If your mini donkey has recently scratched or injured his eye then your vet may have prescribed ointment or eye drops as part of the treatment process. Sometimes two ointments will be prescribed to treat the eye. One dilates the eye while the other is an antibiotic to treat the eye. To apply ointment to your donkey’s eye, gently squeeze some of the ointment onto your index finger. Next, use your other finger and your thumb to gently open the eyelid and place the ointment on the lower part of the eyelid or directly on the eye. Close the donkey’s eyelid to help spread the ointment over the entire surface of the eye. If applying eye drops, follow the same procedure to open the eye. This time hold the drops at an angle to squeeze a drop in the lower eyelid or directly to the eye. Ask our vet Marietta, GA for assistance. Visit their site for more information.

... Read more »

Did you know that sheep like the Corriedale sheep may actually need a blanket in certain months of the year? Your vet can tell you that some sheep owners prefer their sheep have blankets at all times of the year, but not to keep warm. Many sheep owners who show their sheep prefer to have a blanket or stable sheet for sheep on hand to cover their sheep and keep them clean during, before, and sometimes after a show. In the summer, most sheep owners will select a lightweight blanket to throw over their sheep to keep them clean and cool. In the winter, a heavier blanket is used to give extra warmth as well as to keep the sheep clean. If you need to purchase a showmanship blanket for your sheep, check out websites such as valleyvet.com and weaverleather.com. You can also talk with your vet Marietta, GA for additional information.

... Read more »

Did you know there are certain plants that chickens like the Barred Rock chicken should not eat as they contain high levels of toxins and poisons? Ask your vet for a list of all plants that are toxic to chickens. In general the azalea, boxwood, buttercup, cherry laurel, daffodil, daphne, and foxglove are among the list of plants and flowers that are toxic to chickens. In most cases, chickens instinctively know to avoid these plants. However, if you have free ranging chickens, it’s important to make sure these particular flowers or plants are not accessible. Symptoms of possible poisoning include depression, lethargy, tremors, excessive salivating, and inability to move. If your chickens for some reason decide to pick at these plants or even eat them, call your vet right away. Be prepared to tell your local animal hospital Marietta, GA exactly which plant your chicken ate as this may help in a quicker treatment.

... Read more »

Heartworms can affect ferrets, like the Albino Mitt ferret, in much the same way as it affects dogs and cats. When you adopt a ferret the first thing you should do is schedule a routine wellness exam. Always request your vet to test your Albino Mitt ferret for heartworms. Heartworm disease can be fatal if not treated. The disease is caused by a foot-long worm that can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels. This can cause lung disease and heart failure among other things. Because of a Albino Mitt ferret’s size, a single heartworm can cause the same amount of damage as multiple heartworms in a dog or cat. Prevention is the best form of treatment. Ask your vet about on a monthly heartworm prevention plan for your ferret. For further information regarding heartworm disease, ways to prevent it and ways to treat it, consult with your veterinary clinic Scottsdale, AZ.

... Read more »

It’s important to keep tabs on your horse as he gets older because aged animals require different food and different care. But, when exactly is a horse considered old?

It takes quite a while for a horse to mature. As a matter of fact, a horse isn’t considered skeletally mature until the age of five or six! The activity level of the horse should be considered as well.

A horse that is well cared for and exercised on a regular basis may not be considered senior or elderly until he’s 20 years old. However, in general, you might want to start considering your horse middle aged and entering his later years at age 16. If the horse is in poor health, he may be considered elderly much earlier.

To find out if your horse should be considered old, or to discover the age of your animal, schedule an appointment with your veterinary clinic Mattoon, IL.

... Read more »

If you own an American Sable rabbit or other type of rabbit then you may be interested in showing. If you are, first find out what types of rabbits do best in shows to determine if you American Sable would be a cooperative show breed. You may also want to check out the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) website for showing information. For instance, if you want to show at a recognized ARBA show you will need to register your American Sable rabbit with the organization ahead of time. You must become a member of the ARBA yourself in order to register your rabbit. Once registered, you’ll have access to show schedules, classes, dates and sign up options. ARBA certified shows take place throughout the U.S. Check the show schedule to find a local show and complete the forms and submit fees as required by the ARBA. For additional information, contact your veterinarian Scottsdale, AZ.

... Read more »

Did you know that mouth rot can occur in a variety of reptiles including snakes like the Albino Gopher snake? Your vet can tell you that mouth rot (or infectious stomatitis) is an inflammation of the mouth that appears as small hemorrhages on the gums or as large amounts of mucus or pus in the mouth of an Albino Gopher Snake. Stress is one of the leading causes of mouth rot. When Albino Gopher Snakes become stressed their immune system becomes weak and is unable to maintain the bacteria generally found in the mouth. The buildup of bacteria leads to infection which then leads to mouth rot. Other causes of mouth rot may include inappropriate regulation of temperatures in the Albino Gopher Snake’s habitat, overcrowding, internal or external parasites, trauma, or poor nutrition. Your vet clinic Scottsdale, AZ may suggest a vitamin C deficiency and low calcium or phosphorous levels as a cause as well.

... Read more »

Although dental exams are not usually required for cats, it may a good idea to have your American Longhair in for a checkup now and again especially if he is prone to tartar or plaque buildup on his gums. Key indicators of this are bad breath and trouble chewing or eating. Another indicator for the need for a dental exam could be swollen gums as well. This along with the unusually bad breath could signal gingivitis or other periodontal illnesses. Your vet will need to conduct a physical exam in order to determine a cause of the symptoms. During the dental exam your American Longhair cat will be sedated so that the vet can thoroughly check her teeth and gums for plaque, bacteria, etc. Your vet may take this opportunity to scrape plaque or calculus build-up from the teeth, pull rotted teeth and polish the teeth. Call your vet care Rochester, NY for further information.

... Read more »

If your American Longhair has been diagnosed with Feline Leukemia (FeLV), talk with your vet to learn more about treatment options, management plans and long-term care. FeLV is a virus that can cause anemia, lymphoma, and a suppressed immune system in cats. The virus is not contagious to other animals or people. There is no cure. Most treatment options are for the purpose of prolonging your cat’s quality of life. If your American Longhair cat tests positive for FeLV at an early stage and is healthy then she may be able to fight the virus on her own. Kittens and senior cats; however, are generally unable to fight the virus. Treatment can be given to keep your cat comfortable and to prevent secondary infections. Chemotherapy may also be available to help fight FeLV related lymphoma or other cancers. For additional information, call your veterinarian Rochester, NY. Or visit this link: http://rochestercatvet.com/ ... Read more »

Are you planning to adopt a cat like the American Longhair? If so, you may want to talk to your vet to learn about health conditions that your cat should be tested for prior to purchase or adoption. For instance, all cats should test negative for FeLV or the Feline Leukemia Virus. This disease is the second largest cause of death among cats. The virus can cause anemia or lymphoma as well as suppress their immune system making cats highly susceptible to deadly infections. When American Longhair cats are vaccinated they have a stronger chance of resisting the deadly virus. In fact, research has found that 70% of cats that came in contact with FeLV were able to either resist the infection or overcome it on their own. Your best vet Rochester, NY can tell you that FeLV affects cats only and is not contagious to dogs, people or other animals.

... Read more »