Muttaburra

Erny, I certainly understand you falling in a heap you've kept it together so well for so long. The news of the wholistic treatments and possibility of further tests is hopeful. And I always chuckle when you mention Kals steadfast concentration on her chicken fillets , I can just picture her! What a marvellous job you are doing with Kal, she's one special dog.

Try not to worry too much, if worst comes to worst, he wont miss a bit of gum. These things happen with lively dogs. Cat's are worse I think, there's nothing more dissapointing than having a beautiful cat with a torn ear, not a good look.

Nice to hear youre getting on top of things, Frodo sounds a lot happier for it too. You will need to be vigilant though and maintain good hygene and keep everything dry. A snood is just a tube of fabric with elastic at each end, you might try one of the spaniel clubs to see if someone supplies them (some old granny might have a cottage industry happening somewhere). You can get them off the net too, but I think getting the right fitting is important, the elastic needs to be firm enough to hold but soft enough not to cut off any circulation. Also when he is lying down, if you get the chance, just flip his ears inside out. Keep a good check on the pup too, pups sometimes have ear mites, and you wouldnt want those to spread. Well done, hope you can keep us posted with news and pics.

Sheks, it doesnt sound very hopeful, the only way the tear is going to join up is if it is stitched back on, and that could be an issue with the infection. The bit hanging off might need to be removed. Check with the vet about the possibilites of stitching it back, you might be lucky. Either way it wont really affect the dogs health once its healed.

I agree that a poodle or any of the lively small breeds would not be the best for your situation. Pomeranians, Mini Foxies, Jack Russells also wouldn't like that much time alone. (temperments in any breed do vary and age can make a difference). Have you considered a rescue greyhound, they are couch potatoes most of the time and adapt well to apartment living. If you are in Sydney there are several excellent rescue groups, one of them is Cordelia's. You might be able to visit them with a view to looking at what is available and what sort of home might be suited to a particular individual. With the long hours you spend at work, I think you will need to consider compromising on what you view as your ideal dog. There is also dog day care (not cheap), and dog walkers (cheaper) that might be able to break up the day for your dog. Good luck with your search.

Hi again Jules P. Just to check, is the kittens leg alright now, is it walking normally etc. Provided that the dog is not shaking the kitten, it should be alright to be carried that way, it's what their mother's do. Fitz's suggestions sound excellent and a good way to go for a while at least until the kitten is a bit bigger. Also consider spending a bit of one-on-one time with the kitten so that it bonds closely with you too.

Sorry, its probably more the sacral area, sort of lower lumbar to base of tail, the part of the spine that is behind the pelvis. Osteoarthritic osteophytes (bony outcrops) can sometimes press on the nerve roots. I have seen this occur in a Red Setter. It's been a few years since his last X-Ray, so it migh help now to show how the hip disease is and if there is any spondylosis (but more experienced people might confirm this). These things can occur at any age, though of course usually when the dog is older. You haven't failed your dog, some just get these diseases younger, it happens with people too. With good treatment I am sure Cody will go one for many more happy years.

Has he had Xrays of both the hips and the lower lumbar. He might have sponlylosis of the lumbar region as well as the HD. See if he will accept a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in his water, if not try adding it to his food. Basically, the main supplements for arthritis are, fish oil capsules, Green lipped mussel, and Glucosomine, the same as for humans. A bit of a Google around and you will find recommendations for dosages for Canines, and possible sources to purchase them. Fish oil capsules are cheap, so that's easy to get started. The other 2 are less cheap so that's where you might want to shop around.

Poor Kal, that's a pretty rough episode. It does sound like a Grand Mal epileptic siezure. The grogginess and unsteadiness afterwards is quite typical. Big hugs for both of you

Well, you and Kal have certainly had a day of it. Good news that Kal's sinuses will be nice and cleared should the surgery go ahead in a few days time, and that nothing sinister was detected with the scope. Nice to hear Kal is also tucking away a bit in reserve should she need it, and obviously enjoying her food. Hope you have a quieter and more restful week after this last encounter. Sending you and Kal you lots of positive thoughts.

It might look a bit alarming, but from what you say I see no need for concern: with the following Proviso: Make sure that the cat is never alone with the pup unless it has an escape route, out a door, up on a shelf etc. The two animals are playing, both kittens and pups will playfight, so they do understand each other on that level. The pup will soon learn that needle sharp teeth and claws extract pain and blood. The kitten will soon learn speed and agility to avoid the pups weight and larger jaws. You might still want to separate them when you go out and keep an eye on them when you are home for a while. At this point I see no need to interfere. If they are bothering you, you could just try clapping you hands loudly and calling "settle" loudly, without singling one of them out for attention.

When you get home, try letting him do the meet and greet in the yard. Once he has quietened down, put him on the lead and then take him indoors. Until he can behave indoors on the lead, don't let him off. You might seriously consider taking him to obedience classes. On the bright side, sometimes dogs of this temperment can be the most rewarding once you've got the obedience thing happening. Don't forget, lots of positive reinforcement, if it gets too much, you should just put him outside, dominance and control needs to be a subltle thing. If you use too much force or punishment then your dog will try the same on you.

Princess Bella, that will be good if you do, sometimes the fungal infection can transfer from the paws to the ears, or even around the gums.(back and forth). Hope some of the tips help, some of the dietry suppliments like fish oil etc should help, as well as a teaspoon of cider vinegar in the drinking water as mentioned.

Hi Erny, poor Kal hope she's ok. Maybe a head X-ray will show something in her nose or nearby. Wishing all the best for tomorrow.

Just one more little thing to mention, check his paws as well for the fungal infection, keep all the fur around the paws and inbetween the toes well trimmed. Also trim away the fur directly under the tail and from the back of his hocks, this can harbour fleas, dirt and moisture. Always ensure that the paws are dry before bedtime and the same with his ears. Where abouts is he sleeping? Have you checked that his bed is nice and dry and in a warm place (for the winter). Sometimes heavy dew can dampen everything exposed to it.

Erny, you are a very wise and honest person. As with many decisions there are pros and cons to consider, and your journey has been something of a whirlwind at times. You still have some weeks to arrive at a definite decision, and whatever that is it will be the best you can do with how much you know your dog, Kal. Thinking positive thoughts for you and Kal.

Thas very, very good news, so glad that your will also be feeling a lot better too. Boy, all happening so close to your move, but still just in time. :rolleyes:

Overall Kal's not have such a bad time of it, or at least the best it can be under the circumstances. I agree, when it comes down to the issue of the adrenal tumor and the necessity of surgical intervention in this instance, some of the finer points may be less significant. A growing adrenal tumor needs the attention, and is causing disturbances of some kind, that much is certain. It's funny how they'll pick up their step when they know something yummy is waiting for them at home. You can see the cogs ticking over.

I know you've gone over it before, and also with the vet, but I thought one of the symptoms of Cushings was a weakness of the limbs. I understand that Cushings in this instance is still in doubt. The only other thought to mind is that her condition (fluctations in cortisol) may be intermittent, somtimes getting enough other times low or high, but I guess the blood tests would show that. Has the kindney function tests indicated anything? Anyway, I hope your vet can eliminate neurological causes if that is what he suspects. More prayers and positive vibes for you and Kal during this challenging time.

Erny I've read that the high salycilite (sp?) levels as well as SO2 found in Tomato sauce are considered unhealthy, perhaps not in tiny amounts. There are a few interesting theories that have been around for a while: that when the PH in the body is too acidic this is the root of all disease, humans, dogs etc. Cider Vinegar although an acid, has an acidity neutralising effect on the body and so promotes the right conditions for the body to heal itself.

Perhaps you could do a trial run with the food, freeze and microwave and see if it turns out.

You might be able to make up some batches of soup in advance and freeze them. Then they can just defrost each pack in the microwave.

Is she living in the country? Some country vets are only good with large animals like cows etc. (I said some, not the majority) Definitely change vets, pronto. Injecting cortisone once a month would probably result in giving the dog Cushings disease. Are there any community groups who could help her out by fencing a small yard attached to the house to limit the dogs excursions onto the acreage. Not only fleas but grasses and plants can cause some nasty reactions. Tell her not to put any Lanolin on the dog. You can buy 1% cortisone cream at the chemists, this can be applied when the spots first appear. If its a terrier its probably getting into the rabbit burrows, a sure place for fleas. If its that bad, I would go for a nice short haircut on the dog, and wash Alloveen and thoroughly dry the dog. Keeping the dog dry is very important. What is the dog being fed? The diet may need review. The dog might be better on chicken wings or necks for a while. Also has the dog been checked for mange, skin irritation could be coming from a number of sources, especially if the coat is allowed to remain damp. Theres a good natural flea powder that can be made up, its in another thread.

Thanks for the update Erny, sounds like Kal is doing well.

KmK, I'm not so sure about that. I thought it was because of all the additives in dog food and fresh dog meat etc. and the culmulative effects of same.