cassie

Thanks Mrs Rusty Bucket, perhaps we'll try that method. Considering he eats A LOT, he is a bit fussy with some things.

I'm so sorry PD

Hi everyone and thanks for your comments and added links. On recommendation of the vet, Sumo has been on a bland diet of cooked chicken and rice since he came home. I was concerned that he wasn't eating much, only picking at bits and pieces. Well turns out he's not so crazy about rice! :) Today I tried him on just the chicken and some canned food and he ate it all up :) He's also got his attitude back and was woo-wooing at me to get out of bed this morning. So glad my cheeky monkey is feeling better.

In the early hours of Sunday morning we had the fright of our lives - our 16 month old Saint Bernard Sumo developed a severe case of bloat. I was already in bed asleep but Josh (my OH) was still up. Sumo asked to go out to the toilet, so Josh let him out and noticed he was trying to vomit, but couldn't. Josh watched him a while, and saw Sumo's waistline expanding before his eyes. He ran and woke me up to come and check on him. I felt his round tummy and he was hard as a rock, so it was straight into the car and off we sped to the vet at 2am. The vet confirmed bloat. She attempted a tube down his throat to his stomach, but his stomach had already twisted so emergency surgery was the only option. It was a very long and emotional night, and I hated leaving him there Finally we got the call at 6am that the surgery had been a success! The vet performed a gastropexy while she was in there, which is when they attach the stomach to the inside wall of the abdomen so that it cannot twist again. None of his stomach lining or spleen had been affected during the bloat, thank goodness, as that can cause further complications. I'm thanking my lucky stars that: a) I've read all I can on bloat, because I know Saints are susceptible b) I've educated Josh on the initial signs and symptoms, and drilled into him how life threatening it is and how every minute counts c) We knew who and where our nearest 24 hour vet was, and called them on the way so they were prepared for our arrival and d) Obviously I'm so thankful for the amazing work and life saving skills of the vets and nurses, and that my baby boy survived this ordeal! So this is just a warning I suppose, to those who have at-risk breeds. And giants aren't the only ones susceptible, any dog with a deep chest (Dobermans, Dachshunds) can get bloat. KNOW THE SIGNS! INFORM YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE SIGNS! HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE! Sumo is home now and resting, I was able to collect him this afternoon. Oh and FYI he had eaten his normal sized dinner, he hadn't been running around or being silly before or after his meal, he wasn't stressed in any way, it just happened. We take all the precautions we can and it still happened. Please don't think it can't.

We had a big goofy Rotty cross a few years ago - He'd rather have slept but I'm pretty sure no one ever tested the theory ... I sure as hell would think twice before jumping the fence with anything much bigger then an ACD on the other side... Exactly, just their size is a deterrent. I wouldn't mess with them if I didn't know them! I feel safe being at home on my own (with them) because if someone knocks on the door they are there with me to have a stickybeak :laugh: No one would be game to try anything. But they really are both as gentle as lambs.

Thank you :) Moose is an ok watch dog. If he's inside and someone comes to the door he doesn't bark he just goes to investigate, which I like. But if he's outside and someone is wandering around near our house he has a good warning bark which sounds like he really means business. He wouldn't hurt a fly though if they actually did break in. Sumo is a complete sook. Anyone he meets is just a potential cuddle, no one is to be feared or wary of. I like that about him because I show him, and he's got a real confidence about him. If someone broke in he'd be their best friend lol. We get him to "speak" during play time where he barks and growls at us, and his voice is so deep! If he were to really growl at you you'd probably run a mile! But I've never heard him make any noise other than playing with us.

Haha you're not wrong! I call Moose my little dog :) I had to laugh a little while ago when a delivery man came to the door. Moose came out to investigate and the guy said "Woah, he's huge!" Meanwhile I could hear Sumo's thunderous frame bringing up the rear. When he stepped out the guy almost fell over! :laugh: It's funny because they're so normal to me, I forget they're monstrous to other people.

Sumo is 16 months old now, here are some of his latest pics :)

At 8 weeks pup will probably be on 3-4 small meals a day. You can reduce to 3 at around 12 weeks, and reduce to 2 at around 6 months. Then keep her on 2 meals a day for life. 2 smaller meals are far better than one large for preventing bloat. Never exercise pup (or adult) immediately before or after a meal. Don't let her gulp her food down quickly. If she is prone to this, you can buy special bowls that force them to eat more slowly. On the same note don't let her drink heaps of water all in one go, like after a big play for example. Keep her lean, never overweight. All the best and please share pics when you get her! :)

Haha sorry I've been slack! Will add some more soon :)

Uggghh try owning a Saint Bernard! This is baby Sumo at 4 months old, wet from the beach, hence he's outside. He's 16 months now and lives inside but I don't think I have any more recent ones. But trust me he's bad! :laugh:

The Liberty website doesn't show prices. Does anyone know the price of a giant table approximately, to save me contacting them?

Hi again, I live in SA too. As a general rule BMDs don't love the heat, they'd definitely prefer to be indoors in the aircon with you. Having said that my current boy doesn't suffer too much in the heat, and a friend's Berner actually prefers laying in the direct sun (as opposed to shade or indoors) on scorching days! Strange! But if you can provide aircon inside you'll have no problems. Shedding is average-high compared to other breeds, and yes regular brushing keeps it under control. I brush my boy about once a week to once a fortnight, but he doesn't have a big coat. I would recommend a brush once or twice a week for most. I'd be happy to recommend a breeder or two when you are ready :) and also answer any other questions.

A Bernese could definitely suit your lifestyle, although no excessive exercise in the first 18 months of it's life. An hour walk a day for a young pup would be too much. I rarely recommend either of my own breeds but I think you'd be very happy with a well bred Bernese :)

Sorry to hear Miss Squish When will they try again? And what's your maybe breed option?

Crossing my fingers for you Miss Squish! It'll be so cool if you finally get one, you've wanted one for ages! Still planning to show?

What I need them for will be very limited use, maybe once a month on one dog, so I'm happy to try some cheapies to start with. If they're crap then I'll buy some better ones.

Thanks for the link Mystiqview. For $18.99 I've ordered some, they are too cheap not to at least try :)

Thanks for clarifying for me/us Skyefool. Thanks anyway Julie. Off to check out some other recommendations from this thread :)

Hmm I'm not really sure if these would suit or not? Has anyone seen this type (in Steve's pics) before?

Amazing thankyou, no rush.

Like this:

Oh sorry Julie I misunderstood your post I thought you meant you had a photo of yours. One sec...

Wow Julie that is so kind of you! I'll wait to hear from you :)

Hi all, as the title reads I'm looking for some good quality thinning scissors for a decent price. I adore Chris Christensen grooming products so just had a look on their website but I can't justify $300ish for the limited trimming my Saint needs. I'd love to find something for around the $50 mark, or am I dreaming? Thanks! :)