Thank you very much for posting this information!
I have had several issues with foxtails in my GWP's ears over the years. Glad none became infections.
There are so many things to watch these days. My 2 yr old female began to limp right at the end of the mearns quail season. I took her to the vet and he ran a blood test. Turns out she had a mild case of valley fever! Caught early this disease is easily subdued. Not long ago it was a career ender for the dog. A few weeks of an antiinflamatory and three months of twice daily of Fluconazole and she should be cured.
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I was recently informed about a somewhat new issue that dogs can be exposed to leptospirosis. To top it off this can be spread to humans especially children!
Common risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs residing in the United States include exposure to or drinking from rivers, lakes or streams; roaming on rural properties (because of exposure to potentially infected wildlife, farm animals, or water sources); exposure to wild animal or farm animal species, even if in the backyard; and contact with rodents or other dogs.
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Leptospirosis.aspxhttp://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_leptospirosis------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have to wonder what is next? Perhaps echinococcus granulosus?
Many wolves have it and can pass it on to coyotes and foxes. Amazing stuff here. At this point I would think only Idaho and Montana are at higher risk.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19901399You can bet I monitor my hunting dogs for any changes! Hope this information helps other dog owners.