Bullbreedlover

There are many reasons that a dog will bloat. We have had two Bulldogs with this condition. One survived, one didnt. I also know of Bullmastiffs that have bloated. As an owner of these breeds I am very vigilant as to my feeding of the dogs and their exercise routines. It has also been suggested that dogs who dont readily burp can be predisposed. As they are not releasing the gases in their body. Gulping I think is a huge factor as well as rapidly eating meals. Part of my dogs meals is dry kibble but I always soak the kibble. I dont fully soak it but just enough so that they are not producing extra saliva while eating. They are not allowed alot to drink for some time after their meal. They are allowed to toilet before or after but no strenuous exercise. An extract from a Bulldog website Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. It is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs are particularly at risk. Please consult with your veterinarian for medical information. The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation"). Stress can be a contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog. The exact cause for bloating isn't really known but the most accepted theory is that the dog has eaten an exceptionally large meal, drank lots of water and then proceeded to exercise strenuously within the next two to three hours. It is believed that by exercising immediately after eating causes the stomach to expand with gas, fluid or expanding food causes extreme distention. If this occurs and is caught by a veterinarian in time, a large tube can be feed down the dog's esophagus and on into the stomach. The audible hiss of escaping gas can be not only heard but also smelled. If the distention isn't caused by gas but by liquid and/or food, the same tube will be used to "pump" the stomach and carry the excess away while providing immediate relief to the dog. The owners will usually be told to leave the animal for observation to make sure the distention doesn't reoccur. There are times when the tube will not pass and another aspect of bloat occurs. When this happens, it is usually because the excess of food and liquid in the stomach combined with an animal who runs, jumps or exercises in some other manner causes the stomach itself to become flipped or twisted in a condition known medically as "gastric torsion." When true gastric torsion cases occur, is mere minutes count toward the survival of the dog. During gastric torsion, the stomach does a complete rotation or "flips" which then causes a constriction of the blood supply at each of the ends. Stomach tissue like any other tissue will become necrotic and die without the necessary blood supply. The most noticeable symptoms are the grossly distended abdomen; extreme restlessness often with pacing, excessive salivation and drooling, attempts to vomit without results, whining and cries of pain. Unfortunately owners often don't recognize the problem until it is too late. For the dog to be saved, the owner must notice the symptoms of gastric torsion or bloat early in the onset to have any chance of saving their pet. If the condition is not caught early enough, the dog will usually goes into shock, become comatose and then die. If you have been able to get the dog to the veterinarian early enough, and relief isn't seen by passing the naso-gastric tube, surgery becomes the only option. Again, this is a condition where minutes make the difference between life and what is an agonizing death. It must be remembered that even with surgery, the chances of survival are not that great. During years of research, Very few ( 2%) survive the surgery and return home. The condition of dogs who did live were noticed immediately and recognized as gastric torsion because owners had had dogs die of the condition at some other time. Without surgery, the mortality rate is 100% and the once the problem is diagnosed, the dog needs to go immediately into surgery or be put down to avoid needless suffering. If surgery is the course of action decided on, the dog will be placed under a general anesthesia. The veterinarian will shave and prep the abdominal area from sternum to groin and make a large incision down the midline of the dog. He will then proceed to pull the intestines and stomach out and lay it on the surgery table. These organs and tissues will need to be kept wet so a technician will usually be standing by with large syringes filled with some type of sterile water that may even be mixed with antibiotics. Once the abdomen is opened up and the necessary area is exposed, the doctor will then untwist the stomach. Once this is done, he will begin checking the stomach and intestine for necrotic areas. If any are found, he will usually recommend the dog be put down. If no dead tissue is found though, he will suture or "tack" the stomach to the abdominal wall with the material of his choice. This tacking is done in the hopes of preventing the dog's stomach from once again twisting. Once the stomach is tacked, the doctor will replace the intestines and proceed in closing the abdomen. From this point, it will be a matter of wait and see as to whether the dog survives. If he or she does, instruction will be given as to the special dietary and feeding needs of the dog. Usually, the doctor will recommend several small meals as opposed to one large meal during the day. He or she will also suggest placing the food at an elevated level, moistening any dry food so the dog will feel full quicker and limiting the availability of water after eating. For those dogs lucky enough to survive their ordeal, they will normally go on to live long, healthy lives giving years of companionship to their owners as long as proper obedience is given to the doctor's orders. .

Fingers crossed everything will be ok.

Thanks Kaffy Alex is back at home now. We had Pets Rest in Peace look after him. They were wonderful. No, they do not live long enough.

Wow, you are very talented and you have these as treasured memories. I can see Alex was a very special dog, and he has a lovely gorgeous face in his photos and pictures. That is a lovely poem in your first post too. I have not seen that one before. I believe that every minute of happiness with my girls is worth the terrible grief I will experience when they go. No, it doesn't get easier, I have never lost a child but I'm sure its like losing a child - its just devastating. I send you hugs. May the time come you think of him fondly and smile without the tears soon. Thank you all. Alex's ashes come back to us tomorrow(Friday) We had him cremated so if we move,he will of course come with us. So many happy memories. So little time that they are with us. The tears will stop eventually.

Did a bit of a google search If it was the injection site A firm, non-painful lump under the skin at the site of injection: It is not uncommon, particularly with killed vaccines containing reactive adjuvants (immune system stimulatory additives), to get a lump at the site of vaccination. Generally this lump is under the skin and can be quite mobile. Often somewhere around the size of a pea, right up to the size of a large marble, these vaccine-site-reaction lumps are comprised of a mixture of inflammatory cells (the immune system cells that attacked the injected vaccine) and scar tissue. They may stay the same size for years or can, over time (generally 2-6 weeks), reduce in size. Some will even disappear. In some breeds (e.g. poodle, bichon), these reactions can be associated with dark skin pigmentation and loss of hair at the site of the vaccine. Many veterinarians will vaccinate show dogs in discrete areas (inside the groin, under the point of the shoulder) to avoid vaccine-associated lumps or hairloss being picked up by judges at shows. When to worry: If the lump grows very large within the first month of vaccination (particularly if the lump is red and painful or the animal is off colour), I would advise veterinary attention. Not all vaccine lumps are typical vaccines site reactions: abscesses can occur if the vaccine was contaminated with bacteria or if bacteria from the skin was inadvertently pushed under the skin by the vaccine needle. Abscesses need veterinary attention. Also, if the lump stays one size for ages and then, inexplicably, starts growing in size, I would definitely advise checking this. It is possible for cancers (e.g. feline vaccine associated sarcoma) to form at sites of inflammation, including vaccination inflammation. For this reason, you should make a habit of regularly palpating and noting the size of any lump present on a pet.

It is quite possible that while she was vomiting her palate may of partially blocked her trachea. Hence the collapse. I am not saying she has a palate problem though. What breed is she J? It could be a grass seed Injection sites can cause reactions. Is the lump hard or soft and palatable. Is it easily moveable under the skin. My old Bullmastiff has a small hard lump under her skin on the under side of her neck. It has been there for over a year. It doesnt cause her any problems.Not sure if it is her microchip as I havent had the area scanned.

I captured him in my artwork His paw print is tattooed on my arm

And he loved just chilling out

He loved his kennel mates and even tolerated the Bulldog. He loved sharing ricies and ice cream

Thank you He was a stunning boy He loved his teddys and things he wasnt allowed to play with

Thank you I have cried many tears today It never ever gets easier when we say goodbye to our beautiful friends. I held him to the end and it was very quick and very peaceful.

Aust/NZ Ch Castlecliff Gingerbread Man(Imp NZ) 1-06-2003 - 14-05-2011 I'll lend for you a little while, A champion he said. For you to love while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead. It may be one or seven years, Or twenty-two or three, But, will you, till I take him back, Take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, And should his stay be brief, You'll have the lovely memories, As solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught on earth, I want this dog to learn. I've looked the wide world over, In my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd lives lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him lots of love, Nor think the labour vain, Nor hate me when I come, To take him back again. I fancied that I heard you say, Lord thy will be done. For all the joy this dog will bring, The risk of grief I'll run. I'll shelter him with tenderness, I'll love him while I may. And for the happiness that I've known, Forever grateful stay. But should you call for him, Much sooner than I planned, I'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand. "And an angel came and laid her hand upon his weary head" The moon shines brighter this mid autumn eve For a beautiful dog star was given his angel wings Debbie and Mike Stonebridge Bullmastiffs and Bulldogs

Without digging out the paperwork I think from memory both my girls surgery(pyo) was very close to $500.00. each.

Thanks Erny. Dr Dodds is most certainly an expert in the field. Dog is not displaying other classic high/low thyroid symptoms(that I have read of) and I have a good general understanding of the endocrine system so maybe(just maybe) the thyroid is not to blame here. But it is still a possibility. Shall investigate further. Any advice is welcome.

Thyroid tumours can occur in dogs but they are not generally functional (ie. they are not associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels). I think your current plan of vet check, bloods and assess the lumps with an FNA (if possible / indicated) is a good place to start). Many thanks Rappie There are other possibilities as to what it could be as well instead of thyroid but fingers and toes crossed that everything will be OK. Palpating the lumps does cause discomfort. I am worried.

With thyroid problems has anyone encounted lumps(I am talking ping pong ball sized ones) around the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland area. One side has a couple of lumps. The other side has at least three. Two are joined. No hair loss as such, except dog is moulting anyway. A little listless, although age is a factor. Will seek vets advice and get blood tests done as well as possible asperation, but thought there may be a doler with some helpful advice. A bit of loose skin around throat and have only just noticed the lumps. No temp. Very hard on palpatation Thanks

We use rapigel for ourselves although can understad the benefits for animals. Well, it is for animals anyway. Hubby does different jobs at ork and gets very sore fingers and has used it with much success. I have used it on my back with good results. We got it from Horseland and the lady said that they are selling it more for people than for animals. It has a drying agent in it. How have you found it rubiton?

Most probably is. Cant imagine why it is not the same in all states.

I just asked hubby a few questions. It was on the radio that we were hearing about the Black Cockatoos and the guy was discussing about selling the Blacks and the fines that can be imposed if you sold one without a licence. BTW Eclectus Parrots are NOT allowed to be sold in Pet Shops.

They are a beautiful bird and yes you do need a licence. I know the regulations have changed for the blacks in some regards. Maybe it is the yellow tailed blacks though. I remember seeing it on the news awhile ago.

Are you sure the black cockatoo was for sale???? As far as I am aware you are not allowed to sell blacks in pet shops

Any dog of mine that is used at stud ...payment at time of mating. Any outside stud dog that I would use...I would expect to pay them at the time of mating

With all the press I am sure that this matter has already be well addressed at the breed club. pray tell me why do you think that shortstep? and which breed club are you talking about?

Heck Dont look at the Bulldog hip scores then Shortstep. Next you will be telling those breeders what they should and shouldnt be doing

With a average score of 23 which is considered Borderline HD (19-25) and 25% of screened dogs affected with HD, no one would suggest that HD should not be paramount in the mind of all breeders and all buyers of this breed. However in my opinion, to believe that averaging scores is going to improve the chance of a litter not haveing 1 in 4 affected pups or will help to improve the breeds future by decreasing HD, is an over simplification at best. In my opinion, any breed with numbers like this, should have a panel of experts in genetics, population genetics, a specialist on HD genetics and risk factors, breed expert, and so on. All the records collected from Australia as well as around the world, including all HD records and population numbers including COI's. Then ask them to develop a plan to address HD in the breed. A sort of EBV system for HD reduction would likely be designed for this breed. I am very sure their solutions will include several methods of screening and selection. Including selection using assessment of risk factors such as body size and weight, growth rate, early maturing and so forth. Screening programs to capture more information about dog in question, including lateral pedigrees for siblings and other close relatives. Likely mandatory hip screening on all parents of registered litters ( and I think any dog with a score over 12 should have to be final scored after 2 years of age to look for further changes). A final selection guideline (which I very much question would be to use breed average as the method of selection). Also needed would be methods for the breed club to capture all the above information and have that information in usable format for breeders and buyers. Lots of education on how to use this information. Finally a review process every few years to see if progress is being made by the reduction of the number of affected dogs in litters. Some other methods might also be advised if improvement was not seen. I am sure there is much more I have left out. So I am not suggesting that anyone abandone breed averaging so they can breed two high scoring dogs together, far from it. I am suggesting that depending on breed average as the selection process to improve the future of hips in this breed is not near enough. Just my opinion based, on the numbers presented. email all the Bullmastiff breeders you can in Aus and NZ, Shortstep with your views. See what kind of response you get.