Uncategorized

– 2025 Update –  Bird flu (influenza A) is a contagious respiratory disease of birds. It spreads in bird secretions and contaminated dust. There is no at‑home treatment; suspected cases must be reported immediately. Your best defenses are everyday biosecurity and fast reporting. What it is  Cause: Influenza A viruses that infect birds (waterfowl and shorebirds…

Abscesses are a common and often challenging medical problem in rabbits. They differ significantly from abscesses in dogs and cats and require specialized treatment. This handout explains why abscesses occur, how they are diagnosed, and the treatment options available. What Causes Abscesses in Rabbits? Many people associate rabbit abscesses with Pasteurella bacteria. Pasteurella can live…

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits. It is caused by Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). The virus spreads very easily through direct contact between rabbits, contact with bodily fluids such as urine, feces, or nasal secretions, and through contaminated objects including…

Marek’s is a highly contagious herpesvirus of chickens that spreads in feather dander and dust. Vaccination at hatch and strict biosecurity are the only effective prevention tools. There is no cure once a bird is clinically affected. What it is Cause: Gallid herpesvirus 2 (Marek’s). It’s an oncogenic (tumor-forming) virus. Where it lives: Virus is…

Egg laying is normal in female birds, but chronic laying is not. It raises the risk of egg binding, egg yolk peritonitis, cloacal prolapse, hypocalcemia, and pathologic fractures. The fix is multifactorial: environment, nutrition, behavior, and (when needed) medical/surgical care. What “normal” looks like Many species lay 2–3 clutches/year in the wild, with clutch size…

Ileus, also called gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, is one of the most common and serious medical problems seen in pet rabbits. Under normal conditions, coordinated muscle contractions move food through the digestive tract. When these contractions slow or stop, ileus occurs. Ileus is not a disease itself. It is a sign of an underlying problem. Unless…

Heavy metal poisoning is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition in backyard chickens. Chickens are naturally curious foragers that scratch and peck at the ground all day, making them more likely to ingest harmful metals hidden in soil or other objects. The two metals of greatest concern are lead and zinc, with lead poisoning being…

Head tilt in rabbits, also called torticollis or wry neck, is a sign of vestibular disease. The vestibular system is the part of the nervous system responsible for balance and coordination. When this system is affected, rabbits may lose their sense of orientation and balance. Head tilt can range from subtle to severe. In some…

Giving Medication to Rabbits Your veterinarian or a veterinary technician will usually demonstrate how to give oral medications, apply eye or ear treatments, or syringe feed your rabbit. However, many rabbits that are calm in the clinic can be surprisingly resistant at home. This handout provides practical tips to help make medicating your rabbit safer,…

Why Vaccines Matter in Ferrets Vaccination is a critical part of preventive care for ferrets. Two viral diseases—canine distemper and rabies—are both fatal, and one of them poses a direct risk to people. Because ferrets are more prone to vaccine reactions than dogs and cats, vaccines must be given thoughtfully, safely, and under veterinary supervision.…