Dermatology is the field of medicine that deals with diseases of the skin and its appendages, such as claws, horns, and hair. Skin diseases are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits—there are even veterinary practices that specialize in dermatology.
The causes of skin diseases are very diverse. In addition to parasitic infestations and infections with fungi, bacteria, or viruses, allergies and intolerances are becoming increasingly common. Hormonal disorders, tumors, deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases are also possible causes. Skin changes can also have genetic or behavioral causes. Triggers can also be interrelated.
Animals with skin diseases have, for example, increased itching, redness, pustules, pimples, scabs, wounds, hives, warts, hair loss, dandruff, and a dull, shaggy, or greasy coat. Since many skin diseases have a similar appearance, diagnosis can be difficult. In some cases, no cause can be found.
A detailed preliminary report with precise information about the onset and course of the disease, as well as any treatment already carried out, is very important for diagnosis. A general examination is followed by a special examination of the skin and its appendages. The entire surface of the body is systematically examined. Depending on the clinical picture, further examination methods may be necessary. These may include, for example:
Which horses get osteoarthritis? It very often affects older horses that have already covered many miles in their lifetime or those that have been actively involved in sport for some time. However, horses that have not had regular exercise appropriate to their species can also develop osteoarthritis. Basically, though, there is no general rule. It is also not easy to recognize osteoarthritis in its early stages. Sometimes, horse owners think that their horse is just experiencing a temporary period of overexertion when it has difficulty getting up from the straw. Or they believe that the cold winter is the reason why their horse is a little stiff-legged. After all, who likes to run around at minus 15 degrees Celsius? So where does osteoarthritis start and how can a horse owner best deal with it?
Botulism refers to illnesses caused by metabolic products of bacteria of the genus Clostridium botulinum. Strictly speaking, it is not an infection but rather a form of poisoning, as it is not the bacteria that enter the body but their toxins, which are among the most poisonous biological substances known to man. Many of us are familiar with this toxin only as "Botox" used in cosmetic surgery, where it is administered in very low doses to smooth wrinkles.
Rabbit snuff is a chronic, recurrent infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by various bacterial pathogens. It can be fatal and, due to its high contagiousness, can lead to high losses in large rabbit populations.
Who hasn't dreamed of galloping along the water's edge on horseback? The wind in your hair, a hint of salt on your lips, and the feeling of flying. Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic, but admit it: you'd love to go horseback riding on the beach..
We always want the best for our four-legged companions: to care for them, spend quality time together, and share our world with them. But despite all our care and attention, accidents and emergencies can happen. With an emergency kit, you'll be well prepared. Of course, the kit is no substitute for a visit to the vet. But especially for minor accidents, sudden illness, and stressful situations, a well-stocked emergency kit is an important tool. And in an emergency, you may even save your dog's life if you have the right equipment and know what to do.
You've probably experienced a dog wagging its tail at the door even though the person who was greeted minutes later was nowhere to be seen or heard. It's well known that dogs have better hearing than humans. But did you also know that your dog can block out certain sounds?
Finally, it's done. The mare has successfully completed her pregnancy of approximately 335 days. Her udder filled with milk two to four weeks ago and is now full and plump. The external signs are clear. The foal is ready to see the light of day.
A cat that starts marking should be examined as soon as possible. As the owner, you should quickly find and remedy the cause, as marking can become a really unpleasant habit that not only offends your nose, but also causes emotional rollercoaster rides if it happens repeatedly.
Are you considering getting your dog a companion? Yes, exploring the neighborhood together or waiting for their owners together is much more enjoyable than being alone! Provided that the companions like each other. If not, the second dog project can also cause problems. It is therefore a good idea to think about it carefully beforehand.
What child doesn't dream of having their own pony? Many little horse fans beg for one for years. But our little ones don't really know what it means to get a pony and take on such a big responsibility. They just see themselves galloping carefree over hill and dale with their four-legged friend.
As a horse owner, you always want the best for your horse. The selection of muesli, treats, and supplementary feed is huge. But what is right for my horse? Does it really need everything that the horses next door are getting? Unfortunately, overfeeding with individual feed components can also lead to colic, metabolic disorders, laminitis, or other health problems.
Various types of tumors on the edges of the eyelids occur relatively frequently, especially in older dogs but also in cats. In dogs, 90% of these growths are benign, with malignant tumors that tend to metastasize (spread) occurring only in rare cases. In cats, these changes are significantly more likely to be malignant.