4053. Maggots in a guinea pig in Singapore - encapsulated abscess or tumour

Maggots in a guinea pig's coat or wounds, known as myiasis, is a serious condition where flies lay eggs on moist, soiled skin or in untreated wounds, which then hatch into larvae that feed on tissue. This parasitic infestation requires immediate veterinary attention for safe and thorough removal of the maggots and treatment of the underlying cause to prevent severe infection and tissue damage. Prevention includes regular grooming, prompt wound care, fly control, and keeping your guinea pig in a hygienic environment. 

What are maggots in guinea pigs?

• Maggots are the immature stage of flies (fly larvae). 
• Myiasis is the medical term for an infestation of a living animal by fly larvae. 
• Flies are attracted to damp, soiled, or necrotic (dead) tissues, such as untreated wounds, dirty skin, or areas affected by incontinence. 

Causes and risk factors

• Flies lay their eggs on a guinea pig's skin, and these eggs hatch into maggots. 
• Guinea pigs with reduced mobility, paralysis, incontinence, or poor hygiene are at higher risk because they cannot keep their fur and skin clean. 
• Warm, humid environments and the summer months are particularly conducive to fly activity and subsequent infestations. 
• Untreated wounds or constant dampness from urine or feces can attract egg-laying flies. 

Symptoms to look for

• Visible maggots: The most obvious sign is the presence of small, white, legless worms in a wound or on the skin. 
• Open sores or lesions: Maggots can cause crater-like or irregularly shaped ulcers as they digest tissue. 
• Foul odor: The wound may have a distinct, unpleasant smell. 
• Lethargy and poor appetite: A severe infestation can make a guinea pig weak and uninterested in food. 
• Swelling: Swelling around the affected area, particularly on the face, is a sign. 

What to do if you find maggots

• Seek veterinary care immediately . 
• A veterinarian can safely remove the maggots and treat the wound. 
• Treatment often involves shaving the hair, cleaning the wound, and using antibiotics to prevent infection. 
• Oral antiparasitic medications may be necessary to kill any remaining larvae. 

Prevention

• Maintain good hygiene: Keep your dog's fur clean, especially in areas prone to moisture. 
• Treat wounds promptly: Clean and monitor any cuts or scrapes to prevent them from becoming attractive to flies. 
• Control flies in the environment: Keep your yard clean, remove garbage, and use fly screens on windows. 
• Use flea and tick prevention: Regular treatments can help prevent skin irritations that might attract flies. 
• Address underlying health issues: Ensure conditions like allergies or incontinence are managed to prevent constant dampness. 
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4052. PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Using the P Mode. Travel. Siem Reap Airport.

A mother (R) and her 24- and 22-year-old sons board the SilkAir plane in Siem Reap airport.
22-year-old carried the photographer father’s heavy backpack as well

15 Jan 2010. 12.55pm. Canon EOS 40D, lens 70-300mm, P mode, 70mm, 1/1000 sec, 
f/9, ISO 400. They boarded the plane from the tarmac after a shuttle bus ride?  

 

 

P mode = Action program biased toward fast shutter speed.
 ---------------------------------------------------

 

 15 Jan 2010. 12.54pm. Canon EOS 40D, lens 70-300mm, P mode, 108mm, 1/1600 sec, 
f/9, ISO 400. Why were they boarding the plane from the tarmac? 

P mode = Action program biased toward fast shutter speed.

 

 

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 A tarmac is the paved area of an airport, originally referring to the material tarmacadam (tar and crushed stone) but now often used more broadly to describe any of the hard-surfaced areas like runways, taxiways, and aprons where aircraft land, take off, and move on the ground. While used by the media and the public, the term "tarmac" is not professional aviation jargon; instead, aviation personnel use more specific terms like "runway" for landing/takeoff paths, "taxiway" for connecting paths, and "apron" or "ramp" for the areas where aircraft park and are serviced. 

 

4051. Fast food. Guzman y Gomez restaurant.

 Guzman y Gomez restaurant - Mexican-themed fast food chain was founded by Steve Marks in Sydney in July. 

Listed on Australian Securities Exchange in June 2024. 
He swopped securities for burrito receipes.

 

4050. Ultraviolet light.

Risks of sitting next to the window in the airplane

 

While it's true that UV radiation increases with altitude, she says what really matters is the type of UV we’re exposed to. For example, UVA rays, the ones that penetrate deeper and contribute to skin ageing and pigmentation, can pass through aeroplane windows. In contrast, UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn, are largely filtered out by the plane’s windows and atmosphere at altitude.

 

 So while you’re not getting a full-on tanning bed effect, Stoddart warns that there is a meaningful level of UVA exposure when sitting in the window seat. This is especially true on long-haul flights or if flying over areas with intense sun reflection (like snow or clouds). Similarly, studies have shown pilots and frequent flyers have a higher risk of melanoma, particularly on the left side of the body and face. 2018 research from the University of Manchester looked into this exact topic, and concluded that 'airline pilots and cabin crew are potentially exposed to hazardous ultraviolet (UV) and cosmic radiation that may increase their risk of melanoma and other skin cancers'

 

 

How to avoid skin damage©Metro

If you’re sitting by the window or just flying regularly, Stoddart recommends the following:
• Applying a broad-spectrum SPF before your flight (even if it’s cloudy or the window shade is down). UVA rays are sneaky!
• Reapplying every few hours on long-haul journeys if your skin is exposed to daylight
• Opting for a hydrating SPF with antioxidants to combat the oxidative stress from UV and cabin pressure.
• Stoddart also suggests considering a tinted SPF, as the iron oxides offer extra protection from visible light
• Closing the blind — of course, ask the person sitting next to you if they don't mind you doing this, as they may want to peek out of the window, too. The best thing to do is explain why you are closing the blind

 

 

Other general flying tips©Metro

According to Stoddart, it's important to hydrate your skin like you do with your body. 'Think lightweight serums with hyaluronic acid, barrier creams or even a facial mist,' she says, adding that you should avoid products with alcohol. The expert also advises against wearing makeup or active ingredients like retinoids or strong acids that could dry out the skin. Makeup lovers, why not use your travel day as a non-makeup day? Next up, Stoddart calls omega-3s a 'secret weapon for internal hydration and inflammation,' especially for frequent travellers. And last but not least, don't forget lip balm with SPF. 'The lips are one of the most UV-sensitive areas and often overlooked,' she concludes

4049. iPhone 15 Pro Max - stone sculpture - Mama's Precious One

 

Yes, bougainvillea can be found at the Toa Payoh Town Centre, particularly in the improved Bougainvillea Garden above the HDB Hub's basement car park, which has been enhanced with new trellises, walkways, and fitness equipment. The broader Remaking Our Heartland project for the town centre also aims to integrate softscape planting, including shade trees, to create more inviting and communal spaces. 

Where to find it:

• Bougainvillea Garden above the HDB Hub basement car park:

  This area has undergone enhancements, including a new trellis linkway and accessible walkways, making it a good place to see bougainvillea. 
• General Toa Payoh Town Centre:

  The area's urban design incorporates various softscape features with bougainvillea as a prominent climber and shrub, according to NParks' "City in Nature" vision. 

Enhancements: 

• The Bougainvillea Garden is part of a larger effort to preserve Toa Payoh's nostalgic charm while modernizing the town centre.
• New trellises, fitness equipment, and improved softscape are being added to create shaded gathering spots and a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
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• UPDATE:
   https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/09/yes-bougainvillea-can-be-found-at-toa.html
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•  SINGAPORE - 3 SEP 2025: 1.23pm. Mama's Precious One is a stone sculpture by Chong Fah Cheong, a Singaporean sculptor known for many public sculptures locally. Bougainvillea Garden, Toa Payoh Central.
  
  Erased tree trunk just behind sculpture using Photoshop.  iPhone 15 Pro Max. Sing K Y. 
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4048. PHOTOGRAPHY. The Ornate Sunbird.

 

TOA PAYOH VETS

 

The difference is primarily one of classification: the Ornate Sunbird is now recognized as a distinct species, while the name "Olive-backed Sunbird" (Cinnyris jugularis) is now used for a different species, specifically the Garden Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis). The Ornate Sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus) was previously considered a subspecies of the larger Olive-backed Sunbird complex. For Singapore, the Ornate Sunbird is the species you would now see, while the name Olive-backed Sunbird is no longer correct for it. 

Key Points:

• Taxonomic Split:
  Scientific studies, particularly those based on DNA analysis, have led to the splitting of the formerly widespread "Olive-backed Sunbird" into several distinct species. 

• Ornate Sunbird:
  This new species, Cinnyris ornatus, is found in regions including Mainland Southeast Asia, Java, Borneo, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. 

• Garden Sunbird:
  The nominate form, which was previously the "Olive-backed Sunbird," is now designated as the Garden Sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis, and is primarily found in the Philippines. 

Geographic Relevance:
For Singapore, the "Olive-backed Sunbird" is now correctly called the Ornate Sunbird.


Ornate sunbird. Male has iridescent blue-black forehead and throat. Common resident in Singapore. Photo by Brian Peck. Zoom lens 500mm. Incorrectly named as "Olive-backed Sunbird" in Singapore's NParks website.

UPDATE:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/09/4048-photography-ornate-sunbird.html

 

 

 

4047. PHOTOGRAPHY BIRDS SINGAPORE. Canon R6m. 100-500mm lens. Manual.

SINGAPORE - 2 SEP 2025: The Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) is a commonly introduced resident. It is characterised by prominent white eye-rings. Olive-yellow upperparts and paler underparts. 

Phoro: Brian Peck. Canon R6m. 500mm, 1/250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1250, manual mode. 

 

 

 

 SINGAPORE -2 SEP 2025: The Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) is a commonly introduced resident. It is
characterised by prominent white eye-rings. Olive-yellow upperparts and paler underparts.  Photo by Brian Peck. Canon R6m. 500mm lens. Manual. 500mm, 1/250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1250