Sinusitis

Why do we get sinus infections? Sinus infections are usually secondary to an inflammatory reaction in the sinuses. That is, our sinuses react to some allergen and the normal defense mechanisms are compromised and things start growing in the sinuses.

Mechanical removal (sinus flushing) of the allergens is beneficial. After I mow the grass I always flush my sinuses... you should see the particulate matter that comes out.

I used to raise turkeys and the young turkeys would come down with sinusitis, get very sick and eventually from it, in spite of my best treatment, which was systemic (injectable and oral) antibiotics. Finally I talked to an old Veterinarian and he told me to inject the antibiotic directly into the sinuses. I never lost another turkey.

When you think about it that makes a lot of sense because you can get much higher concentrations of antibiotics where you need them instead of using systemic antibiotics that are distributed through the whole body at a lower concentration.

Now a days in our practice the best thing I can do for a sneezing cat or dog is to send home nose drops. Here's how I do it: I take a small bottle of artificial tear soln. and add 2 mg Dexamethasone (steroid) and 20 mg Baytril injectable (Enrofloxacin). One drop per nostril twice daily for a week. I usually get a phone call from clients saying, "hey, these are artificial tears I'm putting up my cat's nose!" I explain again that I've added meds to them and explain tears end up in the sinuses anyway... they don't stay in the eyes.

It works in people too.

Uncle Rob

Introduction

I'm starting this blog because I think I have learned a few valuable things in my life and I want a forum to share them. A lot of people have taught me things over the years and quite a few of these folks have passed on. I don't really have a plan but will occasionally post things on a variety of subjects.

Thanks.

Rob