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  • In the wild, the ferret is a whole carcase feeder. It is an obligate carnivore with a very short gut and so is unable to deal with much, if any, fibre or carbohydrate in the diet.

  • Chinchillas should be offered good quality grass hay ad-libitum (available 24 hours a day). Pellets or concentrate foods should be given as a small quantity in addition to the hay.

  • In the wild rabbits spend many hours chewing grass. This is a tough fibrous material that also contains abrasive silicates.

  • Pet rodents can be fed a good, high quality rodent chow (pelleted food) available at pet stores.

  • Feline chlamydiosis is caused by a bacterium-like organism. Because chlamydia lives inside cells of the body and is not able to survive for long in the environment, spread of infection relies on direct or close contact with an infected cat. The bacterium primarily infects the conjunctiva (the delicate membrane lining the eyelids and covering the edges of the eyeballs) causing inflammation (conjunctivitis). Since chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it can be successfully treated with a course of oral antibiotics.

  • Feline eosinophilic granulomas are peculiar lesions which may be found in cats affecting the skin and other sites. The most common site for these lesions is on the lips, usually the upper lips, where they appear as ulcers. The most common method used to treat eosinophilic granulomas is to use corticosteroids. Some forms of eosinophilic granuloma prove more difficult to treat and in such cases your vet might decide to use additional treatments.

  • Fibrosarcoma is a tumour originating from the fibroblasts of the skin and subcutaneous connective tissue. The feline sarcoid is a subtype of tumour that is caused by a papilloma (wart) virus.

  • Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure which is a common problem in people and also an important condition in cats.

  • Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorder of cats. It is most common in older cats, rarely seen in cats under eight years of age.

  • Hypokalaemia is a term that refers to low blood concentrations of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte (chemical) within the body and is very important for the normal function of muscles and nerves.