LESSON 11 HEALTH PROBLEMS IN DOMESTIC PETS AIM To develop a broader awareness of health problems and their treatment in domestic pets BURNS Burns can occur in many different situations, for example: in fires, when hot liquids are spilt on an animal, or by accidentally coming in contact with a stove. Examine the burnt area and carefully clip off hair immediately Gently wash the area with cold soapy water then rinse with plain cold water. Applying cold water immediately after a burn may prevent it from becoming worse. Soap will contribute to eliminating dirt and bacteria On small areas, an application of Aloe Vera gel is a good treatment (repeated hourly for six hours), and this may be all that is needed. If more severe, particularly if muscle tissue is exposed, a veterinarian should be consulted. An ointment containing antibiotics and local anaesthetic may be prescribed Severe burns should be covered with sterilised cloth soaked in salt solution. Severe burn victims are likely to be suffering shock, and should be treated as you would normally treat shock. In severe cases the animal may need to be given antibiotics and fluids intravenously in order to prevent death. Recovery will be faster if the animal is given a good diet, particularly high in protein and a vitamin-mineral supplement. The importance is not in the damage done but in the developing shock and pain. URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS This type of infection (particularly bladder infections) is common; particularly with small animals. Symptoms include: More frequent urination; but less volume each time they urinate (Similar urination patterns may occur when a female animal is in heat) Sometimes an infected animal may run a fever or can vomit. A veterinarian needs to undertake a sensitivity test and take a sample for a pathology test (culture) to confirm an infection; after which antibiotics and appropriate care (hygiene, diet, rest etc), may be necessary. Plenty of drinking water will be particularly important to flush the bladder clean. A relapse can be common even after several weeks or more, so animals need to be watched closely for months after an infection of this type.
SHOCK Shock is a physiological response failure of the peripheral circulation to trauma. It involves: Increased rate of breathing Increased pulse rate (heart beat) Often a drop in body temperature Loss of energy (general weakness) Sometimes vomiting Shock can be confused with other conditions and sometimes an injury that causes shock could require treatment that is contrary to a shock treatment (e.g. internal bleeding from an accident if the animal is given drugs to improve blood flow to counter shock, the same drug can aggravate the internal bleeding). It is important to determine the cause of shock and remove that cause if possible (e.g. severe cold or heat exhaustion may cause shock; in which case, moving the animal to a more comfortable location may help). Do not stimulate an animal in shock any more than is necessary. Make them comfortable (e.g. Slip a blanket under the head and cautiously move to a more comfortable location). Keep them warm. Large animals might be covered with a blanket. Small animals might be gently moved onto a make shift stretcher so they can be moved and taken to a veterinarian. An examination by a veterinarian is advisable, and should be done as soon as possible. Animals that have been in shock for a long time may be beyond help. ELECTROLYTES These are the acids, bases and salts that are normally found in the body. When water is lost from a body, electrolytes can also be lost. The water may be replaced quickly by drinking, but there can remain a deficiency in electrolytes. If an animal becomes excessively dehydrated, cells can start dying. Replacement of water AND electrolytes may be necessary if irreversible damage is to be avoided. Electrolyte therapy may sometimes be necessary if an animal has lost excessive electrolytes due to such things as scours, fever or excessive sweating. A solution containing electrolytes may be delivered intravenously via a drip; or perhaps in some instances (eg. calves suffering scouring) via the mouth or by stomach tube (eg for horses).
TICKS There are two well defined families of tick parasites: 1. Ixodidae (Hard Ticks) - The hard ticks have a hard dorsal shield covering entire upper surface of the male, and a relatively small area just behind the head of the female nymph or larvae. This dorsal shield (ie. scutum) bears a pattern characteristic of each tick species. These are far more significant a veterinary problem. Ticks in this grow from the genus are commonly called "paralysis ticks. 2. Argasidae (Soft Ticks or "tampans") Tick Lifecycle The engorged, fully fed female drops from the host and after a few days lays a single batch of several thousand eggs. She then dies. After a period of weeks, to perhaps months, depending on humidity, temperature and species, tiny six legged ticks hatch. These young ticks attach themselves to animals. After feeding for a while, there is a period of quiescence during which structural changes take place inside the skin of the larva. When the changes are complete, the larva becomes a nymph, which in turn feeds, then moults to become an adult. The adult ticks mate, and then the females drop off to lay their eggs and die. The males can remain on the host for weeks or months after this before they drop off and die. Ticks are divided into three groups, according to their habits: One Host Ticks - These remain on the same host from the time they attach themselves to it as larvae until they finally drop off as fully fed adults. An example of a one host tick would be the Cattle Tick (Boophilus microplus). Two Host Ticks - The larvae attach themselves to a host and moult into nymphae which feed on the same host then drop to the ground to moult. When the adults emerge, they find a new host upon which to feed. An example of a two host tick would be the Red Legged Tick (Rhepicephalus evertse). Three Host Ticks - These require three different hosts at: the larval stage the nymph stage the adult stage Most of the Ixodidae family belong to the three host tick group. Examples are: Paralysis or Scrub Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) Bush or N.Z. Cattle Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) Examples found more commonly outside of Australia include: The Brown Ear Tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) The Tropical Bont Tick (Amblyomma variegatum).
TICK BORNE DISEASES Ticks can carry a variety of organisms that cause disease. Some are outlined below: DISEASE ORGANISM TICK Theileriosis Protozoa N.Z. Cattle Tick Redwater (Tick Fever) Protozoa Cattle Tick Anaplasmosis Bacteria Cattle Tick Other diseases transmitted by ticks in Australia include: Q Fever Paralysis Allergic Dermatitis Avian Spirochaetosis Paralysis or Scrub Tick Paralysis or Scrub Tick Ornate Kangaroo Tick Poultry Tick Other diseases more common outside of Australia which are transmitted by ticks include: Corridor Disease Sweating Disease Biliary Fever in horses Cattle Tick Fever Brown Ear Tick Bont legged tick Bont & Brown Ear Tick Bont Tick PARALYSIS TICKS As discussed in an earlier lesson, members of this species of tick are found worldwide. Ixodes holocyclus is an Australian native tick, most commonly found on bandicoots. They are a significant problem on dogs and cats, although young livestock are also known to be affected if a tick attaches. These ticks produce a toxin which can cause paralysis in the animal which it attaches to. The animal will first develop weakness in the back legs which spreads forward - paralysing the rear legs, followed by the front of the body. The risk is higher in early summer in southern states (or following the onset of warmer weather). A single tick can cause death, particularly in smaller animals. If the animal doesn't die though, it will usually make a full recovery. Animals affected frequently can develop immunity. Animals in affected areas should be inspected for ticks every 1-2 days. If a tick is detected, it should be removed by killing first with methylated spirits, then removing with tweezers (grip below the tick - don't squeeze as this can inject poison into the dog).
CONTROLLING TICKS Commercial tick control on farms in tick affected areas depends to a large degree on the use of chemical pesticides which are traditionally applied in the form of dips and sprays. Acaricides are proprietary products that kill ticks. They may be marketed only after careful testing and formal registration. This allows farmers to be confident that any acaricide on the market will be effective for the purpose it is sold for. A large range of these chemicals are available. They will usually fall into one of the following chemical groups: Organo phosphates Carbamates Formamidine related compounds Synthetic pyrethroids phenylpyrazoles In recent years new means of acaricide application have been developed. These include: Slow release of systemics from implants and boluses Slow release of conventional acaricides from impregnated ear tags Pour-ons (applied on the back and spread rapidly over the entire body surface) Spot-ons (which are similar to pour-ons but have less ability to spread) A recent biotechnical advance of great importance has been the production of a promising vaccine against Boophilus microplus On fowl, acaricides are usually applied as dusts; on cats as dusts or washes; and on dogs as dusts. At each stage of its development, a tick feeds on the host for about one week. It is normal therefore, to dip the animals weekly during wet and hot periods. The three host ticks, such as the N.Z. Cattle Tick and the Scrub Tick, feed very quickly so it is sometimes advisable to dip more often, particularly in wet and warm weather. It is important to remember that the three host ticks are passing through immature stages during the winter months. If the farmer neglects to dip animals during winter, there may be enormous amounts of adults during the following summer. In areas affected by Paralysis tick, after animals have been protected either by spraying or plunge dipping, it is important that careful spot treatment of tails and ears is done to control hard ticks. Companion animals: Vitamin C (Ascorbate) supplements have been reported by some veterinary scientists as inhibiting the affects of ticks. Daily supplements of vitamin C may be tried, though extensive clinical evidence to support this practice does not exist.
Dip Resistant Ticks If dips or sprays are used incorrectly, ticks can become resistant to the effects of the chemical used. This can happen if the dip solution is too weak; if the animal is not covered with the dip, or if the dip is applied at the wrong time. All of these actions are avoidable. The problem of resistance can be caused by carelessness on the part of some farmers. When ticks develop resistance to one preparation, the resistance is permanent. What is worse, the ticks will also be resistant to all other dips or sprays containing the same chemical basis. It is important that the development of resistant ticks should be delayed as long as possible by the correct and regular use of dips. The dip used in a spray race should be freshly mixed at the correct strength for each dipping. The dip mixture in a plunge dip should be at the correct strength, and should be checked regularly, and brought up to strength by the addition of fresh dip. The various acaricides on the market offer various degrees of control. This can be thought of as a ladder, with some preparations at the bottom, others in the middle, and others at the very top. The animal attendant or farmer should start with the preparations at the bottom of the ladder. If he finds that ticks are becoming resistant to the dip he is using, he can then progress to the next step that offers a stronger dip. It is important to remember however, that once the attendant gets to the top of the resistance ladder, there are no more chemicals left to help him. There is therefore no merit in using the strongest chemicals when the weaker ones will do. Cultural and biological control of cattle tick Alternatives to chemical control are constantly being explored by livestock producers. These measures can be directed against both the free-living and parasitic stages of ticks. The free-living stages of most tick species have specific requirements in terms of microclimate and are restricted to particular microhabitats within the ecosystems inhabited by their hosts. Destruction of these microhabitats reduces the abundance of ticks. The abundance of tick species can also be reduced by removal of alternate hosts or hosts of a particular stage of the life cycle. Rotation of pastures or pasture spelling has been used. Predators including, birds, rodents, shrews, ants and spiders, can play a role in some areas in reducing the numbers of free-living ticks.
REPTILES Snakes are displayed behind glass fronted enclosures which are temperature and humidity controlled. Each display is designed to provide as close a natural habitat as possible and at the same time ensuring optimum viewing. The other reptiles are displayed in "open pit" type enclosures to prevent escape and to protect them from the public. They are vulnerable to predators such as Birds of Prey, Kookaburras (in Australia) and Owls. The latest trend is to have elevated enclosures with Perspex or plastic viewing domes at ground level. Feed & Feeding Snakes prefer live food that they catch kill themself, although many species will accept freshly killed and even thawed food. Food ranges from mammals and birds to insects, other reptiles, frogs and fish. Prey is eaten alive or killed by the injection of venom, or by constriction. Food for the other reptiles is varied and includes insects, small vertebrates, crustaceans, flowers and fruits, soft herbage, carrion and eggs. Captivity Problems The main problems apart from maintaining the correct supply of food include: External and internal parasites Blisters, Scale rot, Mouth rot or Canker Colds/pneumonia Constipation and diarrhoea Incomplete sloughing of the skin (shedding of the skin)
FISH PROBLEMS Protecting Fish Bird predation would be the most significant factor that outdoor fish need to be protected from. Small fish up to yearling size are mostly prone. In situations of concentrated populations such as in ponds or shallow dams, losses can be devastating. Many fish farmers have resorted to netting their entire pond or dam. Other techniques include bright flashing lights, hawk kites and balloons with blinking eyes. On small farms individual netting or caging of small ponds or tanks are chosen for safety, instead of one large net, although the later is regarded as more effective. The enclosure must be bird tight in every corner, seam and join. Plastic netting can last up to 10-15 years. Other predatory animals include water rats, eels, cats and other feral animals. Precautionary steps such as netting and caging usually works very well. Disease is a major concern for anyone involved with breeding/keeping fish. Water environments tend to be highly contagious and so quick diagnosis and response to disease is essential. Aquariums that are kept in prime living conditions will have the greatest resistance to disease and are also more likely to recover from any outbreaks that do occur. Water quality is of course a critical factor in the prevention of disease and should be monitored very closely. Often the cause of an outbreak of disease is the introduction of fish from another aquarium. When buying or receiving fish, always check them thoroughly to ascertain any hint of disease if in any doubt they should be quarantined in their own tank for a period of time that will allow closer inspection and not endanger the entire aquarium community.
Common diseases Freshwater Ichthyophthirius or white spot: easily detectable due to white spots on the skin of the fish. Is easily cured but must be treated immediately. Fin-rot: Fin rot is caused by bacterial infections resulting from poor water quality or injury to the fins. Pop-Eye (Exophthalmus): Symptoms: the eye protrudes from its socket, which is inflamed. Fluid build-up in or behind the eye is responsible for this condition, but there can be many different causes for the fluid build-up. Popeye often comes on suddenly. The fish can appear perfectly fine and the next time you look in the tank your fish has pop-eye. The cause is usually environmental, rarely parasitic (which is incurable). Marine Oodinium ocellatum - This disease is observed as a white encrustation of the body, it starts as a few small white dots and spreads over the entire body surface. Can be treated with a copper sulphate, this can be bought in most pet stores. CAUTION: Any invertebrates such as crabs, molluscs and/or plants will not survive treatment and should be removed from the tank. This disease can remain in water that contains no fish.
SELF ASSESSMENT Perform Self Assessment Test 11.1 If you answer incorrectly, review the notes and try the test again. SET TASK Conduct research into the susceptibility of different types of pets, to different types of health problems. Visit a pet shop, and discuss different types of animals with the owner; with respect to health problems. Ask which animals are generally more of a problem; more likely to suffer health problems. Ask which suffer very few problems. Try to determine which breeds or species of each type of animal are the least trouble (eg. which is the best type of fish, which is the best type of bird, etc). Find out what the problems are with each type of animal; and what treatments are available. Make notes. Visit a library, and use any other literature you have access to, to further research the susceptibility of different types of animals to different problems. If access to a pet shop is a problem you are permitted to undertake a virtual visit using the internet to find this information. ASSIGNMENT Complete Assignment 11