Monthly Archives: July 2016

Horses

Photodermatitis in Horses

Horse 39 - Photodermatitis in Horses
Photodermatitis or photoallergy is a sensitivity to sun exposure that affects the horse’s skin. It is caused by contact with a chemical or plant that contains photodynamic agents (photosensitisers), followed by exposure to ultraviolet light.

Contact with the chemicals or plants that lead to photoallergy can be topical, by ingestion or injection. The photodynamic agents are deposited in the skin and when the horse is exposed to sunlight these molecules cause damage to the cell membranes of the skin. These reactive compounds can be found in some drugs (e.g. antibiotics and tranquilizers), fly sprays, coat conditioners, and plants, such as St John’s Wort, rye, other weeds and grasses, and some clovers.

This type of reaction is called primary photodermatitis. There is also another type of photosensitivity called secondary photodermatitis which is caused by underlying liver disease. Liver damage is often associated with the ingestion of high amounts of clover and alfalfa, as well as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, and even liver cancer. Failure in the normal function of the horse’s liver can lead to the presence of photosensitive pigments in the tissues, which will then be affected by ultraviolet light exposure, and cause skin damage. Common signs of liver disease include decreased appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and jaundice (yellow colour of the eyes and gums).

This abnormal reaction of the skin results in redness, swelling, itching, pain, scabs and crusts. In more severe cases the damage to the skin can include peeling skin, blisters and sores. In the early stages of this disease owners often realise their horse is becoming reluctant to wear a halter or bridle. The most affected areas of horses that photosensitive are usually the horse’s face (eyelids and lips), the perineum, and the extremities. This condition can affect both pigmented and non-pigmented areas of the body.

If you notice your horse is showing any signs of pain or damage to the skin consult your vet. It is very important to treat the clinical signs and to locate the source of the problem in order to prevent it.

It is also recommended to keep your horses safe from excessive sun exposure. Have a look at our previous post and follow our tips to protect your horses from the sun.

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Cats

Aggression in cats

Cats 27 - Aggression in cats

Cats may show aggression for different reasons and it’s important to identify them in order to properly manage the problem. Cats may show aggression towards humans out of fear, maybe due to poor socialisation with humans or due to an unpleasant event associated with that person or with people in general. Cats, just like any other animal, can also be aggressive when they are in pain.

General signs of aggressive behaviour include putting the ears back, having the body and tail lowered, having the fur up, dilated pupils (the dark part of a cat’s eyes), growling and attacking either using their claws or using their teeth. If your cat is being aggressive because he or she is scared of a person, your pet may also avoid that person and try to hide. If your cat is scared and he or she is approached or cornered, your pet may feel threatened and attack.

Ongoing exposure to fear inducing situations may worsen the aggression and you may notice stress related signs, such as avoidance behaviour, decreased appetite and over grooming. It’s important to manage this problem and as with all behaviour problems, a vet should check the cat’s health to make sure these issues are not motivated by pain or illness.

After you exclude medical causes, you can try to gradually expose the cat to the person he or she is scared of. Start by keeping them both apart but close enough for the cat to see him or her. When the cat seems comfortable with that and does not show any signs of anxiety or stress the person can move a bit closer. Repeat the process having the person move closer and closer, as your pet becomes accustomed and relaxed in his or her presence. You can reward your cat with a tasty treat as he or she relaxes and doesn’t react fearfully or aggressively around the person in question. You can repeat the process, with the person moving closer each time, and gradually the cat learns to associate this person’s presence with a positive, stress-free experience.

If your cat is showing aggression towards people and if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate and bring your pet to the vet. Your vet can give your pet a check-up to exclude any medical conditions that may be causing this inconvenient situation, and if you are dealing with a behavioural issue, you vet can either help you manage this situation or recommend a cat behaviourist that can help!

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Cats

How much do you know about flea allergy dermatitis in cats?

 

Cats 26 - How much do you know about flea allergy dermatitis in cats
 With the temperatures rising the risk of our pets becoming infested by parasites such as ticks and fleas increases tremendously, since these small creatures thrive on warm weather. Fleas can be a real nightmare for pets and for their owners. These parasites will feed on our pet’s blood causing irritation, itching and a lot of discomfort.

The problems caused by fleas go beyond itching since they are also vehicles for the transmission of other parasites such as tapeworms and diseases such as cat scratch disease. Unfortunately, some of our pets can also have the added hassle of being extra sensitive to flea bites and suffer from flea allergy dermatitis.

Flea allergy dermatitis is a hypersensitivity reaction caused by proteins (antigens) present in the flea’s saliva. Cats suffering from this condition show an exaggerated reaction to flea bites that leads to severe itching, over-grooming and even damage to their skin. All cats can be affected regardless of their age or breed.

It takes just one flea to cause severe itching in pets susceptible to flea allergy dermatitis and the best way to prevent this problem is to keep a regular and effective flea treatment plan.

To check your cat for fleas spread your pet’s fur with your fingers, especially on the base of their tale. It is not always possible to see the fleas running around but if you look closely you will probably find their faeces. Look for small black specs located close to the skin.

If you notice your cat is itching more than usual or grooming excessively to the point of damaging fur and skin take your pet to the vet.  These clinical signs can be caused by flea allergy dermatitis but other conditions can present similar signs.

It is also very important to remind owners to never user dog tick/flea treatment products on cats! Many of these products contain substances which are highly toxic for cats and are meant to be used only in dogs. Follow you vet’s recommendation and always check product labels.

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Dogs

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs 47 - Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety become upset when separated from the person or persons to whom they are most attached to, usually their owners.

Separation anxiety may be driven by fear, anxiety, over attachment to the owner, and lack of appropriate stimulation or interactions. Changes in the household that are distressing to the dog can lead to separation anxiety, such as changes in the normal members of the household, changes in schedule or changing residence. Having experienced something that caused anxiety when your dog was home alone can also lead to the development of this behavioural problem.

Common signs of separation anxiety include destruction, vocalisation (whining, howling, barking), indoor elimination, and attempts to escape from an area where the dog is confined to.

Dogs with separation anxiety often start becoming anxious as the owners prepare to leave since they already know that getting the keys, putting on a coat or getting a bag means their owners are leaving the house. Dogs suffering from this behavioural issue usually show exaggerated welcoming behaviours when their owners returns as well.

There are many simple things owners can do to modify their dog’s behaviour. You can try to get your dog used to those actions that make your pet anxious, because he or she realises you’re leaving the house. Grab your keys, for example, a few times a day without actually leaving at first. Once your dog reacts normally to this, grab your keys and head for the door a few times. Then you can try leaving the house, initially for a few moments and progressively increasing the amount of time you spend outside. The idea is to gradually expose your dog to these actions in order to make them a normal part of the family routine and reduce the anxiety he or she feels towards them.

When you come home, don’t make a big fuss of the dog until he or she calms down. Do not punish your dog for anything he or she may have done while you were gone, since your dog won’t be able to associate the punishment with any specific action that may have displeased you. They realise their owner is not happy and they respond to that but, they won’t be able to make a connection between the punishment and whatever they did wrong. Please keep in mind that anxious behaviours are not the result of disobedience. Your dog is upset and trying to cope with great stress.

Providing physical and mental stimulation to your pet is a really important part of treating many behaviour problems, since it will not only keep your pet fit and healthy, it will also decrease stress and prevent boredom. Make sure your pet has enough exercise and use toys to keep him or her mentally stimulated, as this might increase his or her ability to cope while you are away.

If your pet is showing signs of separation anxiety consult your vet as medical issues can play a part in your dog’s behaviour. After medical issues have been ruled out, your vet or a qualified dog behaviourist can help you set up a strategy to manage and modify your dog’s behaviour!

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Horses

Sunburn in Horses

Horse-38---Sunburn-in-horses

Although the sun is often shy in our country it is important to keep in mind that when the sun comes out, it can cause damage to our horses’ skin.

The most susceptible horses to sunburn are the ones with white hair, light skin, and thin coats. Pigmentation in hair and skin is a natural barrier against ultraviolet light and horses lacking pigmentation will therefore lack some degree of protection. The most affected areas are usually the ones with less hair and less pigment such as the areas around the eyes, nostrils, muzzle and sometimes their heels.

Sunburn will cause redness, pain, peeling, and discomfort. It is not uncommon for owners not to realise their horse is uncomfortable due to sunburn but to notice their horse is suddenly reluctant to wear a halter or bridle or even a saddle (if the sunburn is over the back).

Excessive sun exposure and repeated skin damage can have serious long-term consequences. It can lead to thickening and scaling of the surface of the skin and in some cases this can evolve to skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).

The best way to prevent your horses from suffering from this condition is to ensure they have shady areas available to hide from the sun and to protect them with fly-masks with UV protection, fly sheets and high-factor, water-repellent sun creams. A practical solution is to stable the horse during the day, allowing him or her to graze from dusk to dawn.

When considering sunscreens, high-factor water-resistant creams safe for children can be used. Please keep in mind that these products need to be reapplied to be effective and that ideally, they should be used before your horse is affected by sunburn. Horses can become unwilling to let their owners apply the product once they already have painful skin areas due to sun exposure.

If you realise your horse’s skin is showing signs of sun damage it is recommended to bring them inside and if necessary contact your vet in order to proceed with adequate treatment. If your horse seems to be abnormally sensitive to sunlight it is also recommended to contact your vet since he or she may suffer from photosensitivity, a condition that may need a few adjustments in management and possibly medical treatment. We will explore this condition on our next blog post so keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page!

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Cats

Keep your cat safe this summer

Cats 25 - Keep your Cat Safe this Summer
During the summer months, there are many hazards you should be aware of in order to keep your furry feline friend safe.

Just like dogs, cats can suffer heat stroke when exposed to hot temperatures, even if he or she lives indoors. Your cat should always have access to cool water, which should be available at different places throughout the house, particularly in the areas your cat spends more time at. If your cat has outdoors access place water bowls in shady areas to keep the water temperature more comfortable. Don’t forget to frequently check the water level and wash the bowls daily. You can also use cat drinking fountains to induce your cat to drink more water or add ice cubs to the water bowls.

Your cat should have access to shaded areas to stay cool at all times. Make sure there is a cool place in your house your cat can go to.

Do not leave your cat locked in a parked car. Even a few minutes in a car, which can be located in a shaded area with the windows opened, can be deadly for your cat.

Young, older, obese and sick cats are more likely to suffer heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke in cats include restlessness, panting excessively and drooling.

It is also recommended to apply pet sunscreen to your cat’s ears and nose, particularly if he or she is light coloured, as being so makes pets more susceptible to sunburns. Just like what happens with people, sunburns can lead to cancer.

Grass seeds can also be dangerous as they can get caught in your cat’s paws, eyes or ears and need to be removed. Your pet may show signs of discomfort and shake his or her head.

In warmer months there are also more external parasites such as flea and ticks so make sure you use a safe and effective flea/tick control product on your cat. Please remember to never use a flea/tick dog treatment on your cat.

Bee stings are also more common during this time of the year and they can be really dangerous if the cat is allergic, if he or she is stung many times or if he or she is stung near the mouth or in the throat. This could lead to swelling of the airway and restrict breathing. If your cat has been stung by a bee take him or her to the vet!

Keep our tips in mind and enjoy a nice and safe summer with your cat!

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