Cats can do something we cannot: see clearly, even in the dark. It can be exciting and intimidating to look a cat in the eyes, because they will surely win the "blinking game" and are otherwise superior to us in terms of vision.
With their exceptionally large eyes, domestic cats are remarkable creatures. Cat eyes can be mesmerizing and hold a certain fascination for us. This is probably due to our perception when looking into a vertical, slit-shaped pupil. This can open wide when necessary—for example, in the dark—to let in as much light as possible. Cats have a third eyelid, known as the nictitating membrane, which ensures that the cat's eye is constantly moistened. For this reason, cats do not need to blink. They can stare for a very long time.
Behind your pet's retina is a layer of pigment that reflects light, creating the effect of cats' eyes glowing in the dark. This layer is important for cats' good vision at dusk or in the dark. There are significantly more cones and rods in a cat's eye than in ours. These are also important for their excellent vision.
The forward-facing gaze and the overlap of the visual axes result in special spatial vision. A cat's field of vision is wider than that of a human, and its anatomy also explains the precise way in which a cat can hunt and catch prey.
Domestic cats have the best visual acuity at distances between two and six meters. Cats do not perceive colors in the same way as humans; it is said that cats see everything as if through a blue-violet and yellow-green filter. According to current knowledge, cats do not recognize red tones.
In complete darkness, such as when enclosed in a windowless room, even a cat cannot see anything, but with the slightest incidence of light, it is back at the forefront of perception.
Foreign bodies are usually quickly flushed out by the nictitating membrane and the cat's self-moisturizing eye. As a cat owner, you can easily check whether your cat's eyes are healthy or swollen, watery, or reddened by taking a regular look.
Our furry friends take care of their own eye care. Only long-haired cats need a little help: their eyes are protected if the long hairs that could hang into their eyes are trimmed regularly.
If a problem does arise, you can carefully clean your cat's eye with a moistened cotton swab. However, please always do this very carefully. Too much enthusiasm and care can cause irritation to a cat's eye. In this case, less is more.
If you notice any more serious issues, such as your cat's eyes becoming cloudy or constantly watering, you should consult your veterinarian. The eyes are very important sensory organs for cats, and prompt treatment will give your furry friend a better chance of recovery.
Bearded dragons are somewhat reminiscent of miniature dinosaurs – a fascinating species of reptile. These interesting lizards can become very attached to their owners and form close bonds with them.
Stomach ulcers have long been considered an "occupational disease" in racehorses and competition horses. It was thought that early training, the stress of the racetrack, or frequent transport to international competitions caused stomach ulcers. However, we now know that this condition can affect horses of all breeds and performance levels. Even your neighbor's pony, grazing peacefully in the meadow, could be suffering from a stomach ulcer. Although around 90% of all racehorses are still affected by stomach ulcers, the proportion of leisure horses with the condition now stands at 37%.
It's pretty much every cat owner's worst nightmare: your pet has eaten something poisonous! Now you need to act fast – get your cat to the vet immediately.
This herpesvirus specific to dogs (CHV-1) is the main pathogen responsible for kennel cough and is also the main cause of fertility problems with a high mortality rate in dogs. Like the human herpes virus, the canine herpes virus can retreat into the host cell and cause latent (present but not visible) and persistent (ongoing) infections that can be reactivated by stress.
Cats are hearing experts. Did you know that they can hear at least three times better than humans? Their ears also serve as mood indicators. If you learn to understand your pet's physical signals, you can develop an even better connection with them.
Ultrasound, medically known as sonography, is a standard procedure in veterinary medicine alongside X-rays due to its simplicity and non-invasive nature. It can be used to visualize various internal areas of the body in two dimensions.
During intraocular pressure measurement (=tonometry), a special pressure measuring device (=tonometer) is used to measure the physical pressure inside the eye.
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs. This aggressive tumor develops in the bone, has a high metastasis rate (spread rate), and occurs mainly in large dogs and giant breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Greyhounds are at increased risk of developing osteosarcoma. In these breeds, the tumors mainly occur in the long bones of the limbs. Smaller dog breeds are significantly less affected. Here, the tumors are more likely to be found on the short, flat bones of the trunk.
Hematology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood, the blood-forming system, such as anemia or coagulation disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Many eye surgeries that have long been common in humans are now also performed on animals. There are now a number of veterinary specialists in ophthalmology (=ophthalmologists).
Even after centuries of domestication and breeding, the horse remains a flight animal. Some behaviors are undesirable to us humans, but they are not behavioral disorders; rather, they are part of the horse's natural nature. These include, for example, shying, bucking, or bolting. A typical behavioral disorder, on the other hand, is cribbing.
Bitless riding simply means riding without a bit in the horse's mouth. There are many different reasons and just as many ways to ride a horse without a bit. Of course, there are always disadvantages as well as advantages. Think about which bitless bridle suits you, your horse, and your riding style in advance. And finally, practice makes perfect.
