Pets

Ask the vet… with Lynn Broom

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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Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk 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 growth. Water in the ears from swimming can cause recurrent problems. Any excessive ear discharge is abnormal. Some dogs with excess wax production can be maintained using 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!

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A lead into the local community

By Janine Farley

We jumped on the band wagon, alongside many others during lock down when we acquired our sweet, mischievous puppy, who we named Blue. Indeed, it is so sad to see the many negative articles about puppies who have missed out on socialisation and the surge reported by the RSPCA of abandoned and unwanted dogs being relinquished to rescue centres. Reflecting upon this I wanted to share our experience and a happy tale about our boy. Blue and I are just back from a crisp morning stride through our beautiful Dorset countryside. I feel both grateful and elated for this hour-anda-half immersed in nature’s vivacious autumn colours, smells and sounds. This morning we were lucky enough to see an egret skim the swollen river and the other day we witnessed a procession of swans whistling across the sky above in their slanted V formation - a truly magical sight and one I will never forget.

BEHAVIOUR TIPS

Helen Taylor BSc (Hons) is a qualified, accredited behaviourist and is a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and a Registered Practitioner with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (no 881). help@helentaylordorset.co.uk www.helentaylordorset.co.uk.

In this series of short articles Helen offers bite-size tips on training your dog using effective, safe and humane methods.

Tip #6 Recall. Many owners let their dog off lead and THEN try (usually not very successfully) to teach a recall. 1. Keep your dog on a long line and harness unless/until you have a 100% recall in that situation. If your dog may not come back if he sees another dog at 10m, then put him on a lead or long line 15m away from the point where another dog could appear. 2. Use one word consistently, rather than “come.... come here.... come on boy....... this way.... Whatsthis” and don’t repeat it. 3. Don’t set your dog up to fail - only use your recall cue if you know he will come back. 4. Don’t call him if coming to you will not be positive for him, so don’t call him, then put him back on a lead or do something he finds unpleasant. Lastly, use a proportionate reward! If you call your dog away from the prospect of greeting another dog or chasing something, and the reward is boring, he may learn to ignore you in this situation. Of course, in an emergency, do what you need to get your dog back. But try to prevent that situation from recurring. Walking with Blue brings numerous health benefits. It is precious time where I can untangle my mind and focus on the day ahead; I’ve worked on cardiovascular fitness and strengthened my bones and muscles and phew! that means I don’t have to feel guilty about not doing a gym session on Zoom. It is true to say the benefits of brisk walking are undeniable and of course can be achieved without a four-legged companion. The thing that compelled me to write this was the connection I’ve made with the local community since Blue joined our family. The friendly interactions, smiles and morning greetings with fellow dog walkers are a continued source of pleasure. Exchanges can be casual and typically British comments about the weather to a more in-depth conversation. I’ve had valuable advice from experienced dog owners to conversations about a whole range of wonderfully random topics. These are quite often dissolved upon realising Blue has got the scent of something interesting and is wandering off, nose to the ground on his own adventure. The funny thing is I don’t know the names of the people, just their dogs. So, although some wise friends warned us that having a dog would be a tie and it is the case, I am thankful to our cheeky pup for the relationships I have made with others and how I now feel more a part of our local community. All of this certainly makes up for any of the inconveniences including those muddy paw prints across the kitchen floor. I’ll mop them later, as right now I’m going to sit down with my much-anticipated cup of coffee.