Sunday, January 25, 2009

Toys to Make for a Pet Rabbit

Objects provided to your rabbit should be free of anything that could be potentially harmful if swallowed. This includes pesticides, toxic plants, glue, tape, staples, and paint which may contain lead. Providing toys to a rabbit that allows them to dig, chew, and scratch keeps a rabbit from becoming bored.

Boredom can lead to hair pulling, aggression and destruction of personal property. Paper bags, untreated wicker baskets, coconut shells-the possibilities for rabbit toys are only limited by your imagination. Be creative when supplying new toys to your rabbit but remember safety first.

FULL ARTICLE:
Pet Rabbit Toys

The Hispid Hare

The Hispid Hare is a medium sized rabbit with weight averaging from four to five pounds and a length from fifteen to twenty inches. The dark brown coat works as a camouflage within the brushy undergrowth and thatches that it is known to roam. The coat has a coarse texture which has earned this rabbit the name "bristly rabbit". The ears of the Hispid Hare are quite short and the front and back legs are similar in size.

FULL ARTICLE:
The Hispid Hare

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Chronic Illnesses in Rabbits

Rabbits can become ill with different chronic illnesses. Know the signs and symptoms for some of these potentially deadly disorders.

FULL ARTICLE:
Chronic Illnesses in Rabbits

Signs of Illness in a Rabbit

Rabbit owners may observe that their rabbit is not behaving normally. Know the signs of when a rabbit is ill or if their behavior is normal.

FULL ARTICLE:
Signs of Illness in Rabbits

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Feline Asthma

Does your cat having breathing problems? It could be caused from a variety of souces, including feline asthma. There are many treatments available to treat feline asthma.

FULL ARTICLE with Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments:
FELINE ASTHMA

Sunday, January 11, 2009

The Dugong

The dugong is protected by various conservation groups and by several federal organizations including being listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of the United States. There is an estimated 85,000 dugong left near the Australia coast. They have been hunted primarily for their meat which has been compared to veal. Coastal hunters also hunt these aquatic mammals for their oil, hides, teeth and bones.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE DUGONG

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Horse Abuse and Hormone Replacement Therapy Drugs

Yes, I had no clue about this, it's heart breaking to say the least. For women taking hormone relacement therapy drugs such as Prempro and Premarin, this is information that your doctor may not tell you. This is information the pharmaceutical companies don't want you to know about.

When I found this article, I was astonished that this is happening. Please take a moment to read about the abuse that is being done to horses, abuse that doesn't have to happen.

Horses Being Killed for Hormone Replacement Therapy Drugs

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Rabbit Central

Rabbit Central was created for everything "rabbits". From unique articles about owning rabbits to complete care tips for these incredible animals. Up to date information on the health and well-being of rabbits along with information on common rabbit diseases.

Rabbit Central provides links to some of the best articles written on the web concerning pet rabbits, house rabbits, wild rabbits and hares. Information is available for many rabbit breeds with many more added weekly.

New writers are always welcome on Helium.com especially those who can offer their knowledge with rabbits. Stop by and see what Rabbit Central and Helium have to offer you.

HELIUM RABBITS CHANNEL

and the newest site for rabbits

RABBIT CENTRAL

Fatty Liver Disease in Cats - Hepatic Lipidosis

Just over half of all cats diagnosed with fatty liver disease are estimated at surviving with approximately 35 percent succumbing to the disease. Cat owners can help prevent feline hepatic lipidosis by not overfeeding, encouraging plenty of exercise and watching for any signs of changes in eating behaviors in their cats especially when changes have been made in their routine. With proper treatment, the disease is reversible and is rarely known to reoccur after being fully treated.

FULL ARTICLE with Symptoms & Treatments:
HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS

Rabbit Eye Infections

A rabbit's eyes are about eight times more sensitive than a human's eyes and researchers believe that they are not color blind, a rabbit may be able to see shades of blue and green. Because the eyes of a rabbit are so important, rabbit owners should learn about some of the different diseases and ailments that can affect a rabbit's eyes.

Full Article with Symptoms & Treatments for rabbit eye infections:
EYE INFECTIONS IN RABBITS

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Ear Mites in Cats - Symptoms and Treatments

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are very small parasites that are the most common cause of inflammations of the outer ear in cats. These parasites are highly contagious between cats and can be spread from cats to other animals including dogs. Ear mites can be found on the skin inside the ear canal and will feed on tissue, fluids and skin found in the ear.

FULL ARTICLE:
CAT HEALTH: EAR MITES

The Jackrabbit - Jack Rabbit

Although referred to as a rabbit, jackrabbits are actually hares that roam throughout central and western North America. The jackrabbit belongs to the genus "Lepus" or hare family that is shared with several other species which include the black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbit, Snowshoe rabbit (hare), Antelope jackrabbit, and the Alaskan (Arctic) hare. The name "jackrabbit" is derived from their original name, the jackass rabbit, which refers to the long ears this hare possesses.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE JACKRABBIT

The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit

The Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit derives its name from the areas in which it roams, Washington State. During the 1990's, Washington saw a dramatic decrease in the populations of their pygmy rabbits which led to the Columbia Basin species being listed as a threatened species. By 2003, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit was listed federally as an endangered species.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE COLUMBIA BASIN PYGMY RABBIT

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Marsh Rabbit

The Marsh rabbit derives its name from the area that it roams, the marsh and swamp lands of the Southeastern United States. This unique species can be found in southeastern Virginia and further south throughout Georgia and Florida. The Marsh rabbit prefers freshwater and will inhabit near swamps, lakes and waterways.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE MARSH RABBIT

The Cottontail Rabbit

The Cottontail rabbit derives its name from their "cotton ball" tuft tail. The Eastern Cottontail rabbits are the most common however there are several species of Cottontails that range from North America to South America. The coat color of Cottontails varies from a rusty-brown to gray but all have that distinctive cottontail for which they are known.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE COTTONTAIL RABBIT

The Snowshoe Rabbit (Hare)

Roaming throughout different parts of North America, the Snowshoe rabbit is actually a hare from the genus family Lepus, species americanus. This wild hare with a winter-white coat derives its name from the long back feet with toes that spread out which act as "snowshoes" that are quite large compared to its overall body size. The Snowshoe rabbit is a rather small hare with an average weight of three to four pounds and a length of fifteen to twenty inches but is considered comparatively larger than other wild rabbits.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE SNOWSHOE HARE

Rabbit Breed Profile - The Netherland Dwarf

The Netherland Dwarf rabbit obtained its name from Holland where it is believed to have originated. This small breed of rabbit was developed over time in Europe based around the British Polish breeds of rabbit which may have been bred with smaller wild rabbits. The Netherland Dwarf also known as "The Gem of the Fancy" became a recognized breed in the United States by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1969 and has become one of the most popular breeds found at rabbit shows.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE NETHERLAND DWARF

Rabbit Breed Profile - The Havana

The Havana rabbit breed began in the Netherlands in 1898 with a brilliant color not seen before in other breeds. This chocolate colored Havana would set the standards for the Havana rabbit breed that was introduced into the United States and accepted by the American Rabbit Breeder's Association (ARBA) in 1916.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE HAVANA RABBIT

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Rabbit Care Tips

In years past, rabbits were mainly raised for meat and fur production. With the introduction of fancy breeds came rabbit shows, clubs and associations. The increasing knowledge of rabbits has introduced a whole new generation of rabbits kept as house pets. Whether you raise rabbits for profit, show or as a pet, that rabbit has needs and sometimes different needs depending upon how it is kept.

FULL ARTICLE:
RABBIT CARE

Ringworm in Rabbits - Causes and Treatment

Dermatophytosis or commonly known as ringworm is caused by a fungus and is not associated with a rabbit having worms. Ringworm can affect many different types of animals and even humans. The fungus that causes ringworm in rabbits is usually a variety known as Trichophyton.

Ringworm in rabbits is uncommon but can be transferred from the fungi spores from objects or from other animals to rabbits. This infectious fungus can live for months in the environment and can be transmitted through contact and from the air. A ringworm lesion will have a ring or round appearance with hair loss in the surrounding area of the lesion. The infected area may appear as a sore that is dry and may be crusted over.

FULL ARTICLE:
RINGWORM IN RABBITS

Head Tilt in Rabbits - Causes and Treatment

Head tilt in rabbits can be caused from a variety of reasons and the how extreme a rabbit is affected from head tilt also varies. Also known as torticollis or wry neck, head tilt may appear as a slight turn of the head to an extreme twist of the neck where the side of the rabbit's head lays on the ground.

FULL ARTICLE:
HEAD TILT IN RABBITS

Rabbit Breed Profile - Harlequin

Originating in France, the Harlequin rabbit is generally easy to identify among other rabbit breeds. The Harlequin is considered more of a color pattern rather than a breed. Ideally, the colors on the face will be split on either side. The Harlequin rabbit breed is recognized in two groups, the Japanese and Magpies. The Japanese variety will show orange on one side of the face with another color on the opposite side while the Magpie will have white and another color.

FULL ARTICLE:
THE HARLEQUIN RABBIT

Feline Diabetes - Symptoms and Treatment

Cats with diabetes lose the control of their blood sugar levels. When food is consumed, glucose is processed and used as energy. When a cat's body is working properly, insulin is secreted thus telling the body to convert the glucose to energy. Feline diabetes is the failure of the body to regulate these levels.

FULL ARTICLE:

FELINE DIABETES