Happy Pets

The characteristic ‘head-down’ attitude adopted by these fishes when resting is probably an extension of the swimming position when searching for food, or a protective camouflage among plants.

Marbled Headstander

Abramites microcephalus 130 mm 5 in. South America : slow-moving waters. A larger, stockier fish than its relatives. Seven or eight broad dark bands cross the body vertically, the central band continuing across the dorsal and ventral fins. The other fins are yellow-brown. The head is very small, and a dark band crosses the eye obliquely. A shy fish, but has a reputation of being a fin-nipper and eater of soft-leaved plants. Temperature: 24^°C (75^°F). Diet: worms preferred, and greenstuffs. Breeding: no details available. (more…)

One would have to have a complete medical background to go into the history, nature and causes of all bird diseases. However, our purpose here is to advise you, the pet owner, of certain signs of illness and home remedies that may be used in their event.

Cleanliness is, of course, the prime requisite of a healthy bird. A good mite spray when needed, frequent baths and fresh, clean seed are of the utmost importance. (more…)

Its hearing is the first sense that alerts the cat to potential prey when it is out hunting and, due to its genetic inheritance, the sounds that are most likely to signal the proximity of rodents, its favourite meal, are the ones to which it is the most attuned. And because rodents utter high- pitched squeaks, the upper frequencies of the sound range are those that the cat’s ears are especially adept at detecting, exceeding both dogs and humans in their sensitivity. Indeed, when you think that our detection of acoustic vibrations rises to around 20,000 hertz, and a cat’s to 50,000, we must be deaf to a cacophony of interesting sounds. (more…)

Ulcers are painful areas of inflammation affecting the skin, eye or membranes such as the gums and nose. The affected tissue becomes swollen, red and often moist and angry looking. Various things can trigger an ulcer: trauma, infection or allergy being the commonest. Corrosive chemicals can also be responsible and if swallowed these can ulcerate the throat, oesophagus and stomach, giving very unpleasant symptoms. Ulceration of the ear tips (see EAR PROBLEMS; SUNBURN) is common in white cats which sun bathe a lot. (more…)

Eye problems

Runny eyes can have many causes. There are the respiratory viruses; there may be irritation from dust or other particles; orthere may be a blockage in the ducts that drain the eye into the nasal cavity.

Conjunctivitis is a condition in which watering of the eyes is accompanied by inflammation of the delicate membrane that protects the outside of the eyeball and lines the eyelids. The membrane becomes reddened and puffy, and the watering may develop into a thick, mucous discharge. Conjunctivitis may be the result of an allergy or caused by soap, fumes, aerosols and other irritants. In serious cases the cornea may become clouded, with pus developing behind it. (more…)