Dropsy is a common but often fatal fish disease that causes distinctive raised scales pointing away from the body in an affected fish. Although used as the name of the disease, it is more accurate to say that dropsy describes the symptoms of the disease as it is due to the swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the tissues or body cavities of an animal. The actual cause of the swelling and of the disease consists of a variety of …
Shedding Management for Companion Reptiles
Ecdysis refers to the process by which reptiles shed their outer skin, a process that occurs regularly with growth and wear. Some species of reptiles shed an entire layer of skin as one whole piece, whereas other species shed several small pieces at a time.
Dysecdysis refers to incomplete or abnormal shedding. Improper or difficult shedding can be caused by a number of environmental and dietary issues, but reptile owners can be prevent it by practicing good husbandry and making …
Introduction to UV Lighting Requirements for Reptiles
Proper lighting is an essential part of a reptile’s environment. It is vital for the reptile’s overall health, including feeding behavior, activity level, and skin maintenance. Because captive reptiles are not exposed to adequate levels of sunlight, their housing system must be equipped with a source of full-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light that will provide them with the proper type and amount of light that they need to be healthy. All diurnal (active during the day) and some nocturnal (active at …
Bumblefoot in Companion Rodents
Pododermatitis, more commonly known as bumblefoot, is a condition that affects many companion rodents, including rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Pododermatitis literally means “inflammation of the foot.” The footpad becomes inflamed, develops sores and “bumbles,” (which often start out as small red bumps), and then can become overgrown. The condition occurs when the animal’s feet become inflicted with tiny cuts and scrapes caused by a variety of environmental conditions. Bacteria are then able to enter the footpad through these cuts …
Spaying and Neutering Guinea Pigs
Introduction
For a variety of reasons, veterinarians do not recommend that owners attempt to breed their guinea pigs. One concern is that breeding will produce more guinea pigs than available homes. As with most companion animals, there are many homeless guinea pigs available for adoption in animal shelters.
Another concern of veterinarians is that the female, also known as a sow, can experience complications during the delivery of her offspring. These complications are caused by the stiffening of the pelvic …
Barbering in Companion Rodents
Introduction
Barbering refers to the abnormal grooming behavior of an animal chewing and tearing the fur and whiskers of either itself or another animal. Barbering is known to occur in most companion rodent species, including guinea pigs, rats, and mice. When one animal barbers another animal, it is used as a display of dominance, meaning that the more dominant member of the group chews on the fur and whiskers of the less dominant members. Barbering results in alopecia (loss of …
Chinchilla Housing and Care
Chinchillas make friendly and loveable companions. To ensure that your chinchilla is living a healthy life, both mentally and physically, it is vital to provide it with the appropriate living environment, including the proper type of housing, bedding, toys, exercise, and socialization.
Housing
Cages
Chinchillas tend to be much more active than their domestic rodent counterparts. It is important to provide them with a cage that allows them to move around and be active. An optimal chinchilla cage will have …
Dental Care for Companion Rodents
The scientific classification order that all rodent species belong to is called Rodentia, which means “to gnaw” in Latin. Rodents have teeth (incisors and molars) that grow throughout their lives. In the wild, these animals gnaw on materials such as wood and forage to keep their incisors worn down to an appropriate length. Domesticated rodents such as mice, rats, chinchillas, and guinea pigs also need to gnaw on materials to keep their teeth worn down. If the incisors are …
Ectoparasites: Sarcoptic and Demodectic Mange Mites
Mange is a skin condition caused by mange mites – arachnids that live in the skin and cause irritation for our companion animals. There are two types of mange that affect companion animals – sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange. Regardless of the type, mange tends to more frequently affect dogs than cats; therefore, this article addresses the condition in dogs.
Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange, also occasionally referred to as scabies, is a highly contagious skin disease caused by mites that …
Canary Care
Selection
Canaries come in a variety of colors and types. They are generally classified in three basic varieties: song, color, and body type. Song canaries are bred for their singing ability, with the more intricate and melodious songs being desired. Although only male canaries sing extensively, females are sometimes known to sing quite well, making it difficult to differentiate the sex of the birds. Color-bred canaries are bred for their red-factored feathering, which is made darker through the consumption of …