dogbesotted

so terribly sorry for your sudden loss. A candle will burn tonight in honour of your sweet dobe girl. She will be at The Bridge healthy and srong watching over you until you both meet again. Your memories will in time bring comfort and a smile... and that is the great gift they leave us. Blessings Helen

Jodie, Phew...he has eaten ! woohoo! I will sleep better tonight. This is a good start. try the salmon too..it worked wonders with Lucinda. A friend of minbe who fought breast cancer like a tiger for over 10 year said that chemo sometimes made food tast horribly metallic...so maybe Ollie just needs something different..like past pecorino cheese etc. Hugs and sighs of relief Helen

Dear Joann. Last year my dear Jake was diagnosed with advanced dilated cardiomyopathy. He was one of myheart dogs. I made the decision to help him from this life when he no longer showed interest in anything. AS much as I hate to say it but that awful decision comes down to whether you feel that your dog has any quality of life left - ie can they do the things that once they loved to do so much. It is very personal, no two are the same. Only you know your dog well enough to face this reality. Your heart will tell you. I will light a candle tonight for your sweet Daisy..and send prayers to you for comfort and strength. Comfort from the wonderful memories that you and daisy made together and strength to make that decision that only love can make - to ease the suffering and take the pain into youtrown hear. Blessings Helen

Ok here is some info re oxalate stones and what foods to avoid. quoting Barbaras book ( LOL) Bladder stones ( calcium oxalate) Avoid calcium supplementation, dietary oxalate ( eg spinach) and vitamin C in the form of camcium ascorbate. Consider a low to moderate protein diet and low salt to minimise the risk of reformation fo stones. Encourage plenty of fluids. veterinary diets may be preswcribed. Canned and fresh foods contain more mositure than dry foods. Supplement with a vitamin B complex ( B6 2-4 mg per kilogram daily). Potassium citrate ( a urinary alkaliniser) may be needed if stones persist. Here is a good link to foods are to be avoided and foods that may be fed to dogs with calcium oxalate stones; http://www.bichon.org/stonestable1.htm I get the Nutrigel from my vet. Cheers Helen

Jodie, What about a vitamin B injection and for his liver St Marys thistle? There is also an appetite stimulant called: Nutrigel ( you place a small amount in the mouth to get Ollie used to the flavour) It is a source of calories and vitamins. If he seems to like the plain taste of arrowroot bikkies etc maybe try him on some rolled oats..anything at this stage to stimulate his appetite. There is an enzyme that is measured in blood tests that shows muscle wastage.: Creatinine (CREA) - Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary obstruction, muscle disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and disbetes. An increased BUN and normal creatinine suggest an early or mild problem. An increased creatinine and increased BUN with elevated phosphorus indicate a long standing kidney disease. here are some links that can help you understand blood test results: http://home.gci.net/~divs/disease/lab_tests.html http://shady-acres.com/susan/cbc.shtml http://www.ighawaii.com/naturally/newsletter/lab.html http://hml.org/CHIS/providers/tests.html http://www.amarillomed.com/howto.htm http://www.vetinfo.com/cencyclopedia/cebloodtype.html Hugs to you both Helen PS Lucinda started eating a bit more yesterday - I added some cooked liver to her cooked ( yeh I know she should be fed raw) beef, oats and veggies.

Jodie, I have just been reading over Lucindas diary..her temp was between 39.6 and 40.5 for ages!!!!! that was back in Oct Nov 2002. So she made it through all that. November 2002 was when we went holistic only as she was going downhill so very fast it was frightening. March 2003 she was still from time to time getting a high temp up to 40 a couple of times. Thought this would help you be a bit more positive. Hugs

Jodie, What a gorgeous photo of Ollie! it makes my heart pound.

to sooth itching paws soak them in Epsom salts in cool water for 5 - 10 mins to relieve itching. you can then apply plantain gel or infusion of calendula to the red and inflamed skin.

Oh bugger, blast and damn.! The good thing ( if there is one ) is that the thromboctopenia is not acute. Cortisone is the drug of choice for autoimmune problems. Morris was on pred for a long time. Pred is not good for the liver, so speak to the vet about some liver support ( maybeSt Marys thistle which helps protect the liver). Immune system support from holistic meds is not a bad idea if at all possible. Thrombocytpenia is a symptom of quite a few diseases and that includes cancer ( there I have said it as much as i did not want too). I suspected that Morris had something else going on that was not obvious. but 18 months later he developed lymphoma ( I do not know if the thrombocytpenia was the first indication of something starting to go wrong). I will add here that Morris' thrombocytopenia was acute and from the first signs of the purpura in his mouth within 12 hours he was literally at deaths door. Keeping yopur girl in my thoughts and prayers.

Erny, Is Kal getting digestive enzymes and probiotics with her food? may be an idea.

Oh just what i did not want to hear! Lucinda battled a high temp for months after her MCT surgery. we had a really really hard time getting it down to anything approaching normal. We came to the conclusion that it was those damned histamines ( not an infection)..you know how with a severe allergic reaction you get hot as well. Blood tests perhaps to check white blood cell levels and lymphocytes and of course his electrolytes as he has been vomiting. I am unable to think of anything else. If it were me I would want my Lucinda home with me if it was at all possible. My vet has trusted me on a few occasions to have a very sick dog back with me at home as he trusts that i will follow his instructions and he trusts my judgement. I dont like the idea of them being alone overnight. Would not be quite so worried if the vet was a 24 hour staffed facility. Sending prayers for Ollie, that this is just a little bump in the road. Lucinda is not doing quite so well at the moment. So we will be taking each day as it comes. She has become quite frail. Hugs Helen

Oh Jodie, Ollie is always in my thopughts and prayers...will sond some extra heavy duty ones for the poor lad. It IS awful when they run away when it is med time. Poor Jake would just clamp his jaws shut and it is damned near impossible to open pitbull jaws against their will. Jackie, Sending healing vibes bennys way. Hugs to all Helen

Puggles, Papain is a digestive enzyme made from papaya.

the only time I boarded my dogs was when The Divine Miss Sophie was still with me. I packaged up her meal portions and froze them. The boarding kennel was happy for me to do this and i assume they fed it to her ( LOL) Mind you her Divineness would eat anything at all.

I googled barbara http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=Dr...le+Search&meta= website: http://www.naturalvet.com.au/index.html

Puggles, Horrid activity isnt ithere is an extract from : Healthy Dogs: A handbook of natural Therapies author Dr Barbara Fougere ( my holistic vet LOL) " The only time when faeces eating is normla is when a bitch eats her puppies waste. It can be a behavioural problem, or a symptom of pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, worms, diabetes or other problems. If an underlying cause cannot be found here are a few options: 1. It is possible that your dogs digestive system is not coping well with his currrent diet. You may need to switch to a meat baseddry food, or homemade diet and add dietary enzymes ( especially if the pancreas is involved). papain is useful. An improvement should be seen within seven days to two weeks as your dog adjusts. The stool eating should resolve. If this is not effective try the Bowel Detoxification Program. 2. try distracting your dog. Keep him on harnass or leash and when you see him head for his target, redirect him. 3. Coprophagy might also be associated with adrenal gland depletion due to stress. ( epilepsy is a stress inducing illness, and the meds can impact on liver enzymes. Barbara does do telephone consults if you are not in Sydney and I would recommend a consult with her. She is excellent

oh bugger!

a friend of mine has used the implant. i am about to try it and so is a neighbour of mine will let you know.....

here are some links on grooming for malamutes and akitas: http://www.omalmalamutes.com/omal/nails.asp http://www.realmals.com/Grooming.htm "" GROOMING: The Alaskan Malamute is a double-coated breed which means the coat consists of two hair-types. The undercoat is a soft, downy insulator which grows or sheds out depending on the season. The topcoat is harsher and oilier in texture and is designed to repel dirt, water and snow. With a correct coat type, the Alaskan Malamute requires little in grooming on a daily basis. A correct, harsh coat can repel dirt easily. Unless it is a show dog, a malamute needn't be bathed regularly. A daily or few-times-a-week brushing should be all that is necessary to keep the coat free of loose undercoat, mats and dirt. It is important to know that the undercoat can mat easily. If old, dead coat is not removed, via regular brushing or combing, it will pack down and mat which will trap moisture. This will provide bacteria and fungus with an ideal breeding ground and sore, irritating, ugly hot spots can result. Hot spots can become horribly infected and invite a host of escalating problems. A hardy, natural breed, yes, but grooming is still an essential part of regular care and maintenance. Malamutes are very heavy, seasonal shedders. The trigger for shedding season seems to be the amount of daylight the dogs are exposed to. As the days grow shorter, the pituitary gland sends a signal that colder months are coming and it is time to grow a heavy coat. As the days grow longer, warmer temperatures are on the way, and it is time to drop unnecessary insulation. During shedding season, a malamute will drop copious amounts of fur. Have a pin-brush, an undercoat rake, a slicker brush and a Greyhound type comb on the ready, along with some big garbage bags. When they shed, it is essential that the owner of a malamute stick to a daily routine of brushing or combing, or hire the services of a professional groomer. Out with the old and in with the new -- a healthy, new coat cannot grow in and flourish if the old, dead coat has not been removed. If removal of dead undercoat is neglected, skin and coat problems will ensue. Finally, your malamute's nails need to be kept short and the fur between the toes can be trimmed down to the level of the foot-pad to keep the foot strong and to provide traction. "" http://akitanetwork.com/care/grooming.htm

ooops sorry my ageing eyes saw "rock" and made up the rest LOL here is the yellowpages listing of dog gorromer servicing your area: All Creatures Great & Small Grooming Service Wellard WA 6170 ph: (08) 9439 2458 Canine Care Safety Bay WA 6169 ph: (08) 9528 2792 Clean Dog 8 Clint Wy Calista WA 6167 ph: 0410 618 332 map Clever Clippers Dog Grooming 17 Helena Rd Cooloongup WA 6168 ph: (08) 9592 4538 map Clipper Southside 1 Blee Crt Rockingham WA 6168 ph: 0411 705 246 map Cottage Pet Care Services 37 Tunnicliffe St Parmelia WA 6167 ph: (08) 9419 5724 map Doorstep Mobile Dog Grooming 33 Azure La Warnbro WA 6169 ph: 0413 746 919 map Flea-Stoppers Rockingham Rockingham WA 6168 ph: 1300 303 008 map Heavenly Mobile Dog Wash 8 William St Rockingham WA 6168 ph: 0407 986 178 map Heavenly Mobile Dog Wash Safety Bay 16 Fountain Crt Safety Bay WA 6169 ph: 0417 171 076 map

here are two for rockhampton. But I would certainly check to see if they are experienced. I am not sure that a mobile hydrobath is what is needed I think a full grooming would be best. Clipped, if absolutely necessary, and dried. I dont know about Malamuts and Akitas but I know with maremmas ( different coats but also double and thick) that clipping is not always the best option if it can be avoided. Doghouse On Wandal Shop 5/ 10 Wandal Rd Wandal QLD 4700 ph: (07) 4927 5077 Rovers Mobile Hydrobath 2 McKelligett St Rockhampton QLD 4700 ph: (07) 4927 5687

Ah the things we do to keep them happy hey. Barbara and Sue did the same for Lucinda..then Lucinda decided she did not want to eat any of her favourite foods..typical female. Now she is not quite so fussy but will not touch anything with roo meat in it ( even the tiniest bit sigh). Tonight in addition to her normal meal she will get dessert : greek style yoghurt with crushed blackberries, raspberries and bluberries...now that she loves!

Jodie, What about trying him on something totally different to what he usually gets? A dear friend ( who as since passed away) battled cancer for 9 years, chemo radiation the lot and she said that sometimes chemo would make the food she usually liked taste metallic.... Altho Lucinda did not have chemo she did go for a frightfully long time without much appetite and did not eat for about 6 days- i offered her my stirfried tasmanian salmon with chinese greens. She scoffed the lot.

Erny, Roll on Tuesday....keeping all fingers and paws crossed here for a definitive result and one that is easily dealt with. You two have been through so much. When we are observant around our dogs I think we pick up little changes in behaviours that would otherwise go unoticed..then it can be hard to track down the cause becaus initially the dog is just a little "off". My Oscar is like that at the moment. Blood tests appear normal but I "know" something is not quite right.

Pampa, sure sounds like your girl has turned the corner, a huge phew! . I checked with my vet too about the coagulation tests...but suezija has already given the same info. lets hope it is all smooth sailing from now one.