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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> End = tropical perfection! <strong>The</strong> ideal life for your<br />
furry members and yourself, outdoor living and sunny<br />
weather. But there are some downsides to any tropical<br />
paradise, especially when it comes to skin and ear problems.<br />
Tropical gardens bloom with a huge variety of plants/trees/grasses<br />
occurring all year round. Some plants commonly grown in backyards<br />
around Darwin can have saps in them that cause skin reactions when<br />
animals contact them.<br />
Pets in Darwin<br />
My Dog in the Tropics<br />
Parasites love our warm, humid environment and we see lots of flea,<br />
mite and tick problems, so it’s recommended that you speak with<br />
your vet about the best options of parasite control for your pet.<br />
Scratching/chewing/licking and rubbing at itchy areas results in damage<br />
to the skin and reduces the body's natural ability to fight infection. In<br />
the tropics, humidity and heat make a perfect environment for<br />
bacteria and yeast – meaning even slight damage or inflammation of<br />
the skin opens the opportunity for nasty infections to develop.<br />
Images: (top)<br />
Common areas<br />
affected by skin<br />
allergies in dogs.<br />
(left) Plants<br />
known to cause<br />
contact allergies<br />
in some dogs.<br />
In both humans and pets, hay fevers and rashes can develop when<br />
moving to the tropics. <strong>The</strong> extreme load of new environmental<br />
factors can lead to the development of allergies to multiple grasses,<br />
weeds, plants, pollens<br />
• An allergy is a state of over reactivity or hypersensitivity of the<br />
immune system to a particular substance called an allergen.<br />
• Common clinical signs noticed with allergies are overt scratching,<br />
licking or chewing at the skin or rubbing/rolling on surfaces.<br />
• Unfortunately, there is no reliable cure for allergies and isolating<br />
and identifying the allergen in pets can be difficult. Often longterm<br />
medical management is required to reduce symptoms if<br />
exposure is continuous. Contact your veterinarian to discuss<br />
options if you think your pet may have allergies. or insects in<br />
some pets.<br />
Katherine Recreation<br />
Want to find out what sport and recreational activities are available in Katherine? Maybe you are looking to join a sport or<br />
searching for a way to entertain the kids?<br />
Skin and ear infections are one of the most common consultations<br />
booked at vet clinics in Darwin. Seek veterinary attention as soon as<br />
possible if you notice a skin or ear problem (it will be easier and<br />
cheaper to treat in the earlier stages!).<br />
• Skin infections – can look like; red inflamed rash, pustules/lesions/<br />
scabs, hair loss, moist or dry and flaky skin.<br />
• Ear infections – can look like; head shaking or scratching or<br />
rubbing, head hanging to one side, increased discharge within ear<br />
(can be dark/light, moist/dry), strong foul odour and<br />
inflammation of skin/ear.<br />
• It is important to identify which bacteria or yeast is associated<br />
with the infection to treat it effectively and reduce and prevent<br />
further skin damage, which can be long term. Your vet will often<br />
take samples at the appointment and then prescribe medication<br />
appropriately.<br />
• Bacteria/Yeast like to stick around and can be very hardy, so it is<br />
important to have a revisit to ensure the infection is resolved<br />
before stopping medication.<br />
Written by All Pets Veterinary Hospital<br />
allpetsvet.com.au<br />
AFL NT/ Katherine Umpires Association<br />
Big Rivers BMX Club<br />
Girl Guides in Katherine<br />
Good Sports Program / Alcohol and Drug<br />
Foundation<br />
Hockey NT<br />
Katherine Aquatic Centre<br />
Katherine Athletics Centre<br />
Katherine Camels<br />
Katherine Country Club – Golf & Bowls<br />
Katherine Football Club - Soccer<br />
Katherine Games Fishing Club<br />
Katherine Gymnastics – Active Feet<br />
Katherine Indoor Sports Centre<br />
Katherine Motor Sport Club<br />
Katherine Multisports Club<br />
Katherine Netball Association<br />
Katherine Rugby League Club Inc.<br />
Katherine Scout Group<br />
Katherine Softball<br />
Katherine Tennis Club<br />
Katherine Town Council<br />
Katherine Town Council – Elected Members<br />
Katherine Volleyball Club<br />
NT Parks and Wildlife<br />
Royal Life Saving Society (Australia) NT<br />
Branch<br />
<strong>The</strong> Y Katherine<br />
Supplied by Katherine<br />
Town Council<br />
Sports and Recreation Directory<br />
www.katherine.nt.gov.au/listings/sportsand-recreation<br />
46 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated JUNE/JULY <strong>2022</strong> 47
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