Ask LINDA
Woman’s vet, Linda Simon, answers your pet problems
MY YORKIE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CUSHING’S – WHAT IS IT?
Basically, Cushing’s is the overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol. It’s typically caused by a benign growth within the pituitary gland of the brain. Less often, there’s a tumour of the adrenal gland. A final potential cause would be a reaction to prolonged corticosteroid medication. Raised cortisol levels result in a dog that is excessively thirsty and always hungry. Dogs may also develop fur and skin complaints and a pot
belly, and many will begin to pant excessively. Signs can come on slowly, so it is not always obvious to an owner that their dog is unwell. These symptoms are not unique to Cushing’s disease, so it’s important to run tests before assuming a diagnosis. Initially, vets will do some basic blood and urine work, followed by more specific blood tests for confirmation. Once a diagnosis has been reached, treatment can begin. The vast majority are managed with daily tablets that get the disease under control quickly. Regular check-ups and blood tests ensure dogs are responding well. Treatment is lifelong, and most dogs go on to live relatively normal lives.
Are gerbils a good pet for children?
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erbils are fascinating creatures that make wonderful pets for children and adults alike. Not only are they intelligent and curious, many enjoy interacting with people and can form very close bonds with them.
These little creatures make wonderful pets
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Unlike hamsters, they do not have cheek pouches, so they will hoard their food instead. In the wild, they would keep these stores in various locations within their burrows. As these little ones originated in the desert (in places such as Mongolia and Algeria) they can withstand quite warm weather and have adapted to produce less urine, in order to store water. Gerbils are very sociable – they enjoy the companionship of other gerbils, and would naturally live in large groups of 10 or more. In act, keeping a gerbil lone is not advised, nd all should live with t least one friend.
‘GERBILS ARE VERY SOCIABLE’
Certain dog breeds are more likely to develop the disease
ARE RAWHIDE TREATS SAFE TO GIVE MY COCKER SPANIEL?
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awhide bones and treats are made from the hide of animals such as cows and horses, flavoured to make them more appealing. They can help keep teeth clean and provide hours of chewing contentment. While many dogs will go their whole life eating rawhide without experiencing any issues, this is not always the case.
Some dogs may experience choking, a gut impaction or constipation, especially if they bite the chew up into large pieces and swallow them whole. It’s advised that chewing is supervised to ensure dogs are gnawing on the treats rather than eating big bits. For sensitive dogs that get upset stomachs, it’s best to steer clear altogether.
PHOTOS: GETTY
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ushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is rarely seen in pet cats but is diagnosed quite frequently in dogs that are middle-aged or older. Certain breeds are affected more often, such as the Yorkshire terrier, poodle and dachshund.
