Pet Health Direct

A variety of skin problems can affect dogs and cats, including allergies, bacterial and fungal infections, and parasite infestations. Most skin problems in pets are curable or manageable, so if your pet seems itchy or has skin that doesn't look healthy, contact your veterinarian. It is important to have your veterinarian examine your pet to determine the cause of the problem.

You should ensure your hamster has access to good quality food and fresh, clean water at all times. The exact nutritional requirements of the hamster are not known, but in the wild they are ‘omnivores’ meaning that they eat both vegetarian food (plants, fruit, vegetables and seeds) and animal protein (usually insects). Unfortunately, most hamster mixes are entirely vegetable matter, without any animal protein; many of these mixes are also very low in some vitamins and substances called ‘essential fatty acids’ that are especially important for a healthy skin and coat.

Hamsters’ incisor (front, gnawing) teeth grow continuously throughout their life; as is true for all rodents. The incisors receive continuous wear as the uppers and lowers contact each other, preventing overgrowth.

Since the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Flemming in 1928, antibiotics have saved millions of lives, in both human and veterinary medicine. They are an invaluable tool used against many diseases and are incredibly useful in veterinary as well as human medicine.

If your cat has a sore or red eye, or there is discharge from the eye then it is important to seek veterinary advice. Your cat may have an infection in the eye but this can also be caused by foreign body (such as a grass seed) caught under the eyelid. It is important that diseases of the eye are treated quickly to prevent any permanent damage being done.

Immediate veterinary attention can mean the difference between life and death for an injured dog after all but the most minor of accidents. Getting your dog to the vet's clinic (where all the necessary equipment is on hand) is quicker and gives the dog a better chance than calling the vet out to the scene of the accident. The most important thing to remember in an emergency is - don't panic! - this could cause further anxiety for an already frightened animal and it wastes valuable time.

Anaesthesia is a subject that often worries many owners, but many pets will undergo an anaesthetic during their lifetime. It is important to therefore have an understanding of the subject.

Dental disease is very common in cats and dogs. Surveys show that after the age of three years, about seven out of ten pets have some kind of tooth disorders. If left unattended these may cause irreversible damage to the dog's teeth, gums and jaw bones. Dental disease can be prevented by stopping the build up of plaque.

Veterinary medicine has made many advances in the last 10 years and many local veterinary practices will now be able to perform x-ray and ultrasound examinations.

The European adder (Vipera berus berus) is the only venomous snake native to the UK. It is also found across northern Europe and Asia, but not in Ireland.

Adders vary in colour; males can be grey to white and the females are shades of brown or copper. The adder can be recognised by its black/brown zig-zag down its back and a V-shaped marking on the head. Adults grow up to 60 cm in length.

The European adder is not an aggressive snake and only bites when provoked. Bites rarely occur during the winter when the snake is in hibernation but are frequent during the summer months. Adders are found in heaths, sand dunes, moorlands and woodland margins in summer.

Vomiting and diarrhoea are very common in dogs. Both are symptoms of other conditions rather than diseases in their own right and there is a vast range of dog diseases in which diarrhoea and/or vomiting may occur. In many cases the problem may be successfully treated without ever pinpointing the actual cause. However, the information that you give your vet may be vital in deciding whether the case is serious enough to need further detailed investigations.

All pets will be affected by worms at some stage in their life and many will be re-infected unless they are given regular, routine worming treatment. Getting rid of worms is relatively simple and inexpensive so regular treatment is strongly recommended, particularly as some types of worm can be passed onto humans.

Fleas are the most common parasite in dogs and every dog is likely to be infected at some stage in its life. However, with the advent of modern products it is possible to prevent fleas from becoming a problem in your household. Working closely with your vet, who will give you advice on how to use these products effectively, you will be able to stop these nasty little insects making a meal of your pet and you!

In recent years a new disease affecting dogs has been recognised in the UK. Cases most commonly appear between November and May, suggesting a possible winter seasonality. It has been reported in many counties across the UK. The disease was first recognised in America in the 1980s where it was called 'Alabama rot' (or 'Greenetrack disease'), after the state and greyhound racing track where it was first seen.

The correct name for Alabama Rot is cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (abbreviated to CRGV), a term which describes the disease process. The disease causes damage to the blood vessels (vasculopathy) of the skin and kidney (cutaneous and renal) tissues. Any dog can be affected. As yet the cause of the disease has not been identified although many theories have been suggested.

Most tortoises are herbivores; this means that they eat a diet made up of leafy vegetables.This episode will help you understadn what your tortoise needs to eat.

Many species of tortoises need to hibernate. Hibernation is a way of escaping weather or conditions that are too poor to live in. Some tortoises hibernate to avoid very hot weather and others hibernate to escape very cold weather. Many African tortoises do not hibernate so once again, it is important to understand the type of tortoise you have bought and research your species.

Tortoises need either a vivarium or a tortoise table to live in. It is best to get the house and furnishings from a specialist reptile shop. Vivariums  made of glass or plastic are a good idea as these materials are easy to clean.

Nutritional diseases are caused by an incorrect diet. They can occur if fed too much or too little of the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good health. A good balanced and varied diet is required. Nutritional disease is commonly seen in tortoises, but it is preventable.

You will need to buy a vivarium for your lizard to use as his house. It is best to get this (and also the things that you put inside it) from a specialist reptile shop. Vivariums made of glass or plastic are a good idea as these materials are easy to clean.

Buying a pet and looking after it is a huge responsibility. As a pet owner you have to make sure that your pet has a suitable environment to live that allows it to express natural behaviours like they would in the wild.  Correct nutrition is also important as well as lots of loving care and attention, allowing you to notice when your pet is not feeling well and may need to be taken to the vet.

The diet of lizards will differ depending on where they are from. Lizards like iguanas are herbivorous, eating plants and leaves; other lizards like the Bearded Dragon eat insects when they are young and developing but change to a diet with more salad and greens as they mature. Many of the large lizards like the Monitors are omnivorous which means that they eat meat, eggs, fish, insects and leaves.

In the wild a lizard would eat whatever types of insects he could catch, depending on the season. In captivity you will have to buy live insects for him to eat.

The digestive system converts food into energy. In lizards, left over waste is expelled through the vent which is the reptile equivalent of the anus in mammals. The digestive tract of your lizard consists of the mouth, stomach, intestines and vent.

Gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits

When a rabbit's digestive system is compromised, either due to illness, pain or stress, then their hydration and food intake is likely to be reduced, which can lead to a reduction in gut motility (gastrointestinal (GI) stasis). This is a serious condition and you MUST seek veterinary advice immediately.

Dirty bottom syndrome in rabbits

There are a variety of reasons why rabbits may suffer with a dirty bottom, either with feces or urine, both of which are potential attractions for flies, especially in warmer months of the year when flystrike is a common occurrence. Having urine or faeces around their bottom can also cause the skin to become sore, inflamed and infected, so it is important to understand why the rabbit is affected and what can be done to resolve the problem.

Caring for your rabbit in the winter

Rabbits have evolved to be able to withstand the winter weather we get in the UK, but whether or not you keep your rabbit as a houserabbit or outside, they do require some special care and considerations throughout the colder months of the year, to ensure they remain happy and healthy.

The phrase 'you are what you eat' has never been truer for the rabbit. Recent research by veterinary surgeons and rabbit food companies has shown that most of the common illnesses that rabbits suffer from could be prevented by feeding them a healthy diet. Unfortunately, many pet rabbits are being fed a diet that is the rabbit equivalent of 'junk food'. Feeding your rabbit the correct diet is not difficult - simply follow our guidelines.

Guinea pigs come from Central and South America and live in extended family groups in areas of long grass. They make runs or pathways through the tall vegetation and eat as they go! In an ideal world, we would keep our guinea pigs in an uncut hay meadow, but then we'd never see them... and the average back garden is not a hay meadow!

Guinea pigs can be affected by a variety of skin tumours. Some of these are benign (generally harmless) and some can be malignant (cancerous). It is often not possible to diagnose what type a tumour is by looking at it and further diagnostics are often required to decide upon a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Anorexia is defined as a lack or loss of appetite for food. In guinea pigs this can be due to a variety of reasons. Whilst the underlying cause needs addressing, the guinea pig will also require supportive treatment while they aren't eating properly.

Bumblefoot is the common term used to describe a condition called pododermatitis. This is where the soles of the feet of the guinea pig become red, ulcerated and infected, usually by a bacteria called staphylococcus. The condition commonly happens with many species including caged parrots, rabbits and other rodent species such as rats and chinchillas.

Arthritis is a familiar problem for most vets. A large number of dogs, and an increasing number of cats, are diagnosed with arthritis. Arthritis simply means an inflammation of joints and animals with arthritis usually suffer with pain and stiffness in their joints. Arthritis is typically a problem in older pets. However, many animals with arthritis will have had signs of disease from an early age if their arthritis is caused by problems with joint development.

'Azoturia', 'tying-up', Monday morning disease and setfast are all alternative terms used to describe the phenomenon known in the veterinary profession as exertional rhabdomyloysis (ER).

In the past, when horses were used more frequently as working animals, the condition was usually seen following a day of rest and high concentrate feeding on a Sunday hence the term Monday morning disease.

Exertional rhabdomyloysis probably the most common muscle disorder in horses and is a frequent cause of poor performance in the horse.

Puppies continue to grow and develop for months or years after birth.  Giant breeds may not reach full adult size for 18 months or 2 years.  During this growth period they are at particular risk from bone and  joint disorders. Some of these are inherited such as hip and elbow  dysplasia. Damage can also result from traumatic injury.

If your cat licks, chews or eats items that are not food, it is showing a type of behaviour called 'pica'. This behaviour can be very difficult for both of you. Your belongings might never be safe and worse, your feline friend is at risk too. Items swallowed could cause an obstruction inside your cat or may be poisonous. There may be many reasons for your cat to show pica - this behaviour can be a sign of discomfort or may be the result of a medical problem. You must first find out why your pet is showing this behaviour if you want to stop it.

All puppies are cute and it is very tempting to acquire one almost by accident. Taking on a puppy is a big responsibility - remember it will not stay a puppy for long. Within a year you will have an adult dog which may be expected to live for 10 years or more. Before getting a puppy think about whether you are able to make a long-term commitment and, if you are, what kind of dog will best suit your lifestyle.

Chocolate toxicosis is a common problem in dogs. The signs can range from a simple stomach upset to life-threatening problems, depending on how much chocolate is ingested. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic than white chocolate. Cacao bean mulch used in gardens can also cause chocolate toxicosis if a large enough amount is eaten.