This condition is characterized by the presence of blood between the ear cartilage and skin. The most common cause of this is the presence of an underlying irritation that makes the animal violently shake its head, thereby rupturing the small capillaries in the ear. It is more common in long droopy-eared dogs.
Etiology:
Any predisposing bacterial, fungal, mite infections, or foreign bodies in the ear will make the dog scratch its ear extensively. Once the blood vessels rupture the ear fills up with blood.
Signs:
The dog is visibly uncomfortable, and on touching the ear feels like a water balloon. The animal shakes its head continuously and may cry out in pain. This condition is very painful for the animal.
Treatment:
The success of treatment will depend on whether the underlying cause is discovered. If this is not accomplished the hematoma will return. There are different forms of treatment. All forms of treatment are surgical. Some Vets prefer to drain the hematoma and apply a tight bandage. But in my experience, the best results are achieved if a small incision is made on the inner surface of the ear. Blood clots are removed and sutures are put parallel to the incision. In a couple of weeks, the sutures are removed and the animal returns to normal. Concurrent antibiotic therapy and clot-dissolving enzymes are beneficial.
Previous Cases:
This condition is one of the most common conditions seen by Vets. Though the treatment is fairly simple and easy, the problem arises if one is unable to rectify the predisposing cause. Also, the dog rarely lets the bandage remain intact on the ear, and hence, the duration of treatment is often prolonged.
Bending Of Bones And Rickets
This is a disease characterized by interference with mineralization and consequently with normal resorption of growth plate cartilage. Rapidly growing plates in rapidly growing bones are most severely affected.
Cause
Deficient intake or absorption of vitamin D or phosphorus or both is often the cause. The low level of phosphorus may result from disease of gastro gastrointestinal tract, liver, or kidney, which may impair the absorption of phosphorus from the digestive tract. Vitamin D deficiency can be considered in animals that are housed or have a normal metabolism of vitamin D.
Symptoms
The major signs of rickets are abnormal curvature of long bones and increased prominence of bone ends. There is a widening of the growth plates (which is present a the end of the bones from where the bone elongates), which is due to the failure to reabsorb cartilage when X-rays are taken of the cartilaginous area, which contributes to skeletal growth. The changes are more evident. The outer lining becomes very thin and may appear as a shell. Apparent bowing of bone is more evident. The cartilage may increase in width.
Treatment
Therapeutic doses of calcium phosphorus vitamin D in the proper balance are usually beneficial in rickets. Over-supplementation of vitamin D can cause defects in the bony matrix, soft tissue calcification, nausea, diarrhea, and even renal damage.
