PET CARE

DR ANUPAMA ANNAM Consultant ENT and Skull Base Surgeon at Westminster Healthcare, Chennai.

Hearing impairment is a serious health problem significantly affecting the quality of life of those affected. It can be caused by several factors. Hearing loss can be broadly classified into conductive and sensorineural. Those factors that cause a block in the conduction of sound from the external environment to the inner ear cause a conductive hearing loss and are completely curable. Factors affecting the inner ear and the auditory nerve however cause a sensorineural hearing loss and are only preventable. Treatment for such disorders is expensive and sometimes unsatisfactory. Hearing loss can be congenital or acquired. Acquired causes of hearing loss are completely preventable. The common causes are ear infections, exposure to loud noise, effect of toxins, and head trauma. It is important to understand the causes and the many remedies to hearing problems and one can do a lot on one’s own to prevent the onset of hearing-loss. Let us examine a few causes and solutions to common hearing problems. Infections of the middle ear can occur at all age, but start mostly in childhood. Neglected ear infections tend to be the leading cause of hearing morbidity in our country. They can be cured by simple surgery. Untreated middle ear infections can lead to sudden life threatening complications and sometimes permanent hearing loss. Attention should be paid to childhood ear infections and treated before it becomes a chronic health hazard. Excessive noise at workplace can cause hearing problems if noise levels go beyond 85 dB and can result in a permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Those working in industries with loud noises can protect their ear by wearing ear plugs and screen for hearing loss at frequent intervals. The volume controls on electronics should be handled carefully and the people must ensure that the volume of TV, radio and personal electronics is kept as low as possible. Head injury leads to varying degrees of hearing loss depending on the nature of the fracture to the temporal bone. They are preventable by wearing helmets. Foreign bodies in the ear can cause hearing loss as well. The use of cotton buds could lead to trauma and injury to the tympanic membrane and the middle earossicles and cause significant hearing impairment contrary to popular belief. The cotton buds in children would not remove ear wax but push the wax deep into the ear canal in front of the ear drum. This can cause significant hearing loss and discomfort. Home remedies like hot oil, garlic and onion inserted into the ear are very harmful and must not be attempted. Home ear wax removal suction equipment must never be used as tympanic membrane and middle ear ossicles are very minute delicate structures and can be damaged when there is no knowledge of the anatomy involved. It's the responsibility of every human being to take care of their senses. It is important to be aware of the impact of our everyday activities on our sensory systems and seek professional help when needed.

Prevent Outdoor Pet Hazards

StavE oFF SunbuRn The dog days of summer pose danger for our faithful friends. Short-haired, close-shaven, and light-colored pets are prone to sunburns. The tender skin of snouts, noses, ears, and tails is also exposed to the UV rays. Rub on doggie sunblock (at least SPF 15 in strength) about 15 minutes before a long stretch in the sun. Make sure your pet has a shady spot to hang out, too.

KEEP Hot DogS CooL Heat can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Be sure she has plenty of water. Choose outside bowls that won’t tip, and fill them often. On walks, bring a water bowl and spray bottle for cooling drinks and showers along the way. Never leave pets alone in a vehicle during summer. Temperatures can climb above 100 degrees in a matter of moments.

Know tHE SyMPtoMS oF HEatStRoKE Humans cool down when we sweat. Dogs chill when they pant. But if your pet can’t stop panting, has labored breathing, his gums turn white or blue, or he becomes lethargic, get to a vet right away. These are warning signs of heatstroke, which can cause serious illness or even death.

FigHt FLying FoES You’ll hear a yelp or yowl if your dog is attacked by a bee, yellow jacket, wasp, or hornet. If your dog gets stung, scrape out the stinger. Apply a paste of baking soda and water, then ice the area. But go straight to the vet if she has trouble breathing or lots of swelling.

PiCK PEt-SaFE PRoDuCtS The things that make your yard and garden healthy, like fertilizers and weed killers, can make your four-legged friend sick. Look for non-toxic options and use them as directed. Make sure spray-on chemicals have dried before you let your dog roam the yard. Keep bags and bottles tightly sealed where he can’t get to them.

PatRoL tHE PooL anD PonD Wading pools can offer relief from the heat, but deeper waters are danger zones. Whether beachside or poolside, train your dog to climb to dry land. Never leave her alone in the water. Salt and chlorine aren’t good for your dog’s fur, skin, eyes, nose, or stomach, so don’t let her drink the water, either. After a swim, give her a good rinse. Talk to your vet about products that clean ears and dry them out after a swim.

StEER CLEaR oF PuDDLES Train your pooch to be a puddle jumper, or at least steer him around them. Standing water is a perfect place for bacteria and parasites to breed. If your pet swallows them when he takes a drink, he could get seriously ill. Puddles can also contain antifreeze - which is deadly if animals drink it.

ContRoL tHE CRittERS Whether it’s a collar, a pill, or a medication you put on his skin, it's important to keep your pet flea- and tick-free. These bugs feast on his blood, and yours. Plus they carry nasty ailments. Talk to your vet about the best choice. If you live in a place where ticks thrive, check your pet after every trip outside. If he has fleas, chances are they’re in your house and yard, too. The vet can tell you how to treat them.