greyhoundangel

I emailed the Perth Rep a little bit earlier...a few years back they offered to put me on the Breeders Club, but then I decided not to do it as I didn't know as much about them back then, but have been hearing great things mostly since joining this forum... I hope they will consider the Breeders Club again Mel xx

They fit the 'Maxi' range, but then they don't fit the lifespan range... I have mostly greyhounds 22kg - 33kg I would say... Mel xx

Hello I am looking at changing my dogs to this for their 'dry' food. I hope to also incorporate more 'raw' food if time permits Can anyone give me idea's on prices, types that are probably more suitable for my dogs, pro's and con's etc? Mel xx

The dog has always been aggressive, he was originally one of her sons dogs... Her response is learnt it is not intentional, we need productive idea's to help not name calling, I mean she is not even here anyway so that is not going to help... If I and my mother agreed with what was happening, I wouldn't be posting here to get extra help and idea's... Mel xx

No reason to get so cranky, or make judgements... Like I said that is what I call it, because good people do not do it on purpose...it's a learned response and we have to find effective ways to help change her habit... The suggestions I have been given have been great and hopefully will help this dog and his owner... Mel xx

He has been seen by the Vet, so I would hope that they checked this, but will ask my mum... As I say to people it's killing them with kindness... I have to constantly walk around with a really skinny greyhound (no not the normal skinny), because to gain any more weight on him would affect his legs...I would love to see him heavier etc but it would be more unkind to do that... I do recall her having a diabetic dog I think!!!! That is ringing some bells for me, will check into that too... I use to go to school with her daughter, so I have known the family for a long time but have not had anything to do with them for many, many years... Mum still has lunch with this lady once a week, for as long as I can remember... Mel xx

I had been thinking that if she found it too hard to say no to pleading eyes then put the dogs outside before she eats... When I was pet sitting recently I found it extremely hard to ignore one of the dogs, but within a few days I just realised that I coudn't handle it, so I had him outside while I ate... Thanks for your idea's :D Mel xx

Yes it is very strange, and how many times have we seen people who have been told to quit smoking because of the dangers or to change their diet because they are also killing themselves... Hopefully pictures may help, but I have an adopter of one of my hounds who has her greyhound grossly over weight. She knows it's dangerous, she knows what she has to do, but she cannot help herself - she too is also obese... Mel :D

Mum has suggested things like carrot, she is at her witts end She said she just can't seem to get through to her...even this womans own son tells her off if she goes to feed the dog things she shouldn't... I really don't get it... Mel xx

I guess it works the same way with people, they continue to do things that are going to kill them - it's so damn frustrating!!!! Keep everything coming, I want to have lots of stuff to arm my mum with so that 'hopefully' we will get through to her... Mel xx

My mum and the Vet has gone on and on to her about the fact that she is reducing his life... but she still is paranoid about starving him :D Mel xx

My mum is really worried about her friends Blue Heeler, as you can see by the title that's exactly how much this boy weighs... He is a purebred... Apparently she can't walk him as often as she would like as he does not like other dogs and can be a handful... The food he 'should' be eating to help him lose weight is a half a cup twice a day but she won't feed that as she thinks it is not enough food... She's constantly giving him tidbits when she is eating... This poor boy is going to die unless we can change her way of thinking (which isn't likely) or to help while still making her feel that she is feeding him enough... I am open to all suggestions that I can give my mum to then pass on to this lady... Thanks, Mel xx

I am a strong believer in vaccinating puppies and yes the dogs first annual vaccination after that... As one who works in rescue all our dogs are C5 vaccinated before they go, but then it is up to the owner... I don't vaccinate after the dog is two years old, unless there is some reason for it... My Tia is turning 9 this year, the last time she was vaccinated would of been when she was 12 months old... Mel

Bloat Deep-chested dogs are susceptible to gastric torsion; the dreaded "bloat" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction The physiology of bloat Treatment Preventation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction Bloat, Torsion. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Call it what you will, this is a serious, life-threatening condition of large breed dogs. While the diagnosis is simple, the pathological changes in the dog's body make treatment complicated, expensive, and not always successful. A typical scenario starts with a large, deep-chested dog, usually fed once daily. Typical breeds affected are Akita, Great Dane, German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Irish Wolfhound, and Irish Setter. Sighthounds, Doberman Pinschers, Weimaraners, Bloodhounds, other similar breeds, and large, deep-chested mixed breeds are also affected. Factor in the habit of bolting food, gulping air, or drinking large amounts of water immediately after eating to this feeding schedule and body type. Then add vigorous exercise after a full meal, and you have the recipe for bloat. Of course, the fact that not all bloats happen in just the same way and the thought that some bloodlines are more at risk than others further complicates the issue. Simple gastric distention can occur in any breed or age of dog and is common in young puppies who overeat. This is sometimes referred to as pre-bloat by laymen. Belching of gas or vomiting food usually relieves the problem. If this condition occurs more than once in a predisposed breed, the veterinarian might discuss methods to prevent bloat, such as feeding smaller meals or giving Reglan (metoclopramide) to encourage stomach emptying. Some veterinarians recommend, and some owners request, prophylactic surgery to anchor the stomach in place before the torsion occurs in dogs who have experienced one or more bouts of distention or in dogs whose close relatives have had GDV. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The physiology of bloat Torsion or volvulus are terms to describe the twisting of the stomach after gastric distention occurs. The different terms are used to define the twisting whether it occurs on the longitudinal axis (torsion) or the mesenteric axis (volvulus). Most people use the terms interchangeably, and the type of twist has no bearing on the prognosis or treatment. When torsion occurs, the esophagus is closed off, limiting the dog's ability to relieve distention by vomiting or belching. Often the spleen becomes entrapped as well, and its blood supply is cut off. Now a complex chain of physiologic events begins. The blood return to the heart decreases, cardiac output decreases, and cardiac arrythmias may follow. Toxins build up in the dying stomach lining. The liver, pancreas, and upper small bowel may also be compromised. Shock from low blood pressure and endotoxins rapidly develops. Sometimes the stomach ruptures, leading to peritonitis. Abdominal distention, salivating, and retching are the hallmark signs of GDV. Other signs may include restlessness, depression, lethargy, anorexia, weakness, or a rapid heart rate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Treatment GDV is a true emergency. If you know or even suspect your dog has bloat, immediately call your veterinarian or emergency service. Do not attempt home treatment. Do take the time to call ahead.; while you are transporting the dog, the hospital staff can prepare for your arrival. Do not insist on accompanying your dog to the treatment area. Well-meaning owners are an impediment to efficient care. Someone will be out to answer your questions as soon as possible, but for now, have faith in you veterinarian and wait. Initial diagnosis may include x-rays, an ECG, and blood tests, but treatment will probably be started before the test results are in. The first step is to treat shock with IV fluids and steroids. Antibiotics and anti-arrythmics may also be started now. Then the veterinarian will attempt to decompress the stomach by passing a stomach tube. If this is successful, a gastric levage may be instituted to wash out accumulated food, gastric juices, or other stomach contents. In some cases, decompression is accomplished by placing large-bore needles or a trochar through the skin and muscle and directly into the stomach. In some cases, this medical therapy is sufficient. However, in many cases, surgery is required to save the dog. Once the dog's condition is stabilized, surgery to correct the stomach twist, remove any unhealthy tissue, and anchor the stomach in place is performed. The gastroplexy, or anchoring surgery, is an important procedure to prevent recurrence, and many variations exist. Your veterinarian will do the procedure he feels comfortable with and which has the best success rate Recovery is prolonged, sometimes requiring hospital stays of a week or more. Post-operative care depends on the severity of the disease and the treatment methods employed and may include a special diet, drugs to promote gastric emptying, and routine wound management. Costs may run $500-1000 or more in complicated cases. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prevention Clearly, prevention of GDV is preferable to treatment. In susceptible breeds, feed two or three meals daily and discourage rapid eating. Do not allow exercise for two hours after a meal. As previously mentioned, some owners feel that certain bloodlines are at greater risk and choose to have gastroplexy performed as a prophylactic measure. While the genetics of GDV are not completely worked out, most breeders and veterinarians feel there is some degree of heritability. Therefore, while prophylactic gastroplexy will probably help an individual dog, it makes sense not to breed dogs who are affected or who are close relatives of those suffering from GDV. Kathleen R. Hutton, DVM Source: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/bloat.html Mel

I have a GSD. That is what I was wondering..... :p It's funny, a GSD breeder that we know says that GSD's should only be fed once a day???? It would be interesting to hear what other breeders think about this... Certain breeds have to be fed twice a day due to the risks of bloat, although even if we didn't have to worry about this, I would still feed twice a day... Mel

I guess it depends on your breed, with mine I cannot get it down to one meal a day, it has to be broken up into two meals... Mel

Yesterday the day I was going to be arriving home, I was so excited...mostly because I was going to see my furkids again (being away from them for a week was very hard)... One of my guinea pigs, well his new cage had turned up while I was away and I was also excited about setting it up for him... I was also going to go and buy new bottles and other stuff for them... When I rang Steve in the morning, the first thing out of his mouth was 'I was dreading you calling'...he then told me that my gorgeous little girl Summer had passed away over night I'm still in shock Steve said she was her normal self the night before, but honestly her death does pose many questions... Squeak and play free at the Rainbow Bridge my little girl... Mel xx

Do they know that she definitely has brain damage? It could just be her being a pup I've seen some strange puppy behaviour... She is cute little girl - good luck with her... I think I really must find out when Ross is at the clinic, he hasn't been there of late so either has cut down on his shifts, is sick, or taking some time off... I read over the stuff that I had to fill in for John and it's just not what it is about...why spend $250 when you know it's not going to make a difference... I trust Ross more with his recommendations... Mel

It's very common for dogs with brain damage to be killed by other dogs... I brought up my concerns of this to our Vet the other day, she agreed... It's pretty scary... Thank you for sharing... Mel xx

Well today's visit to the Vet was a waste of time... She doesn't do consults at the clinic and has all these forms to fill out... I was like why didn't the Vet just say this so I didn't have to drive all the way back up with John for nothing? Oh well, will fill in the forms but might get another opinion first as don't want to be wasting money on something that could be better spent on the 'right' treatment... Mel xx

Thanks everyone for your replies... Well I went and saw the Vet yesterday, they all fell in love with him again - he does tend to make you do that ;) He is booked in to see the Behavourist on Friday, and then we will also decide if medication is the way to go... I've had John since he was a puppy, at 8 weeks he was taken to the Vet to be put to sleep as he had been crushed by his mother and had his pelvis broken... He had some growing pains but that didn't last for more than a year. I think we had him in our care at around 6 months... He never grew properly and the Vet thought he would never grow bigger than he was at 6 months... John weighs 23kg if that gives an idea of his size... The Vet yesterday did say however that he is in really good health, so that is a plus I worry for the most part because as many know who have dogs or who have had dogs with brain damage, they are at a high risk of being killed by other dogs that live with them... I know I am safe with Tia as she is just not that type of dog and has been with John since he was a pup - she handles him very well. Stanley often will lay into John but due to his size has not been able to do much, plus I think deep down he knows not to take it too far... Still I worry...if we can help him out a bit more since he is getting worse, then I will Thanks again, Mel xx

Run free little girl... Mel

Hello Louise, Yes another check-up is definitely on the cards. He as at the Vet's not so long back but that was for an injury and at the time his behaviour was still around the norm for him... You worry because it could just be what happens but if it's something like you say, then it's best to get in early... Mel xx

It's not been suddenly but constant meaning constantly over the past few years... It's just constantly gotten worse... He appears totally healthy, happy...I might be worrying too much, but thought I would check to see if it was common? Will get him checked out anyways... Yes brain tumors can cause personality changes in dogs... Oh well, will try and not get too stressed... Thanks for all the input, much appreciated Mel xx

I'm probably being paranoid but the change has been constant for some time now... I am a bit of a worrier when it comes to my furkids as you could appreciate... Mel