Q: I have a guinea pig whose toenails are starting to curl. Should I bring him in to the vet or can I cut these nails myself?
A:
Long nails can be both uncomfortable and unhealthy for any pet. They force an animal to walk unevenly on his or her feet, causing tendonitis and potentially premature arthritis. In extreme cases, the nail might grow completely around into the bottom of the foot, causing serious infection.
Most pets keep their nails short and trim just by running around during daily activities. But some need assistance. For these critters, routine nail trimming is a must.
You can clip your little cavy’s nails at home if he’ll let you hold him. All it takes is a pair of sharp nail clippers just like those you personally use. You should have some special blood-stop powder ready (available at almost any pet store) in case you cut a nail too short.
If you aren’t sure how to do all this, ask your veterinarian or one of the staff to show you how to clip those nails. But most of all, remember to be patient and always nip off just a little at a time. Your little piggy will look better, and both of you will be glad you did it.
By the way, many dogs and cats also need regular attention to their feet. Older pets in particular tend to have more problems with their nails, mostly because they become less active as they get into their “senior years.” Nails that are too long push the toes to the side as the pet stands and walks. This abnormal pressure causes chronic discomfort and reduced activity. Heavier dogs and cats are really at risk for serious problems with this condition.
Check your pet’s feet at least once every week. If his or her nails are long, trim them on a regular basis. And if your furry friend resists, have a professional groomer or a veterinary assistant do it for you.
Q:
Our cockatiel has a bad habit of biting. We hand-raised him, so he is a little spoiled. How can I stop him from this aggressive behavior?
A:
Hand-raised birds sometimes develop bad social habits and one of the worst is biting. These behavior problems can be very difficult to overcome.
Usually patience and firm restraint will work. If possible, hold his beak when he tries to bite, then gently pet him and reinforce his good behavior when he relaxes and when he acts properly. With time, you may be able to train him to be less aggressive. Let’s hope for the best.
Anyone who wants to try hand-raising a caged bird should learn as much as possible before starting. Separating babies at the wrong time, feeding an improper diet or using incorrect training techniques can lead to emotional problems that a bird may never be able to overcome. There’s definitely a right and a wrong way to hand-raise baby birds. Talk to an expert before you try doing this!
Q:
Our goats have little knots on their chins. Two of them became big pockets of pus which cleared after they opened. We have been treating with antibiotics with no luck. Any suggestions?
A:
Goats and sheep are susceptible to a particular ground-dwelling bacteria named corynebacterium. This microorganism can cause persistent, recurring abscesses. There are other, less-common bacteria that might also be at the root of your problem.
In a lot of cases, antibiotics alone can’t completely eliminate the offensive bacteria. In these situations, the lesions need to be surgically opened (lanced) and flushed. This treatment effectively clears out the huge numbers of bacteria inside the pocket. Only then can those antibiotics effectively eliminate the bacteria.
Some goats are more susceptible than others to this type of infection. Their lesions are larger and very resistant to treatment. I’ve seen a few difficult cases where the only solution was radical surgery removing the entire abscess. Aggressive surgery like this should be done only in long-standing cases that won’t respond to more-conservative treatment. Breeders with large herds sometimes cull these goats out of their herd, rather than going through the effort and expense needed to treat this problem. The bottom line is this: These are nasty infections. You’ll need the help of your family veterinarian.
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Probably the biggest dog event in the South Bay is coming up in two weeks. Mark your calendar for Sept 21. That’s the day Bark in the Park will be held at William Street Park in San Jose. Thousands of canines and their human companions will converge for this annual event. It’s a colossal canine carnival with demonstrations, good food and good fun. Details: barksanjose.org.
