Sometimes, pictures are worth a thousand words. Brush up on some pet care and nutrition basics with these helpful videos.
Ferret owners were cautioned about the possibility of transmission of the H1N1 virus from humans. Until November 2009, it was thought by veterinary disease specialists that dogs and cats weren't susceptible to the virus. Now that story has changed.
Are you confused about your pet's diagnosis or treatment or perhaps unsatisfied with your pet's general care? It is not uncommon for people to be confused or upset with their pet is sick or injured; stress may hinder thinking and memory.
Here are some tips to facilitate good communication for getting the answers you need, or perhaps finding a new pet care provider.
Photo: Veterinary exam room © Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
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..."
Photo: Sadness by SashaW on Flickr
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
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
Photo: Princess Buttercup the Ferret by GenGlo on Flickr
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