Equine eye conditions

August 31, 2016 petprofessionals

Horses suffering from an eye condition may display several signs of discomfort such as eye rubbing, excessive blinking, an increase in the amount of tears, an abnormal shape or size of one or both eyes, changes in the cornea, drooping of the upper eyelid, abnormal discharges, being more sensitive to light, pain, holding the eye shut and may even become depressed.

The list of common eye problems in horses includes uveitis, ulcers, cataracts, tumours traumatic injuries, and foreign bodies, among others.

Uveitis
Uveitis is the term used for an inflammation involving different structures inside the eye that can have many different causes such as bacteria, viruses, neoplasia or even trauma. This is a painful condition that over time can lead to the formation of adhesions within the eye and eventually lead to loss of vision in the affected eye. Uveitis is a common cause of blindness in horses and in some cases the affected eye may be surgically removed.

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a complex immune-mediated disease that can be more or less serious depending on the severity of the uveitis, duration of episodes and response to treatment. Prompt veterinary assistance is key since the sooner the inflammation is under control the better. This will limit the damage to the structures inside of the eye.

Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the transparent membrane that covers the eye (the cornea) which is caused, in most cases, by an initial trauma. Corneal ulcers also cause inflammation, pain and there is a risk for secondary infections.

Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity (cloudiness) in the lens of the eye, a firm, biconvex structure filled with gel that is suspended behind the iris. Cataracts can be congenital or can be acquired throughout the animal’s life. Common causes include trauma, nutritional abnormalities, toxicities, inflammation or be secondary to other conditions such as ERU. Older horses can also present cataracts (senile cataracts) since this condition is a normal part of the normal ageing process of the lens.

Tumours
There are several types of tumours that can affect the eye itself and surrounding structures such as sarcoid, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Foreign bodies
Despite the eyes’ blink response which is a natural mechanism that protects the eye from external aggression, a foreign body can go into the eye. The most common foreign bodies affecting a horse’s eye include twigs, thorns, grass seeds, and these need to be removed as soon as possible.

It is very important to take your horse to the vet as soon as you realise there is something unusual with your horse’s eyes because what can start as being a minor problem can become more serious. Please keep in mind that many eye issues also cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Eyelid wounds, painful eyes, foreign bodies, all these conditions are regarded as emergencies, so it is recommended to get your horse checked by a vet straight away.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

Cats

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

August 31, 2016 petprofessionals

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a term used to describe conditions that can affect the lower urinary tract of cats (the bladder and/or the urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). The conditions which cause it can vary, but the signs are generally very similar.

Cats with FLUTD typically have difficulties urinating (crying and yowling with pain when urinating) and urinate more times than usual. They may also have blood in their urine and urinate outside the litter box. Affected cats may only be able to pass small amounts of urine or no urine at all. Please keep in mind that cats unable to pass any urine at all should been taken to vet immediately, as this is an emergency!

FLUTD occurs most frequently in middle aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have restricted access outside and eat a dry diet, but it can occur in any cat. Stress may also increase the risk of a cat suffering from this condition.

Urinary tract infections, urinary stones and feline idiopathic cystitis are amongst the most common conditions that can affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Feline idiopathic cystitis is a disease which the cause is unknown. It involves inflammation of the bladder and it is thought stress plays a major role in its development.

In some cases, a more severe condition can occur: the development of a blockage in the urethra. This prevents the cat from passing urine and emptying the bladder. This condition occurs most frequently in male cats and if left untreated it can be fatal.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease has different treatment approaches, so if you notice any of these signs on your cat do not hesitate and take your pet to the vet!

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

Cats

Know more about the female cat’s reproductive cycle

August 18, 2016 petprofessionals

Our feline companions are considered seasonal breeders as their reproductive cycles are directly influenced by daylight hours. They will cycle when there are 12 or more daylight hours and this is why the cat’s breeding season usually goes from February to October.

Female cats can become sexually mature as early as 4 months of age. The female cat’s reproductive cycle has several stages but they can get pregnant during the oestrus stage, the stage where cats come into “heat”. This usually lasts between 7 to 10 days and during this stage, the female cat is receptive to the male cat.

Signs of heat in female cats include a swollen vulva as well as a bloody vulvar discharge, and behaviour signs such as becoming very vocal and affectionate. They will yowl repeatedly and loudly, persistently rub against people or objects and roll on the floor. During this time, a queen will attract male tom cats, since they can detect her scent from several miles away and they will do they best to try to reach her.

Cats are induced ovulators which means they will only ovulate if mating occurs. It is also important for owners to keep in mind that when in heat, females will accept any male, including a related cat. Mating several times will produce more ovulations, which is why it is possible that a litter of kittens has different fathers.

If females are not mated, the oestrus phase will return in about 1 to 3 weeks. They will cycle continuously until they become pregnant or until the daylight period stops being favourable (has less than 12 hours).

Although cats can have their first reproductive cycle and get pregnant very early, a female cat should be fully grown to have her first litter. Otherwise there is a higher chance for complications which can endanger both the mother and her kittens. The gestation period (pregnancy) lasts about 63 days.

If you wish to avoid unwanted pregnancies you can consider spaying your female cat. Talk to your vet so you can know more about what would be the best course of action.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

Dogs

Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs

August 18, 2016 petprofessionals

Phantom pregnancy or false pregnancy is a condition in which non-pregnant female dogs experience various physical and behavioural changes commonly associated with pregnancy. This is a relatively common condition among dogs and it occurs due to normal hormonal changes that happen during the dog’s breeding cycle.

Unneutered female dogs reach sexual maturity anywhere between 6 to 18 months of age. On average they go into “heat”, the time during which they can get pregnant, twice a year (every six months), but this is variable among dogs. When the dog comes into heat you may notice the vulva beginning to appear swollen as well as the presence of a vulvar discharge. A dog stays in heat for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

A dog that is suffering from a phantom pregnancy will show signs commonly associated with pregnancy about a month or two after her heat period. This condition may occur regardless of whether or not she has mated.

If your dog is suffering from phantom pregnancy you may notice an increase in the size of her mammary glands and even the presence of secretions from the glands. These secretions are most commonly milk, however they may also be caused by an infection. The mammary gland should not be milked out, as doing so will stimulate the production of milk. The dog may also try to make a nest, become overly attached to her toys, display lack of appetite or even become unusually aggressive.

This condition usually resolves spontaneously in one to three weeks, however in some cases treatment may be required. Removing toys and stopping self-nursing behaviour, by using t-shirts for example, may be helpful. Permanent prevention of false pregnancy is achieved with spaying.

It is important to differentiate phantom pregnancy from a true pregnancy, so if you notice any signs of pregnancy in your dog, take her to the vet!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses: