pebbles

Would love to know which Border Terrier pup it was, please.

When I was younger and had no sense, I was Secretary for 3 All Breed Clubs and 2 Ag. Society All Breeds Shows as well as being on the committee of another couple of Clubs. The shows where I was on Committee only I would show. Found that I just didn't have the time to prepare and show dogs where I was Secretary. One year I tried it - we had an International Breed Specialist for Group 2 so I had the President do all the Judge involved things while I stayed well out of the way. That worked really well except I missed my call

Bella Donna - I think the next step will be Xrays. Mrs RB. I will query the Vets re a virus. We don't have ticks in this area. He's a short coat and I've been over every inch in case there was some external problem. Yes. Mins do feel the cold, my oldies would spend all day in bed in winter but Mick's only 4.5 and while he likes the fire going, he's still always been as much outside rushing around as inside and always ready for a walk regardless of weather. Here in the Mallee we have had some nice sunny days but he just wants to get in my bed with the electric blanket on low. Werribee is another option, travelling isn't a problem but I must admit that the money may be, aged pension doesn't go far and the bank has been raided for the Vet visits to date. Amypie, he's still got his appetite and he doesn't chew up toys, actually he's not really into toys, rather be outside chasing birds. Staff'n'Toller, He's never had a seizure before, never been sick in any way until now. Yes, neurology wasn't the word I should have used - Vet did check all reflexes and that was fine. Shantiah - I've been doing some searching, toxoplasmosis and another one starting with 'c' (will have to look it up again) were ones I am going to mention to the Vet. Bet they hate these 'net searches lol. Gallomph - His teeth do have a minute bit of tartar but the Vet checked them all and they were ok. but I'll get them to check again. Thanks for all your replies, it is much appreciated and gives me some more ideas to harrass the Vets with.

Still having big problems with Mick. Going back a step or two, he was having Metacam daily on Vet instructions from the first visit. When he had the throwing up episode I stopped it. Then on the Vet. visit last Monday I forgot to say that along with the anti-bios she also gave him a shot of Metacam and told me to start it again. He had a dose on Tuesday am and about 2pm he had a quick seizure then another one a bit longer about 6pm. Phoned the Vet. who didn't have any suggestions (getting a bit fed up!). I stopped the Metacam and he hasn't had any since. Now the worry is that he hasn't had a poop since Tuesday am. Yesterday he seemed a bit brighter, sat in the lounge and went for a short walk on the lead, I hoped this might get the bowels working but no luck. He's back in my bed now, tried a short walk this am but he just wanted to go home, don't blame him, it's blowing a gale and cold today. I'm hoping the dry steamed chicken and rice may be the culprit as he's showing no distress nor trying to use his bowels. Never had any experience with blockagers, anyone give me any idea of symptoms? Still giving the anti-bios but they don't seem to be doing anything. They finish on Saturday (naturally a week-end) so if there's no vast improvement I will have to decide whether to have another Vet visit. It's just so frustrating when they keep saying they have no idea! They have about six Vets there with some having higher qualifications who have also been consulted and still no idea. Showdog - thanks for that suggestion. Enquiries seem that I'd have an 800k round trip which I'd do if I could get a definite answer from the Vets. Suggestions so far have included - gut bug, neurology (sp?) arthritis, pancreas, all ruled out by tests.

All my dogs have been trained for showing on a loose check chain (although they don't all always make the show ring). For just walking I use a collar and lead, generally an extender lead, so they can investigate the good smells and visit a tree or two. Fortunately I've always lived in the country so they can have quite a good length of lead and run around. If they get too excited by bunny/roo scents I just have to say 'settle down'. I do get wrapped in leads sometimes lol. The minute I put the check chain on for the ring or walking through town they know it's time for gaiting properly on my left side.

During last night Mick started throwing up bile, this am he just didn't want to move so off to the Vet again. More bloods done, CPL test done, prodded and squeezed all over, no reaction and all tests perfect, no temp. On duty Vet. consulted with the head man who also couldn't add anything. I have a mild anti-bio to give him for 5 days in case something is brewing and trying steamed chicken and rice meals. He ate tea with his usual good appetite and is sleeping on the couch, still not wanting to move much. So we will have to wait and see. Next will be X-rays but as the Vets said, 'what are they looking for?' Three 300k round trips in 6 days and, of course, today's a public holiday so another Big dent in the finances - dogs - who'd 'ave 'em? lol.

Stormie, thanks - the Chiro. went over every inch and only found a sore spot in one back leg and the Vet also went over him and flexed his neck every which way - (thought she was going to twist it off,) and no reaction. The Vet was very thorough and even got another Vet to see if they had an answer. First time I've had a dog to a Vet. and no diagnoses!

Thanks for your post, Ozjen. My first call was to the Chiro. as I thought it was just muscular but that was mainly ok. It's nearly a week now since he first showed any signs and he's just the same, eating Ok, elimating Ok. just doesn't want to do anything except sleep. Going to phone the Vet tomorrow as I'm getting an awful suspicion that we may be looking at something dreadful. I had a Gordon Setter that I lost to cancer about 18 years ago and the more I think about it, the more these symptoms seem too much the same.

Welcome back, Jed! I second all the thoughts expressed, all worded the way I wish I could say them.

Woops forgot to mention that I always have Metacam on hand for his elbow problem as this can get quite sore. I generally just have to give him this twice a day for about 2/3 days and the elbow is OK (it's not his elbow this time but thought the pain relief may help) so I gave him that on Wednesday and Thursday and made no difference. Two Vets prodded his tummy (and everywhere else) and there was no reaction anywhere. Temp was also normal. Damn he's got me worried He's still sleeping in my bed. Vet. also does herbal treatments and suggested that maybe try those but as she said 'don't know what to treat him for'.

Miniature Pinscher dog, 4years and 5 months. In the 4 years and 3 months I've had him, he's been the typical Min Pin. Hyper, allways on the go, known as Motor Mouth to his friends. Last Monday he was a bit quiet, Tuesday really down. Appeared 'tied up' moving, back a bit hunched. Just wanted to sit on my knee or in my bed. Eating, drinking, pooping, weeing all fine. Assuming it could be muscular, he has a problem front elbow, I took him to the Vet/Chiro, she found a couple of tight spots but not enough to explain his behaviour. No improvement so took him to the Vet Clinic on Friday. He had everything checked and all possible bloods done - not a thing showed up. The Vet consulted with other Vets there, ran some bloods through again, everything perfect, liver, kidneys, cell counts, electrolytes, they're the only ones I remember but all were good. Vet is totally puzzled and has given me her afterhours number if there's any change. He's still eating well, drinking normally, weeing and pooping (poop is good, smells ok (ok so I'm desperate). Goes out in the morning, wanders around for a short time then wants to go back to bed and stays there all day. Any thoughts???

Thanks for the wonderful news Toohey Keep it up, Jed we are all waiting for you.

Border Terriers - Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrone. This has recently been discovered in Borders in Australia. It presents as similar to an epileptic seizure. A lot of research is being done. It is hereditary. eta - It's common name is 'Spikes Disease'.

I have always shown my dogs, regardless of breed, on a loose lead, hate to see dogs strung up. When I was judging a breed show I asked for them to do another triangle on a loose lead, shock, horror from some exhibitors and some movement just fell apart.

Showdog Same here

Agree with a lot of the points raised - for years I've been saying that the ANKC and/or State CCs should be doing more promotion of the pure breeds, it's left to members. Council restrictions are playing a big part as has the costs of maintaining and showing. Good point about the shows not being in the public arena so much now, the Ag Shows always drew a number of interested people. Not sure about the nastiness to newcomers part though, in over 50 years of showing dogs in most Groups I could count on one hand the remarks that made me shake my head in disbelief, maybe I've always been with a different crowd or just have a thick skin. One organisation I did walk away from was the parents guild of the Boy Scouts - anyone who didn't attend a meeting was well and truly pulled to pieces!

And I personally know of a number of the old longtime breeders who have walked away due to the know-it-all attitude of some of the 5 minute wonders who aren't doing a thing for their chosen breed

A while back I had a bitch stay here for a week for mating with my Min Pin boy. He didn't eat for the time she was here. The owner of the girl had a look at Sam when they dropped her off and were quite impressed with this healthy, friendly, well conditioned little dog. The owner's daughter picked the girl up and wanted to have a look at Sam - oh dear, there was this poor skinny little fellow who just wanted to check out the girl again.

I wouldn't say the Shiba as they must have the Urajiro which is nearly white and there should be a fair amount of this. Red, black and tan, sesame, black sesame, red sesame.. Definition of the colour sesame: Sesame Equal mixture of white and black hairs. Black sesame More black than white hairs. Red sesame Ground colour of hair red, with mixture of black hairs. All the above mentioned colours must have "Urajiro". "Urajiro" = whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle and on the cheeks, on the underside of the jaw and neck, on the chest and stomach, on the underside of the tail, and on the inside of the legs.

I guess my first question is - desexing? Is your boy desexed and are you getting the girl desexed? Why I ask this is because if they are entire then you must be prepared to separate them when she's in season and crates are invaluable for this. Apart from that I find crates are great for many reasons - your dog/s are happy to be confined for safety, health and travel. I'd get them both a crate, maybe crate your girl at night if there's not room on the bed for both lol. Dogs soon learn to love their own 'dens'. The doors are open during the day for mine and often find them having a nap. They sleep on my bed at night but the girl is happy to be confined to her crate at night when she's in season.

I had a Min Pin girl come for a service. Owners brought her on the 6th day and I put her in with the boy. Nothing - he didn't even look at her right through the next weeks. Fortunately her owners were going on holidays so she stayed with me. Day 21 - bingo! She had 5 lovely pups.

After years of showing Afghans I always swore I'd never have another "A" breed so now I'm going to petition the ANKC to change the name to "Silky Terrier, Australian"!

Come on Jed, you can do it - we all need you back. RIP to the ones lost

Over a lot of years with dogs unfortunately I've had to put many to sleep without being sedated. Never had a problem until Ben, he was given the needle then started howling. It was heart breaking, he would always give a howl when I left him at home or in the car. Since then I have had to lose two oldies and I've had them sedated first. They don't worry about it and then go peacefully in my arms.

Yes, we have the little devils as well. Not as bad as the plague a few years back but enough that the supermaket is doing a great trade in traps and poison. My guys are kept busy with chasing (and eating, uck)the locusts and keeping watch for any mice. Oh, the joys of the country and it's wildlife :D