temperamentfirst

I would use wool wash and canesten rinse on the bedding. I have found my dogs get itchy if they have lamb, so check the ingredients. ALso, just as a general thing, I give them manuka honey every so often, and daily if they are 'off' at all.

It's a rotten life, exhausted by huge litters, only just recovered from carrying and rearing then bred again. Big litters take a lot out of a bitch.

THe lack of pain is a good sign as usually there is pain associated with it. The age is a bad sign as it often becomes obvious post the first or second vaccination because the immune system cannot cope. Another indication is if the pup is small or runty compared to its litter mates - failing to thrive. If they think it might be, then a bone marrow biopsy will establish if it is TNS. Sadly there are heaps of other autoimmune problems, and of course, it is just one idea.

What is it we are compromising on though? If you are a a breeder and you determine your bitch is in good health why do we need to have to jump through hoops to get approval to do so? I think that it is, per normal, a case of the rotten apples spoiling it for everyone - the sorts of breeders who are so keen for another litter that they do not take account of the bitch's health. A vet certificate of health means a professional disinterested person makes the call. I don't think it is a big deal to get a certificate, not when you see bitches who have had a litter (average number 10 pups) every year since they were 2, bred yet again at age 9. That sort of thing is one of the reasons we are facing draconian regulations.

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome. Neutrophils are trapped in the bone marrow instead of being released to fight infections. It is genetic in Border Collies, but I have no idea if it is present in Greyhounds. I just wondered if it could be something like that as it can badly affect the joints and the pup cannot fight off infections due to the lack of neutrophils. Border Collies now have a DNA test for it:-)

just had a very brief scan for this, blindness seems to be one of the sypmtoms, he's not blind. I don't think CL would show up at such a young age - in most of the breeds who suffer from it it shows up around 12 months at the earliest. I did wonder about TNS or another autoimmune problem?

Thank you - I did say to her that I'd check with my breeder vet first, so hopefully will find out what is going on. I just hope there isn't yet another strain out there!

THe ANKC has age limits for bitches, and if the bitch is older, she has to have a current health certificate from the vet and the breeder has to get permission from the relevant state body before the mating - I think that is a good compromise.

I spoke to my vet today about titre testing my gang. She said the main problem is that the parvo titre does not differentiate between PV1 and PV2 and that PV2 is the strain causing all the current outbreaks She told me that if they were last vaccinated 2 or 3 years ago they probably didn't get the PV2 vaccine as it is quite recent. I was following the new vaccine protocols so am having to rethink it now. Has anyone heard of this?

It sounds like she's really on the mend now - you and your hubby are wonderful! She must wonder what paradise she's found herself in:-)

Have you tried giving her Buscopan for the pain? I was told to give it to my bitch, and it made a huge difference! Also, we find that goats milk does wonders for both mum and pups. Better than formula if you are supplementing pups. i'm making a donation now too help with your costs. Gnarla and her pups are so lucky to have you and your hubby fighting for them.

I am so sorry Shepherds. Kobe knew how much you love him.

We're trying RHCV on our old girl - who is nearly 14 and riddled with arthritis. I must say that the RHCV people are vey generous. They had a stall at the Border Collie Fun Day and were selling the product at a reduced price. Plus they donated money from each sale to the Border Collie Cancer Research Fund!

Its a bit far, but Pawtails have been wonderful. They are near Goulburn but pick up from Sydney. THey also breed BCs, and have great facilities. Our guys have been there a few times and leap into the van, which is a very good sign.

Border Collies vary a lot so you need to look at how much drive you want, and how much coat. Of course, most important is that at least one parent has been tested or is clear by pedigree/parentage for TNS, CL and CEA and that both parents have good hip scores.

Get a second diagnosis from Karen Hedberg. For surgery, I recommend ARH - amazing vets and staff.

Just be extremely careful re Pennhip. To be honest, I would NOT Pennhip at this stage. Talk to your own vet, and wait a few months before X-ray.

I would get a reliable dogsitter to come and stay. Leaving the young dog alone for most of the day with just a visit from a family member is asking for trouble and I would not risk it - I don't even risk it with my mature dogs.

I found glucose tablets really helped. If you don't want to use ACE tablets, but think it is anxiety related, use Schuesslers Tissue salts - Nerve Tonic Combination 5. THey are available at Health Food shops.

I would demand the autopsy at the vet's expense as the nurse has admitted leaving the room.

I know a lot of people on high salaries who still like to bargain about every little thing. A caring breeder should question a potential home on absolutely anything that concerns her. This isn't being difficult, it is being responsible, so you should be glad that you have the opportunity to obtain a pup from her. BTW, you would positively HATE trying to get a pup from me - for a start we insist on meeting the entire family, which usually rules out flying a pup to its new home:-) and if we have the slightest gut feeling or concern, that's it, no adoption. It may mean we miss out on a great home, but having been burnt, we prefer it that way.

THat's great - it is hard confining them and being 'mean' but worth it in the long run.

True, but I guess it depends on the specialist - that's when friends' recommendations can be very handy. I've just found that the specialist did such a great job compared to the general vet. No reflection on the general vet - it's like your GP operating on your leg instead of an orthopedic specialist.

Is the surgeon a specialist? From bitter experience I would now only use a specialist if one of our dogs has something like a cruciate or patella.

I am so sorry, but you gave her the final gift of a loving peaceful ending. It's never easy to say goodbye to our darlings, but it helps if you can ease their passing.