Sunday, December 28, 2008

Pasteurellosis in Rabbits - Symptoms & Treatment

Pasteurellosis is a highly contagious disease found in domesticated rabbits. Caused by the Pasteurella multocida bacteria, Pasteurellosis can lead to one of the most common illnesses found in rabbits known as snuffles. Rabbits can harbor Pasteurella for long periods of time without showing any outward signs of carrying the bacteria. Ultimately, the bacterium is transferred to other rabbits which can result in an outbreak of pasteurellosis.

FULL ARTICLE:
Pasteurellosis in Rabbits

Heat Stroke in Rabbits - Symptoms & Treatments

Labored breathing, flaring of the nostrils and distress are all signs of heat stress. These early signs can lead to a rabbit having a heatstroke and eventually death if not caught and treated early. Rabbits are highly susceptible to air temperatures especially when the mercury rises.

Rabbit owners should be especially cautious when temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The same process that happens in humans will happen with animals including rabbits. As the temperatures go up, so does the body temperature. And for rabbits that have thick coats, this process can happen quickly.

FULL ARTICLE:
Heatstroke in Rabbits

Friday, December 26, 2008

Cat Scratch Disease - Symptoms & Treatment

Cat scratch disease or sometimes referred to as cat scratch fever can be caused from the scratch, bite or even a lick from a cat. Often caused by kittens, cat scratch is a bacterial infection that can cause swelling of the lymph nodes.

The bacterium Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) causes cat scratch disease and is typically seen in individuals under the age of 21. Over 20,000 cases of cat scratch disease are reported annually in the United States but the disease is not confined to the U.S., accounts of cat scratch disease are reported in countries worldwide.

FULL ARTICLE:
CAT SCRATCH DISEASE

Paralysis in Rabbits - Causes and Treatments

Rabbits that have paralysis will have a loss in the ability to move a body part, usually their hind legs. Paresis is considered partial paralysis which isn't as extreme as full paralysis but can still take away from a rabbit's ability to care for themselves. Unfortunately, rabbit paralysis is typically caused from some type of trauma like that seen from mishandling or an attack from a predator.

FULL ARTICLE:
Rabbit Paralysis

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Why a Rabbits Make Good Pets

Rabbits are becoming increasingly popular in the United States as house pets. Due in part to organizations like House Rabbit Society, individuals are learning that rabbits can make incredible pets. Just like with any other pet, rabbits have some good and some not so good qualities of being kept as pets. Before making a final decision on whether a pet rabbit is right for you and your family, learn all there is about the care and demands of these beautiful creatures.

FULL ARTICLE:
Why a Rabbit Can Be a Good Companion Pet

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Dog Adrenal Gland Diseases - Cushing's and Addison's

Adrenal glands in dogs are two small organs, one located on each kidney, that play important roles in a dog's overall health. These glands are responsible for producing three hormones, cortisol, aldosterone and epinephrine (adrenaline). Any abnormality with the adrenal glands or the production of these hormones can lead to different types of diseases.

FULL ARTICLE:
ADRENAL GLAND DISEASES IN DOGS

The Danger of Flies to a Rabbit

Flies are not only a nuisance they can be quite dangerous especially to rabbits. Outdoor rabbits are especially susceptible to flies but owners of indoor rabbits should also take precautions against these flying pests. It only takes one fly to lay its eggs on your rabbit which can lead to two very serious rabbit killers - Fly Strike and Myiasis.

FULL ARTICLE:
The Danger of Flies to a Rabbit