Library
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It has always been customary for vets to recommend surgical neutering of ferrets. Unfortunately, it is now clear that this has been a major factor in the large increase in cases of adrenal gland disease.
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The main reproductive disease in ferrets is actually one associated with failure to reproduce! That is to say a female ferret which is not mated fails to ovulate and consequently suffers the effects of a persistently high blood level of oestrogen.
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The main skin diseases in ferrets are associated with parasites - fleas, mites and ticks - with bacterial skin disease and tumours such as mast cell tumours.
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As with any animal ferrets can suffer from a wide range of tumours from benign cancers of the skin to aggressive malignant tumours of internal organs.
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Fits (seizures) or "funny turns" (so-called absences) can be due to many causes. As with any veterinary problem a thorough history and physical examination is the first step.
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Dogs can be irritated by fleas in two ways: Flea dermatitis and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
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The most common flea found on cats and dogs is the cat flea. Many cats live with fleas but show minimal signs. Eradicating fleas can be a demanding task, with the cat and home both requiring treatment. Using a flea preventive can be easier than treating the problem once it has developed. It is important to use products made specifically for cats, as products intended for dogs or other animals can be very dangerous for cats.
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During the summer months, pet rabbits may be affected by maggot infestation. Different terms are used for this but fly strike is a common one.
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Food allergy is but one of about five specific allergies or hypersensitivities known to affect dogs. It is well known that people can be allergic to certain foods, but it is only relatively recently that food allergies have come to be routinely diagnosed in our dogs.
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GDV is a very much more descriptive term than the old fashioned name, bloat, which is still often used for the condition in farm animals. It means the dog's stomach is distended with gas and may in addition have twisted upon itself thus effectively trapping the gas in the stomach.