Some life events take precedent in saying this was a magical moment! Such was my day yesterday afternoon!
I had bid on the opportunity (through Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue) to have lunch with an astronaut and I won! The lunch was on for 12:30 and it would be catered at my home. Of course I worked until 12:25 because the life of a veterinarian never slows down.
My luncheon was with astronaut Rich Clifford and his lovely wife Nancy. Through his eyes, along with 2 high school students interested in engineering and Dr. Mackie and his wife, we all learned about the space program. Some of the highlights included: of the 5,000 truly qualified applicants each year there are 23 selected, exercise in space sends sweat splattering everywhere, and the challenging aspects of life in the space station. He is a true American hero in my book!
In addition to his career as an astronaut, Clifford is a spokesperson for early diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease as he he has been on his own journey in dealing with the disease. As a member of the Michael J Fox Foundation board and the focus of a recent documentary of his life called the "Astronaut's Secret," he is a remarkable man. I will treasure my memories of this event always.
Then later in the day I attended a special wedding event where I witnessed a very dear friend finding love again. His new bride, in remission from cancer for less than a year, practically glowed in happiness and divinely inspired love walking down the aisle. Magical, yes! Happenstance, no way! Love conquers all.
With such loftiness, I return to the ground and review this week's overview.
What are the most common 3 problems in dogs this week?
1. Live Ticks in patients that are not currently on a tick controlling product
2. acute sores or "hot spots" in Golden Retrievers
3. ear infections in my allergy patients.
Why the sudden upswing in skin/ ear cases?
There has been a massive release in allergens rather widespread over a longer spring period.
What kind of signs are reported by their owners?
Licking of the feet, rubbing face and ears, and reddened skin of the belly/armpits/rectum.
What is the theory behind these areas being irritated?
Besides the direct contact to grasses & pollens in the environment, there is also the inhaled component and histamine release by the body in those areas that precipitates itching and redness?
Where does the bacteria and yeast come from in ear infections?
There is always a small local population that thrives in the wax and debri ( the goo stuff) that response to local inflammation.
In the last year what is your newest revelation in treating ear problems?
100 percent of ear medications are labeled as one size fits all "tx 5 to 7 drops per ear x times a day". Yet the space of the ear canal of a Great Dane is much larger than that of a toy poodle. For oral antibiotics, the dose is based on size. Ear medications should be the same or else risk of under dosing the surface area of larger dogs ear canals. As in oral medication, cost is increased in larger dogs to treat large dog ear problems appropriately. Thus, this year at Creature Comforts the size of ear medications such as mometamax and conofite will be based on body weight when prescribed.
When a dog is very painful with ear infections. Is there a repository medication that lasts 10 to 14 days? While convenient, is there any down size to this treatment?
Yes, BNT is one such medication. Owners will note a decrease in hearing that is normally temporary with BNT treatment.
One complaint I often hear is a client bringing in a dog with a painful ear; yet after being told the cytological exam was negative, what is the problem?
Inflammation of the ear in allergic responses is often a precursor to infections. Caught early, the ear may be painful and red. Treatment would include topical products such as hydro-plus, genesis spray, and synotic. Such cases emphasize the importance of a cytology and exam as antibiotic and anti- yeast products would be unnecessary and increase risk of drug resistance when such products truly needed.
Is oral medication needed with ear problems?
Yes, often an anti-histamine such as Benadryl or combination with steroids such as temaril p is indicated.
If a patient has more than 2 infections in 90 days, additional options to investigate include food trials and serum allergy testing,
Betsy Sigmon DVM with Jay Mackie DVM
With Earl and Taco Belle
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