Ear Infections In Dogs...

Zeus used to get ear infections all the time because of his allergies.

Zeus used to get ear infections all the time because of his allergies. Ear infections can be painful for your dog and can cause serious long term problems if not treated properly. I learned a lot about them from my experience with him. I thought I would share some information about ear infections with you.

Otitis externa is commonly referred to as an “ear infection”. It is an ear condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears, but can occur in dogs with short perky ears too. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs present to veterinarians and may affect up to 20 percent of dogs.

Infections are caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Laboratory tests can help to determine the underlying cause of the infection.

Several factors may predispose dogs to ear infections, including:

• Long floppy ears

• Abnormal ear conformation or anatomy

• Water or hair in the ears

• Allergies

• Trauma

• Tumors

• Foreign material in the ears

• Parasites

• Autoimmune disease

• Generalized skin disease

Ear infections can occur in dogs of any age, breed, or sex. Dogs predisposed to otitis externa include those with genetic predispositions to abnormal ear canals, such as the Chinese shar-pei chow chows and English bulldogs; breeds with hair in the ears like poodles and terriers; dogs with pendulous pinnae such as the cocker spaniel and Springer spaniels; or outside and working dogs that are exposed to water or foreign bodies. Infections are most common in humid environments or during the summer months, but can occur in all environments and during any time of year.

What to watch for:  Common signs of an infection include:

• Scratching or rubbing the ears

• Head shaking

• An abnormal odor or discharge from the ear

• Pain when you manipulate the ear

• Redness and swelling of the external ear canal

The ears are responsible for taking sound waves from the air and transporting them to the brain. These waves pass through the ear canal until they come in contact with the nerves that convert them into sound and allow for hearing.

The ear canals are divided into three sections; the external, middle, and internal parts. The external ear canal extends from the outside of the ear lobe to the eardrum. The middle ear begins with the eardrum and includes the bones and nerves of the ear. The inner ear is closest to the brain and contains the organs responsible for maintaining proper position.

If the inner ear is not functional, the animal feels dizzy and the brain is not able to determine if he/she is standing, turning, lying down, spinning. The most common abnormality associated with the middle and inner ear is inflammation, which is referred to as otitis media or otitis interna. Otitis is the Latin term for inflammation within the ear. Media and interna refer to the parts of the ear that are inflamed. Otitis externa refers to an external ear canal inflammation or infection.

Inflammation within the ear can have numerous causes including bacteria, fungi, yeast, parasites, foreign objects, trauma, polyps and cancer. Middle ear infections typically occur in association with external ear infections. Inner ear infections can then occur as a progression of a middle ear infection. For this reason, prompt diagnosis and treatment of external ear infections can significantly reduce the chance of a middle and/or inner ear infection.

Deafness is a possible permanent effect if otitis media/interna is not treated appropriately. Signs of middle and inner ear inflammation vary depending on which part of the ear is affected and the severity of the infection.

What to Watch For:

• Head shaking

• Pawing, rubbing at the ear

• Discharge from the external ear canal

• Pain when the head is touched

• Pain with the mouth is opened

• Depression

• Loss of hearing

• Lack of appetite

• Head tilt

• Circling

• Leaning to one side

• Rolling

• Stumbling

• Vomiting

• Side to side involuntary continuous eye movement (nystagmus)

Diagnosis:

Otitis media and otitis interna are usually diagnosed based on results of a physical examination and thorough ear exam. Finding the exact cause of the ear inflammation requires more tests and may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical profile to determine the overall health of the animal

• Sedation or anesthesia for a thorough examination since the ear may be quite painful

• Radiographs of the skull and base of the ear, although not usually helpful, to look for tumors or masses at the base of the ear

• Culture and cytology of any discharge or fluid within the canal to determine the cause of the inflammation. Culture can detect bacterial causes and help determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Cytology can detect parasite, fungus, yeast and some cancers. (Zeus had many of these done in his days)

Treatment:

The goal of treatment for otitis media or otitis interna is to remove the cause of the inflammation and provide ventilation and drainage. Treatments vary depending on the cause of the inflammation and may include:

• Initial flushing of the ear canal with warm saline (salt water solution). Zeus couldn’t tolerate flushing his ears with anything due to his allergies (he was allergic to everything) so we always had to skip this step. We treated his with medication that came in the form of ear drops and kept our fingers crossed he did not have an allergic reaction to the medication.

• If the eardrum is intact, a puncture through the eardrum to alleviate the pain and pressure as well as drain the middle and inner ear. This is painful and is done under anesthesia.

• Flushing the middle ear after perforating the eardrum

• Removal of any foreign object

• Oral antibiotics for 3-6 weeks for bacterial, fungal and yeast infections

Ear medications must be used cautiously, if at all. Usually, flushing the ear and oral antibiotics resolves the infection. For parasitic causes of inflammation, ear medications may be necessary.

If the infection is resistant to treatment or if polyps or cancer is the cause of the inflammation, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is more likely if the inflammation has progressed to include the inner ear.

Home Care and Prevention:

There is no home care for otitis media or otitis interna. See your veterinarian if your pet is showing signs of a middle or inner ear infection. Prompt and thorough treatment of external ear infections can greatly reduce the risk of otitis media and otitis interna. For dogs that hunt or spend time in wooded areas, frequent ear exams looking for foreign objects such as grass awns can help reduce the chance of foreign body induced otitis media/interna.

Dog Ear Mites: Are They Dangerous To Your Dog?

Ear mites can greatly affect a dog’s health. Though it is rare, ear mites can definitely suffer your dog. The ear mites in dogs are tiny living parasites that are flourishing food nutrients from the dog’s body.

Dog ear mites can cause various dog ear problems. These parasites are barely seen by the human’s naked eyes. It is possible for the bigger ear mites to be seen on the body of your dog. However, there are some of these dog parasites that can be seen through a microscope. It is not really necessary for a dog owner to see the ear mites in the dog’s body. What is important is learning how to detect and treat this dog ear problem.

A dog affected by ear mites suffers pain and distress. They constantly scratch their ears and can be extremely irritable for them. Furthermore, ear mites cause brown discharges in your dog’s ears. This is due to excessive ear wax production in your dog’s ears, which are caused by the presence of ear mites.

Ear mites in dogs can be fatal if untreated at the early stage. One of the common concerns regarding ear mites is that it can affect your dog’s hearing. These parasites can deeply penetrate into the dog’s ears, which may cause ear drum damage. It is indisputable that the ears are very important to the dogs. The ear mites cause disturbances of the dog’s health balance that can lead to seizures. A bad seizure may lead to death.

Furthermore, ear mites in dogs are extremely contagious. If you have many pets at home, it is critical to isolate the infected dog from other pets. This dog disease may spread out and it might be difficult for you to eliminate them away.

A proper dog ear care and hygiene would be the essential defense against ear mites. You must regularly clean your dog’s ears and groom whenever necessary. A healthy dog cannot be affected by any diseases such as dog ear mites.

Stick by Andrew Smith (10/11/2011)

Half my head is quiet.

 I was born this way.
Most people don’t notice right away, but once they do, I see their faces; I watch how they’ll move around toward that side–the one with the missing part–so they can see what’s wrong me with.
So, here. Look at me.

I’m ugly.

I’d like to preface my summary and review with a sentiment. I was enthralled by this book. Completely. I read it in one sitting.

Stick isn’t his real name. It’s Stark McClellan but everyone calls him stick. He’s thirteen-years-old, six feet tall and, well, a stick. His older brother, Bosten, who is in the eleventh grade, has always looked out for Stick, whether it is protecting Stick from school bullies or their abusive parents. The brothers have formed a loving bond so solid nothing can come between them.

There are many exceptional aspects to Smith’s storytelling. Stick is our first person narrator and the verity of his voice is immediately apparent and consistent.

Things get into my head and they bounce around and around until they                    find a way out.
My mother never talk about my ear. She hardly ever talks to me at all.
I believe she is sad, horrified. I think she blames herself.
Mostly, I think she wishes                   I was never born (p 7).

The prose echo Stick’s thoughts just as his thoughts echo and bounce around in his mind, trapped by his missing part. Stick believes himself ugly – a thought reiterated just often enough that we know it is never far from his thoughts. It is a thought that strips him of whatever fragile confidence he is able to build before the negative external forces in his life tear him down. It colors ever new interaction, magnifying his already meek nature. This is depicted as well as and perhaps even better than other excellent books dealing with physical abnormalities (like North of Beautiful and SLOB).

While much of the parental abuse is driven by their father, see how Smith dresses their mother.

 Her dress was blue, and had orange and red parrots and bright green bamboo on it.
I wondered if parrots really lived in bamboo forests, or if maybe, the artist in charge of Mom’s dress just figured parrots plus bamboo equals fun.

Stick’s mother is not motherly but more like an imitation of their father. She rarely touches her sons. This leaves Stick bereft and confused about non-violent physicality. And the horrors of their father’s abuses… it was like being punched in the gut by an invisible fist.

Other themes Smith explores are redemption, homosexuality, and bullying (including the obligatory torture that is gym class).

To me, it felt like we were all in some kind of cruel Nazi science experiment, but we didn’t question it. I realize that it’s hard to question rules when you’re standing in alphabetical order, waiting in line, freezing and scared, wearing nothing but a jockstrap (p 88).

My favorite scene – and I hope this doesn’t spoil it for anyone – comes on page 167 when Stick’s mind finally catches on to what his body and heart have been trying to tell him. It’s just what a kiss scene should be. When Stick says, “I kissed her again and again, holding her perfect neck in my cupped palm…” it’s not sappy because we’ve seen him compare his (ugly) self to Emily. The humor that follows relieves the tension, so while everything has changed, everything is still the same.

The redemption theme surrounds the legend of St. Fillian, who is the patron saint of the mentally ill and credited with powers to heal the sick. References to the Saint pop up several times: McClellan means ‘son of the servant of Saint Fillian’ (p 90) and the room the boys are locked in is called St. Fillan’s room (p 97). Stick dreams of bringing light to the cold and merciless room (p 156).

The rules Stick and his brother must follow (p 52, 167) and the games the children play reminded me of Nancy Werlin’s excellent book The Rules of Survival. The rules are chilling and suppressive, especially in light of Mr. McClellan’s behaviour, the game rigged.

It was like a game, but it wasn’t fun and there was no chance of winning (p 40).

It also appears this story takes place several years in the past, though I can’t say for sure when. But the decor and the parrot dress and the mention of records… well, I’m a spring chicken so I can’t place the exact time, but I suspect it is pre-1990!

So, to conclude. One of the best books I’ve read all year and a definite addition to my Mock Printz 2012 list! I’ll be purchasing a copy in October. I reviewed this from a free edition provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

If you enjoyed this book, I recommend Punkzilla by Adam Rapp, Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt and Touching Snow by M. Sindy Felin, Almost Home by Jessica Blank and The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin.

Read other reviews:
Afterglow Book Reviews
A Simple Love of Reading
Kirkus
Publisher’s Weekly (starred)
Roof BeamReader

Advance reader edition via NetGalley |  October 11, 2011 | Feiwel and Friends | 304 pages | Ages 15 and up | ISBN 978-0-312-61341-9 | $ 17.99

DMCA Policy | EarSolv ™ Dog Ear Cleaner – The most effective ear cleaner for dogs, cats and rabbits.

These are summarized testimonials sourced from a variety of outlets. The testimonialists  did not receive a promotional copy (and/or other material compensation), in order to facilitate his/her honest opinion for this endorsement.  The website owner  is a marketing affiliate for a variety of companies.

Dog ear infection complications: ruptured tympanic membrane

Dog ear infections can be very severe if neglected or treated incorrectlly.  For this reason you should always take your dog to the vet to have his ear checked thoroughly.  In some severe dog ear infections the eardrum (tympanic membrane) can rupture, resulting in spread of the infection into the middle ear.  This sounds painful and messy: it is.

Here are some great photos of the difference between a normal and a ruptured ear drum from a case study by the University of Pennsylvania Vet School

Dog Ear Vet

Read more about canine otitis externa

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Walnut went for an ear flush guided by a video otoscope under general anesthesia 2 weeks later.  The picture below on the left is of her tympanic membrane, which was ruptured in both ears.  Compare it to a normal canine ear drum seen on the right.  Both ears were flushed, along with the tympanic bullae, and bilateral middle ear cultures were taken for culture and sensitivity testing.                                               Walnut’s left tympanic membrane, ruptured due to severe otitis                                                           Normal canine tympanic membrane                                    externa leading to otitis media                             Future Treatment Plan: Continue oral antibiotics for an additional 8 weeks (change if necessary based on culture and sensitivity from the middle ear) combined with topical treatment of both ears .  If sensitivity reveals no effective oral antibiotic, treat via topical therapy alone for one month past resolution of external canal inflammation and negative cytology.  Click on the button below to see results of Culture and Sensitivitiy from the middle ear.                                                                                                Walnut was treated with oral marbofloxacin 5mg/kg SID (based on culture & sensitivity testing)  for 8 weeks post video otoscopic ear flush.  Her topical regimen included:                     Epiotic (acidifying/drying cleanser) – clean both ears every other day.                     Silver Sulfadiazine (1%) – apply 1cc to both ears twice daily.  Walnut’s otitis required 4 total months of therapy for complete resolution.  At the end of treatment, Walnut’s tympanic membranes had regenerated. Intradermal Allergy Testing (IDAT) was planned to definitively diagnose Atopy as the underlying cause of Walnut’s dermatological problems. The test will be performed in October (end of pollen season) to maximize positive allergen reactions. Â

Not a Prius | Dog Ear"d Systems

This is a hybrid Phantom. After an unfortunate incident involving a tree I recovered the guts of a Phantom and began to mount the pieces on an F330 frame. We’ll see how it comes out.

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Dog Ear Mites: Symptoms and Treatment

Ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis are crab-like, eight-legged, infectious, microscopic parasites which unlike other mites do not burrow into the skin. They have a life cycle of approximately 4 weeks and can survive for several weeks outside the host. Female mites lay eggs in the surrounding area of the ear or fur.

They are very small in size and you can see them using a magnifying glass. Since a dog’s ear is generally dark, warm and moist, it provides a conducive environment for the growth of such parasites along with yeast and bacteria. These mites look like tiny white dots that keep themselves hidden amongst the dark earwax and debris.

Tell-Tale Signs
Dark Discharge: Ear mites live inside the ear canal and they feed on earwax and tissue, because of which their waste is accumulated in the dog’s ears. This type of mange discharges a toxic byproduct which makes the earwax appear reddish-brown or black.

Foul Odor: An infestation of ear mites will also make the dog’s ear smell bad. The earwax will have a pungent and foul odor, which must be taken note of as an obvious sign of infection.

Hematoma: Sometimes when the condition is left unresolved for weeks, the inner skin of the ear can develop another condition known as hematoma, wherein blood collects and dries up under the skin. This discoloration is often found on the ear flaps of the pet because of the repeated friction being inflicted from the paws during scratching.

Ear Sores: Look out for eruptions behind the ear flap and inside the ears of the pet. These eruptions will look like blisters or scabbed sores. Since the parasite feeds on the skin tissue, such sores are common and can be seen on the pet’s face and neck as well. The infestation of this mange can increase the risk of secondary bacterial or yeast infection and thus must be treated with rapidity.

Frequent Head Shaking: Dogs especially, tend to shake their heads back and forth when trying to get rid of something that’s irritating their ear, neck, or face. It is one of the behavior which aims at getting rid of the intrusion in the ear or affected area.

Intense Itching: Dogs suffering from mites will tend to rub their head and ears against objects, in order to relieve some of the itching and their frustration. They tend to lick the parts of their body where the mites may have spread, in which case the owner will need to pay more attention to the area where the dog is scratching or chewing its fur the most.

Excruciating Pain: Along with intense itching, the pet will also experience a lot of pain as a result of the infestation. The ears become sensitive to touch, because when these mites bite the skin it gives rise to an allergic reaction which causes the affected area to swell, redden and sometimes ooze a foul-smelling discharge.

Hearing Lapse: Hearing lapse must not be confused with permanent damage. Sometimes, when the infection persists or keeps recurring, the pet’s hearing may be temporarily weakened. However, if the condition is left untreated, the mites can eat into the blood vessels within the ear and harm the eardrum. In such a situation, the middle ear might be severely infected and may result in some damage.

Diagnosis
There are many other ear conditions which can cause dogs to portray a similar behavior. Hence, an accurate diagnosis of ear mites is very important for appropriate treatment. Ear mites can be seen with the help of otoscope or auriscope. They can be examined with the help of cell structure analysis using microscope (cytology), radiographs (X-ray), CT scan, and skin tests.

Veterinary Treatment
While treating ear mites, the veterinarian cleanses the dog’s ears before applying medications. Cleaning the ears is a mandatory step in treatment, after which the prescribed medication such as ivermectin or selamectin is applied. In case the skin is also infected, a topical medication is applied on the skin. Secondary infections, often require a course of antibiotics in order to treat the condition.

Home Treatment
An ideal way to keep ear mites at bay or to repress the infestation is to clean the pet’s ear once or twice a week, depending on the extent of itching. Mineral oil is excellent for removing the buildup of earwax from the dog’s ear and killing the mites. You may do so by dabbing the oil on a small cotton ball and gently placing it into the pet’s ear. Use your thumb to gently squeeze the cotton into the ear, so that it goes in as it naturally would. Do not try to apply any force whatsoever.

Allow the oil-soaked cotton to absorb the dirt within the ear of the pet. Your dog may try to shake off the cotton but that will only help the oil to spread deeper into the ear, which is the main objective. Remove the cotton after 15-20 minutes and clean the area with a new cotton ball. An entirely assortment regarding common dog behavior troubles might be prevented through several compliance training. Dogs are animals of habit so why not use this to your benefit by supporting your dog to develop good behavior habits from an early age? Secrets To Dog Training: Stop Your Dog’s Behavior Problems, If you are aggressive and set up some simple recommendations and routines for your puppy to follow you may possibly never need to deal with dangerous behaviors such as digging, chewing, too much barking and even separation nervousness. Repeat this process if needed.
Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is better to prevent a mite infection rather than treating it. Keeping the dog’s ears dry after bathing, frequently checking for foreign material and regularly visiting a veterinarian is very essential for maintaining the health of your pet. Also, since these mites can survive without a host, it becomes imperative that the pet’s belongings are washed and disinfected regularly in order to prevent a relapse.

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  Dog ear mites – Treatments and symptoms of dog ear mites – Ear …

  
  

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  www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/Ear-Infections-in-Dogs…
  

  
  

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  www.1800petmeds.com/education/ear-mites-symptoms-14.htm
  

  
  

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  Ear Mite Treatment in Dogs eHow – eHow How to Videos,

  
  

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  R-7M – Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs and Cats – PetCareRx

  
  

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  Symptoms and Treatment of Dog Ear Infections – Yahoo! Voices …

  
  

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  Jun 19, 2009 Dog ear infections are a common problem, and they usually do not cause any long term harm to the dog if treated properly. You need to know the symptoms of …

  
  
  
  


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  Dog Ear Mites Symptoms. Is there dark debris on the inside of your dogs ear canal? It could be a sign that your dog has ear mites. It is important to know what to …

  
  
  
  


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  Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer: NATURAL, HERBAL, HOMEOPATHIC EAR …

  
  

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  Apr 16, 2012 For all that a dog is & all that a dog can be. To strengthen our bond with dogs. To help mitigate injustice. Dogs are very intelligent, sensitive beings …

  
  
  
  


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  Dog Ear Infection Treatment – Ear Drops for Dogs
  

  
  

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  Pets Best Rx: Ear Mite Treatment
  

  
  

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  Black Ear Wax in Dogs: Identifying and Treating Ear Mites –

  
  

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  Dec 16, 2010 A look at the symptoms and treatment of ear mites in dogs which cause the black ear wax many owners worry about.

  
  
  
  


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  Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats – PetMeds – 1800-PetMeds – Huge …

  
  

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  Dog Ear Mites – LoveToKnow: Advice you can trust

  
  

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  Dog ear mites, yuck! Ear mites-itchy, annoying ear mites. Although mites may seem like more of an irritation issue, it is very important to treat ear mites so that …

  
  
  
  


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  Ear Mites in Dogs
  

  
  

  www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2111&aid=734
  

  
  

  The symptoms and treatment of ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infections in dogs.

  
  
  
  


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  Ear Mites in Dogs – Page 1 – Pet Place – Pet Care – Pet Names …

  
  

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  If you see your dog shaking his head and scratching his ears excessively, or if there is an abnormal odor emanating from his ears, he may be suffering from ear mites.

  
  
  
  


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  Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer: NATURAL, HERBAL, HOMEOPATHIC EAR …

  
  

  ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com/…ear-infection-treatments.html
  

  
  

  Apr 16, 2012 For all that a dog is & all that a dog can be. To strengthen our bond with dogs. To help mitigate injustice. Dogs are very intelligent, sensitive beings …

  
  
  
  


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  Dog Ear Infection Symptoms & Treatment – Dog Help Network

  
  

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  Dog Ear Infection Symptoms and Home Remedies

  
  

  ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Ear-Infection-Symptoms-and-Home-Remedies&id=…
  

  
  

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dog ear infection treatment advice

Dog ear infections require close cooperation with your vet to treat successfully.

Handouts like this one help you understand the problem and the steps needed to fix it.  If not diagnosed early and treated correctly, dog ear infections often recur.

Dog ear vet

Read more about dog ear infection treatment

When your dog has sore, itchy ears.

272 MARCH 2004 Veterinary Medicine

Your veterinarian has just informed you that

your dog has otitis, or inflammation of the ear.

There are three stages of otitis. In the beginning,

the external ear canal is affected, and you may

notice that your dog is shaking its head or pawing at

its ear. Your dog might also have an ear discharge,

with or without odor. In the next stage, the disease

spreads to the middle ear, which includes the

eardrum. In the final stage, otitis spreads to the inner

ear, which houses your dog’s balance system.

In the more severe stages, dogs are reluctant to

open their mouths or chew and have a pronounced

head tilt, balance problems, and drooping lips or eyelids.

Luckily, most cases of otitis are caught during the

first stage, and, at this stage, the chances for getting

your dog’s ears back in tip-top shape are good.

How did the otitis develop?

Many things cause dogs’ ears to become

inflamed, including ear mites, a bacterial

or yeast infection, a foreign object or mass

within the ear, allergies, or medical conditions

that allow infection to develop within the

ear. Some breeds are more likely to develop

problems because of their ear structure. It

can take time and a variety of diagnostic

tests for your veterinarian to determine the

underlying cause. But this cause must be

identified, or the problem can worsen

and spread farther into the ear,

causing your dog intense pain and,

possibly, necessitating surgery to drain the

infected material and remove the affected tissues.

Even if bacterial or yeast infections aren’t the primary

cause, they often develop in affected ears. Your veterinarian

will likely prescribe medication to treat these

infections and show you how to administer it. Keep in

mind that frequent follow-up visits will be necessary to

monitor response to therapy.

Cleaning your dog’s ears

An important part of treating your dog’s otitis involves

frequent ear cleanings, which you can do at home.

Make sure you clean your dog’s ears either outdoors

or in an area such as a tiled bathroom where nothing

can be stained by debris from the ear canal. Use a

two-stage cleaning technique. First, flood the ear

canal with cleaning solution prescribed by your veterinarian.

Make sure you fill the canal—don’t just use

a few drops. Allow the solution to remain in contact

with the canal for at least 60 seconds, and gently massage

the entire canal during this time. Dry the canal

with a cotton ball. Use only real cotton balls, which

are less irritating than synthetic ones are. Never clean

your dog’s ears with a cotton swab. The

swab pushes debris farther into the ear

canal and puts the eardrum under pressure,

possibly causing it to rupture. The

second stage is a repeat of the first.

Again allow the solution to contact

the canal for a full 60 seconds or

more and massage the ear. Then

step back and let your dog shake

its head.

The frequency of cleaning

varies based on how severely

your dog’s ears are affected, but,

in general, perform this cleaning

process twice a day for the first one

or two weeks, once a day for the

next one or two weeks, and then

once or twice a week thereafter.

Communicate with your veterinarian

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for cleaning

your dog’s ears and administering medications. Be

sure to bring your dog in for each recheck appointment

your veterinarian schedules, even after the

inflammation has subsided. Otitis often recurs in dogs,

and the medication that cleared it up the first time

may not work the next time because a different type

of infection may have developed. So be sure to see

your veterinarian if signs do recur. â– 

Tales from Watership Down

by Richard Adams

I had no idea there was a companion novel to Watership Down until one day I saw this book in someone’s storage closet. I was surprised and thrilled at first. I thought it was a sequel to Watership Down, but what I found rather disappointed me. Tales from Watership Down is mostly stories about El-ahrairah, the fabled rabbit hero that characters of the first novel talk about. About two-thirds of the book is short stories that make up the rabbits’ mythology, the hero’s deeds and exploits to foil his enemies and obtain advantages for his fellow rabbits. They are clever and amusing, but some are hard to make sense of and inconsistent with the style of the first book. There are also a handful of chapters that follow the original characters from Watership Down, extending the storyline a bit- but it doesn’t even begin to approach the quality of the first book. It’s a lot more lighthearted, not nearly as complex and detailed or plot-driven. If you’ve read and enjoyed Watership Down, you might like this one, but don’t expect much.

Rating: 2/5 …….. 352 pages, 1996

More opinions at:
Things Mean a Lot
Fifty Books Project
Steve’s Book Journal
anyone else?

巷で話題の車を運転する犬の動画が遂に到着！！

車を運転する犬がいる事を皆さんご存知ですか？映像を見てもらえれば一目瞭然なんですけども、素晴らしいハンドルさばきです。プニプニの肉球でハンドルとアクセル、ギア、ブレーキしかっり操作してますよー。

でも、そもそも何で犬が車を運転しているのか?

運転にチャレンジしているのは3匹の犬です。 SPCA動物虐待防止協会という団体が保護した野良犬達です。。「犬に運転を教えたら話題になって、動物保護シェルターから引き取ってくれる人が増えるかも。」と考え車の運転に挑む事になりました。

そしてなんと、テレビ番組の生放送中に実地試験を行い見事合格できたようで、免許発行って事になるのかな？これについては、半分冗談かもしれないけど。(なめねこも免許持ってるしね。笑)

新聞持ってきてくれる犬もいるけど、目的地まで届けてくれるドライバー犬が出てくるかもしれないですね！笑

Pet Care

Australian Kelpie

The Kelpie is a medium-sized dog and come in a variety of colors. It’s an Australian sheep dog which is very successful at mustering and droving with little or no command guidance. The breed has been separated into two distinct varieties: the show or bench Kelpie and the working Kelpie. The show Kelpie is seen at conformation dog shows in some countries and are selected for appearance rather than working instinct. Working Kelpies are bred for working ability rather than appearance.

Kelpies are loyal, friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs that require a challenging job to be satisfactory companions. They need to be stimulated as idle and bored dogs become frustrated, noisy, and destructive with personalized love and attention, they can be very placid and faithful, although they do need space to run. For the show or bench Kelpie, walks and socialization may be sufficient to keep them happy.

A working bred Kelpie must have a job to do and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and companionable.

Kelpies are a hardy breed with few health problems, but they are susceptible to disorders common to all breeds, like cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. Current research is underway to find the genetic marker for cerebellar abiotrophy in the breed.

Dog Breed 23

Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock originating in central Africa; specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type.

The Basenji produces an unusual yodel -like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog.” In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.

Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a “double-suspension gallop”, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play.

Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was breed from stock originating in central Africa; specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type.

The Basenji produces an unusual yodel -like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog.” In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.

Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a “double-suspension gallop”, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play.

Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is a type of small herding dog that originated in Wales. Welsh Corgis are generally recognized as two distinct breeds: the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Beginning in 1934, the American Kennel Club recognized them as separate breeds.

The Cardigan is the larger of the two, with larger rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail. The Pembroke features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature. Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (a very short tail). Due to the advent of docking, the trait was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries are now banning docking, breeders are again attempting to select for dogs with the genes for natural bob tails.

The coats of both breeds come in a variety of colors, although there are some differences between the breeds. Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are among the healthiest and longest-lived dogs in the Herding Group. The Cardigan tends to be a little hardier and has fewer documented hereditary health issues; among them are canine hip dysplasia, canine degenerative myelopathy and progressive retinal atrophy. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a typical life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 11 and 13 years.

Brittany (dog)

The Brittany is a Breed of gun dog primarily breeds for bird hunting. Although the Brittany is often referred to as a spaniel, the breed’s working characteristics are more akin to a pointer or setter. Brittanies were developed in the Brittany province of France in the 1800s.

Brittanies should range in a height of 17 inches to 20.5 inches at the withers, with females at the lower end and males taller. A properly constructed and healthy Brittany maintains a weight between 36 and 43lbs (16 to 19 kg), depending upon height.
A Brittany is typically quite athletic, compact, and solidly built without being heavy. Other characteristics include long legs, and their expressions are usually of intelligence, vigour, and alertness. Their gait is elastic, long, and free.
Some Brittanies are born with naturally short tails and others with long tails. If born with a long tail it is normally docked to a length of 3 to 10 centimetres (1 to 4 inches).
Brittanies come in a variety of colours, where an orange and white coat is most common in the American Brittany. Other colours include liver and white, orange roan and liver roan, all of which are acceptable in the show ring.
The Brittany makes a good house pet as long as it receives daily mental and physical exercise, as well as superb socialization on a regular basis. If not given sufficient exercise, love, and socialization, Brittanies can become house destructive or develop unnatural habits unrepresentative of the breed.
Brittanies are generally healthy and hardy dogs. Be sure to check and clean ears at home due to the fact that their ears can get infections because air can not easily pass through. They usually live 14-15 years.

Vizsla

Vizsla is a dog breed originating in Hungary. The Hungarian or Magyar Vizsla represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions and has a strong claim to being one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds. The Vizsla’s size is one of the breed’s most attractive characteristics and through the centuries he has held a unique position for a sporting dog -that of household companion and family dog.

The Vizsla is a natural hunter endowed with a good nose and an above average trainability. Although they are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized short-coated hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing.  The standard coat is a solid golden-rust color in different shadings, but some breeding programs have resulted in a solid rust coat. The coat could also be described as a copper/brown color, russet gold and dark sandy gold. Solid dark mahogany red and pale yellow are faulty. Small areas of white on the fore-chest and on the toes are permissible but not preferred.
The breed standard calls for the tail to be docked to two-thirds of its original length. Although the remainder of the tail is strong, the third docked is thin and whip-like and is open to damage in the field. The Vizsla holds its tail horizontal to the ground and wags it vigorously while charging through rough scrub and undergrowth. Without docking, the unprotected tip is docked to keep it from splitting and bleeding. Once damaged, the tail is extremely difficult to heal.’

Vizslas are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as “velcro” dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.

The life expectancy of the Vizsla is 12-15 years. The Vizsla is considered to be a robust dog, but some localized breeding programs using a small number of dogs have led to heritable illnesses in some offspring, including:

Basset Artesien Normand

The Basset artésien normand (Norman Artesian Basset) is a short legged hound type dog developed in France. The word Basset refers to short legged hounds.  Bassets are walking hounds, which are followed by the hunter on foot. The short legs mean that they would not get too far away from the hunter.

The Basset artésien normand was used to hunt rabbits and other small game alone or in packs, but today they are primarily bred to be pets.
The height of the Basset artésien normand is between 30 and 36cms (11.8 to 14.2ins), with a ratio of the height to the body length of about 5 : 8. Weight is roughly 17kgs (37.4lbs). The coat is short and tricolored (fawn and white with black blanket, a patch across the back) or bicolored (fawn and white). The head and long ears are distinctive, and the temperament should be calm and good-natured.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also called Korthals Griffon in the UK it is a breed of dog used in hunting as a gundog. It is Dutch in ancestry, but is regarded as a French breed because the breed’s development took place in France. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is particularly adapted for swampy country, where its harsh coat is excellent protection.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog with a harsh, wiry coat. The coat is preferably gray with tan to brown markings and a brown head. Other acceptable colors: chestnut brown, white and brown, roan, and white and orange. A black coat is not acceptable. The Griffon should have flat ears that lie close to the head, and eyes that are either yellow or brown. Its nose must be brown.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a superb swimmer and retriever and it loves to play in the water. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known as intelligent, extremely eager to please, friendly dogs. They are also known for their slightly less excitable temperament when not in the field, which makes them a very comfortable dog when home.