BarkleyAndPaws

Contact allergies in dogs

Dr M D Edwards — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:49:02 +0000

This summer I have seen a large number of dogs presenting to the clinic with very itchy bellys, groins, underarms, legs and paws. Any itchy dog that presents to the clinic I get suspicious of a large range of possible potential skin problems ranging from mites to allergies to bacterial/fungal infections and more.

Dogs presenting with itching and dermatitis (skin inflammation) in the above regions however, very commonly have an allergy to something they come in contact with either at home or on walks. Dogs quite commonly develop allergies to plants and grasses as well as sometimes to bedding and floring. These allergies are typically termed contact allergies and seem to be even more common at this time of year with long grass and pollens about.

Lung mass in a dog

Dr M D Edwards — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:30:31 +0000

Well a bit of a sad day today. We had a Lulu a 10 year old Labrador come in for xrays as she has had an ongoing cough for the last few months. Initially when she came in for this problem around a month ago - she had all the signs and findings of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection (otherwise known as Kennel cough!) and she was treated for this. With no improvement after a 2 week course of an appropriate antibiotic, the decision was made to take some chest xrays.

Chest xrays help us differentiate a lung problem from an upper airway problem and from a heart problem! Large breed dogs, particularly older labs, quite commonly get an upper respiratory problem called 'Laryngeal paralysis' - where the larynx (in the throat) doesn't open as wide as it should - often leading to coughing and hoarse breathing. Lung problems that could cause a cough include anything from asthma, infection, lungworm, pneumonia, cancer and many more! Heart problems include the common dilated cardiomyopathy which causes a dilated heart and thin walled heart muscle, heartworm, cancer and again, many more. This is why getting a least 2 - 3 chest films is so important.

How to chose a vet

Dr M D Edwards — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:49:21 +0000

Your vet is a pretty significant figure in your dog’s life – and thus, in yours. Hopefully, you’ll only ever need him or her for routine checkups and preventative procedures; but just in case, it’s worth taking the time to develop a good relationship with a suitable vet, before you need their services.

WHERE TO LOOK

Sure, you could just pick a vet at random from the Yellow Pages or from an Internet search; but having the right vet is crucial to your dog’s health and happiness (and, presumably, this plays at least some part in your own happiness and peace of mind as an owner, right?)

Think about it this way: if you were trying to choose a doctor for yourself, would you be happy to just select one at random from an impersonal list?

Prevention is always better than cure

Dr M D Edwards — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:36:50 +0000

I have always explained to my clients that it is so important to keep on top of their pet's health. The age old saying is " Prevention is better than cure" and I couldn't agree more! A typical example is dental disease.

So many times I encourage owners to keep an eye on their dog's teeth regularly as well as consider dental chews, dental biscuits or tooth brushing. However, time after time their dogs return to me ages 7 - 8 onwards with appauling dental disease. These dogs primarily seem to be the small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas for example with small, crowded mouths. The end result is a full general anesthetic and multiple teeth to be removed.

Geriatric Cats

Dr M D Edwards — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:57:21 +0000

As cats age and come in to that middle age period from around 7 – 8 years of age, it is important for owners to keep an eye out for symptoms that could indicate the beginnings of a disease or syndrome. Middle aged to older cats are very prone to developing diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis and sometimes sadly, even cancer.