Erny

I think I remember reading somewhere that a raw egg once a week was ok. There are some who suggest you shouldn't feed the whites of an egg to your dog (something about binding up the dog's ability to absorb .... ummm, protein - or some other nutrient - sorry, info not at finger tips, so can't recall), however I wonder how the wild dogs got on when they found a nest of eggs somewhere. Did they carry their yolk/white separater with them? Personally, I think that provided the dog is in good health and without such digestive/absorption issues, there's no problems with feeding a whole egg. Before Kal became ill (swallowed a bone which got stuck - damage to osophegus and digestive problems ensued), I used to feed her the occasional whole egg. I usually cracked it open and crushed the shell up into small bits, because she whoofs her food up very quickly and I was concerned that the bigger shell bits would scratch on the way down.

Hi Tristen. I know this isn't what you asked for, but I tend to agree that, in the absence of a dog being driven by anything other than food, then food IS the dog's motivator. Have you tried training where you spit the food treat from your mouth? This not only leaves your hands free, but also trains your dog to focus to your face, rather than hands. Have you started teaching Flossie "food refusal"? This is where the dog learns NOT to take food UNLESS she hears her 'eat' command, as opposed to NOT taking food BECAUSE she's been told not to (ie "leave").

Oh Pampa! That's a bu#$g#r. Please let us know if you end up feeling you need to take her to the Vet's Thursday, and how she gets on there. In the meantime, lots of healing (and blood cleansing) thoughts coming your way.

I think we feel them, IR .... thank you.

Thanks Loraine - I have PM'd your response. I've retained your contact information too. I guess I have to wait until 9th March for the tests and then the results, to do much more. Right now, I think I need a new filing system for all the information on Cushings, Addison's etc. I've printed out. I'm even thinking I'd part way qualify in the Veterinary field! (and maybe even put some Vets to shame ) I have learnt so much. I sincereley thank you all, for your help, support and guidance. I'll certainly post up the test results once I've got them.

Dogsbesotted ...... thank you.

Thanks, Holly. I truley hope Kal's newfound attention seeking behaviours end up being our biggest hurdle. :rolleyes: .... And if they are, I will ask you all to remind me what a blessing that is.

;) :p :rolleyes: Yayyyyy! I needed some good news, as I'm sure you did too, Jodi!

Thanks for asking, Pampa. I received an email back from the girl the USA lady suggested. Basically to say I can make an appointment to see her or email her at the address she gave. She didn't say where she was based, nor gave me any information pertaining to Cushing's/Addison's/Adrenal Gland malfunction, so I've emailed back asking if she is in a position to help us in the event that any of these are found to be the problem. Waiting to see. I have a few names to contact (holistic Vets) that a few people have recommended/suggested. I think it is a bit premature, however, to formerly contact them until I really know what we are dealing with. I could use up their time discussing an ailment that the forthcoming tests rule out. In the meantime, I have received a couple of emails with links to info (thank you to you all for your support and guidance :p) which also to a reasonable degree fit Kal's symptoms. Eg. Lymphocytic thyroiditis. Some of the links are extensive and I haven't finished reading them yet. In a way, this has made me feel a bit better as I think it would be more easily treated medically speaking - but of course, this could be false hope. I cannot ignore the fact that there is an existing adrenal gland mass. However, this could be a secondary symptom. ;) Kal has her tests on 9th March. As you might well imagine, I'm doing a lot of reading and investigation (this could be a good or bad thing! :rolleyes: ) until then. In the meantime, I'm spoiling my dog, doing many of the things I've refrained from doing previously. (Eg. Kal whines for her blanket, I put it on; too much attention .... etc. etc. etc.) All the stuff I tell others not to do! I realise what I'm doing, but I don't know the outcome of all of this and whether Kal will be with me for a great deal longer - I've succumbed to being human. If she does pull through all this (no matter which available option I chose), I have created in Kal a few learnt behaviours I will need to undo!

I caught up with Anne via PM in another forum. She tells me Murray seems a bit better - he's on antibiotics. I think she said he's still a bit quiet compared to his usual self, but does appear to be improving.

I haven't seen Anne on DOL for a couple of days or so ... and no further posts here. I'm worried for her and for Murray.

If you can, would really appreciate knowing how Karma goes on Robert McDowell's formulas. Although my girl and I are investigating (and, I suspect, will have to fight) a different condition, our options aren't looking crash hot either and I notice that Robert has formula's which suggest they can help with what we're up against. I do empathise (as do many others here) with what you are going through. Our thoughts are with you and Karma, and our support is always here.

Good one, MDC!!

I have PM'd Mag Dog Crazy (aka Nic) .... He's apparently tried to make contact with you K9 for some advice on someone over in Perth that could help him work out his dog's fear aggression issues? In addition to the tuition he engages, thought he'd benefit from your workshop too. You might expect to hear from him soon if you haven't already.

BUMP Anne? Sorry to harp ... just getting very worried for Murray's condition.?

As you have said to me in a post, Pampa ..... "Damn". Thoughts are with you and yours and wishing so hard for your girl to show positive signs of recovery from this ordeal. What a hard slog for your and your girl - in the physical, mental and emotional sense. Sending you extra strength to get through. ;)

Karma - so sorry to here of your dog's tale, and the roller coaster ride your having with the ups and downs of her health. It all makes for a tough time ... this I know. to you and Karma, along with good thoughts for health and good living for the time that is left - let us hope that this will be longer than your Vet holds hope for.

I came here to check up on your girl too, Pampa. How is she?

Anne? Has Murray done a poo yet? Is he looking better?

Anne - poor Murray. Symptoms do sound concerning. I'm afraid I can't offer much of any help. I do often wonder if 'stomach upset' is over diagnosed, but then I guess it is a condition of frequent occurrence. How is he today? I'm hoping for news of improvement. Keep an eye on his gum colour (as you have been); capillary return (by firmly pressing and finger on the gums and watching for the then pale spot to return with colour/blood) and for any feeling of 'tackiness' when you touch the gums. The gums should be more slippery rather than sticky. Sticky gums can indicate dehydration. I don't know what to suggest - I hope he is ok.

Gillbear - Is that why Steve didn't jump out of the cake? Was he unavoidably detained, given that he was running down the road on your way home?

Is it an hour's full on obedience? Or lots of fun motivated breaks (that you supply) and perhaps a mixture of a broad base of socialisation? IMO, your dog's motivation will be soon lost if it's a full on hour's grind of "sit", "drop" etc. without you providing stimulation in between. Although the instructors should be helpful, here, the provision of motivation is your responsibility. When the instructor tells you to release your dog (from an exercise), that release should be big time fun, play. Try building up your dog's prey drive at home. If you can, this will help immensley when training. Kal doesn't like to drink when she's away from home. I would add something to her water (eg. a few drops of milk; a little bit of meat juice) and then I'd have to battle not to allow her to guzzle the whole lot down too quickly! For this, of course, you'd need to take your dog's own drinking recepticle ... but then that often helps for the 'fussy, drink at home only' type dog. ;)

My dog's coat, IMO, is a reflection of her insides. It has on many occasions served as a warning that not all is well. It has often been one of the first signs, before more serious physical ones. I store great faith in the story a dog's coat and skin tells me. Even unexpected swirls in the dog's coat (eg. coat running across and/or against the natural lay of the rest of the coat) can indicate something wrong in that locality (eg. skeletal misplacement).

Thank you, Tramissa and Anne (CF). I've also been receiving PM's from numerous ppls - thank you all so much for your support, both morally and on an informative level. I have an email back from the lady in the USA. She has given me reference to a girl ("gal" :D) who practices in Australia. Information on her is scant, as she can't recall her surname or where abouts in Australia she is, but she has given me a reference point to start from. Haven has also reminded me of a person who we do both know of (I had forgotten), so I will seek to contact her during the week. Holly is also going to ask some colleagues in her training club if they know of someone (ie HV) in Victoria. The person she knows is interstate. Mind you, if I thought this person could help Kal, and if I think Kal can stand the trip (she loooooves car rides ;)), I'd go there. But that is a contemplation after I've done a bit more homework and after tests are completed and results known. Thank you everyone. What great sounding boards you've all been - and fantastic moral and spiritual support.

Thanks Pampa .... I've PM'd Holly. :D