Dr Steve Surujbally

General considerations By now, it must be clear how susceptible to infection ears are.

Since I am generally the first to point out when something is not going right and when there is blatant and inexplicable incorrectness, allow me to emphasise how pleased I am with the Sunday Stabroek’s formatting of these series of articles on animal care/health.

General considerations Quite unlike the eye, which we have already established is not the dog’s most important organ, the ear is of great value.

I keep explaining to anyone who would listen that dogs have a pronounced sense of hearing and an acute sense of smell.

1) Dermoid Cysts This is a tumour, not a malignant one though.

The popping eyeball This Problem is often associated with certain breeds (Pugs, Spaniels, Boston Terriers, etc).

A couple of months ago, the Pet Corner column addressed the issue of Conjunctivitis – that inflammatory process of the membrane which covers the inner side of the eyelids and part of the surface of the eyeball.

You may recall that we had described the retina as the innermost and light sensitive lining at the back of the eyeball.

(continued)   Cataracts   If the lens of the eye loses its transparency, for whatever reason, one can speak of a cataract.

(Continued)   So far, we have discussed problems associated only with the “outer eye” (the eyelids, the cornea, etc).

(Continued) Sty I might have mentioned before that the great designer was at his/her constructive best when the eye was being put together.

Ectropion   Last week we dealt with the condition whereby the eyelids roll inwards and, as a consequence, the edge of the lids and the eyelashes rub against the eyeball.

Last week, we discussed problems associated with the third eyelid (the nictitating membrane).

(Continued) The third eyelid You may recall that we had mentioned that dogs and cats and other species have a third eyelid (nictitating membrane) – in addition to the upper and lower lids, which cover the eyeball during sleep and blinking.

Last week we dealt with conjunctivitis, an inflammatory process of the membrane which covers the inner side of the eyelids and part of the surface of the eyeball.

(Continued)   Let’s face it, the eye is a very vulnerable organ.

There could be many situations which would necessitate having a closer look at your pet’s eye.

The retina We promised last week that we’d discuss the retina in more detail.

Having completed extensive articles on the issues of Pet Geriatrics and Euthanasia, we will commence today with considerations as they relate to specific organs and the diseases associated therewith.

By Kristel-Marie Ramnauth   This article was written by guest columnist Kristel-Marie Ramnath, who is an Associate Member of the Veterinary Association of Trinidad and Tobago and specialises in animal behaviour and pet psychology.