287 August 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

August 2018 t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk
Otitis Externa in Dogs
Otitis externa is infl ammation of the external ear canal.
It occurs when a change in the normal environment
of the ear canal causes the glands lining the canal
to enlarge and produce excessive wax. It is often a
secondary symptom of another underlying disease.
Otitis externa affects dogs of any age and breed, but
long-eared breeds, such as spaniels and retrievers,
and dogs with hairy external canals, such as terriers
and poodles, are more susceptible.
Symptoms
• Pain
• Head shaking
• Scratching at ears
• Odour
• Redness +/- swelling of external ear canal
Causes
Multiple factors can contribute to the development of otitis externa. These
include:
• Infections (bacterial or fungal) • Parasites
• Allergies (food or environmental) • Foreign bodies (e.g. Grass seeds)
• Accumulation of hair
• Swimming
• Overzealous or abrasive ear cleaning
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination of the external ear canal.
Sometimes samples of ear discharge will be taken for cytology, examination
for parasites or culture.
In recurrent cases of otitis externa further investigations for underlying
causes may be appropriate e.g. blood samples for allergy testing or a diet
trial for food allergies/intolerances.
Treatment
Where there is a lot of hair and/or discharge in the ear canal it is often
benefi cial for the ear to be plucked and flushed under sedation to remove
obstruction and allow full examination and treatment.
Topical ear drops are the most common treatment. These contain a
combination of antibiotic, antifungal and corticosteroid. Corticosteroid
tablets may also be used to reduce pain and swelling.
In recurrent cases and those where an underlying cause has been identified
longer term treatment and control measures may be required.
Persistent, untreated otitis externa causes chronic pain and can lead to
rupture of the ear drum, deafness, nerve damage, otitis media, otitis interna,
and (rarely) meningoencephalitis.
Article supplied by PetVets
Pass horses
wide and slow
Helping
Hedgehogs
think.direct.gov.uk/horses.html
Horses are large powerful animals but they can easily panic and
bolt if startled. The consequences to drivers, their car, the horse
and its rider can be horrendous. By following some
basic advice, drivers and riders can help avoid
accidents involving horses on the road.
Advice for horse riders
horse and rider whatever the weather or light conditions
Advice for motorists
a horse who is experienced and calm to accompany you
frightened and unpredictable
the road
passed them.
abreast on the road
the roundabout until reaching their exit, when they will
signal left. They will normally signal right only when
return with a responsible person
Due to the prolonged hot dry spell
hedgehogs are finding it hard to
find their natural prey of slugs and
snails, so if you have hedgehogs
near you please try and help them
out at this time.
Wildlife experts advise that
hedgehogs will eat cat/dog food and
water, but under no circumstances
feed them bread and or milk as
their systems cannot digest this.
Hedgehogs are a very endangered
species and are well worth having
as visitors to your garden as they
are the “gardener’s” best friend as they eat what we regard as “pests”.
Please help our little hogs during this prolonged dry spell.
Bramble Ramblers To Raise
Vital Funds For Canine Partners
FAMILIES will
join fundraisers
and puppies
on Sunday 2nd
September from
12noon as the
Canine Partners’
Bramble Ramble
Fun Day comes
to Glasgow.
The event will
raise vital funds for
the charity which
trains amazing
assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people, boosting their
confidence and independence.
The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and
fetching items, opening doors and dressing a person. They can even
help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an
emergency.
The fun-filled afternoon will take place at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall and
includes a sponsored walk within the grounds of Pollok Country Park,
demonstrations from the Canine
Partners demo team and the chance
to meet puppies in training.
47
There will also be craft stalls, a popup
café, a raffle with prizes such as
a Fitbit Alta, tombola and children’s
activities. Tickets cost £5 in advance
or £6 on the day. Children go free.
The event is wheelchair accessible.
For more information about Canine
Partners’ Bramble Ramble Fun Day
email Scotland@caninepartners.
org.uk, call 0845 481 1915 or
visit caninepartners.org.uk/event/
bramble-ramble-fun-day/
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