Lollipup

Yeah I've done it too. :D An extendable shower hose would make it easier. Neither of the dogs really like it so I just stick to the bath tub for Chester and the laundry tub for Lola. Bending down to the bath tub to wash Chester hurts though! And even though he doesn't like going in the shower he is fascinated by it when I run it for me, will stick his head in but that's all.

The cook books are being sold via the dogz website. Julie Do you have the link? I can't find it sorry.

Are there any cookbooks left? I want one of them too but when I click the link nothing comes up

Will these conditions be excluded from your policy next year? I will double check but as far as I'm aware it shouldn't make a difference. There is nothing in the PDS or in any of my policy info to suggest that would happen. Pre-existing conditions ie, those that existed/had occurred before I took out the cover cannot be claimed though. This is what I'm wondering about too. I know pre-existing won't be covered at all. But if something else is claimed for will it be covered the following year in the renewed policy?

This is the reason why I went with PetPlan. If your pet has a long term illness this can be a lifesaver! When my boy was sick and I was putting in the claim form, the vet nurse commented that some of the other companies, although cheap, are really tight when it comes to paying up. My boy has an exclusion because he has an elbow problem so both elbows are excluded for the life of any policy as the problem started just before I got the policy.

Do you mean thats what it does on this website or the Pacers website. Sounds like a mistake Id make not Troy - are you buying a cook book or a calendar ? woops meant to say Steve. Its early ok. I'm buying a calendar, on the pacers website, when it gets to postage options, you can choose Australia post for $10 or free postage. I didn't think you'd have much left after giving away postage!

Troy, when buying one do I select free postage or $10 postage? It gives me the option.

So sorry to hear this, it must be so hard for you at this time. hugs

I've read some other threads and I've read the PDS's. I had just joined Petplan but not sure if its the best way to go as the other two seem a bit better value. I understand they are both the same company too. Have you picked one of these three and why did you pick them? Is there anything I may be missing that could make one better than the other? My vet pushes petplan which is why i went with them in the first instance and they (at my vet's clinic) say they are the only pet insurer that doesn't carry over previous injuries claimed for as exclusions in the next years policy? Any tips would be great thanks.

Just my 2c worth. Our (now) 15month Kelpie had lots of limpy problems when a bit younger. She would limp after resting (after an earlier walk or play). Vet recommended Joint Guard to strenghten the joints as she was a rescue pup. A bit of a sceptic I am, but I tried it and it really made a difference. So much so, that when we stopped it (after a few days lag) she started the limping again. We put her back on it, and the vet said now she's fully grown we can take her off. Apparently some dogs benefit from this supplement lifetime, so if she starts again I will reintroduce it. For now I am giving her an Omega 3 each day and some tuna every few days. Good luck with it, and please post back in a few months to let us all know how your pup went and what treatment you followed Thanks. Glad to hear your kelpie turned out okay. I have put him on Joint Guard too, two weeks ago. I am sceptical with these things sometimes too, but I will try whatever may help. Time will tell I gues but the waiting is the hard part!

I've been slack and haven't come to update this until now. We took Chester to the specialist on 20th December. We could hardly get him to show any sign of liping for the specialist, it was so slight. There was pain on manipulation and they decided to do more xrays. The new xrays show a very slight progression but still a very mild case. The specialist recommended that we do not go ahead with the surgery at this stage. He said because Chester's case is so mild, surgery would likely not make any improvement. The diagnosis is coronoid process disease caused by a growth problem in that limb. Also because Chester is still growing, he recommended we wait until he has finished developing and continue with conservative management until he is 12-15 months old. He said that the strict crate rest has helped him stay a mild case until this point. We don't have to be quite as strict but Chester is still only allowed on leash exercise, and he is allowed to swim. We have to let them know if Chester gets worse and if he goes lame during exercise, he has to stop and rest. he only has to have anti-inflams as required. Chester has been doing well since the specialist visit, although yesterday we let him overdo it running in the back yard and his limp was worse. so i gave him the first dose of anti-inflams since the specialist visit. We were getting too lenient so now we have to be strict again for a while. I am trying to organise building him a pen so he can have a bit more space during the day, and be outside. I can't stand locking him in the crate anymore. Has anyone heard of coronoid process disease improving with growth?

Sorry to hear this. What a beautiful boy he was

I have heaps but heres a few that come to mind. I've heard some people say about how the dogs with thier hackles up must have ridgbeack in them, even the little foxie type ones. My own father said at dinner a few weeks ago that red kelpies and black and tan kelpies are two different breeds. I nearly choked. But I couldn't win the argument because he has lived a lot longer than me and owned every kind of dog ever. :D My father's friend has a cattle dog. He took great pleasure in informing me that blue heeler, red heeler, blue cattle dog and red cattle dog are four different breeds. I argued but to no avail. His breed was the better one, by the way.

Video of Chester's limp today, after a short run on the long line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TPeB9JysR8

We did the same thing with shoulders - it sucks, doesn't it? Next puppy I get is going to be insured from day one! Hope the operation goes well. Definately! Next puppy will be insured the day before I pick it up!! I hate learning things the hard way.

Just an update, Chester is booked in to VSS at the Gold Coast on Monday. Seeing Dr Gordon Corfield. Most likely going straight for arthroscopy. I have a huge list of questions to ask the specialist. Also kicking myself for not getting him insured in time to cover this and now both his elbows are excluded from any cover. Hoping so badly that he doesn't get any problems in the other elbow! I can't wait until all this is over!

I was recently taught how to use one by a trainer and it went well even on a strong pulling young lab. She actually responded better to it than the check chain. It was tricky to get the hang of it at first though. I was told to mainly use the front lead and hold the back one as a guide. I have a gentle leader at home and it's no where near as effective as there is too much give in the front attachment.

Thank you, Staranais

Hey all, well the four weeks is up tomorrow and we go to the vet tomorrow night to see where to go from here. I took Chester outside for some training and a bit of a walk around today. He also had a short spurt of a run in the back yard. I thought all was well until we came inside and a few minutes later watching him walk I noticed a limp again I want to ask the vet tomorrow about some natural supplements we may be able to try. But it is looking like he will need the surgery

I would like to be involved in this one please, tied in with the responsible dog ownership one. I feel strongly about educating people about dog ownership. I'm not sure how much time I can put into it at this stage but I do feel strongly about it.

Ask before allowing your dog to approach any other dog. Dogs should meet nose to tail. Good idea by the way ETA: ah, someone beat me to this

OMG I watched the american one and I was so depressed afterward and I needed an actual towel for the tears, i'm not kidding, a bath towel. I've never been so upset by a movie. If any movie is going to make me cry, its an animal movie but this one nearly killed me! DON'T DO IT!

;) sorry to hear this. I was thinking the same thing, you don't need to go through any more health problems with your dogs! I'm sure Emmy will spring right back from this to continue to conquer the world with Charlie!

yes CW, I just read all of it. Some bits were quite entertaining. But yes confusing too.

Thank you Piper. I've actually just started my NDTF course and I'm doing assistance roles and substance detection electives plus the module on complex skills so any of those skills are a plus!! I'll have to look up some ideas.