Self Care

Becoming the owner of a pet bird can be a lifelong commitment. Many parrots live 20 to 50 years—with larger birds generally living longer. Parrots can form very strong bonds with their owners. When this occurs, they may have difficulty adjusting to a new owner. While smaller birds such as budgies, canaries, and finches tend to live between 10 and 20 years in captivity, and not every type of bird becomes so tied to

Blood parasites are organisms that live in the blood of their animal hosts. These parasites can range from single-celled protozoa to more complex bacteria and rickettsiae. The method of transmission varies depending on the parasite, but often they are transmitted through the bites of ticks or flies.

Anemia occurs when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. It can develop from loss, destruction, or lack of production of red blood cells. Anemia is classified as regenerative or nonregenerative. In a regenerative anemia, the bone marrow responds to the decreased number of red blood cells by increasing red blood cell production. Anemias due to bleeding or the d

Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens (proteins or sugars) found on the red blood cell membrane. The number of blood group systems varies among domestic species. Cats have 4 known blood types, A, B, AB, and mic. Type A is most common (about 99% of cats in the United States are Type A). Certain breeds have a higher prevalence of Type B. Typ

Platelets, produced in the bone marrow, are small, cell-like particles that start the formation of blood clots. Platelets gather where bleeding occurs and clump together to form the initial plug that stops or slows down the flow of blood. Platelets also release other substances needed to complete the clotting process. Platelet disorders can result fr

The function of white blood cells (also called leukocytes) is to defend the body against infection. There are 2 main types of white blood cells: phagocytes and lymphocytes.

The main function of red blood cells (also called erythrocytes) is to carry oxygen to the tissues. Oxygen is carried within red blood cells by molecules called hemoglobin. Oxygen is used by cells to produce energy the body needs. Carbon dioxide is left behind as a waste product during this process. The red blood cells then carry carbon dioxide away from the tissues and back

Blood cells form and develop mostly in the bone marrow, that is, the tissue located in the cavities of bones. Blood performs a variety of important functions as it circulates throughout the body. It delivers oxygen and vital nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, fats, and sugars) to the tissues. It carries carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled and waste products t

Behavior Problems Associated with Aggression The most common behavior problems in dogs are those associated with aggression. Most cases involve a dog’s attempt to distance itself from the situation. There are many types of aggressive behaviors with different motivations, but fear, anxiety, uncertainty (conflict), inheritance (genetics), and previous lear

Dogs are highly social animals and are well adapted to living in groups. Studies have also shown that they are very good at interpreting human gestures and behavior. Dogs interact with each other and people through body postures, facial expressions, tail and ear positions, raising of hair or “hackles,” vocalizations, and scents. Although dogs evolved from the grey wolf 12,000-14,000 yea