Erny

No one is against dog research, WnH. It is what that research is about and the ambiguity of the results, and what authorities could do with that ambiguity that is the concern. And if ambiguity is not an issue, it still remains what the authorities could do with them. It is not about being against dog research. It is about being careful of what studies and research are entertained and where those results could lead to and why. And if anyone has a problem with not understanding the concerns shared here, they should look back historically and see what they have done, the prohibitions they have applied, how many other studies they have ignored when objections were offered in opposition to proposed laws ...... which were pushed through regardless anyway. Distrust has been created. Not at the hands of the doubting Thomas' either. So if there is reluctance, those who hold power need to look closer to home to see why.

I'm here. Standing in the corner with you, Jed. Happy New Year

Calendula will help take the redness away, and assists in stopping it turning into a secondary skin infection. Purchase from a Health Food Shop (it's not expensive) and make a tea out of it. Use the cooled tea to dab onto the spot (and/or any other area that looks a bit suspect). The redness should diminish considerably if not entirely, within about 24 hours. A follow up application might or might not be required.

They are only illegal if there is no permit granted for their use. I've been playing tug and chase ball with my boy. He's a bit worried (salivating and a bit on the clingy side) but not too bad enough to not snap out of it when I instigate a game. I plan to take him out for a walk after the mainstream of fireworks over this way are done.

I have read there can be some really good results with the careful use of Lysodren. Yes, it is a scarey sounding drug, but it sounds to me that you are under good care and instruction from your Vet. All the best - I really hope you find this treatment sees some good improvement in Occy's health. Cushings does seem to be becoming a malady that we are hearing and seeing more and more of. Either it is becoming more endemic, or Vets are becoming cleverer at diagnosing it. Or perhaps a combo of both. Good luck, and happy New Year to you and to Occy. I hope it is filled with good health to you both, and with a long time filled with many joys that you can share together.

We've been blessed with heavy rain where I am. Lightning and thunder as well ..... I hope that causes no harm. But rain, glorious rain . If there have been any fireworks around here (and normally they are quite close) I have a feeling that the weather has put a dampener on those activities because I have not seen any evidence of them. The thunder here is louder than the fireworks would have been. The lightening brighter. Nature's own New Year's celebration.

RL01 .... I doubt that you'll have regrets once you've become accustomed to the fact that your boy is desexed. And I doubt your boy will have regrets either.

And KK .... I am sharing my thoughts. Anyone is open to refute me and tell me how my thoughts are askew. What you have added in response to my thoughts provides nothing. Are you saying that what I hypothesise cannot possibly happen? How so? And I'm sorry I wrote "intended" research. Scrap that, and delete reference to the word "intended" before the word "research". I'm not "crying 1984" .... I'm actually responding to the suggestion that this research might actually counter BSL. You're right - I don't have to participate if I don't like it. Doesn't mean I am not permitted to share my thoughts on my concerns about it and why I'm not comfortable about it. What you're suggesting is "put up or shut up". Sorry - that's not what this thread is about and I see no harm in voicing my concerns about it. You never know, if those concerns can be put to rest, minds might change. But the "participate or say nothing" attitude only adds to my distrust of not the research, per se, but what might be done with it later. And isn't that the same concern that others are expressing here as well?

They actually have things purposely made for hanging in your bins to kill flies.

Perhaps, although I somehow doubt it - at least at this stage of my understanding of the intended research. But let's just say (hypothetically) that some time in the future, Tammi's research and results are taken by Government as the "measuring tape" for what dogs (breed and within breed) should or shouldn't be bred. I don't think it is beyond the realms of imagination or possibility that regulations can come in to prohibit the sale and breeding of dogs who don't fit the bill according to the measure of that research. That to me is quite similar to BSL, except that its affects would be much more widespread, its tentacles reaching far deeper and more invasive than BSL already does. It would still be the Government's way of dictating what dogs we can and can't have and it wouldn't just relate to breed, it would relate to personality/temperament type. One temperament might suit a certain person and their lifestyle, but not necessarily another. This may not (and by all accounts, I see it is not) the "intended" purpose of the research study, but we all know the possibility of these studies being used to suit the purpose of those who want to restrict our rights to dog ownership and to training. I mean no offence to Tammi - I'm all for research. But I just don't trust the hands upon which this research can fall into and what purpose they'll actually put it to regardless of its original intent.

I think that's fair enough too. I put my dog outside, or in another room inside, or at least have him on lead, if any of my guests have any concerns about dogs or don't appreciate them being up close and personal. I especially did this in Mandela's younger days, before his habit of jumping up on people was remedied. I also took into account how well dressed people were (and if they were wearing white ;) :D ). And I didn't need to be asked to do it. I assumed it, unless my guests indicated that they didn't mind. Even then, I used them as a "training opportunity" so that I could teach him acceptable behaviour around other people.

Heck no. I take my boy over when I visit my folks. They have plenty of yard room and he loves having a big romp and a ball game with Dad. I know that they always welcome him there, but without fail, when I'm on the phone to let them know I'll be dropping in, I always check it is ok to bring him along. He's an outdoors dog there too, as they don't have dogs inside their house. It's just a courtesy. And this is my folks!! Their home is like my home. But I still extend the courtesy to even them. I don't like taking people for granted.

;) Did you? Google fly sex, that is? As for taking the photo's, I wonder if there are people who "fly watch" as opposed to "bird watch". You don't hear of them, but if my hobby was "fly watching" I'd wanna keep pretty quiet about it.

Yuck. They look all gazed out, too. Eeeewwww.

mlc - I think the greater concerns - paranoia, if you like, comes from having things promised to not be used in ways that they weren't intended, only later to have the authorities do exactly that. Can't say that these studies sit comfortably with me either. Not because of the intent that is expressed for the 'now' but because of the possibilities of intent for the 'later'.

Do flies have to mate? Never really thought about that side of things. With flies. That is.

.... it is a bit different to the 'norm', isn't it.

From what I read, I thought you'd need more than just soaking to remove the 'hairy' stuff. But I have no experience with this. Would you let us know what you end up doing, Teebs, and what works (and what doesn't)?

Oh, gross, Dova ;) . Thanks for the wishes for Mandela. We'll get there. There are other dogs around who have worse things than what he goes through, so I'm lucky. He was meant to come to me - someone 'up there' knew I'd spend the money and the time.

..... I remember that happening. And usually we didn't have a hanky (tissues? we didn't use them back then) on us. Casowner - I agree with the AMH. I often feel like I'm the AMH 'Queen' around here. I'm always going on about it.

I think you're referring to Seasol? That is a tonic, rather than a fertiliser. However, I wouldn't be fertilising anything at the moment - well, not if you are in a climate where the weather is as hot as it is. A dose of Seasol would be ok though. ETA: I notice Horus has been here. I defer to anything gardeningy that Horus says.

Not exactly, other than (too) high stomach acidity and that his liver needs some help. All conventional tests (bloods etc) show clear. Symptoms obviously prove otherwise. Hair analysis result points to toxicity build up and liver function support required as well. Am working on it. It is a slow process as you work through it and he comes good (or at least better) and then months down the track, it happens over again. This is the second time. I think things are on the improve as from approximately Monday just gone. It's a bit inconsistent at the moment to be able to be certain though. He has, at least, put some weight back on, even though it takes a good amount of food to do that.

Thanks BP. It's done now. I don't think it did any damage. Honestly, I didn't give it much thought as all I cared about was killing the maggots and getting them gone. I scrubbed the whole decking down afterwards and didn't notice any difference in the spot where I poured the boiling water. Hopefully, I was lucky . ETA: There is a patch on the decking where I poured the boiling water. It's not too bad, but I might regret that. But right now, I'm just glad they're 'gone'.

How big are the 'pieces', SBT101? The tails I get are chopped to about one foot lengths.