AmandaJ

It can be VERY expensive. Unfortunately most will treat the enzyme deficiency but not the damage to the gut and without treating the gut you run the risk of secondary problems and you also don't get the full benefit of the enzyme replacers. Colostrum in first feed for mammals starts the process of intestinal colsure. Until that time Immunoglobans are directly absorbed via the gut and intestines. If closure is not achieved then you have leaky gut syndrome and all sorts of nasties can leak into the rest of the body. Because pancriatitis weakens the gut wall you have the same problem - therefore mother nature to the rescue - colostrum. There is plenty of science behind the use of it for many things - and unfortunately just as many which have no real scientific basis. It is important for those who use colostrum to make sure they get either natural, fresh (not easy as it comes from a dairy or cattle farm) or the powdered 100% colostrum from NZ. The NZ pastures appear to be much cleaner and healthier - hence a better quality product.

And me

One of the problems with pancreatitis is that when the pancreatic fluid gets into the gut it starts to eat the gut lining. Any change to a diet with a gut which is damaged (or drugs/poisons) can cause the dog discomfort - not to mention that it is also a primary cause of leaky gut syndrome. Without giving the dog something to help repair the gut (and replace the lost stomach enzymes) not only will the dog continue to have problems but it will fail to get the nutrition from the food you give. Colostrum is well known for it's ability to heal (and seal) the gut (and intestines) and a proteoletic enzyme replacement will help too. The enzyme replacement can be done in 1 of 2 ways - with a supplement (Enzyplex) or naturally - Pineapple or Papaya (both contain high levels of proteoletic enzymes). Good luck Edited to say that the proteoletic enzymnes are necessary for breaking down proteins in food - but it serves very well as a worming product too - it disolves the worms...

I've found that a large "tradies" tool cadie works very well and it can hang on the side of the trolley.

Coats are good but mats are hit and miss - none of mine like the mats.

Ismail Limbada Manager Petco Australia Pty Ltd C/o Buranda Commercial Centre 250 Ipswich Road Buranda Queensland Australia 4102 mobile: 0402 309 558 phone: (07) 3391 7884 fax: (07) 3891 1556

I may be puking in the next few days. My dogs have been off normal worming preparations for about 3 months now - so next available moment (ha ha) I'll be doing "poo tests"

PM with details...

Thanks Julie...did the link I sent you help.....I found it a bit to late for the first few assignments....lol

There were a few "tricky bits" in there that did have me scratching but I stuck to something "Tim" Finlayson (Bonibraes Beardies) said to me in Bulla - "Evidence based" - so I went looking for the evidence to back it all up. I also had a Vet Nurse in Vicki Clark (Toriavic Beardies) "on call"... Absolutely loved it......but yes - glad it's over

Thanks everyone - I really do appreciate it...

Received an email from Julie (MDBA) last night - Parasitology course - all assignments A+ - course completed with a Distinction....... Thank you Dr Levins and Julie...... Yipee....

It's been funny - most of the time Charlie can hear a storm coming but the last few days it's taken him by surprise. Again today warm and sunny - but yesterday started the same way. They definitely pick up on storms - not just the atmospheric ones either....

More than happy to help with our breed in any way I can. Good luck

I have the same problem here at the moment - and the dogs do feel it.....

If they want to do Thyroid - DON'T have them interpreted in Australia - get them sent to the US and have Dr Dodds do it! If you are going to pay for it you may as well have it done properly.

Mine like playing in the rain so I let them go...They can't get to dirty - artificial turf - that's one reason we pout it down. Although that said - Bonnie likes to dig holes in the rain - lets them fill up - then rolls in them (They do have a section which is not AT) - then she stays out!

Not knowing where in the Country you are makes it difficult but you could call your states CCC and ask for the contact details of the herding people. They should be able to give you the details of any herding trainers out your way. You don't need to be a member to go to a trainer but if you want to trial her you will need to join.

For first timers I'd probably suggest staying away from working breeds, gun dogs and some utility dogs as they can be quite independent thinkers - they have to be to do their job properly. It really depends on how much work you want to put into them right from the go get. I'd also suggest keeping to a smaller breed so it's easier to handle. Also consider children...if you have any - or if there will be children in the house. Working dogs have been know to round up the kids and if you don't know what they are doing (and aren't ready for it) it can be quite frightening. Take a walk around a show and talk to the owners, handlers and breeders.

John at Masterkarn Kennels can tell you - if you can't get hold of him try Lynn Nielsen at Spring Creek Boarding kennels (Stylyn Kennels) - I'm fairly sure Lynn still uses it. If you were in Adelaide I could have supplied it!

Hi Pheebs....hope you're a little more relaxed than last night. I agree with the others. At her age putting her under anesthetic is dangerous. I would have thought that with a mass you would have seen minor indications prior to now not just straight for the biggie....Let her go a few days while you think about it - if it is a mass it isn't going anywhere and you will see more problems. If it isn't you should see an improvement. Take care and give her a hug for me. Edited to say that strokes can leave a person with those remaining signs for a few days - or even for ever........

Just checked my notes - Weims are def. NOT MDR1... MDR1 breeds are: Aust. Cattle Dog Aust. Shepherds Aust. Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Collie - Rough, Smooth English Shepherd Golden Retriever Labrador Retreiver Long haired Whippet McNab (???) Old English Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog Silken Windhound OOPS - forgot the German Shepherd

Not necessarily - my friends beardie took a few days to recover and she's fine now.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall the weimaraner being on the MDR1 list (2 of my beardies were the first of their breed in the world tested).....As for the heartworm test....bloods will not indicate all cases of heartworm infestation. If the infestation is relatively new, or not mobile within the system at that time or if it is a single sex "community" and therefore not mobile, the test will not pick it up. From memory the test will only pick up about 60-70% of infestations. The symptoms sound similar to a friends old beardie recently - and that was a stroke. Let me know how you go.

Camped at Lancefield for the recent shows and Sunbry....Camping is (as you enter the grounds) to the left of the oval with power. There are only limited power points so most will piggy back each other. You are expected to be good people and pay for the power (The grounds keeper will come around). The new amenities were only open on the days of the shows so if you get there earlier take loo paper and don't expect a shower.