aliwake

I'm not particularly knowledgeable, but it doesn't seem like the sort of condition that should need surgical intervention? And I don't see how trying probiotics could possibly be harmful, and it could well be very beneficial. Seems worth trying. My boy is prone to upset tummies too, and probiotics make a huge difference for him. I completely understand wanting to try something else before having more surgery and/or medication!!

Oh wow Lhok, just read this and am now bawling my eyes out at work. Such a beautiful dream, so nice to think of Missy and Raiden together somewhere so beautiful.

We haven't conceded the couch yet!! The bed thing can't continue because I have dog allergies, plus he won't stay still! I think we'll have a battle on our hands :) Sash, your boy is absolutely adorable! Love his colours

Omg yonjuro I can imagine the highs and lows of seeing that! Hopefully birds will learn to keep their distance... Amazing though!! I meant to post yesterday that nixon (unfortunately) finally realised he can actually jump on our bed. Until now it has been front feet only, but I guess we're screwed now he knows he can jump all the way. I've been quite happy with him underestimating his abilities!

We've just done a course of antibiotic/steroid cream, so will see how long they take to get mucky again, then probably see a specialist to get another opinion/find out if surgery will help...

That's so crazy Steph! Nixon's eye's are terrible.. I hope the lump on Gus's leg isn't serious... Make sure you let us know!

Our dog is friendly with neighbours on both sides, and will settle if they talk to him. He is an attention barker and will usually stop if people come say hello, so if you think that might be what your boy is doing then you may as well give it a try. I can't think of a negative unless you dog is likely to be aggressive?!

So glad you've found this - we've all been very worried for you! Hope it all continues to settle well. The pups are absolutely lovely - thanks for sharing some pics!

That's so funny Steph - Nix is usually telling me to hurry up and leave in the morning so he can get his kongs :)

Our latest incident was Nixon having a head collision last night with another dog - they were both going for the same ball and looking up. I think he must have had the other dog's tooth go into his top lip, and it was bleeding quite a lot. So I was mopping his face with a tissue and he kept shaking me off so he could keep playing. He is always whacking his head into things. My sister's Rhodesian ridgeback was chasing a bird and ran into a pole at full speed - she ended up having to be put down I think Can't remember the exact injuries, but it wasn't good.

Congratulations whippytails! Can't wait to see some pics of your new girl! Kanae, sounds a bit scarey, but it also sounds like you're managing it well. Like Steph, I wouldn't know what to suggest, but just wanted to sympathise :)

I agree the heartworm injections aren't the best path, given s many other treatments incorporate heartworm anyway. It just limits your options. I've been using panoramis monthly and I'm very happy with it - it covers everything except tapeworm and ticks.

I think you should not panic about fines. If nobody has actually complained yet, I believe there are a fair few processes that need to be gone through before the council would actually be able to fine you - after receiving a complaint. I think you're jumping the gun and stressing too much. I would consider the surgery IF/WHEN you receive complaints, and in the meantime just do your best to keep him occupied and happy... Just think - if he'd been de-barked, you might not have been able to save him from the snake the other day...

vaccinations are a slightly contentious issue around here - I'm sure someone will fill you in :) At the very least you will need 1, probably 2 vaccinations while your pup is small, then another 1 year later. After that, some people prefer not to vaccinate again, but the standard protocol (which your vet will suggest) is yearly vaccines forever.

There's quite a few that we take together - like MMR for starters...

I think we pay the same for the standard plan for our lab - $49/month. They definitely don't pay anything towards the vaccinations. We got the 4 weeks free though our vet, which was wonderful when our pup got giardia and had to have an overnight stay for fluids etc... so so so glad we have insurance. Also, the one through the vet is only for puppies, and the cover starts almost immediately, whereas if you sign up normally there is quite a long waiting period for illness - maybe 3 or 4 weeks? can't remember exactly. You could probably call petplan and ask which vets near you offer that cover.

Without checking, I'd guess we have the standard plan. From memory there wasn't a huge difference in premiums - I'd get a quote for all 3 and decide what is the best value for you.

OMG she is adorable!! No wonder you're excited :)

He's on his last day of cream today, so the plan of attack is to see how long it takes for the problem to return once treatment has stopped, then try to get pics of his eyes at their worst, then contact vet again for referral. Fortunately since we've already seen the vet about his eyes - we shouldn't have to pay any more for additional treatment (yay insurance!) Certainly takes a load off my mind. He's certainly run the gamut of minor problems since we've had him - fortunately he still enjoys going to the vet, even if my wallet doesn't :)

I'm very happy with petplan - good choice :)

They do look like they'll be the best thing for him - he's such a sook! :)

Good to know, thank you! Your link doesn't work - was it for one of those novoguards? I think they look pretty weird, but will probably be a better option than a cone. He has a cloud collar but I doubt it will keep him from getting at his eyes.

No bets then! I had another look at the ectropion entry on wikipedia, and it has a picture of a cocker spaniel with it, and it does look a lot like what nixon has going on... So has anyone had this surgery in an adult dog, and can tell me what the recovery was like? He did not take well to wearing a cone last time...

Nova is the cutest!!! Love to have an excuse for baby puppy pics :)

normal resting pic for you: Can see them sag a little in this one: Will try to get a close up when he's sleeping tonight