The Trouble With Long Hair - Cushing's Disease.

The Trouble With Long Hair - Cushing's Disease.
As summer sets in most horses have shed their winter coats. But some older horses are still clinging to their winter coat. Some have not shed it at all.

Failure to shed the winter coat is a good indication that a horse has Cushing’s disease.

Cushing’s disease is being recognised more and more frequently in older horses and ponies. The condition is named because of its similarities to the human disease of the same name. But there are significant differences.

Equine Cushing’s disease is associated with excessive cortisol production by the adrenal gland. In almost all cases, it is caused by increased activity in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of the brain. The underlying problem seems to lie with nerves that should limit the activity of the affected part of the gland.

In normal horses, ACTH, a hormone from the pituitary gland, stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. The blood cortisol level is controlled by a complex “feed back mechanism. Basically, an increase in blood cortisol inhibits further ACTH release, which in turn causes the cortisol level to fall.

In horses with Cushing’s disease the abnormal pituitary gland produces ACTH, and other related molecules, some of which increase the potency of ACTH. In addition, the abnormal gland does not respond to the normal feedback controls. Most of the signs seen with Cushing’s disease are due to the increased cortisol activity.

Often the first sign that a horse is affected with Cushing’s disease is hirsutism, the development of an excessively long and often curly coat. Shedding of the coat that normally occurs in summer either does not occur at all or is greatly reduced.

Other signs include excessive sweating, weight loss, poor performance, increased drinking and passing increased amounts of urine. Almost all affected animals go on to develop laminitis eventually. Because the laminitis in these cases is the result of internal problems rather than a momentary dietary indiscretion, it is often more difficult to treat than laminitis due to dietary causes.

Various tests have been used to help to confirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately the tests can sometimes be misleading. In most cases they are not necessary. There is really only one condition that causes older horses not to shed their hair in summer - and that is Cushing s disease.

So, what can be done for horses with Cushing s disease? Veterinarians have used a variety of medications, originally intended for human use, to treat Cushing’s disease in horses. The most effective seems to be a drug called pergolide. If the treatment is successful, as well as showing a general improvement in condition, a horse may start to shed its coat again.

Some people have found that herbal mixtures containing chaste berry extracts have helped, but others disagree.

Clipping the excessive coat will make the horse more comfortable, and may reduce the risk of skin infections. Regular corrective trimming of the feet is likely to be necessary once laminitis develops.

The onset of Cushing s disease need not necessarily mean a horse s days are numbered. But once you spot the telltale signs have a word with your veterinarian to discuss the options that are available for managing the condition.

Copyright 2006 by Mark Andrews / Equine Science Update. This article may be freely used by newsletters and web sites without permission as long as the copyright notice, links and contact information remain unchanged. Mark Andrews, an experienced equine veterinarian, is author of The Foaling Guide, (<a href="http://www.thefoalingguide.com" title="http://www.thefoalingguide.com" target="_blank">http://www.thefoalingguide.com</a>) and publisher of Equine Science Update. For the latest information in equine science, subscribe to the free newsletter from Equine Science Update. (<a href="http://www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk" title="http://www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk" target="_blank">http://www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk</a>)

Choosing Dog Training Equipment
To train your dog you need some good equipment to do it! It’s easy enough to find places that sell dog training equipment these days. You can find stores in your local phonebook or on the internet. The internet has everything these days and is usually a lot less expensive. So I suggest having a look there first. Dog training equipment comes in all shapes, sizes and colours so there is something to suit everyone. Dog training equipment can be used anywhere, at home, at a friend s house or even in a field in the middle of nowhere. The equipment is usually lightweight and portable and very easy to pack so you should have no problems carting it around. Not only can you get dog training equipment for dog agility but you can also purchase items for dog obedience. Dog obedience items are simple things like clickers, treat balls (which are amazing), extendable leashes and other similar items. They are a lot easier to get than agility items. When you decided you want to compete with your dog you usually pick one or the other, dog agility or dog obedience. For dog obedience you only concentrate on dog obedience, for dog agility you need your dog to be obedient so there is a little bit more training involved. Dog training equipment can be funky or old fashioned, bright or dull it s up to you. Many stores cater for individual needs so you can specify what you would like your equipment to be like. Dog training equipment is sometimes needed for obedience when you have a stubborn dog, and for dog agility training equipment is essential. Dog training equipment needn t only be for competition purposes. You can get equipment for fun training to. When you want to teach your dog to come, sit and stay and some other commands toys are always a great help. You and your dog need to enjoy special moments together to make a bond with each other, why not make a bond and train at the same time? The better the bond the more fun it will be!

Razak Ariyo is a computer scientist. An experience owner and lover of dogs. Get a free 10 part dog training mini course that can easily speed up the training of your dog at http://master-dog-training.blogspot.com

What cats like to play with
In order to understand what cats like to play with, you need to first understand the nature of you cat.
We call cats pets but actually 90% of their nature is still “wild”. Cats don’t “think”, they act in most
cases on their natural instincts.

Cats can be categorized as “sneakers and hunters”. They hunt birds, mice and other small animals. Their method
is, they sneak as close as possible towards their prey. Then they have the best chances to suddenly appear right next to
the prey and grab it. If you understand this hunting behavior, you can have a lot of fun playing with your cat. Playing is absolutely necessary for the health and feelings of your cat. Here are some ideas on how you can do it:

- Take a straw and hide behind a furniture. Leave only a little piece of the straw that can be seen by your cat. Then move the straw backwards, so that the cat can see less of it. I bet you, the cat will jump at it before it’s all gone behind the furniture.

- Take a piece of paper and crumple it to a ball. Then put a little cord around it and tie it up. Your cat will love this toy, you can use it for any kind of stuff. You hand hold it just as high that your cat can reach the ball. You can will jump at it. My cat used to do even somersaults when I used that toy.

- Cats will run after all kinds of little balls, like those little ones made of paper. Unfortunately they don’t bring the balls back like dogs do it…

- You can use long tiny branches, sticks or blade of gras to play with your cat.


So there are various ways to play with your cat. Keep in mind that they like to chase, hide and creap than you will be able to come up with all kinds of new ideas on how to play with your cat. Be aware that cats don’t always want to play. Cats sleep a lot during daytime and they might not want to be boughered. They are just different than dogs, they have their own “will”. You can not force a cat to do anything, the cat will show you what it likes and what not, so listen carefully!

Finally you should give your cat the possibility to go outside the house, if possible. Cats love the nature and they love to play in the garden. Don’t be afraid that your cat runs away, it will come back if you treated it good… You should get the cat used to be outside the house when it is little, then it will be able to build it’s natural instincts.

More useful articles at: http://www.caturine-cleaner.com/

My name is Guido Nussbaum, I am a 28 year old cat-friend from Germany. My website http://www.caturine-cleaner.com deals with cat urine cleaning products and cats in general.

Dob Obediance Training - How Important Is It?
Few relationships are as delightful as the one shared by a dog and his master. Dogs are intriguing and fascinating animals and they make wonderful household members if you understand their unique personalities, behavior traits and how to overcome any behavioural problems that they may have.

Dog obediance training doesn’t solve all dog behaviour problems, but it is the foundation for solving most behaviour problems your dog may have. Nearly all dog behaviour problems are perfectly normal canine activities that, unfortunately, occur at the wrong time or place or are directed at the wrong thing. The main key to preventing or treating dog behaviour problems is learning to teach the dog to redirect his natural behaviour towards outlets that are acceptable in the domestic setting.

Dog obediance training helps to establish the owner in the role of pack leader, and lays down clear behaviour guidelines that the pack can follow. The capacity for a dog to learn basic obediance “and even complicated behaviour “is an inherent trait in all dogs. Try respecting your dog’s behaviour and act accordingly at the initial stage. Try to praise him for good behaviour instead of chastising him for bad behavior. This, in turn, lets your dog know the proper response (behaviour) that you expect, in place of socially inappropriate behavior.

Most dog behaviour problems can be solved through proven dog behaviour or dog obediance training techniques. You may be surprised to find, that many behavioural problems will be eliminated simply by channeling your dog’s energy into obediance training. Dog obediance training involves both the dog and the owner and teaches them to efficiently communicate with each other. Dog obediance training is important for the safety of the dog, his handler, and those around him. Obediance training of your dog requires a lot of patience from your side. It should be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog.

So, whether your dog is jumping up, barking, or digging, these problems can be worked through in your dog s real life environment ” his home. Without tried and tested dog obediance training, dog behaviour problems will develop. A well-socialised and trained dog is less likely to develop these problems.

There are several types of dog obediance training and there are amazing resources available online and elsewhere which provide excellent dog obediance training techniques to help you fix any dog behaviour problem.

Here’s 1 fantastic resource….Try this FREE 6 Day Dog Obediance Training course and put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog’s behaviour problems.
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My name is Shelley Allen and I am a freelance writer who enjoys writing about most things. You may reproduce this article in its entirety provided my resource box is included.

The German Pointers Dog Breed History
The Origins of the German Pointer breed As the name suggests the German Pointer dog, also known as the German Shorthaired Pointer comes from Germany. Even though researchers do not have many details about the origin of this breed, the all concluded that the German Pointer breed is a mixed breed that developed in time from mixing breeds like the Spanish Pointer, the Foxhound, the Bloodhound and other hunting dogs and later the English Pointer. The German Pointer breed belongs to the European pointer dogs. There are records about the pointer dogs as well as the hunting dogs from Europe ever since the 13 th century. Todays German Pointer is an elegant and versatile hunter both in the water and on land. He is a specialist in bird hunting and is admired for his great personality. The German Shorthaired Pointer is related to the German Wirehaired Pointer, a breed of dog mostly common in Germany and less in The Great Britain or The United States. Though they are both mixed breeds and have related predecessors, the German Wirehaired Pointer does not have any Bloodhound or Foxhound predecessors. The Wirehaired Pointer however originates from the Pudel pointer, another mixed breed between the German Pudel and the English Pointer amongst others. Past records of the German Pointers breed Even if there aren’t many records that talk about the German Pointers breed but mention the hunting dogs for their proficiency in finding and tracking large and small animals as well as their dexterity in both water and on land, the breed got some recognition after it was crossed with the English Pointer in the late 1800s. The German Pointer was recognized as a breed and recorded by the German Kennel Club in 1872. In the 1920’s the German Shorthaired Pointer was taken to the United States where it became a popular breed. Not too long ago the American Kennel Club, that formally recognized the breed in the 1930, stated that the German Pointer reached the 20 th place in list of most popular breeds in the US. In 2005 a German Shorthaired Pointer dog won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the first show where a German Shorthaired Pointer participated was held in 1941 in Chicago.

For more info on <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/" target="_blank">German Pointers</a>, <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breeds/german-shepard/">German Shepards</a>, and other large dog breeds of this origin, please visit us at <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com" target="_blank">large dog breeds</a>: largedogbreedz.com

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dog adoption costs
Before you decide to bring a dog home, it is absolutely essential that you give some thought to the costs that you will be incurring in the process. It s not the purchase alone, though even that is likely to be expensive in the case of some superior breeds of dogs, but also the cost of the equipments you will have to buy to make your home habitable for your pet. Then there are the visits to the vet, which have to be regularly made, and the expensive vaccinations, which the puppy has to be given. So, all in all, you will have to make pretty sure that your wallet can take the beating before you bring your doggy home.

What then, are the costs, and how much are they? Let s start at the beginning. You have to buy the dog unless you are lucky enough to have it presented to you by a friend or a family member and the cost of this initial purchase can vary very widely. The variance will firstly depend on the type of dog you are buying. A purebred companion only puppy usually starts from around $800 but can go up to astronomical amounts for rare or exotic breeds. If you prefer to adopt a non-purebred variety from a shelter, it will cost you from around $150 to $300.

Costs also differ in different geographic locations so it is difficult for us to tell you of one fixed sum that you will have to pay for any given variety of dog. Visit the sources in your locality from where people normally buy dogs and check on the prices. And this includes the internet. After some queries on your part, you will be able to come to a fix on what your desired dog costs.

Now that you ve got your dog, it s time to look at the other costs you will have to start to incur. Let s start with the one - time costs.

One Time Costs Average Cost
Fence $300 - $1500
Bowls $25
Collar $6
Training Collar $10
Leash $12
Bed $40
Crate $100
Brush/Grooming tools $20
Shampoo/ Coat care $15
Neuter/ Spay ( Based on weight ) $300
Microchip $50



Then there are the annual costs, which you have to be prepared for. I enumerate them below:

Vaccinations $185
Heartworm Test $35
Heartworm Preventive $65
Flea/Tick Preventive $120
Food $480
Toys/Treats $45
Tag $5

And then there are other costs:

Boarding ” per day ( with 2 playtimes ) $25
Grooming ” per time $50
Training classes ( Per 6-8 classes ) $100
Individual training ( Per session ) $100



And remember, this list is for grown up dogs and not puppies. If it s a puppy you are adopting, the costs increase. There s a check up, a series of 4 sets of vaccines, worming, heartworm tests, all of which will cost you close to $300. Then there is puppy food, which will set you back around $450 and toys/treats, which will cost approximately $65.

So, as you will have counted up from the figures given above, in the first year, you will be spending approximately $1500 to $2500 over and above the cost of buying your dog. After the first year, you will spend less per year ” about $1000. Smaller dogs cost a bit less and larger dogs cost more.

Apart from all this, your dog will have lifelong healthcare needs. There will be shots and medicines you will be administering as preventive care and there will almost certainly be unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses, however well you look after your dog.

It is therefore utterly essential that you objectively evaluate your budget and come to a decision as to whether you can really afford a dog. He will look to you for your support in all things and you owe it to him to give him, not only your love, but proper care, food and medical attention. These don t come free ” so ask yourself whether you can afford to get that dog you always wanted. If you realize that you can t, it s best to do without, both for your sake and his.

Anybody is free to use the article in their website as long as an acknowledgement is given Nancy Richards' and a link to the site www.traindogsandpuppies.com

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