CAVALIER CHRONICLE
January 2018
PRESIDENT' MESSAGE
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
TODAY'S INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE
MEETING NOTICE
Board Meeting
Board members, please note that there will be a board meeting on SUNDAY February 4, 2018, at the Atlanta Expo Center South twenty minutes after the Specialty best of breed by the tables near the Greek restaurant
FROM THE BOARD
Nominating Committee Forming!
If you would like to serve on or chair the nominating committee, please let Sharon Utych (utych@earthlink.net) know by February 1, 2018! We need volunteers to serve and it’s very easy!
Club Officers/Nominations
If you would to be considered to serve on the board for 2018-2019, please let Sharon Utych know. We will post the Nominating Committee Slate and then have a call for floor nominations at the April Regular meeting. Voting for our new board will be at the May Regular meeting. If you are a regular member, please consider serving either on the board or a committee! The entire board is up for election: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and three Board Directors.
Who doesn’t love programs?
We LOVE meetings where there is a program. Unfortunately, we do not have a Program Chair to coordinate this. If you would like to be our club’s program chair or have any input or suggestions for a program (or even a speaker), please let club president Paula Ayers (playerscav@aol.com) know.
TROPHY SPONSORSHIPS
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Membership renewal packages were mailed to all members this past October. Please remember that you should have renewed your membership by 12/31/17. If you have not yet renewed, you may still mail in your renewal with the preaddressed stamped envelope included in your package or you may renew online via: https://ckcscatlanta.org/2018-membership-renewal
The deadline to renew is FEBRUARY 28, 2018. If your renewal is not received by this date, your membership will lapse in the club.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!!!!!!
DR. JUDY MORGAN ATLANTA SEMINAR
Dr. Judy Morgan is coming to Atlanta for a seminar.
When you say?? June 9th. 2018
Where you ask?? Fort Yargo State Park, Winder Georgia.
There are accommodations available on the grounds. Cabins, Yurts and campsites. Beautiful lake and trails. Check it out on their website. Get reservations early, I was told they go fast. Call 800-864-7275 for reservations.
There is a hotel in Winder close by.
Ticket price will be $50.00 per person. There is a Park entrance price of $5.00 if you don't have a State Park Pass.
Please email Denise Newlon to place your ticket orders. newlond@bellsouth.net
There will be more info coming, stay tuned!!!
NATURAL REMEDIES
EAR MITES
If fleas and ticks weren’t enough for your pet to avoid, they also have to contend with the threat of the very irritating presence of ear mites. Depending on the species, ear mites attack dogs, cats, rabbits, and even cattle. As a highly contagious pet condition, it is important to supply your companion with an immediate remedy for the constant scratching and irritation that takes place with an infection. Before relying on chemical means to destroy the presence of ear mites, you should consider using treatments made at home.
What are Ear Mites?
Ear mites belong to the class Arachnida, which includes ticks and other species of mites (such as the dust mite and the mold mite). Mites are often considered one of the most diverse and prosperous of all invertebrates. Since they possess a small body structure, they are able to conduct their regular routine without being detected by others. Most mites are microscopic, living in the soil and water, as well as on humans and animals. As for the ear mite, they choose to set up shop in the ears of animals (mostly cats).
The most common species of ear mite is the Otodectes cynotis, which possesses the capacity to spread at a rapid pace – transmitted with the briefest of physical contact with other animals. When it comes to the animals you share your home with, ear mites typically affect cats and ferrets the most, but also attack dogs as well. In very rare cases, ear mites will come in contact with humans and become an issue. Unlike most mites (which burrow), an ear mite simply lives in the ear canal.
Other animals affected by the ear mite include rabbits and cattle. The Psoroptes cuniculi species is larger in size than the Otodectes cynotis and is seen in rabbits. In regards to rabbits, ear mites cause thick debris to accumulate in the ear canal. As it worsens, the outer ear and face may show signs of infection. Usually, the rabbit will scratch at and shake their head. In cattle, a serious ear mite infection can affect their hearing.
The Life Cycle of an Ear Mite
The eggs of an ear mite are laid and hatch within four days of incubation. Larva emerges and feeds on the ear wax or skin oils of its host, which continues for about a week. Afterwards, the larva will molt into what is called a protonymph, which then molts again, becoming a deutonymph. The deutonymph mates with adult males, even though it surprisingly hasn’t even established a gender at the time.
After mating, another round of molting takes place and the mite is established as either an adult male or female. The females are already ready to lay eggs, while the males go off to find deutonymphs to mate with. The average life span of an adult ear mite is about two months.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Pets infected with ear mites often scratch about their ears or characteristically shake their heads. The intensity of scratching and head shaking will depend on how badly they are infected with ear mites. In the worst cases, the ear canals begin to bleed, where fresh or dried blood becomes quite visible inside of the ear canal. This dried blood is often described as coffee grounds. Although a buildup of this coffee ground-like material in the ear canal is a common symptom of ear mites, it is not a completely conclusive manner to diagnose an ear mite infection, as a handful of bacterial and/or yeast infections will also produce this effect.
The presence of ear mites is quite common, but an infection is too serious of a condition to ignore. When left untreated, the ear canals can become severely damaged along with the eardrum. Unfortunately, animals have been known to permanently lose their hearing as a result.
Overall, the main symptoms in both cats and dogs to look out for include intense irritation, scratching, thick and crusty ear discharge (black in color), an increase in earwax production, persistent ear scratching and shaking of the head. To make sure you are accurately treating your pet for ear mites, it is highly recommended to bring your companion to the veterinarian for a definite diagnosis. A pet doctor will use what is called a “ighted otoscope,” which magnifies the mites. The light attached to the otoscope brings mites to the forefront of their earwax surroundings, creating movement the veterinarian is able to detect. If mites are not readily visible using the otoscope, an examination of the earwax will take place under a microscope.
Negative Effects of Ear Mites
The accurate diagnosis and speedy treatment of ear mites is very important for pets, as a severe infection has the power to weaken or permanently rob animals of their sense of hearing. Rapid detection and remedies will also stop this highly contagious infection from spreading to other animals in a household (when applicable). In a few rare cases, some humans have experienced skin rashes as a result of coming in contact with their infected pet, but this is extremely rare.
As for the pet, the ear mites cause a range of inflammatory symptoms, which bring about the same kind of symptoms as bacterial and yeast infections. The itching and redness of the ears is quite irritating to pets, but when left untreated, more pressing infections may develop. The ear mites may cause skin diseases in animals, which have the capacity to affect the tail and neck of a cat or dog.
Home Remedies for Ear Mites
Oftentimes, remedies for some of your pet’s most pressing medical problems and issues can be found within the comfort of your household. Before considering one of the many treatments on the market for ear mites, check out the following list of ideas on how to use a home remedy to get rid of this very common condition in pets (especially cats):
a) Corn Oil:
Using a few drops of corn oil (like Wesson) makes a decent home remedy for cat ear mites. First, massage the oil about the inside of the ear, using a cotton ball to clean the infected region. This treatment is repeated for three days. The oil serves three different purposes, as it soothes skin, smothers the ear mites, and speeds the healing process.
b) Massage:
After adding drops as a treatment for ear mites, massaging your cat’s ear can help evenly distribute the remedy. Gently hold the ears so that the portion of your thumb is inside of the ear. Use the other fingers to grasp the outer skin of the ear. Do not allow your thumb to go deep into the ear canal. Massaging the ear helps free impacted wax, as well as makes the coffee-colored debris more visible so that you can remove more easily using a cotton ball.
c) Almond or Olive Oil:
Some pet owners have used almond and olive oil to treat ear mites [5]. A mixture comprised of ½ ounce of almond (or olive) oil combined with 400 IU of vitamin E should be placed in a dropper bottle. The contents should be warmed to room temperature, where a ½ -full dropper is placed into the ear. It is completely natural to see your pet shake their head after receiving the treatment.
Using cotton swabs, gently clean out the opening of the ears. The oil works wonders when applied every other day for a period of six days. The ears should rest for three days, where the treatment steps are then repeated for six weeks to make sure all ear mite eggs are dealt with. This oil treatment not only smothers the majority of ear mites, but also facilitates the healing process.
d) Thorough Cleaning of Cage:
Before treating a rabbit with ear mites, it is important to clean out their cage and surrounding areas to prevent re-infestation. It is also important to sterilize water bowls and food dishes for the same reason. When rabbits shake or scratch at their ears, falling flakes of skin and crusts (which often contain live mites and eggs) come in contain with a rabbit’s environment.
e) Frequent Shampoos:
It is not uncommon to see ear mites travel to other parts of your pet’s body, including the head, outside of the ears, and the tip of the tail (as mites often reach the end of tails when they curl close to the head). A tea infusion using Yellow Dock is known to make an effective final rinse after shampooing.
f) White Vinegar:
Some veterinarians suggest the use of white vinegar for treating ear mites because the acidity helps remove dirt and debris, which also aims to revitalize a healthy equilibrium within the ears. Using a small amount of diluted vinegar is suggested, which is made when combining one part vinegar and two parts of water together. Gently pour the remedy into the ears, making sure to thoroughly massage the solution. This treatment is then followed by a gentle wipe of the inside of the ear using cotton ball.
It is important to note that this remedy is not good to use on pets that have sores or intense irritation located inside the ears. An uncomfortable stinging is the result.
g) Vinegar and Oil:
Use vinegar and a heavy oil (such as olive oil) to pack a one-two punch against ear mites. First, irrigate your pet’s ears with vinegar, which will change the pH and kill mite eggs. Follow up by placing five drops of the oil into each ear, and gently massage the base of the ear before allowing your pet to shake it out again. The oil will drown live mites, as well as provide soothing relief in the ear. To see the best results, irrigate the ears weekly and apply oil every other day.
h) Mineral Oil:
You may temporarily combat ear mites by soaking a cotton ball with mineral oil and swabbing the inside of your pet’s ears.
i) Hydrogen Peroxide:
Use hydrogen peroxide as an ear mite remedy only if you have a cooperative pet, as it can cause harm if it comes in contact with your cat’s eyes. To avoid any mishaps, dab a clean Q-tip into a bottle of peroxide (making sure that it is not soaking wet), and then wipe only the parts of your cat’s ear that you can see. Wiping in an upwards direction is highly recommended, so that you can avoid the falling of debris into the ear canal. Hold your cat on its side while you perform this remedy.
j) Alcohol and Peroxide:
Another way to remedy dog ear mites is to combine the healing power of rubbing alcohol and peroxide. After thoroughly cleaning your canine’s ears, mix equal parts of both substances. Dip a Q-tip into the solution, and apply to the dog’s ear canal. It is important not to go too far into the ear or you can cause damage to the ear drums.
k) Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth:
Add a pinch of food-grade diatomaceous earth to your pet’s ears on a daily basis for one month as a way to kill current or newly hatched mites. Some people will also add a bit of warm water to the diatomaceous earth, and use a dropper to administer. It is extremely important that you DO NOT use the kind of diatomaceous earth used for pool filtration.
l) Baby Oil:
Treat cat ear mites by adding a couple of drops of baby oil to his or her affected ears. The oil has a drowning effect on the ear mites.
m) Aloe Vera Gel:
An ear mite remedy for dogs that also provides safe, effective, soothing relief to the ears is to use the gel of an aloe vera plant leaf. Simply break off a small end of a leaf, and use a Q-tip to swab the ear with the gel. Within a few days, you should see a change in the condition of your pet’s ear.
n) Flea Medication:
To treat ear mites in cats or dogs, many swear by using flea treatments, such as Frontline and Revolution, to kill ear mites. Place one drop in each ear as a daily treatment.
o) Hand Sanitizer:
Who would have thought that the same product used to remove germs from your hands can eliminate an ear mite problem in cats? After administering one to two squirts, massage the base of the ears. After two days, you should see no more head shaking or scratching on the part of your pet [8]. If you use the sanitizer that comes with a hand pump, you can easily administer the remedy with a few squirts. Follow up with a gentle massage of the ears. Do not use this remedy on ears that have already been scratched raw, or your pet will experience a burning sensation from the alcohol content of the hand sanitizer.
p) Vicks Vapor Rub:
Use a cotton ball to swab the ears of your dog with Vicks Vapor Rub once a day as a way to suffocate ear mites. After 24 hours, clean out the ears to prepare for a reapplication. It is suggested to repeat the treatment for three weeks.
q) Vaseline:
If you have a cat that can’t stand liquids coming in contact with his or her ears, some people use Vaseline as a home remedy for ear mites. Rubbing petroleum jelly inside the ears while petting your feline should prove effective. The Vaseline works by suffocating the mites. Some cats stop scratching after just one application. Repeat the application every day for a week to make sure all mites and eggs have been taken care of.
r) Yellow Dock Root Extract:
A convenient ear mite remedy to make at home may include Yellow Dock root extract, where nine drops of the extract are diluted with one tablespoon of water. Fill half of a dropper with the mixture and place in the ears. It is important to continue this treatment for many weeks (every other day) because ear mite eggs are rather resistant to home treatments, but once they hatch – a continuous treatment will prevent new hatchlings from reproducing until no more eggs exist.
s) Honey:
A natural home remedy for ear mites in rabbits is honey – an effective healing substance that is both antiseptic and antibacterial. Add three teaspoons of honey to a bowl with three ounces of warm water. Mix the ingredients together until the honey has completely dissolved in the water. With the help of a bulb syringe, squeeze the solution into the rabbit’s ear – making sure the liquid covers the entire inside of the ear. You will have to hold the ear in the upright position to make sure the inner ear is coated. Repeat the process in the other ear.
t) Apple Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil:
Treat ear mites in a rabbit by mixing a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in olive oil. Using a dropper, administer 6-7 drops of the mixture into each ear – holding the ear flap closed for a few minutes after each treatment. If not, the rabbit will shake out all the oil.
u) Garlic and Olive Oil:
Create an ear mite treatment for cats by soaking crushed garlic in warm olive oil overnight. Warm up the remaining olive oil in the morning, and add five drops of the remedy in each ear – repeating the process for a period of 21 days. This remedy will not only smother the ear mites, but also deliver the healing powers of garlic as well.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
EASY SLOW COOKER DOG FOOD
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned
DIRECTIONS:
- Stir in ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, peas and 4 cups water into a 6-qt slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring as needed.
- Let cool completely.
This recipe can easily be altered using ground turkey, chicken, rabbit, or venison. If you avoid pea protein with your breeding dogs, you can substitute green beans.
BRAGS
Club member Barbara Magera, M.D. and her Cavalier show partner, Elaine Mitchell, won the DWAA Walter Fletcher Award sponsored by the Westminster Kennel Club. The award is for an article they wrote entitled "Westminster 2017" that was published in The Royal Spaniel Magazine. DWAA is the Dog Writer's Association of America. Barbara and Elaine won front row seats in the Press Section at Westminster. Congratulations!
Jim & Sharon Utych are bragging on their veteran boy, Karvale Brookhaven Finn THDA CGCA “Finn” as he was awarded Best Veteran in Sweepstakes (Judge Jean Tremblay) and Best Veteran in Specialty (Judge Jeff Pepper) at the Mid Florida CKCSC Winter Specialty in Orlando. Finn had a wonderful year showing as a veteran and in 2017 was awarded eighteen Best Veteran in Show, Best in Match, Best Veteran in Sweepstakes and Best of Opposite to Best Veteran this year at various cavalier specialty shows. Thank you to all the judges who have recognized this very special boy who will be ten in February.
Jim & Sharon Utych are also bragging on AKC GCH Brookhaven The Dream Lives On “Edgar” as he was invited to and participated in the AKC National Owner Handled Finals at the AKC National Dog Show in Orlando Florida. Edgar was the number five owner handled cavalier in the country for 2017!
Edgar was also awarded Select Dog at the Clemson KC shows on January 6 & 7, 2018. Edgar was awarded Best of Breed and Best of Breed Owner Handled on January 13 & 14, 2018 at the Golden Triangle KC shows.
NEED SOME SUNSHINE?
THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA
Mark Fitchpatrick, editor