Erny

Dyzney - thanks for enquiring. I could list a whole bunch of things, but they might be incidental. I've reported them all to the Vets so that they can sift through and sort the ones of relevance. None outstandingly great but then perhaps there are very subtle improvements that will take a bit of time to show themselves to the eye. Other things are things he's shown signs of before. I think I'll be looking for improvement when the Chinese meds come through and also after he's had at least the 2nd acupunture treatment.

Wow ..... that would be an interesting concept . Good for you for getting out and having a go, LC. You'll find the 'nasty types' wherever you go (struck them enough in the horseworld - although as per an earlier comment here, I tended to find them more often in the show ring rather than in dressage/eventing). Look at it this way (I do)..... For dogs the basis of aggression always has a basis of fear to it. Likewise I think that's the case with many people. Perhaps she actually recognised 'competition' in you or perhaps she feels inadequate in her own capabilities so likes to make herself feel better by stomping on newbies. She's the one with the problem, not you. You're right to shrug it off. Good luck for your next one. Take the good bits out of the one you just did to know where you're doing right and take the not so good bits to understand what you need to work on. It's always a work in progress .

We are in Sydney and our puppy is a little over 3 months old now Ok - so I presume you're in a heartworm area. When I checked into when to start heartworm treatment I was informed by my Vet and also by others that I didn't really need to start him until he was 6 months old. Something to do with the heartworm cycle. But it might have also been to do with the fact that at the time it was winter. As it is, I have opted not to administer meds for this at all (I did start them but really didn't like what the drugs did to him, so I ceased them). If you're in a heartworm area I don't like to suggest as I'm not sure. Perhaps speak to two or three Vets over the phone to see what they would suggest? Or just your own if you trust him/her to be an open-minded Vet with a drug-sensible disposition .

Where are you located and how old is your pup?

Ahhh yes, that's right . I have a small bag of EP Duck you can use and perhaps replace later, if you get stuck.

I generally allow 10-14 days after the symptoms have disappeared. Suggest to your friend that she dose her dog up with Active Manuka Honey (UMF 20+ or higher .... don't bother with a lower UMF) especially if her dog is still symptomatic. Oops! I didn't read properly - I see that symptoms disappeared two weeks ago.

Don't know where you are located Shellectra, but Robbo's isn't far from me and I can go there for you to pick up the food if you need. This is if you can't make their hours, although I know they are open 7 days a week. If you let me know soon enough I may be able to swing by tomorrow morning. But after that I've got dogs in for B & T to train and then going straight on to my folks for Father's Day, so wouldn't be back until later that day/evening. I live in Berwick so you could pick up from me outside hours if that's more suitable to you.

Thanks Karly101 .... that's encouraging to know.

The Vets I am with have worked/studied with/under Bruce Ferguson. They mentioned his name when I was there and they too think highly of him. Thanks for your wishes, DNH .... I very much trust and respect the Vet/s I'm with and as a consequence, trust in their referral recommendations as well. Oonga - thanks for the compliment. But really - I don't think I'm any more special than anyone else who has dog-health issues and does what they can and need to do. And honestly, when Kal was unwell I would have given anything for it to have been something I could have managed/fixed/treated. Remembering that anguish, I consider myself lucky :D. I hope that for any ailment Mandela has, that it is something not major nor life debilitating as it was for Kal (avatar girl - RIP and bless her cotton socks). ETA: Re-reading the above, it risks sounding a bit "martyrish" (if that's a word). Sorry - it's not meant to because that's not how I'm viewing all of this.

Thank you both. They are issues which need addressing but aren't the end of the world. It could all be a lot worse and as for the spondylosis, we've got it very early and the Vet isn't too concerned about it (not to suggest we don't need to try to help). And so we plod along tending to things as best as we can, one appointment at a time. As to how things go ....... that'll be a 'time will tell' matter. Dyzney - I hope you never have the need to go down "that path" but thanks for your interest. It is going to be a difficult one to report on in the short term, I think. For example, I will be emailing the acupuncturist (Genevieve) as she too wants to know what changes I see (subtle or otherwise). I will be reporting that within 24 hours I noticed the scurf that Mandela had on the day and 24 hours beforehand has all but cleared up. However, his skin issue sees things like that come and go even so quickly anyway, so I'm not sure if that's the acupuncture (she suggested it could help it) or just the usual progression of things. I'll let her work that stuff out (it would do my head in) but for the sake of the thread here and the interest of those reading, I have a feeling that I won't know or be able to be sure of the results without time passing. But I'll do my best to keep you informed . ETA: I must admit that his coat looks and feels really good today. It will be very interesting to see how he fairs once I start with the Chinese medicine.

He has been diagnosed with spondylosis. The acupuncture is to also try to help with righting his system which in turn should help with his skin issues, which in itself has improved considerably with diet but isn't completely right. If I have the information right, the acupuncture might help with both things. Also will be introducing some Chinese medicine/s.

Thank you. On the strength of the recommendation by my Vet I have made an appointment to see Dr Carl Muller in Prahran. A sight closer than a trip to Castlemaine which in itself demands almost a total cancellation of all other of my commitments for the day.

That your older boy has some "serious health issues" could be rendering himself a natural target to your other. In these cases your other dog could well be acting by raw instinct and the only way to safely manage it is to keep them both separated from each other. That is IF the behaviour is being caused by that. I've seen it before. Not often. But I've seen it. One 'clue' that I have seen in each case I have witnessed is the way the 'aggressor' shows strong interest to and at the ill dog before it aggresses.

What discussions and considerations are given towards the importance of socialisation experiences within the pup's critical period of development? IE 8-16 weeks of age?

Thanks for the input. Anyone heard of Dr. Carl Muller in Prahran? Comes very highly recommended by my Vet.

Thanks Dancinbcs. Will check her out.

I'm willing to travel. Went to one today in Castlemaine. All likelihood I'll return there but thought I'd test the waters first to see if anyone can give high recommendations to any that might be a bit closer to where I live (Berwick VIC). Input appreciated.

If that's the case, then I don't think you need to think about it - not imminently, anyway. Has she been to a Vet about the fits she is having? There are meds that can help with this, but if they are few and far between, and given her age, I'm not so sure I'd administer them. Not yet, at least. But I'm no Vet and so no expert in matters such as this, so it might be worth having a chat with one. I know you mentioned you're not near any Vets, but perhaps start by ringing one and seeing if they'll allow an informal chat.

I have simply and lightly used my hand to encourage the rear end to stay up, and 'marked' the required position, quickly followed by a 'release word' and a reward. Be ready to 'mark' so that you can do so before the rear end has time to follow down. I've also captured the position by marking and rewarding when the dog is naturally doing a front end stretch.

You don't always need to be the one to make the decision. Age is age. It happens. And yes, there'll be up days as well as, sadly, down days. But even in the down days, if the dog is not in pain or suffering, it doesn't mean you need to make the decision. I'd like nothing more than for my dog to live his days, age naturally (and not prematurely) and pass this earth in a natural way and I'll give him every chance I possibly can for this passing. I'll intervene only if death is likely to be preceded by acute pain or where I am unable to provide him with mental stimulation sufficient for an 'oldie'. So don't panic JulesP. If your dog is not unduly suffering, let her be. Allow your dog the ups and downs that age inevitably brings with it and the departure from this earth that age will eventually dictate. As you have said, she wanders the grounds and probably enjoys seeing the younger life frolicking around her. It really is only when the down days are all the dog seems to live on that you might need to re-consider.

:cool: I'd be throwing their clothes back in their respective rooms and shutting the door (to keep puppy out). Let the kids worry about their clothes when their washing isn't done and they've run out of clean clothes to wear.

:D .... I didn't realise my question would put you so much on the spot and potentially on the front line. Seriously though - I don't think your answer could offend. Thanks for the info.

Well THANK YOU. I know what I will use next time I need :D. It is so economical as well (mine cost me $8 for a good size packet which in itself has lasted me for 2 months or so ..... and I'm not half way through it yet) and lasts, so it would be a good thing to add to the first aid cabinet. Cheers!

If it were me I'd consult with a holistic Vet and opt for a natural herbal approach.

How often do you wash him?