[ SHOWGSD-L ] ear infections and lepto vaccines

From: Katie Halfen <kthalfen@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: gsd list <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 15 May 2010 10:14:42 -0400
Ear infections:

No one can see bacteria or yeast with their naked eye, we all wish we could.  
Signs of an ear infection include ANY of the following-foul smell, painful to 
the touch, shaking head or rubbing at face, thick debris when cleaned.  If you 
have any of these signs your dog needs to be seen by a vet.  Anything over the 
counter will NOT treat these ears.  Bacteria can only be treated with 
antibiotics and yeast also need prescription medications.  witch hazel and some 
other homeopathics work great for cleaning and helping with inflammation, but 
do NOT cure an infection.  Also, do not use any alcohol or vinegar based 
cleaners in your dog's ears if you suspect an infection.  Imagine pouring 
alcohol on an open cut-its painful.  

 

Most ear infection are in the outer or middle ear canals.  Occassionally an 
inner ear infection can occur if the infection isn't taken care of when it 
first starts.  This occurs by rupturing (partial or complete) of the ear drum.  
The bacteria or yeast then enter the inner ear and set up an infection around 
the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear.  There are 7 nerves that run 
through the inner ear and if damaged can cause neurologic signs, facial 
paralysis, damage to the blinking reflex, among others and these can be 
permanent.  An appropriate antibiotic needs to be used based on culture and 
sensitivity.  Also several common ear medications-otomax and mometamax are 
ototoxic to the inner ear and cannot be used if the ear drum is ruptured.  
Another reason to see your vet.

 

Lepto vaccines should be given to every dog once a year.  If you have ever 
watched a dog die of lepto or even seen one being treated (average costs are 
$3000+) and your dog may not survive, you would want to give the vaccine.  The 
side effects and the amount of adverse reactions are very small compared to the 
number of reactions to other medications and even other vaccines.  If your dog 
has an immunologic problem ie. is immunosuppressed (from chemo, radiation or an 
autoimmune disease) or is pregnant, are the only 2 reasons not to give the 
vaccine.

 

Hope this helps.
Katie Halfen DVM
Casamoko Shepherds
www.casamoko.com




                                          
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[ SHOWGSD-L ] ear infections and lepto vaccines

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