Breed Defects / Predispositions and their impact on grooming

 

 

Ear problems

Dogs can suffer from a variety of ear problems caused by a variety of reasons including allergies, trauma, foreign bodies, parasites and tumours.

To understand ear problems, it is necessary to understand the structure of the ear and be familiar with the terminology associated with it.

The ear canal of a dog is “L” shaped and as a result wax, dirt and foreign bodies can collect in the canal. Dogs with drop ears have further problems as the external ear drops down and covers the opening to the canal, making a humid warm environment, perfect for trapping and breeding bacteria.

 

 

 

 

Ear infections are a common problem in breeds of dogs with heavy, drooping ears (pendulous ears). Warm moist air gets trapped under the ear flap providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Ear infections can be treated by antibiotics but in chronic cases the ear canal may be surgically sealed.

 

Symptoms of ear infections include:

 

• Malodour (bad smell)

• Scratching, rubbing, tilting or shaking of ears/ head

 

• Discharge

   

   

 

Examples of breeds of dog where ear infections are commonly found

 

• Cocker Spaniels

• Great Danes

• Saint Bernards

• Pugs 

 

 

 

Grass seeds can be highly problematic. The seeds become entangled in the ear hair and then work their way down into the ear canal, coming to rest at the ear drum. The arrow shaped seed can pierce the ear drum and the seed can move into the middle ear, resulting in extreme pain. It is recommended that grass seeds are only removed from the ear by veterinary professionals.

Grass seeds can also become trapped in between the pads of the dog’s feet, in their arm pits or under matted hair. Once trapped the sharp end where can pierce the skin and travel up through the dog’s body, leaving only a small puss filled entry hole. Dogs with long or dense coats are more at risk of trauma from grass seeds as the seed becomes trapped in the long hair.

 

 

Ear mites are tiny parasites which feed on the wax and oils inside a dog’s ear canal. Although there are a variety of mites the most common is Otodectes cynotis. Ear mites are highly contagious, although transfer to humans is rare. Symptoms of ear mites include:

 

• Malodour

• Scratching, rubbing or shaking of ears/ head

 

• Black or brown grit like secretion

• Severe infestations may result in the presence of blood in the ear canal

   

 

Aural hematoma can occur due to excess head shaking and often occurs as a result of an initial ear problem. An aural hematoma occurs when a blood vessel in the ear bursts internally causing a pocket of blood to pool under the skin causing swelling. Immediate veterinary attention is required.

 

 

 

Considerations when grooming dogs with ear problems

 

• clean ears carefully with specialist cleaner, massaging the base of the ear

• Ensure extra precautions when shaving off matted ears and this can cause excess shaking

• Ensure under side of ears are thoroughly dry

• Avoid using dryers directly around ear canal

• Refer the owner to a veterinary surgeon

• Effective disinfecting of work environment in the case of ear mites

 

 

 

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Eye problems

 

Dogs can suffer from a number of eye problems, many of which are a result of selective breeding. Any eye problems should be referred to a veterinary surgeon. To understand eye problems, it is necessary to understand the structure of the eye and be familiar with the terminology associated with it.

 

 

Conjunctivitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the conjunctival membrane which covers the eye. Discharge is produced although its consistency and colour varies. Conjunctivitis can have a number of causes including bacterial or viral infection, allergies and trauma. Depending on the cause it can be highly contagious and zoonotic.

 

Symptoms include:

 

• Avoidance of light

• Bulging or red eyes

• Cloudiness

• Discharge – may be crusty or weeping depending on cause

• Excess tear production

• Rubbing or scratching eye

• Partially closed eye

• Blindness

 

 

 

Considerations when grooming dogs with conjunctivitis

 

• Increase hygiene to prevent cross contamination

• Prevent shampoo from coming into contact with the eye

• Clean the eye carefully with an appropriate solution (cooled boiled water can be used)

• Avoid using dryers around the eye area

 

 

 

Corneal ulceration is usually the result of a trauma and is when the cornea becomes scratched or broken. It is common in breeds of dog with protruding eyes. The scratch can be difficult to see but may cause excessive discharge or the dog may find it difficult to open its eye. Care must be taken to prevent secondary infection as the ulcer provides an opening for dirt and bacteria to penetrate the eye into the body.

 

Considerations when grooming dogs with corneal ulceration

 

• Increase hygiene to prevent secondary infection

• Prevent shampoo from coming into contact with the eye

• Clean the eye carefully with an appropriate solution (cooled boiled water can be used)

• Avoid using dryers around the eye area

 

 

 

Cataracts is a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye, this is generally associated with aging but can be hereditary. The cloudiness impairs vision and as the condition develops can result in total blindness but does not cause pain. Cataracts are not the same as nuclear sclerosis where the lens develops a blue/grey tint and only causes a blurring of vision.

 

Considerations when grooming dogs with cataracts

 

• Move dog cautiously and allow time to become familiar with surroundings

   

 

Inverted eyelids (Entropion) involve the eyelids rolling in on themselves and the eye lash comes into contact with the eye ball. The eye lash rubs the lens causing ulceration which presents itself as a white spot. The results are similar to dogs suffering from distichiasis (abnormal eyelashes)

 

Examples of breeds of dog which are commonly affected by entropion

 

• Golden Retriever

• Springer Spaniel

• Great Dane

• Staffordshire Terriers

 

 

Considerations when grooming dogs with entropion

 

• Prevent shampoo from coming into contact with the eye

• Clean the eye carefully with an appropriate solution (cooled boiled water can be used)

• Avoid using dryers around the eye area

   

 

Ectropion is a condition affecting the lower eye lid only. In this situation the eyelid rolls outwards, away from the eye leaving the soft tissue around the eye exposed. Dogs with ectropion are more likely to develop conjunctivitis and corneal injury.

 

Examples of breeds of dog which are commonly affected by ectropion

 

• Basset Hound

• Bulldog

• Bloodhounds

• Cocker Spaniel 

 

 

 

Prolapse of the third eyelid occurs when the tear gland within the third eyelid (nictitans gland) prolapses and appears visible out of the corner of the dog’s eye. The condition is also known as Cherry Eye. The gland is not able to function normally resulting in a lack of lubrication which can lead to infection

 

 

 

Examples of breeds of dog which are commonly affected by a prolapse of the third eyelid

 

• Cocker Spaniel

• Beagles

• Lhasa Apsos

• Shih Tzus 

 

Considerations when grooming dogs with Cherry eye

 

• Avoid using dryers around the eye area

 

 

 

Ocular prolapse (proptosis) involves the eyeball becoming dislodged from the eye socket resulting in the eye ball protruding out. Immediate veterinary assistance is required to ensure the best possible outcome. Other signs of ocular prolapse include abnormal pupil movement and inflammation of the eye. While ocular prolapse is more common in some breeds of dog it can also be caused by trauma to the head or face for example as a result of a road traffic accident. Dogs should be prevented from scratching or rubbing the area whilst being transported to the vets.

 

Examples of breeds of dog which are commonly affected by ocular prolapse

 

• Pugs

• Bulldogs

• King Charles Spaniel 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hip and elbow dysplasia

 

The ball and socket joints of both the hip and the elbow are held in place by ligaments and connective tissue. In healthy animals the joint moves freely and is cushioned by cartilage. Dysplasia occurs when the bones are not fully supported by the surrounding tissues and the bones rub together causing bone wear, pain and discomfort. As a result, a puppy may be born with healthy hips and elbows and only show symptoms as the erosion develops.

 

Symptoms include:

 

• Abnormal movement when walking or running

• Pain and discomfort during exercise.

• Reluctance to carry out activities which require full extension or flexion of the affected leg, including moving up or down stairs.

• Stiffness / reluctance to get up from lying down

 

 

 

Dysplasia is known to be a hereditary condition, with many breeding dogs being hip or elbow scored prior to breeding. There are also contributing factors, including obesity and over-exercise at a young age.

 

 

 

Examples of breeds of dog which are commonly affected by hip dysplasia

 

• German Shepherd

• Great Dane

• Otterhound 

• Rottweiler 

 

 

 

 

Problems associated with hip and elbow dysplasia

• Osteoarthritis - there are cases where dysplasia has developed into Osteoarthritis, which is a form of joint inflammation that is characterised by chronic deterioration or degeneration of the joint cartilage.

   

 

Considerations when grooming a dog with hip or elbow dysplasia

 

• Avoid prolonged periods of standing

• Allow regular rest breaks

• Do not over extend affected legs (e.g. to clip claws)

• Prevent dog from jumping

• Ensure dog is restrained effectively, particularly in the bath where slipping may occur.

 

 

 

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Gastric Torsion

 

Gastric torsion is also referred to as bloat, twisted stomach and gastric dilation – volvulus. It is a painful and life threatening conditions and immediate veterinary treatment is required. The condition occurs when the dog's stomach becomes inflated with gas, fluid or a frothy mixture of both. Once bloated the stomach twists, sealing off both ends preventing the gas and liquid from escaping. The twisting causes further complications as it can restrict blood flow, killing off tissue and making breathing difficult. Symptoms can appear suddenly and progress rapidly.

 

Symptoms include:

 

• Pain, discomfort and restlessness

• Drooling

• Unproductive retching

• Painful, hard, swollen abdomen

• Rapid breathing

• Pale mucous membranes

• Depression

• Collapse

 

 

 

Examples of breeds of dog which are commonly affected by gastric torsion

 

• Irish Setters

• Standard Poodle

• Newfoundland

• Akita 

 

 

 

A common feature of these dogs, which you may say predispose them to gastric torsion is that they either are giant breeds or are deep-chested.