Articles
Field notes on caring for the pets you love.
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A Complete Guide to Tetanus in Sheep
Tetanus, or 'lockjaw', is a deadly disease in sheep caused by the bacterium *Clostridium tetani*. This bacterium is found in soil and enters sheep through wounds from actions like tail docking and shearing. Symptoms include muscle spasms, 'sawhorse stance', and difficulty swallowing. Once symptoms arise, it is often fatal, but it is preventable with a clostridial vaccination. Vaccination and good wound care are key to protection. Sheep farmers should maintain a comprehensive vaccination programme to avoid severe welfare and economic impacts.
Sheep Livestock -
The Glen of Imaal Terrier: The Courageous Spirit of the Irish Hills
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small, strong dog breed from Ireland. Known for its loyal and calm nature, it makes a great family pet. It is good with children, though careful supervision around smaller pets is recommended due to its hunting instincts. Regular exercise keeps them happy, and they enjoy both indoor relaxation and outdoor adventures. Grooming is important to maintain their double coat. This terrier is intelligent and prefers positive training methods. While they can be independent, they thrive with companionship and attention.
Dogs -
Peruvian Guinea Pigs: Long-Haired Beauties for the Dedicated Keeper
Learn about Peruvian guinea pigs, a stunning breed known for their long, flowing coats. These guinea pigs are best for dedicated or experienced owners due to their grooming needs. Discover their key traits, such as gentle nature and long lifespan, and get tips on housing, diet, social needs, and more. Find out if this high-maintenance but rewarding pet is the right choice for you and your family, especially if you enjoy pet grooming and shows. Perfect for households ready for a compassionate pet with striking looks.
Small Mammals -
Rehoming Kittens: Everything You Need to Know Before They Go to New Homes
Rehoming kittens is a big task requiring planning and care. Kittens should be at least 8-12 weeks old for adoption to ensure they're weaned and socialised. Essential vet care includes worming, flea treatments, vaccinations, and microchipping, which is required in the UK from June 2024. Socialisation in early weeks is crucial for good behaviour. Kittens need to be weaned and using a litter tray before leaving. Screen potential adopters carefully and discuss cat ownership responsibilities. Provide new owners with a kitten pack and advice on feeding, litter training, and care. Legal responsibilities, such as microchipping and contracts, should also be addressed to give kittens the best start.
Cats -
A Complete Guide to Keeping Partridges in the UK
This guide to keeping partridges provides key insights for conservation and game management in the UK. Learn about the Grey and Red-legged Partridges, from legal requirements, housing, and feeding to health and welfare. Essential aspects include following laws like the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, choosing suitable habitats, protecting from predators, and maintaining hygiene to prevent diseases. The blog also covers breeding, releasing partridges, and conservation efforts to support British wildlife. Records of eggs, feeding, and predator control are important for effective management and conservation.
Poultry -
Bovine Papillomavirus in Horses
Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) causes the most common skin tumours in horses known as sarcoids. Though BPV originates in cattle, it can spread to horses through cuts or insect bites. Once infected, the virus stays in the skin, causing abnormal cell growth and tumours. Diagnosis requires a vet's check-up, and while no cure exists, treatments like surgery and creams can manage sarcoids. Horse owners can protect their animals by using fly repellents, not sharing grooming tools, and monitoring skin changes. Ongoing research hopes to improve treatments and create a vaccine for this persistent virus.
Equines -
Bank Voles in the UK
The bank vole is a small, chestnut-brown rodent found across the UK's woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. It plays an important role in the ecosystem by being a prey species and contributing to soil and vegetation health through its actions. Recognisable by its rich fur and prominent features, the bank vole is compared with similar small mammals like the field vole. It prefers semi-natural habitats and has an active lifestyle at dawn and dusk. Its diet includes seeds, berries, and insects, and it breeds frequently in spring and summer. With many natural predators and challenges like habitat loss, supporting natural spaces is crucial for bank voles' survival and maintaining ecological balance.
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The English Toy Terrier: The Elegant Miniature Companion
The English Toy Terrier is a small, sophisticated breed known for its sleek appearance and lively intelligence. Originally bred in the early 19th century from black and tan terriers, this agile dog was cherished by Victorian gentlemen for its charm and spirited nature. Standing 25 to 30 centimetres tall and weighing 2.7 to 3.6 kilograms, it is characterised by a glossy, low-maintenance coat. This breed has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and is intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. They enjoy regular exercise, respond well to training, and make excellent companions in both city and country settings. With good care, they can live long and healthy lives, bringing joy and companionship to their owners.
Dogs -
Keeping Sturgeon: A Complete Guide for UK Pond Owners
Learn how to keep sturgeon in your garden pond with this helpful guide. Sturgeon are ancient fish requiring specific care, including large, deep ponds, excellent filtration, and high oxygen levels. They need specialist sinking pellets for feeding and are more sensitive to water quality than other fish. Seasonal care involves adjusting feeding and maintaining water conditions, especially during warmer months. Ensure the pond is designed with sturgeon in mind, top edges are smooth, and monitor for health issues such as oxygen stress or injuries. Follow steps to introduce new sturgeon safely and maintain a balanced pond ecosystem for their wellbeing.
Aquatics -
Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis) is a common and serious health issue in rabbits, where their digestive system slows or stops. It is crucial for rabbit owners to know the signs and causes to act quickly. Poor diets, stress, and insufficient exercise increase risk, and recognising early symptoms like reduced appetite and fewer droppings can be life-saving. Emergency care is needed if a rabbit stops eating or producing droppings for six hours. Treatment involves pain relief, hydration, and vet-guided medications. Prevention focuses on a high-fibre diet, regular grooming, exercise, and stress reduction. Quick action and consistent care can help prevent and manage GI stasis effectively.
Small Mammals -
Sarcoids in Horses: A Complete Guide for Owners
Sarcoids are common skin tumours in horses, ponies, and donkeys, causing discomfort and management challenges. Although non-malignant, they can be locally aggressive. Key to managing sarcoids is understanding their types, causes, and treatment options. They are linked to bovine papillomavirus and require careful handling to avoid progression. Treatment ranges from surgical removal and cryotherapy to topical treatments, with no guaranteed cure. Early detection, reducing trauma, fly control, and good hygiene are vital in prevention. Regular vet checks ensure proper management, helping horses live comfortably with sarcoids.
Equines -
Outer Ear Infections in Ducks: What to Look For and How to Treat Them
Learn how to identify and treat outer ear infections in ducks, which are caused by bacteria, fungi, or debris in the outer ear canal. Symptoms include head shaking, discharge, and redness. Treatment involves cleaning, using topical medications, and possibly antibiotics. Prevention is key by ensuring good hygiene, clean water, and regular observation to catch infections early before they become more serious. For any uncertainties, consult a poultry vet.
Poultry