How common are ear infections in dogs?
Infection of the external ear canal by bacteria or yeast are one of the most common types of infections seen in dogs. We call this otitis externa.
Some breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles, seem more prone to ear infections, but they may occur in any breed.
What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
A dog with an ear infection is uncomfortable, its ear canals are sensitive. It shakes its head trying to get the debris and fluid out, and it scratches its ears. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs.
Don’t these symptoms usually suggest ear mites?
Ear mites can cause several of these symptoms, including a black discharge, scratching and head shaking. However, ear mite infections generally occur most commonly in puppies. Ear mites in adult dogs occur most frequently after a puppy carrying mites is introduced into the household. Sometimes ear mites will create an environment within the ear canal which leads to a secondary infection with bacteria and yeast (fungus). By the time the dog is presented to the veterinarian , the mites may be gone, but a significant ear infection remains.
Abyssinian
Psychogenic alopecia and dermatitis
Follicular dysplasia
Afghan Hound
Hypothyroidism
Airedale Terrier
Flank alopecia
Akita
Hypothyroidism
Pemphigus
Post-clipping alopecia
Sebaceous adenitis
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) (more…)
Do dogs have menstrual periods? How long do they last? How often do they come?
In fact, the menstrual cycle is a primate phenomenon; dogs do not have menstrual periods. They have an estrus cycle that includes a period of false pregnancy. This false pregnancy, or pseudocyesis (pronounced “sudo-sigh-eesis”), also sometimes called pseudopregnancy, can get out of control and last for weeks with the dog producing milk and sometimes mothering soft toys or pillows like Rosie in the above illustration. So what should you do when this happens?
Before talking about treatment, let’s explain the dog’s natural estrus cycle. The female dog comes into season approximately every 6 to 8 months, though this period becomes more erratic with age and is somewhat irregular when cycles first begin. The exception to the every 6 to 8 months rule is African breeds (Basenji, Rhodesian Ridgeback) who cycle once a year. When female dogs get older (say, age 7 or more) they do not stop cycling; there is nothing similar to menopause. (more…)
The Chinese Shar-pei, famous for its wrinkles, has gone from the rarest dog breed listed by the Guinness Book of World Records to its current status of popularity. This breed is famous for its aloof temperament and its medical issues; still, most Shar-pei owners would not trade their breed for any less controversial one.
The following discussion is meant to assist people who are considering adoption of a Shar-pei. The Shar-pei is a unique animal with unique needs and may not be suited for the first time dog owner or for a family that requires a low maintenance dog. The Shar-pei is not a breed to adopt lightly; one must be prepared for an extra time commitment and even extra veterinary expenses. (more…)
Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! Flea control has always been a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners because the adult fleas cause the clinical signs, yet the majority of the flea population (eggs, larvae and pupae) are to be found off the pet in and around the home. The ideal flea control program utilizes products that target the various stages of the flea life cycle, not only the adult fleas on the pet. In order to help you to select the most appropriate products to achieve a flea-free existence for an allergic pet, we will start by telling you about the life cycle of the flea.
The Life Cycle of the Flea: Ctenocephalides felis
Eggs are laid in the hair coat and are designed to fall off the host. They are resistant to insecticides, but susceptible to various insect growth regulators. Larvae develop in the host’s environment and feed on adult flea feces (blood) that fall out of the hair coat of the pet. Larvae are susceptible to traditional insecticides, borates and insect growth regulators. Larvae eventually spin cocoons (often within carpet fibers) for pupation. Pupae are resistant to freezing, desiccation, and insecticides. Pupae can lie dormant for many months; they are stimulated to expupate as emergent adults by vibration, warming and increased carbon dioxide. Normally, expupation occurs when a host is near and the new flea finds the pet within seconds of emergence. Emergent fleas are fairly mobile and can survive a few days without a host, if in a suitable environment. New fleas begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. Once a blood meal has been taken, the flea can survive only a short time if it is dislodged from the host. New fleas experience very high mortality on healthy adult hosts. Most fleas do not survive 72 hours on an animal that is itching and able to groom itself.
Unfortunately, limited egg production does occur even on allergic animals. The entire life cycle of C. felis can be completed in as few as 16 days! (more…)
