SparkyTansy

Spartan was 8 months or so... James was 18 months. :cool: LOL @ Ellz!

I've given eggplant before in the raw mix with no issue at all... but it has been leftover and not a lot... plus mixed in with a heap of other veg.

Ester C works wonders also.

I also agree with sas, they are given low doses, and if not initially, they are usually worked down to a lower dose. Some dogs who's only way out was cortisone, can be given various supplements such as Omega Oils, which can often stretch the dose out, and sometimes can entirely cut it out in certain seasons...

I would think that the vet would have offered other solutions to just starting on Cortisone, however I do not think that it is absolutely necessary for him to come off it.... It should be a last resort IF you can see it helps and if you have figured out the root cause. Simply putting them on cortisone without knowing the original problem will only mean it happening again and not knowing what it is from. Some dogs can usually have cortisone to stop itching and prevent spread of infection to other areas before it becomes infected... perhaps this is what this vet was trying to do but i would have at least looking into what may be causing it first. It can be a number of things, from contact, to inhalant allergy (atopy) to a food allergy. Allergies are so hard to diagnose and sometimes I feel that some vets just don't want to try and they try the easy way out instead. perhaps if you don't find the root cause yourself (try food eliminating diets, checking bedding, washing powders, your garden etc), you should consult a dermatology specialist vet who sees many varying cases every day and will give you the right direction into diagnosis, THEN options for treatment...

never seen anything like that - perhaps you can order one and have it sent from the country you have seen them in?

never had a problem with flaps, but avoid off cuts of any other kind... i give mainly chicken frames (complete with most of the guts) which they love and when i can find them, they love turkey necks... i also give kangaroo tails but only the weims and the greyhound eat these... the setters don't like kangaroo!

instead of taking the 1 hour car trip, why not just pop into your local vet for a quick check? if there is one left in there they will be able to confirm it... saves a drive.

Juice i hope your wei is ok... I would put some sort of antiseptic cream and bandage... btw, why do we never see you in the Weim thread?

thank you!!

Hey Bilbo Baggins Junior and Harminee! Thanks so much for the awesome siggies! Now i just have to decide which one to put on... it's too hard!! now... can anyone tell me which page Harminee's step by step instructions are to upload the sig?

Would anyone be willing to make me a siggy? Preferably the weimaraner in the middle of the two setters... I am not sure if i want names but if anyone is willing to experiment, the Weimaraner is Ariane, the Orange/white is James and the tri colour is Spartan... Thanks in advance!!

Kirty, i LOVE that picture of Ablett! what a beautiful pic!!

it is just as difficult to determine temperament in an older dog. What if that older dog is shy or traumatised? unsure about it's change of living situation. It takes a few months to settle in and then it comes out of its shell, and turns out to be the complete opposite of what it was when you met the dog. A 'good' breeder will never guarantee you, but will recommend to you what they think is the best pup for you, based on their observations in the previous 8 weeks. If there was a breeder who didn't know what their pups temperaments were like, you can confidently say that they probably aren't a 'good' breeder.

McBeal, as you have waited so long already to make the decision to get a pup, what is a few more months of waiting by finding a breeder you are happy with through good channels (like DOL or VCA) and saving the money in the meantime? You say two mortgages are daunting etc, but what if your beloved pup (who was a little on the cheaper side due to no health checks or not from a reputable breeder) got very sick and you had to fork out a lot of money on vet bills? I started saving for my first dog when i was 18, working part time and studying. I saved $20 a week and got my pup a year later, and had plenty of money to spare for transport, vet care etc.

there is obviously something she doesn't like about either being picked up, or putting the collar on... it is also all on her terms with regards to when she has the lead put on or when she wants a pat. Perhaps you could work on getting her to come to you, sitting, treating, then eventually a sit, pat, treat. If she comes up to you for a pat without being called, do you pat her?

a smart Dally then!

i dont put coats on my dogs except the greyhound... Like Miranda, my setters seem to thrive in the colder weather and are quite happy. The Weimaraner does get cold occasionally, but not that often as she is quite active. She does wear a reflective coat on walks but this is obviously more of a safety thing.

Ellz - very sorry for your loss of Tigger, and the resulting nastiness :nahnah:

I saw your sig in another thread and thought oh no... I never come into this thread because I'd never stop crying... but i am so sorry to hear of your loss of Spike and Rascall. They are never with us for long enough. RIP Rascall and Spike. Take care of yourself. Hugs to you and your mum. Caber and Ziva will look out for you and Spike will watch over you.

I'd stop cutting up the wings/necks and just keep an eye on her when she eats them. Lamb flaps are good, and turkey necks are fantastic when you can get them.

I agree with Faolmor... having gone through the same type of problems with my boy as a pup, we looked at food as a possible cause for his problems and found that he was severely allergic to chicken, causing a mountain of problems. I feed (raw, non weight bearing) bones to my other two with no problems at all.

I third it, no need to add a calcium supplement... Chicken necks are also a good source. And please post some pics!! Welcome to DOL

I'd go with a setter too BUT... they are very specific with their needs, like any breed, plenty of research would determine whether you are in a good situation to own either breed. Then, it comes down to personal preference. I suppose one of the big differences to look at is coat... The Irish coat is a consideration not just for the show ring, but also that they have longer hair which does show in the house, on your clothes etc! Are you happy to spend the time grooming? If you don't learn to groom yourself are you happy to send your dog to a groomer or at least keep it brushed regularly? Irish have a big energy factor too, which you will need to keep in mind. Have you considered an English setter, for something slightly more mellow? Best of luck with your decision... it is yours at the end of the day. Perhaps it would be wise to come to a couple of shows (the ones Settrlvr mentioned are both good... the Gundog club usually gets a fairly good irish entry) and ask the owners about each breeds little quirks (the ones you don't read about in the books!)... as you have had an irish growing up, I still say an irish might be best - but i am biased when it comes to setters of any description!!

When my pup was still small i asked about giving sentinal - as i had the 25+kg one... they said as long as they weigh half of the minimum weight requirement, it was ok to give them half... so in this case, 1/2 a tab would be acceptable for 12.5kg and over and under 25kg. And yes, CAPSTAR are another brand i like to keep on hand which i use in conjunction with sentinal.