doberkids

Thank you all.

Hi all, Thanks for your advice. Bindi passed to the rainbow bridge a few days ago. She went with grace and dignity - the way she lived her life. She is sorely missed.

Thanks also Scottsmum. She used to eat raw eggs. I'll try some cooked ones over the next few days when we don't have people round! Lashes seems to go on and off chicken thigh meat chopped up in 1cm cubes - today veal mince worked. I guess I just have to have lots of daily options to see what she fancies for the day! :)

Hi Yipeegirl, we have some herbal supplements to help with her appetite - my oh has to stick them down her throat in some sausage as I can't seem to do it properly. Thanks for the tip on the mirtazapine I'll ask the vet about it if she deteriorates some more. At the moment she still isn't keen on cooked - so I'm trying to stick with what works - which usually involves quite a few options. It is comforting to see that others have had similar issues. Thank you.

Thanks DDD for your note and wishes. :) I was only reading that thread last night,! We are going slowly and I'm being super patient with her. She's going ok - it's just a challenge as she used to inhale everything in sight. At least we know the problem so we can make her last days as nice as possible. I hope you are doing ok with your Danny too. Hugs .

Unfortunately following some more tests we have found out that bindi has a tumor on her liver and spleen. In doing some research I found out that in humans issues with the liver or kidneys can put people off their food and it can also do the same with dogs. I'm currently experimenting with a different meal every day with a couple of options and hand feeding to get her to eat something to keep her energy up. It is a slow process but at least we now know what the issue is so we can try our best to feed her and keep her comfortable. Thank you again to everyone who provided suggestions.

Thanks everyone. I tried the puppy my dog today. I think she ate about half to two-thirds of the can for dinner. She didn't totally clear her bowl, but it was an improvement. I'll look for the other suggestions too. Thank you!

Hi there my 12.5 year old dobe recently went off her food after a visit to the vet. All health signs fine. She got some antibiotics for her tooth which were finished a couple of months ago. She's always had barf although the bones content has gone down due to her teeth. We ve tried raw steak lamb mince beef mince too mince chicken mince tuna chicken necks tips - all not particularly interesting to her. She still loves her liver treats and roo straps - but a dog can't live on that. She still drinks water, goes for a walk fine - albeit slowly. Any meal suggestions?? I'm getting worried as she's losing weight now.

Thanks all.. This is really helpful. I love the words of encouragement too! It was such a big decision.

Thanks all. This is really helpful.

Thanks all for the suggestions.. Any recommendations on fencing type? Any recommendations on tick treatments? Should we start well before we leave?

It's been a long while since I've visited - but now is a great time to ask some dolers for advice. I have a 12 year old dobe, 8 yo rescue amstaff and 2 yo rescue English staffy. My partner and I are about to embark on a sea /farm change - moving to the Byron hinterland on 100 acres from suburban Sydney. The farm has alpacas, goats,sheep, ponies, donkeys and some guinea fowl as residents. The dogs have never seen anything like this - any advice on bringing them in? Settling them into a new place? Also advice on ticks/ snakes etc as we don't have those here either. Obviously fencing is going to be one of our first priorities... Any experiences/ advice etc would be really helpful.... And I can't wait!!!! Thanks!

Hi Recently Ralfie our dobe passed away from DCM. He was 8.5 and lasted about 18 mths post diagnosis. I have 3/4 of a pack of Fortekor expiring in 04/2013 which I am happy to send to someone whose dog has dcm. As you know these are about $95 per box, so it may be helpful to someone in need. Pls pm me if you are interested.

Thanks Rappie. I'll wait until I receive the results in writing. I'll post them here and see if that can help me out more..

That's a very good idea persephone, I will do that right now!

The vet dIdnt specify what part was tested, just that the thyroid levels were subnormal, at a rate of 10 and a "normal" reading is 13... It's the second time they have been tested( previously we were told all ok, ) so I didn't worry or research further...

Thanks all. I was on the phone to the vet, so didn't hear properly if it was hypo or hyper... Sounds like it is hypo... Does anyone have a view on the test results?

Hi there I recently took my 8 year old dobes for their annual check ups etc. On their thyroid one was rated at 10, and one was a touch less than 10. They have put on about 2 kilos each over winter (food + less exercise) so the vet thinks they may have hyperthyroidism. A "normal" reading is 13. It doesn't sound like their results are a lot below the "normal" reading, but I'm not sure what that means. I am going to have some more blood taken and sent to the US for some more formal tests before I put them on medication. However I was wondering if anyone here had any experience in this space? Any natural remedies or thoughts? Thanks

DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). It is a disease of the heart that causes parts of it to be enlarged. It is common to medium / large breed dogs.

hi All My 8.5 year old dobie Ralf has been diagnosed with DCM. We caught it in the occult phase, which was lucky... Does anyone else have any experience with this disease? Any advice?

MonElite, So sorry to read this. I feel like I knew him with all the stories I've read here.

Hi teb77 I have two. PM me if you want some details.

Hmm, definitely tempted to make the purchase! Love the idea of it.

MOnsterpup which one have you got?

shoemonster what machine do you have? approx how much $$'s pls?