Emerald Colored Stray Cat Turns Heads After Sleeping on Heap of Synthetic Paint

Stalking along the backstreets and failing miserably to blend into the background, the sight of this emerald colored stray has caused uproar in a Black Sea resort town.

Locals in Varna, Bulgaria, assumed the cat was the victim of a cruel prank by vandals and set up a Facebook group called 'Punishment to the the perpetrator of this criminal act'.

But it has now been revealed that the cat has developed a green hue because it usually sleeps on an abandoned heap of synthetic green paint in a garage.

Varna is a popular tourist destination as it is the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

The RSPCA has warned that dying or painting animals for cosmetic reasons could have 'potentially fatal consequences'.

Green with envy: The sight of this stray roaming the backstreets in Varna, Bulgaria has caused uproar

Feline jealous? A video has appeared on which shows the emerald-green feline playing with a ginger cat

Eye-catching: Locals in the Black Sea resort town assumed the cat was the victim of a prank by vandals

But it has been revealed that the cat usually sleeps on an abandoned heap of synthetic green paint

This has been backed up by reports which say the stray cat becomes more green each day

Blending in: Varna is a popular tourist destination as it is the largest seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Locals set up a Facebook group called 'Punishment to the the perpetrator of this criminal act'

They were calling for vandals to be taken to court and punished for the act of animal cruelty

The RSPCA has warned that dyeing or painting animals for cosmetic reasons could have 'potentially fatal consequences'

Thinking About Getting A Ferret?

Ferrets are cute and fun, but are they good pets? Ferrets may not suit everyone, but they can be wonderful companions due to their playfulness, affection, and quiet nature for most of the day. It's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of owning a ferret to thoroughly understand the commitment involved before bringing one home. If you're contemplating a ferret, continue reading to discover more about their requirements and whether they're the right choice for you.

Pro: Ferrets Are Cute

With mischievous eyes and sweet faces, ferrets are undeniably adorable. They are a small size and can provide your family with a sweet long-term pet. Most ferrets live for about six to eight years, though some pet ferrets can live up to 12 years.

Female ferrets usually grow to 13 to 14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 3/4 pound to 2 1/2 pounds. Male ferrets are often slightly larger. They typically grow to 15 to 16 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 1/2 pounds if neutered. They can grow larger (4 or more pounds) if they are not neutered.

Con: They Are High-Maintenance

Ferrets aren’t the type of pet that you can keep in a cage all day or let do their own thing. They have certain dietary requirements that have to be met to ensure their health, and they require socialization, interaction, and playtime with appropriate toys. Also, they need an enclosure that will provide them with everything to feel safe, happy, and comfortable, and their cage needs to be cleaned often.  

Pro: Ferrets Are Playful and Curious

They will entertain you endlessly with their antics and will happily play with ferret toys, tubes, and tunnels. Watching ferrets play for the sheer joy of it is guaranteed to lift your mood. Owning pets has proven health benefits for the owner because of the joy and affection they bring.

Con: They Have a Smell

Ferrets have a musky, offensive odor that comes from the anal glands. Having your pet spayed or neutered can reduce this odor but won’t eliminate it, so you’ll still need to take steps, such as keeping the cage clean and in a ventilated area, to keep the smell at a minimum.

Pro: Ferrets Are Sociable, Friendly, and Affectionate

It is often recommended (though not essential) to have more than one pet ferret. Having two or more ferrets increases the fun factor for the owner and the ferrets, as they will interact and play together, sometimes with wild abandon. Despite having other ferrets to socialize with, they will still crave attention from their owners.

Con: They Require Lots of Exercise

Ferrets require a lot of interaction along with supervised time outside of their cage so they can run around and release their energy. You need to find ways to keep these animals occupied physically and mentally, so having a variety of toys for them is important—your ferret will have fun and get the exercise they need at the same time. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Intelligent

Some owners are amazed at how adept ferrets become at solving problems. Ferrets are very determined and will work at figuring something out with surprising persistence. They enjoy challenging puzzles and games and it's recommended to provide them with puzzle-based toys or games.

Con: They Are Illegal in Some Locations

There are places where you aren’t allowed to keep ferrets as pets. States like Hawaii and California, and cities like New York City, are examples. So, before you get a ferret, check your state and local laws to be sure it’s legal to keep one as a pet.

Pro: Ferrets Are Quiet

While they can and do vocalize, for the most part, ferrets are very quiet. The most noise they will make is if they are very frightened or injured. They also sleep away a large portion of the day.

Con: They Get Hairballs

Like cats, ferrets groom themselves and can develop hairballs. In serious cases, a hairball can cause an obstruction. Other symptoms include reduced appetite and vomiting. Brushing your ferret can help, and there are hairball products for ferrets too.

Pro: Ferrets Are Small

Ferrets don't need a huge cage, though the bigger the better. Ideal ferret cages are tall with multiple levels, so they still don't take up too much room. They do need to spend time out of their cage every day for playtime and exercise.

Con: They Require Socialization

Ferrets should be socialized while they’re young so they’re comfortable around people and won’t exhibit negative behaviors like aggressive biting. Your ferret should feel totally at ease, without any fear, when around people and being handled, but socialization takes time, effort, and patience.

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Feed

This is especially true now that a variety of good-quality ferret foods have become more widely available. Pre-made ferret food is available in most pet stores or online retailers. While you can offer them a variety of foods, it's helpful to use high-quality pet food as the base to ensure proper nutrition.

Con: They Bite and Chew Items

Ferrets like to bite and chew on things, and this means everyday items could end up destroyed by your pet if you aren’t careful. Rather than letting your ferret play outside of their cage unsupervised, monitor what they’re doing and make sure they play with their own toys that are safe to chew on. Take steps to keep dangerous and important items out of reach of your ferret.

Pro: Ferrets Can Be Litter Trained

Ferrets can be trained to go in a box, though not to the same extent as cats and there are bound to be a few accidents. Most ferrets can be fairly reliably trained to use a litter box in and out of their cages. This is a big plus when you have them out for exercise for a couple of hours a day!

Con: They Don't Always Make Good Pets for Children

Ferrets might be a good pet for older children who are gentle and respectful towards these small animals. However, they aren’t the best choice for young children because kids could get bitten by ferrets, and kids who don’t know how to handle a ferret properly could end up hurting their pet. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Exercise

They can get all the exercise they need tearing around your (ferret-proofed) home! With a ferret-sized harness and a little training, you can take them out for a stroll. Few things will start a conversation with strangers faster than walking your ferret in the park!

Con: They Are Prone to Health Issues

Ferrets can develop a variety of health problems, such as parasites, adrenal gland disease, dental disease, digestive issues, cancer, heart disease, and aplastic anemia. Consult an exotic veterinarian who can help you keep your ferret healthy.

Pro: Ferrets Have Distinct Personalities

Every ferret is unique and has their own personality. Some are independent and some are very cuddly, but each is an individual! If you are thinking about having a pet ferret, it can be helpful to meet a few pet ferrets first, as you'll see how their personalities vary and this will give you a good sense of what it means to be a ferret owner.

Con: They Can Get Out of Their Cage

Ferrets are known as escape artists. Set up a secure enclosure that will ensure your pets won’t be able to break out and get into trouble when you aren’t looking. Also, be careful when your ferrets are playing outside of their cage, as they might squeeze into small spaces and get lost.

FAQ

What are the downsides of owning a ferret?

Although pet ferrets can be loads of fun, you need to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t escape, hurt themselves, or destroy your things by chewing on them. And they aren’t the best choice for families with young children.

Are ferrets high-maintenance?

Ferrets are considered high-maintenance pets that have specific requirements, from the right diet and cage to the right toys that they can chew on. They need to be properly socialized while they’re young, and spayed or neutered to reduce their odor. They also need plenty of time outside of their cage, interacting with their family. 

Are ferrets cuddly?

Provided that your ferret is socialized and used to being handled, they will enjoy being with you and cuddling. Holding your ferret can strengthen your bond and keep your pet happy.

Fat Bear Week 2025 Has Crowned a Winner! See the Results and Meet the New Champion

Fat Bear Week 2025 has crowned its winner!

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, voting in the 2025 Fat Bear Week competition concluded. The final match-up in the single-elimination, bracket-style contest came down to Chunk (also known as Bear 32) and Bear 856. Chunk ended up winning the final round with 96,362 votes, beating Bear 856's 63,729 votes.

After voting closed, Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve and Explore.org announced the winner of its annual competition, which lets fans vote online to determine which Katmai bear "best exemplifies fatness and success in brown bears" as the park's wildlife bulk up for hibernation.

World Animal Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, and Global Significance

 

World Animal Day is observed every year on October 4 to raise awareness about animal rights and welfare. The global event encourages compassion, protection, and action for all animals. In 2025, World Animal Day takes on even greater importance as it marks the 100th anniversary of its founding.

12 Curious Facts About White Cats to Know Before Adopting One

If you’re pondering adding a sweet, snow-colored ball of fuzz to the family, there is a lot you need to know. And we’re not just talking about the most popular white cat breeds, although that’s certainly a consideration. After all, you might want to go for a rare, expensive kitty (like the Khao Manee), or maybe a super fluffy Felix (hello, Turkish Angora), or one that’s known for friendliness (Persians, for example, are nowhere near as grumpy as they look). But there are other things about white cats you should be aware of, including some that impact their health.

For example, did you know that many white cats are deaf, and, according to Dr. Ashly Smith, Regional Medical Director for Small Door Veterinary, may need to learn visual cues? Even more surprising, “White cats have less melanin in their skin, which makes them more vulnerable to sunburns as well as certain skin cancers,” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. “The risk of these cancers is greater in cats who spend more time sunbathing, so be sure to limit your cat’s exposure to harmful UV rays, especially on their more sparsely-haired faces, ears, and bellies.”

How Do I Keep My Cat Out Of The Christmas Tree?

Getting ready for the holidays and about to put your Christmas tree up? Keep in mind that the tree makes a tempting target for many curious cats. Here are some tips on how to pet-proof your Christmas tree.

When it comes to buying a Christmas tree, I prefer and love real trees. After all, they fill our house with the holiday smells of evergreen. However, keep in mind that if you have cats, real trees are much more tempting. Not only are real trees fragrant and the pine needles more fun to chew on (thankfully, rarely poisonous) but the tree trunk is perfect for scratching and climbing. Consider an artificial tree (after all, less trees are cut down and thrown away, right?). If you do get a real tree, avoid one that is very tall, as a tall tree would be more likely to topple.

Meet the Black Barn Alpacas at a Fall Festival in Finksburg, Maryland

A Maryland alpaca ranch is holding a fall festival, where attendees can meet and feed alpacas along with other fall activities. News4’s Tommy McFly met some of the furry friends that will be there.

Black Barn Alpacas Ranch

 

 The animal-loving couple Travis and Yussy McManus owns Maryland’s Black Barn Alpacas Ranch. Travis was raised on a cattle ranch, and Yussy grew up riding horses—cementing their love of farm life from a young age. The couple lives on the ranch and looks forward to greeting the alpaca herd every morning with nose boops (and an extra handful or two of food). 

Travis manages the farm team, and Yussy leads the Y Interiors design team, dreaming up home goods made with genuine alpaca fleece. Together, they intend to expand Black Barn Alpacas, delivering well-bred animals, quality fleece products, and unforgettable experiences. Take it from the experts; there is nothing more rewarding than being able to snuggle up to an alpaca every day!

Black Barn Alpacas

2401 Bollinger Mill Rd.

Finksburg, MD 21048

Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs: What to Know

 

Many senior dogs suffer from hearing impairment as they age and become less responsive to you and the world around them. Your ability to communicate with your dog becomes hampered when they can’t hear what you have to say. This lack of communication can be frustrating for you and stressful for your dog. But luckily there are steps you can take to help your senior dog cope with hearing loss.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs

There are many causes of hearing loss in dogs. For elderly dogs, the cause is often degenerative changes in the nerves found inside the ear. This is similar to the hearing loss seen in older people. The changes will likely be gradual. Symptoms will creep up slowly, and you may not notice them right away.

To read more on this story, click HERE: Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs: What to Know

Animal Shelters In The D.C. Metropolitan Area (DMV) Are Overcrowded And Need Your Help

Animal shelters in the D.C. metropolitan area (DMV) are overcrowded due to increased pet surrenders, reduced spay/neuter services, and informal breeding, leading to high numbers of dogs and cats needing homes. Shelters like the 

Montgomery County Animal Shelter, DC's Humane Rescue Alliance Humane Rescue Alliance and The Prince George's County Animal Services Division are experiencing capacity issues, necessitating urgent calls for community support through adoption and fostering. 

                                                 Why Shelters Are Overcrowded

Increased Surrenders:

A significant increase in pet surrenders has been noted across the DMV, partly due to economic hardships and people returning to work after the pandemic. 

COVID-Related Trends:

The pandemic saw a surge in pet adoptions, but this was followed by a period where people returned to work, impacting their ability to care for their pets, and now shelter numbers are rising. 

Reduced Spay/Neuter Efforts:

A decline in spay and neuter activities during the COVID years contributed to the current spike in animal populations. 

Backyard Breeding:

A rise in informal or "backyard" breeding has also contributed to the surplus of animals entering shelters. 

                                                            How You Can Help

Adopt:

Adopting an animal helps alleviate overcrowding and frees up space for other animals in need. 

Foster:

Fostering an animal provides it with a temporary home and helps the shelters manage their capacity. 

Volunteer:

Contributing your time to local animal shelters can help with dog walks, training, and other care duties. 

Educate:

Spread awareness about the issue of shelter overcrowding and the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering. 

Reunite Lost Pets:

Before bringing a found pet to a shelter, try to reunite it with its owner first, as this can help reduce shelter intake.

“ADOPT DON’T SHOP”

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Gladys Is A Mom See Photos Of New Baby After Cincinnati Zoo Gorilla Gives Birth

Gladys, a 12-year-old gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo, gave birth to a male baby gorilla at 8:32 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Mom and baby are doing well, according to the zoo. This is Gladys’ first baby and the 51st gorilla born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

To read more on this story, click HERE  

If Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach, Try These Foods

At some time or another, most dog owners will have to deal with the occasional upset stomach in their pet.  Stomach upset can be caused by many things and when it happens, it can be miserable for both dog and owner.

Why do dogs get an upset stomach?

Dogs can get an upset stomach for many reasons and when symptoms are mild, most of the time it can be handled at home.  Some of the most common reasons a dog will throw up or get gas and diarrhea include:

To read more on this story, click here: If Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach, Try These Foods

Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

A cat losing hair on its hind legs is cause for concern. It's normal for a cat to be shedding, but sudden loss or thinning of hair on the back legs is not. Hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia, can be caused by a variety of issues from fleas, allergies, a bacterial infection, or stress, all of which are problems that must be addressed. Know the difference between normal shedding and abnormal hair loss so you can react appropriately.

To read more on this story, click here: Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

Animals and COVID-19

What You Need to Know

•  The risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to people is low.

•  The virus can spread from people to animals during close contact.

•  More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
• People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

To read more on this story, click here: Animals and COVID-19

Komodo Dragon

Komodo dragons, or Komodo monitors, are the largest, heaviest lizards in the world — and one of the few with a venomous bite. These stealthy, powerful hunters rely on their sense of smell to detect food, using their long, forked tongues to sample the air. They can spend hours waiting for a sizable meal to wander within range before launching a deadly attack with their large, curved and serrated teeth.

To read more on this story, click here: Komodo Dragon

Information about COVID-19, Pets, and Other Animals

A number of animals worldwide have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, including pets like cats and dogs, farmed mink, and large cats, gorillas, and otters in zoos, sanctuaries, and aquariums. Reptiles and birds have not been affected by this virus. The risk of animals spreading the virus to people is low, but people with COVID-19 can spread the virus to animals during close contact. The information linked to below provides guidance for pet owners, public health professionals, animal health and wildlife officials, veterinarians, and others on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between people and animals.

To read more on this story, click here: Information about COVID-19, Pets, and Other Animals

Our Pets Can Feel the Daylight Savings Shift More Strongly Than We Do

While pushing the clocks back only one hour might seem like business as usual for us, our pets’ are sometimes not as amenable and might act up!  Just by switching the clocks to Daylight Savings Times, our dogs and cat’s schedules can be completely off-kilter!  Our fur children are so in tune with when they are going to be fed, what time to go to sleep and eat, that we need to be prepared!

Dogs and cats have internal clocks that affect their rhythm

Just like humans, animals have internal clocks that tell them when to eat, sleep and wake up. This biological timekeeper, also known as circadian rhythm, is set in motion by natural sunlight. However, for pets this effect is minimized by the artificial environment they live in, where light comes on not with the rising sun but with the flip of a switch.  Household pets might get grumpy when they show up to an empty food dish at their perceived dinner time.

Our dogs and cats are used to their routine so we need to ease them into the new time

A dog or cat’s daily routine is something they would prefer to be written in stone. Unfortunately, things happen that can alter schedules and a simple time change can be perplexing for some pets. When we gain an hour and can sleep in, our pets are still on daylight savings time and don’t understand why we’re still in bed when they are up and ready to go. Their internal clock is saying morning has arrived and it’s time to get moving (and get fed!).

Our dogs and cats are more affected by daylight savings than we are

Our pets, however, might feel the daylight savings shift more strongly than us. Pay attention to them this week; they might be cranky themselves. Sleepy dogs might not want to end their naps to go out on a walk earlier than expected. Or some cats might turn their noses up at food if that comes an hour before the normal time.  In the wild, animals pattern their lives around the phases of the sun, but domesticated pets follow their own versions of our schedules. Daylight savings can really mess with our pets internal rhythms for a few days, or even a week, until they readjust.

Try to change their schedule in increments and they will adjust quickly

The good news is most pets will adjust to the time change fairly quickly.  A few things you can do to make the transition easier is to keep them on their normal schedule and slowly begin to change their daily routine by 5-10 minutes each day.  Keep doing this until you make up for the hour change adjustment. Moving their feeding times, play time and walks back a little each day can make it easier for dogs and cats to adjust.

Most cats won’t be as affected as dogs will while some pets won’t even notice.  
But, don’t be surprised if your dog or cat wakes you up earlier to be fed and might be a bit cranky this upcoming week!

The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog

Billions of dollars are spent annually on companion animals - we buy toys, treats, food, leashes, collars, food bowls, beds, crates and pay veterinarians, trainers, groomers, pet sitters, dog walkers, professional poop-scooping companies, pet psychics, pet masseuses, and pet health insurers thousands of dollars over the course of a single pet's life.


We do all these things because animals make our lives better. Most pet owners would agree that the money we spend on pets pales in comparison with the amount of joy they bring us.

All of these expenditures are directly related to improving the lives of the animals we share our homes with. While it is important to care for your pet in the best manner that circumstances allow, it is also important that we remember the one simple thing each of us can do to improve the lives of not only our own dogs and cats, but dogs and cats throughout the nation and internationally - spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

Why You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Pet
There are many benefits of spaying or neutering your pet. One of the most important is that spaying dogs and cats ensures that your own pet will not contribute to the pet overpopulation crises. Unaltered cats and dogs can be prolific breeders, and there are many more cats and dogs needing homes than there are homes for them. Pets without homes are often euthanized in shelters or left to fend for themselves, often unsuccessfully, in the search of food and mating opportunities.

Others spay/neuter pets for health reasons. Here are some of the benefits of neutering male dogs:

• Eliminates the small risk (probably <1%) of dying from testicular cancer
• Reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
• Reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
• May possibly reduce the risk of diabetes

And here are some benefits of spaying female dogs:

• If done before 2.5 years of age, greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, the most common malignant tumors in female dogs
• Nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra, which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs
• Reduces the risk of perenial fistulas
• Removes the very small risk (.5%) from uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors
• Spaying and neutering also can reduce roaming behaviors, territorial marking behaviors, intersex aggression, etc. in dogs.

The Spay/Neuter Debate
As with any major surgery, there are both benefits and risks associated with spaying and neutering. While spaying and neutering pets seems to reduce the risk of many cancers and illnesses, there is evidence that it can contribute to others, and there is research that indicates that spaying and neutering can decrease some behavioral problems while contributing to others.

Most veterinarians advise spaying and neutering around six months of age. Some dog owners, particularly those with large breed dogs, prefer to wait until the dog has physically matured until neutering or spaying. Dogs that are neutered/spayed after reaching full maturity tend to be more muscular than early spay/neuter dogs, which is important in working dogs.

Some dogs may have health problems which might prohibit spaying or neutering. Educate yourself about the behavioral and physical health benefits and risks associated with surgery and have a discussion with your veterinarian about what is best for your dog.

If You Decide Not To Spay Or Neuter Your Pet
As of right now, the law cannot force you to spay or neuter your pet (although legislation to this effect has been proposed). If you choose not to spay or neuter your pet, it is imperative that you do not allow your pet breeding opportunities. If you have an unspayed female, she must be on leash at all times during a heat cycle and not be given the opportunity to interact with intact males. If you have an intact male, it is your responsibility to contain him safely so that he does not run through the neighborhood creating the next batch of puppies that will end up dying in a shelter because there are no homes for them.

Dogs should only be bred intentionally to other similarly accomplished purebred dogs if they have conformation championships, all health testing appropriate for the breed, are over two years of age, in top physical condition, display no behavioral problems (shyness, aggression, reactivity), if the breeder is prepared to spend a LOT of time and money whelping and socializing the litter, carefully interviewing potential adopters and educating them on the breed. Breeding should be left to those with a good working knowledge of canine genetics, the history of the breed and their goals for improving the breed.

When Petting Your Dog Always Check for Lumps and Bumps

There are very few surprises that will startle you more than discovering a lump or bump on your dog. As your hand wanders over your canine pal in affectionate scratching or petting, your fingers just may chance upon a lump that “was not there before."

It will scare the biscuits out of you ... that nagging "C" word drifting about the back of your mind, your first fear is that your dog might have cancer. Setting in motion your search for an answer as to what this lump is you make a quick trip to the…I hope that lump isn't serious.

"How long has this been here?" the veterinarian asks. "Just found it yesterday, doctor," you respond.

"Let’s see if we can find any others," says the doctor as experienced and sensitive hands work the dog over.  Sure enough, "Here’s another one just like it!" says the doctor as she places your hand right over the small, round, moveable soft mass under the skin of the dog’s flank.

"I think these are what we call Lipomas, just fat deposits under the skin. They are very common and usually present no problems," says the doctor. Your relief at hearing the good news is cut short as the doctor continues …

"However, we honestly do not know what these lumps truly are unless we examine some cells under the microscope. So I’d suggest that we do a simple needle biopsy, place some cells on a slide and send the slides to a veterinary pathologist for a definite diagnosis."

The doctor in this case is being thorough and careful. How true it is that a definitive diagnosis of "what it is" simply cannot be made without microscopic examination of the lump’s cells. A veterinary specialist in pathology is the final authority and judge when it comes to shedding light on these lumps and bumps that we too often find on our canine pals.

The lipoma is one of the most commonly encountered lumps seen by veterinarians during a physical exam. These soft, rounded, non-painful masses, usually present just under the skin but occasionally arising from connective tissues deep between muscles, are generally benign. That is, they stay in one place, do not invade surrounding tissues and do no metastasize to other areas of the body. They grow to a certain size and just sit there in the tissues and behave themselves.

Most lipomas do not have to be removed. Occasionally, though, lipomas will continue to grow into huge fat deposits that are a discomfort to the dog and present a surgical challenge to remove. And even more rarely, some lipomas will be malignant and spread throughout the dog’s body.

IS IT A TUMOR?

And therein lies the true challenge in dealing with lumps and bumps on dogs -- we simply cannot predict with 100% accuracy just what any of these foreigners will do. So we do the best we can by removing them when indicated or keeping a close guard over them so that at the first sign of change they can be removed.

Not every lump or bump on your dog will be a tumor. Some superficial bumps are due simply to plugged oil glands in the skin, called sebaceous cysts. Skin cysts can be composed of dead cells or even sweat or clear fluid; these often rupture on their own, heal, and are never seen again. Others become chronically irritated or infected, and should be removed and then checked by a pathologist just to be sure of what they are. Some breeds, especially the Cocker Spaniel, are prone to developing sebaceous cysts.

And yes, the sebaceous glands in the skin do occasionally develop into tumors called sebaceous adenomas.  According to Richard Dubielzig, DVM, of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, "Probably the most commonly biopsied lump from dog skin is a sebaceous adenoma. This does not mean it is the most commonly occurring growth, just that it is most commonly biopsied." Fortunately this type of skin growth rarely presents trouble after being surgically removed.

So how are you to know which lumps and bumps are dangerous and which can be left alone? Truthfully, you are really only guessing without getting the pathologist involved. Most veterinarians take a conservative approach to the common lipomas and remove them if they are growing rapidly or are located in a sensitive area.

However, caution needs to be observed because even the common lipoma has an invasive form called an infiltrative lipoma. For example, when a nasty looking, reddened, rapidly growing mass is detected growing on the gum aggressive action is indicated.  Also, keep in mind that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and some are fairly innocent and do not warrant immediate surgery.

Non-cancerous lumps

Cysts, warts, infected hair follicles, hematomas (blood blisters) and others do cause concern and can create discomfort for the dog, though non-cancerous lumps have less health impact than cancerous growths.

Cancerous lumps

Cancerous growths can be either malignant or benign, and occasionally even share characteristics of both.  Malignant lumps tend to spread rapidly and can metastasize to other areas of the body. Benign growths tend to stay in the place of origin and do not metastasize; however they can grow to huge proportions (see such an example of inoperable tumor pictured on the right).

Mammary gland tumors, mast cell tumors, cutaneous lymphosarcoma, malignant melanoma, fibrosarcoma and many other types of tumors with truly scary names command respect and diligent attention on the part of dog owners and veterinarians.

DIAGNOSIS

Below are the most common methods of finding out "what it is" …

Impression Smears

Some ulcerated masses lend themselves to easy cell collection and identification by having a glass microscope slide pressed against the raw surface of the mass. The collected cells are dried and sent to a pathologist for staining and diagnosis. Sometimes the attending veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis via the smear; otherwise, a specialist in veterinary pathology will be the authority regarding tumor type and stage of malignancy.

Needle Biopsy

Many lumps can be analyzed via a needle biopsy rather than by total excision. A needle biopsy is performed by inserting a sterile needle into the lump, pulling back on the plunger, and "vacuuming" in cells from the lump. The collected cells are smeared onto a glass slide for pathological examination. Usually the patient isn’t even aware of the procedure. Total excision of the mass is attempted if the class of tumor identified warrants surgery.

CT Scans

Superficial lumps and bumps do not require that CT Scans be done, so this procedure is usually reserved for internal organ analysis. If a superficial malignant tumor is diagnosed, however, a CT Scan can be helpful in determining if metastasis to deeper areas of the body has occurred.

Radiography

As with CT Scans, X-ray evaluation is generally reserved for collecting evidence of internal masses. Most lipomas are superficial and reside under the skin or skeletal muscles. There are other lumps that can be palpated by the veterinarian via manual examination; however, the extent and origin of that mass will often be best revealed via CT Scanning.

TREATMENT

Since every type of cell in the body potentially could evolve into cancerous tissue, the types and ferocity of tumors that develop in the dog are numerous and highly varied. Each case needs to be evaluated on its own circumstances and variables. For example, should surgery be done on a 16-year-old dog with what appears to be a 3-inch wide lipoma? Maybe not. Should that same dog have a quarter inch wide, black, nodular mass removed from its lower gum. Probably should! That small growth may be a melanoma that could metastasize to other areas of the dog’s body.

Surgery

An important basic tool in eliminating a nuisance or dangerous lump is to surgically excise it.

Chemotherapy

Chemicals that are highly toxic to rapidly dividing cells make up an important mode of treatment for fast growing tumors. A combination of surgery and radiation/chemotherapy can help the veterinarian gain the upper hand in achieving a cure. Chemotherapy is often employed as an additional precautionary procedure after a mass has been "removed" via surgery.

Radiation

For invasive tumors that do not have well defined borders and for tumors that tend to spread rapidly, radiation therapy can be a lifesaver. Available at most veterinary medical schools and some veterinary specialists in radiology, radiation therapy is appropriate for certain types of tumors. Radiation is often employed in addition to surgical excision.

Experimental

Emerging science such as gene therapy and immunotherapy hold promise for some amazing ways to combat tumors. The future looks promising for these new methods of dealing with tumors.

According to Dr. Dubielzig, the best approach to understanding what to do about a lump or bump on your dog is to be vigilant and treat each situation individually. "In cases where vigilance for tumors is part of the animal’s care, such as in animals where a malignant tumor has been removed and the veterinarian wishes to keep abreast of the stage of disease, then every lump should be submitted for histopathology," Dubielzig said. "In other cases where the clinician is sure of a benign diagnosis such as lipoma or a wart-like skin mass then it might be understandable to use discretion. The clinician also has to take into consideration the risk of surgery compared to the risk of health problems from a particular lump or bump."

  

Take a good surface inventory of your dog today, then at least once a month from now on. If you find any imperfections, take heart in knowing that modern veterinary medicine has some very effective remedies for almost all of these lumps and bumps.

How to Care for a Pet Mouse

Pet mice are entertaining to watch, are easy to care for, and make very few demands on their owners. They are a bit skittish and harder to handle than some larger rodents, such as rats, but they can learn to be comfortable with handling, especially if tamed from a young age. Pet mice come in a wide array of colors with fairly short fur. Their rounded ears and long tail have minimal fur. As nocturnal animals, mice will generally be most active at night and sleep through the day. In terms of their care, they require a quality rodent food and regular habitat cleanings.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Care for a Pet Mouse

Dog Breeds Banned By Home Insurance Companies

Aside from natural disasters and water, the three things that give home insurance companies agita are dogs, pools and trampolines. Basically anything fun.

The problem with dogs is the expensive liability claims against the dog owners. Homeowners insurance pays out for dog bites or other dog-related injuries—such as a fall when a dog jumps on someone or runs at them. The average dog bite claim has been around $44,760, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

To rein in costs, many home insurance companies have lists of banned dogs—cases where the insurer won’t provide coverage if a customer owns the breed. Not all home insurers have strict lists of banned dog breeds. Some take dog bite problems on a case by case in deciding whether to offer insurance to the owner.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog Breeds Banned By Home Insurance Companies