How Many Kittens Can Cats Have?
In This Article Pregnancy in Cats View 3 More +
7 Reasons To Thank Your Vet—and How to Do It
6. Vets Have High Student Loan Debt Many vets have high student loan debts. The average veterinarian graduates from school owing $153,191 in student loans, according to a study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It can take vets a long time to dig themselves out of this debt.,7. Vets are Paid Relatively Low Salaries In addition to a mountain of veterinary school debt, vets often have to deal with relatively low starting salaries. The average starting salary for a small animal veterinary practitioner is roughly $70,000 according to the AVMA https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-First-year-employment.aspx. While that might not sound like a bad starting salary, it can be tough to pay off debt and achieve other goals like buying a home at that level. “Even though veterinarians don’t go into this for the money, for my peers it’s frustrating when we see other professionals who have gone to school for a similar length that have a lot more stuff and freedom,” says Loenser. Ways You Can Help Veterinarians do a lot for you and your pet, so it’s important to show your vet how much you value his or her work. Here are a few easy—but impactful—ways you can show your vet you care.,By Teresa Traverse As a pet owner, you rely on your vet to take care of your pet. But many vets are struggling to take care of themselves. The suicide rate among veterinarians is high: More than one in six veterinarians might have contemplated suicide since graduation, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study also showed that vets are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders like depression than the general population. It’s a problem that the veterinary community is sadly aware of. “We have all lost at least one colleague to suicide,” says Heather Loenser, DVM, the veterinary advisor of professional and public affairs for the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). But if this is news to you, that’s not really much of a surprise to Ron Del Moro, Ph.D., a licensed clinical counselor at University of Florida’s Veterinary Hospitals. “Everyone’s aware of it, but no one really talks about,” says Del Moro. Well, we’re here to talk about it. Here are some of the issues that veterinarians routinely face and ways you can show appreciation to your vet all year round. 1. Many Vets are Perfectionists “I don’t know any non-perfectionist veterinarians. I’m sure they’re out there. I just don’t know them,” says Loenser. Veterinary medicine is competitive. With only 30 schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, getting admitted is tough. And those intelligent, competitive traits that get vets into school stick with them after graduation. “You have these really highly intelligent people, driven people who are perfectionists who want to solve problems and heal everybody. It’s a tough job,” says Del Moro. “So many times our minds are the biggest problems that get in the way.” Facing the reality that financial and other concerns often prevent them from saving pets who could be saved is terribly difficult for many veterinarians.
Dutch Rabbit
In This Article General Care View 5 More +
How To Read a Cat’s Body Language
In This Article Happy Cat Body Language View 5 More +
Five Common Diseases That Affect Rabbits
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Rabbits are perhaps the most popular small mammals kept as pets. They make great companions and can live a dozen or more years when they are cared for properly. However, they do commonly develop a few illnesses that all rabbit owners should be aware of so they can try to prevent them from occurring, or at least recognize the signs they cause so they can seek care for their rabbits if these signs occur. The five most common illnesses in rabbits are: Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis The term “hairball” has been used for decades to describe a syndrome in rabbits in which they stop eating, stop passing stool, and become bloated with GI tract gas, fecal material, and dry mats of hair. The assumption was that the “hairball” was the cause of the slowing down or complete cessation of food movement through the GI tract. However, this is not true. The hairball actually is a result of, rather than the cause of, the problem. Rabbits normally have some hair in their GI tracts from grooming. With GI stasis, the problem is not an accumulation of hair in the stomach but instead decreased movement of food through the GI tract from a combination of decreased food intake, dehydration, and changes in the population of GI bacteria that normally ferment the food in a healthy rabbit’s GI tract. As a result, food and dehydrated mats of hair form an impaction, typically in the stomach. The appropriate term for this condition is GI stasis, and it can be a life-threatening problem in rabbits if they are not treated as soon as signs occur. GI stasis commonly develops when rabbits stop eating for a variety of reasons, including dental problems, respiratory tract infections, or even stress. Regardless of the cause for their not eating, rabbits showing signs of GI stasis should be examined by a veterinarian immediately and treated with subcutaneous fluids (or intravenous fluids, if they are very dehydrated), GI motility-enhancing medications, anti-gas drugs, and syringe feeding. Veterinarians should also diagnose and treat the primary cause of the rabbit’s decreased appetite. When treated early and aggressively, rabbits can make a full recovery even from severe GI stasis. Related Matted Hair and Hairballs in the Stomach in Rabbits Dental Disease Teeth problems are also very common in rabbits and are often linked to improper diet. Rabbits’ teeth (both front incisors and back molars) are open-rooted and grow continuously, up to 4-5 inches a year. Rabbits’ teeth will often overgrow when rabbits are eating excess amounts of soft, crumbly pellets and are not grinding their teeth down by chewing on enough coarse hay, as they would in the wild. Once overgrown, molars may become abscessed at the roots or form sharp spurs/points on their surfaces from abnormal wear. The sharp edges can cut into the tongue, gums, and cheeks. When upper and lower teeth do not meet properly during chewing to wear down sufficiently, the rabbit is said to suffer from dental malocclusion. Front teeth may overgrow to the point that they protrude out of the mouth, grow at an angle to each other, curl back into the mouth, curl sideways, or take on other problematic positions. Rabbits with dental disease will often drool, stop eating, stop passing stool, and develop secondary GI stasis. Rabbits with these signs should be examined right away by a veterinarian who can trim the teeth to try to re-establish normal occlusion of upper and lower teeth, as well as treat signs of GI stasis, if they are present. Tooth root abscesses may require teeth extraction under anesthesia, plus administration of antibiotics and pain relievers. Once they are eating again, rabbits with dental problems must be fed hay to try to prevent tooth re-overgrowth. Unfortunately, many rabbits with dental problems suffer from them long-term and require repeated veterinary treatment. Related Abnormality of Incisor Teeth in Rabbits Uterine Tumors Statistics show that as many as 70 percent of un-spayed female rabbits over 3-4 years of age develop uterine cancer. For this reason, all female rabbits should be spayed (have their uterus and ovaries removed) as soon as possible after 5-6 months of age. Un-spayed female rabbits often initially develop benign changes in their uterine endometrium (lining) that progress to malignant cancer over time. After several months, uterine cancer can spread or metastasize from the uterus to other parts of the body, especially the lungs. Once the cancer has spread, the condition is typically fatal. However, before it spreads, uterine cancer is completely curable if the rabbit is spayed. Rabbits with uterine cancer may at first show no signs other than a decreased appetite. Some may develop GI stasis. Over time, they may have bloody urine. They may lose weight and appear to have swollen bellies from a distended uterus. Rabbits with any of these signs should be examined by a veterinarian, who can often feel the rabbit’s enlarged uterus through her abdomen. A rabbit with a palpably enlarged uterus should have an x-ray of its abdomen and chest to ensure that no tumors are visible in the chest and to confirm that the uterus alone is being affected. Sometimes an ultrasound of the belly is required to confirm that the uterus is enlarged. If it is, and the chest looks clear, the rabbit should be spayed as soon as possible. Related Cancer of the Uterus in Rabbits Head Tilt Tilting the head to one side — referred to as torticollis — is a common sign in rabbits that can have different causes. The two most common causes of torticollis in rabbits are inner ear infection with bacteria and brain infection with a parasite called Encephalitozoon cuniculi (or E. cuniculi). Inner ear infection with bacteria is especially common in lop-eared rabbits whose ears point down and may, as a result, trap moisture and grow bacteria more easily in the ear canals. These rabbits may be eating and active and simply have a head tilt toward the infected ear, or they may be lethargic, not eating, have involuntary eye movements back and forth, and have vertigo to the point that they are rolling over and over on their sides in the direction of the head tilt. Pus may or may not be visible in the ear canal when a veterinarian looks into it with a lighted scope. X-rays of the head showing pus inside the inner ear, which is actually inside the skull, as well as a moth-eaten appearance to the skull bones, may be necessary for a veterinarian to confirm that there is inner ear disease. Treatment involves long-term administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as supportive care, such as syringe feeding. E. cuniculi is a microscopic parasite that infects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system, or CNS), causing various abnormal neurologic signs including head tilt, circling or rolling to one side, seizures, repeated stretching of the limbs, and abnormal eye movements. Some rabbits carry this parasite in their CNS without showing any signs, and they spread it to other rabbits through their urine. E. cuniculi infection is impossible for a veterinarian to distinguish from inner ear infection without x-rays and blood tests. Rabbits diagnosed with E. cuniculi are treated long-term with anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medications and supportive care, such as assisted feeding, as needed. Head tilt often resolves in these rabbits, but for some, it persists, and they learn to adapt to the condition, despite the tilt. Related Inflammation of the Middle and Inner Ear in Rabbits Respiratory Tract Infections Rabbits are obligatory nasal breathers, meaning they must breathe through their noses and cannot breathe well through their mouths. They commonly get respiratory tract infections that can affect both their upper airways (nose and trachea) and lower airways (lungs). Rabbits with infections confined to their upper airways often are referred to as having “snuffles.” Rabbits with mucus and discharge blocking their nasal passages may sneeze repeatedly and have trouble breathing. “Pneumonia” is reserved for those that have an infection affecting the lower airways as well as the upper. Those with pneumonia may also have trouble breathing, and may wheeze and sneeze. Rabbits with respiratory tract infections may have decreased appetites, eye discharge, decreased stool production, and weight loss. They may develop GI stasis secondary to respiratory tract infection. Respiratory tract infections in rabbits are most commonly caused by bacteria — especially bacteria called Pasteurella. Pasteurella bacteria are often carried by rodents, such as guinea pigs; thus, rodents and rabbits should never be housed together. Other types of bacteria, beside Pasteurella, as well as certain viruses, and occasionally fungus, can cause respiratory tract infections in rabbits, too. Rabbits with respiratory tract infections — especially those that are having trouble breathing — should be checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. X-rays are often necessary to assess the rabbit’s lungs. Severely affected rabbits may need to be given oxygen, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as fluids subcutaneously or intravenously, and syringe feeding. Rabbits with blocked nasal passages may need their nostrils cleared so that they can breathe. Left untreated, rabbits with respiratory infections can die. With long-term medical treatment and supportive care, however, even rabbits with pneumonia can make a full recovery. Related Respiratory Bacterial Infection in Rabbits *** In general, rabbits can thrive as pets when they are fed and cared for properly. It is critical that rabbit owners be familiar with common illnesses in their pets so that they can recognize and treat them as soon as they occur. Related The Complete Guide to Rabbits
8 Dog Exercising Tips for Warm Weather
Related Articles Winter Walking Dangers for Cats and Dogs PetMD Editorial Summer Animal Safety Tips for Beating the Heat Hanie Elfenbein, DVM 7 Tips to Keep Your Pet Cool this Summer PetMD Editorial Pudelpointer Michelle Diener, DVM 5 Summer Safety Tips for Flat-Faced Dog Breeds Katrina Eresman Samoyed Janelle Priestas, DVM
Understanding the Benefits of Horse Liniments
In This Article What Is Horse Liniment? View 6 More +
5 Stretches for Senior Dogs
By Monica Weymouth If you’ve ever gone to a yoga class, you know how good a proper stretching session can be for your body. The stiffness melts away, the aches mysteriously dissolve and, over time, your joints become stronger and healthier. While your pup might not be up for a vinyassa flow, he could benefit from a dog stretching routine—especially if he’s approaching his golden years. “Stretching can be a great tool to help pets maintain mobility and comfort as they age,” says veterinarian Christina Fuoco, medical director at Philadelphia’s Whole Animal Gym. “An arthritic joint can stiffen up and some range of motion exercises can help preserve function, as well as decrease pain.” As always, if you suspect your dog has arthritis or is experiencing any discomfort, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. Once you understand your senior dog’s needs and limitations and have discussed a dog stretching regimen with your veterinarian, try these therapeutic stretches with your canine companion. The Bicycle Don’t tell the Instagram yogis, but a stretch doesn’t have to be elaborate to be beneficial—in fact, it barely has to stretch. “One of the best ‘stretches’ is actually just moving the joint through range of motion and not putting significant tension on the muscles,” Fuoco says. For aging dogs, she recommends gently “bicycling” the hind legs, a motion that warms the joint fluid and improves blood flow to help joints and muscles feel more comfortable. This passive stretch also helps improve the gait of senior pets, allowing them to stay active.
Your Pet Health Questions Answered by Dr. Ben Carter
How often should I bring my pet to the vet? “Every pet needs to visit their veterinarian at least once a year,” says Dr. Carter. These annual exams allow you to track your pet’s growth and development, and they allow your veterinarian to identify any potential health issues so you can start any necessary treatments early. “For pets who are chronically ill or have any other conditions, I recommend to come in at least every six months or whatever was recommended by your veterinarian,” he says. Even if your pet seems fine, it is essential that your veterinarian monitors the issue to ensure your pet is as healthy as they can be.,What should I expect during a routine vet visit? “During a pet’s annual examination, we do a nose-to-tail physical exam,” says Dr. Carter. Your veterinarian will look for hair loss, lumps, rashes, discoloration or unusual spots, as well as for fleas, ticks and mites. They’ll check your pet’s ears and eyes for discharge, swelling, redness or itching, as well as their dental health status by examining your pet’s teeth and smelling their breath. In addition to a physical exam, “We make sure they’re up to date on all their vaccines and that they also have enough preventative care items to get them through until their next veterinary visit,” says Dr. Carter. A stool sample may also be required, which checks your pet for intestinal parasites.,We spoke with Dr. Ben Carter from Animal House Veterinary Center to get his professional insight on some important pet health questions. If you are a pet parent, you can use these recommendations and helpful info on dogs and cats to keep your pets in good health for years to come. What are the recommendations for keeping your pet’s heart healthy? Dr. Carter recommends maintaining your pet’s healthy heart through exercise and proper nutrition. “Some things we can do at home to make sure our pets have a healthy heart include taking them for a walk for 15-20 minutes every single day and making sure that they eat a well-balanced diet,” he says. According to Dr. Carter, a well-balanced diet is one that is approved by AAFCO and has the proper amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as amino acids. There are essential amino acids that must be supplied in your pet’s food, which can be found in protein. These amino acids help maintain the health of your pet’s muscles, bones, blood, organs, immune system, and hair and nails. Fats and carbohydrates are important sources of energy for your pet and can help support their development, so it is essential that your pet’s food contains the right balance of both. The proper combination of nutrients for your pet depends on their life stage, so it is recommended to buy dog food and cat food that’s balanced for the age of your pet.
Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?
In This Article Why Do Cats Push Things off Tables? View 1 More +
