The Rottweiler

Rottweilers originate from Germany and Italy & were originally used for herding and as guard dogs. The Roman army had dogs to protect the soldiers & herds and in Rottweil in Germany they interbred with more local dogs to form a larger dog. They continued to be used for herding & breeding but numbers went …

German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd Dogs have been around since the 1890’s. They were the result of cross breeding of rural sheep dogs from rural Germany by Max von Stephanitz who was aiming to produce a herding dog that could trot for long periods. The first breed show was in 1899 and since then, it has gone on …

The Siamese Cat

The Siamese is one of the most popular domestic cat breeds across the world. Their distinctive head shape, striking eyes & slender body make them easily recognisable. They are thought to be one of the oldest existing breeds of cat and to have come from Thailand (formerly Siam). The Siamese was much revered and for …

Breed Related Diseases in Dogs – Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are not troubled in general by serious health problems, other than some of the usual illnesses and infectious diseases that can affect the canine population. The following have been reported…………. Glaucoma – a disease of increased pressure within the eye that can lead to Blindness Hypothyroidism – when the thyroid organ does …

Rabbits – Diet and Husbandry

RABBITS – Diet and husbandry Water should always be available. Avoid muesli based diets – it makes rabbits more likely to become selective feeders and not to obtain the full nutrition needed. Pellets such as Excel should be fed but should make up no more than 10% of the rabbits total diet. 70% of a …

Distemper in Ferrets

Distemper in Ferrets Distemper is a contagious disease of dogs & ferrets caused by a virus. It is very serious and can be fatal. Most dogs are protected from distemper by their annual inoculation, and it is now a very rare condition in the UK, simply because of the availability of reliable vaccines. Recently there …

The Vets Says – Dry Eye

Introduction The medical term for Dry Eye is Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, usually abbreviated to KCS and is where insufficient tears are produced leaving the eye drier than is usual. It is also seen in cats, but is more common in dogs. Imagine getting grit in your eye & not having tears to help wash it away. …