CARE OF OLD DOG

The meaning of "old" can vary according to the breed, but it usually starts around 10 years of age. As a dog gets older, its behaviour changes too. The signs of aging in a dog are very much similar to those of humans e.g. old dogs have reduced energy levels, they sleep longer, have less enthusiasm for energetic activities. Older dogs also have changes in fur and skin. Fur becomes matted quite often; it takes longer for wounds to heal. The old dogs generally become more sensitive to extremes in temperature. Moreover, older dogs experience changes in vision and hearing, making it tough sometimes to roam around the house. An old dog normally does suffer loss in energy and

care mobility. Give him more time to sleep, and more time to wake up in the morning. The long walks may not be so long anymore. Make it easier for him to reach his food, and provide comfortable resting places. Keep an eye out for symptoms of the older dog diseases, such as cancer and diabetes that your pet can be more susceptible to. Your dog will live longer and provide you with more years of loving companionship.

Vocalizations - guinea pig

Guinea pigs make a variety of noises, some of which most guinea pig owners will recognize. Contented guinea pigs just going about their day often make a variety of squeaks, chortles, and quiet grunts. • Wheeking: This is a distinctive and common vocalization, and is used to communicate excitement, particularly about being fed or simply a call for attention. It sounds like a long, loud squeal or whistle. • Purring noises: These have different meanings depending on the pitch of the sound. Guinea pigs that are feeling contented and comfortable will make a deep sounding purr. A short purr may indicate fear or uncertainty • Rumbling: This is a deeper rumble than the purr. This noise is made by a male romancing a female, and sometimes also by females in season. While courting, a male usually purrs deeply, swaying and circling the female in a behavior called "rumble strutting". This is also called as motor boating. • Teeth chattering: This is a sign of an agitated or angry guinea pig and is an aggressive vocalization. It is often accompanied by showing the teeth and means "back off" or "stay away." • Hissing: like teeth chattering • Cooing: It communicates reassurance and is a sound most often made by mother guinea pigs to their young. • Shrieking: A piercing, high pitched squeak that can be mistaken as a call of fear, or pain. If you hear this type of sound, it is good to check on your guinea pigs to make sure everything is okay. • Whining: a whining or moaning type of squeak can communicate annoyance or dislike for something you or another guinea pig is doing. • Chirping: Sounds just like a bird chirping; this is perhaps the least well-understood noise guinea pigs make.

BURN INJURIES

BURNS – Burns are injuries, which result from exposure to extreme heat, flame, inhalation, and scalding, chemical or electrical trauma. Burns can produce clinical syndromes ranging from self –limiting injury to long term incapacitation and finally death. Disease forms:- a. First - degree burn – superficial layer of dermis is involved, which is red, dry and painful. b. Second-degree burn – superficial layers of dermis is involved and is red, wet and very painful. c. Third and Fourth-degree burns – in third degree superficial layer of dermis and in fourth degree subcutaneous layers, bone and tendons are involved. Appearance is waxy and leathery and is less painful than first or second. These degree burns causes a great risk of wound sepsis, coagulation disorders, ventilator compromise or abdominal problems. Clinical signs depend on the location and extent of the burn and may vary from hypothermia, shock, and dyspnoea, pharyngeal and laryngeal oedema, corneal trauma. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of CBC, serum profile, coagulation panel, radiographs and culture. Prognosis is generally good with first and second degree burns and more guarded with third and fourth degree burns. Prognosis improves with appropriate and successful wound management.

CHERRY EYE CONDITION IN A DOG

SHONA FEEDING DOGS

GUINEA PIG

CORNEAL ULCER - 8 MONTH OLD PEKINGESE

SKIN DISEASE IN A DOG

TRAINING COMMON BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

House breaking – it is not a common problem for a cat owner but in some cases it may be quite serious. Housebreaking means that cat always goes outside for urination or defecation or uses the litter box for this purpose. Like dogs, we can say a mistake or slips as a cat is either housebroken or it is not. Feral cats defecate or urinate at the same places to mark their territory. These cats do not scratch dirt over their faeces or urine like domestic cats and leave the faecal matter exposed. Toms are prone to spay urine over objects within their territory, whenever they sense a female cats in estrous. These cats scatter the faecal material in the nearby areas of original deposits. This behaviour is used as a form of communication by cats. If a domestic cat goes to outdoors to defecate or urinate, may use this material to mark its territory and to make sexual communication. Rectifying the behaviour – a.) Litter box – indoor cats, which do not have access to outside, should be provided with litter box. It should be cleaned everyday (pregnant woman and children should never handle cat faeces or cat litter, as they can contract disease, which may lead to abortion or can deform unborn children). Cats are clean in nature and they prefer clean areas for defecation and urination. It is recommended that a litter box should be available for each cat and boxes should be kept in the same place in a consistent manner. Boxes should be placed in those areas where cats can have their privacy. The area should be disinfected on a regular basis. Different types of boxes & litter are available in the market. b) Diet Scheduling- it is an important point to he considered that is diet and timing for meals should be kept consistent as frequent change in diet will result in upset stomach. Sudden change from dry food to canned food will result in indigestion and the consistency of faecal matter. The diet should be changed gradually to avoid the drastic change in the timing of defecation. Fresh water should be available for your cat, specifically if she is on dry food. You must discuss this with your Veterinarian to develop a diet schedule for your cat. Clawing – it is an inborn behaviour and is difficult to train the cats. Declawing can be done on any adult cat and it is a surgical procedure. Even declawed cat will exhibit “clawing” behaviour. For most cats only the front claws need to be removed as these are primary source of damage. This surgical procedure should be done at the age of 6 months and cats quickly recover from the operation. Declawing does not change any behaviour patterns and will still claw your things. The only difference appears to be that they cannot cause damage. I suggest that only house cats can be declawed as outdoor cats need their claws for defensive and offensive purposes. If you don’t want declawing but want to protect your furniture etc., then you must provide a scratch post to your cat. Noises - owners generally complained about cats howling, meowing, crying or screeching. The cat may cry even in the absence of owner and then it is a nuisance for neighbours. Crying behaviour is often a sign of frustration and is an attention seeking behaviour. In such cases you may take your cat on a lap or pet your cat. It is a highly reinforcing situation for your cat and may exhibit this behaviour quiet often. In such conditions you should try to ignore your cat that is don’t look at it, don’t touch it or don’t talk to it. Heat periods - During estrous, the female cats may cry or wail all day and night. The only practical way to stop this behaviour is to spay a female cat surgically. Likely the toms are equally obnoxious as he will spray urine all over the place to mark his scent. Even they will howl but you cannot train them. The best and only way is to neuter or castrate them and this operation does not have any risk at healthy animals. Neutering will solve problem of crying and is also a good tool for birth control programme as so many unwanted kittens are born every year. Neutering your cat is the best thing you can do for welfare of cats in this country.

DELHI ZOO

AT DELHI ZOO

MIGRATORY BIRDS AT DELHI ZOO

AT DELHI ZOO

WARTS IN THE MOUTH

Why are high fiber diets recommended for anal glad disease?

As the dog or cat is viewed from behind, anal glands are located on each side of and slightly below the anal opening, at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. A tiny duct or tube leads under the skin to an opening directly beside the anus. Anal gland impactions, infections, and abscesses can occur. Here is how: For various reasons, such as the conformation of the animal, the thickness of the gland's secretions, or the softness of the stool, these glands and their ducts may become clogged, or 'impacted.' When this occurs, the animal will sit down on its rear quarters and drag its anal area across the floor or ground. This is called scooting. Both dogs and cats may lick the anal area excessively. Impacted anal glands are a very, very common problem for dogs, especially the smaller breeds. Pets with recurrent anal gland impactions are often placed on a high fiber diet. The high fiber makes the animal's stool more bulky. The stool will put more pressure on the anal glands and hopefully the glands will express themselves when the animal defecates.

TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMOUR IN A DOG

NATURE

all clouds, but no rain....

PUP WITH PARVO INFECTION

ANAL CARCINOMA

CROP FISTULA - AFRICAN GREY PARROT

 African grey parrot with crop fistula - repaired under general anaesthesia.

ACCIDENT BY A VEHICLE

this dog was hit by a vehicle....amputation was done to save his life...

FUNGAL INFECTION - SKIN

MOST COMMON DISEASES AFFECTING OLD DOGS

Rheumatism/ Arthritis

Arthritis usually shows up when the dog reaches 10 years of age. Most common symptoms are stiff joints, difficult movement and irritability. You should help the old dog by giving him a warm and dry place to live and sleep.

Blindness

Cataracts are the main cause of blindness and are common in the very old dog. Cataracts may be seen in the form of cloudy spots, and are visible through the pupil. Cataracts can be removed by surgery and a major portion of sight restored.

A blind dog can move about well in familiar surroundings. He can move without bumping into chairs or tables because he relies on his scent. Outdoors, the blind dog may get into trouble. Do not let him out of the yard alone.




Otitis

Old dogs frequently may suffer from otitis or inflammation of the ear. The condition can be very painful and he may refuse to eat. Otitis is more often seen in those dogs with long or pendulous ears, such as the Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel and Irish setter. Take your dog to vet for proper treatment rather doing it at your own.

Deafness

Otitis may lead to deafness. But deafness can be caused by other factors, such as disease and injury. When you know the old dog is deaf, you'll have to make some adjustments in the daily routine. Move quietly and try not to startle him as he may snap or bite when startled.

Nephritis

Chronic nephritis or inflammation of the kidney is present in most old dogs. These cases require veterinary attention as it is a life threatening disease. The dog with chronic nephritis will probably have to be on a special diet for the rest of his life.

Cancer

It is a tragic disease and symptoms may include abnormal growths under the skin, as well as swellings that don't go away. Cancer may also manifest itself through bleeding or bloody discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears, or any other opening.



Other ailments

Prostatitis, pyometra and ascites—ailments of the old dog — while these conditions are usually found in old dogs, they may be present as symptoms of disease in younger dogs.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR AGING COMPANION

• Buy a raised dog feeder and water bowl. Adjust to your dog’s height and prevent them from having to lean down to eat and drink, reducing strain on their neck and back.

• Your dog deserves a good night’s sleep. An orthopaedic dog bed supports your dog’s spine to keep them comfortable. Sleeping on hard surfaces can lead to the formation of large callused areas on your dog’s elbows; a soft bed will prevent this.

• Buy ramps or steps to allow your dog to reach higher places such as your bed or the seat of your car. Lifting your dog can hurt them and you.

• Pay attention to eating habits. Speak to your vet about switching to a soft food, or try soaking their food in a little water o soften it.

• Exercise keeps your dog fit. Although you may need to slow the pace or shorten the distance for walks, it is important to keep exercising your dog unless your vet tells you otherwise.

ZOONOTIC DISEASES

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are called Zoonotic Diseases. All diseases of pets (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic) are spread by direct contact with blood, saliva, urine or faeces of an infected animal.


Human beings with compromised immune system need to be very careful as they are very susceptible of contracting contagious diseases. The following included in this cautious class are:

• infants

• toddlers

• elderly

• pregnant women

• cancer patients

• patients with an autoimmune disease

This article does not cover all Zoonotic diseases but the most common diseases, which can be passed from dogs to humans. You should always refer to doctor’s advice if you suspect that you or your pet has contracted a disease.

Fortunately, these diseases rarely occur in healthy individuals, are mild and can be easily treated. Children often put their hands in their mouths, providing easy routes for bacteria to travel into their bodies e.g. children who eat dirt are more susceptible to contract zoonotic diseases.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO BEFORE ARRIVAL OF BABY AT HOME

You can do the following things to prepare your dog before the arrival of baby:-


1. Identify and control attention-seeking behaviours such as pawing, barking, jumping, or any other demanding behaviour.

2. Become familiar with subtle signs and body language of dogs.

3. Begin a flexible routine of feeding and activities with your dog.

4. Be sure to take these opportunities to practice obedience skills.

5. Play with a doll and baby equipments to expose your dog to these new and exciting items.

6. Identify restricted areas for your dog and begin to use then such as outside, closed room, crate etc.

7. If you have more than one dog, get them used to being apart from one another.

8. When putting together the nursery, the dogs should be allowed to come in and explore and sniff at everything including the baby toys.

9. The dogs are not used to the sounds of a baby – the crying, the laughing. All the sounds can be downloaded off the internet and the dogs can get used to hearing them and will not try to explore after the arrival of baby.

10. Dog’s obedience and responsiveness to commands should be improved before the baby comes home.

11. You can also bring home some baby clothing from the hospital so that the dogs will become familiar with the smell of the baby as well.

CARE OF SENIOR DOG

Veterinary care for older dogs:-


The healthier we can keep a dog when he is young, the more likely he will be healthy as he grows older. His vaccinations, deworming, nutrition, dental care and parasite control will have a direct effect on his current health.



1. Physical examination – Older dogs should be checked thoroughly and regularly at least twice a year. You must tell your veterinarian about any conditions you have observed and evaluated. You can ask your veterinarian during an examination if you have any queries.



Physical examination should include following:-



a. Oral and dental examination – It should include an examination of mouth, teeth, gums, tongue and throat.



b. Ophthalmic exam – Routine procedure may include eye examination for any initial signs of cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye.



c. Rectal exam – It is an important part of a physical examination for a dog. Vet will examine the inner pelvic area, lymph nodes, prostate gland and urinary system parts.



d. Hair and coat – Your vet will check for the skin, coat and hair condition.



e. Parasites – it should include an examination of the skin and ears for any sign of external parasites. A fecal examination should be done to find out any internal parasite, if present.



f. Vaccinations – It is important to keep your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations as the older dogs have less immunity towards infectious diseases.



g. Blood test – The blood should be tested for hemogram, liver function test, kidney function test, etc.



h. Blood Bio-chemistry – These tests will include the evaluation of various chemicals, enzymes, proteins, hormones and different electrolytes.



i. Radiographs – the chest and abdomen radiographs are useful to find out any signs of disease.



j. Diagnostic tests – Different diagnostic tests like endoscopy, ultrasound and electro surgery can be used to diagnose any heath problem.

k. Pain management – Pain killers can be used in older dogs to make them comfortable.