Massachusetts Coastal Town Orders Locals To Stop Calling 911 About Giant Fish

The local government of Wareham, a town in southern Massachusetts’ Plymouth County, has asked locals to please stop calling the police about a big, blobby fish that has been spotted minding its own business in coastal waters.

The fish — a whopper of a creature that has attracted dozens of emergency calls since Monday from locals mistaking it for a shark or a seal, according to The Cape Code Times — is an ocean sunfish.

Formally known by the genus name Mola, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) can grow to nearly 10 feet in length, weighing in at more than a stunning 4,400 pounds.

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Hypothyroidism is a Condition That Can Affect Cats and Lead to an Array of Serious Health Issues

Detecting, Diagnosing, and Treating Underactive Thyroid Low thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism (not to be confused with hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid), is a condition that can affect cats and lead to an array of serious health issues if it goes untreated. Though hypothyroidism is relatively rare in cats and affects many key aspects of a cat’s metabolism, it is usually manageable.

Low levels of hormones produced by the thyroid are usually the result of treatment for a far more common condition, hyperthyroidism. As such, most cases can be treated by simply adjusting the treatment regimen for the original condition so that the cat is producing thyroid hormones within the normal range.

Other causes of this condition include a reaction to radioactive iodine treatment, an iodine deficiency in the diet of the cat, a side effect of taking methimazole that results in the reduced production of thyroxine, the removal of either or both of the cat’s thyroid glands, a thyroid tumor or a tumor in the immediate area of the thyroid, and a variety of other autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of Feline Thyroid Hormone Deficiency

Producing insufficient levels of thyroid hormones can have various effects throughout a cat’s metabolism, and many of these effects are undetectable at home. Symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency in cats can include:

• A thinning of the coat
• General muscle weakness
• Hair loss
• Weight gain due to slowed metabolism
• Lethargy
• Sleeping more than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Pale gums
• Hypothermia
• Constipation
• Dry skin and dandruff

Diagnosis of Thyroid Hormone Deficiency in Cats

In most cases, diagnosing low thyroid hormone levels is as simple as running a few tests to determine the hormone levels in the blood. However, in some cases a veterinarian will need to perform a variety of other tests in order to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. These tests can include:

• A urinalysis
• Blood tests, sometimes including a complete blood count
• Chest x-rays or abdominal x-rays

Treating Thyroid Hormone Deficiency in Your Cat
Treatment for this condition in cats usually depends upon what the vet determines to be the underlying cause. As mentioned above, the overwhelming majority of hypothyroidism in cats is caused by treatment for hyperthyroid, in which case a simple adjustment of medication generally clears up the issue. In cats where other underlying causes are to blame, treatment for the condition can vary from surgery to remove tumors, to supplemental thyroid hormones.

If the cat has had their thyroid glands removed, then treatment will be needed for the remainder of the cat’s life. Medication typically has a positive effect on the condition following the first six weeks of treatment, but ongoing monitoring of the condition may be required for the life of the cat.

Prognosis for Cats Dealing With Thyroid Issues
Hypothyroidism can be prevented in many cases where treatment for hyperthyroidism is the cause. If the cat is seen regularly and has its hormone levels monitored, adjustment of medication can be completed proactively. In other cases, where the thyroid glands have been removed or are no longer functioning, medication and monitoring can allow for the cat to live a normal life.

Your Dog Has Diabetes. Here Are The Next Steps:

My dog has what?! Whatever the symptoms were that made you take your pup to the vet, good for you for taking him/her in to see your veterinarian! For most people, the diagnosis is a shock… a HUGE surprise! Who even knew that dogs can get diabetes? The first thing that you do now is breathe. Deep breaths…

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Hypothyroidism In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Hypothyroidism in dogs is a disorder where the thyroid gland in the neck doesn’t secrete enough thyroxine, a hormone that controls metabolism. This means that a dog’s body is no longer able to convert food into fuel at an appropriate rate.

Age, breed, lifestyle, and exposure to certain substances can all influence the onset of hypothyroidism in canines. Symptoms can range from lethargy and weight gain to seizures and heart problems.

To read more on this story, click here: Hypothyroidism In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Are Less Likely To Be Adopted

Black dogs have a difficult time at the shelter than most people realize. It is especially true of larger dogs. Although there is not a lot of research that proves it is true, most shelter workers will tell you that big black dog syndrome (BDS) does exist and the reasons why are beyond sad.

Shelter workers will likely tell you that black dogs, as well as black cats, will not get adopted from the shelter as readily as other dogs and they are more likely to be euthanized. There are some studies that show the opposite is true but since there is not any data pointing toward the scientific facts, I would be likely to trust the people who actually see it for themselves, the workers at the shelters.

To read more on this story, click here: Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Are Less Likely To Be Adopted

How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Broken Tail

If your cat’s tail is hanging down, it might sign that it’s broken or injured. Find out how long a broken tail takes to heal and what’s involved with treating it.

Is your kitty’s tail drooping down? If so, your cat may have a broken tail or another type of tail injury. 

A cat’s tail is usually erect and moving. It can clue you into your cat’s mood, like when she's irritated and it angrily swooshes back or forth. It also helps your cat with balance. 

So when your cat’s tail is pointing down, it’s a red flag that something serious is going on. Read on to learn more about cat tail injuries, their treatment, and how long they take to heal.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Broken Tail

Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

A very good dog got one last special treat from his favorite human.

Charlie, a beloved golden retriever, was the first dog Sallie Gregory-Hammett of Greenville, South Carolina, ever had on her own. Gregory-Hammett, 30, got Charlie when she was 23, single and had just moved to a new city.

“I know it’s cliché but he was my best friend,” Gregory-Hammett wrote to HuffPost. “He went with me everywhere —work, hiking, trips to Home Depot. He was just a constant source of comfort and companionship and joy. Everyone that knew me knew Charlie and knew how much I loved him.”

To read more on this story, click here: Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Benadryl an antihistamine medicine that cats might take primarily to treat a range of allergies and motion sickness. It’s actually a brand name for the generic drug diphenhydramine.

The medication works by calming the symptoms that are caused by histamine. It comes in tablet or syrup form, and you can purchase it over-the-counter without a prescription from a veterinarian.

To read more on this story, click here: Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Rescue Bear, Lion, And Tiger Were Best Friends For Almost 16 Years

We sometimes hear about “strange bedfellows” and there may be times when this occurs between different animals. The following story will convince you of the possibilities that exist in nature. It is about the bond that was formed between an American black bear, a Bengal tiger, and an African lion.

Bored Panda reported that Baloo the bear, Leo the lion, and Shere Khan have been living happily together at Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Georgia for almost 16 years. The trio of unlikely friends is usually known as BLT. They were rescued from the same basement of a house in Atlanta during a drug raid in 2001.

To read more on this story, click here: Rescue Bear, Lion, And Tiger Were Best Friends For Almost 16 Years

Salt River's Wild Horses Thrive With The Help Of Loving Volunteers

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group works with the Arizona government to ensure the maintenance of freedom for each horse in the herd.

PHOENIX — Wild horses on the banks of Salt River are a sight that visitors and Arizonans alike love to see when they go to the area on float trips or just looking for a good photo opportunity. 

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group with the oversight from the Arizona Department of Agriculture takes care of the population and makes sure that each horse lives a humane life while maintaining their freedom.

To read more on this story, click here: Salt River's Wild Horses Thrive With The Help Of Loving Volunteers 

You may be interested in reading: 9 best places to see the Salt River wild horses

Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, Salt River Wild Horse, Horse, Salt River, Wild Horse, 

Reality Stars Decide To Keep Rescue Dog Months After He Bit Their Son

When dog lovers Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann’s son got seriously injured by one of their beloved rescue pups, they thought long and hard about whether or not they should keep him in the family.

Kim Zolciak-Biermann is known for her role on the reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, while Kroy Biermann is an outside linebacker in the NFL. Now, the couple and their family star in their reality series, Don’t Be Tardy. But it wasn’t all glitz and glamour on one fateful day in April, when their rescue Husky-Boxer mix, Sinatra (“Sinn”), bit their 5-year-old son Kash in the face.

To read more on this story, click here: Reality Stars Decide To Keep Rescue Dog Months After He Bit Their Son

7-Foot-Tall Great Dane Is Often Mistaken For A Horse

Big dogs are impressive, especially when they’re so large they get mistaken for other animals. Take Thunder for example, a 7ft tall Great Dane who regularly gets mistaken for a horse whenever his owner takes him out for a walk. This big boy easily could pass for a pony since he tips the scale at more than 210 pounds. However, in typical big dog fashion, he thinks he’s a lapdog and often tries to cuddle on his owner’s lap.

35-year-old Jenny Saccoccia and her husband, 37-year-old home developer Chris, live with Thunder in their family home in Ontario, Canada, which is a four-bedroom house that they all share with their other smaller dogs: a Pomeranian named Chichi, a Malamute named Tulu, and a Yorkshire Terrier named Peanut. Turns out, the large and monstrous Thunder is actually afraid of the small dogs, who all have the run of the household.

To read more on this story, click here: 7-Foot-Tall Great Dane Is Often Mistaken For A Horse

"Hero Rat" Awarded Animal Bravery Medal for Sniffing Out Dozens of Landmines in Cambodia

A rat named Magawa has been given an animal bravery award for sniffing out dozens of landmines in Cambodia. Magawa received a gold medal from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity in the United Kingdom, on Friday, making him the first rodent in the nonprofit's history to earn the distinction.

To read more on this story, click here: "Hero Rat" Awarded Animal Bravery Medal for Sniffing Out Dozens of Landmines in Cambodia

The Japanese Macaques, More Commonly Known as Snow Monkeys, Attract Many Tourists and Japan Natives Alike Every Year

The Japanese macaques, more commonly known as snow monkeys, attract many tourists and Japan natives alike every year.

Where are these monkeys found?

These monkeys are found in Yamanouchi in the Nagano prefecture within the Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-koen) in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. They boast a large population of the monkeys, making it likely to spot them should you visit.

Due to the steep terrain and the steam coming up from the hot springs, giving the land an eerie look, the valley in which the park is located got the name Jigokudani or "Hell's Valley." Don't let the name fool you though! Although the environment may seem harsh, the land is also beautiful and serene, and especially in the colder seasons, becomes a snowy wonderland. Due to the cold, snowy environment, the monkeys love to bathe in the hotsprings, onsens, found there, and this becomes a popular sight for tourists to come see. There is something distinctly human about the way these monkeys take in and enjoy the warmth the rotenburo, outdoor onsens, offer them.

When is the best time to see them?

Although the monkeys are always close to the main park, in the warmer months, they are usually off  doing their thing deep within the national park. In the winter, they are more likely to be a greater number of them closer to Jigokudanai Monkey Park, bathing in the hotsprings. The monkeys survive off of seeds, berries, bugs, and fruit within the national park, but are also fed by the park attendants, making the probability higher that the monkeys will stick around close to the hot springs year-round, as there is always guaranteed food!