kayla1

It clearly says "a top Bullmastiff" - no idea what that might mean but doesn't sound like dog-of-the-year to me. The breeder's website states "UK bullmastiff of the year", hence my use of the term. Sorry - haven't been to the breeder's website No worries. I still don't understand what it means though.

It clearly says "a top Bullmastiff" - no idea what that might mean but doesn't sound like dog-of-the-year to me. The breeder's website states "UK bullmastiff of the year", hence my use of the term.

Oh god how awful. Those poor kids. One of the dogs had been named UK bullmastiff of the year?

Agree re being courteous, helpful etc. However I don't believe rescues send people to pet shops...people do that by choice, not by force. There are plenty of stories of successful adoptions, it's just that for whatever reason we don't hear as much about them on here.

Absolutely, at this stage it's about quality of life.

I agree there are some that wrap their dogs in cotton wool, but I don't think what we're talking about here is the same thing. My dogs are never tethered outside shops, same reason that they are never off lead near roads, or never off lead out the front. I know people, and have spoken to plenty over the phone, who have taken the risk and the dog has suffered for it. The 'what ifs' can and do happen. Personally I'm not willing to take that risk with my dogs.

I haven't read the whole thread, but there is no way I would do it - regardless of whether I could see the dog or not. I'm just not willing to take that risk, for reasons others have already mentioned.

True. :laugh: Interesting. When my older boy Coco came here three years ago, I knew what issues he had then so was prepared for it. I found it harder when he was diagnosed with further problems later on. As you say, you don't necessarily see them age, and to me Coco has always been an older dog so you accept that from the outset and really cherish the time you have with them.

That's great! Glad she is getting some relief. :)

This is good advice, but I think sometimes we just have to share our fears and sorrows, before we square our shoulders and get on with it :) Yes it can be scary if you are dealing with something you have never dealt with before. Sometimes you need to work through that and get your head around everything, then you can get on with dealing with the issue. My older dogs are about 13yrs and 14yrs now and are showing their age - eyesight and hearing not so good, spinal and other issues. So quality of life is most important - which at this stage means a combination of medication and alternative treatments. As showdog said, a lot of adapting! Not just the modifications around the house, but also adapting plans like where and when you walk etc. Lots of love and cuddles, mine also get their favourite treats more often. Enjoy every moment.

Great ideas! I'll start with either the cot mattress cover or the conni critter mat, and keep the stay dry basket in mind for if it becomes more frequent. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Oh poor girl! Sounds like she's getting good relief from the alternative treatments though. We may have a problem with it in future because Coco is now showing signs of tracheal collapse, so if that requires steroid treatment then he'll have to come off the trocoxil. Will see how he goes anyway.

I'm looking for something to put over the top of a dog bed, for my older girl who has occasional loss of bladder control. Is vet bed the best thing to use for this, or is there something else that would work? Thanks.

Coco has been on trocoxil for six months now and continues to do well on it. It has really given him the quality of life that the other meds couldn't. Perhaps it's the continuous anti-imflammatory effect that makes the difference in his case. Though he was a bit sore a few days prior to the last tablet. I hope it doesn't lose effectiveness over time? He's due for his break next month, so not looking forward to that.

A free pass? Not likely. This person has to live with his actions every single day, for the rest of his life. I can't imagine a worse punishment than that.

Wow grade 5 sounds quite severe, it's good that he is ok and doesn't need medication. I feel a bit silly worrying about grade 2. I think it was just the straw that broke the camels back yesterday. A sort of 'oh no, not another thing!' moment. His heart murmur is very loud, but his heart problem is not severe (which is lucky really because he has other issues). Don't feel silly! It's natural to worry...I worry about new things that crop up too, even more so when they already have existing issues.

Natural Pet Store sells Artemis, Earthborn, and TOTW: linky

One of my dogs, Coco, has a grade 5/6 heart murmur. When he started collapsing I took him to a cardiologist where tests showed his heart condition is actually quite mild. He has a leaky valve but, by chance, it comes out right near where the stethoscope sits which is why the murmur sounds so loud. Even the cardiologist was surprised! So it was some unexpected good news, though it didn't explain the collapsing which could still be arrhythmia but we're really not sure. But at this stage Coco does not need heart medication, and the cardiologist said he may never need it! So try not to worry too much about the murmur, it may or may not become an issue in the future.

Hmmmm nutters because we care that this beautiful poor dog lost its life due to the negligence of its carer - well then happy to be called a nutter. :D I am sick of bleeding hearts that think we all need to have sympathy and compassion for our fellow human beings that fail miserably and cause the suffering and horrible death of either animals or humans. How about people being made to be accountable for some of their stupid decisions that cause preventable pain and suffering, instead of trying to excuse them. I can't see anybody trying to excuse it, people are just trying to understand how it could happen. Such a tragedy. Run free beautiful girl.

How did your boy go at the vet?

My two smaller ones sleep on the bed, and the two older ones sleep in their own beds in the bedroom. The older ones used to jump up on the bed in the morning but neither of them can jump up now, and I'm worried about using steps because they are unsteady on their feet. I wish the bed was lower to the floor!

It's so emotionally draining when they are up and down all the time. Just when you think things are looking up and then something else crops up that you have to get your head around. It's really tough. Hope the antibiotics clear his infection.

Agree with the others but just wanted to add, I haven't had any problems giving tramadol before but there are a couple of people on here who have said it changed their dogs' behaviour. So if the behaviour started when you commenced the tramadol then it's another possibility.

Thanks Anne. Actually my other older dog Coco has occasional episodes of fainting which is possibly heart related, but the way he falls is different. Coco wobbles and/or falls flat on his side quickly and then gets up straight away, whereas Kayla seems different, more like she is struggling to stand with her legs if that makes sense. She doesn't have any heart issues that I know of, but I'll check with the vet anyway just in case there is something not right, thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks for the reply espinay2. No head tilt or vomiting. Though when it happens she paces and pants, and was lip-licking a lot last night. I'll ask the vet about it just in case, thanks for the suggestion.