Ask the Lazi Birds!

Steve and Diane Lazicki have been rescuing and working with birds for over 8 years, as well as raising them as pets since childhood. They live with over 150 birds in their "bird house," so they have a wealth of bird expertise.

Q: Dear Lazi Birds,
When can I put a new young canary in the same cage with my 2-year-old female canary? And by putting them together, will that stop him from singing? How soon can I expect babies?
Thank you, Ray
A: Well, Ray, our area of birding is 'rescue,' we never intentionally breed. We do know some reputable bird breeders. I contacted Richard Klubek of North Windham, who is a canary breeder, for his help. Richard was happy to help in any way that he could.
Your male needs to be a good singer as that attracts the female. He will spread his wings (display) while he sings. This should start occurring anywhere between 9 and 11 months old.
Although your male may not sing as often, he should still sing occasionally. (I don't put on makeup as often as before I was married but I still do at times) wink!
Expecting babies... That is up to your female. When she is ready, she will start building a nest. My understanding is that there is no 'set' rule as to how long the courting ritual and acceptance will take. However, there ARE some basic steps to take in the introduction process that will give you a better rate of success.
First, keep your male away from your female, preferably in another room until he is singing well. Once he's a good singer, you can put his cage next to hers. You'll need to stay on your toes once you put them into the same cage. They may squabble a little here and there and that's pretty much to be expected. If it gets too intense, SEPARATE them. Wait a few days and try again. You may have to repeat this more than once. She will start to build her nest when she's ready. You can leave your male with her throughout the hatching as he will help her to care for the chicks.
Richard Klubek has made himself available for any further canary breeding questions you or anyone else may have. He would prefer to be called after 3pm at 860-423-9030.
I hope I have been of some help to you.
Grammie & Pa


Ask The Cat Lady!

Sally Bahner has spent the last 10 years specializing in writing on cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and multiple cat behavior. She was editor-in-chief of "The Whole Cat Journal" and has contributed to "Catnip", "Catwatch" and the new "Whole Cat Journal".

Q: Dear Sally,
My 17-year-old calico, K.C., walks around okay. A lack of sprightliness is only obvious when she's doing her "patting down the nest" circle.
I massage her hindquarters every day to encourage blood flow. She just had a geriatric blood test that showed everything is fine, except slightly elevated creatinine (2.7).
Is this anything to worry about?
Claire Webb
A: Dear Claire,
At the age of 17, your kitty may have some arthritis in her rear legs. Can she still jump up on the bed or counter? Is there any sensitivity when you touch certain areas? Is she clumsy in any way? Lots of supplements are available to help with arthritis - Cosequin for kitties, fish oil, MSM, Wobenzym, acupuncture - plus, of course, a top quality diet.
As you said, creatinine at 2.7 is only slightly elevated (normal is 0.3 to2.1). Elevated creatinine may be indicative of arthritis (as well as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and a few other things). Keep in mind that blood work is only a snapshot in time and can vary according to the stress level of the kitty and whether or not she has fasted.
On a more serious side, significant weakness or sudden paralysis in the rear end may indicate thrombosis, a blood clot that's indicative of heart disease.
Since her blood work is good (a geriatric blood panel is definitely a good way to monitor the overall health of an older kitty), make sure you discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Radiographs may show if there's degeneration associated with arthritis.
Sally


Ask Peter, "The Fish Doctor!"

Peter Oddo has been keeping and breeding tropical fish for over 6 years. He has raised more than 500 baby fish and maintains a saltwater reef tank and 7 other aquariums in his home. He installs aquariums in homes and offices for a living.

Q: Dear Fish Doctor
How can I tell the difference between male and female gold fish?
Thank you, Heather
A: Hi Heather,
The only time you can tell the difference between male and female goldfish, for sure, is during the spring and early summer, the mating season. The female goldfish will take on a fuller and rounder shape; this is because they are carrying eggs. Also, the males will develop little white bumps on their gills at this time. Then you will see the males chasing the females.
Thank you for your question,
Peter


Dog Training? Ask Donna!

Donna Bennett, dog trainer from D-Tails Pet Service can answer your questions on dog training. She has been training dogs for nine years in obedience and agility, her specialty being difficult dogs. She is a member of the Pet Dog Trainers Association and an expert trainer!

Q: Dear Donna,
I went through obedience class with my dog. I couldn't believe how fast she learned! She was the best dog there. Now that classes are over, though, she doesn't pay attention anymore and acts like she didn't learn a thing. What went wrong? Did I waste my time?
-Aasia
A: Hi Aasia!
My question to you would be, have you kept up with the training since the class ended? If you haven't, then your dog will take advantage of you for not working at the training. Most dogs like to work and are disappointed when that one on one time is not taking place. Many even act out because of this. If you have continued with training, what is different? Example...my dog will automatically sit when I come to a stop while heeling. He sits in heel position. If I command him to sit from across the room while he is playing, he may or may not do so. The key to having the behavior occur in every situation is to be sure to follow through on the command. You want him to know that the word sit applies to the behavior wherever and whenever. The transfer of the skill is followed through on outside of the classroom. Time and practice. Dog training is an ongoing lifetime process.
Good luck!
Donna


Ask the Vet!

Lauren Mascola is the veterinarian at Petcare Veterinary Services in West Hartford. She studied at UConn for undergraduate and Tufts for Veterinary Medicine. She has over 10 years experience and 2 dogs and 3 cats of her own. She is excited to answer your questions!

Q: Hi Dr. Mascola
My dog has developed an eye discharge mainly on 1 eye. She has always had bloodshot eyes and I'm wondering if it will clear on its own? It doesn't seem to bother her much but I am concerned.
Thank you, Tiffany
A: Tiffany,
If your dog has always had bloodshot eyes, I am assuming it is likely a breed with normally protruding globes, like a Pug or Bulldog, for example. In these cases, the eyes are more exposed and therefore more prone to trauma and secondary tearing. A fluorescein stain test performed by your veterinarian can tell if there are any corneal ulcerations from trauma. The discharge could also be due to an allergen she inhales or comes into close proximity with, causing a mild conjunctivitis. Finally, if she is older, she may have a condition called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS is a lack of normal tear production, so the eye will compensate by producing a thick gray to yellow mucus. A veterinarian can diagnose KCS by performing a Schirmer tear test. If the tear production is low, eye drops will be prescribed and should cause a dramatic improvement. These are the most common types of reasons for excess tearing, but the full list of differential diagnoses is longer. If the discharge is clear in color and not bothering her, you can try letting it run its course. But, if the drainage persists, or it is thick gray to yellow or green, I would advise a visit to your veterinarian to have her eye evaluated.
Dr. Mascola


Ask the Vet!

Dr. James St. Clair DVM, TopDog K-9 Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness, out of Hamden is here to answer all of our questions in regards to general medicine, orthopedics, arthritis and nutritional supplements. He is a recent graduate with a lot of ambition and enthusiasm for veterinary medicine.

Q: Dear Dr. James
My dog has arthritis. Someone recommended Arthrix. What do you know about this drug? Do you recommend it? Should/can I give my pet any other supplement or medication together with Arthrix?
Thank you, Roxanne
A: Roxanne,
As you probably already know, there are a ton of similar arthritis supplements available on the market. Kala Health, the makers of Arthrix and Arthrix Plus, is a fantastic choice. It just so happens that this is the supplement I give my dog, Albert. Of the two, Arthrix Plus provides the most comprehensive formula currently available as a supplement for healthy joints. So as an answer to your question I definitely recommend it. It is important to note that utilizing a supplement such as this is only one part of arthritis management. I suggest you visit your primary veterinarian to discuss pharmaceutical options that may be beneficial to alleviate arthritic discomfort. Lastly, it is imperative to keep your dog active by establishing some form of scheduled exercise.
I hope this helps,
Dr. James