Veterinary Doctor

 

 

 

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  Dogs hold a special place in today’s society, and understanding how different people regard their dogs has a major impact on how veterinarians function on a daily basis. Key Points The veterinary profession has a major part to play in educating people about different aspects of animals and animal welfare. The role of dogs in society has evolved greatly over the last century, and nowadays dogs fulfill various roles for different people. Excellent communication skills are essential to ensure owner compliance and optimal animal health. The clinician must appreciate that both the dog and the owner should be at the heart of every consultation. Introduction Figure 1. Humans have an innate emotional bond with animals, which means that we will often regard our pet dog as a true member of the family. © Shutterstock Humans and animals have interacted in different ways for many thousands of years, depending on how society has assigned certain roles to different species of animal. For exa...

  Sarcoptic mange (scabies) Overview   Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei var cani. There are other varieties of the mite that infest other mammals, and while they can move from one species to another, they don’t typically survive long on different hosts. Other primary hosts include foxes, coyotes and wolves. Transient hosts include cats, horses and other hoofed animals.   The mites live in the outer layer of the skin, where they reproduce and lay eggs. These mites are very contagious, and they are spread by both direct contact between dogs and through contact with contaminated environments such as kennels, grooming facilities, multi-dog households and dog parks.   Older dogs and dogs with other illness or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to becoming infested. Males and females are equally affected, and there are no differences among breeds.  What signs should you watch for in dogs?   Dogs have an intense ...