South African Bowsprit Tortoise

The South African Bowsprit Tortoise (Chersina angulata), also called the angulated tortoise, favors dry, hot regions and becomes inactive and refuses food when captive temperatures drop below 20°C. A strictly herbivorous species, it feeds only on plant matter in the wild and accepts fruits and vegetables in captivity.

Breeds 📅 August 3, 2026

Trigeminal Nerve Paralysis in Dogs and Cats

Trigeminal nerve paralysis leaves the eye, upper, and lower jaw branches partly or fully numb, causing lost corneal reflex, a dropped jaw, protruding tongue, and difficulty eating. Tumors, abscesses, inflammation, distemper, contusion, or B-vitamin deficiency can be responsible.

Diseases 📅 June 14, 2026

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often called 'feline AIDS,' is a chronic retroviral infection of cats first identified in 1987. It weakens the immune system so cats become vulnerable to secondary infections. Unlike human HIV, FIV is not sexually transmitted; it spreads mainly through bite wounds and shared saliva, and infected cats often live a normal lifespan. The virus does not infect humans.

Diseases 📅 May 9, 2026

Rabies: Symptoms, Transmission, and the Critical Importance of Vaccination

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It spreads through the bite of an infected animal and causes fear of water, light, and progressive paralysis. Prevention through vaccination is the only reliable defense.

Diseases 📅 May 9, 2026

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What happens after my cat gets a topical flea and tick treatment?

After a topical parasite treatment, the active ingredient sinks into the skin and starts killing fleas, ticks, and mites; you may see dead parasites drop off, and any itchiness, redness, or hair loss from bites should ease. Some products can irritate the skin or cause a reaction, which is usually mild and self-resolving, but see a vet if it's severe.

Q&A 📅 April 18, 2024

Essential Home Medicines for Cat Owners

Cat owners often face emergencies like vomiting, eye inflammation, diarrhea, or minor wounds. Keeping some first-aid medicines at home avoids frequent clinic trips and stress for the cat.

Pet Health 📅 January 9, 2021

Why Your Teddy Keeps Scratching and How to Help

A Teddy that won't stop scratching may just need a bath, but it can also mean mosquito bites or ringworm. Bathe and dry thoroughly for dirt; use a vet-recommended topical parasiticide for bug bites; for ringworm, clip the fur and apply an antifungal spray. Boost nutrition during treatment and check the skin often.

Pet Health 📅 October 27, 2020

What to Do About Black Bugs on Your Cat

The small black bugs crawling through a cat's coat are usually fleas. A heavy flea burden causes anemia, spreads internal parasites and triggers allergic skin disease, so treat the cat and its home together. Regular topical prevention keeps fleas and other external parasites away.

Pet Health 📅 October 10, 2020