cute anonymous quote that says “never trust a dog to watch your food”. This advice should be well heeded because even though we trust dogs to protect us and warn us when trouble is near, most untrained …

Veterinary Homeopathy

Veterinary Homeopathy “Homeopathy for pets, you say? I thought that was just for people!” That’s a common misperception among a growing number of clients I see that are involved with alternatives for their own health. With today’s growing demands on …

Limber tail in dogs – Pet tip 140

Limber Tail Syndrome (AKA cold tail, dead tail, broken wag) is quite common among some breeds of hunting dogs, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Setters, and Beagles. It is a condition in which the tail becomes limp and sometimes painful after exertion, particularly during inclement weather, swimming, or in an under-conditioned dog. It is a condition well-known to hunting dog owners and trainers, but not commonly seen by veterinarians. The syndrome is characterized by the swelling of the muscles at the base of the tail (the wagging muscles, which are also used heavily during swimming when the tail may serve as a rudder). These muscles are bound to the tail by a tight ring of connective tissue. As the muscles swell and expand, the connective tissue begins to serve as a tourniquet – cutting off normal blood flow.

When increased pressure within a confined space results in reduced blood flow, it is known as a ‘compartment syndrome’.