VetMed Forum Host Jaime Glasser DVM writes: "My good friend returned home yesterday after a trip far away from home. She knew as soon as her husband picked her up at the airport something was wrong.

He told her the kitten that they had tried to rescue had been hit by a car in front of their house and killed. She was immediately overcome with grief.

Now my friend is feeling remorseful that she had not spent more time with her kitten before leaving on her trip. She felt she did not really get to say goodbye..."

Read full post

Photo: Sadness by SashaW on Flickr

_{Twitter | Facebook | Free newsletter}

A new kitten! Welcome to the family. Along with shopping for all of the "new necessary" items like food, dishes and litter boxes, be sure to schedule in some time for that first vet check. The earlier, the better.

Read this new kitten FAQ to learn what age you should take your new kitten to the vet.

_{Photo credit: Kitten at the Vet © Bill in Ash Vegas on Flickr}

_{Twitter | Facebook | Free newsletter}

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) has reported that 3 more ferrets have tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The ferrets were part of a household of 9 ferrets, and it is suspected that all may have had the virus.

The ferrets became ill about a week after the human family had an "influenza-like illness." The ferrets did not all become ill at the same time, but when sick, they presented with fevers above 103F (normal for ferrets is 100 to 103°F or 37.7-39.4°C), sneezing, coughing and nasal discharge.

All ferrets and humans have recovered uneventfully. Read OVMA press release

Virus confirmation
According to the AVMA, the H1N1 samples were confirmed as follows: "Nasal discharge samples were collected on Oct 27th and were later reported as positive for Influenza A. Further testing at NVSL confirmed the isolates as pandemic influenza H1N1. All 9 ferrets have recovered well." Read news brief

A total of 4 ferrets have tested positive in Oregon to date, the first ferret H1N1 case was confirmed on 9 October 2009. That ferret recovered as well.

Related Resources - H1N1 and Pets

• Frequently Asked Questions by Veterinarians about 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
  From the AVMA
• Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus and Pets
  From the AVMA
• H1N1 and Animals News Archive
  From Veterinary Medicine at About.com

Photo: Princess Buttercup the Ferret by GenGlo on Flickr

_{Twitter | Facebook | Free newsletter}

This dental FAQ looks at a common problem, especially for dogs: worn down teeth. Learn what causes teeth to wear, what's "normal," with age and what is considered a dental emergency.

If your pet is experiencing excessive drooling, not wanting to eat, chattering teeth or malodorous breath, please see your vet for a dental examination.

Infected teeth and gums are often painful and may influence the overall health of your pet, particularly the function of the liver, kidneys, and heart. Prevention of dental disease promotes health and reduces tooth loss due to infection. Read more.

Photo credit: Belle Smiles by GenGlo

_{Twitter | Facebook | Free newsletter}