Does my dog have ear mites?

If your dog is scratching at or shaking his head, the culprit might be Otodectes cynotis hiding out in their ear canal. Otodectes cynotis, also known as “ear beggar of the dog” is a tiny arachnid, among the family of spiders and ticks.

What these tiny critters do is squirrel away in the ear canals, feeding on the wax and oils in your dog’s ears. Their presence causes itching, thus the scratching done by your pup. While the parasites themselves don’t bite the skin, the secondary damage done by your dog’s claws can be far more serious.

It is important to clear up an ear mite infestation as soon as you suspect one.

What are the symptoms of dog ear mites?

Itching: The first sign of an ear mite infestation is your pup scratching his head.

Dark, crumbly reddish-brown discharge: This is often composed of dried blood, similar in appearance to coffee grounds.

Wounds, inflammation, and infections: The dog scratching may lead to cuts and infections in the ear(s). The most common sign of a mite infestation is a scab or abrasion at the base of the ear, which is the result of the dog scratching with his hind limb claws. If bacteria has infected the open wound(s), you may find an infection.

In heavy ear mite infestations, the ear mites might start to invade other parts of the dog’s body.

What to do if you think your dog has ear mites

It is important to eradicate ear mites as soon as you possibly can, both for the good of the infected dog, your other pets, and stranger’s pets your dog may interact with. Ear mites can easily spread to cats and ferrets, as well. If one animal in the household is diagnosed with ear mites, all pets should be treated at the same time. Although rare, these mites can also spread to humans.

Although Googling recipes for home remedies is an option you may feel compelled to try, it is wiser to visit your veterinarian for a proper, definitive diagnosis and treatment. There are several other ear conditions that mimic mite infestations, so you want to make sure your treatment is right for your pup to clear up the issue the first time.

How are ear mites treated?

The first step in ear mite treatment is a vet’s examination of the ear canal and the discharges from the ear for the possible presence of mites. They are easily spotted with the aid of an otoscope.

The next step would be a thorough ear cleaning, followed by application of products approved for treatment of ear mites in dogs, such as selamectin, moxidectin/imidacloprid, all of which is often used against a range of parasites.

Bacterial or fungal infections should also be treated.

Prevention is a matter of monthly topical anti-parasite application and keep your dog’s ears clean.

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What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip Dysplasia typically develops because of an abnormally developed hip joint. However, hip dysplasia can also be caused by cartilage damage from a traumatic fracture. With such damage or a malformed hip joint, over the time the existing cartilage will lose its thickness and elasticity. The breakdown of the cartilage will eventually result in pain with any joint movement.

No one can predict when or if a dog will start showing signs of lameness due to pain. The severity of the disease may be affected by environmental factors, such as caloric intake or level of exercise. It is not abnormal for certain dysplastic dogs with severe arthritis that run, jump, and play as though nothing is wrong. There are also some dogs with very little arthritic x-ray evidence that are severely lame.

Screenings for hip dysplasia are done by a veterinarian with x-rays that are then sent to OFA for grading and certification.

Hip Screening: Grade Classifications

The OFA classifies hips into seven different categories: Excellent, Good, Fair (all within Normal limits), Borderline, and then Mild, Moderate, or Severe (the last three are considered Dysplastic).

Excellent Classification

Superior conformation; there is a deep-seated ball (femoral head) which fits tightly into a well-formed socket (acetabulum) with minimal joint space.

Good Classification

Slightly less than superior but a well-formed congruent hip joint is visible. The ball fits well into the socket and good coverage is present.

Fair Classification

Minor irregularities; the hip joint is wider than a good hip. The ball slips slightly out of the socket. The socket may also appear to be slightly shallow.

Borderline Classification

Not clear. Usually, more incongruency then what occurs in a ‘Fair’ classification, but there are no arthritic changes present that definitively diagnose the hip joint being dysplastic.

Mild Classification

It is significant yet partial dislocation is present where the ball is partially out of the socket, causing an increased joint space. The socket is typically shallow only partially covering the ball.

Moderate Classification

The ball is barely positioned into a shallow socket. There are secondary arthritic bone changes usually along the femoral neck and head (aka remodeling), acetabular rim changes (osteophytes or bone spurs) and various degrees of trabecular bone pattern changes (sclerosis).

Severe Classification

Marked evidence of dysplasia exists. The ball is partially or completely out of the shallow socket. Significant arthritic bone changes along the femoral neck and head and acetabular rim changes.

Treatment Options

Once osteoarthritis is present on a radiograph, dysplastic changes are irreversible and typically continue to progress over time. If a dog with hip dysplasia has secondary arthritis and pain, most owners opt to first treat their dog with medical management. The key is weight control and exercise. Studies have shown that up to 76% of dogs with severe dysplasia and secondary arthritis are able to function and live comfortable, quality lives with conservative management. With weight control, the goal is to prevent the dog from becoming overweight to reduce stresses applied to the joints. In general terms, ribs should be easily palpated and there should be an indentation in front of the pelvic wings (waistline).

Controlled exercise is to prevent or relieve the inflammatory process that leads to the pain associated with arthritis. The amount and difficulty of the activity is determined on a trial and error basis. Exercise should begin on short-leash walks and increase level of activity over time. If clinical signs begin to reappear, scale back the level of exercise to a point where the clinical signs do not reappear. Exercise should fit to each individual dog’s maximum intensity level with the goal to maintain muscle tone and cardiovascular function without causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation to the affected joint(s). Exercise helps maintain muscle tone, strengthens & stabilizes the unstable dysplastic joint, and improves joint range of motion (which in turn keeps the dog comfortable). Another useful activity is swimming, as it is a non-weight bearing exercise.

Keep the dog in a warm environment. Warmth tends to help control the pain of arthritis. As in people, arthritis pain in dogs tends to worsen in damp and cold weather. Provide a well-padded and warm bed will help alleviate some of the pain associated with osteoarthritis. An egg-crate foam bed for dogs is commercially available. Applying superficial heat in the form of heating pads may also alleviate pain, but do heed caution as not to burn the skin with electric heating pads. Heat works best for chronically inflamed joints while cold works better to treat acute (sudden) types of joint injuries.

There are drug treatments and surgical interventions that may help, but prior to initiating any therapy, the attending veterinarian should be consulted with a complete medical history and physical examination.

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New Year's Eve Survival Guide for Pets & Pet Owners

Up-to-date ID

Parties mean doors getting opened a lot. Even if you have thoughtfully hung a sign on your bedroom door saying ‘Do Not Open’, or if you have your pets safely contained in a crate inside the bedroom, accidents happen. Make sure your pet ID tags and microchip information has your current address and phone numbers.

Confining your pet

Many pets have a favorite hiding place they go to when frightened. For some pets, a crate can lend a feeling of safety, security, and act as a sort of sanctuary. However, for some pets that did not grow up using a crate, it may only cause more stress and lead to injuries of their nails or teeth trying to get out. If crating is not an option, place your pet in a room they cannot hurt themselves or damage any belongings.

Exercise

For dogs and even cats, giving them plenty of exercise on New Years Eve day will help them achieve a more restful sleep that night. A good long walk or hike with your pup will help burn off any day-of anxiety for both you and your dog.

No human food

Make sure everyone is on the same page that the dog is not allowed table scraps. The #1 reason pet owners end up at the emergency vet on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day is due to a sick pet from too much people food, good or bad. Even supposed ‘safe’ foods you think of can lead to pancreatitis, which can be fatal.

White noise

Fireworks and loud music can disturb and upset even the calmest of pets. Put on white noise or classical music at a volume that will cover up outside noise. For sound-sensitive animals, many pets find relief in using a Thundershirt pet wrap (available at most pet stores).

Distract with toys or games

Food puzzles and new toys to play with during the time there will be a lot of noise or festivities will keep an active and distracted mind. For cat owners, try spritzing catnip spray on the new toy. For dog owners, stuff a puzzle toy with peanut butter to keep their attention focus (we highly suggest peanut butter filled Kongs).

Don’t reward anxious behavior

It is ok to hug them, but do not reward any anxious behavior by fussing over them. Staying happy and in control lets them know everything is ok.

Talk to your veterinarian

If your doctor is already familiar with your pet’s issue, speak with your vet to consider anti-anxiety medication for your pet. Other options are diffusers (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats) which release natural pheromones that help keep pets calm during times of stress.

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Is your dog or cat overweight?

HOW CAN OWNERS KNOW WHETHER THEIR DOG OR CAT IS OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE?

Photography source: Pet Obesity Prevention

Photography source: Pet Obesity Prevention

Count and feel for the ribs. You should be able to easily feel/count your pup's ribs when you lightly run your fingers across their side.

Look for the indentation. When you look down on your pet from above, you should see an hourglass figure or an indentation near the midsection. If your pet looks like a blimp from above, it’s carrying extra weight.

Spy that slope. When you view your pet from the side, you should see a slight tuck or upward slope of the tummy. If the abdomen hangs low and drags near the ground, that indicates the most dangerous and biologically active form of fat, abdominal fat, is present.  

 

Photography source: Pet Obesity Prevention

IS MY PET AT RISK FOR A MEDICAL PROBLEM DUE TO EXCESS WEIGHT?

Dogs and cats carrying extra fat are at greater risk for developing debilitating diabetes, crippling arthritis, deadly high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of catastrophic cancer. You need to have a frank conversation with your vet to find out if your pet is potentially facing one of these conditions. If so, what can you do to cut those odds? The most important decision you make each day about your pet’s health is what you choose to feed it. Choose wisely; your pet’s life depends on it.

It’s never too late to reduce your pet’s chances of contracting one of these grim disorders. Early recognition and awareness is the best defense against many diseases. Ask the question.

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