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Dog otitis externa

Dog otitis externa

ENT, Dog diseases, Otitis / By

Otitis externa in dogs is one of the most common reasons why dogs are presented to veterinary practice with ear problems. This refers to an inflammation of the external ear canal. Many owners first notice head shaking, scratching at the ear, an unpleasant odor, brown or yellowish discharge, redness, pain when touched, or a change in head posture. In my daily work as a veterinarian, it becomes clear time and again that otitis externa in dogs is rarely just a superficial hygiene problem. It is usually a visible sign that there is an inflammatory, microbial, or allergic problem in the ear canal.

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Cleaning a dog's ears

Cleaning dog ears

Dogs, ENT / By

Cleaning a dog's ears is one of the most important grooming practices, which I discuss with pet owners regularly in my work as a veterinarian. Many diseases of the external ear canal develop gradually, often going unnoticed for a long time, and can be prevented early on by regularly cleaning the dog's ears. As the medical director and owner of small animal practices in Karlsbad-Ittersbach and Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, I see dogs with ear problems almost daily that could have been avoided with proper ear cleaning.

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Shortening the soft palate of a pug

Shortening the soft palate of a pug

Brachycephaly, Surgery, ENT, Dogs, Dog diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am very frequently asked by pug owners whether shortening the soft palate is a relevant topic for pugs – and if so, when, how, and with what risks. The pug is a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short skull. This head shape predisposes pugs to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), in which several constrictions in the upper respiratory tract occur.

A key structure in this process is the soft palate (velum). If it is too long or too thick, it can obstruct airflow, leading to snoring, wheezing, exercise intolerance, coughing, gagging, increased panting, sleep disturbances, and in extreme cases, life-threatening respiratory distress. In such cases, shortening the soft palate (medically: staphylectomy or palatoplasty) is a proven veterinary option to relieve pressure on the airways and sustainably improve your dog's quality of life.

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Nasal fold resection in pugs

Nasal fold resection in pugs

Brachycephaly, Surgery, ENT, Dog diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am frequently approached by pug owners with the same concern: "My dog squints, rubs his eyes often, and constantly has brown streaks from his tears – could this be due to the nasal roll?" In many cases, the answer is yes. Nasal roll resection in pugs is a targeted, minor plastic surgery procedure in which the protruding, hairy roll of skin (the so-called "nose roll") is removed or reduced so that the hair no longer rubs against the cornea. This constant rubbing – known medically as trichiasis – can irritate the cornea, leading to pigment deposits, chronic inflammation, and even painful ulcers. This phenomenon is part of the so-called brachycephalic eye syndrome, which is very common in pugs. International animal welfare and professional organizations describe in detail how the proximity between prominent eyes and skin folds is precisely what causes the cornea to be repeatedly irritated. ufaw.org.uk+1

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Dog snores

Dog snores

Dog diseases, Brachycephaly, ENT, Dogs / By

Many dog owners initially take it in stride when their dog snores. A deeply breathing, sleeping dog seems peaceful, and its snoring almost endearing. But what if the snoring suddenly gets louder, persists, or increases in frequency throughout the day?

In many cases, snoring is harmless – but it can also be a sign of structural or functional problems with the airways. This guide will help you better understand the causes and decide when a visit to the veterinarian is necessary.

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Otitis in Labrador

Otitis in Labrador

ENT, Dogs, Dog diseases / By

Otitis is a common and distressing condition in dogs, especially in the popular Labrador breed. This article provides dedicated pet owners and students with everything they need to know about otitis in Labradors: from the first signs and reliable diagnosis to proven treatment approaches and current research findings. The goal is to provide a solid understanding so you can take early action and sustainably improve your Labrador's quality of life.

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Diseases of the American Curl

Diseases of the American Curl

2 Comments / Cat diseases, Cat friendly clinic, Skin diseases, ENT / By

The American Curl is a fascinating cat breed, most notable for its distinctive, backward-curving ears. But this breed has much more to offer than just its exotic appearance. With a friendly nature, high intelligence, and remarkable adaptability, the American Curl is an ideal companion for families, couples, and singles. In this article, we'll explore the various aspects of this remarkable cat breed – from its history and physical characteristics to care instructions and health tips.

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Reverse sneezing in dogs

Reverse sneezing in dogs

ENT, Dogs, Dog diseases / By

Reverse sneezing, also known as reverse sneezing, is a phenomenon that occurs in dogs and often causes concern for dog owners. Although it can sound alarming, it is harmless in most cases. In this article, we explore what reverse sneezing in dogs means, why it happens, which breeds are particularly prone, and how you can help your four-legged friend.

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Brachycephaly

French Bulldog diseases

1 Comment / Brachycephaly, ENT, Dogs, Dog diseases / By

Bulldogs are charming and strong-willed companions, beloved in many homes around the world. Their unique appearance and friendly nature make them a popular choice for dog lovers. However, their specific physical characteristics also bring with them particular health challenges. In this article, we will examine in detail the most common diseases affecting bulldogs and outline preventative measures to keep these loyal four-legged friends healthy.

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BrachySound

BrachySound – a new study

Brachycephaly, ENT, Dog diseases / By

The study „BrachySound: machine learning based assessment of respiratory sounds in dogs“ is an important step in veterinary medicine, particularly in the diagnosis of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in dogs. This research, led by a team of experienced scientists, uses machine learning to objectively analyze and classify respiratory sounds in dogs. This represents an innovative approach that complements and potentially improves traditional diagnostic methods.

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Kennel cough

Kennel cough

Dog diseases, ENT / By

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs. It occurs primarily in dogs that have close contact with other dogs, such as in kennels, animal shelters, or at dog shows. The disease can be caused by various viruses and bacteria that infect the dog's upper respiratory tract.

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