Dogsfevr

HOD is a common disease of rapidly growing, large and giant breed purebreed dogs. In a recent study looking at breed predilection for developmental bone diseases, breeds reported at increased risk included the Great Dane (190 x increased risk for HOD compared to mixed-breed dogs), the Boxer (18.4 x), the Irish Setter (14.3 x), and the German Shepherd (9.5 x) [Munjar, 1998]. The Weimaraner breed featured prominently, with a 21 fold greater risk of HOD occurrence compared to mixed breed dogs. An increased risk for HOD in the Weimaraner has been suggested in the veterinary literature, with a litter of four HOD-affected Weimaraner puppies (Grondelen, 1976), and a different litter of four affected puppies (Woodward, 1982) reported. The CCAH data base currently has 30 Weimaraner puppies diagnosed with HOD. Most of these puppies have presented to veterinarians for acute onset of fever, with swelling present at growth zones of the long bones. Loss of appetite and lameness were present in all these dogs. Males and females were equally affected, and the age of onset of the disease is typically 8-16 weeks of life. We have noted an association with recent vaccination. Of the 30 HOD-affected dogs, 24 received a vaccination within 3-5 days of the onset of the disease. It is important to note, though that there were instances of HOD not associated with vaccination, so that the vaccination may be the trigger for disease expression on the susceptible genetic background. Diagnosis of HOD relies on the typical history, clinical signs, and the presence of the characteristic radiographic findings showing changes at the growth plate of long bones. The cause of HOD remains unknown, with earlier speculations of vitamin C deficiency (Meier, 1957; Holmes, 1962) or over-nutrition (Riser, 1965) discounted in more recent times (Grondalen, 1976). There is mounting evidence that viral infection may be important in the disease., with Distemper virus detected in the growth plates of dogs with HOD (Mee, 1993). To date, we have not been able to identify a link to the Immunodeficiency disease of the Weimaraner related to low levels of blood antibody IgA or IgM. Treatment of HOD in other breeds has traditionally relied on rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin), and opiate analgesics (such as butorphanol or fentanyl) as necessary. In most cases, the disease is self-limiting, and most dogs recover in several weeks. The disease in the Weimaraner is different. The Weimaraner breed is prone to a severe form of the disease, with disease progression in many dogs resulting in death without the proper treatment. Our current recommendation is for practitioners to rule out infectious causes for the fever, and in the presence of radiographic changes in growth plates consistent with HOD, to treat these dogs with corticosteroids. Prompt recognition of the disease, and appropriate treatment art the keys to a good outcome in this disease. Mode of Inheritance of HOD in the Weimaraner The mode of inheritance of HOD in the dog has not been reported, but there is an obvious breed predisposition suggesting that genetic factors play and important role. A useful index for influence of genetic factors in the disease is the heritability of a condition. Heritability varies from 0.0, in which there is not genetic influence, to 1.0, in which the effect is determined solely by genetics. Diseases with strong management influences (such as exposure to an infectious agent through communal grooming) are expected to have a low heritability, and response to selection against disease will be poor. The more appropriate course would be to identify the common theme, and altar the environment to prevent exposure to the cause of the disease. A disease with a high heritability suggests that genetic factors are involved, and implies that a selection program against the disease will have and effect on the prevalence of the disease. Calculation of the heritability requires use of pedigrees, with accurate disease status indicated for as many dogs on the pedigree as possible. Preliminary work in our laboratory has found a high heritability for HOD in the Weimaraner of 0.68 (95% confidence interval of 0.65-0.71), suggesting that HOD in the Weimaraner may have a significant genetic component. It is very important to note that this value cannot be extrapolated to other breeds with HOD, as heritablity is only valid in the population from which it is measured. Other breed clubs will need to similarly calculate this value to gauge the likely success of an selection program against HOD. We suspect that HOD in the Weimaraner is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease, although we still need more HOD-affected dogs to prove this. Some of the characteristics of an autosomal recessive disease that we are seeing in the Weimaraner with HOD include: 1) skipping of generations, and 2) mating of carriers results in the expected proportions of 25% affected, 50% carriers, and 25% unaffected (figure 1). Detection of carriers relies to date on test matings, which is definitely not the desired approach to long term control of the disease. Our data does not support and autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, nor do they support an X-linked (or sex-linked) mode of inheritance . Importance of Carriers in Autosomal Recessive Disease The success of any selection program in autosomal recessive diseases relies on accurate detection of animals carrying susceptibility genes (figure 2). In the best case scenario, the mating of an unsuspected carrier animal to an unaffected animal will still result in the production of 50% carriers in the progeny. This in effect maintains the susceptibility gene for the disease at high levels in the population, even if the disease is seen only sporadically when chance matings of two carriers occurs. We believe this is one of the difficulties in the control of HOD in the Weimaraner. Weimaraners with HOD-susceptibility genes do not have any known phenotypic markers that permit identification, and to date the only way to detect these carriers has been by test matings. Detection of these carriers has also been hampered by use of modified vaccination protocols that are designed to prevent expression of HOD during the susceptible growth period. While it is important to look after the health of our puppies, this factor must be borne in mind when a selection program against HOD is to be implemented in the absence of a sensitive genetic marker. One of the aims of our group has been to locate a genetic marker for susceptibility to HOD, allowing for sensitive detection of these carriers, and thereby, design a suitable breeding program.

"We're thinking it's simply time to get her to sleep outside " God are you kidding From your previous posts i personally think your expecting way to much & not wanting to do the hard work.I will wear my flame suit happily. You have a young puppy who buy 7 am would be wanting its breakfast All our pups get a light brekkie at 6 am when they go outside to toilet ,play & then get there full brekkie 7/8 am. Im sorry but you wanting to sleep in & owning a dog is a sacrifice you make until all the hardwork via puppy age is done. Your pup is a baby & you cant expect to understand what you want unless you get it into a routine. Minis are exceptionally clean dogs who will hang on till the end. We have 12 in the house from 16 to 6 weeks

Ask your breeder to email you there full diet sheet & then if you want to change things discuss with your breeder what they think & any breed specific intolerances or big NO NO,s

It really comes down to the dog. We have seniors here who are feed puppy as thats what they do best on. I have other oldies who are extremely active & wouldnt survive on a seniors diet. We have one very fragile 14 year old who is on a seniors diet because who stomach is very sensitive.She is at present getting eagle pack seniors dry & tinned although she still also get puppy food.With her anything she eats is a bonus.

You may find your pup is enjoying its second family .Do your parents go to bed at 8.30 aswell or are they still up & about?

Are you brushing her on your knee?? If so stop asap.Use either a table.washing machine or similiar & ALWAYS use a non slip matt. I would suggest at first just place pup on table ,tell its to stand(it must stand) & place on floor.Re do & then use the brush I will be honest & say i dont believe in bribing a pup to be brushed by treats . We train all our pets owners & clients that being confident,firm but fair & dont fiddle fart about. Brushing shouldnt be a vocal overload . Groominbg is about a precise verbal commands & the dog responding & the praise is given on completion.We have seen many that do the treat whilst grooming & the dog presumes to be brushed it must get a reward & often the bad behaviour is rewarded by poor timing of the treat.When grooming your voice & hands are always ready & you must use them to there fulliest I think the key to remember with the whole family is cute & fluffy should be treated just like your staffy,trained the same way & treated the same way.This fluff ball shouldnt be entitled to special extras. I would actually suggest finding a good groomer & sticking with because the sooner they get to learn the better ,dont wait & leave it sp long that it becomes a trauma for pup.Many vet nurses arent experienced in this area & grooming done badly can become a life long drama. I will add the worse we get in here are the Malt crosses simply because when they do come there matted,havent been trained & will try everything possible to be the boss.Generally these ones are totally spoilt monsters that have no respect for there owners or there commands & will try to rule the roost in all aspects.

Where does the other dog sleep?

What is the pups routine before bedtime?? What time do you finish work & what does dog do between then & 8.30??

"Settrlvr-(sorry to hijack) but you could point me to resources on the best way to teach a big dog to "play nice" with the smaller ones. Do you just stop any behaviour that is to boisterous??" It all about manners whether it be big dogs or small. I dont let them go overboard plain & simple. My boys have 2 different natures.One is a player the other is a nurture BUt both are big & powerful. It may help that we have small dogs at home but even when at shows they are rules. Rule one is dog doest pull human,rule two play isnt expected ,when play interaction is allowed the boys MUST do so on my terms. I teach mine to lay down when ever greeting a small dog & trust me mine arent obedience trained or anything its simply a case of being in the show world & around many dogs i dont plan to risk anything. When they do lay down ,i am calm but always paying attention to the other dogs plus my own.If the other dog is getting over the top & mine are still calm i walk away calmly until my boys can get there praise bigtime. I would say my boys at shows are well known amongst the small dog owners especially the toys etc etc. Its all about being calm & in control if your dog nows what to expect they will do whats asked & reading the signs when its time over. This is one of our dearly departed & chook killer(for those who say chook killers can never be trusted) I will also say the below girl we aquired at 6 years of age never been around small breeds & my other large breeds bar 1 have all been adults or teenagers. Its very easy & all about the handler.

"Hmmmm I think the diet suggested by the breeder is more balanced than what you decided to feed." Totally agree there

Here we dont do the squeal yelp method never have never will.Never had the need to because the pups now from day 1 what the go is & without any extreme measures. High pitch nosies to dogs can send some into a frenzy & flip out.He everything is a simple calm "vocal command" Funnily enough even though i have gundogs which area very mouthy breed i have never had any extreme issues. Dogs thrive on reaction there more you do or the worse you do it the more confused dogs is & the more frustrated the owner is. Dog thinks human reaction means more or acceptable when it isnt.

Make a point of observing your pup at home during playtime.You will find your pup will have its mad times & then just flop ,you will also see its facial expression.Try to make a point of seeing how long pup lasts during these times of full on play before heading into slow down then sleep When i have setter pups that age (we live on acre property) i go for small walks because it is a time to socialize to the outside world.Cars,bikes,people,noises etc etc.It is also mental/visual stimulation. I generally will walk 4 house down & home because in that time they are focused & listening.This is the key time to make training work,once they get tired or bored they will switch off & do things not desired. As for walking try a 15 min first.You also need to pay attention to your dogs feet(pads) as many arent use to tarmac & can get sore feet if over done. When going to the park you can walk & then sit down & allow pup to watch whats happening.This is also part of training that they dont need to get over stimulated to everything & that calm behaviour is very desired & gets rewards. You can simply sit out the front of your house for 10 mins whilst cars & things go past & allow dog to see/hear & smell what going on. I help a friend show her labs & even with the babies in the ring they will concentrate so hard & then if a judge takes to long they will switch off & that is babies . My setters are taught to lay down to play with little dogs.We have little dogs here aswell & the rules are very simple both sizes must be respectful .My 42 kg boy will lay down & allow all to play,climb over him.He is also 42 kg of shear power & can also play like a giant spaz but he nows the difference. You often finds with walks they concentrate so hard they get tired quickly & you dont wan to be carrying home a heavy bundle :D so do short for awhile. Also join an obedience club

We are trying Coprice with the boarding kennel dogs as its now available in WA .So far the results have been excellent. We have premiun varieties but many boarders arent feed premiun foods at home & so do woeful if feed it suddenly so having a dry that is mid range & agreeable to all is very much appreciated here.

Over playing as a young pup can also be just as harmful on joints. As already pointed out many offleash parks often end up like a free for all with a few owners having no respect for the actual laws regarding offleash parks & there dogs behaviour ,Some people find it a great place.others have neded up with massive issues. I dont go near them & my dogs are superb with others. Socializing with other dogs doesnt mean offleash play its means knowing how to be respectful of both other dog & owner & this can be taught without going to the parks. As you dog is still learning what its lead is take your time in training it to be respectful & listen. There not stupid but we board many labs whose manners are simply shocking add that the power they have.There is nothing worse than a feral lab out of control

Tracy is good but at present very booked out.The thing is with Bowen & the likes one visit doesnt cut it,these services are all about year to year maintance. I use Tracy & have my dates booked till the end of the year for maintance & special events There is a Bowen person in Southern RIver corner of Talbot rd i think it is,has the sign out the front ,First house off ranford rd

You also need to consider yourself.Many handlers are boring & the dogs dont feel any need to respond.They here the same commands over & over with the same boring tone . When training your voice is an amazing tool & make full use of it.When your quirpy & excited in your tomne it is amazing how dogs will respond to the eagerness you transmit I also believe whilst dogs must socialize pups also need to learn the difference between a free for all,time for play & time for respect & often the dogs as pups get to play all they want but during this time there is no training done for when its finished or time to listen so the dog doesnt get the guidance or commands from the handler except doing what ever is normal & as they they older & stronger they still think that is normal

We dont feed alot of raw ,one of our breeds is very prone to pancreatitis so diet is very important & unfortunately with the increase in owners doing BARF the breed is suffering in this area at the moment. We have used many different suppliers over the years .Our best one no longer does it. The others the dogs just wouldnt eat or gave them the runs badly. We use the mutton meat from better pets or city farmers,yes it costs more but totally agrees with our dogs. We dont do alot of chicken neck/frames either & we dont feed organs so can t help you there, With my setter i cant feed roo as it turns him orange & they cant get beef as the breed is prone to reacting badly . We did use to get our necks for a Canning Vale wholesaler & they where great . Some of the meastt in the past i think use to put other varities in that werent meant to be there & depending on when slaughtered & left to stand .

We have brought from southdale but our dogs hated there meat

We havea good range of seniles here & they all have weathabeetas for outside toilets & wondering & when fine there alternative wear. The oilskins seem to be so heavy & stink when damp & not very soft & moulding & hard to wash/dry/ . For us we want waterproof for those occasions yet easy to wash/dry

We have never had one but i breed a breed very prone to them & everyone was of the belief if you had a cheery eye get it surgically fixed sooner than latter. You can massage them back in,they can go back in but often they end up getting bigger each time & the vet visits each time becomes more expensive than just fixing it in the first place. You dont have to havea eye specialist do the surgery.If you have a good vet offay with this area they can do it easily.

If furniture isnt an option make sure you have a dog option available to redirect the pup too. I dare say being a winter pup he is bored so its time to do games that require mental use.

IF your not sure go to vets for a swab

Hill sis the worst for grains etc etc. Do you bath the dog often after swimming in the river & ocean.?? The swan river is pretty gross & all that yuck builds up on the dogs skin

"If they are an ethical registered breeder they wouldn't be charging different prices for males and females" Many ethical breeders do & there stock are well bred & tested ,this comment isnt correct at all

For starters your pup is also teething,chewing brings great relief from the teething process plus as mentioned a means off exploring & learning. We have never done this growling stuff.Commands are given from day 1.Dogs are only as good as the communication you give & then you need to understand your dog & become the smart or smarter owners for that individual. The toileting could be a form of insecurity into your expectations & reactions. Lots of toys means very little.Have a play box & place the toys in there ,each day the toys are rotated . Dogs often have a few toys they really like but when you have to many there is no thrill to them . As for puppy preschool many wont take large breed pups at 11 weeks. Seek out obedience clubs in your area as your pup is ready to go at 13 weeks.Do you havea GSD club in your area or similiar. Its ounds like board puppy craving to learn