Veterinary medicine: URTICARIA IN DOGS.

Veterinary medicine: URTICARIA IN DOGS.: Urticaria also called hives is an allergic reaction to an irritant which could be pollen, parasite,dust mites,food, chemicals or even pa...

URTICARIA IN DOGS.

Urticaria also called hives is an allergic reaction to an irritant which could be pollen, parasite,dust mites,food, chemicals or even paints or sprays.The trigger /allergen initiates a chemical reaction in the body where mast cells respond by releasing histamine,thus the dog breaks out in hives/eruptions on the body. The allergen varies for different patients and the response time also varies with allergen. The dogs have irritating eruptions on the body that are itchy, making the dog very restless and uncomfortable. The first step is to trace/track your pet's movement prior to the irritation; check the food; is it new? 2) did you change shampoo/ lotion. 3) check for ectoparasite. Do a check to limit exposure to the allergen and proceed to treat the dog by using a topical antihistamine agent.Natural remedies can also be effective; 1) a mix of vinegar and water in a squirt bottle and apply all over the body. 2)aloe vera gel can be rubbed on the body ,its anti inflammatory,antihistamine properties works perfectly for this condition. When you note the allergen prevent future exposure.

SNAKE BITES IN DOGS.

photo credit = internet. Dogs are generally curious,rampaging through stuff,sticking heads in holes and generally running around for fun.They have the tendency to be bitten by snakes ,and when this happens its an emergency and first aid is essential and a necessity. When dogs are bitten its better to assume the snake is poisonous and so initiate treatment protocol.Snake bites are complex and need attention immediately since the various venom's exhibit different signs. Some snakes venom cause shock and rapid death ,while other cause paralysis and it usually requires a large quantity of venom before much damage is done and some others have concentrated venom resulting in death within hours. When a dog is bitten the first step is to prevent movement of the dog to prevent circulation of venom; 1) immobilize the limb. 2)keep animal calm 3)prevent the venom from circulating by using a tourniquet and ice pack in the area 4) seek veterinary attention immediately where an anti-venom is administered. When a dog is bitten DO NOT; 1) cut the bite site open. 2)attempt to suck poison out. 3) do not leave dog unattended to and try to kill snake. Snake bite code is save the pet first and try to kill the snake later.

BENEFITS OF METRONIDAZOLE IN DOGS.

This is a must have for dog owners especially for diarrhea, and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease. The drug is important for the following reasons; 1) used gastrointestinal infections. 2) cases of tetanus. 3)wound infections after surgery. 4)internal parasites. 5)treat pneumonia. 6) cases of food poisoning. 7)treatment of parvo viral infection. 8) infections affecting the reproductive organs. 9) infections of the oral cavity.

DANDRUFF IN DOGS: CAUSES AND TREATMENT.

Dandruff refers to flaking off of dead cells,when skin cells die. Dandruff in dogs is usually a pile up of dead cells in the coat of the dog.

The flakes are obvious when dogs scratches the coat.The normal dying of cells is the main cause of the dandruff but other underlying factors  may result in the condition.

COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ESSENTIAL FOR EVERY PET OWNER.

Every pet owner needs a kit for emergencies or to provide a quick fix before you get to a veterinarian.

These items are so common around the home but it will make a lot of sense to have them handy and in a dedicated bag.

        The items are:

 1) Thermometer.: necessary to ascertain the correct temperature status of your pet.An elevation or a low temperature both indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

 2)Bandages: useful to hold limb in place in cases of injury.

 3)Gauze: sterile gauze useful in wound treatment,also useful to make a muzzle when you need to restrain your pets.

 4)Cotton wool: useful to clean wounds,ears and eyes.The cotton moistened with warm water is useful to remove sleepy dust from eyes. The cotton can be used to apply ointment on wound sites. 

5)Adhesive tapes: to close up a wound after cleaning and treatment. 6)Antiseptic cream;to prevent infection in wound site.

 7)Tweezers:to pick ticks from dog's coat,crush and destroy.Its also useful to pick sterile swabs and apply on wound.

 8)Scissors:useful to cut gauze,bandage or pieces of material to make a tourniquet, or cut material to make a splint.

 9)Sterile dressing:useful in wound dressing,

 10)Iodine: for wound treatment.

 11)hydrogen peroxide: to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning.The peroxide is also used to clean wound surfaces.

 12) Towel: used to cover pets to conserve heat in patients with shock.Towels are handy to carry pets in cases of accidents.

 13)Alum block,corn starch and baking soda; this acts as hemostats to stop bleeding .

MEGA-ESOPHAGUS.

This refers to a condition where peristalsis is altered because of an enlarged esophagus.The esophagus is the passage of food from mouth to stomach,thus when its enlarged the food passage is stalled leaving food in the throat for a prolonged time,the food is usually regurgitated or inhaled in lungs resulting in aspiration pneumonia The food often times decays in the throat resulting in foci of infection. The condition is common in horses,cats,dogs and humans,and it could be inherited as in the Friesian horse. The common signs associated with mega-esophagus are 1) inappetence 2) frequent episodes of regurgitation 3) severe weight loss. There are certain breeds predisposed to mega-esophagus, these include 1) great Dane,2) German shepherd 3)golden retriever 4)corgis,5) Siamese cat 6)Persian cat 7)Boston terrier 8)rottweiler 9)french bulldog e.t.c. The prognosis of the condition is guarded and the remedy is feeding the subject in a raised position; where the neck is stretched vertically to receive food and create an easy passage to the stomach. Dogs are usually fed in special chairs,to ensure they have required calories and prevent food stasis. photo credit; The telegraph.