Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear problems are one of the most common problems encountered in dogs. Quite often, it starts with a mild discharge from one of the ears which quickly goes on to develop into a foul smelling thick discharge. It is often noticed by the owner while playing (and patting) with the dog. Many a times, the condition is discovered when the owner notices that the dog is moving with its head tilted on one side.

Let me briefly touch upon the salient aspects of the disease. 

Just like us, the ear of a dog also secrets ear wax. The ear wax is a complex secretion secreted in the ear canals of the mammals. It lubricates the skin in the ear canal besides acting as a barrier to the entry of microbes, dirt and water. As the ear wax is produced in the ear canal, it tends to push out the previously produced ear wax. However, since the ear of the dog is "L" shaped, quite often there is a problem in expelling out the ear wax. The problem gets compounded owing to poor grooming and soon there is a growth of a large number of unwanted microbes (bacteria, fungus etc). This is how the disease occurs.

Sometimes, ear mites, allergies are also responsible for causing the disease. 

crusted ear wax in a dog with ear infection

Regular attention to ears while grooming will ensure that the ears are clean. However, if one suspects an ear infection a visit to the vet is warranted. More often than not the vet will clean the ears with medication and prescribe some ear drops. However, if the disease has advanced it would entail a different approach towards it. 

It is also worth mentioning that occasionally one encounters cases where in the ear infection has a tendency to recur. It is an annoying and a frustrating experience and in certain cases desired results are achieved after months. However, the early the case is presented to the vet, better are the chances of the recovery.

Heart Worm - the silent killer

Heartworm is a fairly common and often fatal disease of dogs if not diagnosed and treated. Actually, it is a global disease of the dogs.  Unfortunately the average pet owner has little knowledge about the disease. Quite often, the disease sets in insidiously and eventually leads to the death of the dog.  Here are the salient aspects of the disease.

 Cluster of Heartworms in the pulmonary artery & right ventricle

What is heartworm ?

As the name suggests, it is a worm about 12 inches to 14 inches in length and about 2-3 mm in thickness. This worm gains entry in the dog’s body owing to a mosquito bite. Yes, you read it right ! This disease is indeed transmitted by a mosquito. This at least theoretically means  that the disease can occur at every place that has a mosquito population. More specifically at all places that are host to the mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the disease.

So what is the bad thing about the disease?

It’s serious and complex. The adult heartworm lodges itself in the pulmonary artery in the heart. It gets its nourishment from the blood that courses through the artery. The number of worms  can be from a few to about 100. The presence of the worms cause mechanical obstruction in the flow of the blood besides causing inflammation. Sometimes the blood may even clot. In general, higher the number of worms, severe is the disease.

What are the symptoms ?

Unfortunately, initially, there are no symptoms. However, as the number of the worms increase most dogs will develop a cough. They will get winded easily (exercise intolerance). In severe cases abnormal lungs sounds can be heard. Dogs with heavy heartworm load may collapse and die if they are subjected to strenuous exercise. Often the symptoms manifest six months after the mosquito bite.

What is the treatment ?

Generally, the treatment is planned after assessing the severity of the disease. Further, a diseased dog may have adult worms, only immature worms (microfilariae) or mixed population of adult and immature worms. Drugs (ivermectin and related drugs ) are available in the market that kill the immature worms. Now, killing the adult heart worms is a different ball game. Presently, there is only 01 drug (Milbemycin Oxime) that is supposed to kill the adult worms. Unfortunately, it is not available in India. Further, an adult heartworm that has been killed by the drug runs the risk of floating around the blood vessels. In certain cases after confirming the worm load by radiological aids the adult worms are also extracted out by surgical means.

What is the prevention ?

Monthly administration of ivermectin tablets / injections to dogs residing in endemic areas keeps the disease away.

Technical Stuff

Technically inclined visitors may watch the video "Davey's Gift from Dr Garner" at You tube where in 86 adult heartworms have been shown being extricated from the jugular vein of Davely a golden Lab. 

A visit to www.marvistavet.com and then reading the entire info on the disease is highly recommended. The info is actually fascinating. Professionals in the field and fellow vets must visit the same.

Tarry Coloured Stool - Is it serious ?

A few days back, I was vacationing with my family. During the vacation, I received a call from a friend who wanted advise regarding her 04 year old, male Labrador. The Labarador had reportedly vomitted a tarry coloured vomit and was passing stools that were again tarry coloured in appearance. Thanks to modern medicine and the dedication of the dog owner, the condition resolved in about 03 days. However, I felt that it was worthwhile to highlight the condition and its implications through a post. Hence this post. 

Tarry coloured vomitus or tarry coloured stool indicate haemorrhage (bleeding) in the digestive tract (stomach or the small intestine). The tarry colour is a fall out of complex chemical reactions occurring when the blood comes in contact of various digestive juices and enzyymes. This condition is not a disease as such but is indicative of some underlying condition as a result of which the bleeding occur(ed) in the digestive tract. 

The common causes that may lead to this condition ulcers in the stomach, ingestion of a foreign body, trauma, tumours, infections, pneumonia, kidney failure, inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract etc. Such a condition may also occur, if the dog is on iron tonics.

In general, such a condition requires proper investigations and expert veterinary cover and attention otherwise the condition may deteriorate very fast.   

Wise Sayings from A Vet

                         VETERINARY TRUISMS

1.  An estimate, in the mind of the client is an exactimate.

2. The person who feeds tablescraps or overfeeds the pet will not be the person currently in the exam room with you.

3. If a client has to ask their spouse, the pet's treatment will not happen.

4. You will be held accountable for what you say, what you don't say, how you say it, and what the client thinks you said.

5. The client who is late to their appointment will be in a hurry.

6. The additional pet brought to an exam who is "just along for the ride", isn't.

7. An owner who tells you they will be "waiting by the phone for your call", are "easily reached" at the given number, or "always have my cell phone with me", will not.

8. If you tell a client when test results will be ready, you will be wrong.

9. Always double how long someone tells you their pet has been ill.

10. Anyone who is late to their appointment or know you're near to closing will always be "only five minutes away". Corollary: When they say this, assume, at a minimum, they mean football minutes.

11. Clients can relate a problem to anything that was previously done at your clinic regardless of how much time has passed. Example: "(problem: ie tumor, coughing, limping, etc.) has been present ever since (spay, nail trim, boarding, etc.) back last (week, month, year, decade, etc.)."

12. People will always double what they say they spent at the vet's compared to what they actually did.

13. If you are told a pet "doesn't like men", you'll find the truth is it doesn't like anyone.

14. If you have to carry a pet to and/or from a person's car, they will have parked as far from the front door as possible.

15. If the owner is asking if it is ok to give "Substance A" to their pet, they've actually already given it.

16. If you have the most accessible, easy-to-hit, Alaskan pipeline-sized vein, the pet will be the most uncooperative and fractious patient. Conversely, the sweetest, most easily-handled, cooperative pet will have the tiniest, movable, hard-to-find vein to hit.

17. The client will tell you the most valuable piece of information in diagnosing their pet while you are using your stethescope.

18. You will always be told that the poor dog with the smelly, matted, oily, tangled mess of a coat is scheduled for grooming "tomorrow". This will be stated no matter when in the year or how often you see this dog. Also, all of the problems with the dog's coat is not what it will be in for.

19. The word "not" is the most widely client-misheard word in a veterinary setting. Consider the following examples:
What is said: "This problem will come back."
Client hears: "This problem will not come back."
What is said: "Do not allow Bongo to run after surgery."
Client hears: "Do allow Bongo to run after surgery."

20. Client definition of "expensive": It costs something.

21. Scheduling Paradox: It is not important for clients to be on time, only for you to be on time.

22.  There is an inverse relationship between how loudly a client proclaims how well they take care of their pet and how well they actually do.

Acknowledgement

This hilarious post is attributed to Dr Scott. He runs his popular and extremely funny site that is named that is aptly titled  www.funnyvet.com. Quite obviously! This post can be found published at the following link http://funnyvet.com/index.php/just-for-fun/veterinary-truisms hosted at his site.

Well, just in case the good doctor stumbles at my blog....Dr Scott..you rock!  

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....  Author unknown...

The doggie knows who is driving

It seems that this dog knows pretty well about the driving skills of his master and the lady. :)

Just kidding !

Is My Dog Overweight ?

The battle of the bulge does not only affect us. It also affects our pets. Just like us, our pets also put on weight due to the following reasons –

·         when they eat more than what is actually required

·         when they lead a sedentary life style - no exercise, no walking, eating and sleeping

Arrgh! this sounds so familiar. Actually, we contribute to their being overweight by feeding them the left overs, by giving in to their silent begging with those soulful eyes even as we chomp away at a  biscuit while having tea!. The fact that the hustle and bustle of our life often does not allow us to take it for walks as much we would have liked also contributes to this weighty problem!

An overweight pet is predisposed to a number of ailments -

·         Digestive Diseases

·         Respiratory Diseases

·         Ailments of the heart

·         Diabetes

·         Musculoskeletal injuries

·         Cancer

The photograph shows silhouette of the pets in various body conditions. Identify, the one that is applicable for your pet and take the remedial action. 

Congratulations to all the owners whose dogs are in top shape. Well, chances are so would you be!  However, those who have dogs that are overweight – there is no reason to despair. The problem can be reversed by instituting a few measures –

·         Take it easy. Slow down. Take your dog for a walk. A long walk with your dog in the morning is  cathartic. It is good for your health as well as of your pooch. Besides it also develops a bonding.

·         Gradually, reduce the diet till it comes back to shape. Please note that an average sedentary dog weighing about 20 kg needs about 500 cal per day. 

·          Do not offer snacks, tid bits in between meals. No, I mean absolutely no snacking.

·         Play some games with it. How about – “fetch me the ball” or “can you catch the flying disc game”?

 Here is wishing you all the best!