3336. Mushrooms - seen by me in Singapore

Jan 8, 2018 INTRODUCTION Images below are From: http://bcmushrooms.forrex.org/ntfp/pages/introduction.html ---------------------------- In 1999, Wills and Lipsey identified a group of provincial non-timber forest products (NTFP) and services, including wild mushrooms, that can be commercially harvested from forests and other habitats for culinary or reputed nutriceutical purposes. The wild mushroom harvest alone contributes millions of dollars to the provincial economy. The pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare), is by far the most valuable commercially harvested mushroom. Other valuable edible mushrooms are the chanterelles, morels, lobsters, boletes, cauliflowers and hedgehogs. Pine mushrooms are exported exclusively to Japan, while chanterelles and other wild mushrooms are exported primarily to Europe and other parts of North America. Medical research, predominantly from Asia, suggests that many compounds derived from mushrooms prevent illnesses or boost human health. The demand for wild mushrooms is, therefore, expected to increase. Biological, taxonomical and ecological information on mushrooms that are currently (or could potentially be) harvested commercially is scattered throughout various scientific and technical publications. Developing an understanding of these wild mushrooms can be an arduous task for someone with limited mycological training. People with minimal mycological experience who are involved in the wild mushroom harvest -- pickers, sellers, buyers, foresters, managers, ecologists and naturalists -- require a concise, user-friendly mushroom information source. This web site seeks to bring together such scientific and technical information on our province's edible wild mushrooms. Mushroom Biology A mushroom is the above ground fruiting body of a fungus. Unlike plants, fungi do not manufacture their own food but must absorb their food from an external source. They obtain their food in three ways, as: saprophytes that live off dead organic material; symbionts that form mutually beneficial; relationships with living organisms parasites or pathogens that infect live off living organisms. Many forest mushrooms form symbiotic relationships known as mycorrhizae with tree roots. Mycorrhizal mushrooms are critical to the health of their hosts. Saprophytes included on this web site decompose organic matter such as decaying wood, forest litter and other plant material. Parasitic mushrooms included here are pathogens that either cause butt or root rots of conifer and deciduous trees or infect and actually 'feed off' other mushrooms. All mushrooms have at least two parts to their life cycle: (1) a vegetative stage dedicated to growth and (2) a reproductive stage (fruiting bodies) dedicated to spore production. The vegetative stage is composed of filamentous threads known as hyphae through which water and nutrients move throughout the fungus. Under ideal conditions, hyphae grow rapidly and form a complex intricate network known as the mycelium. When environmental conditions are suitable, the mycelium forms fruiting bodies that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, tastes and odours. Mushrooms are fruiting bodies formed above ground while truffles form fruiting bodies below ground. Typical mushrooms have caps (pilei), gills (lamellae) and stalks (stipes) that vary greatly in form. Mushrooms belonging to the Basidiomycetes produce spores on sexual structures called basidia that are found underneath the cap on gills, folds or veins, pores or tubes, or in spines or teeth (see illustration below). The fertile layer or tissue is called the hymenium. Mushrooms belonging to the Ascomycetes, such as morels, produce their spores inside sac-like structures called asci. Spores are dispersed to new habitats by wind, water, air currents and animals that eat the fruiting bodies. Basidia, asci and spores are microscopic structures. Spore shape, size and chemical reactivity are important characters used to identify mushrooms. Mushroom Names We include both scientific and common names of mushrooms. Scientific (or Latin) names are used because they are the same no matter what the spoken language may be and their binomial name can help indicate relationships among similar species. Some morphological species are difficult to differentiate und field conditions and molecular analysis is increasingly being used to separate species. These tests are revealing unexpected relationships among traditional species groups. As a result, species concepts are changing, with species transferred between genera, and genera between families. New genera and families are being erected, even as previously used family and generic names are disappearing. With each transfer, the scientific name changes. Synonyms are previously used names that reflect where earlier scientists have classified the mushroom. For instance, the pine mushroom of B.C. was at one time called Armillaria ponderosa and Tricholoma ponderosa, but taxonomists have determined that pine mushrooms belong to the genus Tricholoma and nomenclatural rules dictate that the first named species –– in this case magnivelare –– is the valid name and must be used. Each mushroom’s description includes its synonyms. We also include the etymology or history of the scientific name for each species because it can help us to remember the Latin name. For instance, the Latin root ‘lact’ means ‘milk’ in English, which helps us remember that any mushroom name including “lact” in its name will probably exude a milk–like liquid when cut. Common names reflect regional and local preferences. Over time, various people have coined vernacular names for a variety of different reasons. Some common names stick, others don’t, and rarely do such names reflect similarities or affinities among or within groups. Nonetheless, they can be useful so we present both the preferred common name as well as the more common Latin synonyms. Mushroom Identification No web site can substitute for training in mushroom identification. Some mushrooms in B.C. are deadly poisonous, others are moderately poisonous and others are safe to eat for most people. Some edible mushrooms cause negative reactions in some people. So it is important to never eat mushrooms that haven’t been correctly identified. All species descriptions are based on fresh specimens and are organized by features of the cap, hymenium and stalk. Pertinent micro-features such as spore color, shape, and size, shape of basidia, presence of clamp connections, etc., are also included. Macroscopic Features Cap (Pileus) Diameter of both the button and mature caps are measured. The variations among the most common cap shapes are presented below. Surface texture is described as being smooth, furry, fibrillose, scaly, sticky, slimy, cracking, or splitting (especially towards the margins). Colour and any colour changes should be noted and described using a standard colour chart. After mature and immature caps are cut, their texture, colour, bruising colour changes, and width at the stalk apex as well as at the base should be described. Taste and Odour Tastes and odours of fresh mushrooms can be distinctive and help identify a mushroom, so taste and odours of fresh specimens should be noted. Be aware that some mushrooms are deadly poisonous, so do not swallow tissues of unknown mushrooms. [Taste and “spit”!] Gills, Folds, Veins, Pores, Tubes or Spines (Hymenium) The gills, folds, pores or spines are attached to the stalk in a variety of ways (see illustrations below). Spacing, depth, nature of the edge and branching pattern are all described, as are the colour of gills in both button and mature mushrooms as well as any colour changes. Stalk (Stipe) Not all mushrooms have stalks, but if they do, the length (from apex to base) as well as the width (both at the apex and and at the base) are measured. Other features noted include the stalk’s shape, its surface texture, its colour, and the texture and colour of the context (the flesh or internal tissue). If a ring (annulus) and basal cup (volva) are present, they are described. Microscopic Features Spores Spore prints are key aids in identifying mushrooms. Separate a mature cap from the stalk and place it on white or black paper with the hymenium facing down, so that spores collect on the paper. Place the cap and paper inside a lightly covered container and leave outside in ambient temperatures for 12–24 hours. Note the spore print colour (without magnification) to help identify and classify the mushroom. To examine the spores microscopically, place the hymenium tissue on a microscope slide in water or Melzer’s reagent and cover with a glass cover slip before examining under the microscope. Measure and examine the spores. Spores are placed in Melzer’s reagent because the spores’ reaction helps in mushroom identification. Sometimes, to identify unknown specimens, additional reagents such as cotton blue are used as an aid to precise identification. Other Features Clamp connections, which are connecting cells between two adjoining hyphal cells, occur only in fungi belonging to the Basidiomycetes. The presence or absence of clamp connections can assist in identifying mushrooms in this group. The length of the basidia or asci and the number of spores produced by them also help to identify some mushrooms. Hymenial cystidia are sterile cells interspersed among the basidia in the hymenium, and their presence or absence can also be important. When they are present, their shape and size are very helpful in indentifying mushrooms. Mushroom Habitats and Habits Habitat includes the ecological setting in which a mushroom is most likely to be found. This includes the host trees or host substrates as well as the surrounding vegetation. Some mushrooms can colonize a wide range of substrates such as dead wood or twigs or hosts, while others are very specific to certain substrates or hosts. For instance, Boletus mirabilis, the admirable bolete, forms ectomycorrhizae only with western hemlock, while Tricholoma magnivelare, the pine mushroom, colonizes a variety of conifer trees. Likewise, some saprophytic mushrooms decompose a wide range of woody hosts, while others decompose very specific woody hosts. Some saprophytes decompose forest litter, while others decompose organic matter in pastures, lawns or disturbed areas. The vast majority of B.C. NTFP mushrooms fruit in the autumn, although some fruit only in the spring. Others may fruit throughout the year, weather permitting. It is important to know in which season a mushroom fruits when hunting for a specific mushroom. Fruiting itself is triggered by such environmental factors as moisture and temperature. Fruiting patterns of specific mushrooms vary, as some fruit singly, others fruit in troops and still others form clusters. On this website, we provide the fruiting habit of each mushroom. Distribution Maps The distribution map for each species is based on collection areas confirmed from personal and herbarium collections and published reports. There are undoubtedly parts of the province where some species occur but which are not yet included in these maps. As more data are added, these distribution maps will more accurately reflect the entire range and distribution of each species. Interesting Facts Mushrooms have been part of human civilizations for centuries. One of the earliest records of mushroom use was the case of Otzi, the Tyrolean Iceman, who was frozen in ice but not discovered until 1991 in the Italian Alps. Otzi lived 5,000 years ago and was carrying three different mushrooms when he died. The fungi had laxative and antibiotic properties, and scientists speculate that Otzi used the fungi to cure his stomach parasites. In Asia, mushrooms have been used for centuries for culinary, medicinal, nutriceutical and aphrodisiacal purposes. Ancient Greeks and Romans welcomed thunderstorms because they believed that mushrooms appeared after lightning. There is a plethora of beneficial and unusual uses attributed to certain mushrooms, some of which we include in our treatment of individual species. We also provide unusual items of interest about each species. Some fungi have a livelier or longer history than others, so for some species there is an extensive section on interesting facts. Disclaimer No single test can determine the culinary, beneficial or toxic properties of a specific mushroom. As some mushrooms can be deadly poisonous, we emphasize that the only safe means of separating edible mushrooms from poisonous ones is the positive identification by an expert. For over twenty centuries, Chinese doctors have used mushrooms and other fungi to cure many types of human diseases. These medicinal mushrooms have also been credited with the ability to promote health and boost the immune system. However, Western medicine is still struggling to confirm Eastern medicinal uses of mushrooms. Many mushrooms produce both beneficial and toxic compounds; the same compound can have beneficial or detrimental effects depending on the amount consumed, how the mushroom is prepared, what other foods or beverages are consumed with it, and whether an individual is over-senstive to the active compounds. We neither confirm nor deny the actions attributed to individual mushroom compounds. Although we are aware of many incidences where people attribute their well being to a specific mushroom, we try to avoid repeating anecdotal evidence and cite only published scientific research with respect to the healing or other beneficial properties attributed to each species. We do direct the reader to published reports of the benefits of specific mushrooms after each species description. Reference Wills, R.M., and R.G. Lipsey, 1999. An economic strategy to develop Non-Timber Forest Products and Services in British Columbia. Forest Renewal BC Project No. PA97538-ORE. Final Report.
			In 1999, Wills and Lipsey identified a group of provincial non-timber forest products (NTFP) and services, including wild mushrooms, that can be commercially harvested from forests and other habitats for culinary or reputed nutriceutical purposes. The wild mushroom harvest alone contributes millions of dollars to the provincial economy. The pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare), is by far the most valuable commercially harvested mushroom. Other valuable edible mushrooms are the chanterelles, morels, lobsters, boletes, cauliflowers and hedgehogs. Pine mushrooms are exported exclusively to Japan, while chanterelles and other wild mushrooms are exported primarily to Europe and other parts of North America. Medical research, predominantly from Asia, suggests that many compounds derived from mushrooms prevent illnesses or boost human health. The demand for wild mushrooms is, therefore, expected to increase. Biological, taxonomical and ecological information on mushrooms that are currently (or could potentially be) harvested commercially is scattered throughout various scientific and technical publications. Developing an understanding of these wild mushrooms can be an arduous task for someone with limited mycological training. People with minimal mycological experience who are involved in the wild mushroom harvest -- pickers, sellers, buyers, foresters, managers, ecologists and naturalists -- require a concise, user-friendly mushroom information source. This web site seeks to bring together such scientific and technical information on our province's edible wild mushrooms. Mushroom Biology A mushroom is the above ground fruiting body of a fungus. Unlike plants, fungi do not manufacture their own food but must absorb their food from an external source. They obtain their food in three ways, as: saprophytes that live off dead organic material; symbionts that form mutually beneficial; relationships with living organisms parasites or pathogens that infect live off living organisms. Many forest mushrooms form symbiotic relationships known as mycorrhizae with tree roots. Mycorrhizal mushrooms are critical to the health of their hosts. Saprophytes included on this web site decompose organic matter such as decaying wood, forest litter and other plant material. Parasitic mushrooms included here are pathogens that either cause butt or root rots of conifer and deciduous trees or infect and actually 'feed off' other mushrooms. All mushrooms have at least two parts to their life cycle: (1) a vegetative stage dedicated to growth and (2) a reproductive stage (fruiting bodies) dedicated to spore production. The vegetative stage is composed of filamentous threads known as hyphae through which water and nutrients move throughout the fungus. Under ideal conditions, hyphae grow rapidly and form a complex intricate network known as the mycelium. When environmental conditions are suitable, the mycelium forms fruiting bodies that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, tastes and odours. Mushrooms are fruiting bodies formed above ground while truffles form fruiting bodies below ground. Typical mushrooms have caps (pilei), gills (lamellae) and stalks (stipes) that vary greatly in form. Mushrooms belonging to the Basidiomycetes produce spores on sexual structures called basidia that are found underneath the cap on gills, folds or veins, pores or tubes, or in spines or teeth (see illustration below). The fertile layer or tissue is called the hymenium. Mushrooms belonging to the Ascomycetes, such as morels, produce their spores inside sac-like structures called asci. Spores are dispersed to new habitats by wind, water, air currents and animals that eat the fruiting bodies. Basidia, asci and spores are microscopic structures. Spore shape, size and chemical reactivity are important characters used to identify mushrooms. Mushroom Names We include both scientific and common names of mushrooms. Scientific (or Latin) names are used because they are the same no matter what the spoken language may be and their binomial name can help indicate relationships among similar species. Some morphological species are difficult to differentiate und field conditions and molecular analysis is increasingly being used to separate species. These tests are revealing unexpected relationships among traditional species groups. As a result, species concepts are changing, with species transferred between genera, and genera between families. New genera and families are being erected, even as previously used family and generic names are disappearing. With each transfer, the scientific name changes. Synonyms are previously used names that reflect where earlier scientists have classified the mushroom. For instance, the pine mushroom of B.C. was at one time called Armillaria ponderosa and Tricholoma ponderosa, but taxonomists have determined that pine mushrooms belong to the genus Tricholoma and nomenclatural rules dictate that the first named species –– in this case magnivelare –– is the valid name and must be used. Each mushroom’s description includes its synonyms. We also include the etymology or history of the scientific name for each species because it can help us to remember the Latin name. For instance, the Latin root ‘lact’ means ‘milk’ in English, which helps us remember that any mushroom name including “lact” in its name will probably exude a milk–like liquid when cut. Common names reflect regional and local preferences. Over time, various people have coined vernacular names for a variety of different reasons. Some common names stick, others don’t, and rarely do such names reflect similarities or affinities among or within groups. Nonetheless, they can be useful so we present both the preferred common name as well as the more common Latin synonyms. Mushroom Identification No web site can substitute for training in mushroom identification. Some mushrooms in B.C. are deadly poisonous, others are moderately poisonous and others are safe to eat for most people. Some edible mushrooms cause negative reactions in some people. So it is important to never eat mushrooms that haven’t been correctly identified. All species descriptions are based on fresh specimens and are organized by features of the cap, hymenium and stalk. Pertinent micro-features such as spore color, shape, and size, shape of basidia, presence of clamp connections, etc., are also included. Macroscopic Features Cap (Pileus) Diameter of both the button and mature caps are measured. The variations among the most common cap shapes are presented below. Surface texture is described as being smooth, furry, fibrillose, scaly, sticky, slimy, cracking, or splitting (especially towards the margins). Colour and any colour changes should be noted and described using a standard colour chart. After mature and immature caps are cut, their texture, colour, bruising colour changes, and width at the stalk apex as well as at the base should be described. Taste and Odour Tastes and odours of fresh mushrooms can be distinctive and help identify a mushroom, so taste and odours of fresh specimens should be noted. Be aware that some mushrooms are deadly poisonous, so do not swallow tissues of unknown mushrooms. [Taste and “spit”!] Gills, Folds, Veins, Pores, Tubes or Spines (Hymenium) The gills, folds, pores or spines are attached to the stalk in a variety of ways (see illustrations below). Spacing, depth, nature of the edge and branching pattern are all described, as are the colour of gills in both button and mature mushrooms as well as any colour changes. Stalk (Stipe) Not all mushrooms have stalks, but if they do, the length (from apex to base) as well as the width (both at the apex and and at the base) are measured. Other features noted include the stalk’s shape, its surface texture, its colour, and the texture and colour of the context (the flesh or internal tissue). If a ring (annulus) and basal cup (volva) are present, they are described. Microscopic Features Spores Spore prints are key aids in identifying mushrooms. Separate a mature cap from the stalk and place it on white or black paper with the hymenium facing down, so that spores collect on the paper. Place the cap and paper inside a lightly covered container and leave outside in ambient temperatures for 12–24 hours. Note the spore print colour (without magnification) to help identify and classify the mushroom. To examine the spores microscopically, place the hymenium tissue on a microscope slide in water or Melzer’s reagent and cover with a glass cover slip before examining under the microscope. Measure and examine the spores. Spores are placed in Melzer’s reagent because the spores’ reaction helps in mushroom identification. Sometimes, to identify unknown specimens, additional reagents such as cotton blue are used as an aid to precise identification. Other Features Clamp connections, which are connecting cells between two adjoining hyphal cells, occur only in fungi belonging to the Basidiomycetes. The presence or absence of clamp connections can assist in identifying mushrooms in this group. The length of the basidia or asci and the number of spores produced by them also help to identify some mushrooms. Hymenial cystidia are sterile cells interspersed among the basidia in the hymenium, and their presence or absence can also be important. When they are present, their shape and size are very helpful in indentifying mushrooms. Mushroom Habitats and Habits Habitat includes the ecological setting in which a mushroom is most likely to be found. This includes the host trees or host substrates as well as the surrounding vegetation. Some mushrooms can colonize a wide range of substrates such as dead wood or twigs or hosts, while others are very specific to certain substrates or hosts. For instance, Boletus mirabilis, the admirable bolete, forms ectomycorrhizae only with western hemlock, while Tricholoma magnivelare, the pine mushroom, colonizes a variety of conifer trees. Likewise, some saprophytic mushrooms decompose a wide range of woody hosts, while others decompose very specific woody hosts. Some saprophytes decompose forest litter, while others decompose organic matter in pastures, lawns or disturbed areas. The vast majority of B.C. NTFP mushrooms fruit in the autumn, although some fruit only in the spring. Others may fruit throughout the year, weather permitting. It is important to know in which season a mushroom fruits when hunting for a specific mushroom. Fruiting itself is triggered by such environmental factors as moisture and temperature. Fruiting patterns of specific mushrooms vary, as some fruit singly, others fruit in troops and still others form clusters. On this website, we provide the fruiting habit of each mushroom. Distribution Maps The distribution map for each species is based on collection areas confirmed from personal and herbarium collections and published reports. There are undoubtedly parts of the province where some species occur but which are not yet included in these maps. As more data are added, these distribution maps will more accurately reflect the entire range and distribution of each species. Interesting Facts Mushrooms have been part of human civilizations for centuries. One of the earliest records of mushroom use was the case of Otzi, the Tyrolean Iceman, who was frozen in ice but not discovered until 1991 in the Italian Alps. Otzi lived 5,000 years ago and was carrying three different mushrooms when he died. The fungi had laxative and antibiotic properties, and scientists speculate that Otzi used the fungi to cure his stomach parasites. In Asia, mushrooms have been used for centuries for culinary, medicinal, nutriceutical and aphrodisiacal purposes. Ancient Greeks and Romans welcomed thunderstorms because they believed that mushrooms appeared after lightning. There is a plethora of beneficial and unusual uses attributed to certain mushrooms, some of which we include in our treatment of individual species. We also provide unusual items of interest about each species. Some fungi have a livelier or longer history than others, so for some species there is an extensive section on interesting facts. Disclaimer No single test can determine the culinary, beneficial or toxic properties of a specific mushroom. As some mushrooms can be deadly poisonous, we emphasize that the only safe means of separating edible mushrooms from poisonous ones is the positive identification by an expert. For over twenty centuries, Chinese doctors have used mushrooms and other fungi to cure many types of human diseases. These medicinal mushrooms have also been credited with the ability to promote health and boost the immune system. However, Western medicine is still struggling to confirm Eastern medicinal uses of mushrooms. Many mushrooms produce both beneficial and toxic compounds; the same compound can have beneficial or detrimental effects depending on the amount consumed, how the mushroom is prepared, what other foods or beverages are consumed with it, and whether an individual is over-senstive to the active compounds. We neither confirm nor deny the actions attributed to individual mushroom compounds. Although we are aware of many incidences where people attribute their well being to a specific mushroom, we try to avoid repeating anecdotal evidence and cite only published scientific research with respect to the healing or other beneficial properties attributed to each species. We do direct the reader to published reports of the benefits of specific mushrooms after each species description. Reference Wills, R.M., and R.G. Lipsey, 1999. An economic strategy to develop Non-Timber Forest Products and Services in British Columbia. Forest Renewal BC Project No. PA97538-ORE. Final Report.

3335. Email Query from a dog owner. Two shiny brown spots are not mites

7.1.18

Dear Dr Sing,

BB has been in severe itching, especially at night, where he will scratch his left ear frequently and intensely.

Upon closer inspection, I realised there were two tiny 0.5mm brown spots located in his ears. They look like mites but I am unsure as they do not move.

I have attached a photograph of his ear here; you can see a brown, shiny spot at the bottom. Please advise on my next steps if possible.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,

R

EMAIL REPLY FROM DR SING

 Left ear canal infections. Bring for treatment today Sunday urgently, for ear irrigation and medication   9.30am to 3.30 am. .

3334. Social Media case. WhatsApp Query. Ear lump in a 1-year-old red-eared slider

-----------------------

Be Kind To Pets video & title

Case study
--------------------

Isoflurane gas anaesthesia
Incise with scalpel around 5 mm long
Insert curette

Curette 360 degrees inside the abscess
Drain out the pus
Antibiotic eye drops to flush out the debri
In-patient for 3 days
Oral antibiotics and pain killers 3 days

------------------

Post op

In-patient 3 days to clean up bleeding wound and give medication (antibiotics and painkillers)





POST OP SURGERY
FINAL VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUNXSRwJTOQ

UNEDITED VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDZHTLxjqZY

UPDATE ON NOV 29, 2019
No complaints about the ear abscess. Satifisfied owner. However the slider has a right swollen eye. Came for consultation.

3333. INTERN. VIDEO PRODUCTION. Anorexia in 3 red-eared sliders in Jan 2018.

Singapore in 2018
Most people live in apartments. Condos with facilities. HDB apartments (some images from toapayohvets.com).  Red-eared sliders do not have access to soil to lay eggs.

Case 1
Family kept 2 red-eared sliders of similar age. One male. This one is female.

X-ray evidence
7 well-forned eggs in the uterus. Anorexia may be due to infection or difficulty in laying eggs.

Critical care, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory by mouth given.... days at Toa Payoh V.

Oxytocin and Calcium gluconate injections SC on Jan 3, 2018
Water 24 hours. No eggs laid. Excellent appetite

Oxytocin and Calcium gluconate injections IM on Jan 4, 2018
Water 24 hours. No eggs laid. Excellent appetite.


Jan 6, 2018. Sent home. Eating but no eggs laid despite 2 injections of Calcium and Oxytocin (record dosage IM and SC. .

  Went home. We had cases of sliders laying eggs after the above-mentioned injections. Some do not as in this case.

Owner sent an image of the female and male housed in their tank. Big stones for basking.

CASE 2
Generalised claw wounds from male slider. Image shows two sliders, female and male from Case 1.  You can see the long sharp claws of the male.

A pair transferred to a pond. The owner discovered multiple mucoid wounds in the head and body and legs of the female and brought her to Toa Payoh Vets. When they were inside a tank, the male did not injured the female. 

In-patient
Daily cleaning of body wounds and syringe feeding of  Critical Care food and medicine

CASE 3
Not eating
Swollen eyelids and shell rot
Complaint is swollen eyelids


NOTE
Intern to place relevant images of the female and male sliders with relevant captions in the appropriate case study.

3332. A poodle bites the groomer

"The groomer refused to clip his inflamed muzzle area," the owner brought the 5-year-old poodle in for neuter as he is aggressive towards the groomer during the 2-monthly grooming. Now his lower paw area in the front paws is itchy. His groin is very itchy and the skin is black and thickened like crocodile skin. His right eye is tearing now.

 Dog was neutered.

***3331. The female, not spayed Silkie Terrier had seen many vets for urinary tract infection without cure

Challenging case. Recurring urinary tract infection in a female not spayed dog.

Dec 27, 2017. TP 46126

A 2nd challenging case of recurring urinary tract infection and treated by several vets. I had one such case many years ago (lady in red case). See below.


Dec 2017 Case.  SILKIE TERRIER F, NOT SPAYED, 9 YEARS OLD. Born 2008.

Dog came in today Dec 29, 2017
Strong smelly urine again in this 9-year-old female, not spayed dog. Heat period stopped around FEb 2015 for 1.5 years. False pregnancy presented and milk seen in Dec 2017 examination.


History
2010.  At 2-year-old, consulted Vet 1for UTI, cured for 1-2 years.
2012.  At 4-year-old, strong smelly urine. Saw Vet 2 4-5X and Vet 3 for 1X
   X-rays - no urinary stones by one of the vets

Aug 15, 2015  lst consultation at Toa Payoh Vets.
7 years old  female not spayed. smelly urine
The young lady consulted me. Smelly urine plus blood and pus for the past few years and treated by several vets. After treatment, will be ok for a while. Then smelly urine again.
Palpation - pain + in letf kidney area. Bladder mass 2 cm x 2 cm.
Vulval area was hyperpigmented black due to long-standing licking.
False pregnancy seen with milk present. Urine pH 8. SG 1.0, Protein 3+.

I advised spay as the bacteria from womb infection goes into the bladder due to the dog licking her vulva frequently (evidence from black skin pigmentation). The lady did not want to spay her dog. 
Bought canine k/d x 1 small bag.

Sep 18, 2015. Strong smelly urine. Seen 3 vets. Treatment. I advised Canine C/D diet and spay.
Nov 30, 2015 and Feb 4, 2016.  Buys canine k/d

Apr 27, 2016. No more smelly urine for past 7 months. since first visit unlike other vets - smelly urine after 2-3 months.
Advised urine test and X-rays but owner did not want to do the tests.

July 27, 2016   dysuria, haematuria
Sep 7, 2016      dysuria, haematuria, stranguria
May 28, 2017      Buys canine C/D x 1 bag 17.6 lbs.
Sep 16, 2017   recurrent UTI. Declined tests. Wants medication only.
Dec 29, 2017   recurrent UTI. blood and urine test.

X-Rays by Vet 1 before Aug 2015. Said to be normal. No urinary stones.


BLOOD TESTS
 1.  Aug 16, 2015.  Glucose less than 0.1  (3.9 - 6)

kidneys normal
haematology normal

2.  Dec 29, 2017.  
kidneys normal
haematology normal


URINE TESTS
 1.  Aug 16, 2015.  pH 9. SG 1.035. Nitrite positive. Protein 4+. Blood trace
                         WBC 9 +ve, RBC 0, Epithelial cells 0, bacteria Nil,
Crystals Amorphous phosphate 3+, triple phosphate +
Possible haemolysis of RBC in urine

2.  July 27, 2016.  pH 6. SG 1.017. Nitrite positive. Protein 2+. Blood 4+
                         WBC over 900 +ve, RBC 127 +ve, Epithelial cells 5, bacteria +
Possible haemolysis of RBC in urine

3.  Dec 29, 2017.  pH 9. SG 1.022. Nitrite negative. Protein 2+. Blood 3+
                         WBC 75 +ve, RBC 55 +ve, Epithelial cells 0, bacteria 3+

                        Advised spay and X-ray but owner felt the dog might die under anaesthesia during spay. No more porridge water and treats. Strictly Canine C/D.



---------------------------------------

SEP 2011 CASE  STUDY - SIMILAR TO 2017 CASE
This Sep 2011 case shows a female spayed corgi with recurrent UTI with a happy outcome after consulting so many vets.

The 2017 case - the old dog was not spayed. The owner did not give canine K/D or C/D solely and did give treats. The urine was alkaline instead of acidic at the latest time of examination in Dec 29, 2017. 

Friday, December 9, 2011

767. No more smelly urine after the end of antibiotics for an old corgi

A HAPPY LADY IN RED CAME TO THE SURGERY

A fair lady in red sheath dress, with black eyeliner suddenly came into the waiting room and waved at me from the outside. My consultation room's door has a glass window on the top half and so I could see who was coming into the waiting area. This lady, in her prime at around early 30s, looked quite familiar and since she waved to me, she must have met me. 

 I had to stop the meeting which had taken over 30 minutes as I guess my assistants had enough of my reiterations of things to do, government and legal processes to be complied with and records to be written meticulously. Reminders to staff appear to be part of a manager's job and it is a role I rather not be involved in. But I was the licensee and the ultimate responsibility of any clientele complaint, investigation and litigation is with the licensee.

I said hi to the lady in red. Fairness and bright red always demand attention. The lady in red said: "Do you remember the Corgi? I am coming for the S/D diet."

"I am sorry I can't recognise you," I said. "But I do remember Oreo. She had seen a few vets and always passed smelly urine after a course of antibiotics. For at least 2 years or so. Is she OK now?" I had thought of following up but had not done so and now one month had flown by. Just like that.

"Well," the lady beamed. "She is no longer passing smelly urine after one month of treatment. Your medication has been taken and is no more. Her urine is clearer. Best of all, I don't have any smelly urine in the apartment after the end of antibiotics as in the past."

"How many times does Oreo pee and how much does she drink per day?" I asked. "Did you measure the amount of water she drinks a day?" It was difficult for her to answer precisely as she did not take note. She said: "I can't measure the amount because Oreo drinks only fresh water and so the bowl of left over water has to be replaced."

I was surprised that her female spayed dog peed all over the apartment at such an old age. "An adult dog usually pees twice a day, in most cases," I said. "The fault lies with the owner if she pees many times a day," I said. "The owner has no properly house-training the dog as a puppy." This frankness was not good bedside manners.

"Well, I did," she said. "She would hold her urine and then let go a lot." She spread her arms wide. "Is it common for dogs to pass a vast amount of urine every day"

"A dog would pass a lot of urine in the morning for one time," I said. "But not several times. Your dog has been withholding the urine until she can't stand it anymore. You must be beating her up when she had peed all over the apartment when she was younger," I said. "Holding urine leads to bladder infection and the smelly urine that the various vets you consulted before could not cure. Your dog is not fully cured yet. It is only one month.

"You need 3 months of S/D diet to know whether she will be free of urinary tract infection as the S/D diet acidifies the urine and prevents bacteria forming struvite sand in the bladder, leading to bad smelly urine. No other food, dog treats or any other pills."

"My dog loves apples," she said. "Can I give her apples? She looks at me appealingly for apples when I eat one."

"It is best not to," I said. "You had suffered over 2 years of this problem of smelly urine after antibiotics after seeing a vet. Now, her urine is not smelly without antibiotics. Why take risks? Let her urinary tract system stabilise over 3 months of eating S/D diet and drinking plain water. Then you may give her apples."

As regards whether the Corgi was harshly disciplined when she was younger, the lady in red said: "Yes, she got spanked when she peed everywhere." the lady said. "This may be why she withholds her urine till the last moment and urinated a very large puddle of urine onto the floor. What do you suggest I do now?"

At first I advised confinement and removing the urine smell in the floor apartments using white vinegar + water at 1 part to 3 parts water.

As she was moving to a new apartment away from Woodlands soon, I advised: "Complete confinement for 24 hours in a room, with a baby gate, for 4-6 weeks. Newspapers with her urine smell on one side and bed on the other. Confinement is the key to success. Let the dog out when you are at home and pick her up when she is about to pee on the floor and put her into the confined area. Say in a firm tone 'Pee here.' Give a treat if she does that or a praise. Persevere. Old dogs can learn new tricks too especially when you start from a new house."

This case of recurrent UTI seems to be successful but urine monitoring per month should be done. I gave her a urine collection bottle and asked her to know volume of water drank per 24 hours. I hope the new apartment will be free of dog urine smells as friends can smell it but owners who live there will not smell it as their noses are used to it.

Will wait and see. The "living happily ever after" story has not concluded but it seems that there is a good clinical outcome of my recommendations and that is what the lady in red wanted and what all owners whose pets have long suffering diseases demanded. 

UPDATE IN DEC 31, 2017
I have not seen Oreo since writing this Dec 2011 case study. I presume the lady had gone to a nearby vet to purchase the Hill's urinary diet S/D or C/D. It is very common for Singapore owners not to provide feedback or return to the vet if the urinary tract infection is resolved.  








PREVIOUS REPORT
Written in Oct 31, 2011 (>1 month ago), Recurrent UTI in an old Corgi is at:
http://www.sinpets.com/dogs/20111044blood-urine-recurs-over10times-old-corgi-female-toapayohvets.htm

The blog has brief version:
http://2010vets.blogspot.com/2011/10/717-recurrent-uti-in-old-corgi-is-hard.html


THE WEBSITE FOR THIS FOLLOW UP REPORT WRITTEN DEC 10, 2011 IS AT:
http://www.sinpets.com/F6/20111210recurrent-urinary-tract-infection-old-female-spayed-corgi-singapore-toapayohvets.htm

3330. God of Fortune

Dec 30, 2017

I spoke to my 2 assistants today about work process and saving up for their old age.
One assistant is single. The other sends almost all her salary to support her nieces and nephews as she has no children and just got married recently.

"In Chinese beliefs, the people pray to the God of Fortune for money" I said to the married assistant. "In your religion, there is no such God. But you are the real God of Fortune."

I continued, "You send money to your nephews and nieces to support them. So, you are stressed out having to earn more and more each year and have no savings. Then, more children are born. You have to support more and money. When you are old, you have no savings and they don't care two hoots about you as they enjoy their lives!"

"My sister will give birth next year," she said. Another mouth to support. There is no end to the sister giving birth to more children as the Singapore "aunty" remits money.