Do you know about ticks?

None of us wants to find a tick on our dogs, other pets or ourselves. They may transmit diseases and even cause anemia or paralysis. As a dog owner, there are some basics you should know about the risks, prevention and removal of ticks. With proper knowledge, you can help protect your dog from the threat of ticks.

About Ticks

Ticks are parasitic arthropods that feed on the blood of their hosts. They are attracted to warmth and motion, often seeking out mammals – including dogs. Ticks tend to hide out in tall grass or plants in wooded areas waiting for prospective hosts. Once a host is found, the tick climbs on and attaches its mouth parts into the skin, beginning the blood meal. Once locked in place, the tick will not detach until its meal is complete. It may continue to feed for several hours to days, depending on the type of tick. On dogs, ticks often attach themselves in crevices and/or areas with little to no hair – typically in and around the ears, the areas where the insides of the legs meet the body, between the toes, and within skin folds. Most species of ticks go through four life stages - eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. All stages beyond eggs will attach to a host for a blood meal (and must do so on order to mature). Depending on species, the life span of a tick can be several months to years, and female adults can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs at a time. The following types of ticks are the most common:

• Deer tick
• Brown dog tick
• Lone star tick
• American dog tick

The Dangers of Ticks

Though they are known vectors of disease, not all ticks transmit disease – in fact, many ticks do not even carry diseases. However, the threat of disease is always present where ticks are concerned, and these risks should always be taken seriously. Most tick-borne diseases will take several hours to transmit to a host, so the sooner a tick is located and removed, the lower the risk of disease. The symptoms of most tick-borne diseases include fever and lethargy, though some can also cause weakness, lameness, joint swelling and/or anemia. Signs may take days, weeks or months to appear. Some ticks can cause a temporary condition called “tick paralysis,” which is manifested by a gradual onset of difficulty walking that may develop into paralysis. These signs typically begin to resolve after tick is removed. If you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so that proper testing and necessary treatments can begin. The following are some of the most common tick-borne diseases:

• Lyme disease
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis 

Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis are most common in Sri Lanka.

Tail docking of puppy??

In many cultures and within certain breeds of dogs, Docking Puppies is considered a very important part of puppy raising and of pet ownership. Often, with show dogs, Docking Puppies of a certain breed is even required. Puppy Tail Docking, ear docking, and other procedures are extremely common in many parts of the world, including the United States. Though some people think that docking is barbaric or cruel, it can actually have many benefits, other than just being more physically pleasing. Puppy Tail Docking, in some cases for example, can improve the dog’s balance and make walking, running, and playing easier. 

 Pet owners choose to bring their dog into a veterinarian to have the tail surgically cut and removed. For many dogs, docking the tail in this manner can help to prevent injuries, strengthen the animal’s back, increase the animal’s speed and agility, and improve its appearance.

As mentioned above, Docking Puppies is particularly common in certain breeds. Doberman Pinschers are known for their docked, also called “cropped,” ears, as are boxers. In fact, both of these breeds usually undergo their Docking Puppies procedure as soon as ten days after birth. Australian shepherds usually get docked tails right away as well, as do Rottweilers. However, it is a personal choice as to whether or not to dock the animal, and it should not be made based on breed standards alone.
It is important to note that Docking Puppies is not legal everywhere in the world. While it is legal in the United States, other areas consider it illegal or have some restrictions on when and why a dog may be docked or cropped. Some areas, for instance, allow for Docking Puppies but not for docking adult dogs. It is important for each pet owner to know the rules for the area in which the pet owner lives and to abide by these rules to avoid paying high fines or being subject to legal discipline.

Rabbit Health: Overgrown Teeth Cure

Overgrown teeth are a common problem with pet rabbits. A rabbit's teeth are designed to continue to grow because the teeth are supposed to be worn down when the rabbit chews its food. If the teeth aren't being worn down, they can grow too long. This causes problems when the teeth come into contact with the soft tissue around the mouth. Overgrowth will happen because the rabbit's jaw is not lining up the teeth properly or because the rabbit isn't chewing enough.

1. Symptoms

   • It is easy to see overgrowth on the front incisors, but the teeth on the sides of the mouth that aren't easy to see, called the cheek teeth, also can grow too long. Symptoms can include the rabbit not eating hard to chew foods or not eating at all, food dropping from the mouth, excessive salivation or constant teeth grinding. Rabbits normally will grind their teeth on occasion, but if they do it constantly, it could be a sign of overgrown teeth.
     The roots of a rabbit's teeth can also grow too long. Symptoms of this can include excessive tears. If the roots of the upper teeth grow too long, they can block the tear duct, which forces the tears to the surface. The same problem can cause nasal discharge if the roots come into contact with the sinuses and irritate them. In extreme cases, the upper roots may come into contact with an eye and cause it to bulge out.

   Cutting Or Grinding Teeth

   • When teeth become overgrown, they will need to be trimmed or ground down. This can be done by your veterinarian and can usually be done without sedation, unless the rabbit is excessively nervous.
     If the cheek teeth are overgrown, they will need to be treated by a vet because the rabbit will need to be placed under general anesthesia. Bone cutters can be used to trim the teeth, but this may not cure the problem, and the teeth may need to be cut again in four to six weeks. If the vet uses a grinder to shape all the teeth properly, not just the overgrown ones, this will encourage the teeth to align properly and may solve the problem for good if it is caught early enough. At the very least, it will mean a much longer time before the teeth are needed to be ground down again.

   Removing Teeth

   • If the roots are overgrown, or if overgrown teeth are a chronic problem, removal of the affected teeth may be necessary. This will need to be performed by a vet under general anesthesia. Rabbits can survive without their front incisors because their lips are able to move the move into their mouth. Rabbits can also survive without some of their cheek teeth.

   Prevention

   • Diet is often a cause for overgrown teeth as food pellets are not hard enough to wear down teeth. To help prevent overgrown teeth, feed your rabbit foods that require a lot of chewing, such as root vegetables or leafy greens. You can also give your rabbit untreated sticks, branches or pieces of wood to chew on.

      Regularly check the rabbit's front teeth and have a vet give an annual exam to the rabbit, which will include examining the inside of the rabbit's mouth.

     The top two teeth should overlap the bottom two teeth. This way, as the rabbit chews - hay, wood, bark, pellets, carrots, toys, your furniture - the teeth wear each other down evenly.

Rabbit Health Information

Rabbits are soft and cute, and they make great house pets. However, they do require some degree of maintenance and supervision, so they should not be given to small children as pets. If you are interested in adopting a cuddly bunny, find out what to expect during its life cycle.
         Birth

1. • The act of mating causes ovulation in a female rabbit, and 29 to 31 days after she becomes pregnant, the babies are born deaf, blind and naked, and about the size of a mouse. By two weeks old, the babies have hair, and their eyes and ears are open. At three weeks, they will fit in an average-sized human hand, and they are ready to leave the nest by six weeks old.

   Adolescence

   • By the time the rabbit is three or four months old, it is considered an adolescent, and though capable of breeding, females should not be bred until at least six months old.
   
   

   Precautions

   • Rabbits have very light and delicate skeletons. Because their backbone is very fragile, it can break when a rabbit is struggling violently or accidentally dropped. Most rabbits do not like to be held, but enjoy snuggling as long as their feet remain on the floor.

   Life Expectancy

   • Five to eight years is the average life expectancy of a pet rabbit, though some live to be 10 to 15 years old. Wild rabbits live between one to two years

Rabbits are popular pets, and with proper care, these animals often live 10 to 15 years. Before sharing your home with a rabbit, understand the health considerations so you can provide for a healthy life and have the best chance of experiencing the wonderful companionship a rabbit offers.

1. Digestion

   • Monitor the droppings. Rabbits should produce pellet-like feces every day to maintain a healthy digestion. Diarrhea, which is more liquid and foul smelling, can be fatal and must be treated immediately. The complete absence of droppings is also a warning sign that the rabbit should see a vet and possibly start a round of antibiotics.

   Housing

   • Rabbits enjoy cages with enough room to stretch and stand up to full height so they are not cramped and can move around. The bedding that covers the floor and litter pan is an important consideration because cedar or pine shavings produce hydrocarbons and make a rabbit develop serious lung and liver damage. Instead, use an organic litter.
   
   

   Malocclusion

   • The teeth of a rabbit may become misaligned and prevent the animal from eating properly or may even keep it from being able to eat at all. The teeth never stop growing so be sure to watch for signs, such as a wet chin due to drooling, to determine whether the front or back molars are growing improperly. A vet can trim down the teeth on a regular basis or show you how to take care of this yourself.

   Shedding

   • Every three months a rabbit sheds its hair, which may be light or heavy depending on the month. Rabbits must be tended to so they do not develop hairballs. Unlike cats, rabbits do not have the ability to cough up the hair. Prevent dangerous situations by brushing your rabbit to remove the fur quicker and provide an unlimited supply of hay to allow the fiber to pass the hair through the rabbit's system easier. In addition to daily exercise, commercial cat hairball remedies will help.

Care For a Pregnant Cat

How long is a cat pregnant for?

The gestation period for a cat is 63-65 days. This varies between cat though, and anywhere between 60 to 70 days is normal.

What are the signs of pregnancy in cats?

Unlike humans, it is not possible to determine a pregnancy via a blood or urine test in cats. However, there are often indicators that your cat is pregnant, some signs include;

• By the  third week of pregnancy the cat's nipples will become enlarged & pink. This is known as 'pinking up'.
• By the fourth week of pregnancy she should have gained enough weight to make her pregnancy visible.
• By 3-4 weeks your veterinarian should be able to palpitate the abdomen & feel the babies.

How long is a cat pregnant for?

The gestation period for a cat is 63-65 days. This varies between cat though, and anywhere between 60 to 70 days is normal.

How does my veterinarian confirm pregnancy?

An experienced veterinarian will be able to palpitate the abdomen & feel the kittens around 17 - 25 days. Do NOT attempt to do this at home as you may cause miscarriage or damage to the developing kittens. After 32 days the developing fetuses & fetal membranes become difficult to distinguish.

The fetal bone structure can be seen on x-rays around the 43rd day. X-ray should be avoided in early pregnancy.

Pregnancy can also be detected by ultrasound. By around day 26 the fetus & heartbeats can be seen.

Morning sickness:

Just like humans, cats can experience morning sickness also & may go off their food around the third week of pregnancy.

Does a pregnant cat have any special requirements?

A good quality, nutritious diet is important. Your veterinarian may recommend a kitten food for your queen as this contains higher protein & calcium.  Avoid supplementing the diet unless your veterinarian has given the go ahead to do so.

Over feeding & excessive weight gain should be avoided as this can complicate labour.

Keep her indoors for the last two weeks of pregnancy to ensure she doesn't give birth to the kittens elsewhere.

You should take your queen to the veterinarian early in pregnancy for a health check, your veterinarian will also advise on the care of your queen during pregnancy. He/she will probably want to see the queen again in late pregnancy.

How to prepare for the birth:

During the last week of pregnancy, the kittening box should be placed in a warm, quiet, draft free room which is off limit to children & other pets. She should be encouraged to sleep in this box.

Obviously, food, water & a litter tray also need to be placed in this room.

The kittening box can be lined with old newspapers which can easily be changed or an old blanket. Make sure that the blanket isn't going to snag the kitten's claws. The bedding should be changed regularly.

How do I know when my cat is going into labour?

• The mammary glands increase in size during the last week of gestation.
• Around two days before the queen gives birth she will start producing milk.
• She may start nesting.
• Drop in temperature to around 99 F.
• Her appetite may wane in the last day or two of pregnancy.
• Change in behaviour. During the last week or so your queen may become either reclusive & seek out a secluded place or she may become more affectionate, especially if she is particularly bonded to one carer.

Danger signs:

Seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice the following signs;

• If your queen stops eating for more than 24 hours
• If she has an elevated temperature
• If she becomes depressed or lethargic
• If she has any unpleasant smelling discharge coming from the vagina

Can I give my cat medications while pregnant?

Some medications can cause birth defects & or abortion in pregnant cats so it is vital that you speak to your veterinarian before giving your cat any medications.

Can I worm my cat when she is pregnant?

No, worming should be avoided in pregnancy.

Can I flea my cat when she is pregnant?

 There are some flea products which are safe to use on pregnant cats. These are available from your veterinarian, so it is best to speak to him/her. DON'T ever use a flea product on a pregnant or nursing cat without the okay from your veterinarian.

Other things not to do:

Do not use human antiseptics and the like - such as Dettol etc as these can be poisonous to cats and also burn the skin. If you need to use any antiseptics, use one recommended by your veterinarian.

Do not handle the newborn kittens a lot in the first two days - minimal handling - let the mother bond with her babies. Cats have been known to kill and eat their babies if threatened by other animals or too much human interference.

Reminder - Female cats can again become pregnant within as little as 2 weeks after giving birth but more usually between 8 weeks and 10 weeks so great care that the queen is kept safely confined during this time.

If it is intended to get her de-sexed - around 7 weeks is a good time - she can still nurse her kittens afterwards.

Common Cancer In Dogs

What Is Cancer In Dogs?

"Your dog has cancer". These words are guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of any dog owner. It's an alarming diagnosis, but knowledge is power. If you know more about the disease process, you'll better understand what's likely to happen to your dog, and how best to treat him. Cancer is the result of abnormal cells multiplying out of control. These cells can spread throughout the body, leading to organ failure and death.

What Type Of Cancers Can Your Dog Get?
Cancer can occur anywhere.
The top five cancers in dogs are breast cancer,TVT, bone cancer, skin cancer, cancer of the mouth, and cancer of the lymphatic system.
As you'd expect, breast cancer is most common in female dogs, but it does also occur in males. This tumor usually occurs in middle aged to older dogs, particularly if they are not spayed,or were spayed as a young adult. This is because the hormones associated with the heat cycle can trigger abnormal growth of the mammary cells.

• The symptoms are hard to miss - firm, irregular lumps or masses can be felt under or near a nipple. The lumps usually appear in the mammary glands between the back legs. They grow rapidly and can develop smelly ulcers on top.  It may be a good idea to remove the lump before it becomes dangerous.

Treatment for this type of dog cancer is surgery to cut away the lump, and chemotherapy. If the dog hasn't been spayed, then this is also done, to remove the hormones that may trigger a recurrence of the cancer. Unfortunately, in many dogs, by the time breast cancer is diagnosed, it has already spread to the internal organs, and the outcome is not good.

• Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs, and it is not a nice disease. It tends to occur in middle aged, large breed dogs, and it most often develops at the ends of the long bones of the leg. As you'd expect, the first indication that there is a problem is usually when the dog starts to limp. The limp progressively gets worse, and a painful swelling may develop where the tumor is growing. The cancerous bone isn't as strong as normal bone, and it may suddenly break.

Bone cancer is extremely painful, and by the time it is diagnosed, it has usually already spread to the lungs. Treatment commonly involves amputation of the leg. Most dogs do very well with only three legs, and they feel better with the painful tumor removed. Chemotherapy can extend their life, but many dogs with osteosarcoma don't survive past one year, even with treatment.

Many people associate skin cancer with too much time in the sun. That's also true in dogs, but the most common skin cancer in dogs isn't related to sun exposure at all. It's called a mast cell tumor, and they usually appear as fast growing ulcerated nodules on the legs or body. They can be aggressive and spread to the internal organs. It's important that when these tumors are removed, that a wide margin of normal skin is taken too. With radiation and chemotherapy, dogs with mast cell tumors can enjoy a good quality of life for several years.
There are many different types of tumor that can develop in a dog's mouth and throat. They all cause similar symptoms: bad breath, pain and difficulty eating, and sometimes bloody saliva. Most tumors aren't found until the disease is fairly advanced, so it's a good idea to regularly look inside your dog's mouth.
These tumors can spread into the bone of the jaws, and treatment often includes surgical removal of part of the jaw. Although dogs do seem to cope with this, it can make eating more difficult. This is often followed up with radiation therapy to try and increase survival time. As with the other cancers we've discussed, these tumors don't have a good prognosis, with many dogs not surviving for much more than a year after diagnosis.

• Lymphocytes are cells which are produced in the bone marrow, and are part of the body's immune system. As with any other type of cell, they too can become cancerous. This is called lymphoma. When they do become cancerous, they can damage any organ that has lymphatic tissue. There are four common areas where lymphoma develops - the lymph nodes, the gastrointestinal tract, the bone marrow and the skin. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is affected, but in most cases, dogs will also vomit, stop eating and develop a fever.

Without treatment, dogs with lymphoma only survive a few months after diagnosis. Chemotherapy can lead to remission in most cases, where the signs of cancer disappear, and the dog is essentially normal. Remission can last for as much as a year, but the cancer often reappears.

Why Do Dogs Get Cancer?

There are four main influences in the development of cancer in dogs, and some of them can be managed to reduce the risk of the disease. Let's look at them one at a time.
1. Genetics: There are genes that have been identified in some breeds of dog that seem to increase the risk of them developing cancer. German Shepherd Dogs often develop hemangiosarcomas (a tumor of blood vessels), whereas osteosarcomas are common in Rottweilers. The fact that some types of tumors are more common in certain breeds suggests that these tumors have a genetic basis.Tumors develop due to damage to DNA. It's also possible that a dog is born with damaged DNA in his cells.
2. Infection and inflammation: Papilloma virus usually causes harmless growths in a dog's mouth. However, there appears to be a link between papilloma virus infection and the tendency for a dog to develop aggressive cancer of the mouth(warts).
Chronic inflammation of an area may also trigger the growth of cancer. One example of this is when a broken limb has been repaired with plates and screws. If the screws become loose over time, then the irritation to the bone may lead to osteosarcoma in the area.
3. Hormones: There are very strong links between hormones and breast cancer in dogs. Spaying a female dog before their first heat virtually eliminates the risk of breast cancer later in life. However, if she is spayed after 2 years of age, spaying doesn't protect her at all. Similarly, a tumor known as a perianal adenoma (a tumor of the tissue around the anus) is much more common in entire male dogs.
4. The environment: In people, there have been connections made between exposure to pesticides and the development of cancer. There doesn't appear to be as strong a link between environmental toxins and cancer in dogs, so this may not be such an important influence. It does appear that being exposed to tobacco smoke may increase the risk of cancer of the nose and sinuses. Sun damage can lead to skin cancer in dogs.
While we can't always prevent our dogs developing cancer, there are steps we can take that will reduce the risk. Female dogs should be spayed before their first heat. Male dogs with an undescended testicle should be neutered, because the retained testicle is more likely to become cancerous. Dogs with thin hair coats and pale skin should not be allowed to sunbathe. If you are going to buy a dog of a breed which has a higher incidence of cancer, choose the parents carefully, so you've got the best chance of avoiding any genetic cancers in your dog.

Common Symptoms Of Cancer In Dogs

Look for areas of swelling. An example is osteosarcoma, where the tumor causes swelling on a leg. Cancer may also appear as a wound or ulcer that doesn't heal. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin causes raw areas on pale hairless parts of the body , and mast cell tumors form little ulcerated nodules on the skin.
It's often easy to notice abnormalities on the outside of our dogs, but many cancers grow in internal organs. These cancers can cause vague symptoms of ill health, include weight loss, drinking to excess, or vomiting or diarrhea. Perhaps an elderly dog just doesn't seem to be doing well. That's also a good indication that you need to visit your veterinarian for a checkup.
If you do notice anything abnormal, make an appointment with your vet sooner rather than later. Cancer treatment in dogs usually has a better outcome if it is started early, so getting a quick diagnosis is crucial.

Dog Cancer Treatment

These days, there are several options available to treat dogs with cancer. Some dogs will be cured, and some will go into remission. However, for many dogs, the best we can hope for is an improved quality of life and a bit more time with them. Caring for your dog with cancer can be very costly, because often more than one treatment type is needed. The most obvious first choice is surgery, if possible. Removing a tumor can relieve pain and make dogs more comfortable. It can also mean that other therapies, such as radiation, are more successful because there are fewer tumor cells left to kill.
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill tumor cells. The idea is to kill the dangerous cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The drugs do this by specifically attacking rapidly growing and dividing cells. Because there are normal cells in the bone marrow and intestine that are also dividing quickly, they can be affected by the chemotherapeutic drugs. This can lead to side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea for a few days after treatment.
Radiation therapy involves using a focused radiation beam to kill tumor cells. It too can affect rapidly dividing normal cells, so veterinarians try and protect surrounding parts of the body as much as possible. They also spread out radiation treatments to allow normal cells to recover.

Mammary Gland Surgery In The Dog
This view is of the patient just prior to preoperative preparation of the surgical area for surgery.  The large mass between the fourth and fifth nipple is evident.	The surgeon, employing sterile technique, begins the incision near the masses in the glands, being careful not to incise any tumor tissue.	Hemostasis (controlling bleeding) can be challenging in these surgeries due to the mass of tissue to be removed as well as the vigorous blood supply to the area.
One side of the three mammary glands is dissected down to the abdominal wall; then the opposite side is dissected.	Care is employed to remove all the mammary gland tissue but also to leave enough normal tissue that closing the incision will not create excessive tension along the surgical closure.	Blood vessels are tied off and the row of three mammary glands is lifted away from the patient.  Some veterinarians will remove all five glands even if no evidence of tumor in other glands is present.
A major artery and vein to and from the area is the Caudal Superficial Epigastric vessels.  Lymph channels drain from the last three mammary glands through this small channel through the abdominal wall.	After removal of the mammary glands (along with the tumor tissue) the incision is closed in layers from deep to superficial.  The goal is to comfortably close the incision with no tension being placed on the skin.	In this case the skin is closed via two simple continuous sutures to decrease surgical and anesthetic time.  The patient is placed on pain control medication for a few days and sutures are removed in 12 days.

අළුත උපන් සීබ්‍රා පැටවා……..

වසර 17 කට පසු දෙහිවල සත්ත්ව උද්‍යානයේ සීබ්‍රා පැටවෙකු උපත ලබා තිබේ.
සත්ත්ව උද්‍යාන ආරංචි මාර්ග පැවසුවේ 2008 වසරේ චීනයෙන් මෙර ටට ගෙනා සීබ්‍රා යුවලකට දාව මෙම පැටවා උපත ලබා ඇති බවයි.
දිගු කාලෙකින් පසු පැමිණි අමුත්තා දැක බලා ගැනීමට ජනතාව විශාල වශයෙන් මේ දින වල දෙහිවල සත්ත්ව උද්‍යානයට පැමිණෙමින් සිටී.
මේ වන විට දෙහිවල සත්ත්ව උද්‍යානයේ සිටින සීබ්‍රාවුන් සංඛ්‍යාව පහක්.

Common health problems in rabbits

abscesses

symptoms:-

Lumps, possibly with scabs on top, on the rabbit's body.
Weight loss, lumps, hesitant eating, if abscess is in the rabbit's head area.

Abscesses in a rabbit's body are usually the result of an injury. They are a pus filled lump that needs to be treated by a vet either with drugs or by surgery.
There are a variety of causes of abscesses in a rabbits head area, such as injury, infection or tooth problems. These abscesses tend to be more difficult to treat, especially at an advanced stage.
Running your hands, simultaneously, down both sides of your rabbit from head to tail, feeling for lumps and watching to see if they flinch, can help you spot abscesses at an earlier stage.
At feeding times, by regularly watching your rabbit eating, you will see if they are less enthusiastic, or eating for shorter periods of time. If they are living with a mate, an empty food bowl is no indication that they are ok, as their mate is probably eating their share!

Take your rabbit to the vet straight away.

bloat

symptoms :-

Rabbit lethargic, restless, not eating, not pelleting, hard swollen stomach.

Bloat can be caused by rabbits eating too many greens, spoiled food, mouldy hay a lack of fibre in their diet,or stress. This causes an imbalance in the bacteria in the intestines and their gut stops working, resulting in a build up of gas in the stomach. You can reduce the likelyhood of your rabbit getting bloat by ensuring your rabbit eats fresh hay daily, this helps to keep their gut working and prevent the build-up of gas.

You should take your rabbit to the vet straight away, as this is often fatal.

coccidiosis

symptoms:-

Rabbit has diarrhoea, bloated stomach, sits in a corner, is shaking, makes a loud grinding noise with teeth.

Coccidiosis is caused by a parasite that lives in the rabbit's intestine or liver. It is highly contagious, so their hutch must be cleaned thoroughly.

You must take your rabbit to the vet straight away, as your rabbit will become weak and die. If your rabbit has a mate they should be checked by your vet also.

constipation

symptoms :-

Rabbit not eating, producing few pellets.

Whether rabbits suffer from constipation is debatable, it is usually a sign of another problem that is causing them not to eat (nothing going in, nothing comes out). Try removing dry food, and feeding them fresh hay, fruit and veg. Provide fresh water. Allow plenty of exercise.

If after 24 hours your rabbit's condition has not improved, take them to the vet. If your rabbit is not eating anything you should go to the vet straight away.

diarrhoea

symptoms :-

In mild cases, rabbit produces a small amount of smelly runny droppings. In severe cases, rabbit produces smelly, very runny droppings, has lack of appetite, is lethargic and listless.

Rabbit diarrhoea is usually caused by them eating too many greens, especially if spoiled or deteriorated. It can also be caused by stress, damp bedding, cold or draughts, or an infection. In mild cases where appart from a small amount of diarrhoea, your rabbit is lively and eating. Remove all food, clean their home, feed only fresh hay, provide fresh water, and keep them warm. Clean your rabbit if necessary, with mild soapy water (baby shampoo is ideal).
If the problem persists or your rabbit has recuring bouts of diarrhoea, you should consult your vet as there may be a medical cause, such as an infection.

Severe cases are often fatal, especially in young rabbits and must be taken to the vet straight away.

e. cuniculi

symptoms:-

Usually none, rabbit may have increased thirst and urination, and weight loss.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a parasite that is estimated to infect 50% of all domestic rabbits, and a rabbit can live a full life without you even being aware they are infected. It is either passed from mother to baby before birth, or from a rabbit consuming something contaminated with an infected rabbit's urine. It reproduces in the kidneys and can damage these in the process, causing the symptoms mentioned above. It can also form cysts in the brain, leading to neurological damage, resulting in more visually obvious illnesses such as head tilt, seizures, and hind limb paralysis. If a rabbit gets stressed or is suffering from another illness they seem to be more likely to develope the problems caused by E. cuniculi.

Blood tests are the only way to detect whether your rabbit is infected. If so, there are treatments available to get rid of the infection. However, any damage already caused by the infection is unlikely to be reversed, so, after getting your rabbit, the sooner they are treated the better.
You could just assume your rabbit has E. cuniculi, which is highly likely, and treat them without doing a blood test.

Ask your vet for advice.

fly strike

symptoms:-

Listless, lack of appetite, aggressive cleaning of the bottom area.
Look out for flies bothering your rabbit, even sitting on their back.

Fly strike is caused by flies laying eggs in a rabbits fur, usually around the bottom area. Within 12-24 hours your rabbit will have maggots eating into it's skin. Symptoms, such as those listed above, don't usually occur until the infestation is well under way, so it is important to check your rabbit often for maggots, especially during the summer. If your rabbit is healthy and keeps itself clean, once a week should be enough, messy rabbits must be checked at least every other day, ideally daily.
If your rabbit, for whatever reason, doesn't keep itself clean down below it is especially prone to fly strike, and you should treat your rabbit with one of the lotions available, that prevent maggots from developing.

Take your rabbit to the vet straight away.

gastric hairball

symptoms:-

Rabbit has loss of appetite, produces smaller, harder and fewer pellets.

Through grooming themselves, especially when moulting, rabbits can get a build up of fur which stops food moving from the stomach to the intestines. Regularly grooming your rabbit, ensuring they have plenty of fresh hay to eat, and allowing them regular exercise will reduce the likelyhood of this occurring.
If you suspect your rabbit of having a furball, you can try giving them half a teaspoon of mineral oil, or two teaspoons of fresh pineapple juice, which can help break it down.

Take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible.

heat stroke

symptoms:-

Rabbit rapidly breathing, has flared nostrils, laying down at full stretch.

During hot sunny weather, it is vital your rabbit's hutch and run are positioned in a sheltered area, to help it keep cool.
If you suspect your rabbit has heat stroke, move it to a shaded area, and place a cool wet cloth on its body and forehead. Encourage to drink water that is ideally room temperature.

If you see no improvement within a couple of hours, take to the vet.

hind-limb paralysis

symptoms:-

Rabbit loses, partial or complete, use of the back legs

This is either the result of neurological damage, such as that caused by the E. cuniculi parasite, and the controlling signals not being sent. Or damage to the spine, preventing the controlling signals reaching the legs. Being dropped, trodden on, kicking out when being held, or falling from someplace they have managed climb to, are some ways that a rabbit can damage their spine. Learn how to pick up your bunny, and only do so when necessary.
Their spine can be damaged from general wear and tear as they get older, especially if overweight.

This condition will not get better on it's own and must be treated by a vet.

malocclusion of the teeth

symptoms:-

Rabbit is less willing to eat, eating less or no food, is drooling.

A rabbits teeth are continually growing and due, either to hereditary problems, a damaged tooth or incorrect feeding, the teeth do not meet properly, and are not sufficiently worn down during eating. They become longer, moving out of alignment with the opposing tooth. The back teeth can form sharp edges, which cut into the rabbit's cheek or tongue, depending on which way the tooth has been forced to grow, and the rabbit will be reluctant to eat.
Providing plenty of fresh hay, and ensuring they eat it by not giving too much pellet food, is vital to keep their teeth worn down. Provide them with something to knaw on for extra wear of the front teeth. See feeding for diet information.

Take to the vet for teeth to be trimmed.

mites of ear

symptoms:-

Rabbit shaking their head, excessively scratching behind their ears.
The rabbits ears become inflamed, lose fur, and develop brown encrustations.

Ear mites are caused by an infestation of parasites in the rabbit's ear, which if treated early with an ointment from the vet should cause little problem. If left untreated it can fill the ear and become very painful, and may cause an ear infection leading to further problems such as Torticollis (see below).

Take to the vet.

mites of fur

symptoms:-

Rabbit is frequent scratching, has bald patches, brown deposits, dandruff.

Mites are usually found on the back of the rabbit, and can be easily treated by your vet. You must thoroughly clean your rabbits living area to prevent reinfestation.

myxomatosis

symptoms:-

Rabbit has runny eyes, swelling around the eyes and genitals.

Myxomatosis is caused by a virus that is spread by contact with an infected rabbit, or by a bite from an insect, such as fleas or mosquitoes. It is rare for a rabbit to survive this, so it is important you vaccinate your rabbit every year.

Take your rabbit to the vet.

running eyes

symptoms 1:-

Rabbit has watery eyes.

This may be caused by your rabbit being exposed to a draught, in which case the draught should be eliminated. It could also be caused by a speck of dirt in their eye, or be the result of dusty hay. In this case you should wipe your rabbit's eye with cotton wool soaked in warm, salted water that has been boiled and left to cool. Wipe from inner to outer corner of the eye.

If the eye continues to water take your rabbit to the vet, as there may be a more serious underlying cause.

symptoms 2:-

Rabbit has red and swollen eyes, with pus discharge.

This is likely to be an infection and you must take your rabbit to the vet.

snuffles

symptoms:-

Rabbit frequently coughing and sneezing, has thick white discharge from the nose, has matted front paws from cleaning their nose.

Most rabbits sneeze occasionally, usually their nose has been irritated by dust, dirt or a strong smell, and they are trying to relieve it. Sometimes this is accompanied by clear mucus, this may indicate your rabbit has a cold. Make sure it is kept warm and this should pass after a few days.

If you suspect your rabbit may have snuffles, it is important you keep your rabbit warm and dry, this is very serious, and can lead to pneumonia.

You should take your rabbit to the vet straight away.

torticollis (head tilt)

symptoms:-

Ranging from the rabbit's head being held to one side to complete loss of balance.

Torticollis, also known as wry neck or head tilt, is the result of a disturbance to the rabbit's balance mechanism, often the result of an inner ear infection. This is treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories with varying degrees and rates of success. It can also be the result of neurological damage, usually caused by E. cuniculi, and the rabbit will be treated for that aswell. In severe cases the rabbit is often unable to eat or drink and, while waiting for the course of treatment to work, will need to be given food and water via a syringe (orally!). You should also keep them confined to a small area well padded with hay, to prevent them rolling around and hurting themselves, until they recover some of their balance.

This condition is often more distressing for you than the rabbit, and, even in severe cases, rabbits can make enough of a recovery to live a happy life.

viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD)

symptoms:-

Rabbit has loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, bleeding from nose and bottom, is fitting.

VHD is extremely contagious, it can be transmitted by animals, people, vehicle wheels, bird droppings or even on the wind. Usually a rabbit will die within 2 days of catching the disease, showing no signs of illness.
Take to the vet.

Health problems of Dalmatian dogs

 Deafness

Approximately 8% of all Dalmatians are completely deaf (bilaterally deaf);another 22% is deaf in one ear (unilaterally deaf or unilaterally hearing). There is no cure for congenital deafness...

The only way to reduce the incidence of deafness in any breed so afflicted is through careful, responsible breeding. NO bilaterally deaf dog of any breed should be allowed to reproduce. Owners of unilaterally deaf dogs are strongly encouraged to have those dogs spayed/neutered; and should be urged to remove unilaterally deaf dogs from their breeding line/stock Statistically, if just one parent of a litter is unilaterally deaf (assuming the other parent is bilaterally hearing), the chances of completely deaf puppies DOUBLES!!!

  Urinary Stones
The one health problem that is unique to Dals is their potential to form urate bladder stones.
While many breeds have the tendency for kidney stones, and other urinary tract problems, Dalmatians are unique in the cause. Provide plenty of fresh water for your dalmatian. Allow him to urinate frequently. Feed a dogfood that is low in purines (under 24%). A lamb and rice diet is one that works quite well. Low purine snacks including, carrots;celery,peeled or cored apple slices,string cheeze is also a good choice.

 Every Dalmatian has the potential to form stones; although few actually do. When one suspects a Dalmatian is having bladder stone problems, especially if blocked, it is of extreme importance that the dog be taken to a vet immediately! A blocked urethra is a life-threatening condition, and a Dalmatian can die within a matter of hours if not treated properly & promptly.

 Epilepsy

Epilepsy in Dalmatians:

Dalmatians like many other breeds can and do have epilepsy, or seizure disorders. Some are labelled idiopathic , meaning no known cause and may be inherited. These usually occur between the ages of 6 months and 5 years this is called PRIMARY EPILEPSY. Seizures can be caused by many other things such as blows to the head, distemper, ingestion of poisonous substances, this is called SECONDARY EPILEPSY. Seizures can also be associated with hypothyroidism. There are several types of seizures,

  MILD:

Which can be just as simple as staring into space momentarily.

 MODERATE:

Which is called grand mal, the dog will fall down, convulse, lose control of bladder and bowels, lose consiousness, maybe froth at the mouth, this usually lasts for 3-5 mins, often followed by a period of restlessness, pacing bumping into objects, loss of balance, this can last from 1/2 hr to several days.

 SEVERE:

This can occur in two forms STATUS EPILEPTICUS, which involves the dog losing consciousness for 30 mins or more, and CLUSTER SEIZURES multiple seizures within a short period of time, both can be life threatening and a vets help MUST be sought.

 Hip Displasia

Hip displasia does exist in dalmatians, however it really isn't common. If a dalmatian is to be used in a breeding program it should not get affected with hip displasia.

  Skin and Coat Disorders

1) Allergy. A large majority of Dalmatians exhibiting these signs are allergic.These allergens may be inhaled as in the case of airborne pollens, molds, etc.; ingested as with food allergens; injected as with flea saliva; or merely contacted as with local irritants coming in contact with the skin.

2) Stress. Add to allergy the physiological stress associated with travel, excitement, change in routine and diet (all that baiting!). Biologically, stress is associated with an increase in production of steroid hormones called glucocorticoids. Normally, glucocorticoids allow dogs to meet the special needs of stressful situations, but they may also have the unfortunate effect of decreasing the "barrier function" of normal canine skin. When inflammation already exists, the glucocorticoid response may permit bacteria, normally kept in check on the skin, to flourish.

3) Humidity and Heat. Veterinary dermatologists consider changes in humidity and temperature also to be significant factors in the onset of these hive-like reactions. These changes may be associated with the ambient or skin environment, such as:

• climatic differences between home and the show site;
• drying of the skin;
• occlusion of pores in the skin by special grooming products.

It has been suggested that the non-itching form of this syndrome is more directly related to these environmental conditions than it is to allergies.

4) Mange

5) Dermatomycosis

6) Pyoderma

Prevention

Keep the Dalmatians free of fleas & ticks;

Use hypoallergenic shampoos, alternating with antibacterial shampoos if necessary. Do not bathe them too frequently.

Dog Warts

 

Oral warts

What Is A Wart?

A wart, in its most general term, is an obtrusive bump that can appear anywhere on your dog's body.

Warts can occur primarily on the surface of the skin, around the eyes, inside the mouth, nose, or be present on your dog's reproductive organs. Some warts are benign, and may clear up on their own. Other warts can be dangerous to your dog's health, or may be a symptom of a serious medical condition.

Are Warts Caused By A Virus?

Warts that are caused by a papilloma virus are very common, and are the only type of wart that may disappear over time. The papilloma virus is contagious, and is very common in dogs that have a weakened or under-developed immune system.
This virus usually has an incubation period of one to two months, before visible papilloma warts develop on the infected dog. Even without treatment, most papillomas will disappear on their own.

However, the papilloma virus is only one of several possible causes for the occurrence of warts in dogs.
Small tumors that cause swelling of certain glands are also common, though this type of wart requires surgical removal, and will not clear up on its own. Some warts are caused by allergic reactions, either to medication, vaccination, or environmental elements. Other types of warts may be a symptom of a serious skin condition, and will require the immediate attention of a veterinarian.

As with any abnormality, it is important to bring your dog to the veterinarian if you have any worries about the type of wart that is present on your dog. It's much more beneficial, both for you and your pet, to get regular check-ups to ensure that your dog is healthy.

How Do I Get Rid Of Warts?

There are many treatment options available to get rid of warts caused by the papilloma virus. Most of these treatments are used to boost your dog's immune system, which helps control the virus. If your dog has a wart that is caused by a tumor, or a skin condition, veterinary procedures may be necessary. Some warts can only be cured with complete surgical removal.

A Disease That Could Be Silently hurt Your Dog

 

Clinical sign of E.canis in dog-Before the treatment

                                     Animal was getting recover from the disease after the treatment

What is It?

* Canine ehrlichiosis, commonly referred to as E. canis is an infectious blood disease that is transmitted in saliva of the brown dog tick.
* E. canis is diagnosed most frequently in areas having natural brown dog tick populations.

What are the Symptoms?

* E. canis has three phases -- acute, subclinical and chronic.
* Signs of the disease will vary with each state making diagnosis of E. canis nearly impossible based on symptoms alone.
* Acute Phases -- signs are similar to symptoms of many other more common diseases and are often mild, going unnoticed by a pet's owner. Signs include: fever, discharge from eyes and nose, lack of appetite, depression, weight loss, and swollen lymph glands.
* Subclinical Phase -- while this phase can last for years, dogs may never show any obvious symptoms.
* Chronic Phase -- this stage can be either mild or severe. If mild, the disease appears to mimic a vague illness and dogs show signs of obvious weight loss. If this phase is severe, signs include eye disease, spontaneous nosebleeds, retinal bleeding,red blood patches on abdominal area and swelling of limbs.

Is it Easily Diagnosed?

"There are more cases of E. canis than most dog owners, and even some veterinarians realize. Left undiagnosed and untreated, the disease can be extremely debilitating for pets, even fatal," says Dr. Rick Alleman, associate professor of Clinical Pathology at the University of Florida, presently studying the effects of ehrlichiosis in humans and domestic animals.
* E. canis is notoriously difficult to diagnose without a veterinarian-administered test.

Can E. Canis be Prevented? Treated?

E. canis can be treated, although both treatment and outcome depend on the severity and progression of the disease. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in limiting severe disease. Your veterinarian can prescribe the most appropriate medications for treatment, which may include antibiotics, steroids, fluid therapy and blood transfusions.

Aural haematomas in dogs - ears

An aural (ear) haematoma is a collection of blood or serum, and sometimes a blood clot within the pinna or ear flap. This blood collects under the skin and causes the ear flap to become thickened. The swelling may involve the entire ear flap or it may involve only a small area.

How does an aural haematoma occur?

Aural haematomas usually occur as a result of local irritation to some part of the ear. When something irritates the ear canal, a dog is likely to respond by scratching or shaking the head. Excessive shaking causes blood vessels to break, resulting in bleeding. An understanding of the ear's anatomy makes the sequence of events more logical.

Understanding ear anatomy

The ear flap is composed of a layer of skin on each side of a layer of cartilage. The cartilage gives the ear flap its shape. Blood vessels go from side-to side by passing through the cartilage. Violent shaking causes the vessels to break as the skin slides across the cartilage.

How are aural haematomas treated?

The first aim of treatment is to drain the haematoma to relieve the pressure and pain associated with the build up of fluid within the ear flap. This is achieved under general anaesthesia where either a single incision or multiple small biopsy holes are made on the inner surface of the ear. The blood is drained and the ear flushed to remove any remaining blood clots. These holes are left open to allow continued drainage of fluid whilst waiting for the ear flap to heal.
Reattachment of the ear cartilage is encouraged with the use of multiple sutures placed through the ear flap (with or without the use of a support to maintain the normal architecture of the ear) and these sutures are left in place for 3 weeks. The specific method used will depend on the size, age and position of the haematoma.
The second major aspect of treatment is to work out why the haematoma formed in the first place. As mentioned, above, any reason that causes the dog to shake its head can result in the formation of an aural haematoma. Some things which can cause this include:

1. Grass seed or other foreign body lodged within the ear canal.
2. Ear infection.
3. Allergies resulting in an itchy ear, scratching and shaking head.
4. Fly bites to the tips of the ears.
5. Immune mediated disease.

It is essential that the cause of the problem be identified and treated if possible. If a foreign body is found, it is removed. If an ear infection is identified, the ear canal will be thoroughly cleaned during anaesthesia and appropriate medical ointments or medications will be dispensed.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to identify a cause, or it is difficult to manage the underlying cause (eg allergies). In these cases, another aural haematoma may form in the same ear or in the other ear and management may require long term medications.

Once my dog is treated will I need to bring him/her back to the vet for further treatment?

The sutures will need to be removed 10-14 days after surgery. At this time, a haematoma is usually healed. If an infection is also being treated your veterinarian will also check to make sure that the infection is gone. It is vitally important that the infection is successfully treated to prevent further head shaking which may result in further haematomas.

What happens if your dog does not have surgery?

If a haematoma is left untreated the blood in the ear flap will separate into serum and a clot and will gradually be absorbed over a period of 10 days to 6 weeks. This is an uncomfortable time for your dog and unfortunately some scarring will take place during this process. It also causes a deformity of the ear flap resulting in a "cauliflower ear" which may cause further problems.

Distemper in Dogs

About Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease that is seen in dogs worldwide. Though its incidence has diminished greatly due to vaccination, distemper cases and outbreaks are still seen sporadically.
Cause
Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus. This virus can also infect several other species including ferrets and wild animals such as coyotes, foxes, wolves, skunks, and raccoons. Animals usually become infected by direct contact with virus particles from the secretions of other infected animals (generally via inhalation). Indirect transmission (i.e., carried on dishes or other objects) is not common because the virus does not survive for long in the environment. The virus can be shed by dogs for several weeks after recovery.
Risk Factors
Puppies under four months of age (before vaccinations are fully protective) and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk. Because canine distemper also occurs in wild animals, contact with wild animals may contribute to the spread of distemper to domestic dogs.
Signs and Symptoms of Distemper
Canine distemper causes symptoms in multiple body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and the brain and spinal cord. The appearance of symptoms and course of distemper can be variable, ranging from very mild illness to fatal disease. Any of the following can be seen:

• fever (often one episode a few days after infection that may not be noticed, followed by a second episode a few days later when the other symptoms begin to show up)
• discharge from the eyes and nose
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• vomiting and diarrhea
• coughing
• labored breathing
• hardening of footpads and nose (distemper has sometimes been called hardpad disease)
• inflammation of various parts of the eye
• secondary bacterial infections
• neurological symptoms are variable

Neurological symptoms of distemper may not develop at all or develop later in the disease (sometimes even after several weeks). Neurological symptoms of distemper may include any of the following:

• muscle twitching
• weakness or paralysis
• seizures (of any part of the body, but seizures that look as if the dog is chewing gum are unique to distemper)
• uncoordinated movements
• increased sensitivity to touch or pain

Diagnosis of Distemper
Diagnosis is based primarily on the the history and clinical signs. Because signs are variable and may take time to appear, and secondary infections are common, diagnosis can be complicated. Additionally, other infections can produce similar signs to distemper. A variety of laboratory tests can help confirm the diagnosis (and some may be done to rule out other infections).
Treatment of Distemper
There is no treatment specific to the distemper virus, so treatment involves managing the various symptoms and secondary infections. Even with treatment, distemper can be fatal. Treatment depends on the symptoms shown, and may include fluids to combat dehydration, medication to reduce vomiting, antibiotics and other medications to treat pneumonia, antibiotics for secondary infections, and anticonvulsants to treat seizures. Neurological symptoms may get progressively worse and not respond to treatment, and even with recovery some neurological effects may persist.
Prevention of Distemper
Vaccination is effective at preventing distemper. Puppies are typically vaccinated starting at 6 weeks of age and at regular intervals (every 2-4 weeks) until they are 14-16 weeks old (as with other vaccines, presence of antibodies received from the mother can interfere with vaccines so a puppy is not considered fully protected until the final vaccine in the series has been given). Vaccination should be repeated a year later, then at regular intervals. Your vet will discuss an appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog based on your dog's history and risk factors.
Until puppies have received all the vaccinations in the series (at 14-16 weeks) it is prudent to be careful about exposing them to unknown dogs (e.g., at dog parks) to avoid exposure to the virus as much as possible.

Home Care for a Dog with Distemper
Dogs suspected of having distemper should be isolated from other dogs. Other dogs in a household from which a dog has been diagnosed with distemper should be vaccinated if they are not currently vaccinated. The canine distemper virus does not typically survive long outside the body so thorough disinfection of the home is not as critical as with some other viruses (routine cleaning with any disinfectant should be sufficient). Check with your vet for recommendations on waiting times to introduce a new puppy to a household with a dog that has been diagnosed with distemper.