Info - Checklist:  Good Health

• Teeth:  Hold the animal with one hand under the belly; with the other hand apply just a little pressure to open the little mouth.  The upper and lower teeth should touch, and the molars should form a full bite.

• Anal Area:  Clumped and caked fecal matter indicates diarrhea, which may have a variety of causes.  The animal must be watched carefully.  Clean the area gently witha moist cloth.

• Skin:  Pull the fur apart between two fingers.  Inflamed areas and hair loss are indications of parasites.  Fungal infection causes circular hairless lesions.  Consult a vetrinarian immediatly.

• Ears:  With a flashlight, check external and internal ears.  Increased scratching is a sign of a problem.  Ear mites cause brown, crusty, bad-smelling deposits and red imflamed areas inside the ear (otitis).