Health Issues
What are the risks to my cat or dog from rat bait?
Rat baits are dangerous and potentially deadly to animals and people that consume them. The baits used are normally flavoured to make them attractive to rodents and these can also entice other animals to eat them. Dogs and cats who ingest rat baits may die.
How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis?
The paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, causes tick paralysis. Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially fatal condition requiring urgent veterinary attention.
What are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)?
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses that attack the immune system, the same group of viruses as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). How common are FIV and FeLV?
What is ringworm and how do I know if my companion animal has it?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and hair. Ringworm spreads rapidly, and is zoonotic which means that it can spread from animals to people. Ringworm on a Jack Russell Terrier. How do animals get ringworm?
What are the animal welfare problems associated with Scottish Fold cats?
The Scottish Fold breed of cat has a very distinctive appearance and is a popular companion cat in some countries. These cats have flattened ears that fold forward and downward, sitting like a cap and giving the quaint look of an owl.
What is cat flu and how is it managed?
A cat with crusty discharge from the eyes which is one common symptom of cat flu. Cat flu is a general term for a highly contagious upper airway disease that affects cats and kittens.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis). It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which can infect any warm-blooded animal. What is the life cycle of T. gondii? T.
What are the health and welfare issues associated with exaggerated physical features in cats?
There is increasing evidence showing that cats who have been bred to have exaggerated physical features (such as flat faces) suffer from significant health problems that lead to lifelong suffering. Some of these health problems include difficulty breathing, eye and skin problems, dental problems and trouble eating.
I think my cat has arthritis, what should I do?
Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a common and serious animal health and welfare problem in cats. It can significantly affect their quality of life.
How can I minimise the impact of bushfire smoke on my animals?
Bushfires can lead to persistent smoke and related air pollution and this can cause serious negative effects and health problems for animals, just as it can in people. However, there are measures you can take to minimise these impacts.