The kitten’s behavioural development

The kitten’s behavioural development encompasses the prenatal period and the first few weeks of life. These phases are crucial in shaping the kitten’s identity and can influence the appearance of developmental disorders, particularly forms of aggression. Understanding the feline lifestyle is essential to understanding these disorders. The kitten’s first weeks of life During the gestation … Read more

The different types of behavioural problems in cats

Behavioural disorders in domestic felines, particularly aggression, are a significant problem for both the animals and their owners. Aggression in cats can take many forms. It can be triggered by a multitude of environmental, physiological and psychological factors. Predatory behaviour Predatory behaviour is natural in cats. It is not an aggressive disorder. However, without good … Read more

Allergies in animals

Close-up of a dog suffering from atopic dermatitis, showing redness and hair loss around the eyes and muzzle.

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to health that uses natural methods to promote well-being. It is increasingly used to treat and prevent various ailments in animals, including allergies. What is an allergy? An allergic reaction in pets, whether seasonal or food-related, is an excessive immune response to common allergens such as certain foods, plants or … Read more

Focus on allergic diseases in animals

Focus on allergic-type diseases in animals

Allergic-type diseases are a major concern in animal health, affecting a wide range of species including dogs, cats and horses. These pathological conditions, resulting from an overactive immune response to normally harmless substances, manifest themselves through a variety of symptoms that can significantly alter the quality of life of the animals concerned. Emphysema in horses … Read more

Thermoregulation in horses: a mechanism for thermal balance

Thermoregulation is an essential physiological process that enables living organisms to maintain their body temperature within an optimal range despite environmental variations. In the horse, a homeothermic animal, this mechanism is particularly sophisticated because of its large body mass, intense muscular activity and high-performance metabolic system. Heat dissipation relies on key processes such as sweating, … Read more

High/Low Syndrome: when a horse’s balance becomes a challenge

High/low syndrome in horses is a podal asymmetry characterised by a “high” foot (high heels, short toe) and a “low” foot (low heels, long toe). This condition results from an unequal load on the limbs, influenced by anatomical, biomechanical and postural factors. It can lead to joint and tendon pain and reduced performance. Management is … Read more

Reactivity in horses: voluntary and aggressive behaviour

Reactivity in horses is a defensive or oppositional behaviour often perceived as resistance to the rider’s demands. This phenomenon can manifest itself in various forms, such as refusal to advance, rearing, bucking or abrupt reactions, and is generally seen as a response to physical, psychological or environmental discomfort. From a technical perspective, reactivity results from … Read more

Thyroid disorders: hyperthyroidism in cats

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common hormonal disorders in older cats. Overproduction of thyroid hormones causes this condition, which can have serious consequences if not treated quickly. What causes this disease? Feline hyperthyroidism results from a disorder of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), essential for regulating … Read more

Flea bite allergy dermatitis in dogs and cats (FADD)

Flea bite allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common and troublesome dermatological diseases in dogs and cats. It results from hypersensitivity to flea saliva. This causes severe itching and skin lesions that can considerably affect your pet’s well-being. This skin condition requires extra vigilance. Its potential to worsen rapidly amplifies the risks if … Read more

Bacterial folliculitis: MRSA in horses

Bacterial folliculitis is a common skin condition in horses that is often misdiagnosed or underestimated. This infection, although superficial, can lead to serious complications if it is not treated quickly. Whether you are an owner or an animal health professional, understanding this condition is essential to ensure the well-being of your horses. What causes this … Read more

Knurls in horses: beware of tendons

Knurls, whether in joints or tendons, are a common problem in the equestrian world. These swellings, often painless and soft in consistency, can develop as a result of inflammation in the joints or tendons. This article aims to help you understand the causes of knurls, their symptoms, diagnoses and treatments available, as well as offering … Read more

Veterinary psychiatry: PTSD in dogs

Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is a well-documented pathology in humans, but its study in the veterinary field, particularly in dogs, is still emerging. At a time when dogs occupy a prominent place in many societies, not only as pets but also as working partners in a variety of contexts (army, police, assistance), the need to understand … Read more

Infectious Feline Peritonitis: a dangerous coronavirus

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). Primarily affecting young cats and cats living in groups, the disease is almost always fatal if not treated promptly. FIP can progress rapidly, causing a range of serious symptoms. What causes this disease? Feline infectious peritonitis is … Read more

Upset stomach in dogs: a vital emergency

Stomach dilatation-torsion syndrome (SDTE), also known as stomach turn-over or gastric torsion, is an extremely serious condition that mainly affects large-breed dogs. It is a genuine medical emergency, requiring rapid intervention to save the animal’s life. What causes this syndrome? Stomach dilatation-torsion syndrome (SDTE), or stomach turn-over, is a condition that occurs mainly in large-breed … Read more

Ovarian mares: how can they be relieved?

Ovarian pain in mares is a frequent issue in equine veterinary medicine, particularly during oestrous cycles. This pain, which is often linked to the increase in follicle size and ovulation, can cause discomfort, affecting both the animal’s well-being and its performance. Identifying and alleviating these pains is crucial to maintaining the mare’s general health and … Read more

Mares and ovarian pain

Ovarian pain in mares is a common but often overlooked problem in equine veterinary medicine, especially in the fields of reproduction and sports performance. As well as producing oocytes, the ovaries regulate hormones that influence mares’ behaviour and physiology. Ovarian pain can indicate disorders such as cysts, tumours or hormonal imbalances, affecting health and performance. … Read more

Does my dog need a muzzle?

The wearing of muzzles by dogs is a subject that gives rise to much debate, both among pet owners and in the veterinary and legislative communities. Often perceived as a restrictive control tool, the muzzle is in fact an accessory which, if properly used, can contribute to public safety, animal welfare and better cohabitation between … Read more

Kennel cough: a highly contagious cough in dogs

Kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that particularly affects dogs living in groups. It is often caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, such as the Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. Infectious tracheobronchitis manifests itself as a severe dry cough, similar to a human cold, and can … Read more

Autumn and cats: how to beat the hairballs?

Hairballs are a common problem in cats, especially those with long hair or who lick themselves excessively. Although natural, they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. This article will help you understand the causes of hairballs, their symptoms, diagnostic methods, available treatments, as well as natural solutions and ways to prevent them from … Read more

Autumn and poisoning: acorns, our horses’ enemies

The arrival of autumn is a risky time for horses, particularly because of the increased presence of acorns and young oak shoots in pastures. These elements, although natural, can be toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities. The tannins contained in acorns and oak leaves cause digestive and kidney problems, and sometimes serious poisoning. … Read more