Cardio Myopathy

[Becksy]

Have just had one of our Dobermanns diagnosed with Cardio Myopathy and he is only 4 years old. Our vet has prescribed Vetmodin, Mexiletine and another drug to help Becks.

a. Does anyone have any suggestions where to buy Vetmedin in Australia, as I am concerned that the Govt will not allow same to be imported. Vetmedin is very expensive, we are paying $200 for 100 tablets. Mexiletine (which is twice as expensive here having to compound initially - than Vetmedin) appears to be okay to import, as it is no longer produced here; and

b. Any suggestions how to keep a very active 4 year old quiet, without ruining his quality of life?

Thank you, Becksy.

[Alyosha]

This is the site that will help you search for vet products that are registered for supply and use in Australia:

APVMA Pubcris

If you want to import something that is not registered (ie. it doesn't come up on that site) you will need to contact the APVMA and apply for consent to import it.

It's illegal to import unregistered vet products or active constituents into Australia.

Best of luck with your boy, it's a difficult time for you.

[africandreams]

Hi Becksy

Sorry to hear your dobe has been diagnosed with dcm.

As far as im aware you can only get vetmedin from a vet.

With keeping your dobe quiet, I would still allow him to do daily activities, just modify the intensity and duration.

[OSoSwift]

I think you can only get Vetmedin via your vet.

I can fully sympathise as my girl was diagnosed at 8 and a half.

I didn't throw balls for her or take her running or anything, but other than that I let her self exercise. I figured if she had a hreatattack running with her toy, well at least she died happy. Clicker training will give him lots of metal stimulation without too much physical effort as well.

It is a terrible disease so you have my empathy and I hope he goes well.

Edited August 28, 2011 by OSoSwift

[Becksy]

Many thanks for your replies, it is much appreciated. Could I please ask what clicker training is, I have never heard of this. Best wishes to you.

Cheers Becksy

[OSoSwift]

If you google clicker training you will find heaps of information on it.

Basically a clicker is a devince that produces a unique sound(a marker) that you then couple with a reward (food treat, toy, tug whatever) generally a yummy food treat like roast chicken or whatever your dog likes. The treats are only very small.

It is very precise and you can capture small parts of a movement or exercise. Trick training would be probably be lots of fun for you both and help keep young minds occupied without a lot of physical exertion. My Dobe loved her trick training.

[Becksy]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I did google clicker training and there is heaps of info. I was not certain how that would keep Becks mentally stimulated, but I see it is about the fun and time spent together. I will try with both our dobermans. I presume I can buy a clicker from a vet or pet store.

Many thanks again.

If you google clicker training you will find heaps of information on it.

Basically a clicker is a devince that produces a unique sound(a marker) that you then couple with a reward (food treat, toy, tug whatever) generally a yummy food treat like roast chicken or whatever your dog likes. The treats are only very small.

It is very precise and you can capture small parts of a movement or exercise. Trick training would be probably be lots of fun for you both and help keep young minds occupied without a lot of physical exertion. My Dobe loved her trick training.

[OSoSwift]

Yes most pet supply places have clickers.

It keeps them mentally stimulated as they are trying to work out what you are wanting for the click/treat. They can think quite hard before trying something to see if it earns them the reward. So you don't physically show them what you want you use the clicker to capture what you want, soemtimes a little luring may help, depends on the dog, you and what you are trying to get them to do.

There is a book called dog tricks by Mary Ray and Justine Harding that covers heaps of different things including obedience exercises as well and is step by step using the clicker.

Not sure I made sense!

[Becksy]

Yes you did make sense, many thanks. I will look for a clicker this weekend. Enjoy your weekend.

Cheers Kim (for Becks)

Yes most pet supply places have clickers.

It keeps them mentally stimulated as they are trying to work out what you are wanting for the click/treat. They can think quite hard before trying something to see if it earns them the reward. So you don't physically show them what you want you use the clicker to capture what you want, soemtimes a little luring may help, depends on the dog, you and what you are trying to get them to do.

There is a book called dog tricks by Mary Ray and Justine Harding that covers heaps of different things including obedience exercises as well and is step by step using the clicker.

Not sure I made sense!