ILFC

Ooh, pool, the magic word That would be lovely if your OH doesn't object to dogs in pools. I'm going to have to figure out how to teach her to swim. Nah- we're trying to figure out how to get Grover in- he's quite scared as the steps are a bit steep. It's quite a deep pool. We didn't put it in, it was there when we bought the house, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Oh Hortie, so sad for you and little Ebony. I have a pool- maybe a DOL meet at my place See you at obedience on Monday?

I would not want my dog out there anyway why would you? what could happening if they have that much back up there!

This is actually one of the saddest threads I have read on DOL so far. I actually cried reading it. We all know what the outcome will be. That poor, poor little cocker spaniel. Imagine the fear and bewilderment it would feel waking up everyday, maybe even pain if Frank's harsh reactions are daily, and I just wonder what his son is really up to. I can hardly stand it- so unfair that a poor lost little soul like that cocker spaniel has to spend it's days with that family. People who are aware that they need help and refuse to seek it- are one of the worst kind. Frank- if you read this thread anymore- and by your behaviour so far, you just might, I think people have actually held back on you- and let rip nowwhere as much as they could. The way you are treating this dog is reprehensible. Ignorance is one thing, but you really take the cake. You have been clearly pointed in the right direction. What goes around comes around and the lack of devotion and care you have visited on your dog will come back on you, somewhere in your life. You reap what you sow. Good luck.

I remember I thread about this before as showdog has said. What are you doing to deal with these issues? Apart from keep the dog away?

Words cannot describe the emotions that this thread inspires and it is a testimony to an owners devotion to her dog. Thankyou for sharing your amazing journey with us. I feel privileged to read it. Go Ollie dog!!

I take Grover every 4-5 months to check if his paralysis is getting any worse. If I had a normal dog- I 'd just do it with the vac.

D+D- you know what I think of Murdoch but- if you haven't already found a vet- what about Morley Vet Centre? Dr Gibb MacDonald. He is fantastic with Grover and his numerous problems. Good luck anyhoo- keep us updated with Dougal dogs op.

How sad- hope it turns out alright.

What kind of dogs/personality or behaviour would they be unsuitable for?

Maybe its separation anxiety? Have you consulted a behaviouralist or would you? I feel your pain as our boy was going through the same thing. We got help- and it is working. We got a behaviouralist out. You poor thing and poor dog too as they are very stressed.

Yep- bones are a concern. I was going to feed chicken necks but I got too scared. We give Grover a large marrow bone. It seems to be okay. Dru- I'm so sorry for your loss. It is a horrible disease. One of the trainers (at my dog club) saints lost her battle with LP too. LP sucks the big one.

I use a sporn harness- if that is the one with the thin cords? Grover walks very well in it- he can have no pressure in the neck area at all. He was a puller but the harness (and persevering with training) has stopped him. They work well for me anyway.

PM showdog- she was great! Grover looked lovely and she is great with the dogs. Very experienced- doesn't tie Grover up or anything.

Maybe you're so good- that they expect a lot from you- not realising that you are a little inexperienced? You sound like you are doing awesome stuff- and maybe you're fanatastic at it and they keep rasing the bar?

Well, I think it is more disheartening when you don't get the results you can see other people getting and sometimes might take comments a bit personally? My club is staffed by volunteers and I appreciate every moment I am there because I took an absolute feral there and now I have a really nice, friendly canine citizen- that can go anywhere. I can't see us trialling due to health issues (doggy) but I'm trying really hard to get us into the top class. I love learning about dogs- the hour passes so quickly. Dog instructors are way way way less harsh than horsey ones IMO. I feel confident in my dog and the OH and I keep saying remember when? and oh- that's right he doesn't do that anymore and having a laugh. I reckon you make heaps of mistakes with your first dog though. I have anyway.

That's great Mavmon- I'd sit tight for now if I were you. Good luck with your girl.

Sorry mavmon- should have adding the bit in re age. For a start- your doggie is better off as she is much less likely to want to run around etc. Seeing how she goes is pretty much good advice due to her age. It's just that it may come to an emergency decision if she goes into respiratory distress. You may need to start thinking about what your response to the vet may be. I was initally devastated but you get used to their disability and they don't know they are different. I really am sad for you and your old girl as it is a battle that they will be fighting until they go to the bridge. Older dogs after the op usually pass away from unrelated conditions anyway.

Hi Mavmon, PM me if you want! I'll give you a run down of what happened to Grover. He was diagnosed at six months with LP after going to vet after vet. No one knew what it was in such a young dog. Grover's airway was so compromised the op was the only option. He had a tie back operation straight away- they tie one side back of the epiglottis. They usually go in through the side of the neck. They do one side to try and minimise the risk of aspiration puemonia (sp?) where food and water falls down into the lungs because of the tie back. It has a long recovery time and you need to keep them quiet (use drugs if neccessary). Pick a surgeon who has done many as they do not have a lot of space to work with. Grover was very difficult as keeping a young flat coat quiet was a nightmare. There are risks such as the tie back not working or making too much scar tissue. But there really is no other option- unless you want to put to sleep. All dogs eventually need the op. Months on; and Grover's breathing will never be normal- you will still hear their breathing, but they can get air! He is so happy and he can run- for a bit anyway. You need to be very careful in the heat, as they can't pant a lot to get air- I mean, they will a bit, but they don't get the same amount of air. Do not put a collar on at all. Your dog will need to wear a harness from now on; they also know themselves, they know they can't breathe in the collars and won't walk. Having the op. was great but hard work. Grover's condition will probably be accompanied by other paralysis such as megaoesophogus or his back legs will go. But his is congenital- your dog's is acquired. They don't really know a lot about it. You will need to watch what they eat e.g. big bones rather than small chicken necks, no biscuits etc. as they can shatter and go into the lungs easily. Soft, wet foods. It's like a disability. Life expectancy beyond LP- I don't know. But, with sadness, I welcome you to the LP club. ;)

There's a difference between a vet doing the op and your dad because they are trained and have access to painkillers and antibiotics. How horrible for that poor dog. It would be very painful.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your special girl. Our boy has LP too.

Soooo cute!

They might be infected? have you been to the vet?

Hi DandD, Grover is on the prozac- as you know and it has had no effect on his coat. His thyroid levels are also monitored due to his LP- they are a little low and may get worse. But his coat seems okay- soft and beautiful (now that showdog has done it ) Weird that it is thinner though- do Goldies change their coat? e.g. from a puppy one to adult?

I went to both- to work on my boys S/A. They both said the same thing. The vet could dispense the medication. However, I was comforted at seeking the second opinion and that they both said the same things. I feel confident in my actions now. Just need to make sure I always keep up what I need to do.