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WDEL loves pets! That's why we've partnered with
the Delaware Humane Association to bring you the Pet Page.
Each week, we'll show you a cat and a dog from the Delaware Humane Association
who need good homes. You can also get answers to your pet health
questions in our new Ask the Vet
feature, plus useful information for any animal lover in our
Tip of the Month
section. |
Pets of the week for January 10, 2012
Ace
I’m an adult neutered male Labrador Retriever mix who was born in February 2009. I’m a wonderful guy who loves attention. I love to give kisses and would do best in a home with no other dogs. Please come meet me! |
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Smokey
I’m an adult neutered long haired cat who was born in December 2010. I came to DHA after my owner passed away. I'm a little love bug who loves attention. I love to cuddle and sit in your lap. Please come in and visit me! |
Last Week's Pets: Sheena the dog has been adopted! Faithful the cat is still waiting.
If you're interested in adopting one of the Pets of the Week, or seeing
what other pets are available for adoption, contact the
Delaware Humane
Association, 701 A. Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Or call
(302) 571-0111
Ask the Vet...
Your chance to ask Dr. Mindy Cohan, VMD, our resident pet health
expert, what's on your mind!
Topic: Severe skin problem
Question from Stephanie in Elkton:
I have a 2 year old jack russell who has a terrible skin condition. He has itched and bitten all of his fur off and has cuts and abrassions all over his body. The cuts bleed and ooze. He has had this problem for over 6 months now and his health is deteriating more and more everyday. I have done everything humanly possible to try and help my poor dog. I have taken him to numerous vets and he has been on steriods, perscription shampoos, lotions, sprays, and he has had different diets. We have changed our shampoos and detergents. We\'ve had exterminators and carpet cleaners come to the house. I\'ve spent over $2,000 on vet visits, tests, and medications and nothing has worked and no vets have had a solution to my dogs problem. I\'m very upset that my dog itches and scratches 24/7 and won\'t eat or play. We\'ve had to put a cone on his head and put socks and shirts on him constantly to try and prevent him from tearing his skin. Can you please help me or recommend a vet or clinic who
specializes in this type of skin condition?
Answer from Dr. Mindy Cohan:
I am very sorry to hear that your dog is suffering so badly from his skin condition. It sounds like you have really tried everything to get his problem under control. Based on his breed, allergies are a possible underlying cause. It would also be important to have him tested for skin mites. Microscopic skin mites can sometimes be hard to definitively diagnose, so empiric treatment can be tried. If treatment for allergies and mites fails, skin biopsy samples might be needed to rule out less commonly seen problems.
If you have not sought the help of a veterinary dermatologist, that would be my recommendation. I searched the web for an office within a reasonable distance to Elkton. Here is the contact information. Good luck.
Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware
290 Churchmans Road
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-322-6933
Posted January 6, 2012
Got a question for Dr. Cohan? Click here to
ask it.
Click here for past Ask the Vet
topics.
Pet Tip of the Month...
Quick tips to help keep your pets healthy and happy.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month!
More than 85% of dogs and cats over 4 years of age have some form of periodontal disease. As a result, gums become sore and the ligaments and bone attached to teeth become weakened. If the problem is not addressed, the teeth become loose and are at the risk of falling out or fracturing.
It is very important to have a pet’s teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year. It is also important for pet owners to be able to recognize signs of dental disease which include:
- bad breath
- plaque, a yellowish-brown crust on teeth at the gum line
- red or swollen gums
- pain or bleeding when a pet eats, or when the mouth is touched
- decreased appetite or difficulty chewing
- loose or missing teeth
- the pet may exhibit signs of pain by pawing at its mouth or turning its head to the side while chewing
- swelling underneath an eye may indicate a tooth abscess
Brushing a dog or cat’s teeth with pet specific tooth paste can help prevent plaque accumulation. Plaque contains bacteria which not only cause bad breath, but can pose a danger to the heart, kidneys and liver. In addition to brushing your dog or cat’s teeth, water additives, dental chews, gels, and dental diets can be used to prevent plaque formation. Professional cleanings at a veterinary office are often necessary as a pet matures.
If your pet shows any signs of a dental problem, consult your veterinarian.
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Please have your pets spayed or neutered! |
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