TROUBLESOME CRITTERS

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These little critters are really pests as departments of agriculture all over the world can attest. Thousands of dollars have been lost from cattle that have spent time bothered by grubs instead of making milk or grazing. There are many sprays, pour-ons, powders, and injections that will treat these pests, but extreme care must be taken in choosing one or the other for milking animals. In mildly affected cows, it is best just to leave the grubs alone or inject a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into their breathing holes in the skin with a blunt teat cannula. This is usually effective in forcing them out of the skin. Do not pinch or squash them in the animal's skin or attempt to extrude them from their lumps with manual pressure, as the proteins these grubs exude can cause anaphylactic shock. Fly control in the barn via mucking and fly strips is essential in controlling these parasites.

Dear Andrea:

Our quarter-horse mare has had a bad case of thrush for the past seven months. We've tried all types of topical medications to no avail. Is there something we're missing?

— Eric Kilburn
Glasgow, KY

Dear Eric:

Thrush is an infection of the frog, or triangle-shaped, sensitive area on the underside of the horse's hoof. Many horses will have this in one or two feet and will become moderately lame with it. The feet will be soft and will exude a foul odor.

The most important aspect of treating the disease is to give the animal clean, dry bedding. Moisture and dirt precipitate the problems. Fresh daily sawdust or shavings is 100% better than straw but a bit more expensive. Clean the underside of the foot to remove manure and dead tissue, thereafter cleaning the feet daily with a hoof pick. A variety of astringents can be used: witch hazel, copper sulfate, or alcohol. One that I have found to be very beneficial is very dilute liquid bleach solution (a teaspoon to a bucket of water). Use this to clean the sole and frog daily. But bear in mind that no medication will work if the animal is constantly standing in moisture, manure, or mud.

Dear Andrea:

Our nine-year-old female Brittany spaniel, Chelsea, started losing her hair and slowing down about a month ago. Her tail is almost bare and our veterinarian believes her thyroid gland isn't working. Could you explain this phenomenon?

— Christine Baylor
Wilksboro, NC

Dear Christine:

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