The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

Page 62

Pets

Ask the vet…

with Lynn Broom

Ears

Just giving repeated courses of ear drops can miss alternative causes such as foreign bodies (typically grass seeds), ruptured ear drums (common in chronic ear infections) and can lead to ineffective treatment due to excessively narrowed ear canals or resistant infections. Allergies are the most common causes of recurrent otitis externa. The ear is an extension of the skin and, being warm and moist, inflammation caused by an allergy, quickly leads to an increase in yeast growth causing excess wax production and irritation. This exacerbates the inflammation allowing secondary bacterial infections to develop. Many (but not all) dogs will have other signs of allergies as well such as excessive paw licking or an itchy bum. Certain dog breeds including poodles and poodle crosses grow hair in the ear canal which prevents the normal action of continuous wax/dirt removal in a normal healthy ear. Plucking these ears can reduce wax build up but can also damage the sensitive lining of the ear. Heavy ears such as those in some cocker spaniels keeps the ear environment moist increasing yeast Independent family run business offering growth. Water in the ears a very personal, caring pet cremation service from swimming can cause to bereaved pet owners. recurrent problems. Collection Service Farewell Room Any excessive ear discharge Out of Hours Service provided is abnormal. Some dogs Located in a rural countryside setting with excess wax production on the Somerset Dorset border can be maintained using

A common problem seen in small animal veterinary practice is recurrent inflammation of the ear known as otitis externa. This can involve all the structures of the ear canal from the ear drum outwards. Traditionally repeated courses of ear drops containing steroid, anti-yeast medication and antibiotics have been used. However this only treats ears which are obviously abnormal/painful leading to recurring damage and only temporarily removes symptoms if the underlying cause remains. Antibiotics should only be used when needed, and inappropriate use can lead to resistant infections.

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Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

BLANDFORD & STURMINSTER CATS PROTECTION Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care. For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: www.blandford.cats.org.uk Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

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BLACK SILKIE 5 Month Cockerel.Requires loving, kind,safe home.Tel: 01747 861566.Milton on Stour .Gilingham

regular ear cleaners but it is often a sign of inflammation which may cause secondary infection. Chronic ear disease causes significant discomfort seen by head shaking, scratching and rubbing and can cause temporary or permanent deafness. Chronic damage leads to narrowed ear canals which can trap discharge and infection inside leading to ear drum rupture and, potentially, middle and inner ear infections causing balance disorders and surgery may be indicated if these changes are permanent. The ideal way to manage these ears is to clear any existing infection, reverse all chronic changes and then prevent recurrence. Swabs of culture should be taken when infection is suspected to allow appropriate use of antibiotics. Re-examining the ears prior to stopping treatment ensures all chronic changes have been reversed (where possible). Long-acting products can be used when dogs are difficult to treat due to pain or temperament to ensure a full course of treatment is given. Once the ears are normal, controlling allergies, specific ear cleaners or local steroid ear drops can help reduce the incidence of recurrence. It is often worth the short term extra cost to resolve the problem and prevent it than to repeatedly treat flare ups and your dog will definitely thank you for not having ongoing painful ears! Caring, responsible homes sought for two 2yr old male guinea pigs (separated). Rehoming reluctantly. Blandford 07718056701.

Labrador puppies for sale,wormed up to date, Microchipped, both parents hip eye and elbow tested and both can be seen,parents are kc registered and have very good temperaments

New Blackmore Vale, 7th January 2022

blackmorevale.net


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