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Ask The Vet: Pet Turtles Carry Salmonella
Q: Our son wants to adopt a turtle from his friend, who has become bored with his pet. Is there any reason not to agree?
A: Pet turtles commonly carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain in humans. Youngsters are most often affected. So, take into account your son's age and level of ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Puppy's Hernia Needs Surgical Repair
Q: Rosie, our pit bull puppy, has a soft lump where her belly button should be. When we push on it, it disappears temporarily. What is it, and should we be concerned?
A: It sounds like Rosie may have an umbilical hernia. Your veterinarian can do a physical exam and tell you whether it needs immediate surgical attention or can be repaired later,...Read more
Ask The Vet: Cats' Tails Tell Tales
Q: I am about to adopt a cat, my first. I want to understand what my new cat is trying to tell me through meowing and body language. Please educate me.
A: Congratulations on adopting your new family member and learning how to communicate with your kitty. Feline vocalizations, body language, scent communication, visual signals and tactile ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Canine Influenza Very Contagious
Q: My dog's annual physical is coming up soon, and my veterinarian is sure to recommend the flu shot, which I've declined in the past. I'm rethinking that after a friend's dog came down with the disease. Please tell me about dog flu.
A: Dog flu, formally known as canine influenza, was first recognized in the U.S. in 2004. It is caused by two ...Read more
Ask The Vet: 2-Pound Kittens Ready For Vaccinations
Q: I found a litter of kittens and want to give them away to good homes. How do I determine their age and genders? They average two pounds and are eating dry kitten food.
A: Most kittens' weight in pounds correlates with their age in months. So, a 1-pound kitten is about 1 month old, a 2-pound kitten is about 2 months old, and so on.
If a ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C in Diet
Q: Next month, my daughter's friend will move away and give us her guinea pig. Miss Piggy will be our first guinea pig, and we don't know much about her care. For starters, should we continue to feed her the rabbit pellets she's been eating?
A: Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are affectionate, communicative and easy to care for. I'm sure you ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Help Elderly Parent With Pet
Q: My elderly mother, who lives on her own nearby, has a cat named Emmy whom she adores. My mother is getting a little forgetful, and her balance is worsening. How can I help her with Emmy, or should I find Emmy a new home?
A: With a little help from you, your mother should be able to continue to care for Emmy. Pets contribute a great deal of ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Unsteady Heartbeat May Be Normal In Dog
Q: I adopted a pit bull who had lost one ear in the fighting ring, so I named him van Gogh. He is a healthy, sweet, gentle guy who loves to snuggle. When we lie on the couch watching television and my arm drapes across his chest, I sometimes notice that his heart beats in an unsteady rhythm.
It beats fast for a few seconds, then slowly for a ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Shelter Cat Less Expensive Than 'Free' Cat
Q: I am ready to get a cat. During the upcoming "kitten season," there will be plenty of free kittens available from local farms and elsewhere in my community. Alternatively, I can adopt a kitten or cat from a shelter or rescue group, but that would cost money. Do you have an opinion about where I should go for my new cat?
A: Adopting a kitten ...Read more
