Alyosha

I fed Coprice for a long time but found it either dropped in quality or just stopped suiting my dogs. So I changed to Cobber (Working) and can't recommend it highly enough. Much less needed, hold weight on them beautifully, their coats are lovely. Plus they have nice small, firm output which is good!! And I feed mince from the local butcher which is $2 a kilo, a little goes a long way - it really, really would go a long way with labs!

This site is written by a very well regarded vet, and is very helpful for things like this: http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/vaccine-side-effects.html

It doesn't necessarily affect anyone at this stage. It is on the National RSPCA page, but it is their new "guidelines" and they are asking people to show their support of them before March 2013. So I would think that is their review period. It is sad to see the gradual decline into Animal Rights nuttery that the RSPCA has allowed itself to fall into.

Oh thanks Megz! Damn it tho I'll be at work. Will have to get home and find the replay.

I'm a bit impatient now as it;s replays of stuff I've seen. And I'm crap at figured out what time things should be on based on overseas times.

As far as I know (only in human terms) is that it is a form of fracture, common in osteoporosis suffers. Or it is caused by a compression fracture - impact/injury. From here: http://www.nysopep.org/Consequences_SpineFractures.shtm When a vertebral fracture occurs, the bone becomes compressed, shatters, and falls in on itself. This type of fracture or broken bone is different than a fracture of a bone in the arm or leg. When a bone in the spine breaks, the bone does not break in two but instead it collapses. This may be diagnosed as a collapsed vertebrae or compression fracture. So it seems there should be a direct cause. I hope you can get some answers. It must be terribly upsetting. Especially in such a youngster.

It seems to me that a dog with prey drive enough to be really into lure coursing may not be a great first dog for a child? I know lots of dogs enjoy coursing, it just depends on how seriously you want them to take it.

Is there an underlying condition causing the bone to become soft or weak? Or did the dog suffer an injury?

Yesterday our girl Andie-Pandie, aka Ch Alyosha Andromeda (pending) qualified for her Champion title. She is our very first home bred champion Borzoi. We couldn't be prouder of her, and her brothers and sisters who are both stunningly beautiful Borzoi and dearly loved family members both here and overseas. Just like human kids they grow up far too quickly!! It's a little bittersweet. :) At just six weeks old: And here winning Junior in Show at the 2012 Borzoi National:

GSP? https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3639077190204&set=o.378422495555436&type=1&theater

What a joke. Seriously, what a way for RSPCA to try and lose any shreds of credibility they may have left. Dear oh dear.

Could any of the collies suit?

Did you report it? http://www.apvma.gov.au/forms/docs/KP81_G01.pdf

Well done on the work you have all put in, a very big effort indeed and worthy of many thanks.

$2800??

My Mum's old dog, years ago, chased a neighbours' scatty cat up onto her pergola. As she jumped and barked at poor kitty, he was so scared he pooed himself in one big runny slop onto the verandah. Dog, not to be outdone, jumped forward and licked up sloppy cat poo in one big slurp. Then wanted cuddles for being so clever... At least the verandah was clean...

For a Shiba I would be happy with 9-12 months growth wise. Having lived with bitches in season I would prefer to do a pet bitch before a season as they can be unpredicably feral and prone to trying to escape and getting injured in the process etc. I have had rescue bitches of various crossbreds done from 8 weeks old with no side effects. In a large breed like mine I woud wait until 18-24 months, but first season in my breed is expected around 18 months. It's not unheard of but surprising to have it before then.

I fully agree that some are over the top. I once saw an adoption form from a rescue that asked for annual salary. I'm sorry, but there has to be a limit on privacy invasion. There has to be a happy medium where people are not treated like arseholes and imbeciles. Because if that's the sort of lengths it goes to then it's too much. Sale of any animal can be done with common sense, both on behalf of the animal and the humans involved.

Do they do it if they are separated? We once had a greyhound foster who would pee on any bowl - water or food, if another dog used it. It seemed like an ownership thing - and he was very food driven. It did settle after desexing but never disappeared. He went on to be an only dog and has never done it as far as I know.

It comes down to the active constituent rather than the product. Your vet should be able to advise you as all heartworm product labels recommend vet advice prior to treatment. But checking all registered products listed here: http://services.apvma.gov.au/PubcrisWebClient/search.do;jsessionid=RSlfQGTJhS61690nvj2mksGJxlKYW7SkxsGT62DBn1TN65ZHTZ7D!-1307542827 Shows the following: DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE CITRATE, IVERMECTIN, IVERMECTIN / PYRANTEL AS PYRANTEL EMBONATE products don't include a yes or no on pregnant bitches. MELARSOMINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE product labels specifically says not to use on pregnant bitches. MOXIDECTIN states is safe for breeding bitches. SELAMECTIN and MILBEMYCIN OXIME / PRAZIQUANTEL product labels specifically state that trials have shown safety at 10 times the recommended dose rates in pregnant and lactating bitches. So these two look to be good ideas if you want to pursue treatment - products Revolution and Milbemax. There are a few more, you can continue to browse. Use the "view label" link on the right hand side to access information on each product. edit to add - just read yours so looked at Interceptor and it too has specific info about being safe for pregnant bitches.

He's just gorgeous Tails! Let us all know how you get on with the vet.

I hope you can get some answers, it must be very stressful indeed.

If the dog and bitch are registered and good examples of their breed they should be a similar size, and certainly a suitable size to breed. If not, there is a problem. And an oversize male over a smaller bitch, especially in a breed that has large shoulders and heads anyway, could well be c-section territory. An emergency c-section should range from about $1500 to $2000 I think. edit to add - from the ANKC standard http://www.ankc.org.au/Breed_Details.aspx?bid=71: Weight: Dogs 13-17 kg (28-38 lbs) at withers Bitches 11-15.4 kg (24-34 lbs) at withers Desirable Height: 36-41 cms (14-16 ins) (these heights being related to the weights)

Can you get him checked for intussusception? It can be hard to diagnose if the intestinal movement is sporadic, as an ultrasound really needs to be done when the telescoping is actually happening - catching it in the act so to speak. Would be separate to the leg injury of course. http://www.acvs.org/animalowners/healthconditions/smallanimaltopics/intussusception/ I do know a lady whose young Newfie had ongoing mild and on and off gastric symptoms for some time with nothing really diagnosed. Then she suddenly passed away and a post mortem found the intussusception. Very sad.

Vit C and fluids sounds good. And I wouldn't feed her after this afternoon/evening in case she needs sedation or knocking out at vets tomorrow. Poor Maybe.