Rappie

Well glad you're happy It sounds as those kangaroo might be one of the easiest things for you, assuming that your cat is keen on the idea. Probably ideal if you can get it fresh, rather than the processed stuff just for the sake of keeping it all "clean". All the dermatologists at the uni are lovely, I spent my time with Beth McDonald. Who did you speak to at the open day? Can PM if you don't want to say on here. It was a smaller group of students than expected but everyone I remember being there would have been very good to you! We try to do a good job ;)

Glad you're getting somewhere ;) Unfortunately, food allergies can often occur to the proteins to which an animal is commonly exposed to. Contrary to some popular beliefs, beef, chicken and lamb are the most common (over an above gluten, preservatives and everything else - but those certainly happen too). One website I can think of off the top of my head is www.veterinarypartner.com. Earlier in the year I spent some time with a veterinary dermatologist and have quite a collection of articles built up over the last couple of year. Feel free to PM if you like.

The injection would be to start the course of medication off, the tablets to continue - starting the next day I would imagine.

Well, its 33 days until I graduate as a vet and I have finished all my formal education. I'm just sitting tight for the next 12 days until I can be registered...... I accept the reasons that people feed BARF, I've read the books and although I don't agree with ALL of the information present, I do think with the addition of time and dedication on the part of the owner that it's a perfectly reasonable way to feed animals. That said, I think the best thing to feed our pets is that food which is most viable for the owners, for the majority the best you can do is suggest a premium dry over PAL. People who feed BARF do it because they feel it is best for their animals, and biologically, probably is (when done well). IMHO people who try to feed an omnivore a vegetarian diet are then inflicting their own *personal* beliefs and morals and an animal that has no defense to that. Feeding a vegetarian diet to an obligate carnivore is something that I wouldn't even contemplate - I remember being an innocent by stander when a fellow intern dared ask two of the finest feline specialists in Australia if cats could be fed a vegan diet (because the client had asked her, and the intern had already said no). The room just about erupted in flames, let me tell you that. Cavalier, I would think about the points that you made it your post a little further up the page and go back and think back objectively, like a vet, about the health benefits you mentioned and consider whether human data can really be extrapolated as such.

I wash my little mutt when he starts to smell It's usually about every 3-4 weeks, but he got twice in one week last week, because somehow he got so excited that he rolled on his back and managed to pee in his ear. He's a clever one :rolleyes:

Advocate will do heartworm, fleas, intestinal worms except tapeworm and external mites. Sentinel Spectrum will do heartworm, fleas (sterilises adults, not kills) and intestinal worms including tapeworm. Interceptor Spectrum, as for Sentinel but minus flea control. Revolution in dogs does heartworm, fleas, ear mites and sarcoptes (does some worms in cats). Advantix does fleas, ticks and lice. Advantage / Frontline do fleas only. Heartgard / Proheart etc will do heartworm only. Heartgard Plus does heartworm + some intestinal worms.

Hard to say what difference it will make Erny. If you switched to Advocate then you would only have to give a tapeworm tablet (praziquantel) rather than the all wormer. You might find that it has less gastrointestinal effects than the all wormer, I can't say for sure. Most of our clients using Revolution are using it on cats - and they are all very happy. I'm not sure if it's a real or imagined efficacy problem with dogs, it may be that some are using the perceived lack of flea control as an excuse to "upgrade" to something that treats intestinal worms too

Advocate is becoming quite popular amongst our clients, particularly for the smaller dogs. I used it on my own dog while I was living with family (who have two cats, a large dog and a flea problem) and I was quite happy with it. I'm now living at home again, in an apartment and no flea problem so at the moment, I am using the Guardian chews + Advantage as needed. As for Revolution vs. Advocate - reports from clients are that Advocate / Advantage is better for fleas. Advocate also does the Otodectes (ear) and Sarcoptes mites like Revolution, and is registered for the treatment of Demodex however the information coming out at vet seminars etc is that the result isn't quite what Bayer had hoped for. As others have said, 3 monthly treatment for tapeworm is needed with Advocate - none of the spot-on treatments will do that. Sentinel Spectrum and Interceptor Spectrum will do heartworm and intestinal worms including tapeworm, Sentinel also does fleas (though not as "completely" as the spot-on and flea only treatments).

You could ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist, it sounds as though your staffy might be atopic - a dermatologist can do skin testing to find that out. Unfortunately, if it is atopy, without pursuing allergy vaccines there is not a lot you can do to cure the itch, only relieve it. Antihistamines won't make an animal fat by themselves, however they are often combine with a steroids, which will make an animal more hungry and subsequently fat if they are able to eat to match their hunger. I would recommend a referral, and in the meantime a soothing oatmeal shampoo and conditioner. If the Z/d is part of a food trial, you'll need to feed that exclusively, however if it isn't then adding sardines etc is fine.

Young dogs frequently get self limiting demodex that doesn't require treatment. It's the cases of generalised demodex in any age dog, but particularly entire adults that warrants desexing.

It's recommended to desex affected dogs once the skin has cleared. Particularly in females, the hormonal fluctuations that occur with the heat cycle affect the susceptibility of the dog to another outbreak - its not recommended solely on the basis of it being a potential genetic problem.

How old is your dog Erin? Wobbler's would be a possibility, however there's other reasons as well. My understanding of what you have said is that he has deep pain perception, but his proprioception (awareness of his body's position in space) isn't what it should be? If this has been a slowly progressive condition and he is an adult dog, there are a number of things it *could* be. Unfortunately, diagnosing conditions like this is often done as a "diagnosis of exclusion". Diseases that could cause a vague, but localised condition like this include spinal tumours, partial disc prolapse (as part of changes associated with aging), hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament disease, discospondylitis or a degenerative myelopathy. With regards to imaging - radiography can give a lot of information, but not all of it specific. In some dogs, a disc prolapse can be suggested by a narrowed or collapsed intervertebral disc space or the presence of bony changes on the lower surface of the vertebrae. Myelography when available is used to visualise the spinal canal and identify disc material or tumours. More advanced imagining like CT and MRI is used much less often in veterinary medicine than human, they are very useful but not often called upon (the uni does one every few weeks at RPA). Despite all the information they can give you, they are expensive and not everyone is able to go down that road.

Revolution is the easiest treatment for sarcoptes mange - 3 doses a fortnight apart is usually enough to clear up a case. Unfortunately, demodectic mange isn't quite so easy to treat, and there is no single best way approach the treatment. Weekly injections are popular because they are easy to administer and less frequent than oral medication with ivermectin. There is some suggestion (though not proven) that the time to clinical resolution may be longer using weekly injection of ivermectin. If you were going to use a weekly injection of something, it would be worth discussing doramectin (Dectomax) injection with your vet. There are other option with oral treatments, however they are only really financially viable in small dogs. I think a lot more hope has been placed on Advocate than it deserves, it is registered for the treatment of demodex but that doesn't guarantee success unfortunately. It's something worth trying but it may not be the answer for all dogs. Regardless of the treatment chosen, its very often neccessary to use adjunct treatments like antibiotics to treat secondary infections that will not clear themselves in an immune compromised animal and antibacterial shampoos like Pyohex. Sonny, I suspect that the wash your vet said you could use but would prefer not to is a medicated shampoo called Demadex which contains a potent chemical called amitraz. I wouldn't ever use it by choice either, unfortunately, apart from Advocate it is the only other registered treatment. Fortunately the treatment protocol with ivermectin and its derivatives are well published and are accepted options. As an aside to something I think another poster mentioned earlier - the doses of ivermectin used for treating mange are lower than those used for heartworm (which is why it can be used in collie breeds under careful supervision).

I'm all for constructive criticism of individuals or a profession. Perhaps I just need to grow a thicker skin, but every time I read comments such as this I think "Ouch, that bites". Your comment implies that "all" veterinarians are at the whim of drug companies, while only "many MD's" allow themselves to become brainwashed. You imply that all post graduate education received by veterinarians is from sales people. What a way to discredit those veterinarians that DO try to make a difference and advance their education with formal qualifications and attend regular Continuing Education courses. I would suppose then, that since I am well versed in the advertising and technical information supplied by the major drug suppliers, I would by default be one of "them". I would suppose also that it wouldn't be of too much concern that, while I may still prescribe and administer their products, I do not agree with their claims nor appreciate their pressure to sell their product. I believe that I maintain the integrity to make an educated recommendation for each patient that I see. Oh? I can't think of a good reason to recommend something just to get free coffee mugs. I suppose there are some veterinarians that may do that - but they are not representative of the profession. I suppose next you will tell me that all veterinary students have been brainwashed by the very same companies. Appreciating and accepting sponsorship and support does not automatically result in an obligation to completely accept of a companies products, ethics or practices. For example: Hills Pet Nutrition sponsor a dinner for 3rd year Veterinary Students to mark the "half-way" point of their course. Students are asked to complete a weekly multiple choice quiz - the more responses, the higher the $ value of sponsorship. This activity has much more to do with team work on the part of the students than pressure from the company. Hills Pet Nutrition also generously sponsor information sessions (and supply food) for students that they might find relevant - and that have nothing to do with pet food or nutrition - such as finding employment, or inviting local veterinarian or visiting specialists to talk to students. Let's not forget that the aim of sponsoring something or someone is usually because otherwise, there wouldn't be sufficient funds for it to happen. The AVA Conferences are occasions like that - inviting international speakers, providing quality venues, literature and so on costs money. If the members were to pay for it all through their registration fees, it just wouldn't happen. I for one and grateful for the assistance of the companies to which you refer, but it does not, under any circumstance make ME feel that I owe them anything except a simple "Thankyou" of appreciation.

Not entering a discussion on vaccination but thought I might clear up the vaccination site issue. Subcutaneous injections can be given anywhere that there is a bit of loose skin. "In the bum" makes me think of two sites, one is in the fold of skin in the inguinal (flank) region and the other is the skin over the thigh. The second is a less commonly used site for subcutaneous injections, but still useful and low on the thigh is the recommended site for rabies vaccinations etc where there is a recognised risk of vaccination associated sarcomas (which haven't been identified in Australia). There could be any number of reasons for the vet doing this - even something simple like the C3/C4 and the kennel cough injections weren't the same brand or the vet doesn't like to mix them in the same syringe.

WendyH - vaccination protocols are pretty easily available on the net. The 3 yearly protocols usually begin after the first annual booster - that is to say, a pup has its initial set of 2 or 3 vaccinations (depending on the age they commence) then another 12 months later (usually aroudn 16 months of age), then 3 yearly from then on.

I think you might be thinking of Advantix (the new flea + tick preparation from Bayer). Advocate is available for cats to protect against flea, heartworm and worms just as for dogs.

If Rimadyl is working for you, I see no problem putting an older patient on it long term. I would suggest a blood test prior to starting it long term, and probably every 6 months that she is on it (the pre-anaesthetic panel will do - it is important to monitor liver and kidney enzyme levels.) There is a lot of hype regarding Rimadyl (in particular) but I think it is important to remember that the problem associated with it in particular are common across all NSAIDs (even in humans). There is lots of good stuff being said about Previcox, but there is no such thing as a perfect drug. The NSAIDs are very good at what they do, its just unfortunate that they have the potential to cause trouble. Some animals will never have trouble, some will be exquisitely sensitive and show GIT signs after one dose..... The class action against Pfizer is getting to be really old - it was prescribed as a wonder drug when it was released and given to a lot of patients that it probably shouldn't have been, without any information being given to the owner. Cause for class action - yes. Cause to completely discount NSAIDs for the management of chronic pain - no. Responses to different NSAIDs between animals can also vary - you may get excellent results from Rimadyl while Metacam will barely touch the pain. You need to consider what suits you and what you are comfortable with. Remember also that the decision includes quality of life for pets in their golden years.

The diarrhoea is from swallowing a whole lot of salty water in a short period of time - the high concentrations of salts in the lumen of the intestines draws a large amount of water to it, not to mention the irritation to the intestines. All in all the body just wants it out - fast. Swimming at the beach in itself is not bad - just beware the possible dehydration both from the salty water and the diarrhoea (all the "water" in the diarrhoea is coming from the body's tissues). Just a word of caution - keep an eye on your dogs water intake when you finish at the beach. They will be thirsty and want to gorge on it - try to control their intake and offer them smaller amounts frequently. If they are very dehydrated and take in a lot of water quickly - that is when a problem that could occur, will occur. The brain keeps the concentration of "salts" under very tight control to protect itself - if you suddenly add a lot of water to the situation, the cells in the brain will swell (cerebral oedema) instead of the brain being able to regulate the concentration of different products slowly over time.

Obviously its impossible to say what it is without ever hearing or see your dog, but a condition called "dynamic airway disease" (DAD) may be the problem. DAD is pretty much as the name describes, a condition that causes airway dysfunction to varying degrees depending on environmental factors, anatomical factors and things such as exercise. Small breeds that "honk" when walked on a lead often have tracheas that aren't as tough as they could be, they are easily compressed which leads to irritation causing a cough. Brachycephalic (short faced) breeds like pugs and Cavaliers often have a long soft palate which can be responsible for what is commonly called reverse sneezing, along with house-shaking snoring. Of course, there are lots of other things that can result in coughing, some fairly benign (the weather, dust, colds) and some more sinister (heart failure, neoplasia). Given the long time that this coughing has been occuring, its less likely to be something sinister. If you are concerned by it, you could ask your vet if they feel radiographs might be worthwhile. This would rule out things affecting his lungs, and with some luck can show up any problems with tracheas.

I would usually suggest taking rear dew claws off as they mostly have no bony attachment to the foot and often grow at strange angles. I have no specific issue with removing front ones but I would usually prefer to leave them on - its all up to you though.

Emergency centres have a tendency to do that Provide essential services to much loved pets - yes. Charge for the privelege? Yes

Not a lot Lablover..... Yes, there is a mark-up but its only enough so that the clinic doesn't have to cover the cost of actually preparing the samples - time taken to draw a blood sample, fill out forms, cost of phone calls, blood tubes etc.

LOL Mel, quite alright. We don't buy whatever brand it was either

I mentioned $7.50 - that was the going rate for a budget C3 as per the Cenvet catalogue I was looking at on the weekend - was just for purposes of example. There certainly were more expensive ones in there - I know that we make about $3 on the actual cost of the vaccine at work, we just refuse to give the injection without a consultation.