pipsqueak

Basically trial and error. Although, if I have a chance, I like to drop into the reception to buy something like Revolution, before I make an appointment. It gives me a chance to see what the layout of their waiting area is like - I have a dog who can be reactive, so space is good. It also gives me a chance to see what their reception staff is like (who are usually the vet nurses), and if I'm really lucky, sometimes a vet coming out to call a dog or cat in. Rightly or wrongly, I actually ruled out our closest vet practice by doing this. I went in to get some Drontal chewables for our 30kg dogs. She gave me small chews instead of large, and when I asked her about it, she had no clue, and only checked with someone else AFTER I asked her to. I know a lot of people would say "no biggie", but I felt if someone (who was a vet nurse), couldn't get the dosage of worming tablet right, and really didn't seem to care, then I didn't want my dogs to stay there in an emergency. At the current vet practice, pretty much happy to see any vet except one - the one who roughly handled my extremely gentle girl. I was sooo very close to walking out of that appointment. I travel 20-45 mins to see our current vet - and there are at least three other clinics who would be closer.

The only other thought that I have is if you can find a "pet ambulance" service (usually operated by ex-vet nurses) that might be able to help.

Date of the article is Posted Saturday, January 30, 2012

The only time I've had to deal with this was with a guinea pig - I mention her, as she was a little glutton who ate right up until the end, no going off food for her. She had progressively lost movement in her back legs (we still don't know why). Each time I made the decision, since she seemed to be worsening, she would rally again and improve. It was one of the hardest decisions that I had to make - the night I made it, she was the worst that I'd seen her... typically, she had appeared to improve by morning, but I made the decision, as the night before was the worst that I had seen her, and felt in my heart, that she would only continue to get worse over time. Even now, I wonder if I should have made the decision earlier, and wonder if she suffered because I didn't... I hope not. The hardest part for me was the conversation that I had with the vet. Being a true professional (she was a vet I trusted and respected), she offered me several treatment options. I ended up having to say something like, "you know the conversation that we're not having", as I think she didn't want me to feel like I was being pushed into making "that" decision. I mention this, as some vets either don't seem to want to discuss it, or offer it as an option. I don't know if this helps you and all, but I hope in some small way it might. My heart goes out to you having to make this decision.

Perhaps keep an eye on the Sydney Dogs and Cats website, as they are apparently the "pound" for the Rozelle/Leichhardt area. http://sydneydogsandcatshome.org/

There is a Catriona Saunders/(Catriona Hanlon) listed on facebook. though doesn't give any current work location. Maybe message her through facebook to see if she is currently working???

I have never used this guy, apart from getting an email quote (which I thought was reasonable). Based on the Central Coast... www.customcages.com.au

http://www.kennelsolutions.com.au/about/vssi_vet_equipment.html

Remembered what it was called.... "histiocytoma" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histiocytoma_(dog) http://www.examiner.com/article/cutaneous-histiocytoma-dogs-symptoms-causes-and-treatment

Cannot see clearly from the photos, but sounds similar to what our girl had last year, on her snout. I cannot for the life of me remember the name the vet gave it, but basically, it is a skin lump, that comes up, sometimes bleeds, then disappears 6-8 weeks later. But, what surprises me, that if it is this, that your vet didn't recognise it - perhaps because it is so early. Our vet did a fine needle biopsy (our girls lump was probably bigger), to make sure that it wasn't anything sinister. And, sure enough, if disappeared 6 weeks later. But, definitely keep an eye on it. Our girls one got bigger, bled, then went away - just mentioning the bleeding, as that's what freaked me out.

Very nice. Just a question - it looks like it's an overseas website, but they can still deliver to Australia? How does it all work, and could I get one delivered to NSW???

Sorry, had trouble with picture. I dream of building one of these...

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Metal - easy to clean. Plastic gives one of our dogs "pimples" around his mouth.

Try Schnauzer Club NSW http://www.schnauzerclubnsw.org.au/rescue.htm

Thankfully we dont have paralysis ticks, if we did I would have said a lot more! I thought that paralysis ticks were pretty much spread right throughout NSW???

Go AnnieK - the bestest service and coats. http://www.freewebs.com/anniescoats/

Run free Dante SAS - hope that your heart heals in time.

how can u tell it's a dud if it's silent?

Can I jump in, please? I had to take one of our dogs to our vet this morning to make sure we were on top of her ear infection. She can sometimes become overly excited when she sees certain breeds, and many dogs don't like her "in their face." I had just paid the bill and was waiting for my receipt to be printed when one of these breeds was brought in. I let the receptionist know that I was about to move away from the counter. At other vets I usually then have to try to get past the other dog with an overly excited dog. Not this time. Vet nurse/receptionist, realised what was happening, and then not only brought my receipt to me, but also opened the door for me, whilst putting herself between the two dogs. I was very impressed and thankful. I'm just about to email her boss, so he/she knows what good staff they have.

Unless you have a prior arrangement with someone (ie., a close friend), not before 9am, and definitely not after 9pm. My preference is not to call people after 7pm in the evening.

Rest in peace beautiful girl.

Never used them, but from their website... http://www.iodogs.com.au/about/ Pet Bodyworks Pty Ltd P.O Box 7088 Baulkham Hills, NSW, 2153 Ph 61 - 2 - 8850 - 1100 Fax 61 - 2 - 8850 - 1122 email michael at petbodyworks.com.au

Sue Hogben springs to mind. A seminar of hers made me question (in a good way) if my dogs actually understood what heeling meant. Answer was an emphatic nope, so back to square one, with a new set of basics. Also Ptomoly (sp?) as she is always very generous with her advice. Apart from that, anybody who is able to train a "non-traditional" obedience breed to a high standard.

I'm an owner of a mutt, but interested in perhaps showing with a purebred one day - any chance they would let me "learn the ropes" with my mutts?