Has your Quarter horse recently been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease? If so, you may want to talk with your vet more extensively to find out about treatment, medications, management, and even long-term care. Your vet may suggest various lifestyle changes for your horse. For instance, some vets will suggest a change in a horse’s diet, exercise routine, frequency of hoof trims and even body clippings to help make your horse more comfortable. Studies show an estimated 10 percent of horses over the age of 15 have Cushing’s. Although the disease is incurable, it can be managed with medication. Additional steps can also be taken to control symptoms and prevent complications. For instance, routine dental care is important to avoid gum disease and tooth loss. Regular trimming and shoeing can also reduce the risk of laminitis. Talk with your vet Myakka, FL to learn more about the disease and ... Read more »

Did you know that some birds like the Finch can actually dream during their sleep? Have you ever noticed your Finch making noises or moving around while he is sleeping? If so, then you’ve probably just witnessed your Finch dreaming while he sleeps. If you’re unsure your Finch is dreaming and are afraid there might be something wrong with your bird, just give your vet a call and describe what’s going on. In general, if your Finch is sleeping and talking or moving around then he’s most likely dreaming. Some experts believe that birds not only dream, but they also dream about the songs they sing during the day. In addition, there have been reports that birds have night frights meaning they wake in a panic after a “bad” dream. Talk with your veterinary clinic Myakka, FL to learn more about your Finch and his dreams.

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Did you know that it’s possible for your Paint to get sunburn simply by standing in the pasture grazing all day? It’s even possible for your horse to have too much exposure to the sun. To avoid too much time in the sun try rotating your Paint to other paddocks or pasture areas where there is more shade or shelter. You may need to bring your Paint inside the barn on super hot days to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn and even dehydration. Sunburn can occur in horses due to their coat color as well as their underlying skin color. For instance, Paints with white or pink noses tend to burn easily as do horses that have white or pink socked legs and hooves. Paints that are primarily white all over can also easily burn. Talk to your veterinarian Myakka, FL about applying baby sun tan lotion to horse’s vulnerable areas. For additional details, click here.

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High-rise syndrome is the name given to the incidence of cats falling from buildings higher than two stories. Cats are fearless and may jump from surface to surface and may fall from windows or off the lanai. Your cat has a righting instinct so if she falls, she may have time to land on her feet. However, a large fall can cause severe head injuries, skeletal or muscular damage and even internal damage. If your cat survives the fall she may try to run away if she is unfamiliar with the ground level environment. Immediately take your cat in for medical evaluation and possible treatment. High-rise syndrome is highly preventable. Check all window screens and doors to keep your cat inside your home. Don’t allow your cat to go on the lanai where you won’t be able to supervise your cat at all times. Contact your Haiku Veterinary Clinic, Inc vet to learn more.

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Are you trying to figure out how much time your Quarter Horse should spend outdoors? Turnout time can depend a lot on where you live, your horse’s workload, your horse’s temperament, your horse’s current health status and even his current weight. For instance, if you live in an area that is not subject to drastic climate changes then your vet may recommend keeping your horse out as much as possible. However, if you live in a region that is subject to prolonged heat waves or severely cold temperatures then you may want to consider keeping your horse indoors overnight and during the hottest or coldest part of the day. If you show your horse then you may want to keep your horse in to ensure less chance of injury. Likewise, if your horse is overweight then you may want to keep him in to cut down on his grass intake. Call your veterinary clinic Lakewood Ranch, FL for suggestions.

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White line disease refers to an infection that occurs between the hoof wall and where it meets up at the sole. If you own a horse, like the Paint horse, then you may want to talk with your vet to learn more about this disease and what to watch out for in your horse. White line disease is the separation of the hoof wall at the non-pigmented layer (or white line area). The disease occurs when bacteria invades the white line area and pushes its way into the hoof wall. Infection develops and can spread gradually eating away at the hoof. Exact causes are not known. Some vets believe that the disease is a secondary condition caused by some type of trauma to the hoof wall. Moisture, poor nutrition, or previous injury can compromise the hoof wall making it weak and prone to bacteria. Talk with your veterinarian Lakewood Ranch, FL for more information.

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Did you know that feeding your Maine Coon cat certain fruits and vegetables can help maintain overall health and wellness? Talk with your vet to find out what types of fresh produce are OK to feed your cat. For instance, you might want to ask about giving your Maine Coon kale every now and then. Kale is a leafy green vegetable most commonly associated with cabbage. Kale; however, produces long stems with large leaves and no exact head like a cabbage. Kale contains fiber, calcium, potassium and vitamin K, which can be beneficial for your kitty. If you do give your cat veggies, a general rule of thumb is to mix it with a raw meat diet and serve a total of two tablespoons of veggies per pound of meat. Always watch for any stomach upset. If your cat has trouble digesting the veggies, click here, or call your vet Lakewood Ranch, FL.

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Your cat utilizes her litter box on a daily basis, and really needs you to help keep it a clean and healthy place for her to visit. How can you do this?

Since it’s used each and every day, it will need attention this frequently as well. Scoop out anything your cat leaves behind during the day, and assess the remaining litter. You will likely need to change all the litter and do a thorough cleaning of the litter box on a weekly basis, but this may be more frequent depending on your cat’s use. Be sure to thoroughly wash and sanitize the litter box during these cleanings, and reassemble everything once it is completely dry. Add in new, fresh litter to ensure that your pet is able to stay away from harmful bacteria. For more information, please contact your local Ingersoll, IA vet clinic.

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