Kitt

The vet felt that the boys were ready for their vetwork today so they have been vaccinated, heartworm tested (negative!), desexed and had teeth cleaned/out. They've had pain relief injections and are recovering there today.

The vets said they are doing very well. Ella's done a great job, they've both put on enough kilos and weight gain has now plateau'd so in a couple of weeks they will be ready to go to a new home!

We have discovered that Dusty is a typical naughty whippet and he can jump 6ft high fences if his human goes out and he wants to follow.

This will all be taken into consideration when we rehome the boys so that their safety is not compromised in any way.

Thank you to everyone who has taken so much interest in them and followed their path to wellness!

Wow, it's great to hear that they were well enough for surgery! Fantastic. It must be exciting, but also sad, to know that they will soon be ready to move on.

Hi Neon,

I hope your research is going well :-)

This is a genuine question: Through your TAFE, do you have access to research databases? That is, databases of scientific literature published in academic peer-reviewed journals? I'm guessing that, because you've asked here, perhaps you don't have access to such publications, but I thought I'd check.

Published journal articles form peer-reviewed journals might be a valuable source of information. Even if you don't have access to the full databases, some journals (or some articles from journals) are available to the general public (and I think that someone earlier mentioned checking google scholar). There should be search criteria that allow you to search for research conducted and published in Australia.

Best wishes for your assignment.

Kitt.

Hi

How about something like this - called the Tug a Jug Treat Dispenser (In case the link does not work) :D

http://www.worldforpets.com.au/products/product_detail.asp?ID=5139

Looks like the dog has to pull on the rope to get the treats out - might help.

Thanks lavendergirl. I completely forgot about this type of toy! I think that it won't require much pressure so might not be very effective, but it certainly won't hurt. Thanks for the reminder about these toys :-) Deanna does love her treat toys, so this will be great.

How far post op is she. My JS pup had to have one tooth out & I was told to not give raw bones etc for at least 6-8 weeks. There's the worry of jaw fracture without the teeth roots which form a large part of the jaw.

Thanks luvsdogs. Yeah, I certainly wouldn't want to give her anything too tough. She had surgery approx. 7 weeks ago.

my vet never mentioned this to me when my cat and my greyhound both had all their teeth removed. Both lived for nearly another 12 months after having their teeth out and certainly never got any jaw droop.

The specialist said that it might not happen, and it certainly won't happen immediately. But it is a possibility and he said he makes sure he lets everyone know. He mentioned one client who reacted very badly when their dog's jaw did deteriorate. So I'm aware that it might never happen, but would like to take preventative steps.

It's good to know that your cat and greyhound were fine after having all their teeth out.

Thanks for your reply.

Hi all,

My greyhound, Deanna, recently had the last of her teeth removed. The specialist warned that the removal of all teeth can cause the lower jaw bone to deteriorate (i.e., get shorter, and maybe even droopy). The specialist suggested that tasks that require Deanna to grasp and pull with her mouth will be beneficial in delaying problems.

Deanna doesn't play tug. She chases and picks up toys occasionally, but she is very submissive and always "gives" toys rather than tugs with them. I suppose I could clicker train her to tug, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest any other activities that might require her to use her jaw. She does like to eat her meals from her Kong toy, but that involves use of her tongue, and doesn't seem to require much use of the jaw.

If anyone could share ideas of activities that will require Deanna to grasp and pull with her mouth, I would be grateful.

Thanks very much,

Kitt.

I think it's a lovely idea to want to touch base with Merlin's breeders and let them know how he's going and learn more about his lines and litter mates etc. Good on you :)

Thanks Heidley :)

Selkii I understand your wish to find the breeder and info about the littermates. My greyhound Deanna is 13.5 years old and is doing quite well. Her sire was one of the well-known and successful racers, and sometimes I wonder how Deanna's littermates are going. I hope you are able to find the breeder and let them know how their gorgeous boy is going.

Fantastic news! I'm so pleased for both of you! And, ummm... I think we need more photos!

How is the lovely Deanna doing?

Love her photos

She's great thanks Harley! She yelped the other day when she put her bottom jaw inside her Kong toy to try to pick it up, but she happily ate her entire meal out of her Kong toy. Once she realises she needs to be careful with her gums she's be fine.

The dogs that are most suited to me at the moment are those that are happy with short bursts of exercise. For that reason, I have two greyhounds.

The dogs that are least suited to me at the moment are those that generally need more prolonged exercised in order to be happy. So working breeds are probably my "least favourite" in terms of suitability. However, when I have more time, I would love a dog that would be able to accompany me on whole-day hikes. And I actually love the look of some working breeds (German Shepherds and Belgian Shepherds).

My dogs must be broken. I can leave their meat out defrosting on top of the stove, well within their reach and it's never been touched. Same with the cat food, they could get it if they really wanted too. Margarine sits on the bench top most of the year. I think the kitchen bin has been raided 3 times in 20 years. I am and have been very aware of what I leave out though so there has never been much of a reward for them. They would nick a sandwich off my plate if left unattended in the lounge room while I make a cuppa :D

eta spelling

Rebanne, one of my hounds is "broken", too. I could leave a plate of yummy human dinner on the floor in front of Deanna and she wouldn't touch it. She lulled me into a dangerous sense of security... because... then I got my second hound, Lucy.

She has eaten my breakfast on several occasions

Greyhound (already have two)

Borzoi (hopefully my next dog)

Saluki and Ibizan Hound (probably not suitable, but would love to be in the position to have them)

Do you have anymore photos of the smiley girl?:)

She's not really smiling in these photos; in the first photo she's doing her content, dignified pose. The swelling has just about disappeared, and she's eating quite happily. So we're all happy :)

Fantastic news that she is doing so well. I'm so glad this surgery was available for her.

Thanks Greytmate. I'm so relieved that Deanna appears to be so healthy and happy, and it's nice to be able to share the experience with DOLers.

Thanks, everyone, for your interest and well wishes.

I can't believe how well Deanna is recovering! She is honestly back to her normal self! One side of her muzzle is a bit swollen, but not enough that anyone else would notice. She's going up and down our stairs with no problems, running to her crate to eat her dinner, reaching out to tap me with her paw when she wants a pat (she started doing this only a few months ago, and it melts my heart every time ), doing her happy dance (prancing and shaking her head when excited), and roaching. So she is obviously very happy and comfortable.

I'm so happy :)

Great news Kitt

(It's Aaron here by the way, someone mentioned they saw my name here on the boards)

Glad she is doing well, and I hope you see her better and better, back to the dog you used to have.

Swelling should be gone soon enough - any bleeding from the nostril on that side?

_______________________

Just a quick response to a previous poster; Gary Wilson and I are business partners practicing here in Brisbane. Deanna would have got to meet Gary on Monday, but he was teaching our future Vet Techs about Dentistry, some of whome we've previously taught and looked after Deanna so well on Monday.

Hi Aaron! Deanna is incredibly well and there has been no bleeding! It's amazing! (Or does that mean that a massive chunk of blood is waiting to shoot out of her nose?!)

Thanks for taking care of her :-)

Thanks, everyone, for your interest and well wishes.

I can't believe how well Deanna is recovering! She is honestly back to her normal self! One side of her muzzle is a bit swollen, but not enough that anyone else would notice. She's going up and down our stairs with no problems, running to her crate to eat her dinner, reaching out to tap me with her paw when she wants a pat (she started doing this only a few months ago, and it melts my heart every time ), doing her happy dance (prancing and shaking her head when excited), and roaching. So she is obviously very happy and comfortable.

I'm so happy :)

Resting in bed this morning.

How is Deanna this morning Kitt?

She's doing very well, thanks Boronia. Her muzzle is swollen (she looks a bit like a bull terrier!) and she's a bit wobbly on her feet, but other than that she seems fine.

I hope today has gone smoothly for you and Deanna :)

Thanks Harley. The vet said that the surgery was fine. Deanna had a very big oronasal fistula on one side, and a smaller fistula on the other. We'll be picking her up in about an hour.

Beautiful looking girl. I have a soft spot for the old dogs. All the best for the surgery.

Thanks RL1. She is indeed a lovely dog. This photo was taken yesterday by a friend.

Awww thanks, Polgara's Shadow!

I'm not really one of the forum regulars so it's nice to get well-wishes!

Thanks Erny and Greytmate :)

Ooohh, good luck Deanna! I will be thinking of you all!

Thanks Harley! :)

We saw Aaron on Friday morning. Jumabaar, you're right - he did seem very good. He gave us lots of info and seemed confident about the surgery.

Deanna is having surgery with him tomorrow :)

She is beautiful :) All the very best for your special girl.

Thanks! :)

I have been to a seminar that Aaron spoke at and he certainly knew what he was doing! The other vets were also positive about him!

Good luck and best wishes.

Thanks very much Jumabaar! That is very reassuring.

ETA - just curious - are you in the vet industry?

Student :D

Excellent!