Other pets (pics and discussions)

[ConcinusMan]

approximately 26".

For a week or two that is.

[ConcinusMan]

Okay...sorry to change the topic...but do you guys know of a respiratory infection that cats can pass around? And is it possible that the guinea pigs could have brought it in and given it to my cats? My one cat was coughing and sneezing last week and now my other cat is coughing and sneezing...I noticed one of the guinea pigs was sneezing...I'm a bit worried because my cats are old...but of course they are not on my pet insurance because the insurance will not take senior pets...and I can't afford to take all of my cats to the vet right now.

Feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus account for 80 to 90 percent of all contagious upper respiratory problems but that only affects cats. There are also upper respiratory infections in cats and guinea pigs that are primarily caused by bacteria. Chlamydia and Bordetella (known as "kennel cough") are the main causes of bacterial URI's. I would say that it could be chlamydia (not the same species that causes STD in humans) if it's affecting the cats AND the guinea pigs. It's very, very possible that the guinea pigs brought it into the house but cats can be carriers for years without symptoms. Of course, you need a vet to determine if it is chlamydia, and if it is, treatment is definitely necessary.

[mikem]

For a week or two that is.

indeed! just offered him his first small rat. chowing down on it now! mouse to rat conversion a success! looking forward to rabbits

[EasternGirl]

Thanks Richard. The cats no longer have symptoms...whatever they had cleared up. The guinea pigs don't seem to really have any symptoms that I can tell now either. All I had noticed was a little sneezing with them and then the cats starting coughing and sneezing like crazy. Now everyone seems fine. Do you think it would have gone away like that if it had been the chlamydia?

[mikem]

it would have lasted alot longer if it were chlamydia. there would have been discharge in the eyes too. if it comes back in the next week or so, i'd have them checked out.

[EasternGirl]

Okay thanks Mike.

[BUSHSNAKE]

going retro, i was going thru some old pictures

[BUSHSNAKE]

and more

[BUSHSNAKE]

more...

[mikem]

great photos! i don't think i could ever free hand a venomous! thanks for sharing