Articles
-
The uropygial gland (preening gland or oil gland) is a normal part of most birds' anatomy. The gland produces an oil that a bird transfers its feathers to help coat and protect them. Vitamin A deficiency, infections, and tumors may affect the uropygial gland.
-
Every dog has wants and needs, including social interaction, physical exercise, intellectual exercise, and time to rest. When their needs are met predictably and enrichment is consistently available, dogs experience less stress and frustration and may be less likely to develop problematic behaviors.
-
Predictability and trust are important foundations for training your dog. Learning what your dog finds rewarding and strategically providing rewards at the right time will promote the desired behavior to happen more often.
-
Vaccine failures are rare, but they can occur. In addition, vaccines are not always 100% effective. This article outlines five primary reasons why a vaccine may not work.
-
Vaccine failures are rare, but they can occur. In addition, vaccines are not always 100% effective. This article outlines six primary reasons why a vaccine may not work.
-
Vaccines are necessary to reduce infectious disease-caused illnesses in cats. They work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight a particular microorganism such as a virus, bacteria, or other infectious organism. The vaccine helps the body prevent infection or lessen the severity of the infection, and promotes rapid recovery.
-
Veterinarians routinely recommend certain vaccines for all dogs(called core vaccines) whereas others are used more selectively according to the dog's environment and lifestyle. Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight a particular microorganism such as a virus, bacteria, or other infectious organisms. Depending on the disease, the vaccine will help the body prevent infection or lessen the severity of infection and promote rapid recovery. Vaccination will protect the vast majority of dogs but under some circumstances, vaccine breakdowns may occur.
-
Just like other pets, mini-pigs should have a complete veterinary check-up after they are acquired and then annually after that. Your pig may need to be sedated for examination. Your veterinarian will determine the vaccines that are advisable for your pig, based on your pig's potential exposure to pathogens, breeding status, and geographic location. An analysis of your pig's feces should be performed annually to check for gastrointestinal parasites. Pet pigs should be screened for mites through a skin scraping. Veterinarians also will often help pig owners with hoof care and tusk trimming. Neutering of males and spaying of females is recommended for all pigs.
-
New birds should be examined by an avian veterinarian within the first couple of days after purchase or adoption. Pet birds should receive routine annual veterinary examinations. A physical examination allows a veterinarian to notice subtle signs of disease before they are obvious. Your veterinarian will discuss the need for testing with you depending on the findings of the physical examination. Tests, including blood tests and fecal analysis, are performed routinely to monitor the current state of health of the bird. The specific tests your veterinarian suggests will depend on your bird's age, size, species, and health status.
-
Adding a kitten to your family is exciting and also a big responsibility. It is important to work with your veterinarian to keep your kitten safe and healthy. This handout includes information about basic kitten care, including vaccinations, internal and external parasites, microchipping, and the importance of early spaying or neutering.

