Dog Health: Dog Therapy for Injuries

When vets couldn't help Chantal Gray's one-year-old Labrador retriever, Trinity, she knew she had to try something new.

He has dog health problems, he was continually limping, but the vets were baffled because Trinity's X-rays were coming up inconclusive. They couldn't find anything wrong.

That's when Gray did what every Labrador retriever loves to do -- she hit the water.

"Trinity had a soft tissue shoulder injury," says Gray. "And because it's always a good idea for humans to work in water when they have joint injuries, we thought we'd try it with her."

So once a week for the next five months -- Gray hopped in the pool with Trinity at Ottawa's K9 Common Scents, rehabilitation facilitation and aquatics centre for dogs, and worked with Trinity while she strengthened her joints in a relatively painless way.

Five months -- and approximately $700 later -- Trinity had stopped limping.

"It was a good experience," says Gray. "It gave us reassurance that we were doing everything we could to help her recover. Trinity is part of the family -- we hated to see her in pain."

Pet therapy, whether it is hydrotherapy, acupuncture or massage, is a growing trend in the industry. This alternative method is being used to treat anything from joint and back pain and arthritis to anxiety issues.

Working the same way they do for people, these ancient methods of healing are being used on pets as a low-impact method, to aid in mobility and pain management. And more pet owners are adopting this often costly alternative to help their pets get back on their feet.

"It's absolutely a trend," says Kelly Caldwell, editor-in-chief and art director for Dogs in Canada magazine. "It's part of the shift we see in the importance we put on our animals as part of our lives."

Caldwell says opting for alternative therapies for pets can do more than strengthen their mobility and muscles -- it can literally work as a pick-me-up for pets.

"You have to be careful because animals can adopt the same mentality as humans when they are injured," says Caldwell. "When they are sore, they can get depressed because they're just sitting there sedentary. At some point, as the doctor always tells humans after an injury, you have to get up and move around."

Helping your pet recover through alternative therapies is also a great way to get your pet off of costly medications, which is better for their systems -- and our dog health -- in the long run.

And it is also a great way to strengthen the animal-human bond.

"If you view your pet as part of the family, you'll get into that pool," says Caldwell. "You will want to be part of their recovery. There is nothing worse than seeing your pet in pain."

Gray says if Trinity's issue reoccurs, she'll definitely consider hydrotherapy again.

"It is a more natural way to go," says Gray. "The only bad part about it is smelling like wet dog for the rest of the day."

Source: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=526f296a-2364-4bc1-b9f8-2bbb56a0b097

Dog Health: A Purebred Dog - A Pure Heartache

All that Phil and Donna O'Brien wanted was a Great Dane puppy.
What they got was heartache.

Three years ago Phil and Donna purchased a six-month-old Great Dane from a local breeder. At the time they went to pick her up, the breeder told them that the dog had drank some mop water but assured them that the pup was fine, and to give her lots to drink.
They took her to the vet and the vet checked her over.
A couple of days later Jewel ,as they had named their new puppy, started having seizures.
Alarmed, Donna took the dog back to the vet.

The vet told them that there was something "not right" about the dog health and they should take her back to the breeder.

Phil and Donna were reluctant to do that as they had already fallen in love with the dog.

However, the seizures got worse, causing Jewel to not only twitch, but to violently shake and flail around. Donna describes the seizures that started happening one after the other as violent, causing the dog to flop back and forth on the floor.

With a heavy heart Phil reluctantly took the dog back to the breeder. The dog died a short time after.

Instead of a refund, the breeder promised them another puppy.
Thinking that it was a fluke that Jewel had had seizures, they picked up their new puppy almost a year after they had gotten Jewel, a male puppy they named Duke.

Duke is now a beautiful 2-year-old Great Dane.
A few weeks ago things started to go wrong with him.
He started losing weight, and it seemed as though every move he made caused him great pain.
The O'Briens noticed that if anyone went to pet the dog, he would lower his head. When they were out walking the dog would keep his nose close to the ground. Donna said She had laughed at the time, saying that Duke had the nose of a Bloodhound.

What was really going on?
It turns out that Duke has Wobbler's Syndrome, a disease that is common in young Great Danes.
The following was taken from a Veterinary website, which describes what Wobbler's syndrome really is.

". The outstanding symptom of Wobblers is a slowly developing, progressive, uncoordination and paralysis of the hind limbs. This paresis and/or uncoordination is caused by pressure on the spinal cord as it passes through the vertebrae of the neck, the last three being the most prominent sites. The animal may appear clumsy, "wobbling" or display swaying of the rear legs. On slick surfaces it may be difficult or impossible to walk. The dog may fall when attempting to turn and the toes of the hind feet may drag when walking. The dog usually has its legs spread out as far as possible trying to better balance itself. Initially front leg involvement is minimal or undetectable. As the disease progresses, a characteristic short choppy rolling stride is seen on what appears to be somewhat rigid forelimbs. As the
compression of the spinal cord becomes more severe, the front legs can have the same signs as the rear legs. There is usually little or no neck pain but the dog may stand with the neck flexed which usually alleviates some of the spinal cord pinching. Many dogs will object to neck manipulation and may even collapse when the movement is forced. "

Wobbler's syndrome can be genetic and when purchasing a Great Dane the breeding line should be checked thoroughly to make sure that it hasn't affected that lineage.

To Phil and Donna, who had never even heard of the dog health disease before, it came as a shock.

When a few weeks ago, the dog showed reluctance to walk, and it seemed to take him a long time to lie down and be comfortable, they once again took him to the vet where he was diagnosed with Wobbler's. He is losing weight from lack of excercise and a poor appetite.

Duke's prognosis is not good. He is on many painkillers and steroids in an effort to prolong his life a bit, but Phil and Donna know that in the end, Duke will probably have to be put down.

Duke, when he stands, bends his body into a U shape as seen in the photos at right. His back legs are splayed, he drags his front paws when he walks and he rarely keeps his head up for more than a few minutes.

Sometimies surgery is an option, but for Duke it is not. His Wobbler's is severe.

Besides the hundreds of dollars the O'Brien's have spent on the dog and on vet bills, the worst part is the heartache of losing another dog that they love. Their vet has told them that this latest round of pills and pain killers is the last step. When they stop working, Duke will have to be euthanized.

For Phil and Donna the thought of losing another beloved pet is devastating. They fear what their two little girls will feel when Duke doesn't come home anymore.
They are shocked about the whole affair.

Because they bought from a breeder who is registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, they had thought that the puppy would be healthy.
Now they know better. Just being registered with the CKC is not enough. There are several other dogs in this city who are having health problems with puppies they've purchased from this breeder, and these puppies have been reported to the CKC so that they can investigate.
What is foremost in the O'Brien's thoughts is that they want to prevent other people from going through the heatrtache that they have experienced. They want this breeder to stop breeding dogs.

They ask the public to contact them if they have a Great Dane puppy that has or is experiencing health problems.

Duke is a gentle giant, the main reason why Phil and Donna chose to purchase a Great Dane. He has been a therapy dog for the old age homes and the residents there will be missing his companionship too. This is a dog who is loved, and who will be missed by everyone who has met him.


Following are a few things you should ask breeders before purchasing a purebred puppy of any breed: Not all breeders are malicious, some just aren't as knowlegable as they should be.

1 How long has the breeder been breeding this breed of dog?

2. Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed? Does he/she demonstrate a knowledge of the Standard of the Breed? Responsible breeders try to breed dogs as close as possible to the breed standard.

3. Does he or she represent his dogs as honestly as possible and try to assist the serious novice in his understanding of the breed?

4. Is he or she involved in competition with their dogs (conformation, obedience, agility)?This indicates valuable experience with the breed.

5. Does she/he trace health problems in the dogs he sells? If new to the breed, has breeder carefully researched the genetic problems that may lurk in the background of his lines? The breeder should be knowledgeable about and working to control and/or eradicate conditions, including those that are particular to the breed, such as renal dysplasia, portal systemic shunt, hip and eye problems, allergies, Von Willebrands disease, thyroid disorders, and inguinal hernias? ASTC pamphlets can tell you more about breeding healthy dogs and renal dysplasia.

6. Have the puppies been raised in the home?
Puppies used to home activity will more easily adapt to new families and homes. Puppies require proper socialization by gentle handling, human contact, and a wide variety of noises and experiences, and should not be removed from their dam or littermates before 8 weeks of age. (The ASTC Code of Ethics suggests puppies not be sold before 12 weeks.)

7. Have the puppies' temperaments been evaluated and can the breeder guide you to the puppy that will best suit your lifestyle?
A very shy puppy will not do well in a noisy household with small children, just as a very dominant puppy won't flourish in a sedate, senior citizen household. A caring breeder will know the puppies and be able to help you make a good match.

8. How often is the dam bred?
Breeding every heat cycle is too often and may indicate that profit is the primary motive for the breeding.

9. On what basis was the sire chosen?If the answer is "because he lives right down the street" or "because he is really sweet," it may be that sufficient thought was not put into the breeding.
10. Are the puppy's sire and dam available for you to meet? If the sire is unavailable can you call his owners or people who have his puppies to ask about temperament or health problems? You should also be shown pictures or videos''

11. Where did you find out about this breeder? Responsible breeders usually breed only when they have a waiting list of buyers and don't need to advertise in newspapers or put a sign in the yard.

12. Will the puppy be sold with a mandatory spay/neuter contract and/or limited registration (which means that if the dog is bred, the puppies cannot be CKC registered)?
A breeder who cares enough about the breed to insist on these for a pet puppy is usually a responsible breeder.

13. Do the puppies seem healthy, with no discharge from eyes or nose, no loose stools, no foul smelling ears? Are their coats soft, full, and clean? Do they have plenty of energy when awake yet calm down easily when gently stroked?
If the puppy is in good weight, a slight, clear nasal discharge may be due to pinched nostrils, quite common during the teething phase. They generally open as the puppy matures. Small umbilical hernias almost always close with age.

14. Does the breeder advise you to have the puppy checked by a veterinarian within 2 days (48 hours) of sale, with additional time allowed if the puppy is sold on a Saturday or Sunday, and provide a written agreement to refund the purchase price or take the puppy back and replace it if it is found to be unfit by a veterinarian? Has the puppy received the necessary immunizations and been checked for parasites and treated if necessary?

15. Does the breeder provide a 3-5 generation pedigree, a complete health record, and material to help you with feeding, grooming, training, and housebreaking?
A registration form should also be provided and clearly explained.

16. Are there a majority of titled dogs (the initials CH, CD, etc. before or after the names) in the first two generations?
The term "champion lines" means nothing if those titles are back three or more generations or if there are only one or two in the whole pedigree. Also, remember that not all champions are created equal and that a champion may or may not produce quality puppies.

17. Does the breeder have only 1 or at most 2 breeds of dogs and only 1 litter at a time?
If there are several breeds of dogs, the breeder may not devote the time it takes to become really knowledgeable about our breed. If there are several litters at a time, it is very difficult to give the puppies the attention they need and may indicate that the primary purpose for breeding is profit, rather than a sincere desire to sustain and improve the breed.

18. Will the breeder be available for the life of the dog to answer any questions you might have? Is this someone you would feel comfortable asking any type of question?
If you feel intimidated or pressured, keep looking!

19. Will the breeder take the dog back at any time, for any reason, if you cannot keep it? This is the hallmark of responsible breeding (and the quickest, best way to make rescue obsolete).

20. Responsible breeders also do not sell puppies to pet shops or commercial pet mill establishments, donate puppies for raffles or auctions, crossbreed or sell crossbred puppies, or give stud service to unregistered dogs.


Story source: http://www.soonews.ca/viewarticle.php?id=17309

Dog Health Care | Dog Obesity Awareness

When we talk about “obesity”, humans normally come in our mind. But what if it is dog obesity and not humans? Strange, right? We ought to know that dog health and obesity awareness is a perfect way to save the man's best friend. Maybe it was too distinct for people who lived many years ago; but fortunately not for people living in the modern society nowadays. Dogs of today, like humans, experience obesity as one of the major health risks.

Dogs that eat excessively and with unhealthy binges can become obese. This situation often triggered by some environmental factors could create more problems in a dog health if not controlled. Dogs also develop certain diseases if they are overweight that can lead to more serious complications including death. Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight developing arthritis on their joints and other parts of the bones. It can also develop other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks on the joint ligaments.

We all know that overweight causes diabetes in humans. It certainly does happen to dogs, too. More fat stored in the dog's body generates more insulin in order to cope with its increasing mass. Dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body, so this results to diabetes. Skin problems also occur if a dog is overweight. Excessive fat deposits are stored in the skin makes the owner find it hard grooming his dog. Dogs without proper grooming oftentimes accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that can harm their skin. This eventually develops rashes, skin ruptures, and infections that are very dangerous on your dog health.

Overweight dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time. Too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin lowers their heat tolerance. Obese dogs can also develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. Thick fat deposits covering the chest cavity, thus making the lungs and the heart expand hardly whenever the dog breathes. If the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog's body, it could kill him. Inflamed pancreas, which is very painful, can seriously affect dog health. Lastly, obesity in dogs can create a liver malfunction because of too much fat deposits accumulated in the area. This may even cause the death of your dog.

These health problems are all life threatening to both humans and dogs. But in the case of our pet dogs, it all depends upon the owner on how he secures his dog health. It is important that dog lovers should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs like taking them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field. This does not only benefit the dogs but their owners as well. Owners must also create a healthy diet for their dogs. Diet meals with necessary nutrients should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals in order for the dogs to stay healthy.

Dog lovers should always give more water to their dogs when they feed them fiber. This can prevent constipation. Above all, they should also remember that before trying out new things on their dogs, it is best to consult the veterinarian first. Give your dogs the best love and care you can. Your dog health and obesity awareness is a perfect way to save the man's best friend.

Dog Health | Deadly Dog Illness Hits For Just 3rd Time

MILWAUKEE - A deadly bacterial strain that attacks dogs in animal shelters has struck for a third time, and a shelter medicine expert credits quick countermeasures for preventing more dogs from dying.

The latest dog health outbreak was at the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County, 10 miles west of Milwaukee, where seven dogs died over 10 days and two others became ill, prompting the shelter to stop taking dogs in or adopting them out.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison said Friday that the dogs had the strain of bacteria -- streptococcus equi zooepidemicus -- that rapidly attacks the respiratory system, although at least one of the three dogs the lab examined also had parainfluenza virus. More tests were being done.

The case is just the third documented outbreak of the illness that causes dogs to become lethargic and feverish and then invades the respiratory system, said Kate Hurley, director at the Kort Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California-Davis.

One good thing is that the illness has been limited to shelters, and only rarely occurred there, she said.

"People's pet animals are really at minimal risk," she said. "Even within shelters this is very rare."

The first outbreak was at a Las Vegas shelter where as many as a dozen dogs a day had been dying in late 2006 until the illness was diagnosed in February 2007.

"The staff estimated that over 1,000 dogs had died with this bleeding from the nose and mouth and acute respiratory disease that is characteristic of this," Hurley said.

The second outbreak was last February in a Miami shelter where about a dozen dogs died.

"It doesn't seem to have been able to escape from a shelter or a greyhound kennel type of environment and spread into communities," Hurley said, "and it may be because the disease course is just so rapid.

"Once they are symptomatic, they tend to go downhill very rapidly and maybe there just hasn't been time for it to spread."

The exact mode by which the disease spreads isn't known, she said.

"It does seem to be highly contagious," she said. "It's possible that it's airborne within a facility or it's spread on caretakers' feet and on objects or on common surfaces," Hurley said.

It has not occurred in places such as dog day-care facilities, she said.

"It may be that there is some other compromise with stray animals coming together in shelters with a poor vaccine history that contributes to susceptibility to this kind of outbreak," Hurley said.

"Or it just may be luck that it hasn't struck in a doggy day care or boarding type facility," she added. "The fact is we don't know everything about this disease yet.

"But certainly it's not spreading dramatically and it's not widespread in the United States."

The Waukesha case shows the value of recognizing the disease as soon as a dog dies and then treating other dogs with antibiotics before they start showing symptoms.

"That's exactly what we recommended to the shelter in Waukesha," Hurley said.

"When we get on top of it really quickly, then it's been a lot easier to get the outbreak under control, so that's good news."

Lynn Olenik, executive director at the Waukesha County shelter, said Friday that the two other dogs that showed early symptoms responded to antibiotics and were expected to survive. No other dogs or other animals at the shelter seem to be affected.

The bacterial strain is becoming better known among shelters and veterinarians, according to Hurley. Still, "I think there's a number of veterinarians and shelters who aren't aware of this because it's so new and it's not widespread."

She recommended keeping dogs vaccinated for other canine respiratory disease and in good health to reduce chances of getting the disease.

Also, "keep your animal out of a shelter by making sure that it has two kinds of identification," she said.

That way, if it winds up at the shelter, it can be quickly identified and sent back home.


Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-dogdeaths,0,6463906.story

Dog Health: A dog with Narcolepsy

The story of Skeeter, a Poodle with Narcolepsy.

The first time I saw the video, I cannot help but feel pity for the dog. It was one of the strangest medical condition I have ever seen.

A proper dog health care is needed by this dog to overcome this problem.

Dog Health Question and Answers

Are you concerned about your pet's health or just have some dog health questions?

The following list of dog health care questions and answers will help you to recognize if your pet is ill. It will also help you to take a better care of your puppy or an adult dog.

Before we proceed to questions and answers, here is something important...

Don't try to make a diagnosis on your own. If you suspect your pet is ill, take him to a veterinarian.

OK, here are the...

5 Dog Health Questions and Answers

1. How can I tell if my puppy is ill?

The most common signs that your pet is ill are a loss or appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and depression (yes, dogs get that too). If these symptoms don't disappear in two days, contact your dog's veterinarian. In general, you will get to know your dog pretty well and will be able to tell if there is something wrong with him.

2. Is it necessary to brush my dog's teeth?

Surprisingly, and unfortunately, this is not one of the more common dog health questions.
In short, the answer is "yes". According to American Veterinary Dental Society, around 80 percent of dogs show signs of oral disease by the age of three. By cleaning your dog's teeth on a regular basis, you will keep his gums and jaw bones healthy. You will also be able to reduce or even eliminate costly cleanings done under general anesthesia by a vet. Chew toys will also help you keep your pet's teeth healthy.

3. Is it possible to tell by the temperature of my dog's nose if he is ill?

A common dog health question that many owners feel they have an answer for. Unfortunately, the answer they have is wrong. No, you can't tell if your dog is ill by his nose. Dogs have only two body parts though which they sweat. Nose is one of them (paws are another). When the outside temperature is hot and your dog is sweating to cool himself, his nose will feel cool and moist. On the other hand, if a dog does not need to cool himself, his nose will feel dry.

4. How often will I need to vaccinate my dog?

This is one of the most common dog health questions. There are many factors that will influence vaccination schedule and, because each situation is unique, only your veterinarian can answer this question. He or she will talk to you about it during your pet's first visit.

5. How often will I need to take my dog to a vet?

It all depends on your dog health in general. If your dog is in good health, an older dog will usually need to see a vet once a year. For younger puppies, because of vaccinations, vet visits will be more frequent. And, of course, if your dog is ill, he will need to see a vet whether it's time for a regular checkup or not.


For more information on dog health problems, visit www.puppy-training-solutions.com