Word On The Creek (selected articles)

July/August 2010

Toxicities From Over-The-Counter Flea Products

While many over-the-counter flea products claim to be safe and effective, serious topical and systemic reactions can occur when the products are used on your pets.  In 2008, insecticides were the 2nd most common toxicity reported to ASPCA Poison Control, who fielded 31,000 inseciticide-related calls.

Adverse reactions to products, especially those containing permethrins, range from excessive salivation and topical irritations to tremors and seizures.  While these reactions often result from improper use or administration of a product, cats are particularly sensitive to permethrins and will react adversely even when a product is correctly applied.

It is important to control flea infestations both for the comfort AND safety of your pets.  Fleas can carry diseases that can pass to your pet when they are bitten.

Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, and other topical products recommended by veterinarians are SAFE and EFFECTIVE, and have very few potential adverse reactions.  Please see your vet if you have questions!

Chronic Ear Infections

Has your pet been diagnosed with more than one ear infection this year?   If so, there might be an underlying cause that we have yet to identify!

Ear infections can be very painful, so prompt treatment is essential.  The most common signs of infection include one or more of the following: head shaking or scratching head, malodorous discharge, redness, or pain.  Proper diagnosis and treatment of an ear infection requires a thorough exam of the ear canal and eardrum, and an ear swab obtained for cytology (to determine if there are yeast, bacteria, or both) and sometimes a culture (to determine if the infection is resistant to medications). 

It's essential that the eardrum be observed prior to treatment with topical medications, as some may cause irreversible loss of hearing if they are used when the eardrum is ruptured.  Also, if the eardrum is bulging or ruptured, then a deeper ear infection (otitis media/interna) may be present.  Signs of otitis media/interna may include a head tilt, abnormal eye movements, lack of appetite, wobbliness, or vomiting.

There are many causes for ear infections.  Predisposing factors like breed-related conformation (spaniels, labradors, golden retrievers), excessive hair growth in the ear canal (poodles, schnauzers), excessive moisture, or hypothyroidism can lead to chronic infections.  Primary causes like ear mites, foreign bodies, or masses in the ear canal can be easily resolved as long as they are identified.  Lastly, and most frustrating, are hypersensitivity reactions.  These include food, seasonal, and contact allergies.

When treating an ear infection, it is important to always try to follow medicating and cleaning instructions.  Also, a recheck exam, usually 2 weeks after starting medications, is essential to determine if the infection is resolved or if changes in therapy are indicated.  Also, should there be predisposing primary factors that led to the infection, your vet can discuss further diagnostics and therapy that will help to prevent future infections.  Additional diagnostics might include skin scrapings, skin biopsy, thyroid testing, bacterial or fungal culture, and intradermal skin testing.  Please talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions.

Beat the HEAT! Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer

WOW...it's a scorcher out there!  What is the saying...not fit for man or beast??

During these hot and humid summer months, please take the precautions necessary to ensure the safety of your pet by preventing heat exhaustion.

First, always walk your pet short distances EARLY in the morning or LATE in the evening.  When the heat index is off the charts, simply take your pet out to relieve themselves, and play a bit indoors instead.  Always carry fresh water on walks or on long car rides.  Never leave your pet unattended in a car, even with the windows down.  When walking outside, avoid hot pavements as these can burn your dog's pads.  Grass is the best surface for a pet to walk on.

If your pet shows signs of heat exhaustion (distress or extreme restlessness, excessive panting, wobbliness, collapse) immediately move him to a cool place and wet your pet down with COOL (not cold) water.  Call your veterinarian and bring him in to receive additional care.