Guest writer, Rosie Malezer - Readers’ Favorite Official Reviewer

It is a question asked so often and, while the typical answer is true, it is not the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Yes, it is true for the majority of Finns that Finland is one of the luckiest countries in which a person could live... unless you are Deaf. That small difference is the that between being housed or homeless, being employed or discarded as too stupid to work. Deaf people in Finland are begging to be heard. Income, housing and basic human rights are something a Deaf person in Finland would give anything to have.

Even when the law courts of Finland have demanded that a Deaf person be treated with respect and dignity, the social institute of Finland, KELA, outright refuses to obey such a court order. How do I know this? I am Deaf. The courts have ruled that KELA stop acting so shameful and permit me my basic human rights. At first, KELA conceded that they would do so - this lasted for less than 24 hours before they rescinded their decision to provide any assistance to one of their own law-abiding citizens and defy the courts of their country.

My advice to anybody who is Deaf: DO NOT come to Finland unless it is for a short-term vacation and you are accompanied by a hearing person. As a Deaf person, you will see the vast beauty of Finland's landscapes and incredible fauna - too beautiful for words. You will also learn of a new word - SURDOPHOBIA (the fear and loathing of Deaf people) - as many people's backs turned the moment they realise you are Deaf.

The Poliisi of Finland are the only exception to this rule, but they are helpless to act. They are frustrated and angry also at the way that Deaf people are treated by government and Finnish people. I would give anything to be living in Australia right now, surrounded by my family, yet once again hiding every day and night from the man who has vowed to police to kill me - my abusive, former spouse. But after the death of my baby and injuries inflicted upon me which cost me a year of my life, I know I can never return home.

I live in Finland with my Finnish husband. We had a choice of which country we would live out our lives and, due to his culture shock with the weather, we both chose Finland. It was a decision made eight years ago when we married. My options, however, are now coming to an end. The powers that be in Finland have, again, turned their backs on the basic human rights and needs of the Deaf of Finland.

Rosie Malezer x

This post is shared from the Madison Veterinary Hospital information. Thank you for helping us keep our special, four-legged family members safe and healthy!

Posts by: Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM

Dog Checkups & Preventive Care

Did you know that ticks are not just a spring and summer problem? You might be surprised to learn that ticks can be found year round, and not just in warmer climates. A 2010 study from the Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that some infected ticks have actually developed a type of anti-freeze glycoprotein to survive the cold. Unfortunately, this means that just because winter has arrived, dog parents cannot let their guard down when it comes to ticks.

Why should winter ticks concern you?
Ticks are found throughout the United States and can spread diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasmosis, Tularemia and Babesia. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are a significant source of morbidity in people and dogs — in particular, Lyme disease; the CDC says it has been reported in almost every state as of 2013, and its prevalence is increasing in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest according to a Parasites & Vectors report found here. Check with your veterinarian about the risk of Lyme disease in your area and click here to view the prevalence maps for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Signs and symptoms of tick-borne illness
The signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses depend on the particular illness. For example, Lyme disease symptoms may include:

Stiffness
Fatigue
A painful gait
Swollen joints
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes

Many other tick-borne illnesses have no signs or take months for symptoms to develop. Since many of these illnesses either have subtle signs and symptoms or mimic other diseases, screening for tick-borne illnesses is a vital component of a dog’s annual exam. If your dog has been exposed to ticks, speak with your veterinarian about screening tests and prevention rather than waiting for symptoms to develop. Click here for potential symptoms of more tick-borne diseases.

Treatment of tick-borne disease
Treatment varies depending on the type of tick-borne illness. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borelia burgdorferi and is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Other tick borne illnesses caused by different pathogens require different antibiotics.

Diagnosis of tick-borne disease
Since many affected animals may not show signs of disease, or may take months to develop symptoms, screening tests are a vital component of a dog’s annual exam. These tests screen for the most common tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.

How to protect your dogs from winter ticks
Speak with your veterinarian to find out if ticks are a year-round problem in your area and if she recommends your pet be vaccinated for Lyme disease.

Consider these three tips to help protect your dogs from tick-borne illnesses:

When your dog goes outside, make it a habit to check him thoroughly for ticks! If you find a tick, remove it immediately.
Since many tick-borne illnesses have no signs or symptoms early on, do screening tests annually. They allow your veterinarian to identify illnesses early so that she can initiate treatment right away. Learn more about the importance of annual testing here.
Utilize tick preventives year round if you live in an area where ticks are a year-round problem.

While spring and summer are the most dangerous times when it comes to ticks, it’s important to remember that these creepy critters can be found year-round depending on the weather in your area. By keeping your dogs on tick preventatives, screening for tick-borne illnesses yearly, and checking for ticks, you are doing everything you can to keep your dogs safe from ticks.

Click here to learn more about parasite protection.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Related symptoms:

What is Finland Like for the Deaf?

Ticks and Fleas are a Winter Threat