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The following answers have been provided by: Keith Eggert, DVM Animal Health Clinic,Taos, New Mexico |
Q ~ What, in your opinion, is the minimum age that a giant breed dog should be spayed/neutered. Does early spaying/neutering effect the growth plates? ~ Susan A ~ Susan: The minimum age to spay or neuter a giant breed is 4 months. We usually recommend 4 to 6 months. Waiting until after the first heat is a mistake, since spaying a female before the first heat virtually eliminates mammary cancer later in life. To my knowledge, early spaying/neutering has no effect on growth plates. |
Q ~ I have a dog that licks his feet and legs a lot. He also scratches his ears. He does not have fleas. We have used Panalog in his ears because he is scratching his ears until they bleed. The licking and scratching is driving him and us crazy. Please help! ~ Sebastian and Edith A ~ Sebastian & Edith: A dog that licks his feet and legs and is pruritic usually has allergic dermatitis. If fleas have been eliminated as the source, the most probable cause is either food or inhalant allergies, (usually a combination of the two). Treatment consists of a hypoallergenic diet (e.g., lamb and rice, venison and rice) and antihistamines (Hydroxyzine or Benadryl), plus a fatty acid supplement. Corticosteroids, because of their side effects, are a last resort. Prescription ear medication, (Panalog is not my first choice) will help with the ears. |
Q ~ I am in contact with three different people right now who are trying to get their dogs cleared up from sarcoptic mange. They are using Ivomec, Mitaban and antibiotics. It is my understanding that Ivomec and Mitaban are very potent and poisonous. Is there any other way, including alternative remedies, to treat this problem? I also heard that dogs can get this from foxes; and, since sarcoptic mange is highly contagious, that people can contract it too. Is there any preventative measure? ~ Katherine A ~ Katherine: First, we need to make sure we are talking about sarcoptic versus demodectic mange. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious from dog to dog and dog to people, but is usually easy to eradicate. Ivomec orally and Frontline topically, with a repeat at 4 weeks, is highly effective. Both are safe when used at proper dosages. Mitaban is a topical dip for control of demodectic mange. It can be used to treat sarcoptic mange, but is more toxic and has more adverse effects. Treatment of the premises and bedding with flea bombs and flea spray to prevent re-infestation is also very important. Frontline monthly is a good topical preventative. |
The following answers have been provided by: Trishia Albin, DVM, C.V.A. Animal Health Clinic, Taos, New Mexico |
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Q ~ Have you heard of acupuncture being used during ear cropping and that it supposedly keeps the ears numb for some time after surgery? ~ Mark A ~ Mark: I have not heard anything about acupuncture in ear cropping. Most holistic veterinarians are adamantly against ear cropping. One reason is that ear acupuncture points are destroyed. I don’t think acupuncture would make the ears numb to pain but move the chi around to create an endorphin release to make the dog feel better. |
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