A few nights ago, we had an unexpected event on our street in
San Martin. We haven’t seen or heard one of these in a year or so.
But the midnight drag race down our narrow country avenue was loud
and exciting.
A few nights ago, we had an unexpected event on our street in San Martin. We haven’t seen or heard one of these in a year or so. But the midnight drag race down our narrow country avenue was loud and exciting. If only these guys knew all the risks they take when they speed down a country road. Every night for the past month or so, wild pigs have been coming off the hills scavenging around the neighborhood for acorns, flower bulbs and whatever else they can find. Some of these hogs are well over 100 pounds and no, they don’t look both ways before crossing the street. There are also lots of coyotes on the prowl everywhere. If a speeding car were to strike any of these critters, it could easily flip or go into a spin. The results could be serious, even fatal.
The shorter days also mean that it’s rutting season for deer. The hormone-charged breeding bucks have only one thing on their mind when they cross a road. They often dart out from the brush only to be struck by a passing automobile. And drivers don’t have to be out in the country to find deer. They seem to be everywhere around the outskirts of towns. So be careful. Slow down, even if just a little.
Daylight hours are disappearing quickly. And with the change to the fall season, it’s time to remind everyone to be careful even when arriving home in the late afternoon or evening. This is the time of year when kids are in school, and some come home late. Kids and pets are more difficult to see out on the road this time of year because there just isn’t enough daylight. Slow down and be alert for little people and small critters if they wander into the street. Every year, we hear stories of someone coming home from work at dusk and racing up the driveway only to hit and injure their old cat or dog. Older pets can’t hear as a car comes toward them and they just don’t move out of the way very easily. If you have an older cat or dog, be especially careful when you go up or down your driveway. You might just avoid a catastrophe.
Now some good news! How about an event that any dog lover can enjoy? It’s the 11th annual Bark-in-the-Park celebration this Saturday at the William Street Park (at William and South 16th streets) in San Jose. Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This benefit event has demonstrations, contests, good food and music and, of course, lots of dogs. You’re invited to bring yours or just come to watch the fun. My good Petpourri friend, George Sampson, will be there with me, judging contests to determine the best costumed dog, the best dog/owner look-alike and who can perform the silliest stunts or tricks. You’re bound to see some friends there, so come join the fun, at Bark-in-the-Park.
Another fall tradition is the San Benito County Fair at Bolado Park. This will be your last chance to experience all that makes a county fair so much fun. It’s the first weekend of October, and I hope to see you there watching all the 4-H and FFA students show their animals. And yes, it’ll be that last chance to eat just a little more “fair food.” Bolado Park is just south of Hollister, an easy drive. Be there!
Next Sunday, Sept. 28, I’ll have a special guest on our radio program, Petpourri. Cesar Millan has agreed to a 10 minute interview to help celebrate the 100th episode of his very popular television series, “The Dog Whisperer.” He considers his work “dog rehabilitation” rather than dog training. He is a very successful, self-taught behavior expert that deals with all dogs, but his special interest is the relationship of dog owners and their pet. His techniques are considered controversial by some, but his successes speak well for the style and approach he uses. You won’t want to miss this show. Dr. Pete’s Petpourri airs each Sunday at 1 p.m. on 1080AM KSCO. And now for the question of the week.
Q:
We have an 8-year-old cat that lives inside most of the time. Fred recently came in with a fat ear. The ear is so fat that it tips down and doesn’t stand up straight anymore. We think he was in a fight, but there are no noticeable wounds. Could this be an infection?
A:
Infection is possible. But more than likely, Fred has a blood blister in his ear flap. This condition, called an aural (or ear) hematoma, can be caused by trauma or spontaneous rupture of a small blood vessel in the flap (called the ear pinna). If a vein or small artery leaks in this area, the blood accumulates, causing swelling until pressure builds up stopping the flow. Sometimes this condition can be painful. I’ve seen some cats and dogs that have sustained this injury scratching at their ear because of an infection in the canal. A heavy infestation of ear mites can also cause a cat to injure himself as well as he scratches at the irritation.
Treatment involves surgically removing the accumulated blood and suturing the ear pinna flat to restore its normal shape. A small tube is left inserted in the ear flap to allow any residual blood to drip out for several days. The canal is examined and cleaned if there is any infection. Post-operative patients are given antibiotics to prevent infection from developing. If there is a canal infection or mite problem, appropriate medications are prescribed for instilling into the canal as well.
Bottom line … Fred needs to go to the vet for evaluation and treatment. He’ll look and feel a lot better after this problem is treated.
