Horses

Babesiosis in horses

horse-42-babesiosis-in-horses

Babesiosis, also known as equine pyroplasmosis, is a non-contagious tick-born disease caused by the Babesia caballi and Babesia equi especies of protozoa.

This infection is a problem in international horse trading and competitions. Many countries, like the United States, will have import regulations regarding the infection status. Animals that never have been infected that come in contact with infected ticks will most likely develop the disease.

Ticks house these parasites and transmit them to the horse when feeding but it cannot be passed from horse to horse, unless there is blood transfer between animals (like on needles, blood transfusions or any sharp instrument with contaminated blood). Usually though, infected horses act as the source of the infection for ticks and then the ticks will go on to infect other animals.

It causes severe destruction of red blood cells and in the case of B.caballi, the parasite itself might clog the smaller calibre vessels in the lungs, liver or even central nervous system, damaging them.

With the progressive destruction of red blood cells and the increase in parasite numbers, affected animals will display reluctance to exercise, fever, anorexia, small dotting haemorrhages in mucous membranes (like inside the mouth, vulva or eye), dehydration, colic, abdomen 0r limb oedema and/or difficulty breathing.

These clinical signs usually only manifest in acute diseases. Animals that manage to survive this may become persistent yet immune carriers and may generate chances for ticks to infect animals that have never contacted babesiosis.

The best way to prevent babesios is to run a tight ship regarding tick control on your horses and always follow good biosecurity measures (no reusing needles, always disinfecting sharp instruments between horses).

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Cats

Notoedric Mange


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Notoedric mange is a skin problem of cats caused by Notoedres cati, one of the species of mites that causes mange in pets. This problem may affect any cat, regardless of age or gender and, while it’s fairly specific for cats, it might affect dogs and rabbits as well.

It’s a parasite transmitted by directed contact and is especially important in places where several cats are gathered like colonies (both domestic and feral), hotels, veterinary clinics or even multi cat homes. When a cat starts manifesting clinical signs, all other cats in contact will, usually, be affected as well.

Important clinical signs to look out for include:

– Intense itch that does not seem to be related to any season or weather condition;

– Itching that might start out mild but will progress to severe and distressing;

– Skin crusts and lack of fur that start on the ears and then spreads to their face, hands and feet, and eventually with the whole body being affected;

– Incessant scratching and grooming will eventually lead to severe self-trauma.

Due to animals scratching and traumatizing their own skin, this will be fertile breeding ground for skin infections because intact skin is a very important barrier to bacteria. If this condition progresses, treatment for both the mites and the infection that had the opportunity to develop will be required so prompt action will save you and your cat much trouble.

If you notice any of these clinical signs on your cat consult with your veterinary surgeon. The treatment for this mange should be administered on all cats that are in contact with each other and it lasts for several weeks. If the chosen treatment involves dips of insecticides it is very important to ensure the product covers all of their skin, including head and ears otherwise the treatment will most likely fail and these cats will re-infect other cats that might have already recovered. If skin infections have already developed, a course of antibiotics will be required to fully kick away this disease.

The good news is, if all animals are correctly treated symptoms will be significantly reduced within 2 weeks.

It’s important to keep in mind that notoedric mange is a zoonosis, meaning that this mite will infect humans and cause itch and rashes on arms, chest and abdomen of those who have been in closer contact with infected cats. Fortunately, it’s usually solved spontaneously in about 10 days after all animals have been treated.

Be on the lookout for this bothersome problem in our feline friends to catch it early on!

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Horses

Abnormal increase of volume in the scrotum

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The wellness of external genitalia is a very important component of the reproductive health in horses, especially in male horses. The scrotum houses the testicles and all the vascular and nerve support for them, functioning as one of the linchpins of the horse’s reproductive system.

It is good practice to pay close attention and know scrotal characteristics, often how fast there is veterinary intervention will determine the outcome and future reproductive capacities of the stallion. Fortunately, it’s an area that sits between the horse’s hind legs and is reasonably well protected from harm.

Be on the lookout not only on size changes but also position and the presence of wounds on the skin or deeper tissues. The stallion’s behaviour may be changed due to pain, they may become reluctant to jumping and even walking.

The causes of an abnormal increase of size are plentiful. The most common causes are trauma, scrotal or inguinal hernias (passing of other abdominal organs into the scrotum e.g.: small intestine lodged in scrotum due to weak muscles/rupture in the abdomen) and testicular torsion.

Other important causes include cancer, bacterial, viral or parasite infections or even auto-immune disorders (the horse’s immune system is actively targeting its own tissues, usually the testicles and damaging them.)

Some of these conditions can cause irreversible impairment of fertility, especially if left without proper veterinary care for long periods of time. Semen collection and evaluation should be performed at around 90 days after the cause has been resolved or after surgery.

Keep an eye out on your stallion and save you (and him!) a world of trouble!

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Horses

Equine eye conditions

Horse 40 - Equine eye conditions

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.

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Cats

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Cats 29 - Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

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!

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Cats

Know more about the female cat’s reproductive cycle

Cats 28 - Know more about the female cats reproductive cycle
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.

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Dogs

Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs

Dogs 48 - Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs
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!

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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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