Pet health
Health
Of course at MORE TH>N, we know it’s not just cats and dogs that become much loved members of the family. Rabbits, guinea pigs and even tortoises all have important places in our hearts, and it hurts just as much when they fall ill.
Read our experts’ top tips on the most common pet health problems.
RABBIT HEALTH
“Rabbits are often described as ‘small pets’, but remember veterinary care can still be costly, so consider insurance when you get your pet. Illnesses develop quickly with rabbits, and they often do not look ill until they are really unwell to avoid attracting attention from predators. If you think that your pet is unwell, contact the vet immediately – tomorrow might be too late.”
Allaboutpets.org.uk
“Flystrike is one of the biggest killers of rabbits during the summer. Flystrike occurs when flies lay their eggs on the rabbit. The eggs then hatch into maggots eating away at the surrounding flesh. All rabbits should be checked twice daily for signs of flystrike. Owners should check areas where fur gets dirty, such as round the bottom or inside the dewlap for rabbits that have them.”
Caroline Reay, the Blue Cross’s chief veterinary surgeon at Merton animal hospital
GUINEA PIG HEALTH
“Don’t let your guinea pig get bored in its cage. Give it something to do! Some pigs enjoy flipping paper plates around, others may hide underneath them. Just make sure these are just paper - not plastic coated.”
Pet Health Guide
GERBIL HEALTH
“A gerbil’s teeth should not be visible when its mouth is closed and there should be a fine covering of fur over its ears. As with all rodents, gerbils’ teeth grow constantly so it’s important to provide them with wooden toys, mineral stones or treats to gnaw on. Gerbils can develop sores around the nose or mouth from burrowing in rough cage material or rubbing against cage bars if they’re bored. If this happens, try changing the cage material and provide toys and exercise equipment such as chew toys.”
Spokesperson, Freshfields Animal Rescue
TORTOISE HEALTH
"We regularly see tortoises that have been fed on the wrong diet, resulting in bone disease and shell disfiguration. We are currently treating a rescue tortoise that had been fed on a totally inappropriate diet of dog food and hard boiled eggs. She is on a veterinary treatment programme which could take three years to bring her back to full health. Fingers crossed she survives.”
Gary Dickinson from the North Wales Raptor and Reptile Sanctuary
