Erny

Double post - gremlins.

Very interesting. I'll love to hear what happens to Mr M's health (if anything) if you supplement the thyroid deficiency. Oh gaaaaawd, Star - I kind of wish that thyroid will be the reason for his digestive (and other) woes and that simple supplementation will see the end to all the problems and I can get back to a dog who will eat anything, including bones, who will not need so much to eat just to maintain weight (he's only put on 1kg since he was 10mo .... weighed on different scales); who will no longer have to endure any skin issues; who will be more comfortable for a better functioning digestive system and who will not FART such fowl smelling farts as he does (this last being the least of my concerns). Now, wouldn't THAT be lovely .

Hi SnT and AnnieK. The suggested thyroid treatment is fairly low dose Oroxine (or equivalent) - a re-check in about 6 weeks to make sure dosage is correct. I will wait until the Vet calls me tomorrow to inform me of the recommended "plan of attack" so to speak. Dr. Carl Muller does acupuncture and works with Chinese Herbal medicines as well, so I'm sure he'll be open to entertaining the idea of Kelp Powder if he thinks that's the way to go. But this puzzles me - Kelp Powder is an iron suppliment, isn't it? The laboratory (Australia) tested for Iron and found it to be elevated. So I wouldn't want to be increasing that even more, would I? At the moment, I'm only glad that I insisted on the Thyroids being re-done and being sent through to Dr Jean Dodds in USA. Given his levels were reported as being "excellent" when he was a 10mo lad, it was very tempting to assume they'd be ok now. Can thyroid affect digestive function? (That's another question I have in my head.) Or perhaps a dysfunctional digestive system is what has caused the thyroid dysfunction. I won't dwell, LOL. It would send me .

Full body blood work-up came in with "unremarkable" results. Lead blood test came in as negative. Iron came in as "slightly elevated" (sufficiently enough for the laboratory to suggest the Vet ask if Mandela could possibly have had access to rat bait poisoning - the answer to which is no, he could not have). Interestingly, thyroid just came back today as well, and the interpreted results of that are : "Thyroid levels are very low here, and likely contribute to his heavy metal exposure/detox. TgAA is normal, so this is not hypothyroidism from heritable thyroiditis." <Sigh> .... why does one answer always lead me to at least one (if not more) more question? If the thyroid issue is not a heritable one, what has caused the thyroid to dysfunction in the first place? I have worked really hard since day dot at trying to work my way to the actual cause of Mandela's health woes and it seems to continue to elude me. I'm just talking out loud. The Vet is going to everything together and then talk about this tomorrow - he's just about to start consulting now so he'll need some time to think/work through it.

You've mentioned what you supply to your dogs in an endeavour to mentally stimulate them, but what interactions do you actually share with them and for how long, on a daily basis, that would provide this? (eg training; leadership; etc). There are doggy doors that fit into sliding glass doorways that don't need wall reconstruction. Google "Pig in Mud". By itself, it won't fix boredom issues, if boredom issues exist. But it is something that might assist when the actual 'cause' of the problem can be addressed, or at least in the meanwhile so that neighbourhood relations don't become frayed.

I agree the Bio Oil is worth trying. My boy has had a perpetuating scar that seems to look as though it will heal, but then doesn't. It is on the inside tip of his ear. It started out as a pimple thing that he then scratched, and that started a bout of head shaking. He can as much shake his head when his collar is on, and his ear tip flapping on his collar is sometimes enough to open things up again. The scabs have not been good either. More like rough and raised, yet a degree of moisture - enough to make it oily. The scab never comes off to reveal nice new healthy skin. I've had a few Vets look at it and I've tried various remedies such as AMH (very messy! and didn't seem to help); Calendula; Anti-bacterial wound spray; and so on. Some of these things helped to stop it becoming worse, I think. But didn't lead to resolution. I've more recently been applying Vitamin E Oil (using the oil from the capsules) and also Bio Oil. And I must say that his ear tip is the best it's looked in a long time. I'm hoping the healing process which I think I am now finally seeing (after 1.5 years!!!) will continue. Of the two, I think the Bio Oil is doing the best. But I do use the Vitamin E Oil at times when I feel it needs a bit more protection (even if I apply it after I have applied the Bio Oil). I've also started applying Bio Oil on his hocks, where he has lesions that have appeared - not unlike furunculosis type symptoms. In appearance, they seem to have improved, although they still exist. But the skin seems softer and I'm hoping this will promote hair re-growth. Sorry - not meaning to tell you of my boy's woes and detract from your thread, but thought you might like to know of my recent experience in the use of Bio Oil and also the Vitamin E Oil.

What makes a registered breeder reputable? I mean, the terminology is a bit open to interpretation. For example, apart from the usual (health checks etc), is a "reputable" breeder one who takes an active interest in the health issues of the pups s/he sells? If that's the case, then no .... it seems I haven't purchased from a reputable breeder.

This was my thought too. My previous avatar girl (bhcs) had numerous GA's and even for ones where there had been no surgery, she'd whine as though distressed/in pain as she came out of the affects of the anaesthetic. I agree that dogs shouldn't be left in great pain, but some discomfort is preferable as this is what stops them doing things when they shouldn't, for the sake of healing. They aren't like us, where we can be told "avoid doing this or this". Dogs will do what they FEEL they can do. Check with your Vet for advice, but don't be too panicked about your dog being in pain as there's a good chance she may not be.

Sumosmum - you have been brilliant at keeping your finger on the pulse for what is happening/about to happen and I commend you for your continued interest in this. I confess to have not been as active in the Upper House movement as I was for the Lower House campaign - only for the fact that I fell so far behind in all of my work that it has tumbled in on top of me and I've needed to catch up. I'm still doing so, as we speak. And I feel guilty for that, although I can only do so much and as I made clear to everyone from the start, it was not my intention to be the mainstay character in this plight, but did want everyone to know what was happening and let them know what they could do to help themselves and their dogs for the future. I'm hoping that everyone here on DOL who expressed interest and support, didn't need me to keep the thread "hot" before they'd send their letters to the Upper House. And I hope te Upper House treat this with the seriousness it deserves and not as some unimportant joke. I also hope they don't buy the bit that Labor keeps shoving at people, where they say "these laws won't affect responsible dog owners". They can. And becha, they will. But by then, it will be too late. It will be law and those who said it couldn't happen will remain under their rocks whilst other people try to help pick up the pieces of the chaos they've created. Am I being melodramatic? IMO, no. Look back to the Judy Gard fiasco. VicDogs said way back (about the law that permitted Judy and her dogs to suffer the unnecessary wrath of the RSPCA) that "it would never happen". I don't think they were around to help Judy out when she faced the RSPCA crew, the RSPCA's TV crew, the seizure of 12 of her healthy and well-cared for dogs, and the affect of the stress of all that (which cannot be erased). In fact, their silence was deafening.

Or there's the Victoria Stillwell version .... Because if the chicken did not cross the road, I had a loud horn blow until it did cross the road. When it had crossed the road, this loud noise stopped. And the chicken was given food. And I know this because I have CCTV hooked up to my car. (And crap! I just broke the heel on my shoel! Make-up!!!!)

Thanks Rappie. Dogmad - At a guess, I'd be thinking that the Vet who performed the initial surgery might have already done xrays/radiographs? If so, would be worth getting hold of those if at all possible. I know this doesn't help your initial issue - which is the fact that the carer won't allow you to help. But if she knows there are potential forever homes out there if only there is some idea of the cost involved with helping this little tyke, perhaps she'll come to the party at least in that respect, and assist in getting hold of past veterinary records or putting you in touch with the veterinary surgeon who performed the first surgery.

Firstly - avoid training ANY drop/stays for the time being. ONLY sit/stays. The slide to drop often occurs when we've done more training on the drop/stays than on the sit/stays. Sometimes though, the dog just finds it more comfortable to be in a drop position. We need to teach them that regardless, when we say "sit" it means we want the sit and not the drop. When you do re-introduce drop/stays to randomise (this will be when you have the sit/stays beginning to happen again) reward high for the sit/stays and lower for the drop/stays until both are equally reliable. Second - what is it that you do, verbally and/or physically when you return to him to re-adjust him to the sit position? Also, what distance (regardless of how small) can you get before he will slide to the drop? How many times have you returned to him to adjust him back to the sit, in one session? If you're that close, then I'd use the lead to prevent the slide to drop before it happens. I'd also use my voice. I'm thinking there's something in your body language (which includes facial expression) which might be affecting your dog's interpretation of what you want from him.

Rappie - got some rough idea of what initial radiographs would cost?

Yes - this type of thing is also what the fear impact period can affect. It is a period where it seems the dog's perspective is taking a new and different twist as a result of hormonal development towards adulthood. I'd not make a big deal about treading over grates at the moment. But if I came upon one where there was no choice but to cross it, then I would do as you do. I'd even potentially not go to dog school, or if I did, I'd work from a distance at which she is not phased by the other dogs. It's a time when your dog doesn't need additional stresses on top of what her hormones are already causing but simultaneously needs you to ID as a competent, calm, assertive, fair and understanding leader.

No - doesn't sound easy at all, and sounds very sad. There seems to be a fair amount that the carer doesn't know about this little dog, even down to what the surgery/treatment would cost. PMing you Dogmad.

Could be the outset of her 2nd fear impact period. This is where things, even though they might have been fine with before, start to become scary. My boy went through this as well, and I worked to make sure as much as I possibly could that I simply didn't put him in situations where he felt confronted. I also exercised and practiced strong leadership and control (including me being HIS protector) tactics, as I didn't want him learning 'fear' as a behavioural habit. He seems to have come through the tunnel and out the other side reasonably well. The 2nd fear impact period can relate to things such as noises and other such things as well. If you work with her during this period and avoid trauma, the good work you did during her critical (puppy) period should prove an excellent foundation on which she will draw back to. 'Snap' PF.

Hi Dogmad. What sort of dog? Age? etc. And, if the surgery proved necessary, what expense? What's the recovery period? Why does is the abscess recurring? Prognosis? Has the dog had a second opinion? Is it a specialist's opinion? I don't think anyone can suggest one way or the other as there simply isn't enough info.

Actually, things that have not caused harm get treatment like that. There is the PPCollar (banned in Victoria) even though "there is no reported evidence of harm" (as admitted by the current Government, in writing) from their use. And then there is the RSPCA -vs- Innotek Court Case debacle, where RSPCA fabricated evidence in an attempt to win their even now perpetual attempts to ban the use of the e-collar (why fabricate if real "harm" was caused?), so far successfully in all States of Australia except (surprisingly) for Victoria (yay for us). So I don't blame me for being cynical and skeptical when it comes to statements such as "because of widespread misuse". What "widespread misuse"? Sorry Corvus - yes, this is OT and I really do apologise for that. I know this is not what your thread is about. But statements such as "things that have been badly misused in the past get treatment like this" is so wrong. So many other pieces of equipment are misused - in the past AND in the present. But depending on the influence they are given - especially by organisations who know that the general unknowing public would not even THINK to question their opinion - and the political persuasion that/those org/s have makes a difference as to whether those pieces of equipment "get treatment like this" or not. "Harm" doesn't really seem to have much to do with it. At least not here in Australia.

Not sure exactly what you're trying to do (ie what behaviour you'll be subjecting to aversion) but when I adopted my first RR (Avatar) girl (bhcs) she had a habit of getting up on my bed when I wasn't around. I didn't really want to have to always close the bedroom door after me, but because it was a waterbed and her nails were more like talons (never could get them down as short as I think they should have been), I needed to do something to teach her. For her - she absolutely abhored squeakies. So I purchased a number of cheap ones from the Reject shop and I set them up under my doona cover. When she got up on the bed, she'd squeak them. Two or three times of this was enough for her to never get up on my bed again. Most dogs love squeakies, so I'm not suggesting this. But some sort of aversive noise that sets off automatically when you're not around might work. It depends on the dogs used though. If you use sound aversion, be careful - with the wrong dog and the wrong noise, you risk sensitisation which could have a carry over affect to other things in the dog's normal life. Not to make it an argument, but I hate that your overseers oppose equipment like the e-collar so much that all who come after them aren't comfortable to use them in their presence for fear of vilification (and not great learning for all their students who themselves will become tomorrow's teachers) which can be taught well without risking pairing or sensitisation, yet might agree to subject dogs to things such as sound aversion.

It's become quite suffocating. But in part, that's because there's so many people who expect someone else or some organisation to fix their problems for them. Australians have got to stop with the whinging so much, and start with taking responsibility and being constructive. We reap what we sow. But admittedly, on some accounts we tend to reap more than we sow, and not necessarily what we want. But this doesn't help the OP.

The company who manufacture them have informed me they have had a bit of a mixed bag of results. I have some here if you want to trial them. But to trial them and be able to truly report their effectiveness means that no other flea treatments etc to be used and also means that you DO need to have a flea problem. I wouldn't do this if I was in a paralysis tick area - I wouldn't chance it. I can't trial them because although I don't use any flea/tick preventatives, I don't have flea/tick issues here (*touch wood* and thank my lucky stars) so I wouldn't know if it worked or not. If you think you are a good candidate to run a "trial", let me know and I'll send them to you. No charge. Only obligation is to let me know how well (or not) they worked.

Don't let it baffle you, Staranais. I didn't get a lot of chance to see the blood in the vial when it was spun down. It was mainly after the Vet had drawn off the serum that he then pointed out the fat/gel bit. So I probably have just glanced things and not properly understood what I was looking at. There was quite a lot of the fat - about half inch. According to the body blood work-up we've just done, red and white cell count are in the normal range. I don't know where abouts in the "normal" range. I'm going to ask for a copy of the results.

LOL .... don't worry, Star. I'm proud of the Vet you are becoming . Come over here. Share house with me. My dog will give you plenty of Veterinary practice . LOL Ah ... ok. I think? It was clear and I'm not even sure the Vet knew it was 'fatty' (gel like) until he had trouble drawing it up with a syringe. Certainly will do . And thanks for the explanation and interest.

Thanks Staranais. But what is "fasting hyperlipidaemia"? It's besides the point, but there is no way he could have had a snack I didn't know about. ETA: Last thyroid test he had was back when he was 10 months old. It was a bit young, as they don't normally suggest testing until a dog is 12 months or older. But because of the health issues that were present back then, we all agreed it might be worth conducting the test, regardless of his youth. The results came back reporting "excellent" thyroid levels. I'm running this second test just in case thyroid could still be an issue, but not detected due to his young age when first tested. He's now 2yo.

Bloods were delivered by Fed-Ex to the point of destination this morning (Saturday)! They were only taken to Fed-Ex by me at about mid-day on Wednesday. That's fast going. Well done, Fed-Ex. This transaction was the best and smoothest transaction I've had with them, when it comes to blood serum delivery to the USA, yet.