Pleural Effusion in Cats (Fluid Around the Lungs)
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9 Types of Horse Supplements
As a horse owner, you’re always striving to take the best possible care of your horse. With that comes seemingly endless things to learn and decisions to be made, including what to feed him. A healthy diet is based on good forage—hay and/or pasture. Beyond that, you can feed him grain or other bagged concentrate to add calories to the diet. Once you’re happy with your horse’s base diet, you probably will start to think about horse supplements. It seems like every horse in the barn is on a regimen of supplements, so they must be important, right? Read on to learn about some of the most common types of horse supplements and if some might be right for your horse.
How Long Should You Play with Your Cat Every Day?
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Neurological Problems in Horses
Signs of Neurological Problems in Horses Neurological problems in horses can be challenging to diagnose and treat. These conditions can range from mild to fatal depending on the condition, and how soon signs are recognized. There are several clinical signs that may indicate a neurological problem in horses. These signs may include: Ataxia: a lack of coordination and unsteady gait Difficulty standing or walking Head pressing: pushing the head against a solid object Muscle tremors or twitching Loss of balance or falling Circling or turning in circles Abnormal eye movements Seizures If you observe any of these signs in your horse, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What Do Fish Eat? Your Guide To Feeding Pet Fish
In This Article What Do Fish Need in Their Diet? View 7 More +
What Is Diabetes in Dogs? What Are the Signs?
Diabetes mellitus in dogs is an endocrine disorder where the body either fails to produce enough insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it does produce. Insulin is a vital hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels, and when it’s insufficient or ineffective, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. This disease is relatively common in dogs, affecting an estimated 0.32–0.36% of the canine population. Type I diabetes mellitus, specifically, has been on the rise since 2006—up by 79.7% among dogs in the US!,Jump to section What Is Diabetes in Dogs? What Are the Signs of Diabetes in Dogs? What Causes Diabetes in Dogs? How Do Veterinarians Manage Diabetes in Dogs? How Can I Help My Diabetic Dog at Home? How Do I Prevent Diabetes in My Dog? FAQs About Diabetes in Dogs
How To Celebrate the Holidays With Your New Kitten
The holidays are here—yay!—and for many, there’s one extra reason to celebrate: the chance to spend this festive season with their new kitten. Across the country, thousands of pet lovers used their time in quarantine to adopt a kitten, making this holiday season the first they’ll get to spend with their fuzzy bundle of joy. Whether you’ve had months to bond with your pet or you’ve only recently brought home this new member of your family, you’ll want to make the most of your first holiday season together. To help you make the holidays with your new kitten the best ever, we talked to several experts about ways to celebrate and what new cat parents need to know about keeping their fur baby safe during this time of year. From cat-proofing the Christmas tree to unique ways to make new memories, here’s everything you need to know about celebrating the holidays with your new kitten.
These 6 Halloween Pet Safety Tips Are Fright-Night Necessities
Halloween should be full of treats, the occasional trick, and plenty of adorable pet Halloween costumes filling your social media feeds. Unfortunately, it’s also full of potential dangers to our pets, from pet costume blunders and toxic treats to even electrical shock. That’s where these Halloween pet safety tips come in.
How To Pick the Best Dog Shampoo
A good bath can be as relaxing as a spa day for people, but for our dogs, a bath is often an unwelcome event they’d prefer to avoid. That’s why it’s up to you to find the best dog shampoo that will get the job done as efficiently as possible—and make it all worth it in the end. Here’s how to pick a gentle but effective shampoo for your dog.
UTI Problems and Bladder Infections in Rabbits
Urinary Tract Obstruction in Rabbits Urinary tract obstructions, which restricts the flow of urine from the kidneys, is a common condition in rabbits. It can be due to a variety of reasons, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) or deeper bladder infections. Symptoms and Types Some rabbits will not have any signs or symptoms of problems if they have a urinary tract obstruction, but most will. Depending on the severity of the condition, most rabbit owners will report the following signs and symptoms: Frequent urination Painful or difficult urination Thick, beige or brown-colored urine Cloudy-looking urine, or urine that appears thicker than normal Hunched-over posture while urinating Difficulty moving about, or getting up Retention of urine, difficulty emptying bladder fully, or lack of urine flow during movements Lethargy, weight loss, tooth grinding, or signs of pain on urination or movement Many rabbits will also have abnormally large kidneys. Unless you are skilled at detecting the kidneys from the rest of the anatomy , your veterinarian will be able to assist with this part of the examination or diagnosis. Causes Lesions can develop in the rabbit’s urinary pathway, which can increase the pressure in the ureters — the tubes that release the urine — causing concomitant kidney failure. One of the most common reasons for problems of the urinary tract is the excretion of too much calcium, which can lead to kidney stones, or what many refer to as calcium “sand” or “sludge” in the urine. This material can block the urethra and the tubes that carry and excrete urine, causing little clots that can prove very problematic for the rabbit. Other causes can include inflammation or injury to the ureters, which can block the flow or urine from the kidney; trauma to the area; or an overgrowth of tissue (hyperplasia), which may be associated with cancer, although this is very rare diagnosis in rabbits. Diagnosis To diagnose a kidney infection, your veterinarian will first observe whether your rabbit is exhibiting unproductive squatting that does not lead to effective urination. The doctor may note that urination is incomplete, or leads to the passing of cloudy or dark-colored urine. Urinary obstruction may be noted by the rabbit passing incomplete, or very small amounts of urine. An evaluation of urine sediment can reveal calcium carbonate crystals in the urine, but this does not always occur. One of the most common diagnostic tools used for this condition, a catheter, will be inserted into the rabbit’s bladder to locate any kidney stones or other materials that are blocking the ureter. This may also be used to help guide the material through and out of the urethra. Treatment If the bladder or urethra is completely blocked then immediate medical attention is essential, as this can represent a life-threatening emergency. A partial obstruction also requires prompt treatment. Most of the time inpatient care is necessary until the rabbit can urinate freely on its own. The long-term prognosis will depend on the ability of your health provider to restore proper urinary flow. Treatment includes removal of urinary obstructions and restoring proper fluid balance and proper urine outflow. Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove the obstruction. Follow-up treatment will address the causes for the initial urine retention. Because recurrence is possible, it is important to minimize the odds of developing additional kidney stones (if they were present) or future urinary obstructions. Living and Management Reducing or eliminating risk factors for urinary tract obstructions will include making dietary changes, like discontinuing alfalfa pellets from meals. A diet high in fiber and water can helpful for combating and avoiding this condition. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also believed to be responsible for urinary tract obstruction. When possible, ensure that your rabbit receives a healthy diet and is able to maintain an active lifestyle in order to help minimize the chance of recurrence. Featured Image: iStock.com/dardespot
