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Egg binding is not uncommon in birds and may be resolved easily if treated early; if not, the bird may become critically ill. Egg binding occurs when the female bird is unable to expel the egg from her body. Egg-bound birds are usually weak, not perching, often sitting low on the perch or on the bottom of the cage and are straining as if trying to defecate or to lay an egg. Treatment varies depending upon how sick the bird is, as well as the location of the egg and the length of time the bird has been egg bound.
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The estrous cycle, better known as a female cat's heat cycle, consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female is sexually receptive. This handout explains the age of onset, the clinical signs of a cat in heat, the length and phases of the heat cycle, as well as the benefits of spaying a female before her first heat cycle.
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Female dogs will have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty. Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. This handout explains the cycle stages and signs as well as how to prevent mating and pregnancy in your female dog.
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Estrus (heat) begins when a female dog reaches sexual maturity and occurs about twice per year, although it varies from dog to dog. From the beginning of a female’s estrus period, she will be attractive to male dogs, though she will usually not be receptive or allow mating until seven to ten days into her cycle. The time of mating is extremely critical and it is highly recommended to have your female tested to determine the optimal days for breeding.
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False pregnancy refers to a display of maternal behaviors, combined with the physical signs of pregnancy following estrus, in unspayed female dogs that are not actually pregnant. Signs include physical and behavioral changes, outlined in this article. Mild cases typically are not treated, but treatment may be needed for more serious cases. If your dog is not used for breeding, spaying is recommended.
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This handout discusses the need for ensuring your pregnant cat is receiving adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her kittens thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.
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This handout discusses the need for ensuring your pregnant dog is receiving adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her puppies thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.
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Special attention must be given to a cat's nutrition during her pregnancy to ensure the birth of healthy puppies. It is important to maintain a good body condition throughout pregnancy; this is achieved with regular monitoring. This handout outlines a pregnant cat’s unique nutritional needs and how to meet them, ensuring a healthy mother and kittens.
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Special attention must be given to a dog's nutrition during her pregnancy to ensure the birth of healthy puppies. It is important to maintain a good body condition throughout pregnancy; this is achieved with regular monitoring. This handout outlines a pregnant dog’s unique nutritional needs and how to meet them, ensuring a healthy mother and pups.
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Hemophilia A and B are clotting disorders involving a deficiency of a specific clotting factor (A: Factor VIII, B: Factor IX) needed for appropriate homeostasis. They are caused by a sex-linked recessive genetic mutation. Affected dogs will show inappropriate hemorrhage including bruising, lameness induced by bleeding into joints and body cavity hemorrhage. It can be diagnosed with a slow APTT and demonstrating low levels of the factor involved. Hemophilia A is more common than B and is generally, more severe. Because it is sex-linked recessive, males are more likely to be affected than females but females still act as carriers, so genetic screening is important prior to breeding to prevent this disease.