Archive for December 27th, 2008

Arthritis in Cats

Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of arthritis), but there are always treatments. Most cats are naturally exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to the wear and tear of everyday life. On the other hand, giving thanks to their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and built-in shock absorbers - their forelegs are not connected by bone to the rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities. Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of accidents.

Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means joint inflammation. However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing. For example, check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:

·    Stiffness
·    Limping
·    Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)
·    Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump
·    Noticeable Pain
·    Different Gait than Usual
·    Nervousness
·    Aggression
·    Depression

If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t quite right.

Causes

Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma, infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.

Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is traumatic Arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint, such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.

The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to disproportionate wear and tear.

What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet

Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.

Treatments 

If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control, exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).

There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could have, too. These include:

Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)
Dysplasia
Bacterial Arthritis
Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Luxating Patella
Hip Dysplasia
Intervertabral Disc Disease
Hyperparathyroidism

Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

Cedar Dog Houses – Find Cedar Doghouse Plans Or Buy Pre-built Doghouse

I’m not sure whether dogs like cedar dog houses but most doghouses are made of wood. Small dogs usually live indoors so there is no need to buy a doghouse. However, larger sized dogs will need their own place and most families usually put their dogs outside, therefore a wooden doghouse is needed.

Finding a large doghouse that can accommodate their dogs is often a problem. You can get find cedar doghouse plans online and construct your own doghouse. That way, you can customized the dog house to whatever you want.

However, if you want to save the hassle, you can always buy a cedar doghouse online or get someone to build it for you. Where To Put The Dog House Most people usually place their doghouse at the rear of the house.

It is not a very good spot because not only is it inconvenient for you, most dogs don’t like to be located far from people. Dogs are sociable animals and prefer places where people congregate. Therefore, it is best to place your doghouse at the side of your house or the front porch.

If possible, the cedar doghouse should be lifted up off the ground with small blocks neighbouring the foundation. This provides a pocket of airspace that can help in insulation. To keep the doghouse warm in winter, you need to have a flap in front of the doghouse.

Regular maintenance is essential and it is important to keep the area around the doghouse clean. If not, you will find your dog not wanting to sleep in the doghouse. If you can build a dog runway, that would be ideal and it allows your dog to run and still be restrained at the same time.

Whether you choose to build your own doghouse or buy existing pre-built doghouses, be sure that your dog can live and move comfortably inside it.

Learn more about why cedar dog houses are the best. Check out whether to buy cheap wooden doghouse online.

Saturday, December 27th, 2008