Dogs Ears

[scubabear]

Alright, this is about as non-diving as it gets.

Just recently spent a small fortune having vascular surgery on one mutts ears, due to recurring hematomas. Now mutt #2 has developed the same condition. These are strays that I picked up off the street but they are now "family". Any ideas other than the "12 cent solution" would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently thinking of renaming one Aggressor, and the other Hughes!!

 

[Dee]

First I would try to find out what's causing the hemotomas. Unless these dogs are long eared dogs or are prone to ear infections causing alot of head shaking, (the trauma can cause the hemos.), I'd say something ain't right in Dixie!

Other than that, suck up and take care of them. Strays or not, you're responsible for 'em.

 

[art.chick]

We spent $1000 to save a chicken from lead poisoning, & she was just part of the "packing material" sent along with our little ornamental miniature purebred hen! Yes, I know that whole friers sell for under (oh, heck, I'm a vegetarian, so I don't know how much!), but a family member is precious. The night I brought Desi home from the vet, de-leaded, she slept on a pillow above my head, snuggling & purring gratefully to be home. I'm sure your foundlings are bringing you profound love & good karma! That is priceless.

 

[scubabear]

Dee,
Both dogs are long eared with no infections, but I think you're on to something with the head shaking. Their fav. toy is a stuffed bone they grab constantly and shake violently as if killing prey.
I'll banish the bone and find some other play activity for them.
Thanks for the imput.


art.chick,
Thanks for the empathy. You of course are right about how much our pets enrich our lives. I had several chickens for pets, but varmints ( two legged type ) came in the back yard and stole them. I also had two painted box turtles who would mate constantly but alas, no little ones. After 10 yrs. of moving them inside everytime a hurricaine threatened, I visited our local zoo and inserted them into tourtas and turtle exhibit.

 

[Hawk]

scubabear, how much do you exercise them? Some dogs will do exactly as you say with the head shaking a lot with their toys if they have too much stored energy. Taking them on walks frequently to burn off energy and frustrations can do wonders for the dog and the owner as well. If you are in an area where this is difficult, a nice long game of fetch can do wonders also. Sometimes the most simple solutions seem to do the most.

Good catch, Dee, not many people pay enough attention to their pets to think of something like that.

Good luck with your dogs scubabear. The strays seem to be the best at giving love to their owners, maybe it is some kind of thank you.


Later. Hawk.

 

[KC_Scubabunny]

I own two long-earred hound type dogs who are also frequent head shakers. I have never had one get a hemotomas. I do have one who gets a yeast infection if his ears get even the least bit damp.

I would check with my vet about blood thinners or environmental issues. Do either or both dogs suffer from skin allergies? I have one who does and one who doesn't. Allergies cause dogs to shake their heads and scratch their ears due to congestion.

I am always sceptical of a vet who charges a lot of money but can't explain the cause/benefit of treatment. I am surprised that an enviromental cause assessment wasn't done with the first dog. Do you have access to vet specialty clinic? I spent 2 visits with a dog allergy specialist and found out more than I had in a year of working with and trying different things with my regular vet. The 2 visits were expensive but cheaper than continuing to fight with a dog that was chewing himself to death.

My dog now gets allergy shots every two weeks from April - Sept/Oct. It has made all the difference.

Good Luck
KC_Scubabunny

 

[kkoski]

A friend of mine has a t-shirt with a picture of a dog on it, and the dogs name below. The owners sold the t-shirts to help pay for the dogs hip surgery. I'd love an Aggressor & Huges doggie t-shirt

Good Luck!