LOLAFOLATA

Hi Canetoad, I have 3 1/2 yo English Mastiff bitch. She has more health and behavioral issues than I care to mention. Couple of years ago now she did her right cruciate. Surgery wasn't an option. We had already undergone hip surgery previously which now I think may have exacerbated the cruciate injuries. I started her with weekly acupuncture and confinement for 3 months. She improved markedly but I allowed her freedom too quickly. The right cruciate held up but then tore the left when I introduced her to our new dog. It was most likely weakened by having to bear her weight. I still didn't want to do surgery. We undertook another period of confinement, course of acupuncture and I tried a harness contraption from the US (total waste of $800-don't go there) and physio exercises. She was bearing weight and moving well - she jumped up on our bed and to my disbelief she did the right again (not so bad as first time & left was fine). Much stricter confinement regime was then undertaken. For 12 months she was confined to her own bedroom unless I was home, was toileted on lead and assisted up and down stairs in early days which I hadn't done previously. Taken for very short walks no inclines and probably only 4 houses up and back. Gentle slopes were introduced slowly and I was able to swim her twice a week in a neighbour's pool for a few weeks which I think helped tremendously. Happy to report now, that for last 4 months she is able to be outside in garden with our other dog and hasn't had relapse. She has developed good muscle tone in thighs which I think has helped keep her sound. I think the important thing is not to allow them to fully extend when running and limit any jumping. I still maintain regular acupuncture and will be looking into hydrotherapy again now a service has become available. She is on pain meds on as needs basis. I can tell when she's stiff and sore. I was skeptical about acupuncture at first but a definite convert. My girl with chronic fear of people is accepting of the vet, hops up on the bed of her own accord, lays down and snoozes through her treatment. Surgery isn't the only option available but if you choose therapeutic remedies you need to be prepared for a long slog and as another poster mentioned, it's no cheaper in long run. I did heaps of online research and there's plenty of conflicting opinions. The course I took suited my girl and our circumstances. Good luck!

Hi All, Have just purchased one for my Mastiff and wondered if any Dolers have tried the system. Most online reviews were from US and positive but there were a few negatives. Fear it could be more $$$$ down the drain for my girl.

Hi all, Just an update on Daisy-Mae & Leroy, I commenced course of acupuncture, homeopathic and herbal remedies with pleasing results. Have had a setback with tear occuring to right leg (vet told me this was inevitable). We have another 6-12 weeks confinement & rest with ongoing acupuncture. I had thought this was the end and euthanasia only option however, the left leg has been strong and has been able to support her. Right tear appeared worse but is starting to mend and she is starting to regularly bear weight. Even her fear issues have been tempered slightly, which is encouraging. Although a little stir crazy, she really does love being inside 24/7 and the centre of attention when we're home. Although we were sceptical going this route, so far I'm impressed and will continue this course of treatment to manage her ongoing arthritic condition. Daisy-Mae actually lays quietly for the whole treatment and has taken to the vet, Kate. I would certainly recommend to others to give it a try. Leroy is still with us and looks like staying. He has settled down considerably and his behaviour is improving all the time. He goes to doggy day care two days a week which he loves, and comes home completely worn out. He is learning the rules but being the big boofy pup he still is - forgets occassionally. :D We now have a regular routine that we're able to manage. Recently, being my busiest time of year workwise, I've not been able to fit in as many walks for Leroy as I'd like. That should change shortly. Thanks again for the feedback. Wishing you all a safe & happy Christmas & New Year. Lola

Thanks for great advice Espinay. Hoping there will be a Mastiff or 2 at Canberra this year . Looks like Sydney Royal is the go. At least it's a Sunday that I'll be able to attend. Dory Closest Mastiff club is Vic. Still may be worth contacting though. Thanks

Hi Madcat Our Mastiff girl gets this occasionally. I found with her it usually flares up during periods of high stress. She's had flare ups since but as soon as I notice the bumps appearing, I bathe with warm salt water and maintain a much stricter bowl cleaning regime. They haven't seemed to progress to open sores if I get onto it quickly. I wouldn't change diet if you haven't had any problems prior to this. Listening to too much dietry advice with my lot, I chopped and changed foods trying to give them the best and did more harm than good. Stick with what works for you & your dogs within your budget. I use stainless steel feeding dishes and buckets for water. These need cleaning thoroughly every day - amazing how much slobber they leave in the bucket

It is often posted when researching your breed/s of choice or looking for a puppy you should go to shows. How do you find out which shows to go to or what days your breed will be exhibited? Do you need to contact breeders indiviually to see what shows they will be attending? I have been to the last 2 Royal Canberra Shows in the hope of meeting some Mastiffs and their breeders to no avail. It's impossible for me to attend all 3 days of the show. I'm willing to travel a reasonable distance within the region. I would like, though, to be sure a trip wasn't in vain. Any advice on best approach would be appreciated. Thanks Lola

Hi, When surfing for info and treatment for cruciate injuries I came across Prolotherapy on a US vet site. Has anyone had this treatment undertaken or able to provide more information? Also been investigating leg braces. They appear to generally be used for post operative support of the leg. I wondered if it could be used as a measure to prevent full rupture with normal activity. Thanks LF

SL Have been a bit stressed out with the juggling of dogs etc. I haven't given any of us long enough to get into a set routine. One time saver has been Daisy starting to toilet on command. At least I'm not wasting 20 minutes or more while she tries to find just the right spot. As I mentioned the other day, maybe need to advertise for the use of someone's pool who allow their own animals to swim in it. I'm willing to pay. With time limitations already, I can't travel far. May need to get some waders and try and find a safe spot on the river. We started training the Sunday after I brought him home. I'm that poor shmuck that everyone feels sorry for with the worst dog on the paddock. I'll persevere - if he has to be re-homed it will be easier if a bit more under control. Some excellent suggestions RP and you've certainly help put things into perspective. I've had a horror few months with the dogs and trying to keep everything else ticking over too - gets overwhelming. It's been difficult to setup a proper routine. Leroy wasn't entirely the wrong choice for Daisy-Mae. She just has no sense of self-preservation. Even when he'd had enough play she was still inciting more when barely able to hobble on one good leg. Things just didn't pan out as I'd hoped. LF

animals May sound a bit "out there" but she could well be grieving. We lost 2 of our old dogs in quick succession and our 2yo was lost & totally depressed. Our vet said they feel loss like us and can mourn for up to 6 weeks. We had to medicate our girl. Just give her some time to adjust. LF

Great report. Pity it wasn't aired Australia wide.

As you are based in the Canberra region and open to alternative therapies, I would suggest a consult with Capital Animal Physiotherapy. A friend of mine is having great success with them for her dog, it has made a huge difference to her mobility. They even coped easily with the dog being terrified of vets and reactive to pain after having had a lot of it to deal with in her life, and she now accepts the physio very readily. I went along to one treatment and they seemed very capable and frank. Worth a shot for the cruciate? Thanks Diva, I have made initial appointment with Kambah practice for this Saturday. Will be talking acupuncture, physio, homeopathy & herbal remedies (may help fear too). Will keep Capital Animal Physiotherapy in mind though. Are they in Fyshwick? I am keen on physio. Have watched some physio exercises for cruciate post op on youtube but think I need to be shown by expert before I attempt any.

After recently adopting a young adolescent male from the pound, I would never recommend for the inexperienced or feint hearted. I've owned several poundies & rescues that have all come with their challenges. With Leroy though, challenge is a whole new experience. Maybe I'm just getting old with less patience & tolerance. I'd been spoiled with the precious ones we lost recently. I suppose after 6 years, probably had forgotten the worst. Adopting from a reputable group is the best way to go. However, this has it's drawbacks and I can understand why folk look in pounds. If I knew of anyone looking to adopt a poundie, I would be telling them to take along an experienced dog person that would be objective help choose a dog with the right energy for them and avoid sentiment.

Rebanne, respect your call. At the moment she is happy in our home and not in serious discomfort. I would love a better life for her and if she could get out with Leroy, she'd be the proverbial happy pig. Should the alternate therapy not help and/or the cruciate ruptures I won't hesitate in giving her her wings.

Appreciate your concern on the "aggression". Have had 3 behaviourists assess & assist me with her. We also were going to training classes until the cruciate. This dog has been pushed to limits that a dog with a stable temperament wouldn't have tolerated and not looked like biting. Our vet has said it's been her only saving grace otherwise, she would have been euthanased well before now. This is why, though I am not undertaking further surgery. Combining with excessive pain and discomfort could tip her over the edge. Christina, I feel the same about her being happy in the company of another canine. Leroy wasn't the greatest choice. I did want to get an older dog but family thought with all her medical issues and the possibility of having another aging big dog I could be in for double trouble - yet again. Leeli, Would love to be have access to hydrotherapy. Amazing that a city like Canberra doesn't have this kind of service available. Closest is 1-2hr trek up the Hume Highway.

Our 2yo Mastiff girl, Daisy-Mae is a real "reggie reject", and has been since we purchased her at 16wks. She has chronic fear issues (no aggression), hip & elbow dysplasia with arthritis and has recently partially torn a cruciate. No point in breeder contact, she was byb (don't need flaming for this either as I've paid & still paying for mistake - big time!!!) A few months ago we lost our 2 oldies in quick succession and she ended up completely lost as they were her guides and security. She became very depressed and went completely backwards in the progress we'd made with the fear. Vets and breeders advised at the time that it was best not to introduce another dog and develop her bond with me. I undertook this and, subsequently, I had a new shadow. With us all working and her being left alone all day, I felt she really was in need of canine companionship. She was also starting to growl (a guarding instinct I think) when other family members came into rooms I was in with her. It wasn't aggression, more just her insecurity and confusion as to how to react and was always corrected. I was getting some pressure from family that Dais really needed a friend so 3 weeks ago, I adopted a 11mnth MastiffXBulldog male from local pound. They hit it off straight away and hence in her excitement to play, did the cruciate. She has been confined inside since. Leroy has turned out to be a bit of a disaster too now. Typical young dog purchased as cute puppy and now a giant nuisance that ended in pound. Walks and training aren't mellowing "destructo dog". I'm sure if they could be outside together both would settle and I may end up with some backyard left. My dilemma is, I don't want to risk the cruciate rupturing completely. With all her other issues, and the inability for us to undertake the post-op care and confinement for 6-12 weeks (or more), surgery isn't an option. Even our vet is in agreeance on this. As last throw of dice, I am going to try alternate therapies on her (acupuncture etc). My only other option is to re-home Leroy and keep Daisy-Mae as our single "cotton-wool canine". He really is a sweet boy with a great temperament - just full on!!! My concern for him is, being a boisterous 40 something kg bull breed (and growing)he will bounce around from home to home or end up in wrong hands and be ruined. I would also feel pretty guilty inflicting him on someone else. I've always kept my canine mistakes - and there's been a few over the years. Also feel I have an obligation, as my first priorty, to protect Daisy-Mae and give her some quality of life - no matter how short (she won't make old bones). It's a hard one