jrm88

If eosinophils(type of wbc which indicates increase from parasitic load) are increased it could indicate a reaction to a parasite (also can go up with allergic or hypersensitivity reactions) . Keep in mind this can indicate a reaction to any parasite, not any specific type. An increase in this would not routinely indicate a heartworm infection if there has been otherwise fairly consistant prevention being given. If there were other symptoms than it may be more believable.

Different clinics have different overheads to pay. Some may make most of their money off quantity of procedures performed, others may make it through quality service to a smaller volume, some may charge more for medication. In the end, vets are a business. If you choose to have pets, you need to understand this and plan for how to pay in the event a large amount is needed, or you need to accept euthanasia may be the more realistic outcome. Pets are a luxury, not a right, more people need to remember that when moaning about vet costs. No one is forced to own a pet.

That is good to know. Next time I have my 12 yo toy poodle's teeth cleaned I will mention this to the vet. I just wanted to clarify that the gas your dog receives is still a general anaesthetic (most likely isoflurane) . It is a different method of delivery. Inhalation vs. intravenous. Inhalation anaesthetic is safer in that it is expelled very quickly (via the lungs) whereas intravenous anaesthetic needs to be metabolized which takes time. Induction with an inhalation agent is usually more stressful on an animal as they can taste/smell the anaesthetic and often fight it (obviously different for different animals). But it is good that animals do recover so quickly from this method.

Havent really posted much in here, but need motivation in the winter months..! I own a 2.5yr old silver standard poodle (Leo) and we are doing agility training at croydon.. Things we have been working hard on (and being a little successful!) are not babysitting and me just trusting Leo knows what to do (which he does!) I would love to do a trial this year sometime, hopefully that will happen :)

Wow your all very lucky. I'd say 50-60% of our patients decide to lick/fuss at their stitches. If you have seen an animal eviscerate itself (which I have seen twice), cause a gaping wound which needs to be sutured again or cause a bad infection, you would understand our concern and why we may push for the elizabethan collars for certain pets. I do not believe every dog requires an elizabethan collar though. Also please remember, the general public (not as dog savvy as your average dol'er) do not understand the consequences if their dog "just licks a little at night".

There are some idiots at Knox dog park. Encouraging dogs to "work out any problems for themselves". I dont go into the enclosed area as I've found people tend to care even less! I'm very wary when I go down there with who my boys play with as unfortunately some ppl say "let them work it out" without realizing how quickly the situation could escalate.

Congrats!!! :) Am sure I will see you around :)

Wrap him in a towel and use your legs to restrain him :) Towel can be used to immobilise his head a bit!

I think a lot of people get in, then realise they actually have to do more training at home to progress and so don't end up turning up. I am loving training there :)

Glad you enjoyed your visit :) And the lil poodle always loves meeting new doggies/ppl ! Hope to see you nxt weekend! :)

As its been said before. Different vets have different overheads and companies that they use. Someone here may b quoting prices for a large vet in syd (very exp to run!) or a small one vet clinic in a low demographic area (much cheaper)) Vets are a business, they need to profit to continue to run. Pets are not a right, they are a luxury that comes with additional expense and owners need to have a backup plan. Whether its a savings account, cc for emergencies, borrowing off family, vet that will allow accounts etc

Just wanted to add...Barkley is spectacular to watch! :) he is fantastic.

Just to make sure... His stomach isn't "bruised" looking is it?? If the skin is just red, yep could be allergic reaction. Just wanting to make sure he isn't bleeding under the skin which could be an emergency :) hope his skin is just red n Im being paranoid! :)

I had to stop going to berwick.. Grounds were waaaaay too muddy for my std poodle (HAD to bath him after every class) and he got incredibly bored as much of the class was too repetitive. I'm at croydon dog club now and it's well worth the 35/40 min drive :) we never do repetitive work and it's much more suited to my poodle (incredibly positive reward based) Berwick is good for some ppl and not so good for others. Goodluck :)

Most dogs will not lay still for a shoulder X-ray so sedation is normally required. Cheapest is not always the best option. Experience, knowledge n best medicine should considered along with cost :)

Yep please make sure the vet is doing proper diagnostics, not just taking a guess. If they have looked at it under a microscope, it may be time to send a sample to a lab to determine exactly what bugs are in the ear and what medications they are sensitive to.

Pearly mates in melb(John) He is FANTASTIC. Sorry about your doggy

Ask for the history to be sent to new vet. Results of X-rays will b in there. They should only charge around $55-60 for a consult so they can check the dog and be happy to dispense the pain relief.

Please get him some pain relief straight as soon as possible I cannot believe a vet let you go home without any. That is terrible.

Yep, he is a standard poodle.. (a gianttttt poodle). No, he isnt born with his face and feet clipped, I do that! Amazing the amount of people that think poodles are born with no hair on face/feet!

Definitely a poodle... Fantastic, smart, easily trained dogs. And if the breeder picks a more laid back dog, wouldnt go nuts if missed a walk :) edit: Oh, and she can have it groomed like a doodle if she wants. This is a photo of a poodle groomed like a doodle. http://thebestdoodle.com/index.htm

Heya, I dont think I can come anymore Realised I have archers first training on Sunday which finishes at 12pm, so wouldnt get there till 1.30ish, which is a very long drive since most people leave by 2-3pm! Sorry

Have just started weave training with Leo doing the 2x2 method and I'm so happy with his progress :) he is doing his entries well and the two sets of poles are *almost* in a straight line :) I'm amazed at how fast/well he has picked it up! :)

Also PA, if you want to do some focus work with big dogs around let me know, Leo has only eyes for me when we are training (most of the time!!), so would be good for scooter to gain more confidence around a big dog that shows no interest in him :)

Haha yes pa! His name is archer and he is a white std boy who I'm going to show/do obed/do agility with :p have high hopes for this one lol!!