Does Your Cat Often Shake Their Head or Scratch at Their Ears? It Could Be an Ear Infection

Cats catch a lucky break when it comes to ear infections, since they get them far less than their canine counterparts. However, if your cat gets an ear infection it should be addressed right away to minimize pain and damage to her ear canal.

The main causes of ear infections in cats are:
Ear mites (parasite)—especially in kittens; highly contagious among cats
An abscess from a bite wound or scratch
Growth in the ear canal
Allergies

Symptoms
If your furry friend has an ear infection, you might notice the following:

Discomfort when the base of the ears are massaged
Self-inflicted skin trauma from scratching
Dark or crusty debris in the ear canal opening
A wet sound when the ears are gently massaged
Head tilt or incoordination
Uneven pupil size

Diagnosis
Ear infections can resolve quickly or become chronic, depending on the cause and seriousness of the underlying condition. To diagnose an ear infection, your veterinarian will take a thorough history of your cat. This is very important to determine if an underlying disease may be the cause. They will also perform a complete physical exam and take a good look at your pet’s ears, using an otoscope to look down the ear canal. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, other tests or procedures may be performed for an accurate diagnosis. Some additional tests they may recommend are:

• Cytology, which identifies if yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms are present 
• A culture to determine which type of bacteria is present

If your cat goes outside, and/or if a bite wound or scratch is the underlying cause of the ear infection, your veterinarian may recommend testing your cat for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Both of these viruses are transmitted from cat to cat and are highly contagious.

Treatment 
Treating ear infections can be very tricky, especially if allergies are involved. Treatment will depend on the cause, nature, and severity of the ear infection. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment for your cat.

Treatment may include:
Antibiotic ointments, drops, sprays or creams for the ear
Oral antibiotics
Surgery (for cats with repeated ear infections or no response to other treatment)

Prevention
The best way to help your pet avoid ear infections is by watching for any signs of irritation. Keeping your cat indoors makes a huge difference if he has a history of recurring infections. In addition, keeping his ears dry will help prevent infections.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Does Your Dog Have "Dog Shaking Head Syndrome"? It Typically Means One Thing, There is Something Affecting its Ears, Causing Him Discomfort and Possibly Pain

If your canine displays "dog shaking head syndrome," it typically means one thing: there is something affecting its ears, causing him discomfort and possibly pain. If you know what to look for, you can diagnose your dog's head shaking rather quickly--therefore, you are able to treat the problem fast.

Does your dog have any evidence of an ear infection?

Dog ear problems are easy to spot, but you must be able to differentiate between them to determine the best treatment. Floppy-eared dogs are more vulnerable to ear problems, but a dog ear problem can affect any dog.

The 7 most common reasons of a dog's ear problems are:

Allergies: The most common cause of dog ear problems is an allergic reaction of some sort. Allergies can be caused by food ingredients or environmental irritants such as pollen or dust. Itchy, inflamed ears and paws are symptoms of an allergy. Switch to a low-allergen food that does not contain wheat, soy or corn. Often, switching to a higher quality dog food reduces allergic reaction ear problems. Keep the environment as dust free and clean as possible.

Ear Infections: If you have a drop-eared dog, ear infection may be on ongoing problem. The warm, moist environment created by the fold in the ear flap is ideal for bacterial growth. Yeast and bacterial growth will cause odor in the ears. If the infection is confined to one ear, your dog may tilt her head in an attempt to equalize pressure. The ears may feel warm to the touch.

Debris in ears: Foxtails, plant awns and other debris can get inside a dog ear. Look inside your dog's ear with a flashlight; debris can wedge itself quite deeply. Do not insert anything inside your dog's ear-you may cause further damage.

Parasites: Ear pain and itching associated with parasites can cause ear problems in your dog; tick bites, mites and fleas can cause swelling, hair loss and crusty skin.

Trauma: An ear injury can cause swelling or a dog ear hematoma. An animal bite or other trauma can allow blood and fluid to accumulate between the cartilage and the skin of the ear flap. Even vigorous scratching or head shaking can cause this condition. The ear will become swollen and disfigured. An ear hematoma should be drained and surgically corrected. If untreated, the ear will be permanently disfigured.

Hormone Disorders: Certain hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism and adrenal malfunctions can cause ear problems. You may notice poor coat quality, behavioral changes and hair loss in addition to itchy, reddened skin around the ears.

Other Causes: In rare cases, ear problems are the result of a hereditary disorder such as dermatomyositis (a connective tissue disorder in Collies and Shelties) or seborrhea which causes hair loss and scaly skin. Cancerous condition such squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma may also affect the ears; check for darkened or scaly patches of hairless skin.

Owner of Heavenly Kennels Near Cumming, Georgia Faces 264 Counts of Animal Cruelty After Cherokee County Marshals Took 357 Dogs Tuesday from Her Property

Canton, Georgia  -  A Georgia woman has been charged with more than 250 counts of animal cruelty after hundreds of puppies were seized from her business in rural Cherokee County.

Joy Wise, owner of Heavenly Kennels near Cumming, Ga., faces 264 counts of animal cruelty after Cherokee County marshals took 357 dogs Tuesday from her property, authorities said. Officials found the animals living in their own feces without adequate cage space.

The number of animals nearly overwhelmed the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, which closed Wednesday to assess the dogs and begin their care. They are not available for adoption because of their needs and ongoing litigation, but the shelter is soliciting donations because of the unexpected expenses, officials said on their Facebook page.

To make a donation to help with the care of these dogs, click HERE!

Cherokee County is about 40 miles north of Atlanta and has about 225,000 residents.

"I saw dogs sleeping in food bowls so they could get off the wire screen" that was the bottom of their cage, designed so that when the dogs urinated, the mess would fall through the grate, Dr. Michael Good, a veterinarian in Marietta, Ga., who helped with rescue efforts, told WGCL-TV, Atlanta. "Imagine living your whole life on something like that. It's got to have an effect on your ligaments and your joints."

In Georgia, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor that alleges willful neglect of an animal, including not providing adequate food or water or sanitary shelter. Aggravated cruelty, a felony, is charged when an animal is knowingly killed or seriously disfigured, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The investigation into Wise was begun earlier this year when a North Carolina woman bought a Yorkie-Chihuahua mix online that died days after she brought it home.

Recently, Wise had puppies of four different breeds offered online with prices from $350 to $750 at PuppyFind.com. Her information there stated she has been a breeder for 35 years, had been selling on the site for almost eight years and now was specializing in "designer" breeds.

Wise's husband has said he and his wife will fight the charges and will not forfeit the animals.

If you want a dog, the best thing you can do is adopt a homeless animal from a shelter or rescue group, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

A Coon Rapids Home Containing Hundreds of Snakes Passed a Compliance Check

Coon Rapids, Minnesoda  -  A Coon Rapids home containing hundreds of snakes passed a compliance check Wednesday, according to city officials.

In 2011, authorities began investigating the house, located on the 10000 block of Grouse Street, after neighbors complained about a foul smell coming from the yard.

Upon inspection, officials found the home contained approximately 300 snakes, including boas and pythons, which are prohibited because they are constrictor snakes.

City officials say the home passed Wednesday's compliance check because the prohibited snakes had been removed.

Homeowner Scott Nellis says his passion for snakes started when he was about nine years old. Then, he would often see snakes in the grass walking home from school in Oklahoma.

"They are calming. I like to hold them and have them glide through my hands. I like all of the different color and pattern variations," Nellis said. "I like to watch their behavior as they crawl around the cage. Some people like aquarium fish. It is kind of the same thing with snakes."

Chuck Jacobson has lived in the neighborhood since 1982. He said the snakes haven't been a major problem for him because he lives a few doors down. Yet, he has some concerns.

"I am only concerned about what would happened if a tornado came through here. Who is gonna collect them?" he said. "There are a lot of kids around here and stuff. If they should ever get out, you don't want that to be happening to little kids in the area."

Nellis currently has about 200 snakes, and dozens of rodents to feed them. City officials say there is no limit to the number of snakes a homeowner can have. They also say Nellis can continue operating his home-based snake breeding business as long as "the use is secondary and not the primary use of the home."

"They don't bother anybody, they're contained in secure cages, in secure rooms, in my secure home. They can't escape, they can't get out, they can't harm the public," said Nellis.

The Humane Society of Calvert County is sponsoring a new program called F.A.C.T. - Offering FREE Spay/Neuter Services for Cats in the Tri-County Area!

The Humane Society of Calvert County is sponsoring a new program called F.A.C.T. We are offering FREE Spay/Neuter services for cats in the tri-county area. ALL cats are included (house cats, barn cats and feral). Locally-participating veterinarian offices will provide the spay/neuter services.

If anyone needs assistance for their kitties please contact The Humane Society of Calvert County. This is good for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Counties.

Please contact: Sally 410-257-5866 or Rose 443-875-4731

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Prince George's County Animal Shelter Participated in a Mock Disaster Exercise, Along with County Police, Fire, Homeland Security, Social Services, and The Red Cross

Last Friday, the Prince George's Animal Management Division staff and volunteers participated in a mock Disaster Exercise, along with County Police, Fire, Homeland Security, Social Services, Red Cross and other entities in a simulation of a flood occurring in two areas of the County.

Two human shelters were set up at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School, along with two Animal Shelters to house their furry loved ones. What an incredible way to prepare for the unthinkable!

We can't forget those who worked in the field during the mock disaster exercise, standing by to retrieve (stuffed) animals from those victims boarding the busses to head to the shelter at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School. Shown below are Cate, Ebonie and Victoria and on the right is Simone, who did intake on the animals brought to the temporary shelters.

Have You Adopted a Dog, Or Thinking About Adopting One from the Washington Humane Society? - Checkout Our FREE Adoption Workshops!

If you've adopted a dog from WHS or are thinking about adopting one, check out our adoption workshops!

You will get practical advice on building a successful relationship with your adopted dog and learn how to address common issues. There will be time to answer individual questions regarding your dog, and a handout will be included for you to take home.

Adoption Workshops

How to Live with Your Adopted Dog Workshop
It doesn't matter how long ago you adopted your dog, or if you haven't yet - this workshop will provide the help you need!

You will get practical advice on building a successful relationship with your adopted dog and learn how to address common issues. There will be time to answer individual questions regarding your dog, and a handout will be included for you to take home.

Ready to sign up! Just click on the date below to be taken to the sign up page!

You can sign up for workshops for the following dates:

Sunday, August 3, 2014 - How To Live With Your Adopted Dog

Sunday, September 7, 2014 - 9/7 New Adopter Workshop

Sunday, October 5, 2014 - How To Live With Your Adopted Dog

Sunday, November 2, 2014 - How To Live With Your Adopted Dog

Workshops are free and are presented monthly by a great group of trainers who volunteer their time to support dog adopters.

****These workshops are for people only. Please leave dogs at home!****

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Sharing This Story from The Washington Post (PostEverything Section) - Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again - What Are Your Thoughts?

I did not write this story, I am sharing, and asking what are your thoughts?

This story, was written by Erin Auerbach, a writer living in Los Angeles. She has written for Salon, the Los Angeles Times, and the Los Angeles Daily News.


To read her story, click HERE!

If you would like to post a comment, I ask that your comment not have any links attached to it. I do not post comments with links, as I have experienced in the past, some comments have had links to viruses.

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