Birds exposed to Chernobyl radiation have smaller brains.
Researchers have determined that birds in Chernobyl have brains that are 5% smaller than average. (more…)...
Bats not as likely to carry rabies as we thought…
A new study done at the University of Calgary has determined that bats are not as likely to carry rabies as we once thought.
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Vetsulin shortage predicted by FDA.
The FDA has just announced that they are anticipating a shortage of Vetsulin, an insulin used to treat diabetes in cats and dogs.
In 2009 the FDA voiced concerns about the stability of Vetsulin. The concern was that the insulin may not always have predictable results. What this means is that it may not always start acting as fast as expected, or may not last as long as expected. (more…)...
Woman who tried to mail a puppy is charged with cruelty
A woman in Minneapolis has been charged with animal cruelty after trying to mail a 4 month old puppy by airmail to Georgia.
The woman, Stacey Champion, went to the post office with a box with holes punched in the sides. (more…)...
80 birds that fell from the sky in Quebec were poisoned!
Canada.com is reporting that 80 birds that were found dead on a farm just west of Quebec city were poisoned. They were poisoned because of a chemical called Fenthion which used to be used to control bird populations. The chemical was banned for use to kill birds in 1995, and for use as a cattle insecticide in 2008. We still don't know who is responsible. ...
This dog can sniff out bed bugs.
A beagle mix named Radar has been trained to sniff out bedbugs. According to Brad Smith, fully accredited entomologist and president of Preferred Pest Control, “He’s the only dog in Iowa that’s trained to ... only alert to live bed bugs, down to one egg, which is about 1 millimeter big.
Read the full story here.
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Woman marries her dog.
A woman in Ghana has married her dog. Emily Mabou, 29, of Aburi, married the 18-month-old dog in a ceremony complete with priest. Her family boycotted the marriage stating that it was "a stupid step to combat her loneliness". So, why did she marry the dog? In Emily's words, "For so long, I've been praying for a life partner who will have all the qualities of my dad. My dad was kind, faithful, and loyal to my mum, and he never let her down. "I've been in relationships with so many men..., and they are all the same... skirt-chasers and cheaters. My dog is kind, and loyal to me and he treats me with so much respect." ...
Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats recalled.
Merrick Pet Foods has just announced a recall on all lots of Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats. There is a possibility of Salmonellla contamination.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. The symptoms can affect pets, or even people who have handled contaminated treats. No illnesses have been reported so far.
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This dog can sniff out cancer!
A dog in Japan has been trained to sniff out cancer. The Japan Times is reporting about a 9 year old labrador retriever who has been successfully trained to find cancer. The dog named Marine was given 300 samples to smell. In one test, she was given five containers containing breath samples of a patient with colon cancer. She chose the correct sample 33 out of 36 times. In smelling fecal samples, she found the sample from people with cancer 37 out of 38 times. Researchers hope that they can determine what causes cancers to produce a unique smell. This will hopefully aid in early cancer detection in the future. ...
Woman returns dog because he clashes with the curtains.
A woman in the UK adopted a Jack Russell Terrier from the shelter recently. She kept him for a week and then returned him. The reason given..."He clashed with her curtains." Read the full story in The Telegraph.
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200 Cows killed by bad potatoes.
200 Cows in Wisconsin have died mysteriously. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is reporting that the cause of the deaths was moldy sweet potatoes. Tests on the feed samples found a mycotoxin called ipmeanol. It was originally thought that a respiratory virus was the culprit. ...
Why did 5000 birds fall from the sky? Suicide?
Recently 5000 birds were found dead in Arkansas. CNN is reporting that autopsies of the birds showed that the cause of death was not bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, pesticides, or chemicals. Instead, it was determined that they died from blunt force trauma.
It is believed that fireworks confused the birds and caused them to fly into mailboxes, trees, houses, and power lines.
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Cat gets her degree online and can now be a shrink.
Dr. Zoe D Katze, Ph.D., C.Ht., DAPA has several degrees. She is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists, the American Board of Hypnotherapy, and the International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association. And she is a cat. Dr. Steve Eichel (human, and owner of Dr. Katze), successfully helped Zoe obtain these degrees online in attempt to expose online learning schemes. Read the full story here....
Top 5 dog breeds in Boston
The AKC announced the top 5 dog breeds in several major cities. The top 5 in Boston are the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and in a tie for 5th were the Bulldog and Boxer. For the top 5 breeds in other major cities, check out the AKC Website.
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Lizard the size of an alligator found.
A lizzard the size of an alligator has been found wandering the streets in California. ...
Toads may be able to predict earthquakes!
A recent study showed that 96 per cent of male toads abandonded their breeding site 5 days before the earthquake that hit L’Aquila in Italy in 2009. The theory is that the toads are reacting to changes in the ionosphere that happen prior to an earthquake....
3 new dog breeds are recognized by the AKC.
It's hard to get a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, but 3 breeds have recently succeeded in this task! The new breeds recognized are the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund, and the Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless). You can read more about this story in The Globe and Mail.
(Image of Entlebucher courtesy Wikipedia - taken by Serge Renggli)
...Veterinary drug will now be used to execute prisoners.
Ohio will now be using pentobarbitol to execute prisoners who have received the death penalty. The previously used drug, thiopental is on short supply. Pentobarbitol is the drug that most vets use to euthanize cats and dogs. Read more in the Wall Street Journal. ...
Dog works in a funeral home giving comfort to mourners.
Wilson, a yellow lab in Ohio, was formerly a rescue dog. He now works at the Fawcett, Oliver, Glass and Palmer Funeral Home providing comfort to grieving people. You can read more about how Oliver has been received in the Lancaster Eagle Gazette. ...
Owl survives 140 mile trek stuck in a truck grill.
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What an amazing story of survival! Poor Oliver the Owl was hit by a truck travelling down the highway. He traveled 140 miles holding on to the grill of the truck with his talons. When he was discovered by the drivers, they were able to take him to the RSPCA where he is now receiving treatment. Read the full story here.
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Rinderpest no more! A deadly disease is eradicated.
Rinderpest is a horrible disease that can affect cattle and is usually life threatening. The disease was known to kill entire herds of cattle. It is now believed that the disease has been completely eradicated. Read more at UPI.com.
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Is it dangerous to sleep with your pet in your bed?
A new study discusses the dangers of sleeping with a pet in your bed. Although rare, it's possible to get cat scratch disease, meningitis or even the plague just from having a pet in your bed. Read the full story at USA Today. ...
This cat lives in a tree permanently!
A man in Wisconsin found a cat in a tree and couldn't get him down. The cat has lived there for 7 months and gets fed salami and meatloaf every day.
...One Heartworm Medicine is Deemed 100% Effective
A study performed at Auburn University tested 4 common heartworm preventatives: Heartgard Plus, Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Revolution, and Advantage Multi. The study found that only Advantage Multi was 100% effective against dirofilaria immitis (heartworm). Read the full story here. ...
Sheltie is trapped on the ice for 5 days
Gibson the dog is finally home after being trapped on the ice for 5 days.
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