Myxomatosis is a devastating viral condition affecting rabbits everywhere. As a responsible rabbit owner, it is important that you know the signs and symptoms for recognising infection and treating it immediately. While the chances of survival in affected rabbits used to be nil, widespread immunity has meant that survival rates are up slightly, wit...
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Some sure-fire steps and suggestions for ensuring the health and fitness of your dog (whether puppy, adult or senior)... Several factors can influence the exercise needs of your dog, including its age, breed and state of health. The quality and quantity of exercise needed will vary as your dog ages or experiences periods of weight change or convale...
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Knowing the weight of your horse is important when it comes to worming and following feeding guides on the back of feed bags but your horse’s weight doesn’t tell you whether he is too fat or too thin. Two horses of the same height could weigh totally different amounts but both be in ‘good condition.' So how do you know if your hor...
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What is Equine Atypical Myopathy? Equine Atypical Myopathy (EAM) is a severe condition affecting the muscles of horses and donkeys. EAM has been reported in various parts of the world since the 20th century and has a high mortality rate of 70-80%. The problem presents sporadically, although it is most common in autumn grazing horses when pastures a...
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When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog, weighing up the options and knowing what to look for can be a difficult task. Today, there are so many commercial diets on the market, each claiming to improve or support this, that and the other, and navigating our choices can be a confusing process. In theory, we shouldn’t need a PhD to...
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"The thoroughbred race horse is a genetic mistake. It runs too fast, its frame is too large, and its legs are far too small. As long as mankind demands that it run at high speeds under stressful conditions, horses will die at race tracks." (Bill Finley, columnist) After Seedling's fatal fall at last year's Grand National event, it is worth revisi...
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Just like cats and dogs, horses are susceptible to a range of allergies. With summer approaching, it is important to think ahead and get these allergies under control before the season starts and the problems worsen. Sunshine and warmer weather make life much easier for the horse and horse owner, but they also bring flies, pollen and poisonous plan...
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Turning out our horses is something most of us do without thinking about. But what hidden dangers are our horses sharing their fields with? Many plants, trees and hedges are poisonous to horses and ponies when ingested and not all are easy to recognise. To avoid poisoning, it is important to be able to differentiate harmless plants from highly toxi...
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It is no secret that mares have a reputation for being moody and difficult when they’re in season. Being polyoestrous, they come into season in spring, summer and autumn and typically have 3-week cycles, with their season lasting 5-7 days at a time. During this period, mares can be sensitive, temperamental and even aggressive towards their ha...
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What is hip dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is a debilitating joint condition that affects all dogs but is particularly prevalent in the bigger breeds, with more than 50% of affected dogs being large or giant. The trait is genetic (polygenic) but can also be influenced by environmental factors such as over-feeding a dog during puppyhood or exercising it t...
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