Hair Loss In Rabbits

Hair loss in rabbits is not unusual problem, but it is a major concern, which is why we have to know all possible causes, symptoms, and treatment of hair loss in rabbits. So many people love rabbits as pets due to their color of purity, their fine looks, and their cuddly features. It is not that easy to take good care of animals, feeding them properly, and meeting their all needs as an obligation.

Alopecia in Rabbits:

Alopecia is a scientific term referred to hair loss. This is a condition that causes hair to fall out. According to Wikipedia, alopecia means loss of hair from the head or body. Alopecia in rabbits or hair loss in rabbits is the complete or partial absence of hair in areas where hair is normally present. This disorder is found commonly in rabbits and has various causes behind it.

Symptoms of Hair Loss in Rabbits/Alopecia:

The primary sign of alopecia in rabbits is sudden hair loss from the body of rabbits and this may result in complete hair fall from the body. This pathetic consequence can be stopped if proper care and attention is given to this disorder.

Causes of Hair Loss in Rabbits:

This is necessary for a vet and owner of a rabbit with alopecia to know the exact cause of rapid hair lose in the animal. In this case, two factors are very important:

• 1.    Exact pattern of hair loss
• 2.    Degree of hair loss

Biological Factors:

Hair loss in rabbits occurs when they have:

1. Parasitic infection such as fleas or ear mites
2. Infectious disease like bacterial infection
3. Nutritional deficiencies such as proteins
4. Abnormal growth of cells, can be called tumor
5. Moreover, some breeds of rabbits such as Dwarf, Miniature Lop, and Angora genetically transmit this disorder.

Psychological Factors:

It is not surprising that rabbits have also psychological issues and behavioral disorders that may cause the hair loss in them. A major cause of hair loss in rabbits is due to “barbering”- a form of grooming in which a dominant rabbit repeatedly prick the hair of its fellow cage-mate and hair loss predominantly appears on the flanks.

Treatment:

• Biological causes of hair loss in rabbits can be cured through proper medication and care.
• Good diet habits can prevent the hair loss in rabbits. See to it that your pet rabbit gets the right kind of food in right amount.
• Behavioral problems can be modified easily in rabbits through daily exercise and effective behavior techniques. Ideal time for exercise is two hours every day. You can also separate the rabbits when they have the problems like barbering and consequently, avoid hair loss in rabbits.

Acne In Cats

Yes, acne in cats is a reality, not a myth. Most of the times, when we think of acne, human beings especially teenagers come to our mind. We do not imagine that our lovely pets can get acne like us. Cats and dogs both get acne, but their age is not specific. They can get acne at any age and any time. Most of the time acne in cats does not annoy our pets. However, feline acne is not so common; it starts at around a year old and has a tendency to show up and disappear.

How to recognize acne in cats?

Acne in cats and dogs appear as the small red bumps and blackheads localized around the lips and chin. Sometimes, these spots look like dirt particles and other times, may lead to swollen, red, pustules, that may cause bleeding and irritation. Chin of cat becomes lumpy with "pimples" and cat rubs chin against the wall or any hard object. But, it is always recommended that one should go to veterinarian to make sure that the problem is not more serious than a few zits or pimples.

Causes of acne in cats:

There are many factors that lead to the production of pimples in cats.

1.  Over-secretion of sebaceous glands or oil glands:

Acne in cats appears when oil glands in animals are over-active and produce oil in excess. This is what causes acne in humans as well.

2.  Use of plastic food bowls:

This is one of the most common causes of acne in cats. Plastic is porous and has high tendency to provide safe haven for bacteria to grow. When a cat comes in contact with this plastic bowl, bacteria are transferred to cat’s chin and an infection results.

3.  Frequent use of dry cat food:

Dry cat food is another major reason of stimulating acne in cats. Try to avoid feeding dry food to your cats.

4.  Stress:

Hormonal disturbances during the phase of frustration and anxiety cause pimples in cats.

5.  Poor grooming habits:

Poor groomed cats have more chances to get itchiness, allergies, inflammatory diseases, fleas or other skin parasites, and bacterial or fungal infections. Hence, cats should be groomed well to stay healthy.

How to prevent acne in cats:

Solutions are very simple if you want to prevent acne in your lovely cats.

• Switch to glass or ceramic food bowls.
• Feed on a flat plate.
• All the food utensils should be washed immediately after use and before the use in hot, soapy water or dishwasher.
• Disposable plates are good options.
• Give your pet stress-free life.
• Investigate food allergies in your cats.

It is not that difficult to get rid of acne in cats. There is just need of proper guidance and your cat will always stay healthy. 

Bird Flu in Pet Birds

Bird flu in pet birds and poultry birds is one of the most well-known diseases and is also known as Avian flu. It is caused by a form of influenza virus, orthomyxovirus, that usually only infects birds and sometimes infects pigs. Bird flu in pet birds is one of the contageious diseases and is readily transmitted by waterfowl. The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) epizootic (animal outbreak) in Asia, Europe, the Near East, and Africa is unexpectedly very high. These continents are highly prone to avian influenza in the world. It is likely that H5N1 virus infections among domestic poultry have become endemic in certain areas and that sporadic human infections resulting from direct contact with infected poultry and/or wild birds will continue to occur.

There are more than 100,000 species of birds on the planet, but only a few of them can live with human beings as good companions. Certain species of birds include finches, pigeons, doves, parrots, African Grey parrot, Amazon parrot, caiques, canary, cockatiels, cockatoo, conures, macaws, parrotlet, parakeet, pionus, and rosella. They all are too social, friendly, and intelligent.

There are many chances that bird flu might attack your pet birds. However, there is no influenza A (H5N1) in the United States, there is no risk of bird flu in pet birds. The virus circulating in Asia, Europe and Africa has not yet entered the United States as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But this does not mean that Americans should be care free about their pet birds can never be infected with avian influenza ever. You should be aware of all precautionary measures to prevent Bird flu in pet birds.

Signs And Symptoms Of Bird Flu In Pet Birds:

The symptoms for avian influenza include:

• Lack of appetite
• Breathing problems
• Swelling of the head
• Discharge from the eyes
• Diarrhea
• Depression

Remember, sometimes symptoms does not appear in the birds infected with avian influenza and birds have sudden death. It may cause death in birds within about 48 hours. However, when symptoms begin to appear, treatment should start for emergency basis because fatality rate for bird flu in pet birds is alarmingly high.