Deadly Labrador Gene Mutation Identified

Hi, and welcome to this week's digest of what's new at PetPeoplesPlace.com. In this week's news, a gene mutation carried by up to 30% of Labrador Retrievers has been identified by researchers as being linked to Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC), of which about 3-5% of all Labradors suffer. Those involved in the research tell us what the mutation is and how you can get your dog tested for it - Read Full Story. Congratulations go to this week's Pet of the Week Scotti the American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit, and honorable mention to the runner-up, Alex with his Spaniel/Poodle called Baby. This is the second week in a row that Scotti's owner has won the Weekly Gallery Contest, showing how easy it is to win with your pet pictures. All you have to do is Add Your Pet and if you're serious about winning you probably need to tell your friends and family to come and nominate your pet. This week we formally open our 2008 Halloween Gallery - and we already have some great entries - check out Shannel the "Ladybug"! And if you're looking for hints, read Steve Dale's excellent article: Dress Your Dog Up For Halloween. Finally, make sure you vote in this month's poll: Do you dress your pet in a costume for Halloween?

Daphne Reid, Editor (Oct 2nd, 2008)

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Poll: Do you dress your pet in a costume for Halloween?

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Latest Pet News

Deadly Disease Hits UK Rabbits
The UK’s rabbit owners are being urged to be on their guard after a 300% increase in outbreaks of the potentially fatal disease myxomatosis.

Deadly Labrador Gene Mutation Identified
A gene mutation carried by up to 30% of Labrador Retrievers has been identified by researchers as being linked to Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC).

This Week's Featured Articles

Rehabilitate Your Reactive Dog
When 27-year-old Jodi Carp of Royal Oak, Mich., moved in with a friend and his German shepherd, she was happy to help out by walking the big boy.

Cat Massage - A Hands-On Experience
One week in spring, during a routine massage session, I discovered a small hard lump on Sappho's belly close to a nipple. Since Sappho got a weekly massage (and a general belly rub daily if she could persuade me), I knew that the lump was had developed since her previous massage. Using my fingertips, I could feel that the lump was a hard nodule beneath the skin and was not associated with a flea-bite.

How to Give a Cat a Pill
It's the subject of far too many jokes, and most cat owners cringe when the vet says tabby will have to take a pill.

Basic Chase Instinct in Dogs
This was written with the average dog owner in mind. This is meant to give a rudimentary look at why dogs chase and what may trigger a chase.

Horse Weight Chart
Figure your horse's weight using this handy chart! All you need is a regular tape measure, no special equipment required. Measure the "Heart Girth" as in the picture below:

Mastering Natural Horsemanship
Most people think you control a horse by controlling its head. You put on a lead rope or a bridle and you use that to show the horse how you want him to start and stop and turn and move his feet and disengage this or that and other stuff. So how do you control a horse when you don’t have a lead rope or a bridle on him? Every day, there are a lot of people chasing horses around in pastures asking that question.

Latest Expert Pet Advice

Why Is My Black Cat Turning Brown?
My domestic shorthair cat has had a glossy black coat for 5 years and now parts of her coat have discolored to become a tan color. Why is this happening to my cat and how can I reverse it?
Read Solution

Does My Dog Have Ringworm?
My 3 yr old Shih Tzu has developed some red spots here and there around the ribs, a little like red purplish bruises. What can this be?
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Is My Cat Showing Signs of Kidney Failure?
My cat is 14 years old and an indoor cat. The past week she has been refusing to eat her wet food, and eats very little dry food. She has lost 4 pounds. She drinks lots of water and urinates often (no blood in urine), but she meow's loudly after urinating. Is she showing signs of kidney failure?
Read Solution