"I'm so itchy...help me"

The humidity has meant every day we are seeing itchy pets, from dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds.

Online Vet Consults has been inundated with requests for help, as has our consult room at the vets.

Common Causes and treatments:
1. Staph infection - This type of infection can be itchy or not itchy. Typically we see red sores, flaky skin. May affect any part of the body, and hair may fall out. This is diagnosed through skin cytology tests.  Treatment - is varied, and may include antibiotics, antibacterial ointments or antibacterial shampoos (3% chlorhexidine)
2. Yeast infection - (Malassezia pachydermatis) - This type of infection can be greasy, dandruffy and smelly, or dry peeling skin. It is a very common cause of itchy feet. Treatment varies, and includes diet modification, identifying underlying irritants such as fleas/food, antifungal shampoos (miconazole usually), rinses (Imaverol), ointments (usually of the -azole) family and prescription medications.
3. Fleas and Lice - Fleas can cause problems either through sheer numbers, or through exposure only. We have had great responses with Comfortis (for both cats and dogs), and most recently Activyl.

In all itchy pets, we need to do some simple tests to help identify the problem, and then to develop an appropriate plan.  These tests include
- skin scraping - to look for mites and lice
- Skin cytology - to look at the surface of the skin - we can often see pus cells, bacteria, yeasts and more
- fungal culture - to confirm the diagnosis, and then to differentiate into which fungus is the culprit.

Let us not forget that allergies often cause many of these
More advanced tests include skin biopsy and allergy testing.  There is alot more available now than there was 5 years ago, so please make sure your pet's "Itch Management Plan" is updated.

The year started with a surprise email to say that we were again awarded the Constant Contact All Star Award.  This is only given to a small percentage of registered businesses, and it reflects our open and share rates. So it is purely thanks to you!

We were again "Highly Commended" in the Australian Veterinary Association Practice of Excellence Awards.  This is one of the most prestigious, and highly contested veterinary practice award. Part of the award process are suggestions on how we can improve, and we have taken those comments on board. 

Perhaps you have suggestions too?  You can always hit reply and let us know, or if you wish to be anonymous, you can fill out our "new client survey", as it allows for suggestions.

And finally (so far), we are Finalists in the nationally recognised Australian Small Business Champion Awards.  The award night is in mid April, so follow us on twitter to hear the updates on the night, or on Facebook or Google + for the overall experience. (and instagram too).

We may be a "small" practice but we are "BIG" in many many ways... thanks to all of you!