Articles
Field notes on caring for the pets you love.
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Pyometra in Dogs: A Common and Life-Threatening Emergency Every Owner Should Know
Pyometra is a serious uterine infection in unspayed female dogs, often occurring after a heat cycle. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. There are two types: open pyometra, where the cervix allows discharge, and closed pyometra, which is more dangerous as it traps pus inside. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, and abdominal swelling. Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, and imaging. The primary treatment is emergency surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries, as medical management carries risks. Spaying is the best prevention, eliminating the risk of pyometra and other reproductive issues. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if a dog shows signs after a heat cycle.
Dogs -
The Role of a Cockerel in a Flock: Should You Keep One?
Learn about the roles, benefits, and challenges of keeping a cockerel in your backyard chicken flock. Understand how cockerels can influence flock behaviour, serve as protectors, and produce fertilised eggs. Consider the noise, aggression, and local regulations before adding a cockerel. Discover how to manage a cockerel for a healthier flock, and explore alternatives if a cockerel isn't suitable for your situation, like buying fertilised eggs or day-old chicks.
Poultry -
How to Set Up a Hospital Tank for Sick Fish
A hospital tank is a must-have for aquarium owners. It's used to isolate and treat sick fish, protecting the main tank from disease and medication. This guide covers when to use a hospital tank, the needed equipment like a sponge filter, heater, and hiding spots, and steps for setting it up. Use medication carefully, monitor water quality, and look out for signs of recovery like improved swimming. Once healthy, return fish to the main tank. Clean the hospital tank thoroughly after use. Having a ready-to-use hospital tank boosts fish recovery and keeps your aquarium safe.
Aquatics -
Setting Up an Environment for Terrestrial Juvenile Amphibians: A Guide for Keepers
Learn how to care for terrestrial juvenile amphibians with the right setup and environment. After metamorphosis, juveniles need a secure enclosure that offers easy access to hides, high humidity, and frequent feeding. A 20 litre tank is usually suitable, with a substrate that holds moisture but prevents injury. Ensure proper temperature and humidity levels are maintained and provide a shallow water dish. Feed small live prey daily or every other day, with supplements to support growth. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain hygiene. Avoid common mistakes like low humidity, unsafe substrates, and overcrowding to raise healthy juvenile amphibians.
Exotic -
Uterine Inertia in Cats: Understanding a Critical Cause of Difficult Labour
Uterine inertia is a serious problem affecting cats during labour, hindering their ability to deliver kittens. It can result in prolonged labour and risks such as kitten or placenta retention, infection, and exhaustion. There are two types: primary, where contractions don't start effectively, and secondary, where they start but become weak. Causes include litter size, hormonal imbalance, obesity, stress, and illness. Early signs include lack of progression, weak straining, and visible distress. Diagnosis involves veterinary exams, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Treatment options include medical management, assisted delivery, or emergency caesarean section. Prevention involves health checks, good nutrition, and a safe environment. If labour issues arise, seek urgent veterinary help to protect the mother and kittens.
Cats -
The Complete Guide to Keeping African Giant Millipedes
African Giant Millipedes, the largest invertebrates available, are known for their calm nature and detritivore diet. Native to East Africa, they need warm, humid environments with a substrate rich in organic material. Their care involves a deep, moist enclosure with good ventilation and natural decor. They require simple feeding, with decomposing plant matter and occasional vegetables. Handling should be gentle and minimal to prevent stress. With a lifespan of 7–10 years, they are low-maintenance but need regular substrate and humidity management. Ideal for both beginners and experienced keepers, these millipedes offer a unique addition to the invertebrate hobby.
Exotic -
Ovarian Cysts in Dogs: A Subtle but Significant Reproductive Condition
Ovarian cysts in dogs are fluid-filled structures in the ovaries, often affecting unspayed females. They can cause hormonal imbalances and symptoms like prolonged heat cycles, behavioural changes, and skin problems. Complications include pyometra and infertility. Diagnosis involves ultrasound and hormone testing, while treatment usually requires surgical removal of the ovaries. Spaying is the best way to prevent cysts and related health issues. If your dog shows signs like frequent heat cycles or skin changes, consult a vet for advice.
Dogs -
A Complete Guide to Keeping Lohmann Brown Chickens
Lohmann Brown chickens are a popular choice for UK backyard poultry keepers due to their high egg production, friendly nature, and adaptability. These medium-sized hens produce around 280–320 eggs per year and can thrive in diverse environments. Suitable for new and experienced keepers, Lohmann Browns require secure housing, a balanced diet, and regular health checks. They get along well with people and other chickens. Providing proper care ensures a steady supply of fresh eggs and a happy flock.
Poultry -
The Complete Guide to Creance Training in Falconry
Creance training is a key part of falconry that prepares birds of prey for free flight. Using a long, lightweight line called a creance, this training helps build trust, strengthen recall, and develop the bird’s flight muscles while keeping it safe. Essential for preventing fly-offs, creance training involves equipment like jesses, a swivel, a glove, and a lure. Steps include short recall, increasing distance, introducing the lure, and progressing to longer flights, only moving to free flight once recall is reliable. Key tips are patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Mistakes to avoid include skipping training, using too short a line, and rushing to free flight.
Birds -
Shivers in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Shivers is a neurological disorder in horses that affects their hind limbs, making it difficult for them to back up or lift a hind leg. It is most common in breeds like warmbloods and draught horses. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves problems in the brain that affect coordination. Symptoms include trembling and spasms when the hind limb is lifted. Diagnosis is usually based on observing these movements. Although there is no cure, management with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and careful farrier work can help affected horses lead comfortable lives. Early veterinary assessment is important for managing the condition.
Equines -
What Vegetables Can Ducks Eat?
Ducks benefit from vegetables in their diet, helping with digestion and providing vitamins. Safe vegetables include leafy greens like lettuce and kale, brassicas, root vegetables, squash, marrow, peas, beans, and sweetcorn. Vegetables should be fed alongside commercial duck feed and not replace it. Some vegetables, like sweetcorn and spinach, should be given in moderation. Avoid raw potatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, aubergine leaves, and mouldy vegetables. Proper preparation is key, such as washing and chopping, and feeding vegetables in water mimics natural foraging. Ducks can have vegetables daily or several times a week but they should not make up more than 20–30% of the diet. Ducklings can have vegetables when older, but starter feed should remain their main diet. A balanced diet with vegetables contributes to overall duck health and egg laying.
Poultry -
Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia in Cats: A Silent Condition with Serious Consequences
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) in cats is a hormonally driven condition affecting the uterus lining, linked to serious diseases like pyometra. It often develops quietly with few signs. Caused by repeated hormonal stimulation, risk factors include lack of neutering, repeated cycles, age, and hormonal treatments. Early detection is difficult; symptoms include mild vaginal discharge, changed reproductive behaviour, and reduced fertility. Spaying is the definitive treatment and prevents progression to pyometra. Regular vet check-ups, observing changes, and early spaying help safeguard your cat’s health.
Cats