Jennifer Schissler, Ear and Skin Vet

07/28/2022

It's the time of year for grass foreign bodies! They can cause pain and infection. It's wise to remove them as soon as possible as they can even damage the ear drum.

07/19/2022

03/06/2022

03/03/2022

This may be a lousy thing to find, but its easily treated! Linognathus setosus is the canine sucking louse. This is one of many reasons why ectoparasite control is recommended for all dogs, even in the Rocky Mountain west, where fleas are not prevalent. This patient was treated with Simparica Trio: monthly ectoparasite, endoparasite, and heartworm prevention all in one!

12/07/2020

12/06/2020

Are you missing otitis media? Certainly, otitis media is suspected with vestibular sydrome, Horner's, or facial nerve paralysis, but OM often occurs in the absence of these signs.

11/19/2020

Although this appeared to be an end stage ear given the severe stenosis and purulent exudate, it was actually sterile pyogranulomatous dermatitis occluding the ear canal. Here is the remarkable progress 4 weeks after initiating steroid therapy.

11/07/2020

This unfortunately is an end stage ear. Due to chronic infection the ear canal is permanently occluded with calcified tissue. The degree of chronic pain associated with ear infection I believe is underestimated. This patient will feel much better after the ear canal is surgically removed. Most patients with chronic otitis have allergy. If the inflammation or infection is not addressed acutely and then managed long term, the ear can be permanently damaged.

10/21/2020

09/17/2020

A dog recently presented to me for purulent otitis externa, lethargy, weight loss and reluctance to eat hard food. Otitis media was evident: soft tissue opacity via bulla CT, TM defect via otoendoscopy (below), and presence of neutrophils and bacteria via cytology. Otitis media resulted in painful mastication given proximity of the middle ear to the TMJ. Following middle ear flush and several weeks of topical and systemic antimicrobial and corticosteroid treatment this patient is active, gaining weight and comfortably consuming hard and soft foods.

09/02/2020

A particularly stubborn case of NPOE: did not respond in the past initially to more conventional therapy (systemic prednisolone + tacrolimus). Very interesting condition how the tissue can proliferate and abate so rapidly.

08/07/2020

Want to do what is best for your pet or your patient? Before ordering an online allergy test, consider trusting an expert.

08/05/2020

This is why sun protection is important: two dogs with short, white coats, both sunbathers. Both have concurrent allergy, too, and the initial changes were not unreasonably attributed to the allergic dermatitis. The second patient has now gone on to develop cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) as a result. One tell tale sign of actinic dermatosis is erythema, thickening, papules, milia and scale that spares the pigmented areas. As you can see when SCC takes hold, it spares nothing.

07/28/2020

This kitty is scratching his ear. Why? Allergy? Infection? Mites?

07/25/2020

So one time a reporter asked me why wet dogs smell bad. http://www.dogster-digitalmagazine.com/dogster/april_may_2020/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1561571

Having a dog in the household exposes us humans to a diversity of microorganisms, which can be beneficial to our health. Exposure to the microcosm of

07/22/2020

Look carefully what do you see? It's Otodectes (ear mites). If your pet has itchy ears, get it checked out. There are many safe and effective treatments and preventatives for mites like these!

07/17/2020

Different is beautiful! This handsome boy has a follicular dysplasia; probably genetic. Sometimes alopecia can signal internal problems, but not in this case. Dont you think he's cute? His owner thinks so, too. :) (posted with owner premission)

07/15/2020

Does your dog get ear infections? Did you know the most common cause of ear infections in dogs is actually allergy? Food or pollen allergies can cause ear inflammation. This is an example of a patient without infection but significant inflammation and wax due to allergy. If your dog gets ear infections over and over again, talk to your vet! This is optimally treated not only with topicals when there's a flare but also an approach to manage the ongoing allergy itself to prevent the "roller coaster" of flares.

07/09/2020

Simparica Trio is a new monthly tablet to prevent fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworms, hookworms and also treats and prevents mange. I must say I am excited that I only have to remember one thing a month for Chavela. If you prefer to treat your dog or cat every 2-3 months then consider Bravecto Plus. Ask your vets about these great new treatments!

07/08/2020

Does this Sarcoptes mite give you the creepy crawlies? These mites can make your dog's skin and ears seriously itchy. Good news: with today's safe and effective ectoparasite control options, you don't have to worry about this!

07/07/2020

Cute but serious. Ear infections in the dog, although common can be very serious and painful if chronic. This sweetie is dizzy because the infection has progressed to the inner ear. If your dog is getting ear infections, turn to your vet for help! This particular patient needed CT imaging, a deep flush of the middle ear followed by and oral and topical medication for a couple months, and then she was almost back to normal, fortunately. However, because this ear infection was due to allergy, which is very common, she needed maintenance medications to prevent this from happening again.

07/06/2020

If your pet is itchy, has ear infections or stomach issues, they could have food hypersensitivity. What should you feed them?!?! Before you ask the feed store, talk to your vet! There are many options but some are not appropriate or as reliably helpful as the diets we can provide. VETS: What are *your favorite* elimination diet foods?! 🤔 Comment below!

07/02/2020

Slathering on sunscreen? Good idea, but don't forget to protect your dog!

Tips to ease pets' summertime allergy symptoms.