|
|
|
Ask The Bunny Expert!
Susan adopted her first house rabbit 5 years ago and soon after got highly involved in rabbit rescue. She has volunteered at a local rabbit rescue group and a local animal shelter working with rabbits. She has since co-founded 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue Inc. Susan can surely answer all of your rabbit questions!
Q: Dear Susan
What are some common rabbit diseases we should be concerned about?
-Samantha
A: Samantha,
There are all kinds of rabbit health issues ranging from G.I. ailments, bladder sludge, abscesses, kidney disease to cancer, e-cuniculi and pasturela to name a few. Molar spurs are pretty common. Also, rabbits are prey animals so they hide their illnesses. That is why it is important to keep an eye on them and if anything looks abnormal they should be taken to a rabbit savvy /exotic veterinarian as soon as possible. It is very important that rabbits eat to keep their digestive system going and if something happens where they stop eating, it is very important to get them eating again and get them to a rabbit veterinarian. Sometimes in a matter of hours things can get really sick and we can lose our furry friends.
I hope this helps, Susan
Ask Peter, "The Fish Doctor!"
The Fish Doctor is an aquarium installation and maintenance company. it is designed to help people achieve success in the fish keeping hobby. For more info please visit www.TheFishDoctor.net. Direct all your fishy questions to "The Fish Doctor."
Q: Dear Fish Doctor,
What are some safe live plants to use in a fresh water aquarium?
Thanks, Jo
A: Dear Jo,
For your first planted aquarium, I would suggest obtaining Java fern and Anubias. Both of these plants do well under low light conditions and herbivorous fish find their leaves distasteful.
Good luck, Peter
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”. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. "Send your cat questions to Sally!
Q: Dear Sally,
Are there household plants that could be dangerous or poisonous to my domestic short hair cat?
Thank you, Georgia
A: Dear Georgia
With Easter coming up, lilies are at the top of the list of poisonous plants. According to the ASPCA National Poison Control Center, all parts of the lily are considered toxic and may cause kidney failure in cats. Other common lilies considered poisonous include the Tiger lily, Rubrum, Japanese show lily and Day lily. Among the very long list of other poisonous plants are Aloe Vera, Amarylis, Asparagus Fern, English Ivy, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Peace lily, Philodendron, Chrysanthemum, Hyacinth, Pothos, Dracaena, and Dieffenbachia. A comprehensive list can be found at http://www.cfa.org/articles/plants.html.
The good news is that thereÅfs an equally long list of non-toxic plants, including African violets, Lipstick plant, Begonia species, BurroÅfs tail, Cast Iron plant, rex begonia, purple passion vine, Prayer plant, Spider plant (always a favorite for cats to nibble on), Rubber plant, Strawberry, Hardy gloxinia, peperomia, and Zebra plant. For a more complete list, visit http://www.cfa.org/articles/plants-non-toxic.html.
A good way to discourage cats from munching on houseplants is to grow a pot of cat grass or fresh catnip. Although cats are obligate carnivores, most enjoy chewing on some greenery. The Animal Poison Control Center provides 24/7 telephone assistance to veterinarians and animal owners. If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, call 1-888-426-4435. There is a $50 consultation fee.
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: Dear Dr. Mascola,
What does it mean when my dog scoots on his bottom?
Thanks, Bauer
A: Dear Bauer,
There are 2 main rule outs for a dog that is scooting. The first is gastrointestinal parasites. The second is a problem with their anal glands. You should bring a stool sample to your veterinarian to be examined for parasites. Also, the veterinarian should try and express your dog's anal glands to make sure they are empty and not infected.
Good Luck, Dr. Mascola
|
|
|
|
|
|
