EAR MITES

Ear mites are small infectious organisms resembling microscopic ticks.  The mite can barely be seen with the naked eye as a small white dot.  Obtaining earwax and viewing it under the microscope best detects the mite.  Infection usually produces a characteristic dry black ear discharge that resembles coffee grounds.

Ear mites readily transmit from host to host by physical contact.  Ear mites came from some other animal that your pet came into contact with.  They are easily transmitted between pets.  Most ear mite infections are found in cats. Dogs can be infested, but it is fairly rare.

The life cycle of the mite requires 3 weeks to complete.  The adults live approximately 2 months, eating earwax and skin oils.  The presence of mites is inflammatory and can generate very irritating ear infections.  Some humans have been reported to develop skin rashes but it is highly unlikely that a pet owner will experience any symptoms.

The majority of over-the –counter ear mite medications are only partially effective in ridding your pet of ear mites.  There are several good prescription medications to treat your pet.  The best treatment will be chosen based on the age, physical condition, and health of your pet.

Because of advances in nutrition, management and health care, horses are living longer, more useful lives. It’s not uncommon to find horses and ponies living well into their 20s and 30s.  While genetics play a role in determining life span, you too, can have an impact.

You may think that turning your old-timer out to pasture is the kindest form of retirement. But horses are individuals.  Some enjoy being idle; others prefer to be a part of the action.  Whatever you do, don’t ignore the horse.  Proper nutrition, care and exercise will help the animal thrive. Follow these guidelines to develop a total management plan for your older horse:

·          Observe your horse on a regular basis.  Watch for changes in body condition, behavior and attitude. Address problems, even seemingly minor ones, right away.

·          Feed a high quality diet.  Avoid dusty and moldy feeds.

·          Feed your older horse away from younger, more aggressive ones so it won’t have to compete for feed.

·          Feed at more frequent intervals so as not to upset the digestive system. Two-three times daily is best.

·          Provide plenty of fresh, clean, tepid water.  Excessively cold water reduces consumption which can lead to colic and other problems.

·          Adjust and balance rations to maintain proper body conditions.  A good rule of thumb is to be able to feel the ribs but not see them.

·          Provide adequate, appropriate exercise to maintain muscle tone, flexibility and mobility.

·          Groom your horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health.

·          Be aware that older horses are prone to tumors.  Look for any unusual lumps or growths from head to tail as well as beneath the tail (especially on gray horses).

·          Schedule routine checkups with your equine veterinarian.  Call immediately if you suspect a problem.

A quick response to ailments, injuries or a decline in fitness can keep your older horse from having a serious or prolonged setback.  That means less worry for you and a better quality of life for your old friend.  For more information about caring for the older horse, ask your equine veterinarian for the “Older Horse” brochure, provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners in partnership with Educational Partners Bayer Animal Health and Purina Mills, Inc.  Visit the AAEP’s horse health web site, www.myHorseMatters.com, for additional information about caring for the older horse.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Ringworm is not actually caused by a worm.  The common name is derived from the most common appearance seen on the skin, which is circular in nature.  Round lesions that have hair reappearing in the center are classical for the disease.  The active disease occurs at the outer edges of the ring. 

Ringworm is actually caused by a fungus that produces spores, which may remain viable in the environment for up to 18 months.  The fungus is spread by direct contact between individuals or the spores may contaminate the skin and sporulate to the infective stage.

Cats may carry the disease and show no signs of it.  These animals are often the source of infection for other animals and people.  The lesions may be inflamed and cause the animal to scratch at the affected areas.  Dogs often show more inflammation and therefore, scratch more than cats.

Diagnosis usually involves cultures of the hair around the lesions.  Once diagnosed, the animal is treated with topical medications and often-oral medication.  The treatment often takes a few weeks to clear up the infection. 

It is important to try and rid the environment of the fungus.  Vacuuming the floors to remove infected hair and debris and washing inanimate objects with a 1:10 solution of house hold bleach (use the bleach only on surfaces that won’t become damaged) are the best methods presently available.

Adult Cat Hairballs

Hairballs, which are spit up, are a common problem seen in cats.  Accumulation of hair in the stomach of the cat is a direct result of the significant protion of the cat's life that is spent grooming itself.  It has been estimate that cats groom themselves for up to 1/3 of their waking hours.

The problem begins as the cat swallows the hair it has licked off during the cleaning process. The barb-like projections on the cat’s tongue pull the hair loose from the skin and hair coat. These barbs point inward on the tongue, which causes the hair to remain lodged on the cat’s tongue until it is swallowed. 

Hair is mostly undigestible and therefore begins to knot up in the stomach. As the hairball enlarges, it is unable to pass out of the stomach down into the small intestine. It then becomes an irritant to the stomach lining eventually being vomited up in most cases. Should the hairball get so large that it cannot pass back up through the opening into the esophagus, it becomes a surgical procedure to get it out.

Signs of “hairballs” include vomiting, constipation, listlessness, and coughing. It frequently causes a loss of appetite and even depression. The regurgitated “hairball” is often not actually round in shape, but rather “tubular.”

Finding regurgitated hairballs is a definite sign that your cat has a problem and needs help.  Although rarely fatal, hairballs are an inconvenience to cleanup, very uncomfortable for the cat, and can lead to serious complications.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTING HAIRBALLS:

Daily brushing of the cat to remove loose hair is the best prevention. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important. After brushing, wipe the cat’s hair coat with a damp towel to remove loose hair.

Medications are available to eliminate hairballs and help prevent reoccurrence. Some foods are on the market now like Science Diet Hair Ball formula to help with the elimination of accumulated hair. Laxatives in the form of  pastes, or even petroleum jelly, have been recommended for many years. There are  many different brands available that will be readily accepted by the cat. It is usually recommended that the gel be rubbed on the cat’s mouth, nose, or even on its feet.  It  will then be swallowed during the cat’s normal grooming process.

The choice doesn’t seem like a big one but can cost you a lot of dollars in the end.  The difference is the addition of Clostridium hemolyticum or “Red Water”, as it is commonly known in 8 way.

Red Water shows up as a secondary problem in cattle infected with liver flukes.  The liver flukes may cause a condemned liver at slaughter and a decrease in feed efficiency, however, the Red Water disease actually cases death in unvaccinated cattle.

The liver flukes life cycle involves snails and believe it or not those snails exist in Montezuma County.  Ted Water is a very real and very deadly infection that can be vaccinated against for protection of your cattle.

The following disease are in the 8 way vaccine:

·          Clostridium chauvoei (Black leg)

·          Cl. septicum (Malignant Edema)

·          Cl. hemolyticum (Red Water)

·          Cl. novyi (Black’s Disease)

·          Cl. sordelli (Gas gangrene)

·          Cl. perfringens C&D (overeating)

Check with your veterinarian, as different herds may require different vaccines.