Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney, DVM Clinical Veterinarian Regional Primate Research Center University of Washington Box 357330 Seattle, WA 98195-7330 Atelerix albiventris (also known as A.pruneri or A.faradjius) has become a popular pet. Common names include: African hedgehog (AF), West African hedgehog, African pygmy hedgehog, White-bellied, Four-toed hedgehog. Color varieties include: White […]
Heat stroke in pets
Heat Stroke Dogs don’t sweat the way people do in order to cool the body down during extreme temperatures. They cool off by panting; the air cools the mucous membranes and blood vessels in their mouth and tongue. Extreme cases of heat stroke lead to the disruption of the dog’s […]
Heartworm disease in cats
Cats are infected by heartworms much less commonly, even in areas in which heavily infected dogs are present. Male cats tend to be infected more commonly and have a larger worm burden than female cats, mostly because male cats spend more time roaming outside and have less resistance to infection […]
Hamster diseases
RECOGNIZING DISEASE IN HAMSTERS Because hamsters are very small, nocturnal (night- active) and not closely observed, the early signs of illness are frequently overlooked or not noted at all. Hamster owners must be constantly vigilant for signs of illness and must seek immediate veterinary assistance when illness is suspected. Sick […]
Caring for hamsters
Hamsters are small, virtually tailless, velvet- furred rodents with enormous cheek pouches. They originated in the Middle East and southeastern Europe. The most common and popular, both as pets and laboratory animals, is the golden or Syrian hamster. Color and hair-type varieties of the golden hamster include cinnamon, cream, white, […]
Guinea pig diseases
Malocclusion of Premolar Teeth (Slobbers): A common problem of guinea pigs (especially those over 2-3 years old) results when the upper and lower premolar teeth (the most forward cheek teeth) meet improperly while chewing. In time, this problem results in abnormal wear of these teeth. This in turn causes entrapment […]
Feeding and caring for guinea pigs
History: Guinea pigs are rodents (related to chinchillas and porcupines)that originated from the Andes Mountains region of South America. They were probably first domesticated by the Indians of Peru, who used them for food and as sacrificial offerings to their gods. In the 16th century, Dutch explorers introduced guinea pigs […]
Foot pad disease in dogs
There are several known causes of cracked foot pads and unfortunately unknown reasons of this disorder. If a dog chews its paws, it may be walking in or on a chemical that’s irritating its feet. Rug shampoos, floor cleaners, or garden sprays, for example, can irritate the paws of some […]
Pet food allergies
An allergy is a condition of unusual sensitivity to a substance or substances usually protein in nature which is perceived by the body as foreign. Signs of allergies in dogs may manifest as itching and in some cases diarrhea. Food allergies account for only about 5 to 10 percent of […]
Fleas and your pet
Fleas lay up to10-20 eggs per day. Did you know that three fleas will multiply to 10,000 fleas in three months. Fleas are a transmitter of several diseases to your pet. These include tapeworm and a severe skin condition called FLEA BITE DERMATITIS. It is felt that pets actually become […]