Monah

sorry, I posted that in the wrong topic, but it is still sort off relevent. I have done it and it has been great for us, very positive experience. The trouble is you do not know until you try whether it will work or not. By the time I went to a dermatologist we had tried diet elimination for months, meds, everything possible, ended up after all that, that diet was NOTHING to do with it I could have saved so much stress, money, time and discomfort for the dog if I had just has allergy tests straight away Hope it all works out for youxxx our vacc worked within the first couple of months, huge improvement.

Sorry, re costs, I've found this treatment MUCh cheaper than the creams, meds, shampoos, vet visits, ear drops etc etc. that we were on before the vacc. The initial tests were $400, the first 3 vacc mixes where you get stronger and stronger were about $600 and this lasted about 4 months (dont quote me, I'm trying to remember ) then the end vacc was $350 and this lasts about 10 to 12 months. I was paying up to $300 a week for everything else at one stage for around 6 months while we tried everything )and many tests sent to USA) to fix my dog's issues. Her ears were badly affected and she has giant!! canals so several surulan etc. per week were used, plus meds etc. It was a nightmare and she got fed up with having her poor ears touched Best thing I've ever done was to have a vacc made up

Sorry, re costs, I've found this treatment MUCh cheaper than the creams, meds, shampoos, vet visits, ear drops etc etc. that we were on before the vacc. The initial tests were $400, the first 3 vacc mixes where you get stronger and stronger were about $600 and this lasted about 4 months (dont quote me, I'm trying to remember ) then the end vacc was $350 and this lasts about 10 to 12 months. I was paying up to $300 a week for everything else at one stage for around 6 months while we tried everything )and many tests sent to USA) to fix my dog's issues. Her ears were badly affected and she has giant!! canals so several surulan etc. per week were used, plus meds etc. It was a nightmare and she got fed up with having her poor ears touched Best thing I've ever done was to have a vacc made up .

lillim what a stressful rollercoaster. We have a dog on vaccine too, 100ml every 3 weeks. She has been on it for nearly 2 years with very good results. I was told if she did not improve on the first lot of vacc, (the 3 leading up to a stronger dose) that we would have to rethink and make up another type of vaccine for her. Sometimes it's hit and miss and you have to try several vaccs. before you get it right. We were just very lucky the first time (or else had a great derm!!!!) I don't know how best you can manage this problem, however if it were me I think I'd try another vacc mix. I am lucky to have an excellent derm specialist, Mike Shipstone, in QLD. He goes over and above in service in every way. It is so distressing having an allergic dog, I really hope you are able to sort this out, don't give up. Ours is allergic to every flippin' plant and grass known to man! Best wishesxxxxxxx PS I'm pretty sure I was told there was a pretty high success rate, around 70 to 80%, definately not only 20%

My choice would be a mni poodle if I were looking for a small performance dog. However, my cousin in law has a tentie (that she bred) who is a champion agility, jumper, tracking, endurance dog and she is excellent, Tas (dog name) in QLD ;) She also has another tentie, ACD and a kelpie. The acd is a working bred dog and is fantastic at all disciplines too and small and light (Turbo). She has a great temp. The kelpie is coming along well, she's a baby and the old tentie is a pensioner ;) I love Manchesters and regularly see 3 in QLD (one owner) who are brilliant but they may be a little larger than you would like. Tollers are compact, clever and have lots of drive. Good luck with your choices, go out and look and ask questions about breeding lines etc. I'm sure something (or someone ) will jump out at you and help you make a decision.

Well, yes, that is what I was told too, re the soft tissue. My guy said he wasn't sure if she had done any replacements and he does them all the time. I'll have to ring them and find out. If that's the case, I'm better off staying here somehow and renting. Thanks (I think :D )xxxx

Thanks !! IF it's good enough for chris G its good enough for us! I emailed yvette too. I have googled the place and it looks very professional. Feel a lot better now, esp re the chicken! Thanks again, to all of you.xxx

;) I'll ask him about the other people. I know he would not have worked there if it was not of an excellent standard xxx

Pug Hugger, my guy has worked with Penny!!! he said she's great, but is a soft tissue person. Thanks for all the info everyone. it gives me somewhere to start I'm having a major freak out! Thanks colliepaws. sounds good. Richard disinfects the dog 4 times, the surgery twic e and leaves it for 2 days empty as he worries about infection. and the other day the nurses went out and bought stewing steak as they rang a dogs owner on what to tempt him with, not eating,, and she said, stewing steak!!!!! also the whole place is state of the art, I think some qld dolers have been there. He specialises in the lot!! a genius of a man. really really appreciate the help! thanks ;) xxxxxxxxx

Is anyone able to help me find the absolute BEST orthopaedic vet specialist in SA? I have a fantastic one here in QLD. and am really worried about getting one in SA. One of my dogs is in need of a hip replacement and this has come around just as we have sold up and are in the process of moving. Unfortunately owing to the ongoing process I am not able to spend the 2 to 3 months needed here and will have to find someone in SA. Also, any vet recommendations would be greatly appreciated, we will be in Lockleys, but I dont mind travelling. Thanks guys xxxxxxxxxx

I also keep my dog LEAN, at least 4 to 5 kg under the standard weight. We swim, have joint food, fish oil, massage etc. ester C. there are maany many things to do to manage this problem, My dog gets on really well Previcox is a great pain relief/anti inflammatory if needed occasionally.

My HD dog goes to Richard Mitchell on the sunny coast. He is incredible and I cannot recommend him highly enough. In fact we are going for a check up tomorrow morning. So 2 half hours there and 2 half hours back for a 30 min app. Worth every bit. NOrth Coast Vet specialists, 431 Tanawha tourist drive, tanawha, 4566. phone, 54537555. orthodaedic, neurosurgery, soft tissue surgery, oncology, cardiology, physio, ultrasonography. My dog has been 'managed' for nearly 4 years now, and has shocking xrays. He is a vey wonderful, knowlegeable man!

I dont know those breeds so I have no idea - what characteristics does a BC have that an Aus Shep doesn't? Can a BC not be determined from an Aus Shep other based on characteristics and traits? I never knew that ... How do BCs and AusSheps go in the working group line up? Does it ever look like there is two of the same breed in the group? Has a judges ever mistaken them for being one or the other? Has a judge ever not know which breed he/she is looking at? (wrt the dog being a BC or AusShep) I suppose we could do comparisons for all breeds and use bad examples of each and then who knows what the real breed actually is, would be kind of like a lucky dip .... but on the whole - in general - can you ascertain an Amstaff from an APBT based on characteristics and traits? You cant ascertain Kangal from Anatolian from what I know you cant ascertain Amstaff from APBT. BUT AmStaff & APBT are not my penchant - so maybe there are charateristics that AmStaff's have which APBT dont ??? Molasseslass, sorry, I'm not sure about the BC thing either, but the aussies I've seen have all had bob tails? is this not a major difference? also appear (to me who is NOT knowledgeable even though I have a BC) to have a sturdier skull and jaw than a BC? Honest query as I've never thought about confusing the two.xx

Hi JJ I agree with PF. Please do a lot of research through the breed threads. Most dogs would be good with a smaller dog, but a rough large pup may really upset your dog and this could need a lot of supervision. The only other thing is are you OK re housing etc? I know you had a thread about maybe having nowhere to live with Jet etc. not long ago, but I think you went back home? Sorry, my memory is not that great. Anyway, it is always a lot harder with EVERYTHING, costs, renting, travelling, staying with friends etc etc etc. with more than one dog. Good luck.xx

Completely different in size and many many other areas too. Origins, country, temperament, EVERYTHING. I voted Yes, although I have to admit to knowing nothing about these breeds apart from knowing several amstaffs and having 2 pitbulls as neighbours (yes, they are not allowed here). I'm a bit confused too as to how staffords and bull terriers came up in the topic. but obviously I've missed something. ;)

No black and white, but can't wait to see pics, I used to have and show wolfies, marvellous dogs

Hi Daisy, I know a prof. dog trainer who has deaf ACDs (also rescues I think) who do agility etc. etc.. I will see if I can contact her and if she minds giving advice xxxxxxxThese go offlead and do all the 'normal' things ACDs with hearing would do.

He sounds pretty normal for a baby. Check out the tibbie threads AND the puppy socialisation and development calendars pinned at the top of this puppy problems section excellent. Remember he has had litter mates and mum around and now he is in a strange environment, no 'family' etc. and he has NO idea what is expected of him. Be gentle, no 'telling off' etc. just calm and positive reactions and show him what he needs to do.The following you around thing etc. is very normal too, so is the weeing on any mat, they all look the same to him and he thinks that is what he is meant to do. Time and gentle training and LOADS of patience will benefit you both and in 12 months the 'puppy OMG!! :D ' type stuff will be a distant memory Enjoy it, it's not for long, get it right now and you will have 15 (hope) or more years of treasured companionship.xxxxxxx

Zackly! He is a BABY!! He needs to eat, sleep LOTS... and have a few minutes playtime every so often. Zackly ;) here too, just a baby. I'm still waiting for my viz to settle ;) but, she's only 4!!! :D

There's an elderly couple who show here (QLD) who have a fantastic Borzoi AND an Affenpinscher who is ADORABLE (I think?? he may be Inky or a simlar name relating to colour??) anyway, what a gorgeous pair they are, the borzoi is much older and the little affie is the size of his nose :D and they are great together. Lovely

Phew, lucky! I couldnt believe viz and spin were not on the list!! :D ;) Looks like I should get my Bracco plans underway!(dreaming!)

definately thyroid checks etc. Poor boy.xx I know nothing about shibas except that they are so stunning looking! Lovely. Re escape, is there any way at all you can have them indoors somewhere so that you can at least get some sleep? without the worry of escape? I would also have a check done for brain tumours etc. I had a terrier with a brain tumour and it took a while to be diagnosed as he presented with all sorts of strange symptoms and the vet only had what I said to go on. It was not entriely noticable until he had muscle wasteage on his skull which was dificult to see at first because of his coat. He presented with odd behaviour, weight loss although eating more than ever, vagueness, unfocassed, occassionally walked 'crooked' ie. in a diagonal line not direct line, weakness, all sorts of symptoms that could have been other things and he was 12 and had never exhibited these before so I firstly put it down to 'old age', senility or deafness etc.. My vet also sends samples to USA and I recommend this too. Good luck, what a shame, I hope you have a good outcome. It's os hard when you ccan't see anything really 'physical' xxxxxxxxx

Completely disgusting I wonder about some councils and animal control officers, training levels , education etc. Mostly it seems to be appalling. Our local paper had a full page spread yesterday (good on them ) about pound dogs, the officer in the photo with one of the dogs said that the dog was available and a 'purebred Maltese Terrier Shiatsu'. and that there are many other purebred dogs in the pound It's scary. I hope this poor dog is picked up and at home, how upsetting. An accident waiting to happen. THese things need to be logged, as if and when it goes pear shaped, the council will be responsible along with the (*(*&^%%$% owner, who does not derserve a dog at all.

I can only mention my own experiences. went to a specialist, Mike Shipstone and he did an intradermal when I went for a consult, he was great and offered to do it there and then Results in aboutt half an hour, vaccine made up during the following fortnight and since then, 2 years, NO allergies at all

Thankyou so much for all of the updates xxxxxxxxxxxx so many wonderful people out there helping, restores our faith in humanity, love to you all.xxx