Kelly_Louise

Phew.... thank goodness that it's a possibility it was just a cramp. She hadn't moved around much all day due to the rainy weather, didn't get walked - so maybe she just cramped up. I can only hope so. If it happens again and it appears to be a cramp, I will look into magnesium tabs (or maybe I"ll just have some on hand - just in case ). One of my legs cramps frequently at night, so maybe one for Sasha, one for me ;) Could possibly be diet related. Sasha has always been a really fussy eater (although she has improved). She had alot of upset tummy episodes at the start, lots of runny poos. After some elimination, it came down to the fact that she just can't stomach anything more than very small quantities of raw meat - and not consistently eating raw meat everyday. I don't know why... it's just how she is. Ever since I put her on Advance dry and Advance canned food - she has fairly consistently had nice firm poos, and she is fed twice a day as she was starting to vomit in the afternoons due to an empty stomach - I think the stomach acids were aggravating it when it was empty. However, although Advance is good food - I guess that it is certainly lacking something somewhere in her diet... I'm just afraid to add anything as her stomach is very sensitive (although when someone fed her pavlova from my birthday cake the other day - she seemed to handle THAT just fine ) Will keep an eye on her and see how she goes... she doesn't appear to be tender, although when I was picking her feet up to wipe them so she could come inside she didn't seem to enjoy it as much as usual - but maybe I"m just reading too much into it ;) It was just awfully scary, both for her - and for me.

That's fantastic news that you've discovered the cause (or one of at least)!! I know how frustrating allergies can be, so at least you have some kind of direction now.

I don't have one, but I'm happy to throw in some cash if you have to pay for one Bartok. You know how much I love your work Let me know if needed.

That's a real shame. It's a pity some people are incapable of being realistic about their kids. How are they ever expected to learn respect when the parents don't want to admit their kids are creeps... I can only hope that once behind closed doors, she (or Dad) has had a serious talk to them and it will not happen again. But yes, I'd be very wary. Who knows what ticked off people can do - especially if she's asking about your dogs... I fail to see how someone can not see the serious nature of throwing knives over the fence - even if they aren't thrown at anyone or anything... it's still a danger. Or perhaps she does see how serious it is, and doesn't want to have it come back and bite her should something happen or someone get injured... I hope that things are okay.

Oh really? I knew that you can't import it from overseas (I didn't know this and ordered some from NZ - and then had to cancel order)... but didn't know it was interstate too. No one in WA produces it?

Sasha had 3 or so bouts last year... the only time I gave her antibiotics is when she had a bit of discharge from her eyes and nose. It was only a tiny amount of discharge, and she probably could have gotten over it - but because this was on her third bout, I thought her immune system might not be strong enough. Otherwise, I just give her the active manuka honey, and also some vitamin supplements to help boost up her immune system. It's up to you whether you give her the antibiotics or not, I'm like you - I like them to be able to fight things off themselves if possible (they are young and strong so should be able to)... but seeing you don't know her full health history she may struggle to get over it if she has weakened lungs etc. If you don't feel comfortable giving them to her, maybe give her a couple of days, and if she gets any worse or has any discharge, then start them? They won't do any harm though.

Have a look at some online Australian health food stores - they usually have it and will deliver to you. That's how I get mine Like this store: http://www.vitaminking.com.au/search.php?m...arch&page=1 But if you Google it you might be able to find something closer to you.

No, she's only turning 4 years old this year I don't think she has any injuries or arthritis that could cause it, she's never shown any sign of them (and I always watch my girls constantly for limb injuries after Chloe had her 2 ruptured cruciates). It was more of a sudden thing, and then it just went away... and it's the first time anything like this has ever happened.

Last night Sasha was napping on her blanket outside in the entertainment area. I heard what I thought was a little yelp… but thought because she wasn't doing anything and no one was near her that I must have been hearing things. Then all of a sudden she comes running to me, yelping pretty constantly (although small breaks in between) and they were getting louder. You've not seen anyone move faster than OH and I did. We looked her all over and nothing appeared to be wrong, but OH seemed to think she had a muscle cramp from the way she was holding her back leg. So here's me yelling at her 'what's wrong Sashy?' – like she's going to say 'well I'm glad you asked Mum….', I listened to what OH thought it was and got her to walk it out. By this time, her yelping had stopped. I laid her down on the floor and felt her stomach (thoughts of bloat or tummy obstructions even though she hadn't eaten since morning and had been quiet all day due to the rain), I manipulated her legs… nothing. I checked for spiders/wasps/bees in the area… I couldn't see anything. I have to admit, the pattern of her yelping was consistent with a muscle cramp… they started little, then stopped, then became louder and more urgent… and then would calm down, and then start again. This went on for about 10 or so seconds. After that, she was fine, ate her dinner, has toileted normal, and is not limping or have the appearance of being injured. So I guess my question is, is it possible it was a muscle cramp/spasm? Does that sound familiar to anyone (bearing in mind that Sash is a bit of a sook, and reacts very badly to pain)? I've never had a dog that has suffered from obvious muscle cramps or spasms before – but OH seems sure that's what it was, and it does seem possible. I'm just a worry wart – I watched her like a hawk all night. It's my worst nightmare to have my baby come to me yelping and in pain and have no idea what's wrong, what to do or how to help… I was shaking like a leaf.

Ohhhh, it really is... works wonders for many things. I bought it for Sash when she has KC, was great. I also use it when she's got tummy problems or feeling a bit off... it's wonderful stuff. If you can't find it in health stores near you, have a quick look online at Australian vitamin/health stores - I buy mine online as it can be hard to find BTW - I totally agree about being a tighta$$... but when it comes to my girls... NEVER!!! Hope the lovely Asha gets better soon

Can I borrow their Dad to control the feral kids that live next door to me please?

I can't believe that the mother didn't take this seriously and asked someone else to talk to her kids. That's not on, it's not your responsibility to discipline them. I would go and talk to the mother again, and tell her that if it is not rectified, you are going to call the police. NO, you're not going to talk to the children - you don't feel it's your place and it hasn't been effective... But it is VERY serious and VERY dangerous, and you now have no choice, in the best interests of your own safety, and that of your dogs. Maybe the threat will be enough for her to ensure they stop. If not, then you've given a warning - and then you can call the police and they should well expect it. NO ONE, no matter how good friends you are, should be expected to deal with that.

Because of Chloe's arthritis, I bought her elevated food and water bowls - never had a problem and it takes the pressure off her front legs from bending down. When I bought the elevated bowls, I had read on an internet website (unsure which one, was a few years ago now) that elevated bowls REDUCED the risk of bloat. But obviously that is wrong from what's been posted here today (more relevant, up to date info). Anyway, Chloe's been eating from elevated bowls for 4 years now and no issues. Not sure I'd try Sasha with them though, unless for some reason she really needed them. But she's such a slow eater anyway. The only thing I make sure of is that OH doesn't rough her up and have her running around silly before or after her meals. It's weird, when asked why - I tell people it's to avoid bloating etc, and they laugh at me and tell me I am obsessed... But, if it saves her from going through bloat, then I'll cop the ridicule It's just not worth the risk, so I always play it safe.

That's what I do when I pick my baby up too Cuddles with people he is familiar with and used to won't hurt him, I'm sure he'll love it. Just be sure not to over exert him - I'm also sure he will be very excited to be home - and they don't understand when they are overdoing it, so we need to make sure we help keep them in check so he can recuperate as well as possible. Sounds like he has a very loving support crew waiting for him

One week without our fur babies IS forever So glad he will be back home tomorrow. Will there be any special care instructions or new medication that he will be on to keep him stabilised now? I bet you just can't wait for a cuddle. I know one little man who will be very spoilt indeed And it sounds like he could use a bit of spoiling after all the trauma he's been through, and been so brave through it all. He's a real trooper. ETA - try to keep his home coming a little low key (lots of love and cuddles of course but not too much excitement)... he's been through alot in the past week, and although he's doing so much better, he will be weakened and needs to build up his strength again! Too much excitement might knock the stuffing out of him

I do remember that feeling everytime Chloe comes home from a hospital stay... and of course, the day Sasha arrived to me I'm very happy that things are going so well... and I agree, it's VERY hard to find a good vet that you trust. Hold onto that one!

I just LOVE the first shot... it's perfect.

All I can say is... with love and dedication like that it's no wonder he's still going strong at 15 years of age Bless your loyalty to your boy, he must be very special indeed. Can't wait to see pics

Fantastic news that he is showing so many improvements I'm really pleased for both you and Pepi, and hope that he continues on his road to as full recovery as possible! I'm also glad to hear that he is in such good hands at this new vet

Both my dogs do this. I was worried with Chloe and thought it was due to her mild elbow dysplasia or something... but Sasha does it too... so I think it's something that is fairly normal

alpha bet, that's very interesting. I guess it's kind of like a human baby dreaming... I wonder what they could possibly dream about when they don't know the world yet? I wonder what the relationship is between them twitching and them developing? Maybe it means that they are intellectually 'switched on' or something. It must be a very natural thing if it starts when they are only babies.

Oh goodness... I found this so sad It's the little things that we appreciate with dogs isn't it? What is Benny's background?

That cracked me up LDR!!! What a cheeky bugger!!!

Definitely not a manipulative thing here I don't think LDR - what a cunning little man you have LOL!!! Sasha also runs and hides whenever there is people yelling or arguing. OH and I were having a disagreement once and she ran off and I found her hiding under the shell pool shaking As soon as our voices become harsh she's off the back and hides. It's awful... I have to go and get her otherwise she will stay there. I hate what some people do to dogs, she's such a good girl...

I guess it worries me because I suspect Sasha has been hit in her life... if you lift your hand too quickly she assumes you are going to hit her and cringes - and her eyes flutter like she's been hit about the head/face before. It's quite sad to see... and it seems she does this in her sleep too - but perhaps it's just the REM eye flutter instead... well I can only hope so anyway. The mental images that some of you have painted have me giggling