Canine Health

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DOG SHOW CRUD

RESCUE REMEDY FOR BLUE DOBES

 


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Some Canine Health Links
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Information on Cheque Drops™ for Bitches

Vet Gen (vWD DNA Testing)

Health Gene
(Lab in Canada offering Canine Color Dilution DNA testing)

Michigan State University Diagnostics Services

Texas A&M University Vet School

Columbia Animal Hospital Online Laboratory

Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA)

Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF)

Oxford Labs
(Diagnostic Screening Kit
for Hypothyroidism in dogs - Easy, Quick, Inexpensive)

AltVetMed Home Page
(Alternative Veterinary Medicine)

Health & Testing Information
Pretty good listings on this breeder's page and website
HOWEVER, I could do WITHOUT the barking dog....quite annoying

DVM
(News Magazine of Vet Medicine)

"Your Animal's Health"
The Web Magazine for Modern Pet Owners
by Dr. Wendell O. Belfield



Other Stuff

Dawn's Page For Using A Dremel On Nails
(& Not Nail Clippers )- Very Impressive III


Rescue Remedy For Blue Dobes

In its basic form, this was posted to DQ by Marj Brooks. We tried it on a blue bitch puppy that had horrid skin and coat problems. The results were almost immediate and all were positive.
We make no claims to its effectiveness other than the fact that it worked for us.

B-Complex - Make certain B2 and B6 are in equal amounts.
Yeast (7 grain)
Folic Acid (1 mg. size - prescription only)

Give B-complex, 1 pill - four times a day
Give the yeast (4) , four times a day
Give the folic acid 1/4 four times a day

•• B-Complex ••

We use B-50's. The vitamins are mostly in equal amounts.....especially the B-2 and B-6. We gave one tab, FOUR TIMES A DAY as prescribed in the DQ. We tried cuttng down to two a day on these, because of her age, and immediately saw a turn for the worse. After upping it to THREE, the success curve went dramatically upwards. We found that, for a puppy of eight months, THREE a day was sufficient. I would highly recommend using FOUR on an adult.....or at least a dog of 12 months +.


•• Brewers Yeast••


7-grain. We had difficulty locating 7-grain, but easily found 10-grain. As opposed to the original directions of giving one 7-grain four times a day, we went with one 10-grain THREE times a day. It appears to have been successful.


•• Folic Acid ••

The recipe in DQ called for 1-mg, prescription size tabs, 1/4 tab, four times a day. It's proved to be very effective to use the 1/4-meg size (250mcg) and administer accordingly = ONE TAB FOUR TIMES a day.


•• Additions ••

In addition to the above formula, we also include ONE Ester-C tab daily, in place of straight Vit. C; and ONE Chelated Zinc tab (50-mg) for total flea control.


•• Conclusions ••

The blue bitch puppy involved with this recipe not only had a "typical blue coat" , but was affected with generalized Demodex; thereby having extremely DRY skin from the get-go. She was dipped in Mitaban medication on a weekly basis, which added to the inordinately dry condition of the skin and coat.

Within 10 days of putting her on this 'recipe', the surprising results were obvious to even the casual observer. Her coat took on a silky-like appearance, her skin no longer resembled elephant hide, the actual hairs in her coat felt thicker and softer to the touch......and the coat darkened considerably.

When we attempted to reduce the amount of the B-Complex (by 1/2) because of her age, it only took three days for us to see that she was beginning to dry out at pressure points. After increasing the dosage by ONE tab daily, the dryness began to disappear. We've kept her at that dosage level and have seen no digression to the previous dry condition. Please note that the B-Complex also has small dosages of Folic Acid. I believe the Folic Acid plays a VERY big part in the success of this formula.



•• Disclaimer ••


We highly recommend this recipe, but as stated above, claim no responsibility for either its success or failure. All dogs are not the same and therefore, do not react the same to medications and/or supplements. We are not vets and do not assume to be giving directions to ANYONE regarding their dog's health or physical conditions.





DOG SHOW CRUD



(We are not a vet, nor is this column to be taken as instruction for you and your dog. It is being printed only in an effort to let you know about a disease that could cause a very, very sick dog or death in your dogs or more often, young puppies. At the first signs of this disease or any other problems, it is advised that you contact your veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.)

This disease is becoming more wide spread. As the seasons begin to change each year, a new wave of deaths occur from this. And each year, the question comes up again: "Is this a new strain of Parvo?" and each time there are 100 different replies. This disease is so similar to Parvo, that some dogs have tested in the low positive for Parv. But they DO NOT have Parvo and it has been recommended that three Parvo tests are needed to exclude Parvo. This disease seems to move from the East to the West through the dog shows. It is medically known as CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS, the name of the organism causing this is Campylobacter Jejuni. This disease can be tested for specifically, so if you have an affected dog that apears to have Parvo, but in your mind know that could not be possible, have them tested for "Campy".
It is important to note that this disease can be transferred between humans, dogs, cats and other livestock.

The Campylobacter Jejuni is a Gram-Negative, slender curved, and motile rod. It is a species of bacteria that resembles small tightly coiled spirals. Its organisms are known to cause abortion in sheep and fever and enteritis in man and may be associated with enteric diseases of calves, lambs and other animals. A genus of bacteria found in the reproductive organs, intestinal tract and oral cavity of animals and man. Some species are pathogenic. It is a microaerophilic organism - which means it has a requirement of reduced levels of oxygen. It is relatively fragile and sensitive to environmental stresses (e.g. 21% oxygen, drying, heating, disinfectants and acidic conditions). It causes more disease than Shigella spp and Salmonella spp combined. (Taken from the US FDA "Bad Bug Book") It is also known as Campylobacter enteritis or gastroenteritis. It can also be diagnosed as Sirochete or Giardia diarrhea.

TESTING: Diagnosis is by direct fecal on a VERY fresh (still warm, so bacteria are still alive) sample, mixed with saline and examined microscopically. There is usually a decrease in normal baterial numbers and motility. Blood testing will result in the low positive for Parvo.

INCUBATION TIME: Its incubation period is reported to be anywhere from 2 to 10 days. And sometimes in puppies, only a matter of a few hours.

SYMPTOMS: These can mimic Parvo. The diarrhea does not always have the foul odor. It usually progresses as follows. Begins with mucus-covered solid stools, loose stools, progresses to diarrhea, profuse diarrhea, the squirts, depressed appetite with or without vomiting. The diarrhea may be watery or sticky and can contain blood. These symptoms can be minor to severe - some animals hardly show any symptoms, while others can become fatally dehydrated. Also seen are temperature drops and shock followed by death - and all within 12-24 hours. New & nursing puppies will occasionaly vomit undigested milk. This is the first sign something is not right and they are to be watched VERY closely.

SOURCE OF INFECTION: Fecal matter, non-chlorinated water, such as streams, ponds or puddles. This disease can also be transmitted to these areas by our common fly, flitting from one host to another. The bacteria is also found in raw or under cooked meat. For all intents and purposes for the Dog Show Crud, it is transmitted in public X-Pens and public elimination areas. Some also say through urine, saliva via contact, or through the air. This bacteria repoduces at a rapid rate.

TREATMENT: As soon as any of the symptoms are seen, see your vet immediately for the proper tests, because the disease progresses so rapidly. Re-hydration may be required within a few hours of the onset. This is the worst scenario. It could be that the dog will have a very mild case and be treated at home with anti-diarrheal medication and a bland diet - but it is not worth it to take the chance. Most cases are not as drastic/catastrophic, clinically as Parvo. Drugs for treatment mentioned are Tetracycline, Erythromycin and som have had success using Cephalexin, but the drug of choice seems to be Clavamox.

(In humans you will also see fever, abdominal pain, nausea, headache and muscle pain. This illness usually occurs 2-5 days afrer ingestion of contaminated food or water - and up to 10 days after. Illness generally lasts 7-10 days, but relapses are not uncommon. Most infections are self-limiting and are not treated with antibiotics. However, treatment with Erythromycin does reduce the length of time that infected individuals shed the bacteria in their feces.)

One veterinarian has recommended that if you have a dog with diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, etc., and has been to a dog show, camping, etc., that the dog be seen by your vet as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and treat it accordingly.

Young puppies should be treated immediately with liquid CLAVAMOX - by mouth. 1cc per dose and dose them at 12 hour intervals. IM or IV will NOT take care of the problem. The actual liquid needs to get into the stomach and intestines and the easiest way with puppies is the liquid dosage.


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