Abyssinian Breed Origin

Nowadays one of the most popular short-haired cats in the US, the origin of the Abyssinian is a bit of a mystery. The name suggests an Ethiopian root but most stories refer to the breed development being mostly Egyptian. Genetically the breed seems linked to the Indian Ocean and it is possible that its ancestors were wild cats bought form animal traders in the region.

The Aby Look

Whatever its true roots, there is no doubt that the Abyssinian is a beautiful cat. Its slender, graceful body is of the oriental/slender type and is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian cat sculpture while its short, thick coat has a silky feel and a very distinctive color pattern caused by a mutant gene called ticking.

The coat of the Abyssinian has an attractive shimmer caused by bands of color ranging up the hair shaft. There are several possible color types: ruddy (also called ‘usual’ in the UK), red or sorrel, blue, and fawn. Ruddy is the oldest and most popular color in Abyssinian – perhaps the most striking too.

Only the Abyssinian, Somali and Singapura share this attractive ticked color scheme. The Somali is, in any case, a long-haired variant of the Abyssinian and so shares many traits.

The Abyssinian Character

In temperament the Abyssinian is curious, playful and intelligent. They love attention and are affectionate and engaging but will tend to prefer adults over young children. They love toys and will chase balls for hours. Some of them will even ‘fetch’.

As far as dogs go, Abys tend to get along with them well, and like dogs they are very loyal and people-oriented. With this in mind, it is important to realise that this is not one of the more independent breeds. An Abyssinian will pine if left alone for long periods and could become depressed.

The Health of  the Abyssinian

In general the Abyssinian is a healthy breed although gum and renal problems can show up. Gingivitis in cats can be a problem because a cat with sore gums will simply stop eating leading to many secondary problems. The kidney problem is called Renal Amyloidosis and is genetic in origin. When it does appear, the overall prognosis is poor but the disease is present in only very few of the Abyssinian family lines and so it is very much the exception and not the rule in the breed.

Abyssinian Rescue Centers – US

• Abyssinian Cat Rescue
• Southern California Abyssinian Rescue

 Abyssinian Rescue Centres – UK

• The Aby Cat – Abyssinian Cat Association

If you have an Abyssinian cat yourself, please share your personal experience of life with this beautiful creature below:

You might say what about rabbits? What about ferrets? Of course everyone has their preferred animal companion but here at Four Legged Friends we are not ashamed to say that cats, dogs and horses are our favorites!

But hey! We are equal opportunity animal lovers so come on in.

The American Saddlebred was developed in Kentucky. Given their beauty, agility and strength it is easy to see why they are such a popular feature of the showring and take a key role in town parades. But they have stamina as well as good looks as evidenced by their prominence in the racing and hunting arenas. These horses have a disposition which make them good for virtually any task in which they are needed.

The Saddlebred is very alert and keen. It is flashy and steps high, and they are referred to as the “peacocks of the horse show world.”

The preferred Saddlebred is one that has excellent proportions and is unquestionably beautiful. They have large eyes which are sharp and ears which have an excellent shape,  a head which is in good proportion to its body, prominent withers and muscular shoulders.

Saddlebreds are also known for being five gaited, and this is a trait which was passed down from their ancestors. This breed was first developed in the 18th century by Americans who bred the Thoroughbred with the Narragansett Pacer. The Pacer was a well known breed at the time, though many people have not heard of it today. Many people who lived on plantations enjoyed using these horses because they were comfortable and also had an excellent gait.

Saddlbreds work well with harnesses and have enough strength to perform work on a farm. They are also fast enough to be used in certain types of races. By the middle of the 18th century, the genes from the Morgan horse breeds were added to give the Saddlebred more power and speed. It was this combined with the Thoroughbred that allowed the American Saddlebred to be developed. These horses begin to become very popular after 1940. A stallion named Denmark was born in 1939, and about 60% of all American Saddlebreds today are descendants of this horse.

Saddlebreds are one of the world’s most popular horse breeds. They have lent their cachet to the reputation of presidents, generals, and other prominent people and have featured in many movies and t.v. series.

There was a wild stallion that featured on the t.v. series Lassie. He would appear thundering into the scene and capture the heart of everyone watching  – that was Highland Dale, an American Saddlebred from Missouri. His screen credits included working alongside Elizabeth Taylor in Giant and also the movie My Friend Flicka.

Other famous Saddlebreds, include Mr. Ed, Trigger and Silver but it is not their movie star looks alone that makes the American Saddlebred such a popular breed, it is their versatility, intelligence and great disposition..

There are 20,000 different roundworm species and the vast majority of them are parasitical. They can be found in rodents, wild animals, horses, pigs, pets and humans. Both dogs and cats can be infected by roundworms (ascarids) and the two that most commonly infect dogs and puppies are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. There is a third one, less common but still found in dogs, called Baylisascaris procyonis which is actually a raccoon parasite.

Roundworms in Dogs

Infestation:

Dogs can become infested with roundworms in the womb (specifically T. canis) when the larval form of the parasite travels across the placenta. After birth,  transmission can occur through the mother’s milk. Roundworm infection is very common in puppies and a typical symptom of an extreme infestation is a tight swollen belly which may give the appearance of being well fed were it not for the pup’s dull coat, listlessness and failure to thrive.

Roundworm eggs are passed out of an infected dog in its feces and will then stay in the soil where they will eventually become infective become infective (after about 4 weeks) and will be ingested by a new host. And lastly dogs can also become infected with roundworm by eating a carrier ( a dead mouse or squirrel, for example).

Lifecycle of the Roundworm

Once they have infected the host, roundworm larvae migrate through the liver and lungs, are carried up the mucociliary apparatus, and then are swallowed to develop in the small intestine. When this migration occurs in fetal pups, the migrating larvae wait in the liver and lungs until the pups are born, at which time they resume their migration across the lungs to the airways.

Larvae acquired from ingestion of vertebrate tissues do not migrate in the dog but instead travel to the small intestine to become adult worms. Toxascaris leonina is different from the other dog and cat ascarids in that migration outside the intestinal tract does not occur in their usual definitive hosts. In the intestine the roundworms develop into adults which pass eggs which are then excreted and the cycle begins again.

Encysted Roundworm Larvae

In some cases, the roundworm larvae become encysted in the host tissue. In the case of rodents, the larvae will stay in this state until it current host is eaten by a cat or dog and then it will proceed to infest that new carrier. In female dogs,  encysted larvae spring back to life during pregnancy ready to infest the new generation.

Encysted roundworm larvae are protected from the dogs own immune system and also from most deworming treatments. One which is effective against encysted larvae is Interceptor.

Symptoms of Roundworm Infestation

As mentioned above there is a classic pot-bellied, listless appearance to pups with a roundworm infestation. Symptoms to watch out for:

• Pot belly
• Dry, drab coat
• Failure to thrive
• Coughing or gagging
• Bronchitis
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Pups with a particularly heavy burden of ascarids may vomit them up. This is quite horrifying as by this stage the worms will be large and many may be alive and moving.

Treatment for Roundworm

An anthelmintic is a drug used to expel parasitic worms and it works by either stunning the worm so that it releases its hold on the intestine or by outright killing them. These are commonly known as vermifuges (stunning) or vermicides (killing). Some, like the one pictured are broad spectrum, meaning they are effective against roundworm, tapeworm and hookworm and are available over the counter. Others, like Interceptor ,which you would use in the case of an encysted larvae, require a veterinary prescription.

Some flea control products also contain anthelmintic chemicals. These are the ones affective against roundworms:

• Albendazole,– effective against threadworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, hookworms
• Mebendazole – effective against pinworms, roundworms and hookworms
• Thiabendazole – effective against roundworms, hookworms
• Fenbendazole – effective against gastrointestinal parasites
• Flubendazole – effective against most intestinal parasites
• Abamectin – effective against most common intestinal worms, except tapeworms, for which praziquantel is commonly used in conjunction with abamectin
• Ivermectin – effective against most common intestinal worms (except tapeworms)
• Pyrantel pamoate – effective against most nematode infections

Many flea control products already contain an anthelmintic so as long as you keep up with the flea treatments your dog should remain free of intestinal parasites.

Note that as mentioned above the roundworm treatments routinely treat the parasite in its adult form, in the intestine. Those that are still in the larvae stage must reach that stage of maturity before they can be dealt with so a repeat treatment after two weeks will be neded to stop the infestation and then a preventative deworming treatment given regularly either as part of your flea control regimen or as a separate treatment.

Natural Remedy and Treatment of Roundworm

HomeoPet Wrm Clear is a broad spectrum wormer formulated to remove and prevent the infestation of round, hook and tape worms in dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. It is 100% natural, no food withdrawl and safe for all ages. HomeoPet is a product that is chemical free, safe for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamster and pot bellied pigs of all ages. Manufactured under a FDA registered process. No known side effects from any of our products.

• The Companion Animal Parasite Council
• Wikipedia- Anthelmintics
• Picture of Toxocara canis taken from a puppy by veterinarian, Joel Mills

Boys and dogs were just made for each other. It even says so in that old poem about what little boys and girls are made of,  remember?

What are little boys made of?
What are little boys made of?
Frogs and snails
And puppy-dogs’ tails,
That’s what little boys are made of.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a few riding lessons at the local riding school, has dreamed of meandering along country paths on their very own horse or cantering through the surf.  For those who love horses, there can be no more exciting moment than buying their first horse but choosing the right one carefully is the key to a long and happy relationship with your new four legged friend.

Buying a spirited and unbroken youngster would not be right for someone who is less experienced or who simply wants a calm and dependable companion for gentle country walks. And for sure, there is nothing sadder than seeing a horse abandoned or given up for sale becasue he was simply bought by the wrong owner.

No. this is a relationship that is going to last you both for many years. You own it to yourself and the horse or pony to take your time and consider your options carefully.

What Should I Look for When Searching for a Horse to Buy?

The Seller

One tell-tale sign of a horse that you probably do not want to buy is where the current owner is to keen to sell. If he or she does not ask you a ton of questions related to your experience, your ability to  shelter , feed, train, exercise and spend time with the horse, then they do not have the horses’ best interests at heart. DO not be offended by a probing seller. They love their horse and want to be sure it is going to a great owner.

It is the sellers who do not care if you can provide a good home to the animal that you must be wary of.

Where Should I look for my Perfect Horse?

Horses are advertised in magazines, both local and national, and in many local outlets such as notice boards in livery yards and tack shops. You might also find leads to horses for sale on horse forums and riding related websites.

For a first horse or pony word of mouth is always a good option – your local riding school or livery yard may know of ponies or horses in the locality which may suit you and which are going to be sold, however this may not be the quickest option. Be prepared for it to take some time to find your right partner.

Before you start looking at the adverts and especially before you go to see that first horse ask yourself the following questions:

• What is an honest assessment of your riding ability?

• What do you want to do with your horse?

• What is your budget?

Don’t be disappointed if it seems that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince! The time taken to find your ideal partner is worth every moment because you want to end up with the horse that is right for you.. Make sure you are totally honest and keep the answers to the questions in your mind – many a person has been led astray by falling in love with a totally unsuitable mount. Remember, it is not fair on either you or the horse if you end up with an animal you cannot control or if you want to jump and the horse has a total aversion to it!

And remember, keeping a horse is an expensive business – there is no point overstretching yourself to buy him if you are going to need to buy tack as well.

Keep a clear head – and let it rule your heart!

When I Go To See a Horse, What Should I Look For?

Make sure you see the horse in the stable – don’t rely on any statement that he has ‘perfect stable manners’, ask to see for yourself. Ideally watch him being tacked up – does he stand quietly? Horses which behave well when being ridden sometimes try to kick or bite in the stable, when being tacked up, having rugs put on or off or just when you go to fill a hay net. A horse which is difficult in the stable will make your life difficult as the owner, and if you are going to keep your horse at livery will not make you popular!

Look carefully at the horse for any signs of sweat marks. Some sellers lunge or vigorously exercise their horses just before a prospective owner turns up at the yard making them seem a much quieter ride than they really are. You can also ask about the level of exercise he has been used to – if he is used to being exercised more than you will have time for you may find you have a more excitable horse on your hands than you really want.

I Have Never Bought a Horse Before – What Should I Do When I Try It Out?

If you have only had lessons before you may find yourself at a loss without an instructor standing in the middle telling you what to do. It is therefore best to decide before you go a short routine you will use that will test the horse you are trying, and allow you to assess whether it is the one for you or not. Talk it through with your riding instructor if that makes you feel more confident.

A routine might be, walk round the ménage, halting at least once to make the horse is listening to you. Walk a 20 metre circle, watching out for the horse leaning in or out. Does he listen to your corrections? Change rein and repeat the walk exercises. Try to assess whether he bends easier on one rein or the other – not necessarily a fault as horses do tend to have a stronger rein, but it is more important that he is attentive to you!

Now put the horse into trot – watching for whether he goes forward eagerly or is reluctant. Use little leg at first – if you have been used to riding school horses they may have become ‘dead to the leg’. You can always increase the leg aid, but it is preferable to do this than having the horse shoot off with you! As in walk work a circle on both reins. Does he drop out of trot as he bends? Does he try to go forward into canter? Would you be happy with this behavior? If he is very strong, be prepared for him to be even stronger when you get him home – an energetic horse may well have been lunged before you came to see him and may be even fresher on other days!

If you are happy with the trot, try a canter on each rein. He should make the upward transition smoothly when you ask him to do so.

If you want a jumping horse make sure you try him over a fence. Is he eager or does he need a lot of encouragement?

Try to decide before you visit the horse exactly what you are looking for, and what you are prepared to work with. And try to keep sensible. There is no point falling in love at first sight with a beautiful animal you cannot control – or one which is reluctant to jump when that is your reason for buying!

This is a partnership which you will have for some time – your partner should be chosen very carefully to make sure he is compatible with your level of riding, and what you want to do. Common sense should rule here – not your heart!

When I Go to See a Horse, Should I See Him Ridden First?

DEFINITELY YES! If the owner says there is no one available to ride him be very wary. It may be that he is too difficult for anyone there to ride. Only attempt this is you are a very experienced rider – otherwise be prepared to walk away, or at the very least try and arrange to come back when you can see him ridden.

The current owner should ride a routine similar to the one described above to enable you to assess the horse’s way of going, and how he responds. If he makes upwards transitions easily for someone else, but not for you, this could be something that can be addressed with some lessons. However, be aware – there is a saying that a horse’s ability sinks to match those of its rider. Just because the horse you have fallen in love with makes flying changes on demand for its current owner, it may not make them for you if you cannot ride at that level! Your new perfectly schooled dressage horse cannot be depended on to teach

And finally

It may take a few months to find the right horse, but be assured that the wait will be worth it. One thing is probably certain – that palomino mare you had pictured yourself riding away on into the sunset may well turn out to be a bay gelding! But whatever size, colour or sex you end up with, if you have taken your time choosing you will have a wonderful partnership.