redarachnid

After having Afghans for 15yrs, I got my first Saluki about 10mths ago. He's now 13mths. He was from a well known show kennel. I can speak with NO authority on Salukis, having only my first youngster, and look forward to reading info from the experienced. But I can tell you a little about my boy. His temperament is not aloof (like an afghan) at all!! He is overly friendly with people and dogs, always happy, tail wagging at strangers and will gently put his feet up on your chest to say hello. He has been taught to run off-lead and does so often. He never makes any attempt to "make a break for it". He's way too sooky to think about leaving home. If anything he is a little to "clingy". I would highly recommend these dogs as a pet (not sure about with kids, don't have any) as they love to be active but love to be a couch potato too. I also recommend you have a mate for your Saluki as mine doesn't like being alone. I'm in the process of getting another one!!!

The dog's wounds healed but it took several months. The dog was sent to a specialist surgeon (at the local vet's expense) and had surgery and skin grafts. MAJOR surgery and MAJOR money for the offending vet. She was on massive doses of antibiotics for weeks and weeks. It's been about 3yrs since this happened and the dog is recovered but carries major scars and some restriction of movement in armpits as the skin had to be pulled tight to be stiched up. She also has hair growing backwards and sideways in places due to the tightening of the skin for stitch-up and the grafts. All of this just from a poor drip insertion and not flushing a drip out properly!!! If your dog is healing and repairing, I would just carry on as you are. If in any doubt about his recovery...see a skin specialist.

I have only just stumbled across this thread. Firstly, Moosepup, I feel for you... all the stress and worry. I hope your vet is not charging you for meds or consults. Poor little pup too. I have worked at vet hospitals and clinics for about 6-7yrs (working as a nurse, but not officially qualified). I have seen a few burns. Your guy's wound looks like one from a dog i saw who was a grooming client and had suegery at her own (another) vet. The injection site on her front leg where a drip was put in flared up overnight and all the skin sloughed off overnight, leaving it raw and open. It was later discovered that the drip had not been flushed, handled or changed properly resulting in infection. The infection took over her two front legs, chest and shoulders within 24hrs!! All hair and skin fell off and she looked like she had been turned inside out. At the owner's request, I visited the dog at her vet and saw it with my own eyes. I didn't think it was possible for a dog to be alive and look like that. Your boy's wound looks very much like it, but on a smaller scale, of course. I'm thinking it may not just be a drug reaction, but poor hygiene and handling with the injection. It takes only a microscopic germ to cause major infection like this.

Sound advice. I believe we over-vaccinate in this country. I gave my 2 afghan babies a 3rd vacc and they were very ill for several days. Would only ever do 2 again and not close together. Good luck with your pup.

I highly recommend you get a second opinion, for peace of mind. Ask other DOLers for a reference in your area. Best of luck with your pup.

I did not do the seminars... too expensive. Trade show was a complete joke... 6 stands!!! PIAA has nothing to offer. I am a groomer of 20+ years and I would never bother again. Was looking forward to it for months. All the hype and mail outs make it sound like caulfield pet expo. Which i would much rather attend than this disaster anyway.

My 11.5yo afghan girl has collitis. She was always a "sickly" dog and always had a sensitive stomach and often vomiting food back up. About 4 years ago she was REALLY bad... diarhoea, vomiting, very frail, depressed and thin. Ther local vets were USELESS and just kept giving me Lectade and anti-diarhoea solution. Even told me to give her aloe vera juice!! Well this went on for several months even with me carrying on saying "you have to be able to do something, she's slowly dying!!!" Still they were no help. I went to another vet in desperation, on referral from a friend also with afghans. He ran tests, examined her and diagnosed her with collitis immediately. Put her on a 10 day course of cortisone and she was good as new in a few days. Every 3mths or so, it flares up and she has a course of cortisone and is fine again usually within 24hrs. Why the previous vet couldn't have done this is beyond me. Now she lives on a diet of Royal Canin Senior dry food and small amounts of lean chicken or roo. She is healthy and plump and has great quality of life now. Over all this time i have worked out what she can and cannot tolerate and her menu is very limited. Virtually no treats...small cheese or chicken treats only. Nothing else human or dog wise. This has worked so well for her, but as someone stated, it may not be right for you. Wishing you the best of luck with your dog.

This is great news!!! I was a Leo fan too!! Will look out for it, Thank you!