The bitch is 9,5 years old and she has had ear problems all her life
but now she developed skin condition.
Otherwise she is a lively and energetic dog, quite spoiled .


EAR PROBLEMS

- Started when she was 1 year old ( possibly reaction to the vaccine as she has received all her vaccines when she was few months old?)
- The ears are always problematic and after they apply antibiotics and steroid ointments, they get better for a while but then back to square one.
- On the exam left ear seems to be significantly more affected then the right one and owner confirmed this is always the case
- On the exam noticed the ears are swollen, dry and almost scaly , reddish colour
- Symptoms (not shown on the examination) include persistent scratching of the ears, shaking head which releases strong odour – resembling stinky feet.
- The scratching is most intense in the morning.

SKIN
They noticed eruptions on the skin for the first time 4-5 months ago.
-On the examination these looks like dry circular patches with no hair, size of a cent coin ( owner says they shrink with the time) , scaly and flaky , underneath skin looks greyish almost silverish. These are probably remains of papules as the owner said they injured one on the back with a comb and it was oozing lymphatic liquid.
These eruptions were present on different parts of the body - one between the eyes, few on the back and one on the neck. They started on the back.
Before skin erupted the dog was itching all over, most intensely in the morning.


GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Likes the heat, always under the quilt or next to the heater.
2. Loves sun and stays in the sun for periods of time.
3. Loves swimming, cannot get enough
4. At home doesn’t mind water but prefers the sea
5. Drinking often and fair amounts
6. No reaction to the change of weather
7. No reactions to storms –normally sleeps
8. Terrified of fireworks ( which are quite common in Malta ) during the summer feasts . She hides under the bed and doesn’t want to go out until it stops. This behaviour started after they came back to Malta after 2 years of living abroad. Before that she never reacted to fireworks and wasn’t as afraid.
9. Doesn’t mind wind, actually likes it. When ridding in the car her head is always outside the window , ears flopping on the wind.
10. Doesn’t exercise much. She is energetic and lively but owners not very sporty so she spends most of the time dozing inside.
11. Likes ridding in the car.
12. Appetite great. Always hungry and ready to eat. Always begs for food ( by looking at you when you are eating or even poking you with a paw, doesn’t cry)
13. She has one meal a day , if they skip it for some reason she doesn’t react
14. Eats one cup of dry food
15. Had all the vaccines. They gave her first Rabies vaccine 5 months ago due to silly idea of the owner. (Malta is rabies free)
16. Most favourite food- Woody sausages and chocolate.
17. Will eat everything you give her – all vegetables and fruits.
18. Never had any wounds or bleeding so we dont know if she is a bleeder or not.
19. Never fainted
20. Most happy when someone gives her attention or comes into the house
21. (On scale 1-10) Energy level – 7. She explodes with burst of energy all of the sudden and starts running hyperactively everywhere around the house but she does this less as she grew older. Mostly sleeps all day but when outside very energetic and lively.
22. Likes to play a lot with her ball and this didn’t change with age.
23. Very jealous of little children and other dogs if owner gives them attention.
24. Never anxious, except when she sees the Vet
25. Sleeps on the side – normally rigt during the night, during the day on the stomach or curled.
26. Owner noticed that very often likes to sleep on elevated spot like the back of sofa or an armachair and then she sleeps in very unnatural position with her head hanging down.
27. Very often has vivid dreams. Barks and cries during the sleep Also snores.
28. Not neutered, Never had puppies
29. Regular menses, abundant in start, rosy colour.

Thanks for your comments