Keira&Phoenix

I don't leave my dogs tied up unattended I would worry too much.

The other week I took Phi for a walk and had to drop a video back to video ezy so she came inside for 10 seconds while I put it in the slot. I took her into the Hyperdome (major shopping centre near my mums place) when she was a puppy like 9-10 weeks old as we were picking up my nephew but just inside the doors about 20 metres. I used to walk around the shopping centre with my friends python LMAO I think everyone thought it was fake!

I would never take a dog into a shopping centre for any longer than the above and I certainly wouldn't leave it tied up there.

That is so horrible Mags sorry for your losses

I have heard of that happening and it is just horrid people would do that. My dogs sleep in my room and would definitely wake up and bark if they heard anything suss, actually they wake me up every now and then when the hear people etc outside.

Luckily I also live across from the main police station in our area

So sorry to hear about what Erny is going through. Fingers crossed she recovers quickly and can get back to normalacy as soon as possible. She always has fantastic opinions and advice.

I am going to try to contribute will just have to see how I am going for money after pay day

Hehe this is cool. I am a Dogue De Bourdeaux X - What an adorable little mite he is. Totally a dog I would pick for myself!

Awesome news!!!

Just had to say thanks to Erny for the Calendula tea tip. I did the bath tub thing this morning and while bathing her i could see her skin was inflammed and sore but 30 mins after the bath the redness had gone out of it and it was clearly less itchy. Awesome!

Would drinking it help as well?? Or it is no good for them to drink it?

We can certainly drink the tea (I've had drinks of it and over days have felt better - mind over matter? ) and I know that if our dogs drink a bit of it there is no harm. Whether it does anything for their system or not - I'm not qualified to say. I have given it to Mandela at times when I thought his stomach could do with a bit of help. I can't tell you there was a miraculous change and it is difficult for me to appropriate any improvement to the drinking of the tea itself.

I am so pleased it helped. Keep up the applications until the skin is well settled. You don't have to do the full bath tub routine each time - use the 'flannel wash' technique on the affected areas only.

Ahh ok thought you may know but all good. Never hurts to ask

I will do the other technique every two days or whenever it is looking sore again. They have been treated with the Comfortis now and all of our bedding etc has been washed (again!) and the house vacuumed so fingers crossed we have killed off the last of the little buggers and we can just concentrate on healing and putting on some weight. Thanks again.

My dog had her left patella groove fixed and pinned at 10 months. She now has very bad arthritis in her knee.

I have been taking her to a chiro/vet for a few months and as soon as he saw it he said it should never have been done that way.

I made the mistake of opting not to have a specialist look at her and do the surgery.

I would highly recommend you see a specialist vet before doing anything.

Just had to say thanks to Erny for the Calendula tea tip. I did the bath tub thing this morning and while bathing her i could see her skin was inflammed and sore but 30 mins after the bath the redness had gone out of it and it was clearly less itchy. Awesome!

Would drinking it help as well?? Or it is no good for them to drink it?

Ohhhhh my just soooo cute!! Feeling a fan girl squeel coming on!!

Congrats on the new addition and good luck!!

Oh no

Good luck. Make sure you spread the word on facebook. Call pounds, RSPCA and do flyer drops in the area. Make sure his abd her face our out there.

Loved the rocking horse that is amazing! And the crate door!

Thanks Erny!! Will definitely update as soon as I know anything more

Has anyone mentioned fish oil yet?

Omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diets can be used to control inflammation associated with dermatologic conditions.

Twenty-one dogs with atopy were entered into a blinded, placebo-controlled study lasting eight weeks... The dogs in groups A and B were given borage seed oil and fish oil in combination to provide 176 mg/kg or 88 mg/kg respectively. The dogs in group C were given 204 mg/kg olive oil as a placebo. They were all re-examined after four and eight weeks and scored for pruritus, erythema, oedema, alopecia and self-excoriation. After eight weeks ... the total score for the dogs in group A and group B were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The dogs in group C showed no significant improvement.

Fish oil is also great for joint inflammation, so should probably be a standard inclusion in her diet. Does she also get some organ meats? Vitamin A is essential for immune and skin health; there's a stack of it in liver. Another natural food I love is ZiwiPeak 'treats' - the one made from freeze-dried venison and New Zealand green-lipped mussel - fantastic for joint health. I would also increase the number of raw eggs and chicken carcasses for all of the great skin and joint nutrients in those. Does she get any raw grated vegetables? I am undecided whether dogs need these, but er on the side of 'a little won't hurt and may be a good thing', as dogs do seem to naturally eat small amounts of raw fruit and veg.

For mites, fleas and worms Advocate may be worth a try, dosed at 1ml per 10kg body weight, being the minimum effective dose. I hate using chemicals too, but I do use Advocate for control of heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas and various mites. No need to make it a regular thing if you don't want to, but it could be a great experiment to use something very effective like that to ensure she is definitely clear of worms, heartworms and mites.

As you are a raw feeder/low chemical user, I expect you have wisely avoided unnecessary annual vaccinations, yes? Aggravating the immune system with annuals seems to have a relationship with skin conditions.

There is also a possibility of weakness created by her maternal/in utero problems. I have never heard of a newborn pup with hip displasia! Her mother must have had severe malnutrition of some kind. Do you know what went wrong there?

Anyway, it seems that you are very dedicated doggy parent and are doing all sorts of good things to help her. I hope to see updated healthy pictures here soo enough.

Yeah there was mention of Omega 3 a few posts back. Both my dogs get a can of tuna at least once a week. Keira was a while back on fish oil and glucosamine tablets and I have been meaning to grab a similar combination to give to her. As mentioned previously though she is on Centrum to supplement her vitamin and mineral intake and she is also on Missing Link ( http://www.ntphealthproducts.com/missing_link/HISTORY_MISS_LINK.pdf )

both were recommended by my vet.

I don't tend to feed much in the way of fruit and veggies and never have and I have told more than one vet what sort of diet they are on and no one has ever mentioned adding fruit/veggies to it but in saying that I am sure the lady I am going to see next week will give me a run down on what I should and shouldn't be feeding her.

I am really not keen on putting any spot on treatments on her at the moment. I will try the comfortis, since it was suggested I have had a few other people tell me how good it has worked for them when they have had an outbreak but have also been advised not to use it long term maybe just once only. She should be clear of worms etc I only did them 4 weeks ago and will probably re do them shortly.

She was vaccinated in October last year and prior to that she was vaccinated in April of 09. I prefer not to use chemicals but I also want to know my dogs have the best chance of not getting sick and with all the disease that has been going around this year including parvo in my area I feel more comfortable knowing she has had her vaccs.

I can't guarantee she had HD the day she was born but she sure was showing symptoms by 16 weeks old and when I saw the physio with her at 18 months due to her limp coming back she said it was most likely she was born with the defect. Who knows, she is a crossbreed from a BYB, her parents were hunting/pig dogs so anything could have happened when her mother was pregnant with the pups.

I am, I love my babies both very much and just want the best for them. Keira has had a long line on health issues and some people have asked why I have spent so much on a dog, have her PTS etc etc. I would never do that she is my family and I love her and treat her like a member. Just hoping next Weds brings some answers and a plan to get her better

Will definitely update as soon as I can

Just a quick update.

I have managed to book her to see the Vet recommended by my Trainers up in Maleny next Wednesday. We had a good chat yesterday and she has asked me to bring along any food/treats and supplements/meds she is on. Fingers crossed she can give me some kind of answer or at least a start.

Thanks for all your help so far and I will update once I have seen this Vet

Yep text GG earlier

Is it going to be for long trips?

Is it worthwhile asking for a water bowl type thing to be inbuilt so you can put a little water in it for them in summer or on long trips?

Sounds good to me although it would be better if you could have something to stop the dogs from jumping into the back seat. Although if you get a strong meshy material to go in between you should be good.

Hello this is just in answer to one of your questions about having the fleas outside in your ground. We moved to this house late last year and inherited the worst flea problem I have seen in my life....it was horrendous and you could not walk out side without being landed with hundreds of fleas. We tried all the usual sprays with no success and eventually used a spray we got from the produce called Pidgeon's Termite Spray. We sprayed the house yard and paddock with it and it worked brilliantly. We kept the dogs off the yard for 2 days after we did it. I know it's a strong chemical but honestly it was the only thing that worked. We treated the dogs with Comfortis, cleaned and washed everything and have not had a flea since.

Thanks very much.

It is definitely not that bad eeek that would be horrible!!

Keira it's not as simple as giving someone a kick up the ass. From what Jake said this guy has been dealing with mental issues for a while now. Depression/anxiety/bi-polar are not just a state of mind, they are a disease just as real and as deadly as cancer. You wouldn't tell someone with cancer to just get over it or say they need a kick up the ass.

I have worked with disabled people, some of whom suffered depression and more. It's not that simple or black and white, there are shades of grey in life and one needs to be careful when dealing with someone who is ill, be it physically or mentally ill.

Maybe he does need a bit of motivation to start picking up the pieces and helping himself, but he will only do it when he is ready.

I know this, I have dealt with it in my personal life, in my own family. As I said it is not Jake's responsibility to look after this guy. This is why we have a Mental Health system, maybe they need to get off their bums and get someone to transport this guy to his doctor to get the blood tests each week so he can go back on his meds. He is obviously quite a severe case if he has previously tried harming himself and needs to be on his meds or under observation.

Either way Jake is trying to do the right thing by asking advice. If he sounds uncaring and mean it is because it cannot be an easy situation to only find out about all of this guys mental health issues/suicide attempts after the fact and to feel weighed down by that. And then to know that a dog could be seriously sick and not be able to do anything about it due to worrying about his housemate hurting himself if it really is worse case scenario. That is a lot for a non-family member to take on.

Jake just needs some friendly advice. Maybe from someone who has been or dealt with a similar situation.

I think the poster is just trying to work out what the right thing to do in this very difficult situation is. If he just ignored the issue didn't ask for advice and then came on here and told everyone what happened after the dog had passed he would probably get ripped through for at least not asking for advice.

His housemate is wallowing in self pity by the sounds of it and isn't going to pull out of the depression if he doesn't get out there find another job and fix his car. It is not Jake-k9's job to babysit this guy and it can become very tiresome dealing with someone who only wants to whinge about how hard life is etc etc but who won't get up and out and make it better. I have known and dealt with people like this and as much as you try and care and help you can only do so much until they need to do it themselves otherwise it will never get better.

Jake just seems genuinely concerned for the dog and for the state of mind of his housemate if the dog is diagnosed with something life threatening and is in a moral dilemma.

Jake maybe it is worthwhile mentioning the lump to him and finding out if he has noticed it/taken Doggo to the vet about it. If not maybe suggest a check up for the dog just to see. Even if he can't afford treatment it is best the dog gets diagnosed (if it is actually cancer) so they can take steps to make sure it is comfortable once it starts to go downhill (if it does). Maybe the need to treat his dog will get him motivated to go out and get a job so he can pay for Doggo's treatment, maybe its the kick in the a** he needs...

Good luck this isn't an easy situation.

keira i vote for this sunday at the k9 capers at sunnybank at 2pm

can anyone interested please let me know? so we can make a plan

Yep I am cool with that Dandy. Even if no one else comes you and I will definitely be there.

But yeah let us know so we can make a plan to find everyone

I just grabbed the number of a Vet who comes highly recommended by a lot of doggie people I know she only works 4 hrs a week in a vet clinic at Manly but is booked out 6 months in advanced but she also runs from home it just means a trip to Melany (Sunny Coast about 1 - 2 hrs from me) but everyone who has seen her raves about her, so I am going to see her as soon as possible as well.

When my boy was at his worst with skin eruptions; not eating; etc. I drove 3 hours each way to see a Vet whom I knew would think outside the square a little. Back then, I'd had bloods for thyroid done via USA, but my boy was too young for even their tests to detect issues (my dog was 10mo at the time). But the Vet, reading through Mandela's file said "I see you've had the thyroid bloods done properly". Anyway, the real reason for my post here is to tell you that it is worth every bit of the petrol and time driving if it means there is a great Vet at the other end.

I will still go and get bloods done to send to the US as well.

Yep totally worth the drive for my baby. She comes very highly recommended, I hope she can help me get some answers.

I think a thorough vet check and general blood work, urinalysis and faecal testing is in order. I wouldn't underestimate the effect that severe skin problems can have on body weight and general metabolism, but I wouldn't necessarily jump straight into thyroid testing given the potential effect of non-thyroidal illness on the results. That's not to say it will not be indicated at some point, but I think that general investigation is required first.

Thanks Rappie.

Anything in particular that I should be asking them to test for or are the tests that they do usually enough?

So are you saying I should wait for these tests to come back before bothering to send away for the Thyroid tests?

Ahh ok yep I see what you are saying. Do you get that from Health food stores? or Chemists?

Health Food Stores. It'll set you back approximately $8 for a 50g packet. To brew, put a couple of tablespoons full into a coffee plunger. Pour over boiling water. Allow it to steep until tepid or cooled to room temperature. Plunge the plunger and you're good to go. I tend to saturate a flannel with the tea and give my boy a good wetting with it.

In your instance, you might want to make the first application a real thorough one. For this, I tend to use a good fist full of the Calendula Tea and put it in the toe of a cut-off stocking. Tie off the open end and let it bob around in a bath-tub of very hot water - about 2 inches deep. When the water is cooled to tepid, pop dog in (rubber mats for grip and to protect bath) and use the Calendula stocking as you might a sponge. The bath helps to get into all the nooks and crannies (eg toes) where you might not if you were only doing a 'body hand-wash'.

You can use a towel to dap excess off (I tend to especially do this between toes so they dry more quickly than otherwise) but don't rub it all off. Allow the Calendula to air-dry on.

Ok great. Thank you so much for the instructions. I will get it and do that as soon as possible!

I just grabbed the number of a Vet who comes highly recommended by a lot of doggie people I know she only works 4 hrs a week in a vet clinic at Manly but is booked out 6 months in advanced but she also runs from home it just means a trip to Melany (Sunny Coast about 1 - 2 hrs from me) but everyone who has seen her raves about her, so I am going to see her as soon as possible as well.

I will still go and get bloods done to send to the US as well.

Oh no I am so sorry. I hope she is alright. Hoping that vet is going with worse case scenario and it isn't that bad.

Best wishes. Let us know how you go.

Woohoo today was a no pee day for Phi!!

No sorry, I don't see many fleas since I did the big clean a couple weeks ago (prior to that there were quite a few) but I have been advised by vets that only takes one bite to cause inflammation. I am assuming because I can't get rid of them they must be around (living in the dirt etc).

Sorry does that make sense now?

Thanks. Yes. You (and your Vet) are working on the assumption that fleas continue to cause the skin irritation. This might not necessarily be the case. Use the Calendula Tea - it won't cure, but it does have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. This can assist in soothing the skin and settling down potential secondary skin infection. Unlike most if not all shampoo, the Calendula Tea doesn't upset the dog's skin's natural pH balance. The fleas might have started the skin irritation but just scratching can keep the cycle going.

Ahh ok yep I see what you are saying. Do you get that from Health food stores? or Chemists?

Just for comparison I have found some pics of Keira earlier on the one on the agility equip is before pancreatitis last year the one in the water is from Jan/Feb, the one on the grass is from March/April. They are not the best angles but you can see she definitely looks a better weight.

K&P - If it were me, I'd cease all chemical applications where absolutely possible.

There's something in your previous post I'm not sure about. Are you saying you're not seeing that many fleas but that because of her skin irritations you are assuming there are many fleas around?

HERE's a link for info and forms regarding taking bloods and sending them to Dr Dodds. (Not sure if you have these.) You'll need to print the instruction form for the Vet as well. You should do the Profile 5 Plus (formerly 7200) test for this first one.

HERE's a link to Dr Dodd's on-line application.

I don't really put anything chemical on them... the only thing I use that might be counted chemical is the Malesab shampoo i use??

No sorry, I don't see many fleas since I did the big clean a couple weeks ago (prior to that there were quite a few) but I have been advised by vets that only takes one bite to cause inflammation. I am assuming because I can't get rid of them they must be around (living in the dirt etc).

Sorry does that make sense now?

Thanks for the links.