Historically, mercury poisoning was a common occurrence in both animal and human populations. Replacement of mercury products used for medicinal, agricultural, or industrial purposes has resulted in a decline of sudden and longterm poisoning. Predator species nea
Venomous snakes fall into two families: 1) the Elapidae, which include the cobra, mamba, and coral snakes; and 2) the Cortalidae, which include the true vipers (for example, puff adder, Russell’s viper, and the common European adder) and the pit vipers (for examp
Selenium is an essential element that is added to many feed supplements. Unfortunately, it has a narrow margin of safety. Too much selenium weakens the hooves, which tend to fracture when subjected to mechanical stress.
Salt (sodium chloride) toxicity can result when animals eat too much salt and do not have enough water to drink. Salt toxicity is directly related to water consumption and is unlikely if fresh drinking water is available. Mechanical failure of waterers, overcrowd
Travel with a pet can be as short as a car ride into town for a veterinary appointment or as lengthy as a permanent relocation to another country. Regardless of the type of travel, adequate planning and preparation will help avoid surprises and make the trip less stressful for both you and your pet.
People who travel with service animals—for example, guide dogs for the visually impaired, or assistance dogs for those who are mobility impaired—do not have the choice of leaving their pet at home. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act guarant