Category Archives: Veterinary problems

Pyometra: what to look out for

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Continuing on a reproductive theme, vet Marc Abraham looks at an extremely common life-threatening condition that affects unspayed female dogs, yet is easily preventable

Pyometra – literally ‘pus in the womb’ – presents with a range of signs, from the obvious (thick creamy pus discharging from the vulva) to the subtle (loss of appetite) Read more >

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The dangers of ‘hidden’ testicles

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Dog breeds such as the Boxer are particularly prone to cryptorchidism

Following on from last week’s piece on pet neutering, vet Marc Abraham discusses the important topic of cryptorchidism – a condition that can lead to all sorts of complications in male cats and dogs

It’s important to recognise if your pet’s ‘bits’ look different to other pets, as these differences can lead to serious life-threatening conditions.

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Neutering: behind the scenes

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Having our pets neutered is highly recommended by most vets – but what actually happens to our four-legged friends when they have the operation? Vet Marc Abraham explains all

Neutering is an important part of responsible pet ownership: it not only stops your pet having unwanted litters, but also prevents potential behavioural, medical and surgical problems such as breast cancer. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get your pet microchipped. Read more >

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What pet owners should know about lumps

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Finding a mysterious lump on your pet can be a real worry – and while most turn out to be harmless, you should always take the precaution of a veterinary checkup, says vet Marc Abraham Read more >

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Springtime dangers for pets: what you need to know

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The daffodil is the quintessential spring flower, but it – and the bulb in particular – is harmful to pets, so keep dogs and cats away

With the sunnier and longer days of spring, many of us will be spending more time outdoors – as will our cats and dogs. But did you know that our gardens harbour an array of pet health hazards? Vet Marc Abraham explains

Spring has now sprung – and while April showers and hosepipe bans make easy distractions for pet owners, it’s now time to put our four-legged friends’ health and happiness first

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How to treat mange in your dog

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Our second post from vet Marc Abraham looks at mange: what causes this unpleasant infection, how it affects dogs and what can be done about it

Some common pet diseases can prove notoriously stubborn and expensive to fix, taking weeks or even months to see any improvement. A classic example is mange – infestation of your pet’s skin Read more >

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Does your pet smell? Here’s what to do

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If your pet smells bad, you need to identify the source of the odour – for everyone’s sake. It may be something simple that you can sort out yourself, or it may need your veterinary surgeon’s help. We’ve asked PetPeople magazine vet Alison Logan for her top tips
 

Is something offensive stuck to your cat’s fur somewhere? Has your dog rolled in something unpleasant? Groom it out first if possible (easier when dry) then use an odour-eliminating pet shampoo – remember that cats do not naturally like being washed, and rabbits will need careful drying afterwards. Tomato ketchup is said to be very effective at counteracting the smell of fox muck, which Read more >

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The quick checks that could save your pet’s life

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Examining your pet regularly can help you to nip common ailments in the bud before they become more serious. Brian Faulkner, Petplan’s Vet of the Year 2008, outlines the essentials steps of a quick checkup

Caring for your pet doesn’t stop with feeding and exercise. Noticing that something is unusual in your pet and seeking early veterinary attention can often be the difference between curing a condition or not. Follow this five-minute routine at least once a month with your dog, cat or rabbit and you will not only become familiar with what is normal in your own pet, but you’ll be able to help your vet detect subtle abnormalities much sooner. Read more >

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Cat bite abscesses: what to do

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In this, the first in series of guest blog posts by vet Marc Abraham, we take a look at the tricky subject of cat bite abscesses – and what to do if your cat falls ill with one

The clocks going forward this weekend means that we humans can now look forward to enjoying longer daylight hours, but we’re not the only ones planning to spend more of our precious time outside. Read more >

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Are fleas messing up your life? Here’s what to do

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Flea infestations can happen even in the most spotless home or on the healthiest, cleanest pet. Find out how to take control of this unavoidable and irritating aspect of pet ownership.
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