Case Study: Roscoe and his little friends

“Roscoe”

Meet Roscoe, a thoroughly charming 6 year old lab mix.  Roscoe moved to Colorado from his native Washington State and within 24 hours was visiting our health care team at Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital.  Washington state family members had been caring for Roscoe when he began violently biting and chewing at his hindquarters.  They tried some over the counter remedies, to no avail!  When Roscoe was re-united with his family in Colorado, it became quickly apparent that he was an uncomfortable dog. 

Before photo

It appears that prior to leaving Washington State, Roscoe “picked” up a few friends.  The primary cause of his discomfort was an intense allergic reaction to flea bites, specifically flea saliva.  Some animals are so allergic that the bite of one flea can cause extreme self-mutilation.  After medications to counteract the allergic reaction, antibiotics to treat a related skin infection and flea preventive medication, Roscoe and his family are all more comfortable!

Roscoe two weeks later, on the road to recovery

 

While fleas in Colorado are not as common as other parts of the country, they do exist.  Not only can fleas cause allergic skin infections and discomfort, but they can transmit intestinal worms, specifically tapeworms.  We recommend flea preventives for all dogs and cats that have outdoor exposure between the months of May through October as well as animals that travel.  Please call our office for additional recommendations.