aliwake

I can't imagine there would be any specialist centres in central qld. perhaps the OP could be more specific about the location, then some other locals may be able to recommend a decent vet. Clearly none of the ones she's tried are adequate...

An additional probiotic would be worth a try too - there might not be quite enough in the yoghurt to give him the boost he needs. A human one will be fine, if you have any already.

That's a good idea cavnrott - usually I fill out my bit, then leave it with the vet who then posts it when they've filled out their bit. I'm thinking now I have the email address I'll just keep using that - it's faster, and traceable! the address is [email protected] if anyone wants it. Will be interesting to see if they want originals next time - I suspect it was because they'd stuffed me around they allowed me to email it this time. But I'll definitely keep using it until they tell me not to! Another interesting thing I've learned for when you have an ongoing illness. I always thought that you'd pay the excess once a year starting from when the illness was diagnosed, but it's actually based on your policy dates. So, for example, if you see the vet about an eye issue then are referred to a specialist 2 weeks later, and the policy renewal date is in between those 2 appointments, you will pay the excess on both appointments...

I ended up getting my renewal notice by email after requesting it for the 2nd time over the phone - 6 weeks after my policy premium went up. Now I'm just chasing my latest claim (of course a biggish one). The original paperwork was 'lost in the mail', so the poor vet had to complete the forms again for me. They asked me to submit by email to be safer, and said they would expedite the claim. I called the next day to check they received it and was told that thee claim had been approved, but to allow 2 weeks for the cheque to be written. So, today is 2 weeks - I called to find out if the cheque had been written and was met with a ridiculous amount of huffiness for daring to question them. After insisting on more information, I was told they would deposit the money into my account because it was a special circumstance. Fingers crossed that actually happens. It clearly means they hadn't written the cheque yet. I already had to pay interest on my stupid credit card because I made the mistake of thinking the claim would actually be sorted within the interest free period. um no. The original claim was submitted almost 2 months ago now. All my previous claims have been fine - I feel like they're a complete shemozzle at the moment with all their 'changes'. Their accounting department is a mess. I feel so bad for you Blackdogs - our latest direct debit payment came out 2.5 weeks late, but at least I don't have to deal with 3 payments at once! I would be (even more) irate!!

What a psycho! Glad they've got him though. The penalty doesn't seem to be much of a deterrent though...

He isn't on steroids? My boy was on them a couple of weeks ago and the extra shedding was very noticeable!

Such a waste

I want one of these because they look big and fluffy, but I don't really want 'doggy' styled mats in the middle of my loungeroom (which is where our side door is into the backyard). If you can get one in a plain colour - I'll buy it!

We have 2 of them. They are ok, but certainly can't keep up with one grubby labrador. Our floors would probably be much worse without it though! If you vacuum everyday then they would probably help. I think Nixon likes to dodge around ours to be honest They aren't huge so if your dogs like to leap through the door (like mine) they may well miss it entirely.

How lovely!

Gorgeous pics! Looks like the dogs had a ball! Love the first one of you with the snow falling too :)

Just thought I'd update those that are interested. We finally saw the FL again yesterday - and she was at the park before us for the first time. Nixon was completely fine and basically ignored her the whole time we were there - even when they were chasing the same ball! Hopefully that means he's stopped stressing about it, and is used to her now. I think her being there first may have helped for two reasons - she was relaxed and playing happily before we got there, rather than apprehensive, and Nixon didn't have to watch her approaching from outside the fence. Fingers crossed he behaves as beautifully next time we see her. I'm still going to be quite cautious for the next few encounters, but I'm feeling quite relieved/optimistic. Thanks for all the positive ideas and info. ESCS, I have heard Jane Harper mentioned before, so it's nice to hear another positive review. She's definitely on my go-to list if we have any further issues. And thanks for offering a meet up too - very kind!

If an extra tablet will make him more comfortable it will be totally worth it! sorry for the brief post before - I was trying to type while eating lunch :) I've seen a few of your posts, and I'm so impressed at your commitment to make the most of every single day you have left with Digby - I hope I can have that sort of composure and grace when the time comes. Am thinking of you.

can you just phone the vet to ask? most seem happy to discuss dosage over the phone. sounds like the extra tablet might help.

That is so disgusting I'll bet you were irate!

I'm sure the kfc incident was a scam, but hopefully the money will truly be used to help the little girl with her treatment, in which case it's still a very worthy cause I think. She shouldn't have to suffer for her family's poor judgement (in so many ways!!)

Oh That must be so heartbreaking. I'm really sorry.

That's great she behaved so well! hopefully she starts improving soon.

How did you go at the vet this arvo?

sounds (and looks)lovely! We'll have to check it out sometime. Your pics make that water look so sparkly, and Millie is clearly having a ball!

Gorgeous! which beach did you go to?

You could always ask if they'd test the stool sample without you having to take her with you? Then you could take her back if they really need to see her for some reason?

If you can take a fresh poo to the vet with you, it will save Stella some discomfort... :)

They'll probably check her stools for parasites etc, and if there are any she'll need specific medication. They'd give her fluids if she needs them, but it sounds like she's still pretty perky. It does seem like it's dragging on a bit long, and might not resolve by itself. I'd see the vet - hopefully they'll be able to figure out what's causing it so you can treat and start recovering. Hope she improves soon!

I have no experience with the dog equivalent, but I get the desensitisation injections myself. For most people their allergies are sorted within about 2 years. For me - I feel a lot better while I'm on a course of injections, but I tend to go backwards once I stop having them. For that reason I've been getting them for about 12 years now... My allergist has just switched to a new delivery system, which is drops under the tongue every 2nd day - I'm still waiting for mine to arrive so can't give any feedback on those yet. Would be a great option for dogs I think. I hope that the OP finds it effective, but from personal experience, with an older dog I think I would just be resigned to daily antihistamines forever. I still have days where I need antihistamines anyway, so I'm not sure how much of an improvement will be seen in the near future. It's certainly a long road!