Erny

I'm going to look Brendan Atkin up ..... thanks for the recommendation, Kristin

Reading this (excerpt from caninecancer.com ) : Research was performed in 2002 to determine if spaying or neutering a dog increased the risk of developing bone cancer. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that endogenous sex hormones influence bone sarcoma genesis but the hypothesis had not been adequately tested in an appropriate animal model. A historical study was conducted of Rottweiler dogs because they frequently undergo elective gonadectomy and spontaneously develop appendicular bone sarcomas, which mimic the biological behavior of the osteosarcomas that affect children and adolescents. In summary, this study found that male and female Rottweilers with the shortest lifetime gonadal exposure had the highest risk for bone sarcoma. Dogs that underwent early elective gonadectomy had a one in four lifetime risk of bone sarcoma development compared with a significantly reduced risk among dogs that were sexually intact throughout their lifetime. Although it remains unclear how endogenous gonadal hormones influence bone sarcoma development, the work provides the framework for selecting a target population for bone sarcoma prevention studies. To read the complete study, please click here: http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/11/11/1434 As you'll read, it suggests that fluoride in the water is linked with cancer in rats. So yes, there's a lot of things that can be thought the culprit for this rotten disease. Is desexing and/or desexing early one of them? I tend to think nature knows best and has the 'one-up' on us.

Same here. What's the point of a "look" on command when generally we need the dog's focus most when there are distractions around. This is the time when compliance to commands such as recall, sit, drop etc are potentially least likely, so why would we expect the dog to comply with a command to "look"? I train to encourage the dog to give focus as a default response/action, something that is voluntary and doesn't need to be requested. Comes easier and also more readily and frequently than when structured as a commanded response.

Something I'd strongly consider is researching for natural supplements to assist. It is surprising how many things nature can provide which can make differences to things that even medical science cannot. Maybe even supplements to assist in strengthening the sphincter muscle.

I don't know anything pertaining to the effects/affects of celery seeds for dogs but just something by way of 'tip' that I know of in relation to taking them myself ..... Many years ago, my Dad used to make his own bread and he'd 'invent' his own recipe, so to speak. He was given a bucket full of celery seeds by a friend of his so he decided he'd include these in his bread mix. I didn't know this. I loved his home cooked bread and I'd invariably have some toasted each day I was there (used to have my horse at Mum and Dad's place, so I was there daily). I started to worry that something was wrong with me because I was constantly needing to go to the toilet (urinate), to the point that I'd no sooner 'go' and I'd need to 'go' again. Then I found out about the celery seeds, googled info on them and found out they are good for rectifying fluid retention. I asked (pleaded, lol) Dad to stop with the celery seeds in the bread and things went back to normal. So .... I guess it would be a case of how much you feed (and I realise that's part of your question, and one I don't know the answer to) and what you want to give them to your elderly dog for. I'd be concerned about the possibility of losing too much fluid and maybe worsening of or triggering incontinence ???? These are all just musings based on my own experience as outlined above, and some thoughts for you to maybe check up on before you begin to include these in your dog's diet. ETA: Steve (DOL Member) would be a person who is likely to have knowledge on this and be able to answer you.

My dog burns the grass. Because of his long-standing digestive issues and sensitivities, I'm VERY cautious about ANYTHING I give him to eat or drink and probably because I've put in so much time and research, I'm aware of the alkaline/acidity balance that dogs need for proper digestion - especially of things such as bones. All of this has brought me to ponder on what we're doing by altering pH levels for the sake of our lawns ???? We say "there's no side effects" but is that the truth? Is it possible that we are actually altering something that is not obvious and perhaps for some dogs doesn't show up to us at all, but may play a part in something obscure further down the track? Just something I think about. I'm very cautious about altering something nature has prescribed. I'll stick to my burnt patches on the lawn (and yes, I hated seeing the damage especially when I'd had turf laid and my yard was close to 'perfect', but hey .... I've got over it and I just patch the burnt areas. It doesn't look so prestige anymore, but what the heck) and just let things be as they are.

I've taught my dog that taking a tablet is like a 'trick' and when he does it, he earns a treat. He comes running to me, throws himself into an "at attention" sit when he hears the medication being prepared and I only have to say "take a tablet" and he opens his mouth for it. That aside, for dogs not taught this, what Polgara's Shadow has written is along the lines of what I'd do. Randomisation of treats with and without the pills means your dog is less likely to become so suspicious of treats that s/he doesn't trust it when you offer them. One tip for getting them to swallow that I find better than gently stroking the throat is to lightly/gently blow in their nose. This causes my boy to lick and swallow. It was the method I used when I was teaching him to take meds. Most times I don't need to encourage swallowing but if I do (which is usually when I've slightly mis-aimed the med and it's not gone centre towards the rear of his tongue) I now only have to say "swallow" and he will.

I don't use Colloidal Silver in the eyes, but definitely use the Calendula Tea. Even used it in my own eyes recently as I felt they were threatening conjunctivitis. Great results for both my dog and myself. Glad it works for you too, Yonjuro

Sorry to hear you having bad luck, and surprised at the reaction to the Calendula Tea!! But in answer to your question regarding the hair-DNA. It shows things that are out of balance in the dog's system. This could be the liver being a bit sluggish (for example), or kidneys, or whatever something else. When the function of the body organs is out of whack, it makes it harder for the body to use the usual organs (e.g. liver) to cleanse the body from toxins, and so it looks for an alternate and commonly that is via the skin. What we see are the symptoms of those toxins and often becoming secondary skin infections. When the areas needing help are identified, the relevant supplements are recommended. These help restore balance and hence improved function. The key is to having some sort of guide to indicate what areas of the body require help. And that's where I have found the hair-DNA testing useful and helpful. Hope that answers, LG. I will ask, just to cover bases, where did you source the Calendula Tea and are there any additives or is it unadulterated?

Assuming he's ok with and likes other dogs, try walking out with a friend who also has a dog who is ok with other dogs.

Be confident that you are and have not created mere "fussiness" (to me, I can tell with my own dogs if it is likely *fussy eating* or some definite underlying reason) and also know that there is no other physical issue such as sore mouth/teeth/gums or blockage etc. In the absence of those obvious things, I say "listen to your dog". Personal experience has taught me that yes, there definitely can be something the dog knows before we do. I'd be more concerned if you'd written that your dog won't eat meat (i.e. whole raw). Must admit I wouldn't be inclined to *cook* the food unless there's an absolute reason why you must. But if the dog eats all else and is happy and well, listen to her .... she may be telling you what's best for her.

If I have found that my dog has eaten something I'm concerned may get caught up or cause some issue in the digestive tract, I tend to feed him a good amount of soft food (i.e. raw meat mince) asap afterwards. Have no idea if this is of any benefit to assisting whatever-the-something-else is at passing through, but he doesn't mind it one way or the other :) . A bit late for you, but I assume by now things will have 'moved'.

All good stand-by stuff to have on hand, Yonjuro. Can get your dog out of trouble quickly by having things on the ready, and potentially save the necessity for Vet treatment. My dog coughed a bit today, that gagging type of cough. After I heard it a few times this morning, gave him a dose of Active Manuka Honey. Was it Canine Cough? Possibly not. Was it something caught in his throat (like a grain of food or some such)? Maybe. Either way, I haven't heard him gag/cough since. And he loved the honey 'treat'. So absolutely no harm done, and possibly good :D .

Thanks Yonjuro. Both myself and Mandela are happier. I'm rapt with the results achieved by the Calendula Tea. When he was a youngster, the ear tip problem began as a small angry pimple. Had no idea back then of what lay in front of Mandela, as this was before I identified digestive issues/food sensitivities. Vet gave antibiotic ointment for it but did not have a good reaction to it. Thank goodness for CT :D.

Heartworm in your locality could be an issue. The best (i.e. "kindest") heart worm preventative is the one given by tablet daily (at least, that is what I researched and had Dr Jean Dodds confirm/support when I initially believed I had to use heart worm treatment down here). At least it is a medication that is not mixed to be a duel or multi-purpose approach and means you are not adding other compounds to your dog's system unnecessarily. The trouble with the daily is that you MUST NOT FORGET to give it, and that's why most people opt for the monthly medications that are available to cover it. And you'd need to check because my research knowledge on the "daily" med goes back 6 years ago, but I think you might need to double check via blood test if you switch to daily. Not sure about that though - just a vague thought off the top of my head. And yes .... steady as she goes with the diet changes. It takes the body at least 6 weeks to rid itself of toxins that may have been the result of a dietary reaction. So even when you do switch, troubles could still persist for a while, although it is reasonable to expect the reactions to be progressively less. I prefer a diet where one can switch (or remove) one meat protein at a time, and sit on that (provided the dog's reactions aren't continuing to be intensive, such as regular vomiting), to see how the body responds. Apart from the fact that I prefer to feed as natural a diet as possible, it does make it easier to adjust in a more exact fashion than switching to or from different commercial kibble. It takes time and patience. This is hard when we just want our dog to be well and we let ourselves panic over it unnecessarily. Using the benefits of Calendula Tea washes (avoiding all shampoos etc) will likely help to calm the skin and avoid secondary skin infections whilst you're trialling diet adjustments. It buys time, so to speak. Hasten slowly is generally a good attitude to maintain.

Mandela's ear flap and ear tip - photo as at today (26th September). Using Calendula Tea applications anywhere from 1-2 times daily over past week. Heat has gone and the swelling at the end of the tip (more visible when viewed from the end) has and is reducing considerably. The ear flap itself is not painful to handle. The ear tip can be handled easily, but is (understandably) a little bit tender.

That's great, Clyde, but what about your dog? Lol. Sorry. Couldn't resist. Seriously though, it shows up how much chemical we'd otherwise put through our dogs that they don't need.

Thanks. Have used Colloidal Silver (suspension, not cream) in the past but it wasn't enough. I still have some in the pantry though, as it is quite good for (I find) the somewhat less aggressive issues.

LOL Never said you were. For the people who were following with interest (and for me), just making it clear that the "negative" result for worms may not be attributed to the use of FAITH in this instance. That wasn't clear without the information concerning presence or absence of worm infestation before its use. That's all. No biggy. :)

Fair enough - great that your dogs still don't have worms, but would be real evidence of FAITH if it could be shown that worms were present but subsequently eradicated by its use. Beyond puppy worming regime, I've never wormed Mandela (he's now 6.5yo). Have had fecal samples tested over time (both simple and thorough tests) and never had a "positive" test result come back yet (*touch wood*). Having said that, I haven't tested for a while now (12 months or so) .... must remember to do that next time I know I'm going to be passing by our Vet's. Only once, through hair-DNA test, was there a suggestion that parasites were present. Covered that with recommended supplement. But even then, not long before this, faecal sample showed negative at Vets.

Yes - I feel for him too. But dogs are how dogs are and regardless of the discomfort it can cause when it's at it's worst, he's still excited and up for all and any walks, runs, outings , etc he can get his paws on and continues to try to nag me for a game of tug or other active interaction. He's much happier now. When I began to attack this problem with the calendula, he was quite happy to stand comfortably and still, letting me thoroughly drench and cleanse his ear flap skin with it. More recently, he would rather escape it (he doesn't like to be wet). A big indicator to me that he's telling me he doesn't feel the need for it so much.

Your boy looks well Lasareina. Maybe one thing to ponder could be trialling absence of beef and see how that goes? There are many enough dogs who don't tolerate beef these days. My guess would be because of what our cattle are fed etc, not because of the beef itself. Whatever you do, take your time and work on one protein source change at a time and give things time to see how it goes otherwise you'll never end up knowing what effected what. And good idea to cut the fabric softener. I use less than the prescribed dose of detergent as well, keeping that sort of thing to the most minimum that I can.

Thanks BCC. It's taken some work and it's not over, but he's a long way from where he was when things were thrown at us left, right and centre, almost all at once. Even the naturopath we were under back then for 12 months ran out of ideas for him. Mainstay success over the past 2-3 years has been his current diet (courtesy Augustines Approved); Natural supplements courtesy Ross Wilson at Coburg Health (via hair DNA sample), including use of Lugol's Solution for times of boil out-break in feet; and Calendula Tea (courtesy Dr Bruce Syme).

That's excellent, Sas. Did your dog have worms before the use of FAITH?

This is Mandela's coat in more recent times (last month). He hasn't had a bath for almost 1 year and even then I don't use shampoos or conditioners (I only ever use CT to wash him in).