Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Chasing Cars..

Please have patience between blog posts, it takes some time to collect and organize all this information! ;)

-Interesting Fact: Have you ever torn your ACL or know anybody who has? Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are very common in large, active dogs. The ACL is the key ligament that allows dogs to bear weight on their knee joints. Injuries to the ACL are diagnosed by physical exams and x-rays. Your vet will check whether the top of the tibia (the lower bone in the knee joint) can be pulled forward abnormally. This motion is called the "drawer sign" and is only possibly if the ACL is torn. Treatment: surgery to stabilize the knee joint. (peteducation.com)

-In The Vet World: The following are all "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (NSAIDS); Carprofen (Rimadyl), Etodolac (EtoGesic), Deracoxib (Deramaxx), Ketoprofen, and Meloxicam. Developed for use in dogs with osteoarthritis, they are strong and effective pain killers and anti-inflammatory agents. They are prescription products and because of potential side affects, careful adherence to dosing quantity and frequency must be followed. Manufacturers recommend periodic blood work be done to monitor any developing liver problems or other problems resulting. Often used initially with glucosamine therapy and eventually the dog can be weaned off of them. Any NSAID should not be used with aspirin, corticosteroids, or other NSAIDS. (peteducation.com)

-Vet Term: Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy- Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy is a bone disease that usually affects young, rapidly growing large breed dogs. The disease has several names including skeletal scurvy, Moller-Barlow's disease, Osteodystrophy ||, and Metaphyseal Osteopathy. The cause of the disease is currently unknown. It usually strikes puppies between the ages of 3-6 months. Dogs that are stricken with HOD often show symptoms of lamness and mild to moderate painful swelling in the growth plates in the leg bones and usually multiple limbs are affected. It most commonly affects the ends of the radius, ulna (long bones from the elbow to the wrist), and tibia (long bone from knee to hock). Diagnosis is based on the history, symptoms, physical exam showing pain and swelling at the growth plates, and with x-rays. Treatment is generally supportive- anti-inflammatories and pain killers are given. Also, the animal is usually given a broad spectrum antibiotic and strict rest on a comfy, warm bed is recommended. (peteducation.com)

-Breed Spotlight: Cane Corso (http://dogbreedinfo.com/canecorsoitaliano.htm)




-Holistic Spotlight: This blog we are beginning a section on flower essences. As a believer in both holistic and standard veterinary care, I prefer to balance general animal care and veterinary care on a comfortable level between the best of both worlds. The use of flower essences for psychological and emotional healing in humans and animals has been going on for thousands of years. Today we are going to take a look at a long-time favorite of natural healers; Star of Bethlehem. Star of Bethlehem is for physically or emotionally traumatized dogs. It can help with rescues, those suffering grief after losing a human/animal companion, animals who are traumatized after a serious accident or injury, etc. Since preperation of flower essences varies and is most commonly purchased in a pre-prepped, diluted form, I cannot really give any information as to how to prepare it. However flower essences can be purchased all over the internet, and google is a wonderful tool. In the next blog we are going to take a look at Star Of Bethlehem in conjunction with several other essences, the grouping commonly known as "Nature's Rescue" or the "Rescue Remedy".

-Daily Herb: Dandelions! Dandelions..? Could it really be? Yes, it could! This pesky weed is actually proving to be quite the useful plant. Dandelions make a wonderful (and healthy!) addition to your dog's diet.. aiding in digestion, improving liver health, and flushing out impurities. High in antioxidants, carotenoids, minerals, and they are also a rich source of beta-carotene, or Vitamin A. Spring and fall dug roots contain insulin, which balances blood sugar levels. Dandelions also help with absorption of calcium. For dogs on blood thinners, be more cautious about not varying daily dosing so as not to upend the dog's level of Vitamin K.
***FOR YOU!*** Bloodroot: Bloodroot, named for the plant's bright red roots, is used in herbal medicion for bronchial problems and severe throat infections. It can be mixed with other compounds to treat hearth problems, dental applications (to inhibit plaque), and to treat migraines. Bloodroot paste is used externally for skin disease, warts, and tumors.. and also used in ointments and salves to ATTACK and EAT AWAY AT cancer cells. For ringworm apply the fluid extract. Bloodroot is said to repel insects. The root is used as an anesthetic, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant, and tonic. CAUTION: Use interally with caution, as it contains toxic opium-like alkaloids and can cause mucous membrane irritation, an overdose can be fatal.. do not use when pregnant or lactating. Not edible. Listen to what researchers and critics have to say about this root! "Research is very promising for Bloodroot constituents. One is sanguinarine; it is showing results as an anesthetic, antibacterial, anti-cholinesterase, anti-edemic, anti-gingivitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, antioxidant, anti-periodontic, anti-plaque, antiseptic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, fungicide, gastrocontractant, hypertensive, pesticide, respiratory stimulant and more. Another important constituent is Berberine (also found in Goldenseal, Oregon Grape and Honeysuckle) which is showing promise in fighting brain tumors and many other cancers." (http://www.altnature.com/gallery/bloodroot.htm)



Pictured: The Bloodroot Flower

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!! More will be added later ;D.. happy reading!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Gentle Giants..

*Interesting Fact: Hertz (Hz) is a measure of sound frequency or cycles per second. People can hear sounds in a frequency range between 63-23,000 Hz. Dogs can hear between 67-45,000 Hz. Cats can hear between 45-64,000 Hz. (The Dog Behavior Answer Book- Arden Moore)

*Point of Interest: Information on training deaf dogs and step-by-step instructions on hand signals can be found on the Deaf Dog Educations Action Fund website www.deafdogs.org. (The Dog Behavior Answer Book- Arden Moore)

*In The Vet World: Duralactin- Recently, a patented ingredient obtained from the milk of grass-fed cows has been studied and marketed for the management of musculoskeletal disorders in dogs. It is called Duralactin, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a non-prescription product. It may be used as a primary supportive nutritional aid to help manage inflammation or in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or corticosteroids. (peteducation.com)

*Veterinary Term: Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)- Condition in which the cartilage doesn't form properly in a joint. The cartilage may erode and small pieces or flaps of cartilage may break free. Most common in fast-growing, large breed dogs. The shoulder is the most commonly affected area, followed by the elbow, hock, and knee. Symptoms are varying degrees of lameness that seem to worsen after exercise and usually appear in dogs anywhere from 6-18 months. (The Hound Health Handbook- Betsy Brevitz, D.V.M.) There are currently two treatments for OCD- conservative medical treatment for early and/or mild symptoms or where a specific legion cannot be identified in radiographs. Conservative treatment consists of 4-8 weeks of strict rest, leash walking is ok but absolutely NO running or playing. The other treatment is surgical removal of the lesion, which is more commonly used in young, active dogs or severe degeneration. (peteducation.com)

*Breed Spotlight: Afghan Hound (http://dogbreedinfo.com/afghan.htm)



*Hollistic Spotlight: Balancing out a natural raw diet can be tricky. Below is a chart listing appropriate percentages of each "food group"..
Meat Veggies Grains(whole)
Puppies 50% 25% 25%
Dogs 30% 35% 35%
Author Diane Stein believes 60% protein is sufficient for adult dogs. However you want to limit the amount of daily protein fed to growing large breed puppies to 23% and below to keep them from growing too fast! If unsure about how to prepare a natural raw diet for your dog, it would be in you and your dog's best interest to consult your veterinarian or local animal nutritionist. You might also be able to consult with a breeder who feeds their animals a natural raw diet. (The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats- Diane Stein)

*Daily "Herb": Bee Pollen is a total food (also commonly referred to as a "survival food" or a "super food") because it contains all nutrients that are essential for life. It aids in healthy strength and endurance and is contains natural antioxidants. Also it helps prevent the early onset of heart disease, arthritis, as well as many other degenerative diseases. (The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats- Diane Stein). DrHarveys.com sells 1 lb. bags of bee pollen for $16.00+tax.

*For you!: Gotu Kola- Gotu Kola has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia. It was used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. Some use it to treat respiratory infections such as colds and it has a history of use for that purpose in China. It has been called the "fountain of life/youth" because legend states an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result from using the herb. Historically it has been used to treat syphilis, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Not to be confused with kola nut.

>>>DAILY PIC FIX<<<

At the ford, enjoying one of the few nice summer days we had this year.
Love the parachute lips!


Taryn at 4 months enjoying one of her favorite treats, an apple!
Don't worry, I made sure she couldn't ingest any of the seeds ;).

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Happy Tail Bruises..

My first educational blog about large and giant breed dogs.. :D.

*Interesting Fact: Standing still, a dog can see up to 250degrees without turning their head, while at best a human can see up to 180degrees. (The Dog Behavior Answer Book- Arden Moore)


*Point of Interest: Some scientists speculate that dogs may dream primarily of smells. People dream visually because sight is our dominant sense, while dogs rely on their noses more than their eyes. (The Dog Behavior Answer Book- Arden Moore)


*In The Veterinary World: Veterinary researcher R.D. Shultz (pub. in 2000) stated that the currently available vaccines against parvo, distemper, and infectious hepatitis remained effective for at least 7 years in more than 90% of dogs. The rabies vaccination remained effective for at least 3 years in 85% of dogs. So do you think yearly boosters are necessary? Let me know! Personally, I prefer to go with the 3yr. boosters after the first year. (Hound Health Handbook- Betsy Brevitz, D.V.M.)


*Scientific Term: Bloat- Potentially fatal emergency in which the stomach distends with gas and twists out of proportion. Most common in deep-chested and large breed dogs. Treatment- Call your vet, ASAP! (Hound Health Handbook- Betsy Brevitz, D.V.M.)


*Breed Spotlight: Great Dane (http://dogbreedinfo.com/greatdane.htm)

(pictured: a litter of blue great dane puppies)




*Hollistic Care Spotlight:
-Dog Powder Mix- (large breed)
2 cups nutritional yeast
1.5 cups bone meal
.5 cups kelp powder (can use part alfalfa powder)
-Dog Oil Mix- (large breed)
1.75 cups vegetable oil (safflower oil is best)
.25 cups cod liver oil
50-100 IU Vitamin E (to prevent spoilage)
-Daily Quantities (wgt)- Powder/ Oil/ Vitamin E
5-15 lbs.- 2tsp./ 1tsp./ 50 IU
15-30 lbs.- 4tsp./ 2tsp./ 100 IU
30-50 lbs.- 2 T./ 1T./ 150 IU
50-80 lbs.- 3T./ 1.5T/ 200 IU
80-110 lbs.- 1/4 C./ 2T./ 300 IU
110lbs+.- 1/3 C./ 2.5T/ 400 IU7

*Daily Herb- Rose Hips! Rose Hips have 10-100x more Vitamin C than any known food; also a great source of Vitamins A, E, B-1, B-2, B-3, K, P, calcium, and iron. Who knew???
*For You!- White Willow Bark. Often called "nature's aspirin", it is said to be a pain-relieving, fever-lowering, anti-inflammatory agent without ANY side effects. Helps relieve symptoms of headache, fever, arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, dandruff, eye problems, influenza, chills, eczema, and nosebleed. Most effective in concentrated extract form (http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/GreenCanyon/questp512144/r04- $12.95 450mg). (All previous information listed under Great Dane picture from "The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs & Cats"- Diane Stein)

*Natural Foods Spotlight: A shout out to Solid Gold (Wolf King- large breed adult dogs, Wolf Cub- large breed puppies). Their foods are a favorite among large/giant dog breed owners and breeders alike. More information and nutritional values can be found at www.solidgoldhealth.com.

*Product review: Since there really was way too much to choose from.. (just discovered this site, what a wonderful idea!) here's the link! Happy shopping! www.bigtalldog.com

And finally..
*Trivia!: Ancient folklore says that this breed was a gift from the woodland fairies and that the breed still carries the marks of the fairy harnesses on it's coat (hint: this is not a large breed dog!).

>>>Daily Pic Fix<<<

Taryn at one year old.




BabyGirl at about 9 months old.


Please keep in mind all pictures posted in the Daily Pic Fix are 100% copyrighted.
copyright gunmetalgremlynn, inc. 2009-2010

Please be sure to check out my home page for more cool stuff!
You're more than welcome to leave comments with stories/pictures/etc. of your dog or dogs. I'm a bit of a canine addict and any other dog-lover willing to spend hours talking about their k-9 is automatically a friend. I WANT to hear your stories and see your pictures, trust me ;).

(Trivia answer: Pembroke Welsh Corgi. "Corgi" means "dwarf" in Welsh)