Lab vs. Foxtails

Beaver93 · 07-21-2003, 10:45 AM

Just picked my 9mo. old BLF from the vet.

Yesterday evening we were walking through the tall grass near a local park where some Dorrito-eating pheasants like to hang out. We flushed a hen and a rooster, but Bernice picked up a foxtail in her ear. I knew she had something in there immediately, however, I could not see it. I tried washing it out and other things, but I finally just gave her some ibuprofen to settle her down and get her some rest.

The vet sedated her to retrieve it. She feels much better now. What I could I have done differently to make her more comfortable? Any other tricks ou there?

Corey

Gus Orviston · 07-21-2003, 12:44 PM

Yep, never give a dog ibuprofen, or anything other than aspirin. But at least use the computer to do some research first.

gus

http://www.bigpaw.com/dog_poison.html

URL points to this info.

Never give your dog ANY medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetominophen tablet (500mg) can cause severe liver damage to a 10lbs dog. One half of a regular strength naproxen (200mg) could cause stomach ulcers in the same size dog.

Keep all prescription an over the counter drugs out of reach of your dogs, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. Less than one regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) could cause stomach ulcers in a 10lb dog, and about six could cause kidney failure. Never throw medications away in the trash can. The trash can is like a gourmet restaurant to most dogs! Instead, flush all unwanted medications away in the toilet

[ 07-21-2003, 03:25 PM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

Beaver93 · 07-21-2003, 01:43 PM

Thanks for the help guys. Never fails. Put something on a message board and nine out of ten people go for the jugular assuming your an idiot.

I weighed her first and did the math. She required exactly one-third of an adult dosage of the product I had on hand (assuming a 165lb adult and she weighs 55lb). I crushed a whole tablet and discarded 2/3 of it. I used ibuprofen based on the reccomendation I received from a vet I had in Newport for my Springer who just about tore one of his pads off going after a grouse.

Now, back to question at hand. Is there a topical cream that I could use on her ears in the future? What about a wash of some sort? Foxtails and crabgrass are nasty little buggers. They could ruin a hunt awfully fast. I felt very bad for her.

Gus Orviston · 07-21-2003, 02:20 PM

sorry, didn't think you were an idiot or otherwise.

[ 07-21-2003, 03:21 PM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

ICHTHYDEMON · 07-21-2003, 11:37 PM

Are you supposed to give dogs Ibuprofen? My vet told me the only thing to give for pain is Aspirin. She recommended the Asprin that has the Malox coating,to reduce upset stomachs.

LCFisherlady · 07-22-2003, 06:35 AM

You can use any of the antibiotic/steroid creams that are used for ear infections to help the discomfort, if you can't see the grass seeds it will still be a trip to the vet but at least the animal has some relief. Talk with the vet, I always have a tube handy in our first aid box. You might also consider having some saline eye wash for the eyes. Dirt and junk in the eye can be a real problem too, and a quick eye wash job in the field may prevent an eye infection later.

Judy

LCFisherlady · 07-22-2003, 07:12 AM

I also forgot to say, you can also put some cotton balls into the ear, no stickies will get beyond that. Once a dog gets used to them they don't care, and it will prevent anything from entering the ear. It is just another thing you can do if you are so inclined.
It also gives the pup an excuse to be "deaf"......been there done that kind of a deal.

Judy

Beaver93 · 07-23-2003, 07:34 AM

LCFisherlady,

Thanks for the info. I like the preventative idea with the cotton balls. I'm going to try it.

LCFisherlady · 07-23-2003, 11:38 PM

The cottom ball will work unless the pup hits the water, they then get wet and fall out....have a few extra in you pocket...You might also have a little ear cleaner/dryer at home and after a day of dirty summer water use it. My two retreivers never have an ear problem if I do a little preventive maintence. Some dogs never have problems but I believe in preventing not curing.It will also keep those ears nice and clean. Good luck with the pup...they are all fun.

nwsteelheader · 07-25-2003, 09:06 AM

On the topic of medicating dogs. Don't just assume that because an adult dose is for a 180 pound person and the dog ways 1/3rd of that amount that you should give them 1/3rd of the dose.

Dogs are different from humans and they metabolize and respond to medications differently than we do.
For example, I had a dog that didn't like to ride in the car, so we had to give her some dramamine to calm her down, We were recommended to give her the standard full adult human dose even though she only weighed about 50#'s..

Point is, just try to a qualified opinion from a licensed vet if you're going to medicate a dog with anything other than standard stuff like aspirin.

btw, i think it was fine to give the dog a small dose of ibuprofin.

Chukrchaser · 07-26-2003, 07:56 AM

I have tried the cotton balls but my dog just wouldn't get comfortable --

So I followed a second recomendation -- Vaseline -- Wait -- Listen -- Apply a thin layer to the outside edges of the ear canal. The foxtail will get stuck in the Vaseline before it has the oppurtunity to travel into the canal. In country that is really bad, check it occasionally -- wipe off the goo and foxtails then reapply.

salmurai · 07-26-2003, 11:26 PM

earmuffs? duct tape? head band? stocking cap? deci-demps? shower cap? an old bra? Ok, I'll go away now.....sal