Ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasitic insects that infest the ears of animals, particularly cats and dogs. These mites feed on the wax and oils in the ear canal and reproduce rapidly, causing irritation, inflammation, and discomfort for the affected animal. Ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread from one pet to another through direct contact. Common symptoms of ear mite infestation include scratching or rubbing the ears, head shaking, redness or swelling of the ear canal, dark discharge resembling coffee grounds, and a strong odor. If left untreated, ear mites can lead to secondary infections and more severe ear problems. It's important to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ear mites. A veterinarian can diagnose the infestation and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include ear drops, topical medications, or oral medications to kill the mites and soothe the affected ears.
FACT FRIDAY! Puppies are born 58-72 days after mating. A cats gestation is 63-65 days.
If your pet has been having intermittent contractions with no production of young after 2 hours please seek veterinary care. Any heavy bleeding requires further veterinary care. A few cats can take up to 24 hours to give birth.
X-rays should be taken around day 45-50 to count how many puppies or kittens are present so you know how many to expect.
Always know where you can go for your pet to get an emergency c-section if necessary.
Take a look at these sweet kittens with their momma.
FACT FRIDAY! Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is a serious condition that can lead to male cats needing emergency care. Signs to watch for include: urinating outside of the little box or in unusual places, straining to urinate (can easily be mistaken for straining to defecate), bloody urine, licking urinary area (usually due to pain), decreased appetite and/or nausea/vomiting.
Urinary crystals and increased mucus secondary to inflammation can lead to a complete obstruction or blockage of the urethra in male cats where they are unable to urinate. This is a life threatening medial emergency! If you see these signs please visit a vet right away!
We helped the patient featured this week through this crisis. We were very happy to see him eating in hospital and now he is going back home with his family. ♥️
FACT FRIDAY! Cuterebra (bot fly larvae) can be found in cats or other small mammals. This is most commonly seen late summer or early fall. You may find a swelling with odorous discharge. The diagnosis is made by finding the larva. Treatment involves removing the the parasitic bot, cleaning the wound and allowing time for healing.
Our Pet of the Month for September is Ella Mae Brooks. Check out this beautiful girl.
Ella Mae is almost a year and a half and is full German Shepherd. She loves Dentastix, chewing on floaties, rolling in the grass, sleeping on anything soft, and her most favorite thing is to run. She is extremely intelligent - she knows how to sit, shake, lay down, stay, and hug.
Ella Mae is very entergetic, playful, and loving. She is very protective of her mother and loves to wrestle with dad.
Ella has one sister, Felecia, an Australian Shepherd, whom she loves very much.
Ella is the perfect addition to our little family
Our Pet of the Month for April is Sammy Boyd
Sammy is an 11 yr old retired racing greyhound. She was born in Arizona and was injured during training-she is missing a toe and dew claw on one foot. She was released at 2 yrs old to a man in Illinois. It is very unusual for a greyhound to be injured and released-they are typically put down. Her trainer is well known for finding homes for his greyhounds when they are done racing. Sammy’s first owner passed away at the end of 2015. His nephew took her to the local pound and surrendered her. The workers at the pound contacted the Greyhound Pets of America rescue group in Springfield, MO. She was picked up and gpamo listed her on their website as a foster. I saw her story in an email and asked to be her foster-I was turned down because of the distance from Searcy to Springfield- she had to be tested before she could be put up for adoption. A few weeks later she was listed on the website of gpamo for adoption. I called and told them I wanted her but needed to ask my landlord if I could have 2 greyhounds in my apartment. I was called the next day and told someone else wanted her, I burst into tears and said no she is mine. I picked her up a week later. Sammy is a very active, happy, silly, puppy like greyhound. My first greyhound Quenna is very regal and sedate. Sammy knocks things over and zips around like a puppy jumping on the furniture and guests. She fit in immediately and steals the hearts of anyone she meets. She has been through a lot in her lifetime but loves every human she meets. She likes to fuss at other dogs- she takes great joy in barking at them when we are out walking. She is also a bed stealer-mine and Quenna’s. Adopt a greyhound they are the most loving, intelligent dogs I have ever had the joy of knowing.
Our Pet of the Month for March is Goose Hudgins.
Goose Miller is a 3 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. He is a true water dog that loves every opportunity to swim. Whether it’s a swimming pool, flooded creek, or a local lake Goose is always ready to jump in. He never lets us forget a meal or snack! Carrots and apples are his favorite. Goose requires the occasional reminder that he is 100lbs, as he considers himself a lap dog. He is a true Razorback fan and is sure to wear his jersey on game days! To say that Goose is spoiled is an understatement, but he is our best friend and always makes us smile from his affection.
Here is the video of our Pet of the Month Pup Pup with her "sibling" gabby.
Katy and Grace
Letty Fuller and her puppies Katy and Grace playing and being frisky at Liles Animal Clinic!
