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Horses

Nosebleeds in horses

Horse 29 - Nosebleeds in horses

It’s important for horse owners to know more on what could be causing a nosebleed on a horse so they feel more confident to handle this situation, if they ever have to deal with it.

Nosebleeds or epistaxis are relatively common in horses and depending on what is causing them, they will often stop on their own. A horse’s nasal passages have an incredible amount of blood vessels. This means that a simple knock on the head can lead to a nosebleed with a considerable amount of blood, which can scare horse owners. This type of nosebleed is usually not serious and will stop in about 15 minutes.

More serious nosebleeds however will present a larger bloody discharge coming from one or both of the horse’s nostrils. Although trauma is the most common cause of nosebleeds in horses, epistaxis can occur for other reasons:

  • Viral and bacterial infections in a horse’s nasal passages
  • Teeth infections
  • Sinus inflammation and infections
  • Foreign bodies (a twig for example) lodged in the nose or throat
  • Ethmoidal haematomas, masses of blood growing in the nasal passages
  • Masses such as tumours or cysts caused by bacterial or viral infection
  • Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), when blood comes from the nostrils of a racehorse after a hard race

Gutteral pouch mycosis, which is caused by a fungus growing in the horse’s gutteral pouches.
The guttural pouches are lined with important vessels and the internal carotid artery is one of them. If the fungus grows enough it can damage these vessels and lead to a life-threatening nose bleed.

The guttural pouch mycosis is a rare condition but it is also one of the most serious causes of nosebleeds in horses.

If your horse’s nosebleed involves large amounts of blood, lasts more than 15 minutes, seems to be persistent, or if you are concerned about your horse’s welfare, seek veterinary assistance.

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Cats

Catnip and cats

Cats 10 - Catnip and cats width=If you are a cat owner or a cat lover you have probably heard of catnip, an herb that causes behaviour changes in cats. Have you ever tried offering a catnip toy to your cat? How did he or she reacted? We would love to know!

Most cats will show some reaction to catnip. Cats can become very relaxed, roll and rub their face in the catnip toy, or simply stare into something we don’t really know what it is. They can also become extremely friendly, vocalise more, start purring or start running around the house, sometimes appearing to pursue an invisible prey. Some cats can also become aggressive. Each cat will react in its own way, but it is generally thought that male cats will get more excited than females.

Catnip is an herb called nepeta cataria that belongs to the peppermint family and although scientists and researchers know that the active substance in it is nepetalactone, they don’t really know what is it about nepetalactone that causes cats to react differently. The general theory is that nepetalactone mimics the effects of a cat pheromone, most likely associated with mating. When cats smell it, it triggers a neurological response, similar to how cats react to sexual pheromones.

Not all cats show reactions to catnip. Being sensible to the effects of catnip appears to be an inherited trait and about 70% of felines will display some sort of odd behaviour when they smell catnip. Similar responses have been observed in lions, tigers, pumas and leopards.

The behaviour changes caused by catnip can last between five minutes to an hour and once a cat has smelled catnip it will take a few hours until the cat is susceptible to the effects of catnip again. It has been found that kittens usually do not respond to this herb until they are about six months old. It has also been observed that cats will stop showing reactions to it as they get older.

Most cats love catnip and this herb can be very helpful! It can help anxious cats feel more relaxed and it can also be used as a way to encourage your cat to use a scratching post for example. Nowadays, catnip can be found in toys, in oil spray and you can even buy powdered catnip.

Owners can rest assured that the herb is safe for cats as its effects are short-lived and non-addictive.

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Cats

Cats and boxes

Cats 9 - Cats and boxes

Anyone that may have spent some time around cats or enough time on the Internet is probably aware that cats love boxes. Cats love all boxes in general, but they really enjoy cardboard boxes. Our feline companions are known for often showing far more enthusiasm for the box in which the brand new cat bed came in then for the cat bed itself!

This topic has even been researched by science! A recent study investigated if providing hiding boxes for cats arriving at a shelter would contribute to reduce their levels of stress. Scientists concluded that yes, it does! Cats who had recently arrived at the shelter and were provided with hiding boxes not only showed less signs of stress than the cats who did not have a box, but they also took less time to adjust to their new surroundings and new fellow cats. This is very important for cats in shelters because stress will not only affect how they feel but will also have a great impact on their health. Stress can affect their immune system and make them more susceptible to outbreaks of infectious diseases.

There are many reasons why cats love boxes, particularly cardboard boxes. A box provides cats with a warm, comfortable enclosed space, which makes them feel safe. Cats are predators and boxes are also perfect to observe from afar and ambush their prey.
Cats tend to avoid confrontation by nature and their usual strategy is to retreat to a safe area whenever they have to deal with a stressful situation. Boxes are great hiding spots for a cat to take refuge if there is any source of stress, anxiety, hostility or even unwanted attention in its surrounding environment.

This information can be very useful for cat owners! Cardboard boxes are a great tool to welcome a new cat into your home as it will provide him or her with a safe space to retreat if he or she ever feels overwhelmed. It is also a great way to enrich your cat’s environment, especially if you have more than one cat.

You can try spreading a few cardboard boxes around your home, placing them in different locations and at different heights, and see which ones your cat prefers!

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Dogs

Lungworm in dogs – How much do you know about it?

Dogs 34 - Lungworm disease in dogs

The number of reported cases of lungworm disease are rising in the UK and it is very important for owners to know more about the illness, in order to protect their dog from it.

Lungworm disease is caused by small roundworms, parasites called Angiostrongylus Vasorum and young dogs are more commonly affected. The adult parasites can measure up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) and they live in the dog’s pulmonary blood vessels and sometimes in its heart.

These parasites have a complex life cycle. The adults will lay eggs and larvae will hatch from them. These immature worms will then enter the dog’s lungs eventually being coughed up and swallowed. They will follow the dog’s digestive tract and be passed out in their faeces. Once outside the dog’s body they will enter a suitable slug or snail and will only develop into adult worms if the slug or snail is ingested by a dog.

Dogs that become infected with lungworm spread the parasite into the environment through their faeces, which increases the chances of other dogs becoming infected.

Although curious dogs might eat slugs and snails on purpose, dogs usually swallow them by accident when they play with toys that have been left outside, when they drink from puddles or outdoor water bowls or even when they eat grass. If your dog eats these molluscs then your pet is at a higher risk of suffering from this disease.

You can reduce the risk of your pet getting infected by being extra careful and regularly cleaning its water bowls, keeping your garden free of dog poo and by making sure your pet’s toys are not left around in the garden overnight.

Lungworm infections can result in several nonspecific and sometimes intermittent clinical signs, which can be easily confused with other illnesses. Affected dogs may present signs such as reduced tolerance to exercise, depression, coughing, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, bleeding excessively from minor wounds, present breathing difficulties and fits. If left untreated it can be fatal.

Once diagnosed and treated, dogs will usually make a full recovery but it is very important to start treatment early.
If you dog is showing any of the previously mentioned signs or if he or she is at a higher risks of becoming infected, talk to your vet!

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Cats

Introducing your new cat to your resident cat or cats

Cats 8 - Introducing your new cat to your resident cat or cats width=

If you have a cat and if you are considering getting a new cat, it is very important to plan things ahead and to take some time to make all the necessary introductions. This approach will greatly contribute to reduce any tension that may arise between the two cats, avoid possible conflicts and to turn the process into a smooth and pleasant experience for both of them.

Initially the new cat should be confined to an area or a room with everything he or she needs: food, water, a litter box and a few spots where the cat can rest and hide. During this time it is important for the new cat to spend time with all the family members. This will help the cat to gradually adapt to its new home and become comfortable with its new family.

Once your new cat has adjusted and feels confident in its new environment you can start with scent introduction. Use a cloth (or several cloths) to collect the scent of your resident cat by gently rubbing it on its face and body. Then present it to your new cat, allowing him or her to smell it. The same should be done for all resident cats and the scent of the new cat should also be collected and presented to your resident cats. You can also rub these cloths on objects that your cats usually rubs against and switch their bedding to keep this process going.

When they are first presented with the other cat’s scent, your cat may freeze, back away from the cloth or even hiss. It is important to give your cat time to get used to the new smells and when your cats display positive reactions to each other’s scent you move to the next stage.

Allow your new cat to explore the rest of house without the others cats being present. Your new cat will then be able to get to know where to go if he or she feels insecure and needs to get away or hide. Once your new cat feels confident in that new space as well, you can introduce your cats.

At first, allow them to interact in a controlled environment where they can only see and smell each other (without any direct contact). A good idea is to use a mesh panel or to jam a door leaving it just slightly open so they can get to know each other, one on each side of the door. If there are any signs of aggression none of the cats will be able to harm the other. You can also offer both cats some food at this time so they associate this meeting to a positive experience.

When both cats are not showing any fearful or aggressive behaviour they can then be allowed to meet and get to know each other without any barriers between them. Always make sure you have enough important resources available for each individual cat such as litter boxes, feeding and drinking areas, resting and hiding spots.

This can take from just a couple of weeks to a couple of months as some cats will move through this process quicker than others. It is very important not to rush these introductions and you can also use commercially available pheromone diffusers for cats to help them feel more relaxed! Lack of social harmony among cats can lead to chronic stress, unwanted behaviours and health problems.

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Horses

Why do horses bolt?

Horse 28 - Why do horses bolt

Bolting is the word used to define a fear-based reaction of horses, where they run off, out of control, and their rider is unable to stop it.

The root of this behaviour is in the fact that horses are prey animals. In general, animals can be categorised as fight or flight animals, depending on how they respond to a threatening situation, such as dealing with predators for example. While some animals resort to fighting by biting, kicking or attacking using their natural weapons such as horns or antlers, others will flight and run from the situation.

Horses are flight animals and when they feel scared their natural response is to flee from the perceived threat. Domestic horses are usually trained to handle and to cope with less comfortable situations without resorting to this behaviour. However, sometimes their natural instincts will take over.

Some horses are more likely to bolt than others, as this also depends on their personality. Horses can be in such a state of panic that they will bolt and completely disregard the rider and all attempts to stop. Others might just take off and eventually the rider is able to calm them down.
In some cases, horses can take off not so much out of fear but due to lack of schooling, because their rider allows them to race with other horses, because they are not doing enough exercise and sometimes because they are high spirited and energetic. This tends to happen more often in open spaces where the horse can canter or gallop.

Bolting is a very dangerous behaviour as it can be extremely unpredictable. Horses have been known to run onto roads, straight into vehicles and fences, putting not only themselves but also the rider and everyone around them in danger. This can be very scary and have a huge impact on the riders’ confidence as their safety is compromised and they experience a frightening lack of control over the situation.

If your horse is showing this behaviour and if you are struggling to handle with it please take the time to approach all possible causes. Search for veterinary assistance and make sure your horse is physically well, as pain is often a strong motive for sudden changes in character.

Ensure the bit has the right size and that the tack fits. Please take the time to work on building your horse’s trust and to really get to know him or her. Some horses may need to be carefully schooled in order to better understand the rider’s commands, others may need to get rid of their excess energy before being ridden and many give off signs that they are feeling insecure and becoming stressed, which allows the rider to manage the situation before it turns into something more serious. It is very important for your horse to feel relaxed, secure and it is also very important for your horse to trust you.

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Cats

Tips for owners that have more than one cat

Cats 7 - Tips for owners that have more than one catCats are extremely popular pets and many owners will often have more than one feline companion in their household. However, not all cat owners are aware that their cats’ social behaviour is very different from a dog’s social behaviour and the impact these differences can have in their health and well-being.

Cat societies, weather we are talking about two cats or ten of them, are mainly composed of social groups. In the wild these groups are usually formed by females who are related to one another and that live together cooperating in protecting, feeding and caring for their kittens. Males will often be on the periphery of the group, breeding most of the females in their territory and rejecting other males in general. They keep their distance from other social groups and they do their best to avoid direct physical aggression.

This means that they don’t have a hierarchical structure since they don’t necessarily need to cooperate in order to survive. As a result, when owners try to keep more than one cat in the same home, social compatibility becomes an important issue.

Cats that belong to the same social group will gladly spend time together, sharing the same rooms, enjoying the same resting spots, and grooming each other. Cats that do not get along will do their best do avoid each other. An owner with two cats can have two separate social groups in its home.

While this avoidance behaviour often prevents more serious conflict it will lead to chronic stress and it can condition a cat’s access to important household resources such as food, water or the litter box. A cat will actually drink less water if going to the water bowl means having to deal with a cat he or she would much rather avoid. Many house soiling issues can also be due to the lack of social compatibility among the cats in that area.

A common misconception among cat owners is that their cats get along because they will get together when you are feeding them. However, many cats simply tolerate other cats during that time because food is too important to dismiss.

Keeping all of this in mind, here are a few tips for homes with more than one cat:

  • Provide your cats with multiple resources in different locations – provide different areas where your cats can eat, drink, rest and hide so that all cats are able to have individual access to these resources while trying to avoid another cat.
  • Keep several litter boxes available, ideally one for each cat and one more on top of the total number of cats. Cats that belong to the same social group will often share litter boxes, which means that in some cases, less litter boxes will be needed.
  • Please consider social compatibility when adopting more than one cat or bringing a new cat home. In general, young kittens, an adult cat and a kitten or two adult cats of opposite sexes are more likely to get along. Don’t rush introducing your new cat to the one/s you already have and if you need advice talk to your veterinary surgeon or to a qualified cat behaviourist.

Social harmony among all the cats in a household is key to prevent unwanted behaviours, chronic stress and future health problems.

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Cats, Dogs

Slug pellet poisoning

Dogs 33 - Slug pellet poisoning

During wet weather the number of slugs and snails increases dramatically as this type of weather provides an ideal environment for these animals. Slug pellets are commonly used to control their numbers in order to protect our gardens, orchards and vegetable farms.

Although they are meant for slugs and snails, unfortunately these bright blue or green-coloured pellets are the cause of several cases of poisoning in dogs and cats. The problem is that slug bait often contains metaldehyde, a substance that is toxic for our pets and for our wildlife.

This type of poisoning can affect dogs and cats but it is more commonly seen in dogs. The pellets are toxic even if ingested in small amounts. Severe clinical signs can occur about an hour after ingesting the pellets and it is very important for owners to be aware of this type of toxicity, since poisoned pets will need urgent veterinary treatment.

Affected animals will show incoordination, muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, twitching, tremors and seizures (fits) and possibly respiratory failure. As with all types of poisoning the sooner your pet receives treatment the better are its chances of making a full recovery.

The safest way to protect your pets from this type of poisoning is to avoid using these dangerous chemicals in your garden. If you need to use slug and snail bait you can choose a pet friendly product (pellets that do not contain metaldehyde) or you can make sure you keep your pets away from the areas where these pellets are used.

It is also very important to always use the slug and snail bait following the instructions on the package to the letter. Avoid spreading excessive and unnecessary piles of pellets to minimise the risks.  Many cases of poisoning resulted from inquisitive dogs that swallowed entire boxes of pellets found in their homes so please make sure you keep the package stored safely!

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Cats

Socialisation is not just for dogs! The socialisation period is very important for kittens too!

Cats 6 - Socialisation is not just for dogs

In general, we hear a lot about puppy socialisation and how this process is extremely important for the character of the adult dog. However, this critical and sensitive period is important for all species and this includes our feline companions!

Just like as it is with dogs your kitten’s first experiences are crucial and will shape its behaviour and personality as an adult cat. Cats that are not properly socialised are far more likely to be nervous, anxious and scared which will then lead to behaviour problems. Adequate and early socialisation on the other hand, will lead to friendly, relaxed and well-adjusted adult cats!

Ideally the socialisation process starts when the kittens are still with the breeder or with the owner of the litter. A kitten’s socialisation period is between 2 and 14 weeks of age. During this period kittens are much more open to new experiences and will handle them better.

During this time it is recommended for kittens to spend time with their mother and with their litter mates, to contact with different people (adults and children) and with other animals. Kittens should be exposed new things such as smells, sounds, places and new environments. Ideally during this time they can get used to all the things that will probably be a part of their lives someday such as litter and litter boxes, cat flaps, cat carriers, being groomed, household appliances, car trips or going to the vet.

They should also be handled frequently and gently in order to become friendly and approachable. Handling should include being lifted and gently restrained by familiar an unfamiliar people. This must be done in frequent but short sessions as you don’t want to force the kitten but rather gradually allow him or her to handle and feel comfortable in new situations. These experiences should then be continuously reinforced throughout the kitten’s life.

Providing a wide variety of positive experiences during this time of a kitten’s life will provide him or her with necessary life-skills to cope with their future challenges, will contribute to a stronger bond between them and their owner and will have a tremendous impact on its lifelong welfare.

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Horses

According to a recent study electric fencing causes no more stress on a horse than normal fencing

Horse 27 - Electric fencing causes no more stress on a horse than normal fencing

The use of electric fences to keep horses from escaping their designated areas or fields has become very common all over the UK. However, there are some concerns regarding the negative effects these electric fencing systems can potentially have on horse behaviour, causing chronic stress and reducing the use of the accessible space.

According to anew Swiss study, the researchers have found no evidence of stress in horses as a result of being contained within electric fencing. However, the study concluded that horses in electrically fenced and small paddocks would use less available area and were less likely to roll.

Twenty horses between the ages of six and eight-teen years old participated in this study and researchers measured their stress responses while they were kept in four different grass outdoor enclosures. These areas had two different sizes and were equipped with either wooden fencing or electric fencing. The smaller areas had 12.25 square metres and the larger areas had 36 square metres.

The horses were systematically rotated between the four areas, spending 90 minutes in each one. The scientist focused on quantifying any stress responses of the horses kept in these paddocks and during the experiments they recorded their behaviour on video so they could later evaluate their behavioural patterns and the use of the available paddock area. While on the different enclosures the horse’s heart rates were measured and samples of saliva were obtained for cortisol analysis as well.

According to this study, there was no difference between the two fence types in the overall analysis of all the stress-indicating parameters and it did not matter whether the enclosed area was large or small. This means that based on the measured physiological parameters the horses did not display any more stress for being in an area with an electric fence than the ones that were on wooden-fenced areas.

However this study also showed that horses in the electrically fenced and small enclosures moved around less, using around 50 centimetres less of the available space (the border area). The horses in these paddocks were also less likely to roll.

This study shows the importance of the paddock’s size for these animals, since horses that have space to move around and exhibit their normal behaviour are much happier.

http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.com/article/S0168-1591(15)00094-5/abstract?cc=y

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