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October 2006 
 the Visiting Vet Newsletter
 8th Issue


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Dear Seely,

Welcome to October! This months newsletter will include articles about Anal Gland Disease and Ear Infections, both commonly seen with pet allergies. We will also have fun facts and of course the monthly trivia question. Remember we love input on the newsletter so any recommendations or suggestions of article topics are very welcome! I hope you are enjoying our newsletters and I thank you for your time.

 Anal Gland Disease
 Is your pet scooting?

Anal glands are two small sacs inside the rectum that produce a foul smelling secretion. Both cats and dogs have anal glands, which are similar to the scent glands of skunks. Normally, anal glands will express a small amount of liquid when the stool passes and not cause any problems. Sometimes, if frightened, a dog or cat may express their anal glands and you will smell a very foul odor. Anal glands may become impacted or infected and can even abscess. Anal gland problems are often associated with pet allergies (food allergy or airborne allergies/atopy). Signs of anal gland disease are scooting, licking the rectal area, tail tucking, difficulty with bowel movements and sensitivity or attempting to bite when the tail area is touched. You may also notice a fishy/skunky smell on the pet's breath due to licking the area. Anal gland impaction can be very painful. Treatment involves correctly diagnosing the problem and expressing the gland manually via a digital rectal exam. Often antibiotics may be required in cases of infection. Some pets may need to have surgery to remove the glands when constant disease and discomfort are present. My dog, Popcorn, had to have this surgery earlier this year and is now feeling much better. If your pet is experiencing any signs of anal gland disease please call to schedule an appointment.

Find out more.... 


 Ear Infections (Otitis)
 

Ear infection in dogs and cats can be quite painful and occur quite often during the summer and fall months. These are also associated with pet allergies. I see at least 5-8 cases of ear infections (also called Otitis), in dogs and cats each week.

Signs of otitis include a pet shaking their head, scratching or rubbing their ears, crying or not eating. You may also notice very red, inflamed ears or dark debris inside the ear canal. Sometimes you may not notice anything at all and the infection is found upon routine physical exam by the veterinarian.

Treatment for an ear infection includes thoroughly cleaning the ear canal and medicating the ear. Often there is an underlying problem such as a food or air borne allergy, a foreign body (hair or a mass or tumor in the ear canal), or ear mites (usually in cats). The ear infection is a symptom of the greater problem.

Cytology, looking at debris under a microscope, may be done especially in severe or chronic otitis cases. Often both bacteria and yeast are present.

There are many good ear cleaners without alcohol available and I recommend Alocetic, Zymox or Malaseb pending the condition of the ear. Products used to treat ear infections include Otomax or Otibiotic, Mometamax, Tresaderm, Zymox and various ear mite medications. Medications are prescribed depending on the diagnosis and ear condition upon examination.

Please contact the Visiting Vet if you think your pet may have an ear problem.

 


 Halloween costumes?
 Submit your photo!

Will your pet be trick or treating this year? Have a great costume? Feel free to submit a photo of your pet in costume and we will pick a few to share in next months newsletter! Just send these to contact@visitingvet.info

 


 Promotions
 Trivia

October trivia question: Who invented the cat door? The first client who calls (731-pets) with the correct answer will get $5 credited to their account! Answers to September trivia question: What is the name of the dog on the Cracker Jack box? "Bingo". Congratulations to Wendy A who called in with the correct answer and had $5 credited to her account!


 Did you know?

  • A cat will never break a sweat because it has no sweat glands.
  • A cat's jaw cannot move sideways.
  • A cat's ear pivots 180 degrees.
  • Dogs only sweat from the bottoms of their feet.
  • Dogs and wolves yawn as a sign of contentment.
  • In a dog, the nose knows more quickly than the other senses. Humans have 5-20 million scent sensitive cells in the nose. Dogs have 120-200 million cells.


Thank you for your time and I wish you a fantastic month! We constantly strive to provide the best care for your family pets and exceptional service to our clients. I offer appointments while parked at Discount Pet store on Gull Road and also offer house calls as available. If I can be of service to you, please give us a call at 269-731-7387 to schedule an appointment today. Also, remember if you refer a friend or family member, both of you will be entered in our 2006 referral drawing program for many great prizes. Our next drawing will be held the end of December (please see our website for more info about our prize drawings). Thank You and Good Luck!!!

Sincerely,


Seely Rotigel
the Visiting Vet


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