Erny

The other thing that 'gets me' (for want of better words) is the heading title to the thread (not aimed at the OP) - "Dangers of vaccination to small and medium dogs". Apart from the fact that we do see vaccine reactions to large breed dogs, even if we don't it doesn't mean it isn't harming the system in some shape or form, especially through over-vaccinating.

There is another option regards to getting a Titre done ..... you can arrange for it to be done via Hemopet/Hemolife (Dr Jean Dodds, USA). For this, your Vet draws the required blood sample and spins it down to serum. The serum is sent to Dr Jean Dodds for testing and the results are emailed back to you. The above is how I have done it. Initially because the first was when there weren't Vets here who were familiar with the process. The second because whilst some had become aware of the process, it was a bit 'clunky' (had to send one lot of testing one place and another to another place). With all of that it worked out a lot more expensive than it did for me to have it done via Dr Jean Dodds. That and the fact that I was sending serum to Dr Jean Dodds to check my boy's thyroid levels anyway. If you want to check this out, go to her website. There are forms and instructions (for you in regards to packaging and shipping; and for the Vet in terms of how much blood/serum is required and what containers they should be stored in). I ship via FedEx and generally find results are sent back in approximately 1 week - this including the few days it takes for the serum to arrive in the USA.

Has the cause for the tear staining been explored/investigated? Whilst some topical applications are necessary to keep symptoms at bay, I'm big on trying to work from the inside out, rather than the other way around.

Jean Dodds (vaccinatinon guru) recommends the booster one year after the puppy shots and then titre testing after that. I would get the booster or at least titre test the dog. Even with the lepto component? My dog is also sensitive to chicken and beef which is why I have been delaying the injection- what if I make him worse? But still thinking about it. I'd go for titre. My boy had 2 x puppy shots. I then realised that the timing of those shots wasn't optimal and even Dr Jean Dodds (whose advice and wisdom I trust a lot) recommended a booster at 12 months after the last puppy shot. Because of other health issues occurring in the meantime, I opted for a titre before I considered a booster vaccine. Results came in good. Another titre a couple of years on still shows vaccine levels satisfactory. As it is I believe we over-vaccinate but if a dog is unwell - skin issues or otherwise, I'm opposed to loading the immune system further by adding a whack of vaccine chemical to their system when in fact chances are it isn't necessary anyway.

This was the effect on me - year after year - the only time I 'got' the flu was after a flu shot. Stopped the flu vaccine and haven't had that problem since .... only a mild cold here and there but rarely. But doesn't matter, 'cause the doctors and all the other professional health care authorities tell you it doesn't happen, no matter what you report.

Pro-K9 sells these ones : They do now sport the Pro-K9 logo on the front pocket now :). Need to take photo's to update. They are spring-hinged and snap shut. Size and shape is perfect. Not too small but not so big to be cumbersome when you're an active trainer. Been supplying these for years. Other trainers have found them to be the best as well and have chosen to endorse them also. Find out more at www.ProK9.com.au . We're in the process of starting up on-line shopping trolly, although my computer skills lack badly and slow me down somewhat. So in the interim, I can do this over the phone or via email.

You're doing the best you can, Ness, and that's something you should be proud of. All the best for Kenz. It's rotten when we can't just simply "fix" . Kenz is lucky to have you as his owner.

I'm sorry to hear, Ness. How's Kenz bearing up?

Thanks Sue & Waldo. I've mentioned Lort Smith as an option, but I've also given them Dyzney's friend's information. Next step is Manager level to get the "ok". Appreciate everyone's input. As I suspect the residents also will, when visitations include dogs especially for the purpose :D.

Thanks everybody, for your helpful responses Megan - I'm not sure how Fergs would be. Some people may seem a bit over the top for him and this may worry him a bit. But he's a grand little dog, is Fergs :). Thank you to those who have mentioned the DogsVictoria option. I didn't know that was a service available and I'll organise to contact them. Dyzney - If your friend is interested, please ask her to email me direct at [email protected] as the PM box gets full quickly and I often go a day or two before I remember to get back on to check it. ETA: Email received from your friend, Dyzney - thanks My boy wouldn't be suitable. He's too exuberant and his long, skinny, boney, whacky waggy tail would cause some bruises if not have people on their butts. He's not exactly the shy, gentle, retiring type of dog, even though he's a good dog character-wise.

That's a point, tlc (regards insurance). And is one I'll mention to the home.

As per the title, Aged Care facility (non-profit) is seeking the services of Therapy Dog Visits on a volunteer basis. At this stage, there is no funding available for this service and consequently, whilst a qualified therapy dog and handler would be required, we are looking for voluntary assistance in this regard. No offence is intended by this admittedly bold request. The Aged Care facility is located in the south-east suburb of Berwick, Victoria. Any person and dog qualified for these visits who would like to donate a bit of their time to putting some smiles on the faces and minds of the elderly who occupy the nursing home, please contact me by email at [email protected] . Thanks in advance. I know it is a bit of a tall order.

Stand the jar in a basin of hot water. Doesn't take long to melt and causes it no damage. I use it with my RR boy's diet. 275g over a space of 5 days. Good stuff :).

I'd be inclined to look at diet as the next step. A nice 'cool' and simple diet comprising of a novel protein he's not been exposed to before. I quite like the AugustineApproved recommended food combo and SuperBoost. It's done a lot of good for my own troubled boy. I'd also be asking myself (if I were you :)) if I'm stressed. Could Jasper be picking up stress from you? Are "cortavance" the tablets? If not, perhaps the tablets did help but wore off. Just another school of thought. Doesn't help that much to know, because the cause for the itchiness still exists and that's what needs to be hunted down. Has thyroid issue been ruled out?

That's what I'm inclined to believe too. Immunity is immunity. Period. Dog has it, or not. It's not a matter of how much the dog is immune, IMO. I don't think it works that way. I can only think that the ratio's begin to reduce when the immunity has not been tested by exposure to the disease. And then I believe the antibodies subside but that cell-memory applies.

Thanks Boronia. Local library is a great idea. I'll take them up there next time I'm up the street :D.

I can only imagine that it would have similarities to humans, in that even a human ear specialist will recommend you use ear-wax-softening drops before attending for a simple ear-wax clean. If the wax is hard and semi-attached to the drum, removal can cause issues such as perforated ear drum (and by golly THAT hurts!! not to mention having the potential for complications down the track, especially in animals). If wax is too hard/attached, flushing too hard can cause ear drum perforation as well. Gotta be super careful with these delicate but oh-so wonderful gifts of nature :).

From what I know of it, if the discharge is only via one nostril it is not likely to be due to a bacterial or viral inflammation. Has the Vet checked for tooth abscess? Nostril discharge can be a symptom of this.

Go HERE . They sell it on-line. I think Kerrie is in NSW, but not sure where (can't put my hand on her details atm). It's great stuff and I wouldn't be without it in my pantry 'on the ready' for so many things :).

I'm no expert, but I think it would pay to have him examined by a Vet who specialises in skeletal issues to first find out what the problem is. The fact that he is arched in his back indicates something not quite right and maybe there is pinching of a nerve - perhaps relating to the ribs, seeing as he is giving this reaction on the inhale. A gentle manipulation might be all that he requires, but finding out what the problem is first would be the best approach before manipulation is performed (if indeed this is the problem). I think it's great you have noticed and not dismissed it. It might be nothing, but worth ruling things out.

Calendula Tea. Use it frequently (e.g. a few times a day) in the first instance. Ease back to just a couple of times then once a day as the skin improves. If you don't see any improvement whatsoever in the first few days then perhaps something else is needed, or perhaps it is not a fungal issue. It won't matter to your dog if she licks it as it is ok (and good) to ingest. Although keeping her from it will help it do its work on the skin.

There are some articles I like, and some I don't, here and there, JackC. Much of the magazine is of show results and ads. But if you would like the magazines you're welcome if you'd like to pick them up? I'm in Berwick. Let me know asap. Send an email to me at HERE Sorry Prada68 - it would cost a lot to send them up to you . Good idea about the local Op Shop. Presuming they'd take them. I'll check, if JackC doesn't want them.

A rinse over with Calendula Tea might help in removing the dead/dying mites. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent but is gentle and soothing to the skin.

As per the above, I have a year or two's worth of VicDogs magazines. Have thought to throw them out as I don't really need them anymore, but before I do, figured I'd ask here in case anyone wants them for whatever reason.