<![CDATA[ALL VET CARE VETERINARY HOSPITAL & REHABILITATION - Untitled]]>Sat, 09 Mar 2024 22:43:44 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[These Itchy Ears]]>Mon, 23 May 2016 16:06:55 GMThttp://allvetcare.com/untitled1/these-itchy-earsPicture
If you have noticed that your pet is shaking its head recently and/or has a distinct odor and debris from its ears it is worth the time to check him sooner than later, since he may be having symptoms of an ear infection.
The term ear infection is in most cases misleading, since the initial cause is usually inflammation which may end up leading to infection by typical ear flora.

Chronic and frequently recurring cases are usually due to allergies.
Allergies may be due to fleas, food, or environmental allergens.
Initially a thorough examination and history are taken and the ear is being checked externally
and internally in order to assess all the visible structures of the external ear. Since some dogs
and cats may be in pain and their ears could be extremely difficult to examine, anesthesia may
be required in order to clean and thoroughly examine , and treat the ear.
Middle and inner ear infections are usually a result of chronic cases in which the tympanic
membrane (ear drum) may be ruptured, leading to head tilt and vertigo.
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Most ear infections are treated with an ear cleanser and topical medication, however chronic or persistent cases should be treated for their underlying conditions, such as Allergies, foreign bodies, tumors, Ear mites polyps etc'.
Treating the ears with newer medications that are installed into the ear once, rather than daily, is sometimes more effective when it is difficult for the owner or the pet to clean the ears thoroughly or install medication.

Proper diagnosis is usually involved with checking the ears with an otoscope as well as performing ear cytology, culture and allergies testing.
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Other common ear problems in our area are related to foreign debris, especially Foxtail (grass awn) which should be suspected when your pet experiences sudden pain or discomfort at the ear especially at the spring and summer months. The diagnosis is usually straightforward, finding the foxtail in the ear canal, and the extraction is done most times under general anesthesia.
Ear related problems are very common in our everyday

caseload in the veterinary field and when addressed promptly resolve faster which means less discomfort to your pet and your pocket.
]]><![CDATA[My Dog/cat can't stop itching!]]>Wed, 28 Oct 2015 21:48:43 GMThttp://allvetcare.com/untitled1/my-dogcat-cant-stop-itchingPicture
Why is my dog so itchy!?

If your pet is frequently or constantly licking or chewing his paws, scratching at his face or body, shaking its head and having abnormal skin and ear odor, it is very likely that it is showing the typical signs of allergies.

Known as pruritus in medical terms, itchiness is among the top reasons owners take their pets to be seen at the animal hospital. To fix the problem, a vet must find the root of the problem. And that’s often easier said then done.
What is Allergic Dermatitis?
Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, canine atopy) is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following repeated exposure to some otherwise harmless substance, an "allergen. Common allergens are dust mites or pollen.
When Does the itching start?
Most dogs begin to show their allergic signs between 1 and 3 years of age. Due to the hereditary nature of the disease, several breeds, including golden retrievers, most terriers, Lhasa Apso and bulldogs are more commonly affected, but many dogs, including mixed breed dogs can have atopic dermatitis. The incidence of allergy is increasing both in man and animals.
What are common signs of allergy?
Allergic (atopic) animals will usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch at their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss, reddening and thickening of the skin.
Itching at its various ways is most times very uncomfortable, and many pets will react to chronic or acute episodes of allergies with mood changes, lethargy, panting, and even reduced appetite at times.
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What are common signs of allergy?
Allergic (atopic) animals will usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch at their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss, reddening and thickening of the skin.
Itching at its various ways is most times very uncomfortable, and many pets will react to chronic or acute episodes of allergies with mood changes, lethargy, panting, and even reduced appetite at times.
What are common adding reasons for itching?
In some cases several skin problems can "add" together to cause an animal to itch where just the allergy alone would not be enough to cause itching. These problems include air borne-allergens (pollen, etc.), allergens in food, and allergens from parasites (fleas, etc.) and also bacterial or yeast infections of the skin. Eliminating some but not all of the problems may allow a patient's itchiness to go away. Therefore it is important to treat any other  background problems that could be making your pet itch while dealing with allergy.
Most dogs with allergies will be sensitive to various allergens environmental, house hold and dietary, that is likely the reason that only one approach towards eliminating the symptoms is many times unsuccessful.
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What can you do at home to stop the itching?
1. Use appropriate flea control.
2. Bathe your pet .
4. Keep pets well groomed. 
5. Use hypoallergenic detergent when washing dog bedding.
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What to do if problem persist?
 If your pet is licking, pawing, scratching, or biting himself, bring him to see us.
Early intervention is often the key to successful treatment.

Here at All Vet care Animal Hospital we utilize both Chinese and conventional medicine to properly diagnose and treat allergies with cats and dogs beginning with food  trials, skin testing, allergy testing applying medications to treat skin and ear infections and to control the skin inflammation which causes the itching
Immune therapy, topical treatments, Chinese herbs, acupuncture and anti-inflammatory medications are available for us to treat each pet with individual approach.

Since allergies are an inherited, genetic condition there is no fast and one step cure, however with proper diagnosis and tailoring the right treatment, every pet can feel comfortable in its own skin.


AllVetCare.com        Dr, Sharon Gold  Dr. Yaron Shmurli
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