Pet of the Month! Marmalade!

Marmalade’s Story

Marmalade is a 13 year old Cocker Spaniel that we have been treating since January 2023. Marmalade has been suffering a lot with ear issues since this Spring and has been seen regularly by our vets since April, when he had a Tympanic Membrane (ear drum) rupture. He suffers with Malassezia (yeast) overgrowth, that unfortunately for him likes to come back!

As this has been a continuous issue, it was becoming hard for the owner to maintain his condition at home. We started to see Marmalade daily at the practice and would clean his ears daily with an antiseptic ear solution and also applying steroid drops into his ears. On top of that, poor Marmalade also has underlying allergies that are currently being treated!

As of the end of November, his condition has improved and he’s down to two visits a week, with the goal of this number reducing over time.

We asked Marmalade’s owners a few questions about him:

1.    What is Marmalade’s favourite thing to do?

Marmalade loves playing with his ball. We roll it to him and he will roll it back to you with his nose!

2.    Does Marmalade have any nicknames?

We call him ‘Lardy’ some times or ‘Marmy’.

3.    What do you enjoy the most about Marmalade?

He’s good with the grand children, always finds the energy to chase a squirrel or cat down the garden and if you ask for a kiss he will bump his nose to your lips!

4. When did you first notice that Marmalade was unwell?

Marmalade had a perforated ear drum and unfortunately has had issues with it since. He has been on various treatments and across many times, but he’s getting better.

5. Did you research into his diagnosis/condition further?

We had many discussions with the vets regarding his issues and different options were discussed and treatments were decided upon. We did look up his issues to try and get a better understanding of them.

6. How has the Healthcare Subscription helped you?
Marmalade is on the Gold Healthcare Subscription. The pyament plan has saved us an absolute fortune because of our frequent visits, so I’m glad he is on the subscription!