Snakes about

Dogs and cats are curious creatures and at this time of year they can sometimes be found harassing a snake.

Different species of snakes possess different types of venom so if your pet is bitten, signs can appear anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours after a bite.

The early signs of snake bite include:

•     Enlarged pupils
•     Salivation
•     Vomiting
•     Hind limb weakness
•     Rapid breathing

How can you help your pet survive a snake bite?

•     Seek veterinary attention immediately
•     Keep your pet as STILL AS POSSIBLE - this is critical to help reduce movement of the venom around the body. Carry your pet to the car, do not let them walk.
•     Try to keep the bite site below the level of the heart and remove your pet’s collar
•     Even if you only suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake you should see a vet. It is better that your pet is checked over rather than wait and be sorry.

Please never attempt to kill, handle or capture the snake – you could also end up getting bitten.

Charlie's itchy ears

Charlie the chocolate labrador was shaking his head and using his foot to have a old good scratch around his head. He was wearing a new collar and his owners thought this was the culprit, but when he started to smell a bit funny he came in for a check up.

An examination revealed hot, red and itchy ears. There was black 'muck' at the opening of his ear canals and his ears smelt terrible!

Using an otoscope (a fancy tool with a light) the canal was examined all the way to the ear drum. There was no sign of a foreign body (such as a grass seed) but the ear canals were very inflamed.

A sample was taken from the canal and examined under the microscope revealing a yeast infection. This was causing the horrible smell!

Ear infections are very common at this time of the year. We like to think of the ear as a 'mini environment'. If this environment is upset in any way (such as moisture from swimming or itchiness from an allergy) bacteria and yeast start to have a party in there! The result is a very unhappy ear canal and an uncomfortable pet.

Charlie was treated with ear ointment for a week and a recheck revealed the infection and inflammation had cleared.

If you think your pet might have itchy or smelly ears arrange a check up with us ASAP. The longer you leave an ear infection, the harder (and more expensive) it becomes to treat.

If your pet suffers from recurrent ear infections you should ask us about some of the new medications we have available to help prevent ongoing problems.