Rat-bite Fever

by Dena B. Baker DVM February 22nd, 2012 | Ask the Vet, Veterinarians
I know humans can get "rat-bite fever" from pet rats, but is there any way to tell if your rats have it?

Rat-bite fever is a rare disease in the United States.  It is an infectious disease that can be caused by two different bacteria.  In North America, Streptobacillus moniliformis is the bacteria that causes the disease.  The other form is seen mostly in Asia and caused by Spirillum minus.

The disease can be caused by a rat bite, but also from other animals or exposure to contaminated food and water.  Rats are considered carriers for the disease because they rarely
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Chocolate Bad for Dogs, Dark Chocolate Worse

by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ February 15th, 2012 | Ask the Vet, Dogs
I know chocolate is toxic to dogs, but I've read that dark and unsweetened chocolate is worse. Why is this?

Chocolate can definitely make your dog ill, and the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Any type of chocolate, from white to dark chocolate can cause pancreatitis, a severe problem that causes vomiting and diarrhea. However, chocolate also contains theobromine (a methylxanthine compound related to caffeine), and the darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine concentration per ounce. It is definitely the dose of the chocolate your dog ingests that will determine how sick he becomes. White chocolate
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Moving with Dogs

by Dena B. Baker DVM February 8th, 2012 | Ask the Vet, Dogs
When moving with two dogs, how do you get them used to the new environment?

When moving with your dogs it is very important to make sure that you purchase new tags with current contact information and update microchip information in case the dogs get away from you for any reason.  Also, check with your veterinarian to make sure that all vaccinations are up to date and you have all necessary paperwork.

Once you arrive in the new place, immediately set up a small area such as a room or bathroom, depending on the size of the dogs, where they can
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Effects of Catnip

by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ February 1st, 2012 | Animal Health, Ask the Vet, Cats
Does catnip have any long-term effects on cats?

Catnip is quite the treat for many cats! Approximately half of all cats will be genetically predisposed to enjoy this herb. Catnip is a member of the mint family -- actually there are several different types of catnip, but what makes cats so in love with this herb is a chemical in the leaves known as nepetalactone.

Young kittens, less than 3-6 months, will not be attracted to catnip, but once they pass that age, they will go gaga for it. When you first give your kitty some fresh or dried catnip, you
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Cats and Milk

by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ January 18th, 2012 | Ask the Vet
Is it true cats can be lactose-intolerant? What are the signs?

In this regard, cats are very similar to people. Kittens are born with the enzyme, lactase, which digests the lactose (milk sugar)found in their mother's milk. As cats age, just like people, less and less lactase may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to digest lactose and an intolerance to dairy products. Some cats will continue to be able to handle milk with no problems, but others will develop the typical signs of lactose intolerance, namely, the GI symptoms of flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Reptiles and Snow

by Dena B. Baker DVM January 11th, 2012 | Ask the Vet, Reptiles
Is it safe to put a little snow into a reptile tank for the animal to play with?

Reptile enclosures need to be set up so that the animal  can regulate their body temperature effectively.   Based on the species, you will need to determine what temperature to keep the tank, the ambient air, and the basking areas.  Due to the need to keep this temperature fairly consistent, I would not consider adding a frozen substance, like snow, to the environment.  Also, there is a possibility that there could be substances in the snow that could be toxic to your reptile.

The
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