Dog Channel / Dog Health / All About Dogs

Pet-Friendly Floor Cleaners

myworldisadogsworld — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:35:23 GMT

Hi guys! What do you guys use to clean your wood or laminate floors? Is the cleaning solution pet friendly?

Cataracts in diabetic lab

Wag Happy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:04:55 GMT

Hi, new to the forum but just found our that my baby Terri an 8 year old golden lab has got diabetes. As if that wasn't bad enough, the vet said she would get cataracts at some point. Devestated. Do any of you know if there is anything I can give her to prevent this from happening? I'm talking about diet, supplements anything like that - not drugs. I'm in shock and need a little support or help with this.

Health Problems or ageing?

xXForbiddenxFruitXx — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:37:13 GMT

Sunday, Oct. 4, Peachy, my 9 year old chihuahua(female) was acting normally.

She is a picky eater, and a wee bit on the small side. She tends to relax a lot, though she has nightly freak outs were she races around the house. She had a timid nature, but otherwise was a very healthy and friendly dog.

That day I spent the day in my room, oblivious to the outside world, my dad was out for the day, and my brother was in his room, possibly with his friends.

The next day she was completely terrified of everything that moved, even me. She wouldn't eat.

The following days she ate very little, and has lost a bit of weight. She still seems afraid of everything, but acts calmer around me. Her hind legs seem to slightly fold(not sure if that's a good way to describe it...) under her a bit, and she has hot and cold spells. She hardly moves around. Oh, Her gums are a little pale too, and she has some problems breathing and tries to vomit sometimes...(though she did this throughout life... no one knew why.)

So, does she sound sick or like she is ageing.... or dying?

My dad just spent $500 on our GSD to find out he has growing pains, so we don't have much money to find out if Peachy has something simple, like just ageing.

Honking Sounds

LuvMyMorkie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:45:41 GMT

My morkie when he gets excited makes honking noises, like he is having trouble breathing. Once he stops he is back to his normal self and goes about his business. What is that sound and why does he do it. I heard somewhere that it happens to small dogs and has something to do with his trachya.(sic). He's 1 and about 10 lbs.

Vaccines -- Adverse Reactions, JAVMA 10/01/05

Kris L. Christine — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:44:31 GMT

The quotes in red below are from the attached scientific report covering adverse events within 3 days of vaccination in dogs over the course of 2 years. Reports of dogs having vaccinal adverse reactions within the same time frame were not included if heartworm medication had been administered along with the vaccines. This study did not include adverse reactions such as development of fibrosarcomas and/or other conditions which take longer than 3 days to develop.

Moore, George E. et als., Adverse events diagnosed within three days of Vaccine Administration in Dogs, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol 227, No. 7, October 1, 2005

Animals—1,226,159 dogs vaccinated at 360 veterinary hospitals.

Results—4,678 adverse events (38.2/10,000 dogs vaccinated) were associated with administration of 3,439,576 doses of vaccine to 1,226,159 dogs. The VAAE rate decreased significantly as body weight increased. Risk was 27% to 38% greater for neutered versus sexually intact dogs and 35% to 64% greater for dogs approximately 1 to 3 years old versus 2 to 9 months old. The risk of a VAAE significantly increased as the number of vaccine doses administered per office visit increased; each additional vaccine significantly increased risk of an adverse event by 27% in dogs ≤ 10 kg (22 lb) and 12% in dogs > 10 kg.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Young adult small-breed neutered dogs that received multiple vaccines per office visit were at greatest risk of a VAAE within 72 hours after vaccination.

Records for dogs that received both an injectable heartworm preventive and a vaccine during the same office visit were not included in analyses.

Population—In the 2-year study period, 4,531,837 vaccine doses were administered to 1,537,534 dogs at 360 veterinary hospitals.

Among breeds with 5,000 or more dogs vaccinated, Dachshund, Pug, Boston Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, and Chihuahua breeds had the highest rates of VAAEs with 121.7, 93.0, 83.8, 76.4, and 76.1 adverse events/10,000 dogs vaccinated, respectively (Table 1). The VAAE rate for mixed-breed dogs was in the bottom quintile of all rates.

The VAAE rates decreased significantly as body weight increased (P for trend < 0.001; Figure 1). For all vaccines or for rabies vaccine alone, the VAAE rate for 10.1- to 45.0-kg (22.2- to 99.0-lb) dogs was approximately half the rate for dogs that weighed 0 to 10.0 kg (0 to 22.0 lb; P < 0.001; Figure 2). For rabies vaccine administered alone, VAAE rates/10,000 dogs that weighed 0 to 10.0 kg, 10.1 to 45.0 kg, and > 45 kg were 32.1 (222/69,178), 15.3 (69/45,088), and 0.0 (0/1,966), respectively.

The risk of a VAAE significantly increased as the number of vaccines administered per office visit increased (P for trend < 0.001).

In all dogs, each additional vaccine administered per office visit increased the rate of a VAAE by 24.2%; the rate increase was significantly (P <0.001) greater in dogs that weighed 0 to 10.0 kg, compared with dogs that weighed 0.1 to 45.0 kg (27.3% vs 11.5%, respectively; Figure 4). The 3 dogs with recorded deaths each had received ≥ 4 vaccines at their last office visit.

The lowest rate was observed with parenteral administration of Bordetella vaccine (15.4/10,000; 82 VAAEs/53,238 doses), and the highest rate was observed with Borrelia (Lyme disease) vaccine (43.7/10,000; 132 VAAEs/30,201 doses).

The risk of a VAAE in this study population was inversely related to a dog’s weight.

Factors known to cause vaccine reactions include the primary vaccine agent or antigen, adjuvants, preservatives, stabilizers, and residues from tissue cultures used in vaccine production.

The overall formulation of various vaccine components (eg, antigen, adjuvants, and diluent) is proprietary information that was unavailable for analysis in our study; thus, the variation in VAAE rates among single-antigen vaccines
may not be solely attributable to the primary vaccine antigen.

... because of genetic heterogeneity, the relatively low VAAE rate observed in mixed-breed dogs suggests that laboratory safety trials that use such dogs may underestimate the VAAE rates that would occur in purebred dogs. This is important because purebred dogs comprise at least two thirds of the US dog population.

The risk of allergic reaction has been reported16 to increase after the third or fourth injection of a vaccine (ie, a booster response).

Neutering appeared to increase risk of a VAAE more than sex. Females mount stronger immune responses after vaccination or infection than males because of a dimorphic enhancing effect of estrogens and a protective effect of androgens.

Dr. W. Jean Dodds Latest Vaccination Schedule

Kris L. Christine — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:23:01 GMT

Here is Dr. W. Jean Dodds' Latest Recommendation Vaccination Schedule for those of you who are interested.

Dr. Jean Dodds' Recommended Vaccination Schedule

Distemper (MLV)
Initial (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 - 20 weeks
1st Annual Booster At 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only
Re-Administration Interval None needed.
Duration of immunity 7.5 / 15 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending.
Comments Can have numerous side effects if given too young (< 8 weeks).

Parvovirus (MLV)
Initial (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 - 20 weeks
1st Annual BoosterAt 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only
Re-Administration Interval None needed.
Duration of immunity 7.5 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending.
Comments At 6 weeks of age, only 30% of puppies are protected but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic.

Rabies (killed)
Initial 24 weeks or older
1st Annual BoosterAt 1 year (give 3-4 weeks apart from Dist/Parvo booster) Killed 3 year rabies vaccine
Re-Administration Interval 3 yr. vaccine given as required by law in California (follow your state/provincial requirements)
Comments rabid animals may infect dogs.

Vaccines Not Recommended For Dogs

Distemper & Parvo @ 6 weeks or younger
Not recommended.
At this age, maternal antibodies form the mothers milk (colostrum) will neutralize the vaccine and only 30% for puppies will be protected. 100% will be exposed to the virus at the vet clinic.

Corona
Not recommended.
1.) Disease only affects dogs <6 weeks of age.
2.) Rare disease: TAMU has seen only one case in seven years.
3.) Mild self-limiting disease.
4.) Efficacy of the vaccine is questionable.

Leptospirosis
Not recommended
1) There are an average of 12 cases reported annually in California.
2) Side effects common.
3) Most commonly used vaccine contains the wrong serovars. (There is no cross-protection of serovars) There is a new vaccine with 2 new serovars. Two vaccinations twice per year would be required for protection.).
4) Risk outweighs benefits.

Lyme
Not recommended
1) Low risk in California.
2) 85% of cases are in 9 New England states and Wisconsin.
3) Possible side effect of polyarthritis from whole cell bacterin.

Boretella
(Intranasal)
(killed) Only recommended 3 days prior to boarding when required.
Protects against 2 of the possible 8 causes of kennel cough.
Duration of immunity 6 months.

Giardia
Not recommended
Efficacy of vaccine unsubstantiated by independent studies

There are two types of vaccines currently available to veterinarians: modified-live vaccines and inactivated ("killed") vaccines.

Immunization Schedules

There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the appropriate immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified-live vaccines and breeders who have experienced postvaccinal problems when using some of these vaccines. It is also important to not begin a vaccination program while maternal antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother's colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the vaccines as infectious organisms and destroy them before they can stimulate an immune response.

Many breeders and owners have sought a safer immunization program.

Modified Live Vaccines (MLV)

Modified-live vaccines contain a weakened strain of the disease causing agent. Weakening of the agent is typically accomplished by chemical means or by genetic engineering. These vaccines replicate within the host, thus increasing the amount of material available for provoking an immune response without inducing clinical illness. This provocation primes the immune system to mount a vigorous response if the disease causing agent is ever introduced to the animal. Further, the immunity provided by a modified-live vaccine develops rather swiftly and since they mimic infection with the actual disease agent, it provides the best immune response.

Inactivated Vaccines (Killed)

Inactivated vaccines contain killed disease causing agents. Since the agent is killed, it is much more stable and has a longer shelf life, there is no possibility that they will revert to a virulent form, and they never spread from the vaccinated host to other animals. They are also safe for use in pregnant animals (a developing fetus may be susceptible to damage by some of the disease agents, even though attenuated, present in modified-live vaccines). Although more than a single dose of vaccine is always required and the duration of immunity is generally shorter, inactivated vaccines are regaining importance in this age of retrovirus and herpesvirus infections and concern about the safety of genetically modified microorganisms. Inactivated vaccines available for use in dogs include rabies, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, etc.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310/ 828-4804
fax: 310/ 828-8251

Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.) the above protocol is recommended.

After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane).

Another alternative to booster vaccinations is homeopathic nosodes. This option is considered an unconventional treatment that has not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. One controlled parvovirus nosode study did not adequately protect puppies under challenged conditions. However, data from Europe and clinical experience in North America support its use. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be obtained.

I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and give it separated from other vaccines by 3-4 weeks. In some states, they may be able to give titer test result in lieu of booster.

I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today.

I do NOT recommend vaccinating female doges during estrus, pregnancy or lactation.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET

Inoculations - good or bad

courage — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:37:03 GMT

I have heard so many different views on inoculations and their relative safety. Some say stay away from the annual booster as they are often the cause of problems that your dog never had before. Others say they are critical and can be trusted. Has anyone got any good advice for me?

Thanks so much - and having just joined... sure looks like an amazing platform for dog lovers to chat and interact!

coughing

ashleysmith — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:13:01 GMT

my dog started coughing this morning and every time i take her out to use the bathroom she walks around eating grass.. HELP!!! whats wrong with her!!!!!

help with medical bills

parker's mom — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:59 GMT

I have a mixed breed dog who became ill and lost 16lbs. about 2 months ago they were able to find out his pancreas has failed. he has regained 14 of the pounds he lost. but I has to stay on a special diet and the medications are costing me about 350.00 a month he is on an pancreas enzyme that is sprinkled on his food twice a day, without it he goes back to starving to death while eating. is there an organization that will help with the cost of his meds? I have setup an appointment for him to be put to sleep next week because he will be out of medication by friday sept. 4th and I can't afford to purchase more. I hate to put my dog down because I can't afford the cost. if anyone knows some one can help PLEASE let me know

LEPTOSPIRA VACCINE--Adverse Reactions

Kris L. Christine — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:40:24 GMT

PERMISSION GRANTED TO CROSS-POST THIS MESSAGE.

Regarding the Lepto vaccine, on Page 2 of the American Animal Hospital Association's 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines and Recommendations, it states that "Optional or 'noncore' vaccines are those that the committee believe should be considered only in special circumstances because their use is more dependent on the exposure risk of the individual animal. Issues of geographic distribution and lifestyle should be considered before administering these vaccines. In addition, the diseases involved are generally self-limiting or respond readily to treatment. The committee believes this group of vaccines comprises distemper-meases virus (D-MV), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Leptospira spp., Bordetella bronchispetica, and Borrelia burdorferi."

Furthermore, on Page 7, Tables 1 of the AAHA Guidelines referenced above, it states under Revaccination (Booster Recommendations) that the Leptospira interrogans vaccine "....this product carries high-risk for adverse vaccine events." Under Overall Comments and Recommendations they elaborate: "Anecdotal reports from veterinarians and breeders suggest that the incidence of postvaccination reactions (acute anaphylaxis) in puppies (<12 wks of age) and small-breed dogs is high. Reactions are most severe in young (<9 wks of age) puppies. Routine use of the vaccine should be delayed until dogs are >9 wks of age."

On Page 8 of the 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines, it states that "Veterinarians are advised of anecdotal reports of ACUTE ANAPHYLAXIS in TOY BREEDS following administration of leptospirosis vaccines. Routine vaccination of toy breeds should only be considered in dogs known to have a high exposure risk."

Leptospira is a “killed” vaccine and is associated with clinically significant adverse reactions. According to the 2003 AAHA Guidelines (Page 16), "...killed vaccines are much more likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., immune-mediated disease)." Further, the AAHA task force reports on Page 18 that, "Bacterial vaccines, especially killed whole organism products …..are much more likely to cause adverse reactions than subunit or live bacterial vaccines or MLV vaccines, especially if given topically. Several killed bacterial products are used as immunomodulators/adjuvants. Thus, their presence in a combination vaccine product may enhance or suppress the immune response or may cause an undesired response (e.g., IgE hypersensitivity or a class of antibody that is not protective)."

A fuller discussion of the Lepto vaccine can be found on Page 14, in which it is reported that, "Immunity is an ill-defined term for Leptospira ssp. products. If immunity is defined as protection from infection or prevention of bacterial-shedding, then there is little or no enduring immunity."

Personally, I found the most stunning quote in this entire document to be on Page 18, in which the task force declares: "However, the ethical issue that our profession struggles with today is whether economics justifies giving an animal a drug (vaccines are biologic drugs) that is not necessarily required. As a minimum, we should allow pet owners to make this choice rather than make it for them."

Dr. Alice Wolf, Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, stated in an address (Vaccines of the Present and Future ) at the 2001 World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress that: "The most reactive vaccines for dogs include leptospirosis bacterin and Borrelia [Lyme]vaccine.".

The Leptospira vaccine is also an "adjuvanted" vaccine, as are the Lyme and Rabies vaccines. "The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999 classified veterinary vaccine adjuvants as Class III/IV carcinogens with Class IV being the highest risk," IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carinogenic Risks to Humans: Volune 74, World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Feb. 23-Mar. 2, 1999, p. 24, 305, 310.

Combination Vaccines, Multiple Shots--on Page 16 of the 2003 AAHA Guidelines under Immunological Factors Determining Vaccine Safety, it states that: "Although increasing the number of components in a vaccine may be more convenient for the practitioner or owner, the likelihood for adverse effects may increase. Also, interference can occur among the components. Care must be taken not to administer a product containing too many vaccines simultaneously if adverse events are to be avoided and optimal immune responses are sought. "
__________________________________________________ _________________
Duration of Immunity: The Rabies Vaccine Challenge - Show #185 Animal Talk Radio Show 7/30/08

Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don't Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz

What Everyone Needs to Know about Canine Vaccines, Dr. Ronald Schultz

Vaccination: An Overview Dr. Melissa Kennedy, DVM360

World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF)

The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at .

The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at .

Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Rogers,has an excellent presentation on veterinary vaccines at

October 1, 2002 DVM Newsletter article entitled, AVMA, AAHA to Release Vaccine Positions,

July 1, 2003 DVM Newsletter article entitled, What Do We Tell Our Clients?, Developing thorough plan to educate staff on changing vaccine protocols essential for maintaining solid relationships with clients and ensuring quality care

July 1, 2003, DVM Newsletter article, Developing Common Sense Strategies for Fiscal Responsibility: Using an interactive template to plan service protocol changes

Animal Wellness Magazine Article Vol. 8 Issue 6, How Often Does he REALLY Need A Rabies Shot

The Rabies Challenge Animal Wise Radio Interview
Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07)

The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show » The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91

Rabies Shot Killed my Poodle May 28, 2008 Channel 5 News WCVB

US Declared Canine-Rabies Free -- CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press Release - September 7, 2007

Rabies Prevention -- United States, 1991 Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP), Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly March 22, 1991 / 40(RR03);1-19 "A fully vaccinated dog or cat is unlikely to become infected with rabies, although rare cases have been reported (48). In a nationwide study of rabies among dogs and cats in 1988, only one dog and two cats that were vaccinated contracted rabies (49). All three of these animals had received only single doses of vaccine; no documented vaccine failures occurred among dogs or cats that had received two vaccinations. "

LYME, Vaccinate or Not

Kris L. Christine — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:57:43 GMT

In response to questions about Lyme disease in dogs and the Lyme vaccine, I would like to share the advice that Dr. Ronald Schultz, Chair of Pathobiological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine gave me for my 2 dogs, who both receive(d) (one died in July from a mast cell tumor which developed at a rabies vaccination site) 100+ tick bites a summer.

I was concerned after having contracted Lyme twice myself; however, none of the dogs we have had over 30 years were ever vaccinated against Lyme or ever contracted the disease. After getting it myself, I was reconsidering. Dr. Schultz advised me that there was far more risk associated with the Lyme vaccine than there was with antibiotics to treat the disease if one or both dogs contracted Lyme.

He further explained that if they tested positive for Lyme, but displayed no symptoms, then not to treat them with antibiotics because it indicated that they had been exposed to the disease, but hadn't contracted the disease. However, he said, that if they tested positive for Lyme and had symptoms (lameness, fever, lethargy, etc..), then start treatment. Dr. Schultz elaborated by telling me that in vaccinology, immunology, the point is not to prevent infection, it is to prevent disease. In fact, low-grade infections are introduced to elicit immune responses, which is how vaccination works, by introducing an attenuated (weakened) antigen into the animal's system.

Further, he said that a positive Lyme test in an ASYMPTOMATIC dog merely reflects the fact that the dog has been exposed; positive Lyme test in a dog with SYMPTOMS indicates that the animal has contracted the disease and needs treatment.

Based on his advice, I have chosen to not vaccinate my dog(s) against Lyme. Below are links to a few articles on the subject which may help you in deciding whether or not to vaccinate your dog against Lyme.

Lyme is a “killed” vaccine and is associated with clinically significant adverse reactions. According to the 2003 AAHA Guidelines (Page 16), "...killed vaccines are much more likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., immune-mediated disease)." Further, the AAHA task force reports on Page 18 that, "Bacterial vaccines, especially killed whole organism products …..are much more likely to cause adverse reactions than subunit or live bacterial vaccines or MLV vaccines, especially if given topically. Several killed bacterial products are used as immunomodulators/adjuvants. Thus, their presence in a combination vaccine product may enhance or suppress the immune response or may cause an undesired response (e.g., IgE hypersensitivity or a class of antibody that is not protective)."

The Lyme vaccine is also an "adjuvanted" vaccine, as are the Leptospira and Rabies vaccines. "The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999 classified veterinary vaccine adjuvants as Class III/IV carcinogens with Class IV being the highest risk," IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carinogenic Risks to Humans: Volune 74, World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Feb. 23-Mar. 2, 1999, p. 24, 305, 310.

Dr. Alice Wolf, Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, stated in an address Vaccines of the Present and Future WSAVA 2001 - Vaccines of the Present and Future at the 2001 World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress that Lyme vaccines : "are only partially effective and may cause serious immune-mediated consequences in some dogs that are as serious or more serious than the disease itself.....The most reactive vaccines for dogs include leptospirosis bacterin and Borrelia [Lyme]vaccine .".

Canine Lyme, What's New? Vet Tech: Canine Lyme: What's New?

No Lyme Vaccine for Charlie Nancy Freedman Smith, Maine Today Error

"It is not a scientifically based recommendation to suggest that all dogs in Maine should be vaccinated with Lyme Vaccine. There may be select areas in the state, "hot spots" where infection is very high and vaccination would be indicated, but dogs in most parts of the state would probably not receive benefit and may actually be at risk of adverse reactions if a large scale vaccination program was initiated. Wisconsin has a much higher risk of Lyme than Maine, however at our Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) we have used almost no Lyme vaccine since it was first USDA approved in the early 1990's. What we have found is infection (not disease), in much of Wisconsin, is low (<10% infection). As you know, infection does not mean disease. About 3 to 4% of infected dogs develop disease. In contrast, in Western and Northwestern parts of Wisconsin infection occurs in 60 to 90% of all dogs. In those areas, vaccination is of benefit in reducing clinical disease. ........ Also, vaccinated dogs can develop disease as efficacy of the product is about 60 to 70% in preventing disease, thus antibiotics must be used in vaccinated dogs developing disease, just like it must be used in non-vaccinated diseased dogs. Therefore, in general areas with a low infection rate <10>50%) then the vaccine will be very useful. Thus, I believe it is irresponsible to suggest that all dogs in Maine should be vaccinated . Veterinarians should know, based on diagnoses in their clinic and other clinics in the area (town), how common the disease would be and they should base their judgment to vaccinate on risk, not on a statement that all dogs in Maine need Lyme vaccine!

R.D. Schultz
_______________________________
Ronald D. Schultz, Professor and Chair
Department of Pathobiological Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Wisconsin-Madison
2015 Linden Drive West
Madison, WI 53706"

LYME DISEASE: Fact from Fiction by Dr. Allen Schoen
Dr. Schoen–Lyme Disease: Fact from Fiction

"Research at Cornell University veterinary school brings up some suspicion that there may be potential long term side effects of the vaccine, though nothing is certain. These side effects may vary from rheumatoid arthritis and all the major symptoms of lyme disease to acute kidney failure." ...... "Many veterinary schools and major veterinary centers do not recommend the vaccine for the same concern regarding potential side effects. "

"I have seen all the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs four to eight weeks after the vaccine and when I sent the western blot test to Cornell, it shows no evidence of the disease, only evidence of the dog having been vaccinated, yet the dog shows all the classic symptoms of the disease." - Dr. Allen Schoen

LYME DISEASE by Dr. R. Staubinger
SiriusDog.com - Lyme Disease

"The Borrelia burgdorferi Bacterin from Fort Dodge Laboratories is currently the only licensed Lyme disease vaccine for dogs. ...... In a limited field study it was concluded that the incidence of disease (4.7 percent in infected, non-vaccinated dogs) was reduced to about one percent. However, the vaccine does not protect from actual infection. ....... We cannot recommend vaccination of dogs in endemic areas with the whole-cell bacterin until questions are resolved about clinical Lyme disease developing in dogs that have been properly vaccinated. "

This is a good article that speaks in general regarding the risks associated with vaccines.

In addition a friend attended the Dr. Ron Schultz (he’s the preeminent immunologist who has done much of the duration of immunity research) seminar in March and this is a paraphrase of what he had to say about the Lyme vaccine:

LYME VACCINE - Recommends against, even in New England where 75% of dogs show exposure. Only 1 year DOI. At least 10% false positives. Impossible to really confirm lyme disease. Too many dogs get clinical lyme from the vaccine and it is more likely to cause a worse type of arthritis than the dog would get from lyme disease itself. The vaccine does not prevent infection and really doesn’t prevent the disease either. In Schultz’s opinion: “Lyme disease is a media produced paranoia.” Humanssuffer the devastating effects of lyme much more frequently than dogs. Most dogs will fight on their own. A predisposed dog will get a worse case of lyme if vaccinated than if not vaccinated. In a lab setting, studies show “some” protection. But in actual field studies, the vaccine seems pretty useless. Lyme is easily treated with doxy once clinical signs appear. Lameness/arthritis is generally the first to show up. Only treat if clinical signs of lyme develop. Tests are not reliable since few are adequately trained in reading lab results.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Duration of Immunity: The Rabies Vaccine Challenge - Show #185 Animal Talk Radio Show 7/30/08

Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don't Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz

What Everyone Needs to Know about Canine Vaccines, Dr. Ronald Schultz

Vaccination: An Overview Dr. Melissa Kennedy, DVM360

World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF)

The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at .

The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at .

Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Rogers,has an excellent presentation on veterinary vaccines at

October 1, 2002 DVM Newsletter article entitled, AVMA, AAHA to Release Vaccine Positions,

July 1, 2003 DVM Newsletter article entitled, What Do We Tell Our Clients?, Developing thorough plan to educate staff on changing vaccine protocols essential for maintaining solid relationships with clients and ensuring quality care

July 1, 2003, DVM Newsletter article, Developing Common Sense Strategies for Fiscal Responsibility: Using an interactive template to plan service protocol changes

Animal Wellness Magazine Article Vol. 8 Issue 6, How Often Does he REALLY Need A Rabies Shot

The Rabies Challenge Animal Wise Radio Interview
Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07)

The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show » The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91

Rabies Shot Killed my Poodle May 28, 2008 Channel 5 News WCVB

US Declared Canine-Rabies Free -- CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press Release - September 7, 2007

Rabies Prevention -- United States, 1991 Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP), Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly March 22, 1991 / 40(RR03);1-19 "A fully vaccinated dog or cat is unlikely to become infected with rabies, although rare cases have been reported (48). In a nationwide study of rabies among dogs and cats in 1988, only one dog and two cats that were vaccinated contracted rabies (49). All three of these animals had received only single doses of vaccine; no documented vaccine failures occurred among dogs or cats that had received two vaccinations. "

Kennel Cough -- Bordetella Vaccine

Kris L. Christine — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:56:16 GMT

PERMISSION GRANTED TO CROSS-POST THIS MESSAGE

In an article from the October-December 2007, Vol. 26, #3 Journal of American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, entitled Summary of a Presentation by Dr. Ron Schultz written by Patricia Monahan Jordan, DVM, it states that "Kennel cough is not a vaccinatable disease, realize this and stop the boarding kennels from making the dogs sick."

Dr. Ronald Schultz declares in his An Update on What Everyone Needs to KNow about Canine and Feline Vaccination Programs" published in the 2008 Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the AHVMA, Pages 325-336: "kennel cough is not preventable with vaccines."

Regarding the Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine, on Page 2 of the American Animal Hospital Association's 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines, it states that "Optional or 'noncore' vaccines are those that the committee believe should be considered only in special circumstances because their use is more dependent on the exposure risk of the individual animal. Issues of geographic distribution and lifestyle should be considered before administering these vaccines. In addition, the diseases involved are generally self-limiting or respond readily to treatment. The committee believes this group of vaccines comprises distemper-meases virus (D-MV), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Leptospira spp., Bordetella bronchispetica, and Borrelia burdorferi."

Further, on Page 14 of the AAHA Guidelines, it states: "Bordetella bronchiseptica (B. bronchiseptica): Bordetella bronchiseptica is another cause of the “kennel cough” syn-drome. Infection in some susceptible dogs generally causes a self-limiting, upper respiratory disease and rarely causes life-threatening disease in otherwise healthy animals. Clini-cal disease resolves quickly when treated with appropriate antibiotics. Vaccination does not block infection but appears to lessen clinical disease, and vaccines provide a short DOI (<1 year) [table 2]. It is also unknown whether current vaccine strains protect against all field strains."

Combination Vaccines, Multiple Shots--on Page 16 of the 2003 AAHA Guidelines under Immunological Factors Determining Vaccine Safety, it states that: "Although increasing the number of components in a vaccine may be more convenient for the practitioner or owner, the likelihood for adverse effects may increase. Also, interference can occur among the components. Care must be taken not to administer a product containing too many vaccines simultaneously if adverse events are to be avoided and optimal immune responses are sought. "
_______________________________________________________________________________
Duration of Immunity: The Rabies Vaccine Challenge - Show #185 Animal Talk Radio Show 7/30/08

Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don't Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz

What Everyone Needs to Know about Canine Vaccines, Dr. Ronald Schultz

Vaccination: An Overview Dr. Melissa Kennedy, DVM360

World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF)

The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at .

The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at .

Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Rogers,has an excellent presentation on veterinary vaccines at

October 1, 2002 DVM Newsletter article entitled, AVMA, AAHA to Release Vaccine Positions,

July 1, 2003 DVM Newsletter article entitled, What Do We Tell Our Clients?, Developing thorough plan to educate staff on changing vaccine protocols essential for maintaining solid relationships with clients and ensuring quality care

July 1, 2003, DVM Newsletter article, Developing Common Sense Strategies for Fiscal Responsibility: Using an interactive template to plan service protocol changes

Animal Wellness Magazine Article Vol. 8 Issue 6, How Often Does he REALLY Need A Rabies Shot

The Rabies Challenge Animal Wise Radio Interview
Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07)

The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show » The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91

Rabies Shot Killed my Poodle May 28, 2008 Channel 5 News WCVB

US Declared Canine-Rabies Free -- CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press Release - September 7, 2007

Rabies Prevention -- United States, 1991 Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP), Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly March 22, 1991 / 40(RR03);1-19 "A fully vaccinated dog or cat is unlikely to become infected with rabies, although rare cases have been reported (48). In a nationwide study of rabies among dogs and cats in 1988, only one dog and two cats that were vaccinated contracted rabies (49). All three of these animals had received only single doses of vaccine; no documented vaccine failures occurred among dogs or cats that had received two vaccinations. "

FIBROSARCOMAS AT VACCINE INJECTION SITES IN DOGS

Kris L. Christine — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:36:32 GMT

Below is the Journal of Veterinary Medicine abstract of an important documenting fibrosarcomas at presumed rabies vaccination sites. Some veterinarians deny that dogs develop cancerous tumors at vaccination sites --this study suggests otherwise! The researchers used the presumed injection sites of rabies vaccines in the study.

The following quote is from the full study text: "In both dogs and cats, the development of necrotizing panniculitis at sites of rabies vaccine administration was first observed by Hendrick & Dunagan (1992)."

Fibrosarcomas at Presumed Sites of Injection in Dogs: Characteristics and Comparison with Non-vaccination Site Fibrosarcomas and Feline Post-vaccinal Fibrosarcomas

Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Series A August 2003, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 286-291(6)

Vascellari M.[1]; Melchiotti E.[1]; Bozza M.A.[1]; Mutinelli F.[2]

[1] Address of authors: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Histopathology Department, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; [2] Corresponding author:, Tel: +39 049 8084261, Fax: +39 049 8084258, Email: fmutinelli@izsvenezie.it

Abstract:
Summary

Fifteen fibrosarcomas, surgically excised from presumed sites of injection in dogs, and 10 canine fibrosarcomas excised from sites not used for injection were histologically and immunohistochemically compared with 20 feline post-vaccinal fibrosarcomas. Canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites were of grade I (3), of grade II (4) and grade III (8). Two fibrosarcomas from non-injection sites were of grade I, four of grade II and four of grade III. Feline samples were classified as grade I (2), grade II (4) and grade III (14). All fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites of both species showed lymphocytic inflammatory infiltration located at the tumour periphery, while two canine fibrosarcomas from non-injection sites showed perivascular inflammatory infiltration within the neoplasm. All samples were immunohistochemically examined for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, muscle specific actin and desmin expression. All tumours were positive for vimentin. Ten canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites and all feline samples contained cells consistent with a myofibroblastic immunophenotype. Aluminium deposits were detected in eight canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites and 11 feline post-vaccinal fibrosarcomas by the aurintricarboxylic acid method. The present study identifies distinct similarities between canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites and feline post-vaccinal fibrosarcomas, suggesting the possibility of the development of post-injection sarcomas not only in cats, but also in dogs.

Document Type: Research article ISSN: 0931-184X

DOI (article): 10.1046/j.1439-0442.2003.00544.x
SICI (online): 0931-184X(20030801)50:6L.286;1-
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________
In an August 1, 2008 article in DVM360 entitled Vaccination: An Overview,Dr. Melissa Kennedy states that of the two types of vaccinal adverse reactions: The second is a delayed response, requiring days of longer to develop. The vaccine, seen as foreign, elicits a significant inflammatory response and is especially true for adjuvanted vaccines. This response can manifest as a granuloma, or more seriously, a fibrosarcoma . Further, she reports that The likelihood of adverse reactions in dogs has been found to correlate with the size of the dog and the number of inoculations given, with higher risk associated with small size and multiple inoculations.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________
Duration of Immunity: The Rabies Vaccine Challenge - Show #185 Animal Talk Radio Show 7/30/08

Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don't Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz

What Everyone Needs to Know about Canine Vaccines, Dr. Ronald Schultz

Vaccination: An Overview Dr. Melissa Kennedy, DVM360

World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF)

The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at .

The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at .

Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Rogers,has an excellent presentation on veterinary vaccines at

October 1, 2002 DVM Newsletter article entitled, AVMA, AAHA to Release Vaccine Positions,

July 1, 2003 DVM Newsletter article entitled, What Do We Tell Our Clients?, Developing thorough plan to educate staff on changing vaccine protocols essential for maintaining solid relationships with clients and ensuring quality care

July 1, 2003, DVM Newsletter article, Developing Common Sense Strategies for Fiscal Responsibility: Using an interactive template to plan service protocol changes

Animal Wellness Magazine Article Vol. 8 Issue 6, How Often Does he REALLY Need A Rabies Shot

The Rabies Challenge Animal Wise Radio Interview
Listen to Animal Wise (scroll down to The Rabies Challenge 12/9/07)

The Vaccine Challenge Animal Talk Naturally Online Radio Show » The Vaccine Challenge - Show #91

Rabies Shot Killed my Poodle May 28, 2008 Channel 5 News WCVB

US Declared Canine-Rabies Free -- CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium CDC Press Release - September 7, 2007

Rabies Prevention -- United States, 1991 Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP), Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly March 22, 1991 / 40(RR03);1-19 "A fully vaccinated dog or cat is unlikely to become infected with rabies, although rare cases have been reported (48). In a nationwide study of rabies among dogs and cats in 1988, only one dog and two cats that were vaccinated contracted rabies (49). All three of these animals had received only single doses of vaccine; no documented vaccine failures occurred among dogs or cats that had received two vaccinations. "

a growth that i don't know what to make of..

fletcherbuster — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:19:10 GMT

I have a pure breed Pit Bull. He is sooo sweet. But ever since we got him 5 months ago, he has had this growth on his hine leg. At first it was red, and as he grew as did the growth. Now when ever he would play it would catch on the kiddy pool and it would start to bleed. Now it's skin tone, and dried up. At first I was thinking tumor, but now It almost looks like dried up skin getting ready to fall off. I really don't know what to make of it? I'm lost. If you have had a similar thing happen with your dog could you let me know what happened with it; like if it just went away, or you had it removed and found out what it was. That would be wonderful.

Oh and it doesn't seem to bother him, even if you touch it.

thanks a bunch,

Natasha and my pit buster.

Stroke Recovery

sylvia — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:34:59 GMT

Hi, my dog has had a stroke and our vet is not very helpful. So is there anything anyone can suggest to help with recovery. Should I give her arnica? She is eating and drinking and is happy, but her head keeping hanging to the right and then when she tries to walk she can but then starts to circle. So as I said any help would be greatly appreciated.

Retinal Degeneration

jensin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:48:15 GMT

Our 8 year old English Springer Spaniel was just diagnosed with retinal degeneration and we were told she would be going blind within weeks/months. We are devestated. Our Nikki is a spunky gal that loves to swim and play frisbee.

Does anyone know of any treatments? Even anything that could slow this process down.

chihuahua pup with broken leg...any vitamin help mending?

dllfb — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:54:19 GMT

I have a 16 week old chihuahua that broke its leg. It was splinted last week but after xrays today I'm told that his little bone shifted and he must have an operation tomorrow to put in a metal plate. He has turned out to be a very expensive little pup. I asked the vet what vitamins I could give him to help strengthen it's bones. He said dogs bones aren't like human bones and just to give it a high quality puppy food. However....I find that hard to believe and would like to give him something to help mend this bone or strengthen his bones. Can I give him calcium tablets or anything homopathic/naturopathic ???? What dosage for a 2 pound dog??? Any info at this stage would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your time.

Do Dogs Get Headaches?

AussieMommy — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:09:49 GMT

I just wondered if dogs get headaches, and how would you know? My dog sometimes has a hot head and I don't know if I should be concerned. He doesn't usually act any differently in those times, but if this means he's not feeling well I'd like to know how to help him. I notice his hot head when we're inside in the A/C and after he's been resting for awhile, so it's not like he just came in out of the heat and has a hot head. Anyone have any input? I would appreciate it very much. Thanks in advance!

What did your dog(s) chew on the most?

Angel8 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:51:39 GMT

All of mine mostly chewed on my shoelaces.

serious skin irratations

tonya — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:47:16 GMT

She is scratching and chewing herself to raw skin and pulling her hair out. I've tried benedryl and allergy meds and changed her food. Is anyone familiar with this type of dog having a skin condition?

stains on pets eyes mouth but

lala14 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:56:00 GMT

I am petsitting a small poddle and I am concern cuz she has tearstains al over her body and I want to help her . She is mated and her stains look bad and I need info on what causes this and what can we do. Thank you for your time

dog eating its foot

loving all dogs — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:16:54 GMT

my dog has started chewing her foot so much its starting to bleed. I don't know what to do. right now i have just been keeping an eye on her so that i can stop her. What i did notice was that all her toys went missing and thats when she started chewing her foot could she just be bored and needs a new toy to chew on?

Rawhide or pedigree.

Texaspup — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:02:11 GMT

Last night my dog had a bad case of the runs, messing her crate, the living room floor, and waking me up several times in the night to get out. She may also have vomited some water, but I wasn't the one who saw whatever it was, my Mom did and said she wasn't sure what it was. (she also may have vomited instead of pooped on the living room i think t was vomit but not sure...)

Anyways, I am not sure what made her sick. She has been eating a rawhide bone and hiding it in the backyard somewhere, burying it. so I can't take it away, or even see how much she's eaten. My dad says his late dog used to eat rawhide bones and then have the same problem, (only much, much worse ) but I think thy had meat on them too.

yesterday at about 5 am she started drinking some dirty water from a small storm we had last week, but I don't know if that's it either.

She has been eating Pedigree brand treats, and the Pedigree food she can't digest. But she enjoys the treats and only had a few , and they are small.

She is doing better now, with a good apetite and no more runs, but I was wondering what she ate that made her ill. I m sure she didn't eat anything else all day and she's fine now, but do you think it's the rawhide? She hasn't had problems before as long as it wasn't meat. thank you, ~Texaspup

New pet product site coming

Mr. Sparkle — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:00:09 GMT

My girlfriend loves Lorenzo Borghese -- a little too much, if you ask me. He's the guy behind Royal Treatment dog products and was on "The Bachelor." He's always on HSN a lot, too.

So it was a big deal to her that the guy is starting a new website to plug his products. I'm posting it in case there are other women here who might want to know about it.

Here's the site.

Is the guy even a real prince?

Eating Grass???

Stormy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:56:40 GMT

My dog its grass. I have heard that it's supposed to be good for digestion, for stomach problems, and maybe, for a way to get "greens" in his diet.

Jasper woke me up around 5:30 am, and wanted to go out. I took him out and all he wanted to do is eat grass. After staying out with him for a while, without tickling or pooping, I brought him in. Later that morning, I took him out, and again, he went for more grass eating.

I worry about him, because he's a little guy, and love him so much. So, you can imagine how I would really like to get some advice on this behavior.

Thank you all in advance for your help.

Gale

Heart Worm Pervention?

swiggle96 — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 07:01:19 GMT

Hi.I was wondering whay heart worm pervention everyone uses.I was thinking about using heart guard plus but wasnt sure.Also I was looking online and saw people give their dogs daily vitamens.Does anyone use these?Thanks

Giving your dog's baths

puppychic120 — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:49:43 GMT

Which one does your dog do?Mine strays away from any water (Danni does NOT like any water)Except for in the summer when we're all swimming then she'll come in but she practically drowns us trying to crawl on top of us Yeah....She was pretty good with her bath the other day though!I was shocked.LOL

Best dog food?

canecorso_breeder — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:47:17 GMT

What do you believe the best dog food is? I feed my dogs Diamond All Natural Hi-Energy. It is; to me; the best food we have fed our dogs. our puppy's coat has improved as well as our other dogs' coats. You may think this is a wildly expensive dog food, frankly it is only 22$ for a 50 ibs. bag! (We buy at Tracter Supply)

But I will warn that being a high energy food, it has fats that is needed for lots of energy, and will be an easy weight-gainer. Glad you read, I think this is an excellent dog food, and will be back with the ingredients.

Greasy fur?

Gsd_51994 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:18:53 GMT

Dude our pekignese/poodle gets really greasy yucky smelling fur. If I give him a bath his fur is nice and soft for the first couple of days but then it gets all greasy again.

I think I might have heard that you are supposed to give pekignese's dry baths with corn starch or something but I am not sure. I think I read it somewhere though. Maybe that is the reason?

dogs feet

bama68 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:00:51 GMT

i was wondering if there is any thing you can do about dogs rough feet , if there something you can put on them to make them softer?

Shi Tzu hasn't dropped

hollowed454 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 08:11:20 GMT

My 8 month old Shih Tzu hasn't dropped his testicles yet and hasn't gotten all of his teeth. His mother was the same way and didn't get all her teeth till she was about a year old. Is this normal or something to be concerned about?

I need help whipping my pup into shape!

FeedTheWorld3 — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:58:02 GMT

When I last took Menudo, my Chihuahua mix, to the vet, his veteranarian told me he really needed to lose weight. At his size he should be weighing in at about fifteen pounds, and at the time he was twenty-one. For a little guy, that's quite a bit of extra weight! I love my little guy to death, so I really took this to heart. I noticed his little toothpick legs probably ached supporting all that weight, and I took action. I've cut out almost all table scraps, excluding vegetables and some fruits, and I've switched him to healthier food at limited amounts. We have also been exercising a lot more. Prior to our lifestyle change, we would go on short fifteen minute walks around the neighborhood, and for the last couple months we have been doing hours at the park, or three to four mile hikes around local woodland trails. He's having a blast with all the outdoor exercise, and he's an angel to take anywhere. My only problem is, we've been living healthily for months now, and not only have I seen no weight loss, but his 21.1 lbs, has now turned to 22.4 pounds! I don't know what I'm doing wrong, or what else I can do!

Please help, any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

dog losing weight, vomited food undigested

riverchic — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:03:33 GMT

Hello all,

River is losing weight for a reason unknown to me. While he has always been tall and slender, his ribs are becoming more pronounced. Tonight, he vomited his dinner- undigested. Since I've noticed his weight loss- about a week ago, I've been feeding him 2x a day rather than once. ( when he was a pup i fed him 2x, then he gave up morning food on his own at age 1.5. he's 3 now) He is on purina one large breed. We had 3 dogs until 2 months ago, when his aussie friend found a more suitable home. That is the only source of stress i can figure he is enduring. they were rather close, but its been 2 months and this is recent. I fed him white rice and some cooked eggs tonight, but until i can get him in the vet, any experience/tips/help? thanks

Eatting Hair Scrunchies

S.Paul22 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:56:23 GMT

My dog eat my daughters hair scrunchie, trying to find out if I should bring him to the dog hospital and have him cut open. Or if the scrunchie will pass naturally.

Lump on Dog

SeanG07 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:27:43 GMT

Hello

I have noticed this lump on the right hand side of my dog on his shoulder. I don't know what it is and was wondering if you could help me? Below you will find pictures of the lump. Please let me know what it is and how to treat if you can.

How much choolate does it take to make a dog ill?

Texaspup — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:26:08 GMT

Last Christmas, my dog got her mouth around some chocolate and managed to eat some chocolate, about 5, maybe 6 of those Reeses' chocolate thingies. She managed to get the outer wrapping off fine, and i think the inner wrapping too (impressive!) She ate all of them before she woke me up and I managed to stop her. (it was like 4 in the morning)

She wasn't sick at all, but I am just wondering how much chocolate it would take to get her even mildly sick. Does anybody know?

commercial or homemade food

urikokitty — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:25:42 GMT

I switched my elderly dog to a partially natural diet,mostly turkey, chicken, rarely beef. He does have arthritis problems in his back legs. I've read in a few books that a more natural diet can improve mobility, and overall make them feel better...I think I did notice a difference in my dog. I was hoping someone could let me know if they have had any experience with this.

limping dog

melissa123 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:59:53 GMT

my 10 yrs old chow mix has started limping and holding up her right leg. She has had no injury. Could this just be old age? I am condsidering putting her on Rimadyl adn see if that helps. My questions is-- Rymadyl is expensive. Is there any over the counter meds if could giver her instead? Any help would be appreciated.
Melissa

recent seizures - help

blueyes — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:09:56 GMT

ok - so our cairan terrier just started having seizures on tuesday. we got him tothe vet yesterday - all blood work, physicla and neurological exams are good. they gave him a shot of phenobarital (sp?).

somewhere between getting the shot - and arriving home he must have had another seizure that wasn't noticed because of the med. he has been restless all night (we called the emergency number, seems to be a postictal (sp?) thing) - wandering around and around - we crated him, he just walks in circles. last night it was for hours at a time then he would relax and sleep for about 30 minutes then wander some more - between 2:30 and 7 he rested ok - slept about a half hour, would wander in a circle for a few minutes and go back to sleep

i haven't slept all night.

so - 2 questions - can we do anything about the restlessness? it'll stop soon won't it???

and - will this get better once the meds get in his system. i'm not sure how much of this i can take - i can feel the worry and anxiety running through me.

anyone have any experiences with any of this -

PLEASE!!!

TIA -

pregnant pooch

geronimo — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:25:07 GMT

my dog just had puppies, and she is sagging everywhere! is this normal?