We've been having some problems with Nikita's ears lately. His ears get red inside and he shakes his head incessantly because he's uncomfortable and it must itch. It lasts a day or two and then it's better. A week or two later, it comes back but then gone before I can get him to our very excellent veterinarian.
I started doing some research on the Internet and became worried when his symptoms sounded like he might have ear mites AND that it can be passed to Dockers and Cody. Ugh! There are cycles with ear mites because of the time-span between when a new larvae hatch and the adults die off. OMG. Even though he's seemingly fine right now, I took him in today to get it checked, update his shots, his overall well being and some peace of mind of my fears.
I have a crate that I set in the back seat of my car, which barely fits. We don't have a SUV or large type of vehicles so the Corgi kids don't go for rides very often. However, when I invited Nikita into the back of the car, he jumped in with such ease and enthusiasm that I had to laugh. He just hopped into the crate and made himself comfy. He's so good and easy. On the ride there, he did whimper quietly and I think he realized that the ride would entail some reminiscent poking and prodding by the usual suspects.
First, the weigh-in. Without a fuss, he steps on the scale. 29.4 pounds. "Is that a good weight for him?" I quickly ask our Doctor. "It is if you weren't leaning on him or holding him up a little" he chuckles. So we do it again. 29.4 pounds. "That's a good weight for him." our Doctor reassures, because of his frame, age and gender. Whew!
Next, lifting him onto the table. This is one of the many things I love about a Corgi dog. I can handle and lift them with ease. Also, my boys are used to my handling and picking them up so there's no element of surprise and we're both comfortable.
Examination of left ear first. Looks okay. Ear drum good and intact. Right ear. A little red. Some irritation. I share with the Doctor my worries of ear mites. Our Veterinarian quickly replies that it doesn't look like mites. I counter back with "how about a yeast infection" (another one of my research tangents). The Doctor nods affirmative and asks how about bathing. I confess that I'm the groomer. He explains that water is getting into the ear canal and settling in and could be causing the yeast to fester. UGH! "Could it be the shampoos too?" Ultimately, it's probably the combination of the water settling in the canal and the yeast having the perfect conditions to thrive. I'm given some drops that I cannot get over the counter and the suggestion of adult Benadryl - 25-50 mg ( I was shocked "adult?" - I sometimes give the kids children's Benadryl when they look like they're having an allergic reaction to seasonal conditions, but not adult!). They show me how to administer and rub his ears. While they massage the solution in his ears, Nikita releases a deep, internal moan -- almost like a cat's purr!
Next and last, shots. I'm holding Nikita loosely as he rests his head against my chest and under my arm. The doctor administers the shot and SNAP! Nikita snaps at the Doctor! I'm shocked and mortified. Nikita never snaps. He has such an easy demeanor and I don't think I've ever witnessed him snapping at a person! Embarrassment and apologies aplenty of my child's surprising and bad behavior.
So, after the doctor examines the ear sample and confirms that it's not mites, we're on our merry way with prognosis and instructions. All in a day's work.
Corgi Tales aka Corgi Tales
