Some breeds have a higher blister risk
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Our vet offers his advice
QOur 10-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier had surgery for a blood blister in his right ear. Our vet advised this, rather than drainage, as the best way to prevent it coming back. Apparently some breeds are more likely to suffer from this problem. What do you think?
AI agree with your vet about drainage. Small blood haematomas sometimes resolve after this procedure, but the problem often returns, especially with the larger ones.
Traditionally it has always been said that head shaking is the cause of aural heamatomas, or blood blisters as they are known. But as long ago as 1965 the standard textbook of the time questioned this, because many dogs with ear infections and head shaking don’t suffer from the problem.
Recent research from the Royal Veterinary College VetCompass surveillance group shed more light on aural haematomas.
By analysing the anonymous clinical records of 905,554 dogs treated in more than 1,800 UK veterinary practices over one year, 2,249 were diagnosed with aural haematoma, representing one in 400 dogs. Fourteen breeds had an increased risk, including bull terriers, and a further 20 breeds had a very small risk, greyhounds and Chihuahuas for example.
This has led to the suggestion that dogs with folded semi-erect or V-shaped ears are more prone to aural haematomas due to continued trauma along the line where the cartilage folds.
Surgical treatment is necessary to prevent collapse of the pinna and the formation of a “cauliflower ear”.
Many procedures share the aim of promoting drainage, preventing recurrence and preserving the pinna anatomy in dogs.
QOur male neutered cat, 12, has suffered from intermittent diarrhoea and vomiting for six months. Our vet has ruled out infections, parasites and serious diseases such as cancer. Food allergy is suspected and the cat is on a special diet. I would like to know your experience of this condition.
ACurrently the only reliable way to diagnose food allergy in cats (and dogs) is via a hypoallergenic diet recommended by a vet.
Testing for food allergy is a routine part of the investigation of an itchy dog or cat, and is usually an early procedure. I have performed this test hundreds of times for itchy pets but much less for cats with intestinal issues.
Food allergy in cats is rare and only an estimated 10-15% of cases result in tummy upsets, such as those affecting your cat. This is why other more common causes, such as those ruled out by your vet, are considered first.
An allergic reaction to food can occur at any age in a cat, usually to something that they have always eaten.
Modern hydrolysed hypoallergenic diets contain single protein sources made very small, so that an allergic reaction is very unlikely.
It is important that everybody understands that during the trial period of the hypoallergenic diet nothing else is fed, even in tiny amounts.
An improvement could be seen in three to four weeks if food allergy is actually the cause.
David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth hospital for animals Email questions to him at pamperedpets@reachplc.com