Gorilla Youngsters

Gorilla Youngsters Seen Dismantling Poachers' Traps—A First

"Very confident" four-year-olds outsmart hunters and protect their clan.

Wild gorillas Rwema and Dukore destroy a primitive snare in Rwanda earlier this week.

Photograph courtesy Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Ker Than

for National Geographic News

Published July 19, 2012

Just days after a poacher's snare had killed one of their own, two youngmountain gorillas worked together Tuesday to find and destroy traps in theirRwandan forest home, according to conservationists on the scene.

"This is absolutely the first time that we've seen juveniles doing that ... I don't know of any other reports in the world of juveniles destroying snares," saidVeronica Vecellio, gorilla program coordinator at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund'sKarisoke Research Center, located in the reserve where the event took place.

"We are the largest database and observer of wild gorillas ... so I would be very surprised if somebody else has seen that," Vecellio added.

(Also see "Dian Fossey's Gorillas Exhumed for Investigation.")

Bush-meat hunters set thousands of rope-and-branch snares in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, where the mountain gorillas live. The traps are intended for antelope and other species but sometimes capture the apes.

Adults are generally strong enough to free themselves. Youngsters aren't always so lucky.

Just last week an ensnared infant named Ngwino, found too late by workers from Karisoke, died of snare-related wounds. Her shoulder had been dislocated during escape attempts, and gangrene had set in after the ropes cut deep into her leg.

The hunters, Vecellio said, seem to have no interest in the gorillas. Even small apes, which would be relatively easy to carry away for sale, are left to die.

(Related pictures: "Baby Gorilla Rescued in Armed Sting Operation.")

All-Natural Arsenal

Poachers build the snares by tying a noose to a branch or a bamboo stalk, Vecellio explained.

Using the rope, they pull the branch downward, bending it. They then use a bent stick or rock to hold the noose to the ground, keeping the branch tense. A sprinkling of vegetation camouflages the noose.

When an animal budges the stick or rock, the branch springs upward, closing the noose around the prey. If the creature is light enough, it will actually be hoisted into the air.

(See National Geographic magazine mountain gorilla pictures.)

Rwema and Dukore Save the Day

Every day trackers from the Karisoke center comb the forest for snares, dismantling them to protect the endangered mountain gorillas, which the International Fund for Nature (IUCN) says face "a very high risk of extinction in the wild."

(Related: "Gorillas Extinct Within Ten Years in Central Africa?")

On Tuesday tracker John Ndayambaje spotted a trap very close to the Kuryama gorilla clan. He moved in to deactivate the snare, but a silverback named Vubu grunted, cautioning Ndayambaje to stay away, Vecellio said.

Suddenly two juveniles—Rwema, a male; and Dukore, a female; both about four years old—ran toward the trap.

As Ndayambaje and a few tourists watched, Rwema jumped on the bent tree branch and broke it, while Dukore freed the noose.

The pair then spied another snare nearby—one the tracker himself had missed—and raced for it. Joined by a third gorilla, a teenager named Tetero, Rwema and Dukore destroyed that trap as well.

Gorilla Tactics

The speed with which everything happened makes Vecellio, the gorilla program coordinator, think this wasn't the first time the young gorillas had outsmarted trappers.

"They were very confident," she said. "They saw what they had to do, they did it, and then they left."

Silverbacks in the Kuryama group have occasionally been caught in the snares, so Vecellio thinks the juveniles would have known the traps are dangerous.

"That's why they destroyed them," Vecellio said.

(Related: "Gorillas Seen Using 'Baby Talk' Gestures—A First [With Video].")

"Quite Ingenious"

Despite the unprecedented nature of the event, Vecellio said she wasn't surprised by the reports. "But," she said, "I'm always amazed and very proud when we can confirm that they are smart."

Veterinarian Mike Cranfield, executive director of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, also said he wasn't shocked by the news.

"Chimpanzees are always quoted as being the tool users, but I think, when the situation provides itself, gorillas are quite ingenious," he said.

Cranfield speculated that the gorillas may have learned how to destroy traps by watching the Karisoke center's trackers.

"If we could get more of them doing it, it would be great," he joked.

Karisoke's Vecellio, though, said actively instructing the apes would be against the center's ethos.

"No we can't teach them," she said. "We try as much as we can to not interfere with the gorillas. We don't want to affect their natural behavior."

link: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120719-young-gorillas-juvenile-traps-snares-rwanda-science-fossey/

Cloned horses

Cloned horses may compete in the 2012 London Olympics, while anti-doping testing for humans becomes more sophisticated

(NaturalNews) While performance enhancement drugs and techniques may be banned for humans, the gate has been opened for genetically modified horses to compete in the Olympic games.

In a surprising but not shocking development, the Federation Equestre Internationale has decided to overturn a ban previously placed on cloned equines.

According to The Chronicle of the Horse at their recently held sports forum it was said, "The FEI will not forbid participation of clones or their progenies in FEI competitions. The FEI will continue to monitor further research, especially with regard to equine welfare."



Whereas in 2007, the stance of the FEI was the polar opposite; "The competitive equestrian couple of horse and rider are both acknowledged as athletes by the FEI. The cloning of either with a view to competing at international level would be unacceptable to the FEI. The FEI opposes cloning for it goes against one of the FEI's basic objectives: to enable FEI athletes 'to compete in international events under fair and even conditions."

This announcement comes in light of the London 2012 Olympics being touted as having "the most sophisticated anti-doping operation in the history of the Games." According to CNN, for the first time in Olympics history, a private company will provide its facilities - $30 million state-of-the-art laboratory - to aide in the testing of samples from Olympic participants to detect illegal performance enhancements. This is being provided by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). According to GSK, the facilities will offer "enable expert analysts from King's (College, London) to independently operate a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory during the Games."

Although the FEI announcement has come too late for cloned horses to participate in the London 2012 Olympics, the implications will be far reaching, placing pressure on other equestrian governing bodies to relax the generally held stance of not allowing physiologically altering performance enhancement to be used by any participants.

This action has set a precedent for all sports, and the broader implications of such a development may mean that the rules pertaining to human performance enhancement may be contested, and become relaxed amid pressure from those who advocate its use.

Currently, the world's biggest companies offering cloning are ViaTech in Texas and Cryozootech in Sonchamp, France.

They have both welcomed the news, and stated that their main aim is to allow the genes of top horses that have died or been gelded to be available again.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.chronofhorse.com

http://edition.cnn.com

http://www.gsk.com/media/london-2012/index.htm

About the author:
Simon Victor is a health health and fitness enthusiast who believes in being practical with healthy living.
his personal journey can be followed at http://veganonabudget.net

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036474_cloned_horses_Olympics_doping.html#ixzz20iGif4tP

Aggressiveness in dog

If Your Dog Is Aggressive, Maybe It Is in Pain

ScienceDaily (June 13, 2012) — Dogs can sometimes suffer sudden episodes of aggression without their owners understanding why. But, in many cases, the cause of these attacks can be pain that has never been diagnosed or treated. For the first time the study describes the characteristics of this irritability, which can make dogs violent and increase aggression in already conflictive individuals.

The pain produced by hip dysplasia is a key factor in the risk of large dogs becoming aggressive. (Credit: Alex E. Proimos)

There are many factors that explain aggression in dogs: the conditions of the mother during gestation, the handling of the puppy in the neonatal phase, the age at weaning, the experiences of the animal during the socialising phase, diet, exercise, genetics and learning techniques based on active punishment during adulthood. However, aggressive behaviour also arises from the presence of pathologies and pain in the dog.

Between 2010 and 2011 a team of researchers from the department of Animal and Food Science at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in Spain analysed the aggression problems of 12 dogs (Giant schnauzer, Irish setter, Pit-bull, Dalmatian, two German shepherds, Neapolitan Mastiff, Shih-tzu, Bobtail, Catalan Sheepdog, Chow-chow and Doberman) who were brought to the UAB's Veterinary Hospital by their owners.

"All (eleven males and one female) were diagnosed as having aggression caused by pain. Out of the 12 studied, eight had suffered a hip dysplasia," as was outlined by Tomás Camps, lead author of the study that was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior and researcher at the Animal Nutrition and Welfare Service of the UAB.

Scientists identified the most frequent circumstances in which dogs were aggressive, the most characteristic positions, the most frequent target of attacks and if they were impulsive or, in other words, whether or not they showed signs before an imminent attack.

The study shows that dogs that were already aggressive for other reasons before the onset of pain attacked their owners more intensely and frequently when food was taken away, when they were moved from their rest area or when they were made to do something. Animals displayed aggression in the same situations (or nearly) as those that were already aggressive.

On the other hand, "dogs that had never been aggressive before the onset of pain began to behave in this way in situations were an attempt is made to control them," points out Camps.

In addition, the study shows that those dogs were more impulsive or, in other words, attacked with no prior warning in the form of growls, for instance. The research team states that "if the pet is handled when in pain, it will quickly act aggressively to avoid more discomfort without the owner being able to prevent it."

Diagnosing hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia affects more than 40% of Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Rottweillers and is a hereditary and degenerative bone disorder that affects the joint connecting the hip and the femoral head. In general, it can affect any breed of large dog but is less frequent is small breeds.

The new study suggests that the pain produced by hip dysplasia is a key factor in the risk of large dogs becoming aggressive. But the problem begins when the dog experiences periods of little pain and the illness is not diagnosed on time.

The researchers have reassessed the importance of diagnosis and treatment of pain since, according to Camps, "it can cause aggression or worsen aggression problems."

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided byPlataforma SINC, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

---

Journal Reference:

1. Tomás Camps, Marta Amat, Valentina M. Mariotti, Susana Le Brech, Xavier Manteca. Pain-related aggression in dogs: 12 clinical cases. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 2012; 7 (2): 99 DOI:10.1016/j.jveb.2011.08.002

link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120613102132.htm

Chickens and Cancer

Ordinary Chickens May Be Extraordinary in Fighting Cancer and Other Diseases

ScienceDaily (July 10, 2012) — The common barnyard chicken could provide some very un-common clues for fighting off diseases and might even offer new ways to attack cancer, according to a team of international researchers that includes a Texas A&M University professor.

James Womack, Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, is co-author of a paper detailing the team's work that appears in the current issue ofPNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). Womack was a leader in the international effort to sequence the cattle genome in 2004.

Womack and the team, comprised mostly of scientists from the Seoul National University in Korea, examined 62 White Leghorn and 53 Cornish chickens for diversity in NK-lysin, an antibacterial substance that occurs naturally in animals and is used as a method of fighting off diseases.

They were able to obtain two genetic variations of NK-lysin and the results offered two unexpected shockers: both showed abilities to fight off bacterial infections and other diseases, while one showed it could successfully fight cancer cells as well.

"It took all of us by surprise," Womack says of the findings.

"One of the genetic variations shows it has the ability to fight against cancer cells much more aggressively than the other variation. We certainly were not looking at the cancer side of this, but there it was."

Womack says the team selected the two breeds because Cornish and White Leghorn chickens, found throughout most of the world, have relatively diverse genetic origins.

After conducting a DNA sequence of the chickens, the team found two variations of the genes that offered clues as to their protective ability to ward off infections.

"One form appears to be more potent in killing off cancer cells than the other, and that's the one that naturally caught our eye," Womack adds.

"This could lead to other steps to fight cancer or in developing ways to prevent certain infections or even diseases. It's another door that has been opened up. We are looking at similar studies right now to see if this is possible with cattle.

"The next step is to work with other animals and see if similar variants exist. We need to look for any genetic similarities to the chicken variants and then determine if these variants affect the health of the animal, but this is an exciting first step in this direction."

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided byTexas A&M University, via Newswise.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

---

Journal Reference:

1. Mi Ok Lee, Eun-Hee Kim, Hyun-Jun Jang, Mi Na Park, Hee-Jong Woo, Jae Yong Han, and James E. Womack. Effects of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the chicken NK-lysin gene on antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of cancer cells. PNAS, July 10, 2012 DOI:10.1073/pnas.1209161109

link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120710163259.htm

Veterinarian

Are you between the ages of 8 and 12 years old and you want to become a veterinarian? I know exactly what you are going through. I am a veterinarian and I made my decision to become a veterinarian at 11 years of age. The truth is, you are at the age when most veterinarians make their career decision. Recently, I surveyed over a hundred veterinarians nationwide and 65% of them said they made their decision to become a veterinarian before they reached the age of 13. So you are in the most important years for a future veterinarian. Do all you can to explore animals and veterinary medicine right now!

OK, so I've got you ready to go, but what should you do? Let me be your guide on how to become a veterinarian. As a Vet for Kids, I focus my time on helping future animal doctors like you pursue their dreams. In fact, I recently connected with practicing veterinarians all over the country and I want to share the advice these veterinarians had for kids like you.

When I asked them how to become a veterinarian, by far, the top recommendation of the veterinarians I surveyed was for you to explore and study science as much as possible. When I meet children who want to be veterinarians, the first thing I tell them is "Many children love animals. The children who love both science and animals are the ones who become veterinarians." It's so important to explore as much science as you can in school, but don't stop there.

Science doesn't only live in the classroom. Visit a museum, go to a science camp or get involved with a science club. If you want to have an even greater impact, you can help scientists collect data on animals. There are many national programs like the Great Backyard Bird count and local programs like amphibian monitoring sponsored by organizations throughout the country. You can go out in the area around your home and help scientists track the animal populations across our country.

The veterinarians I surveyed also recommended that you get as many "animal experiences" as possible. What this means is that, when they were younger, many practicing veterinarians found unique ways to be around pets and learn all they could about the science of animals. Some took the leading role in caring for their family pets, some fostered pets for the local animal shelter and others pet-sat for their neighbors.

When I asked one veterinarian oncologist her advice on how to become a veterinarian, she shared what she did when she was young. She told me she made animals a part of everything she did at school. If she had to write a book report, it was always on an animal book. If she was drawing a picture for an art project, it was always of an animal. If she had to bring something in to share with the class, it was something she got from a trip to the local zoo or aquarium. Animals and the science of animals were a major part of everything she did at school.

So, there you have it. Remember, the key is to make certain that you are doing something everyday to become a veterinarian of tomorrow. As Walt Disney once said "All of our dreams can come true-if we have the courage to pursue them."

For more information on how to become a veterinarian visit Ichabod Ink.

Dr. Carpenter is considered the Veterinarian for Kids. He has written books and articles for children on veterinary science and presented at schools and camps. A member of the American Veterinary Association and the National Science Teachers Association, Dr. Carpenter recently launched IchabodInk.com. http://www.ichabodink.com/, the go to website for children who want to be veterinarians and parents who want to help their child explore their dream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Carpenter_DVM

Veterinarians

A friend of ours who works at a local veterinary office stopped by the other day and happened to mention that she had a set of acupuncture needles and was learning how to use them. When I asked who she was going to use them on, she said that the veterinarian at her clinic intended to start offering acupuncture as an option for some of the pets that came in for treatment. Later I did a little research on the internet and it appears that her clinic isn't alone -- a good many veterinarians are turning to alternative medicine in certain cases, particularly the use of acupuncture.

According to traditional Eastern medicine, acupuncture is considered to be a method of correcting an imbalance in the flow of energy (or "qi") along certain pathways or "meridians" in the body. Small needles inserted in any of hundreds of specified acupuncture "points" redirect the flow of energy and restore the body to health. Western medicine explains the effectiveness of acupuncture by pointing out that most of these acupuncture points are located at clusters of nerves and blood vessels. Stimulating those areas through the insertion of small needles can trigger a number of reactions, including increased blood flow, the release of endorphins (the body's pain regulators), and the release of smaller amounts of cortisol, the body's own anti-inflammatory drug. The improved biochemical balance that acupuncture produces stimulates the body's natural healing abilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Today veterinarians are using acupuncture to treat various conditions including chronic pain, digestive disorders, hip dysplasia, allergies, asthma, neurological problems and urinary tract disorders. Even behavioral issues can sometimes by alleviated through acupuncture treatments. Of course acupuncture by itself doesn't cure disease but it can help the body to heal itself by altering various physiological and biochemical factors.

An acupuncture session will usually involve inserting very thin needles (about the diameter of a thick hair) along the animal's bladder, kidney, and spleen meridians. The animal is conscious during the entire process and shouldn't experience any discomfort; in fact most animals actually tend to become relaxed during a typical session. The size and exact location of the needles varies depending on the size of the animal and the type of illness being treated, with short needles about half an inch in length being used on areas around the head while longer one-inch needles are used elsewhere. A typical session may last anywhere from a couple of minutes to a half hour, although a particularly complicated case can take somewhat longer. If the treatment is done by someone trained and experienced acupuncture is a very safe procedure and you should see some improvement in the animal's condition in a few days or a few weeks at most.

There are numerous documented examples of the successful use of animal acupuncture. In one instance, a woman's 16 year old border collie was diagnosed with kidney disease. Traditional veterinary medicine gave the owner two options -- dialysis or euthanasia. The collie's owner chose another option - acupuncture - and for over a year now acupuncture treatments have helped alleviate the border collie's symptoms and have relieved much of the discomfort. The disease hasn't been cured, but acupuncture has prolonged the dog's life and has done it in a way that provides a decent quality of life.

Another example from a local veterinary clinic involves a 12 year old German Shepard with degenerative spinal disease. The shepard gets weekly treatments using a number of needles in his back to maintain feeling in his spine and other needles at points in his lower legs to preserve feeling in his toes. There isn't any surgical cure for his condition and without these treatments he would soon begin to lose the use of his back legs.

While the examples above both involved dogs, acupuncture can be applied to dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, horses, cows, and even birds. Veterinarians first began to use acupuncture in the 1970's and today it's rapidly becoming an accepted part of the veterinarian's arsenal as an alternative to or in addition to drugs and surgery. It may or may not be something you would choose to have used on your pet -- but it's certainly something to think about when you look at the growing number of successes in providing help for animals, particularly those who have run out of traditional treatment options.

http://www.paulelove.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Love

vet science

As a veterinarian dedicated to sharing my profession with children, I have met with hundreds of kids between the ages of 8 and 12 years old who want be veterinarians. I have also talked with the parents of these children and helped them to understand what they can do to help their children explore their passion. During these times, I am often asked, "If you could give just one piece of advice to a future veterinarian or the parent of a future veterinarian, what would it be?" That's easy. If you or a child you know wants to become a veterinarian, attend a veterinary camp or zoo camp.

I am not the only veterinarian who is making this recommendation. Recently, my company surveyed practicing veterinarians across the country and asked them what advice they had for 8 to 12-year-old future veterinarians. Their top two answers were to "study science" and "get as many animal experiences as possible". Where can you do both in a fun and safe environment? Veterinary camps and zoo camps.

I have spent the past year attending, writing about and filming these camps in order to share them with the members of my website community. During that time, I have interviewed both the campers and their parents. What makes these camps perfect for future veterinarians is that they bring the science of animals to life in a fun and exciting way.

Zoo camps take children behind the scenes. Campers explore the areas where animals are kept and fed. As they explore, camp attendees meet with the zookeepers and learn about the animals they care for. In addition, most zoo camps have classroom time where campers get to touch and interact with the zoo's collection of smaller classroom animals.

Veterinary camps give children the same opportunity to interact with animals. In addition, campers have the chance to explore veterinary medicine in a realistic environment. At many veterinary camps, attendees get to do physicals on various animals, observe surgeries, learn the basics of radiology and spend time in pathology and anatomy. This fun, hands-on approach makes veterinary science come alive for the campers.

What I like most about veterinary camps and zoo camps is they solve one of the biggest dilemmas of the future veterinarian - getting animal experience. Even though the vast majority of veterinarians recommend that all children between the ages of 8 and 12 interested in veterinary medicine get as much animal experience as possible, it is easier said than done.

Most humane societies and veterinarian hospitals will not let children volunteer until they are well into their teens. This is because there are significant liability issues associated with having younger children in an animal facility. Zoo camps and veterinary camps are the perfect solution. They offer a way for future veterinarians to get animal experience and learn the science of animals in a safe environment.

Unlike other professions, the ages of 8 to 12 are some of the most critical years for a veterinarian. Nationwide surveys of practicing veterinarians have shown that these are the years when the vast majority of practitioners made their decision to become an animal doctor. These are also the years when a parent can best help their child explore their passion and get a head start on fulfilling their dream. Make zoo camps and animal camps the first thing you explore. They are just what this doctor recommends.

For more information on veterinary and zoo camps visit Ichabod Ink.

Dr. Carpenter is considered the Veterinarian for Kids. He has written books and articles for children on veterinary science and presented at schools and camps. A member of the American Veterinary Association and the National Science Teachers Association, Dr. Carpenter recently launched IchabodInk.com http://www.ichabodink.com/, then go to website for children who want to be veterinarians and parents who want to help their child explore their dream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Carpenter_DVM

Veterinary

It is estimated by the National Pet Owner's Survey that 63 percent of households have a pet. This equals out to millions of pets across America that at some point may need assistance to get better from injuries or illnesses. Online career training in veterinary science and animal care can be pursued through different degrees.

The two professional pathways that can be followed are a veterinarian and a veterinary technologist or technician. The main focus is on giving specific care to a patient, which in this profession is an animal. Veterinarians can work with household pets as well as livestock. Duties include:

• diagnosing health problems
• vaccinating
• medicating
• treating wounds
• fixing fractures
• advising owners on animal care
• providing preventative care
• performing diagnostic tests

All of these job responsibilities will be learned through schooling and clinical practice before stepping into the workplace. Specific duties learned through coursework involve specific procedures that must be performed to treat an animal. These areas can include urinalysis, blood work, and dental work.

Education is obtainable from an associate's degree to a doctorate degree. Students typically earn an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a doctor of veterinary medicine degree to establish themselves as professionals inside the industry. Students need to take into consideration what area they want to work in. Students that don't necessarily want to become a Veterinarian or want to gain work experience first then go back to college should consider becoming a veterinary technologist. Individuals with the goal of becoming a veterinarian need to take into account that the field requires them to have at least a master's or doctorate degree to practice.

The titles for veterinary technologists and technicians are used interchangeably but there is one difference. The difference is in training: technologists usually earn a bachelor's degree and technicians earn an associate's degree. Either degree level adequately prepares students to perform their job duties correctly. Individuals in this line of work take on routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Students study courses specifically in science and math. Hands on training is gained from:

• working with an animal
• restraining an animal
• conducting tests
• performing treatments

In a way that is safe for the animal.

In a four-year bachelor's program students gain in depth procedural knowledge. This includes anesthesia, dental care, radiology, and clinic management. The amount of time a student is able to dedicate to school determines what specific roles they will have in a clinic setting.

To become a doctor of veterinary medicine students have to complete a graduate program. To enter a graduate program students must first have received a bachelor's degree. Education provides in depth study of:

• animal anatomy
• physiology
• chemistry
• microbiology
• high-level math
• pharmacology

Two important learning factors that are central to a student's knowledge are surgical procedures and lab procedures. The final year of a students four-year degree program centers on clinical rotation by treating animals at a college's referral clinic. Earning a graduate degree is essential for having the highest level of responsibility in the profession.

Acquiring an advanced degree in this field is competitive. There are only 28 veterinary schools that are accredited to reward diplomas. This fact limits the amount of educational spaces available. Students need to prepare for the aggressive enrolling process today by equipping themselves with experience. Obtaining educational knowledge in math and science is another beneficial factor for students to have. Dedicated individuals will find a place for themselves inside the academic community.

Interested students should seek out colleges and universities that offer accredited degree programs that fit their career goals. Accrediting agencies like the Distance Education and Training Council (http://www.detc.org) can provide full accreditation to qualifying schools and colleges. Accreditation provides proof of a quality education. Learn how to treat animals by enrolling in a program today.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Visit http://www.petap.org to locate Online Veterinary Schools and Colleges providing the education you're looking for. PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renata_McGee

Animal Husbandry and Nutrition

Animal husbandry, or animal science, is commonly described as the study of the biology of animals under the control of humankind. Although this definition has traditionally centered around farm animals, over the past decades the term has been broadened to include companion and exotic animals as well. Human and animal kind continue to find themselves coexisting in an ever changing variety of ways as human dwellings move farther and farther out into what were once wild habitats.

Where livestock and range management deal primarily with large and small scale animal producers and the conditioning and marketing practices involved in food animal production, animal husbandry (science) is concerned with understanding how animals work. Animal science deals with the physiology and biochemistry of tissues and major organs all the way down to the structure and function of biomolecules and cells.

In husbandry particular emphasis is given to the study of nutrition, reproduction, growth, and lactation of farm and companion animals and how these processes can be optimized. Expertise in these areas is not only important for the health of the livestock being produced, but also for their protection. Livestock owners must be aware of the quality of their pasture and what is available for the animals to forage. At certain times of the year certain plants or the nuts (seeds) from some trees can be toxic to livestock.

Nutrition is the provision of materials necessary to cells and organisms to support life. Specializing in animal nutrition can take many forms; working for animal food producers or zoos and aquariums, or animal hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

Dr. Elizabeth White

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Elizabeth_White

AgriBusiness

The number of career paths available to choose from in the field of veterinary science are almost too many to count. Although the first thing most people think about is a doctor of veterinary medicine (veterinarian), there are many, many other career paths open in the field of veterinary science. Agribusiness is just one other area of veterinary science and includes range and livestock management, animal husbandry and nutrition, and biosecurity practices.

Range and livestock management involves the care and feeding of food animals. Cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry all require special care and conditioning. Many livestock producers obtain degrees in veterinary sciences such as animal biology and sometimes agricultural sciences such as soil and crop management as well. The health and quality of the agricultural industry of the United States is crucial to the world marketplace. The agricultural and livestock industries are closely interconnected.

In the livestock production profession it is crucial to understand the connection between livestock, pasture condition, and livelihood. To maintain the health of livestock an owner must immunize livestock at the correct intervals, protect against environmental conditions that are conducive to parasite production, and monitor the quality of his or her pastures throughout the season. A producer must monitor the health of his or her livestock and be aware of what changing environmental conditions might cause certain symptoms in animals. Pests are more of a problem during certain seasons and infestations can lead to other unhealthy conditions.

Livestock owners maintain a delicate balance of agricultural and animal science awareness to maintain the health and safety of the animals in their care.

Dr. Elizabeth White

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Elizabeth_White

Biosecurity

Biosecurity is defined as the protection of the economy, environment, and health of living things from pests, diseases, and bioterrorism. With the constant growth of the world marketplace biosecurity practices on every level from small family farms to large scale livestock and poultry producers are imperative to guarding against the spread of disease.

The food animal industry is of major impact to the United States economy at every level. Animals imported into the country are subject to extensive biosecurity regulations. Career opportunities for veterinary science professionals that specialize in biosecurity and biochemistry will continue to increase as the world marketplace grows.

Primary biosecurity practices include basic cleanliness like washing boots, clothing, and instruments, to monitoring livestock for any symptoms of disease and reporting all reportable diseases to State and Federal regulation agencies. Some diseases are endemic (already present) in some parts of the country and not in others as well as in some species, but not yet in others. Some diseases are present only in animals and cannot be spread to humans (zoonsis) while others pose a threat to humans. Veterinary science professionals can make the kind of determination livestock owners need in order to decide whether or not they have a reportable condition. It is very important for livestock owners and producers to be aware of the signs of specific diseases such as Avian Influenza and Ebola.

Biosecurity positions will be available at all levels of animal production services. Small farms, large livestock production facilities, federal transit authorities, and stockyard and feedlot industries will have important regulatory practices that must be administered by veterinary science professionals.

Dr. Elizabeth White 

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

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Animal Disease Management

Recent years have seen an enormous growth in the study of animal diseases. It has become increasingly important to monitor the movement of animals across borders and to constantly re-evaluate national policies on border regulation as the world marketplace grows.

Public safety is the main concern here. Animals that are brought in from other nations must be processed according to federal regulations to ensure that animal diseases not endemic (already present) to a region are not introduced causing epidemics or pandemics such as the recent H1N1 outbreak.

As soon as officials were aware of the outbreak, State and Federal regulation offices were on daily conference calls with specialists in veterinary medicine, bacteriology, and biochemistry. School and State officials coordinated on a constant basis to maintain the outbreak and prevent the spread of disease.

This was a concerted effort conducted by a vast array of professionals and specialists. It may be hard for the general public to realize what a group effort goes on behind the scenes with our State, Federal, and academic officials but without them we would definitely all be in a much more vulnerable position when these threats present. We need only look back a few centuries to witness the global effects that disease and plagues can have on humanity and animals alike. The Mad Cow Disease outbreak in Great Britain only a few years ago resulted in the slaughter of millions of infected animals. The demand for veterinary scientists, biochemists, bacteriologists, epidemiologists, and other specialists will only continue to increase as the market expands.

Dr. Elizabeth White

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

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Veterinarian

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"vet" redirects here. For the article on people of the armed forces,  veteran.

A vet or a veterinarian, is someone who gives animals medical treatment. They are doctorsfor animals.There are many different types of veterinarians; some work with small animals, large farm animals, or wild animals. Veterinarians learn to treat all animals, but sometimes work with a specific type. Other veterinarians specialize in a particular type of medicine - for example, veterinary dermatologists work with animals with skin problems. Finally, some veterinarians do research on animal or human diseases.

To become a vet in North America, you must go to college for at least 2 or 3 years, and take several required classes, including many science classes. You then apply to veterinary school. If you are accepted, you are in veterinary school for 4 years, and then graduate with the degree Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) if you graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. In the United States and Canada, you have to pass a test (called the NAVLE or North American Veterinary Licensing Exam) before you can practice as a veterinarian. In other countries such as Australia, veterinary schools are 5 years long and take students that have finished high school.

Source:

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinarian

Bird Cages

A penchant for domestic pets is distinct from one person to another. If you're the kind who desires low maintenance pets, then birds are good for you. As with all other house animals, these winged creatures have basic requirements that you ought to consider in order so that they can be relaxed and have a healthy state whilst in your care. One of the more critical factors to give some thought to when intending to get birds as pets is selecting the best suited from among the numerous varieties of bird cages. Listed here are some points and tips you can use to better inform yourself when purchasing an enclosure that will best suit your pet bird's needs.

Types of crates 

There's a varied selection of cages developed for every bird type. The first is the bird perch variety, constructed from concrete, wood or rope, and devised for large birds. The dome top cage is a spacious enclosure that gives birds some room to fly about. The breeding cage, designed for two mating birds, provides a couple of inner sections that has a partition in the middle section. The flight bird cage, best for community bird varieties, offers enough space for occupants to enjoy full flights. A few vets point out that angled cages are better choices compared with circular cages, which apparently cause damage to a bird's mental wellness. Bird cages also come in hanging as well as standing varieties. Make sure to choose the correct one for your pet. If undecided, ask your veterinarian or pet shop manager for suggestions.

Different types of bird cage materials 

The sort of substance the cage is made from is yet another factor you'll want to reflect on. Stainless steel is most likely the most dependable among a variety of bird cage components since it is non-toxic. It is particularly recommended that you just avoid painted cages since your pet bird can nick the paint away and swallow it, posing problems to its overall health. While top-notch quality cages come in rather expensive versus regular models, you have the reassurance that your feathery friend can stay secure inside a coop built to withstand a great deal of use.

Other things to look at when selecting a bird cage 

Yet another feature you ought to think about is the cage bar spacing. If you have a sizable bird, you should get a big pen with wide-gaped bars. For smaller birds, you obviously have to select a cage with smaller spacing between bars. The general principle is when the bird can easily squeeze its head in the gaps between the bars, then they're too far away from each other. The lock is another aspect to bear in mind. Select a cage with a tough lock to ensure the bird can't open up the doorway and fly away. On top of that, you have to pick out a cage that's easy to clean up. Typically, cages for birds are produced with a bottom that can be detached for easy washing.

Before you decide to acquire a pet bird, you have to understand that it's going to stay in a cage for its whole life. So the best action you can take for it would be to offer a stable and meticulously chosen housing. By means of understanding how to choose from the many varieties of bird cages, you will be giving your pet an important benefit. For years of pleasure, make sure to choose the best fitting, hard-wearing cage for your pet bird.

Of course, you want to give only the best for your beloved birds! From bird cages to small bird cages. But where to buy one? Especially for first time buyers? Get quality products and services only from http://www.bird-supplies.net/ and have your bird sing a happier tune!

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First Aid for Parrots

Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always a good idea to be prepared! While accidents usually produce obvious injuries, illnesses are often kept well hidden by birds. In nature, if you're sick you pose a threat in making your whole flock vulnerable to predators, so parrots have become adept at masking signs of illness. This is one reason that it's vital to have a "well bird" check-up annually. Needless to day, once a bird is showing obvious signs of illness, he's often very sick and needs immediate vet attention. First Aid is intended to help you get by until you can see the vet, or in treating minor injuries.

It's helpful to have a "hospital cage" for emergencies - a smaller, easily portable cage where you can isolate a sick or injured bird and easily move him to a warm, quiet, area of your home. It's advisable to have a quarantine area as well - for new birds coming into the home, as well as sick birds recovering from an infection. This area should be well separated from the rest of your birds to prevent air-borne transmission of germs, as well as those spread by direct contact.

Some of the signs of possible illness include: more time on cage floor, talking and playing less, fluffed feathers, lack of appetite, drinking more water, personality changes (such as becoming bitey or not wanting to come out of the cage), tail bobbing, puffy eyes, sleeping on both feet with head tucked, droopy wings, sneezing or coughing, "clicking" in chest, vomiting, diarrhea, soiled vent, etc. I won't go into specific diseases here, but hopefully you get the general idea - if things are "different," get to the vet! Other problems include broken blood feathers or egg binding.

It's a good idea to put together a first aid kit (Your Parrot Place has a nice one for sale!) 

Include:

· Eye and skin wash

· Styptic powder

· Corn starch

· Antiseptic wipes

· Cotton Swabs and balls

· Eye dropper

· Assorted bandages - gauze, adhesive, vet wrap

· Scissors

· Latex Gloves

· Forceps or hemostats

· Betadine or iodine swabs

· Adhesive tape

· Penlight

· Heating pad and/or lamp

· Hydrogen peroxide

· Pedialyte (Electrolyte solution for babies)

· Hand feeding formula and syringes

· Phone number for vets and poison control

Generally, with any illness or injury, remove the bird to a hospital cage and put him in a warm, quiet, dimly lit room (bathrooms can work). Provide fresh water (and Pedialyte if needed). Feed favorite foods (healthier things you know he'll eat) plus warm foods like cooked rice or oatmeal. IN addition, spray millet is often enjoyed by smaller birds. If he's not eating well on his own, offer some warm food with your fingers or a spoon. If need be, you may have to mix up hand feeding formula and give by cup or syringe. If you've kept your bird in the habit of eating from a spoon or cup, this will be easier. DO NOT use over the counter remedies from pet stores. It's too much of a guessing game. I know a Pionus who became psychotic after being given an OTC bird "remedy" and would not stop thrashing around her cage. A little chamomile tea can help the bird relax and ginger tea is good for digestive upsets. If you're familiar with herbal remedies, you can safely 

use those without causing harm to your bird. NEVER give antibiotics without knowing your bird actually has a BACTERIAL infection (and which bacteria!)

Broken blood feathers (or those accidentally clipped) can be hard to stop bleeding. Do not use styptic powder on skin or soft tissue - only on bleeding nails. Otherwise, use corn starch as a coagulant. If the blood feather (immature feather with live blood supply) won't stop bleeding, it has to be pulled or the bird can bleed to death.

A note on egg binding: If a hen is on the cage bottom, fluffed up and straining, she may be "egg bound". Put her in a warm, humid place (like the bathroom). You can rub some vegetable oil around her vent. Egg bound hens can die fairly quickly, though, and if the egg does not pass within several hours, she needs to get to the vet immediately (a good diet with extra calcium will help prevent this.)

So get in the habit of inspecting your birds on a daily basis, and being alert for signs of distress. Read up on diseases and gain a basic knowledge of illness in birds. "Bird proof" your home, avoid toxic fumes and unsafe toys. Have a first aid kit and hospital cage available. No what's "normal" for your bird and act quickly if things don't seem right. Find a good AVIAN vet and see them annually. Be sure your house and your bird's cage and play areas are as safe as possible. Feed the best diet you can to ensure your birds best possible health. Wouldn't it be nice if your first aid kit never gets used?!

The First Aid kit available at Your Parrot Place (under accessories) contains most of the essentials such as: Styptic Powder, Latex Gloves, Eye Skin Wash, 1"x6 yd Sterile Bandage, Scissors, Locking Forceps, Iodine Swabs, Antiseptic Towelettes, 2"x2" Gauze Pads, Cotton Swabs, Adhesive Tape, Hand Wipe, Emergency Info Card, Directions, and Case. Perishables, like hand feeding formula, should be stored in the freezer and replaced every six months.

Your Parrot Place

Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant, (503) 771-BIRD. Marilu is a regular contributor to the Your Parrot Place Newsletter. YourParrotPlace.com [http://www.yourparrotplace.com] - Only the Best for Your Parrot!

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Over 170 pages! A compilation of parrot articles.

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