Malasezia yeasts are commonly found in the hair coat of dogs- often with no symptoms of disease at all. In some instances if other allergic or bacterial skin diseases occur, malasezia can become an opportunistic invader. Malasezia can also be frequently found in ear infections. Dogs with this problem typically have itchy, smelly, waxy ears. Diagnosis is confirmed by taking a swab from the discharge, stained and examined under the microscope.

Treatment involves drops in the ears and weekly baths- this treatment is usually very successful.

Under the microscope the yeasts look like this:

ear infected with malasezia

Learning the Wait and Leave command has been very useful. Mr and Mrs H

The course has helped us alot. Mr and Mrs B

Both Ben and myself enjoyed every week. Miss P

Another bronze class came to an end this evening with everyone doing extremely well and passing the assessment with flying colours.

Our next bronze class will be commencing on the 10th July 2007 and the Silver course will be commencing on the 1 September 2007. If anyone would like anymore information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01952 201369.

Below are some pictures from the training classes

Demodex mites are parasites that can cause hair loss and secondary hair follicle problems in dogs- particularly puppies. We have recently had a case of demodex in a Doberman which appeared to cleared but then reoccurred after two months. This is quite commonly seen with demodex cases as it can be quite difficult to eradicate all stages (egg, larvae and adults) from the animal and its surroundings. A relatively new spot on formulation is the most effective treatment at present and it needs to be applied monthly for 4-6 months. Even after this treatment relapses can still occur. Secondary bacterial infection in the hair follicles are common and also need treatment.

Below are some pictures taken from the microscope of these parasites.

Demodex Adult

Demodex Egg

The practice hosted an open afternoon on Sunday 3rd June. It was hugely successful with over a hundred visitors passing through the practice over the 4 hours. The Whitchurch Dog Display team once again put on a superb performance of both obedience and agility and motivated a number of people to enquire about dog training classes in the area. Fortunately we could help as we offer dog training classes at our own Sitting Pretty Dog Training school in the evenings and will soon be starting on Saturday afternoons.

Representatives from Cuan wildlife rescue, Hilbrae dogs home, Cats Protection League, Pets as Therapy, Vets Now after hours service, Feathers and Fins pet shop and the Telford and Wrekin dog warden were all on hand to speak to the public and provide useful information and literature. The Guide Dogs for the Blind also had a stand with relevant literature available.

Mr Kelley with his 2 immaculate Bernese Mountain dogs put on a display of how these working dogs pull carts and invited children up to see just how friendly his dogs are. Rhian - our veterinary nurse -put on a display of dental care and teeth cleaning in dogs and Jackie from Groom Masters demonstrated how a poodle is clipped.

Our pet dog show was a lot of fun and all classes were very ably judged by Ruby Bennett whose own dogs have frequently taken part in Crufts and many other shows around the country.

The multitude of static displays in the surgery all provided a lot of educational interest as did the tortoise, rabbit, guinea pigs, chameleon, bearded dragon and ball python that were present.

Teas and refreshments provided by Erica Tozer and a raffle with prizes donated by the practice and some of our suppliers helped to collect £113 for Hilbrae dogs home.

All in all, the day was better than we could have hoped for and seems to be set as an annual event.

My grateful thanks to all who participated and helped in the success of the day.