What is Dermoid Sinus Skin Defect?

Did you know there is a disease called dermoid sinus skin defect that can affect dogs? It particularly happens in dogs like the Rhodesian Ridgeback. What is it? The dermoid or pilonidal sinus is a neural tube or tubular defect that runs along the dog’s back as well as the neck and tail. In general, the tubes should serve as drains for dead cells, tissue, etc. However, the tubes are defected when they don’t form correctly which can cause room for infection. Some studies reveal that this condition often develops in the embryonic stage of life. For some dogs the dermoid sinus defect can vary in the illnesses it causes. Some develop infections or abscesses while in extreme cases, the tissue below the skin or deeper is affected causing injury to the spinal cord. In some cases it may appear as a blind ended sac beneath the skin. Talk to your animal hospital Sugar Land TX to learn more about this condition.

Joint Supplements For Dogs Are Not Created Equal

Starting your dog early on joint supplements can go a long way in  slowing down the age-related deterioration of the joints. However, finding the right product for your pet will need some “sleuthing” on your part. There are high-quality joint supplements while there are also low-quality products that are priced much lower to woo customers.

When choosing a joint supplement for your dog, always make a habit of checking out the quantity of active ingredients. It should be stated in milligrams. If this is not available, the product may contain low levels of the active ingredients which means it is unlikely that your pet will benefit from taking it. This is also true with manufacturers of dry dog food that try to woo customers by adding glucosamine to their formula, which, for the most part is only in negligible amounts. Know how much your dog should receive daily and never compromise quality with quantity.

If your dog has allergies, there are hypoallergenic joint supplements that are available. Take note, however, that there is no guarantee that your hypersensitive dog won’t react to any of the ingredients.  These products are usually made with ingredients that rarely trigger allergic reaction in hypersensitive dogs.

If you have any doubts or concerns, you should talk to your vet Sugar Land, TX.

Health Condition of the Basenji

Taking care of a dog long term is a big responsibility and knowing what may or may not develop as the breed grows older is also important. Generally speaking, the Basenji is a fairly healthy breed, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, the breed was almost wiped out in the 1980s due to a disease of the kidneys called the Fanconi Syndrome. The wipeout was particularly in the U.S. and it sent breeders back to Africa to bring more of the Basenjis to the U.S. in hopes of revitalizing the breed. It worked. They were able to revive the breed and help breed out most of the Fanconi genetics. Today the Basenji needs to be tested for Fanconi in order to determine the presence of the gene. If you want to purchase or adopt the breed, have your pet clinic Sugar Land, TX test the dog first.

Things to Look Out For and Questions to Ask When Buying a Ferret

If you’re looking for an exotic type of pocket pet to add to your family think about hedgehogs, sugar gliders or even ferrets. These are all fairly common exotic pets that are easy to come by. Ferrets are especially fun animals because of their energy levels and playfulness. Before purchasing a ferret, make sure you ask a few need to know questions of the seller. For instance, ask what the ferret’s food requirements are. Find out if the ferret is on a special diet or if he has any particular exercise routine. Ask if the ferret has ever bitten anyone, escaped from his cage, or destroyed household items. Take note of the ferret’s current living environment. It should be clean with plenty of food and fresh water. Also take note of the ferret’s appearance. Your veterinarian Sugar Land, TX can tell you the ferret should have clear eyes, a clean nose, and be free of sores on his feet.

The Hamster basics

You have been looking into all the pets that you feel drawn to, as you want to bring a pet into your home soon. A hamster sounds like an appealing option. What should you know about caring for a pet like this?

Hamsters are wonderful little creatures, and they allow pet owners to care for a furry friend even if they don’t have much living space available to them. Because of their size, they wind up being great for apartment living. This is also true because they are relatively quiet. Hamsters will require daily attention and lots of time outside of their enclosures. You will need to make sure they are well-fed, get enough exercise, and that they are safe within your home. Daily cleaning will need to be performed in their enclosures as well. For additional information, please contact your local Sugar Land, TX vet.