It felt rushed and disconnected. The post The Dire Straits album Mark Knopfler had issues with: “I still don’t think it was a very good record” first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

by Amy Mek, RAIR Foundation: Why is the West allowing Turkish President Erdoğan to infiltrate nations, forge jihadist alliances, deploy radical imams, and build armies on foreign soil as part of his plan to re-establish the Ottoman Empire and conquer through state-backed mosques and political manipulation? Why is America allowing Turkish President Erdoğan to infiltrate […]

The bond between a human and their dog is so special. But did you know that bond can begin long before a human is born? If you’ve ever owned a dog while pregnant, you understand how much our pets can pick up on what’s going on. Between hormonal changes and new routines, our canine friends are able to recognize that something is happening. One of the sweetest ways they take notice, however, can be seen in the viral video below. Julia has always adored her husky, but it seems that their bond has only grown stronger during her pregnancy. This can especially be seen in the way her dog reacts when he hears the baby moving around in her belly. The way he is so sweet, curious, and gentle is sure to melt your heart! See for yourself below. @juliagressive POV when your dog hears the baby in your belly #husky #pregnant #huskywithbaby #huskysoftiktok #pregnantlife #pregnantbelly #31sa #huskylove ♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer “POV when your dog hears the baby in your belly,” Julia’s caption reads. When This Dog Hears the Baby in His Human Mom’s Belly, He Has the Most Wholesome Reaction There’s something so indescribably sweet about the way this husky stares intently at Mom’s belly. Although he doesn’t entirely understand what’s happening, he does know that something important is going in, it seems. In fact, it’s said that moments like these can help dogs bond with human babies before they’re even born. How cool is that!? “This is so beautiful. I have a feeling he will protect this child to the ends of the earth,” someone shares in the comment section of Julia’s video, with another adding, “My husky was my belly/babies biggest fan. We don’t deserve dogs!” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post “When Your Dog Hears The Baby In Your Belly” appeared first on InspireMore.

Paranormal lore is replete with reports from witnesses who claim to have been visited by mysterious figures claiming to be with the government or the military and delivering threatening messages. Generically known as the Men In Black (or less commonly, Women in Black), they typically seek out witnesses to UFO sightings or other incidents that the government would prefer to keep hidden from the public. They seek to confiscate evidence and intimidate witnesses to prevent them from speaking about what they saw, warning that bad things might happen if they do and that loose lips can sometimes lead to far worse things than sinking ships. But is this something that really happens or could it all be misunderstandings on the part of the witnesses, or perhaps even hallucinations? 

The post Cat Eye Tumors & Cancer: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Chyrle Bonk DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Overview What Do Cat Eye Tumors Look Like? Causes Diagnosis Care Guide FAQ Cancer and tumors can affect any part of a cat’s body, even their eyes. Fortunately, eye tumors in cats are uncommon, if not rare. Unfortunately, they tend to be cancerous more often than benign and quite aggressive. Cancers can arise from any and all structures associated with the eye, including the tissues surrounding it, so there are different variations. Here, we examine the most common types of cat eye tumors so you know what they look like, what causes them, and what can be done about them. What Are Cat Eye Tumors? Eye tumors in cats are any abnormal growths in the eyeball itself, on the surface of the eye, or in the surrounding tissues, including the eyelids and conjunctiva. These tumors can have many different versions, depending on where they originate. Most are malignant or cancerous, though, and they tend to grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body. Primary eye tumors pop up directly from the structures in and around the eye. Secondary tumors that have spread from other areas of the body are possible but not as commonly seen. The most common eye tumors in cats are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and post-traumatic ocular sarcoma. Eye cancer tends to show up in one eye but can be seen in cases of secondary tumors that have traveled from other parts of the body. Since eye tumors in cats tend to be so aggressive, it’s important to be able to recognize them as early as possible in order to get treatment underway for the best outcome. Image Credit: yanatereshchenko_89, Shutterstock What Do Eye Tumors in Cats Look Like? The first thing that you’ll likely see with a cat eye tumor is a kitty with sore eyes. They may rub or squint their eyes due to the discomfort. There may also be a large amount of tearing or discharge. The pain can either be due to irritation to the eyeball, conjunctiva from the tumor itself, or increases in pressure inside the eye brought on by the tumor disrupting the normal fluid cycle. Any lumps or spots on the eyelid or conjunctiva tend to be pink or red, rough, and irregularly shaped. They often look like a sore that won’t heal and instead becomes worse. These types of tumors are often squamous cell carcinomas and are more common in white cats and those with a light color around their eyes. Tumors within the eye will often show up as dark, irregularly shaped spots that creep across the surface of the eye. These are likely melanoma and will look similar to melanoma on the skin. Tumors within the eye can cause glaucoma, or an increase in pressure that may cause the eyeball to enlarge or even stick out a bit farther than normal. Post-traumatic ocular sarcomas typically show up following an injury to the eye or chronic inflammation. In this case, you’ve likely been dealing with an eye issue in your cat already, followed by glaucoma or even a shrinking of the eyeball. What Are the Causes of Eye Tumors in Cats? Cat eye tumors are fairly uncommon, but when they do occur, it’s likely the result of a combination of factors, ranging from genetics to the environment. Sun exposure may be linked to squamous cell carcinomas in the eyelids and the surrounding tissues of light-colored cats. UV light may also be linked to melanomas within the eye. Post-traumatic ocular sarcomas are tumors that can follow injuries or illnesses of the eye, such as chronic uveitis. These tumors often take several years to present, so you may not even associate the initial issue with the tumor when it finally shows up. There can also be a viral component to some cat eye cancers, with feline leukemia virus being the main culprit, increasing the risk for secondary lymphoma in a cat’s eye. The exact cause of feline eye tumors may not be pinpointed in every case, but your vet should be able to diagnose the specific type of tumor that your cat has. How Are Cat Eye Tumors Diagnosed? Take your kitty to the veterinarian when you start noticing signs of discomfort, such as redness, watering, or rubbing of the eye. Your vet will take it from there, doing a thorough exam of the eye, testing the internal pressures, running bloodwork, and potentially, doing an ultrasound of the eye to determine the cause of the issue. X-rays of the chest may also be taken to see whether the cancer has spread to the lungs. Your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further diagnosis, or they may take a biopsy of the tumor to find out what it’s made of. The eye may need to be removed in order to biopsy tumors that are growing within. How Do I Care for a Cat With an Eye Tumor? Treating eye tumors will depend on the type that you’re dealing with. Squamous cell carcinomas or other types of tumors on the eyelids and conjunctiva may be removed surgically using a laser or cryotherapy. Large tumors may require removal of the eyeball, otherwise known as enucleation, along with the surrounding tissue and potentially, radiation or chemotherapy. Tumors on the eye may be treated by a veterinary ophthalmologist or oncologist with laser removal +/- radiation and chemotherapy, depending on where the tumor is. However, the most common treatment for these tumors or those that are within the eyeball is the removal of the entire eyeball if the tumor hasn’t yet spread to the lungs or other parts of the body. Any underlying conditions should also be treated. Removing an eye may seem like a scary prospect, but it’s important to know that not only can enucleation cure most ocular tumors that haven’t spread but also that cats often adjust quite well to life with one eye. They’ll need a bit of help from you initially but can live a fairly normal, healthy life afterward. Following enucleation, you’ll need to monitor your cat’s incision for drainage, redness, and odor. They may be prescribed antibiotics and medications for the pain. Help them out by putting all their necessities, such as food and water bowls, litter box, and bed in easy-to-reach areas, preferably on the floor for the first couple of weeks while they get used to their new field of vision and depth perception. Over time, you can gradually move these things back to where you want them, while still offering your kitty plenty of praise and affirmation and helping them as needed. Within a few weeks, most cats will feel fairly comfortable in their surroundings and can go back to their normal lives. Image Credit: Ashley Swanson, Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can Cat Eye Tumors Be Prevented? While there is no significant way to prevent eye tumors in cats, you can help by decreasing the amount of sun exposure that your kitty gets, especially if they’re light colored. Also, make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and help avoid eye injuries by supervising all interactions with unfamiliar animals. Is Cat Eye Cancer Painful? Tumors in and around the eye are often quite painful for cats. They may cause redness and swelling of the tissues around the eye, or they may increase the internal pressures, causing the eye to enlarge and bulge out. Felines with eye cancer often squint, have excessive watering or discharge, and repeatedly paw or rub at their eye, all of which are indicators of pain. Conclusion Cat eye tumors are fairly uncommon issues in our feline friends. However, when they do show up, they tend to be cancerous and aggressive. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent tumor spread to the rest of the body. Eye issues aren’t anything to mess around with, so be sure to see your vet whenever your kitty is showing any signs of discomfort, redness, or tearing with their eyes. Sources https://vetster.com/en/conditions/cat/eye-cancer-ocular-neoplasia https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eye-tumors—intraocular https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eye-tumors-melanoma-in-cats https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/eye-disorders-of-cats/cancers-and-tumors-of-the-eye-in-cats https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-glaucoma https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-leukemia-virus https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/uveitis-in-cats   Featured Image Credit: Todorean_Gabriel, Shutterstock The post Cat Eye Tumors & Cancer: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Chyrle Bonk DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Do Vets Get Sad When They Have to Put Down a Cat? Tales From a Vet by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Apart from a few minor deviations, including a brief Jurassic Park-induced obsession with becoming a paleontologist, I have always wanted to be a vet. One of my earliest memories was of discovering the body of our cat, Bindi, on the side of the road and desperately wanting to be able to “wake her up.” When I was in high school, I started to worry about how I would handle euthanasia. If I couldn’t even cope with watching a film where a pet died, how on Earth would I be able to be the one to put an animal to sleep? This worried me so much that I put off going to vet school for several years until I felt ready to take on the emotional challenges that come with the job. Losing a pet never gets any easier, but over time, dealing with death in veterinary practice does become less harrowing. But it’s not because we become less sensitive; it’s that in the vast majority of cases, when we euthanize a pet, we are doing them a great kindness, and in many ways, euthanasia is a real gift. Vets do get sad when they put a cat down, but we learn how to cope with that sadness in a healthy way. What Are the Reasons for Euthanasia? In veterinary practice, the main reason for a cat to be put down is to prevent suffering. Whether it be old age, severe injuries, or incurable illness, euthanasia is the treatment for the untreatable. It’s a highly controversial issue in human medicine, but I have such sympathy for the patients, doctors, and loved ones faced with a future of pain, indignity, and misery, with no chance of a cure. In the veterinary world, we are able to spare our patients such suffering. The times when euthanasia isn’t so welcome is when cats are put to sleep for reasons of overpopulation, minor behavioral issues, a lack of money to treat an illness, or a lack of willingness to even pursue treatment. Fortunately, this isn’t a situation that I have encountered very often, but when I do, I tend to feel more anger and frustration than sorrow. However, I do feel sadness when I have to end a life that could have been saved. Vets who work in animal shelters sadly have to deal with this sort of situation, not just on a daily basis but multiple times a day. Through necessity, vets in these roles often compartmentalize this aspect of their work, but the high suicide rates among these dedicated professionals tell us that the sadness and frustration that come from doing this sort of work can easily turn into hopelessness and despair. What Is the Hardest Part About Euthanasia? The worry and anxiety I had about putting pets to sleep was always based on the death of the pet. What I didn’t realize is that it’s the people left behind that often make euthanasia difficult. Although we do try to maintain a certain amount of professional distance in our work, it’s inevitable that there will be patients and people who make a big impact on your heart. The funny thing is that it’s impossible to predict which ones will trigger tears, and it’s not always the ones you would expect. I have had cases where I have been treating a cat for months, even years, and got to know their people quite well, but when the time came to say goodbye, I was strangely philosophical about it. Then there was the elderly gentleman, whom I had never met before, who brought his elderly cat in to be put down. This kitty was ancient and had clearly been cherished by his human. He was a lovely old man fighting back tears as his best mate slipped away. And knowing that, at his age, he is unlikely to have another pet, this is the situation that brings me to tears. Image Credit: mojahata, Shutterstock Will I Know When the Time Is Right? Knowing if and when you may need to have your cat put down is a very personal and individual decision. It will depend on your cat’s age, health condition, prognosis, and living situation. Here are some questions that I found have helped others make this decision: Do they have a good quality of life? Are they suffering? Are they still getting enjoyment from the things that would normally make them happy? Is there a chance they will recover? It’s something that you should talk to your vet about, as they will be able to give you a better idea of the prognosis of your cat’s situation. If you would like to talk to a vet without leaving home, an online service like PangoVet can be a good way to get some advice about your options and whether your cat is likely to improve with treatment. The Irony When I was reflecting on my work and how I cope with the day-to-day stress, emotional strain, and compassion fatigue, I realized something quite ironic. I felt sad about how I have been able to emotionally distance myself from the sadness of death in my job. Yes, you read that correctly. I was feeling sad about not feeling sad! Through necessity, vets have to put up boundaries so that we don’t become overwhelmed by the emotion that comes with caring for animals, and I started to feel concerned about how successful I had become in keeping my feelings in check. Although it is important—if not essential—to establish these boundaries to protect ourselves, we need to be careful not to become completely detached. Final Thoughts Euthanasia is an important part of pet ownership and veterinary care, and I am grateful to be able to have access to it. Being able to end a cat’s suffering when all other options have been exhausted is a gift that I would never want to do this work without. Vets do get sad when we have to put down a cat, but we are usually able to maintain enough distance from our patients so that we do not become emotionally burned out. There will always be cats and people that affect me more than others, and I would prefer that to be the case. While a certain amount of detachment is necessary, I would never want that to cross over into indifference, but I think there’s very little chance of that. Sources https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/helping-people-help-pets/202311/are-animal-welfare-workers-at-greater-risk-of-suicide Featured Image Credit: Gleb Usovich, Shutterstock The post Do Vets Get Sad When They Have to Put Down a Cat? Tales From a Vet by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post 1-Year vs. 3-Year Rabies Vaccine for Cats: Which Is Better? (Vet Answer) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Rabies Virus in Cats Why Vaccination Is Key 1-, 2-, or 3-Year Vaccines—What’s the Difference? Which Vaccine Is Better? If you live in a country where rabies is present in the wildlife population, vaccinating your pets against this deadly disease is not just essential to help save their life, but it may also be a legal requirement. As with so many things in the US, the laws and guidelines regarding rabies vaccination differ between states. Several states have no state law enforcing rabies vaccination, while in others it is compulsory for cats, dogs, and ferrets to be vaccinated, even if they do not venture outside. Once you’ve navigated the legalities of rabies vaccination, you will now be faced with more inconsistencies, like rabies vaccines that need to be given annually versus those that are only given every 3 years. While it’s up to you to find out what your legal obligations are regarding rabies vaccination, we can help you out when it comes to understanding the different types of vaccines, vaccination schedules, and whether there is one that is best for your cat. But first, let’s brush up on our knowledge about the rabies virus itself. Rabies Virus in Cats The rabies virus can affect any mammalian species and is transmitted through the saliva, usually through a bite, although contact with an open wound can also lead to infection. Interestingly, although cats are the most commonly reported rabid species in the United States, there are no recorded cases of cat-to-cat transmission of the disease. The virus attacks the nervous system, producing signs such as: Inappetence Irritability Hiding Nervousness Aggression Wild animals may lose their fear of humans The disease will usually progress into two forms: Furious (also called “mad dog”) rabies, which includes pupil dilation, overt aggression, and attacking with the teeth and claws at slight provocation or loud noise. Paralytic (also called “dumb”) rabies, which includes paralysis of throat and jaw muscles, excessive salivation and inability to swallow, and loss of muscle control. These animals rarely bite, but humans can become infected when examining the mouth. Diagnosis is very difficult, with definitive diagnosis requiring post-mortem examination of brain tissue. Additionally, rabies can mimic several different diseases. Unvaccinated cats suspected of being infected with rabies must be euthanized immediately or kept in isolation for 6 months. Vaccinated cats must be given another vaccination dose and closely observed for 45 days. Hybrid cats, such as the Ocicat or Savannah cats, can be vaccinated against rabies, but their vaccination status is not formally recognized, and if a hybrid pet bites a human, the law may require them to be euthanized to be tested for rabies virus. Image Credit: YULIYA Shustik, Shutterstock Vaccination Is Key With the high risk of transmission to humans, particularly in its furious form, vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your cat, irrespective of your state’s legislation. Rabies vaccines are considered to be highly protective against infection, with vaccine failure rarely reported. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the recommended vaccination schedule for cats is as follows: First vaccination between 8 and 16 weeks Second vaccination within 12 months Subsequent vaccinations every 3 years; however, local laws may require vaccination annually, or every 2 years. An animal is considered to be fully protected 28 days after the first vaccination, and immediately following subsequent vaccinations, provided they are given within the recommended schedule. These dates need to be strictly adhered to, particularly regarding travel. 1-, 2-, or 3-Year Vaccines—What’s the Difference? This is where things get a bit confusing, but stay with us. Firstly, we need to talk about adjuvants in vaccines. Adjuvanted vs. Non-Adjuvanted An adjuvant is a substance that increases the body’s immune response to vaccination, which is great from a protective point of view, but it is what causes most of the side effects of vaccination, such as lethargy, fever, swelling, and pain. For cats, there is an additional risk associated with adjuvanted vaccines: feline injection site sarcoma (FISS). The vaccinations most commonly implicated in FISS formation are those for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and rabies virus. To try to reduce the risks of FISS, vaccine intervals have been altered to minimize the risks of sarcoma formation while maintaining high levels of immunity, which is why most vaccines are recommended to be given every 3 years once a cat has had their initial booster, about 12 months after their kitten vaccination. Although there are canine studies that have indicated immunity can last up to 8 years in some individuals, a balance must be struck between minimizing the potential risks of adverse vaccine reactions and public health implications. An additional step has been taken by the company Purevax, which uses a recombinant canarypox virus to safely confer immunity against FeLV and rabies, without the need for an adjuvant. The FeLV vaccine is currently only licensed for annual vaccination intervals, but in the UK, the rabies vaccine is licensed for 3-yearly re-vaccination, following the booster given 12 months after the primary vaccination. In the US, there are two versions of the Purevax rabies vaccine: a 1-year and a 3-year injection, with the only difference being the labeling. Based on the differing laws that exist in different US regions, we can only assume that the two formulations have been created to make it easier for vets to comply with this legislation. However, there are cases where vets are only using the 1-year formulation, mistakenly believing that it provides better protection than the 3-yearly vaccine. So, Which Vaccine Is Better? Given the high level of protection given by the non-adjuvanted Purevax rabies 3-year vaccine, there seems to be no doubt that this is the clear winner in terms of minimizing risks while keeping your cat and family protected. However, for cats that have a health condition or are immunocompromised, an adjuvanted vaccine may provide better protection, as non-adjuvanted vaccines rely on a strong immune response to provide future protection. With the exception of California, which requires cats to be vaccinated every 2 years after their initial course, vaccination requirements in the US appear to be in accordance with the product being used. However, it is important to check with your local government body to ensure that you are complying with their laws. Most veterinary clinics will only carry one or two vaccine brands, so you may need to phone around to find one that uses the vaccine you prefer, following the schedule set out by the AAHA. Talk to your vet about their recommendations and experience, as there may be other geographic and individual factors to consider. Final Thoughts Rabies is an extremely dangerous and deadly virus, and the best way for you to protect yourself, your family, and your pets is through vaccination. Even if you live in an area where rabies infection is uncommon, even a low risk is too high when it comes to this virus. Many of the concerns of the past regarding adverse reactions to vaccines, particularly with regard to cats, have been significantly reduced through changing vaccine schedules and the creation of a reliable, non-adjuvanted version of the rabies vaccine. Unlike the non-adjuvanted FeLV vaccine, the Purevax rabies vaccine is actually licensed for a 3-yearly dosing, giving an ideal compromise between minimizing side effects and maximizing protection. Be aware that a non-adjuvanted vaccine may not be appropriate for cats with health conditions or compromised immune systems. In these cases, a 3-yearly adjuvanted vaccine would be the safest option. The confusing labeling and variation in state and local laws surrounding rabies vaccination can make it difficult to know what is best for your feline family member, but hopefully, you can use this information to talk to your vet about your options. Sources https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-rabies-vaccination-laws https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders-of-cats/rabies-in-cats#Signs-and-Diagnosis_v3246051 https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/feline-vaccination-guidlines/feline-vaccine-table.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6042530/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7088826/ https://bi-animalhealth.com/pets/feline/products/vaccines/purevax/feline-rabies https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-453934 https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-482974   Featured Image Credit: bmf-foto.de, Shutterstock The post 1-Year vs. 3-Year Rabies Vaccine for Cats: Which Is Better? (Vet Answer) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

North Carolina State University researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries by examining the genetic material of historic potato leaves. Their study highlights the dynamic evolutionary battle...