The Khronicles

 The Bilingual Community Newspaper

'Η Δίγλωσση Τοπική Εφημερίδα Σας

Τα Χρονικά
    ISSUE NO. 40 AUGUST 2009 WWW.KO-GO.GR    


The Khronicles

A division of

Ko-Go Επιχειρήσεις

Box 332
Kokkini Hani 71500
Web address: www.ko-go.gr
editor@ko-go.gr
Telephone: 2810-762748
Fax: 2810-762816

Publisher:

Sofia Klidi

Editor:

Lou Duro

Associate Editors:

Tony & Christine Bowes

Web Editor

John McLaren

Contributors/
Columnists:

Renie Spykerman, Petra Karreman, Maria Daskalaki, John McLaren, Bob Bayes, Father Dimitris Mihouthis, Father Leonidas Hatzakis, Vasiliki Alexaki-Hronaki, Michalis Vardakis, Niki Yiamalaki, Dr. Vangelis Athousakis, Nikolaos Papadakis, Spyros Hatzakis, Jasmine Farsarakis

Translations:

Ada Vamvoukaki

Photographer:

Sami Moudavaris

Layout & Design:

George Drakakis

Printed By:

G Detorakis

PETS WITH PETRA

By Petra Karreman
Director of Pet Planet
 dpkakoudakis@yahoo.com

 
The Dog With A Dirty Nose

The belief that a dog is only healthy if the nose is wet is a worldwide misapprehension. Of course, some infections can cause a dry nose. However, with most, it will be the opposite. This can be from watery, bloody or slimy fluid oozing from the nose.

First, it is important to know if the fluid comes from one nostril or two. Also, the age can be important. For example, with very small pups and kittens, if the milk they drink oozes from the nose, there is a good chance that there is a split palate.

Excess nose fluid is a symptom which occurs from overproduction of the nose's normal moisture. At the same time, the dog also starts sneezing a lot because of irritation. Sneezing loud can even cause a nose bleed. In a later stage of chronic nose problems, crusts around the nose and on the front legs can occur and the breathing will change. Appetite will decrease and the animal might lose weight.

 
The most common reason for nose problems in Crete is caused by "a foreign body" or something in the nose which does not belong there, like sniffing something which does not come out. This could be almost anything, but most of the time it's caused by the plant, grass-ear, which has barbs that cause irritation. This grass grows in fields and even in between stones on the street. If the grass-ear is still visible in the nose, it can be removed with small tweezers. Sometimes, examination with a rhino scope (a small camera with which you can look into the nose) is necessary, by the vet. Of course, the dog needs anaesthesia for this examination.

Another cause of "dirty nose" is Aspergillums, which is a yeast infection of the bronchial tubes. This occurs especially in dusty surroundings, such as where hay is stored. Also, it could exist in the house if there are plants, bird cages, and cages of small rodents. The infection starts behind the nostrils and in the frontal sinus, and can go on to the brain and, finally, the dog will die.

Dental Problems

Because roots from teeth and molars in the upper jaw are very close to the nasal cavity, problems with the teeth can be noticed through the nose. The eye tooth of young dogs can cause the nose to produce extra fluid as well as an infection in the roots of the molars.

Nose Tumours

Growths in the nasal cavity have similar symptoms to the aspergillum infection. It can cause nose bleeding, but it is much less painful. Unfortunately, it is not easy to treat because they are situated in a difficult and complex area. In some special clinics they treat them with radiation with much success.

Cold or Allergy

Young animals especially get infections caused by viruses and bacteria. They can cause sneezing, coughing, dirty eyes and lack of appetite. In elderly animals, however, many times an allergy will cause nose fluid.

Animals with a "dirty nose" must go to a vet! The vet can take a nose X-ray. After sedating the animal, they can take a look with the rhino scope and, if necessary, take a tissue sample for further research. Even a blood test can give results and show if an infection exists.

Be cautious: remember, sneezing is not always good and should certainly be a reason to check your animal.


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