CHERRY EYE

it is prolapse of gland of the third eyelid. It can be seen in dogs and cats. It is commonly observed in young dogs and is inherited in nature. It is due to weakness of the attachment of gland of the third eyelid. It is usually seen as an oval mass which protrude behind the edge of third eyelid. It could be either unilateral or bilateral. The treatment is surgical replacement of the gland

CATARACT IN DOGS AND CATS

it is defined as opacity of the lens or its capsule. It results as a change in the lens protein composition or lens fibre arrangement. It can be seen in both dogs and cats but is more common in dogs. In maximum cases cataracts are inherited in nature and causes loss of vision. Dog breeds with highest prevalence of cataract include Boston terrier, Poodles, American cocker spaniels, Smooth fox terrier and Miniature schnauzer. In cat breeds Persian, Himalayan, and Domestic short hair are reported to have congenital feline cataracts. Causes for cataracts formation are generally congenital defects, nutritional deficiency, radiation, diabetes, toxins and hypocalcaemia. History will reveal vision disturbance, cloudy, white pupil. Cataract can be classified as immature, mature and hyper mature. Dogs usually have difficulty to see objects in dim light. Usually owners are not able to detect this problem until cataract occupies 60 percent of lens. Risk factors involved are congenital defects, metabolic diseases, lens luxation, retinal detachment and retinal degeneration. Diagnosis can be done by complete ophthalmic examination including Menace test, intraocular pressure, fundic examination, blood chemistry to rule out any systemic disease if present. Other tests include ophthalmic ultrasonography and electroretinogram (ERG). Acute general treatment will include use of topical mydriatics and anti-inflammatory. Treatment in chronic cases is surgical intervention.

NECROSED FOOT OF MICE

Degenerative joint disease in dogs and cats

Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis is a very common condition in both cats and dogs, and is often seen in older animals. In this disease the cartilage surrounding the joint changes deteriorates as a result of wear and tear. The most common affected areas of the body are the hip, spine knees, elbows and wrist joints. Dogs tend to be more susceptible to degenerative joint disease than cats but certain breeds i.e. Labrador, German shepherd, or Golden retrievers suffer more from joint and bone problems. This disease is manageable, if treated early. Symptoms vary from reduced level of activity difficulty in getting up, running, jumping, climbing stairs, stiff-legged gait, lameness, limping, cries or whines in pain when the affected joint is touched, sensitive to cold weather, lethargy. The causes include: excessive wear and tear on the joints, trauma, and obesity, dislocation of the shoulder or kneecap. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, a thorough examination, x-rays, contrast studies.

Hyperthyroidism in dogs

It is often referred to as an 'overactive thyroid', is when the thyroid gland produces and secretes excessive amounts of the free - not protein bound and circulating in the blood. This is the opposite of hypothyroidism, which is the reduced production and secretion of T3 and/or T4. Very few dogs are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. It is usually caused by cancer of the thyroid gland. The cancer tumour causes the thyroid to give off too much hormone. This disease usually affects older dogs. Hyperthyroidism may be asymptomatic, but when it is not, symptoms are due to an excess of thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are nervousness, irritability, increased perspiration, heart racing, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, thinning of the skin, fine brittle hair, and muscular weakness. When a dog has too much thyroxin, it may lose weight even though it is eating the same amount of food. It may be hungry all the time and bolt its food until it vomits. The dog is often excessively thirsty. It can have diarrhoea and urinate much more often than normal. Major clinical signs include weight loss, anxiety, hair loss, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability. Long term untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to osteoporosis. A dog with hyperthyroidism often is irritable and hyperactive because of the excess hormones. Its coat may look shaggy. Weight loss often causes the dog to be too thin and suffer muscle wasting. Though it is overly active at times, the dog may be weak due to the loss of muscle strength and its nervous physical activity.

HYPOTHYROIDISM IN DOGS

This is a disease of thyroid deficiency. Dogs with hypothyroidism have metabolic rates below normal. Hypothyroidism, in most cases, is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis (also called lymphocytic thyroiditis), which results in destruction of thyroid tissue. Autoimmune thyroiditis is known to be an inherited disease. The disease occurs most often in middle-aged dogs of medium and large breeds, but has been seen in virtually every breed and in mixed breeds as well. The breeds most commonly affected are the Golden Retriever, Doberman pinscher, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Greyhound. Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine skin disease in dogs-but it is still less common than other skin diseases. Coat and skin changes are bilateral and symmetrical. A typical sign is poor hair regrowth, which is most noticeable after the dog has been clipped. . Other signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, intolerance to cold, a slow heart rate, and absence of heat cycles, lethargy, and a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Hypothyroid dogs may develop blepharitis, corneal ulcers, deafness, constipation, and anaemia. At least two-thirds of hypothyroid dogs have high serum cholesterol levels. Behaviour changes including aggression have also been noted in hypothyroid dogs, particularly German Shepherd Dogs. The recommended blood test for screening purposes is the total T4. A normal T4 is fairly conclusive evidence that the dog does not have hypothyroidism. However, a low-normal or below-normal level does not mean the dog is hypothyroid, because concentrations below normal are common for many reasons other than hypothyroidism.

CANINE THYROID DISEASES

Canine thyroid disease can be tough to diagnose. The symptoms can be: lethargy, weight gain, dull coat, skin infections, constipation, diarrhoea, cold intolerance, skin odour, hair loss, dry skin, reproductive problems, aggression, and more. The associated conditions can be serious: mega-oesophagus, ruptured knee ligaments, testicular atrophy, excessive bleeding, and corneal ulcers. The disease can be inherited or of unknown origin. Thyroid gland Endocrine glands secrete hormones that help manage the body’s processes. The thyroid gland lies on the dog’s trachea, just below the larynx; tri-iodothyronine and levo-thyroxine, the hormones produced by the thyroid, govern the body’s basic metabolism — including control of growth and development and maintenance of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism — throughout life. The most common cause of canine thyroid disease is autoimmune thyroiditis. It is an immune-mediated process that develops in genetically susceptible individuals and is characterized by the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies in the blood or tissues. Thyroiditis is believed to start in most cases around puberty, and gradually progress through mid-life and old age to become clinically expressed hypothyroidism once thyroid glandular reserve has been depleted. During this process, the animal becomes more susceptible to immune-mediated or other diseases affecting various target tissues and organs.

OVERGROWN TEETH OF A RABBIT

DOG AND ARRIVAL OF BABY AT HOME

Let’s discus - whether this combination - pregnant woman and dog or dog and baby is really so dangerous? Pregnancy brings on physical and emotional changes in expecting mothers. There are changes in one's scent, posture, and moods and are normal parts of pregnancy. Dogs are experts in observing and recognizing these subtle changes. Your dog’s reactions can vary from increased attention-seeking behaviours to aggression. The postural changes in pregnant women may make you vulnerable or in need of protection in the view of your dog. Hormonal changes also may cause mother to smell a bit different and this may also bring on a change in behaviour for some dogs. You must take care that dog should not jump on your belly as that can be harmful to you. To avoid this habit, get him trained by a professional trainer. Dogs are very comfortable when they know what is expected from them and exactly what to do. If your dog is demonstrating any negative behaviour, get back to your basic commands to provide them with something to do. Obedience and leadership play a huge role in keeping the balance during these changes. Practicing basic obedience is essential during time of change and transition. Leadership is also very important. If your dog is pushy in nature to seek attention then he or she may have a more difficult time to adjust during times when you are busy with your own work. It is also ideal for planning and thinking ahead on how to handle the stressful times once the baby arrives. Planning ahead and learning the body language that dogs offer when stressed is the best way to increase success as the family grows. Hiring a professional dog behaviour consultant or trainer can greatly decrease stress, prevent problems, and eliminate unwanted behaviours that are cropping up.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a lowering of the core body temperature below the dog’s and cat’s normal 101.5-102.5 temperature. A first reaction to the lowering of temperature is to shiver. Shivering increases muscle activity, which in turn increase heat production. Mild hypothermia causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, but if the time and severity of heat loss continues, heart rate and blood pressure decline and cardiac arrest can occur. Severe hypothermia leads to respiratory depression, lethargy, lack of coordination, paralysis, and collapse. Treatment for hypothermia involves rapid warming of the body. In mild cases, heating pads, hot water bottles, or a warm water bath will do the trick, but severe cases require need veterinary attention immediately.

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.