Re: Question
Susan- Have they tried a Chiropractor? That would be my next thought. Or, an MRI, if the dog seemed to be in pain. Many human Chiropractors will adjust dogs, if there is not a veterinary chiropractor in the area. It can't hurt and it may help. An MRI, would show more than an xray. Expensive, though. Good luck to your friends Janice Parky Cape Cod, MA
RE: Question
Hi Susan, I had this happen with a bitch who subsequently died of hemangiosarcoma of the spleen. Discomfort in the abdomen can cause strange things with the rear end. I would suggest a full blood work up and urinalysis and possibly ultrasound examination. Rose T.
Re: question
Would that be unusual for a female bred when she was two years old, then every year thereafter till she was 7 or 8? Isn't that normal when breeding - to breed once a year? (You can tell I am not, and never will be, a breeder). Liz Steinweg The Crew Blue Moon's Baloo Berry Torte Balou (11/06/95) Bobby Sox (husky-x 10/31/93) Rio Sahara (the Rat Cats) and in loving memory of my 1st BMD - Toby (6/29/97 - 6/30/00 lost to MH) Colorado Springs CO http://www.ccrtiming.com/personal/personal.htm - Original Message - I just came across a bitch listed in the bernergarde who is listed as having whelped SIX litters -- does this seem a bit extreme to anyone else?
Re: Question about Dog Call Names
- Original Message - From: Cindy Schaumberg [EMAIL PROTECTED] I can't find the email that started all of the chat about Dogs call names, so I'm not sure if the answer to my question lies there or not. However, I have always been curious about how a dog is supposed to be named. So, what is involved in the name? What does Ch. mean? What does what do you mean by c litter or p litter. Good questions! In some specific breeds with some animals (certain horse registries, for instance) different years require names that start with a specific letter. They go through the alphabet and roll over to the beginning again. This helps make clear how old the horse is by breed, and reduces problems with name overlaps (sort of like how I know about 100 Newfs and Pyrs named some variety of Bear.). Others, it is a free for all. In some horse breeds, the farm name is attached, in others, the sire/dam names are incorporated. Dogs are about the same. There is no AKC requirement that you use a kennel name, but most breeders want their kennel name on the dog's papers and request/require via contract you do so. Some breeders like to keep track of the litters by naming the first litter pups something that starts with A, the second litter pups something that starts with B, etc. Other breeders go by themes, such as a patriotic litter, a candy litter, a famous movies litter, and so forth. Some breeders don't care as long as the kennel name is on there (all six of the dogs I have owned which I got as puppies, all the various breeders wanted was the kennel name plus whatever in the world I felt like putting on there). CH means Champion, which means that the dog has won a certain number of points and competitions and attained the status of Champion dog in conformation shows. There are other titles for drafting, water work, obedience, etc. No question is a stupid question. I guarantee you if you were sitting there wondering about it, so were other people. Eileen Morgan The Mare's Nest http://www.enter.net/~edlehman --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.449 / Virus Database: 251 - Release Date: 1/27/2003
Re: Question about Dog Call Names
In a message dated 2/17/2003 1:32:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We wanted to name her Bridger after the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman Montana, where my husband and I met at college and lived for 6 years. We just tacked on the kennel name to Bridger for AKC registration, but have no idea if that's what you are supposed to do. That's a good way to name her. Or if the breeder didn't care what you used, you could have named her something related to that period in your life or locale for her registered name (the name the AKC knows her by) and used Bridger for her call name (the name everyone who knows and loves her by) I figured I'd ask the question, since everyone's talking about it. So, what is involved in the name? What does Ch. mean? What does what do you mean by c litter or p litter. I feel ignorant, but I guess I'll never learn if I don't ask the question. Ch. means the dog earned the title Champion, just as you'll see dogs mentioned on this list with initials after their name denoting other titles the dogs have earned. Most breeders want their kennel name included in a registered name. For simplicity in reading pedigrees or catalogs (aside from the fact it can be fun playing word games)many breeders use some sort of theme or letter association to differentiate litters. Some use the same word in each littermates name Get the show on the road Showstopper Show me the money Some use themes Mercedes Porsche Four-by-four and some {like me ;-)]use letters Get Sirius {Spock} Glass Slippers {Cinny} Gimme a Chance {Chance} Some breeders even give you a short list to choose from or register the litter themselves with names they like before you even see the pups. With any of these naming schemes, you can use whatever you want for the Call Name, it's simply the registered name you may be asked to participate within certain parameters. No one can tell you what to call your dog in your own home. ;-) All my hopes, Vicky and the Horde =P~
Re: Question about Dog Call Names
Hi Cindy- My first Berner was simply Chewlot's Tully. Chewlot is the kennel prefix, and Tully is my dog's name. My second Berner was Tully-Sky Avery v Wingfield...Tully-Sky is my kennel prefix, Avery is my dog's name and the 'v Wingfield' refers to the kennel where my dog was bred. Finally, on my third Berner, we started to get a LITTLE imaginative...October The Drake v Tully-Sky. October is the kennel prefix, The Drake is a character from Seinfeld (you know...everybody loves the Drake), and Tully-Sky is my kennel prefix. We call him Drake. Now...my FOURTH Berner is much, much better...Greenway's Just Over Par, and we call him Bogey. Greenway is the kennel prefix, and he is from the 'J' litter...my husband and I are very proud of this name since we have been failures in the past! VBG Take Care, Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: question about swelling
Hi Danielle, First let me say I am not a vet. From my experience one possible explaination for your dog's second lump could be a foreign body, weed, splinter etc. This foreign body causes the dog's body to react by building the abscess around it. If you gave antibiotics and drained the abscess but did not remove the foreign body it may still be in there and may have migrated, and lodged in a new area causing a new abscess to form. Until the foreign material is removed it can keep moving and after antibiotics are stopped, cause a new abscess. I've had fox tails do this in the past with dogs and horses. I'd ask the vet about this possibility and what he feels in the best course of action. You could also pose this queestion to another vet for a second opinion if the first vet suggests going in to look for the foreign body. Right now my son daughter-in-law are going through the same thing with their mixed breed girl. Abscess, antibiotics, healed, new abscess. Since it has come back they are faced with the same problem as you. Best wishes, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
RE: question about xrays
Hi Stephanie, The main problems that occur with stifles (knees) are slipping patellas which is not a common problem in Berners or ACL damage which is most often caused by accidents though a very straight angled joint might be more pre-disposed. Hips and elbows are our main concerns though I have always xrayed shoulders as well and only wish more breeders did so. Shoulder OCD lesions are common in Berners and while they can occur with injury the pre-disposition to them has to be considered. They can result in the dog's inability to reach forward fully with his front leg and if both shoulders are affected the obvious limp may not be apparent to the uneducated eye but the stride will be short. Rose
Re: Question about chew bones for berners
Cindy, Try hard sterilized hollow bones and Kong toys. These are meant to be stuffed to make them more interesting for the dogs. Stuff them full of peanut butter, squeeze cheese, leftover fat from your dinner meat, even bannana if your dog likes these. Then mix in some of his regular kibble and/or a few biscuits. Put a piece of something really special and smelly deep inside, like liver, steak, chicken...so he will work hard trying to get it out. Make it easy for the food to come out at first until he gets the hang if it. When he gets really good at it, you can freeze them overnight so he has to work harder and longer at emptying them. A dog on bedrest who might be getting bored should probably have his entire breakfast and dinner kibble stuffed this way. That way he can spend 20 minutes eating dinner (pretty much the highlight of his day, anyhow!) instead of 20 seconds. Nylabones are very durable. They are great if he likes them. I would avoid things that break off into big chunks, these can cause intestinal blockage. I would recommend rotating his toys (chew toys and stuffed toys as well) every couple days. That way he thinks he is getting a new one all the time! I hav emy dogs's toys in 3-4 sets that get changed periodically to keep interest high. If he is bored, try to spend some extra time w/ him teaching little tricks to keep his mind active while he revovers from surgeryteach shake, speak, whatever he can physically do. My Bean does Shark! This means he snaps up the air w/ great enthusiasm! Or just nice snuggles and belly rubs Vilma Briggs (Kistner) Mt. Gilead, OH U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT Thirdtym's A Charm, CGC and Ted
Re: question about xrays
Hi Stephanie and all, This is an interesting topic. Years ago, we took one of our dogs to a veterinary college to be examined by a vet-neurologist because he was limping and our local vet suspected a nerve problem. The neurologist asked to x-ray the dog's knees and when we were surprised, she explained that a high percentage of referrals for neurological problems were actually dogs that had knee trouble! As to x-raying for hereditary knee problems, I don't think it's done. It's my understanding that slipping (luxating) patellas (knee caps) and a propensity for torn cruciate ligaments are hereditary knee disorders in Bernese. However, I don't know that an x-ray would help to diagnose the propensity for torn ligaments. Further, according to OFA, a dog can be certified as free of luxating patellas through a simple exam from a local veterinarian who then fills out a form. There is an OFA registry for it. However, I think luxating patellas only affects 2 -4 percent of the breed. Many limping Berners probably do suffer from arthritis in their knees. And that can be confirmed by x-ray. But I don't think that it is considered a hereditary condition. A reminder: limping can be caused by tick diseases - particularly ehrlichiosis and lyme disease. The tick transfers a 'bug' that likes to live in the joint area. This causes inflammation and pain so the dog limps. It does not always cause swelling and the 'bugs' sometimes migrate from one joint to another, so it can easily be confused with orthopedic disorders. But in the case of a tick disease, the dog needs an antibiotic. It's best to always do a blood test for tick diseases if your dog is limping. terry thompson missoula, montana
Re: Question about chew bones for berners
For Christmas I came across a new dog bone toy from Planet Dog that seems to be indestructible. It is made from a flexible rubber and the sales person told me they really last. Well, just looking at it and feeling how flexible it is you would think your dog would be able to chew pieces off...but after a month there is not even a toothmark on Nicco's! It comes in a large size and different colors..we got the glow in the dark color and it sure does show up nice in the middle of the night. No tripping over that toy! See website below for more info: www.planetdog.com/dog-toys.asp?ID=8 Cindy Reid and Nicco, who now has his new adult chompers
Re: Question about chew bones for berners
We have given our dogs in the past a toy called the Hol-ee Roller, part of the Tough By Nature line made by JW Pet Company. It is an all natural rubber toy that comes in different sizes and is virtually indestructible. We gave one to a friend that has two Labs. They all loved it and it became the favorite toy in the house. My friend was traveling through Maine by car with his brother and one of his Labs. The had a terrible car accident and his Lab fled the scene when the car caught on fire. Everyone was eventually all right, his dog was successfully located by the efforts of a local radio station and the Maine State Police. My friend later told me that, sadly, the Hol-ee Roller was in the car and much to their dismay melted in the fire. We have since replaced the toy and everyone is happy again. Aishling P. - Original Message - From: Cindy Reid [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: berner-l [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 4:13 PM Subject: Re: Question about chew bones for berners For Christmas I came across a new dog bone toy from Planet Dog that seems to be indestructible. It is made from a flexible rubber and the sales person told me they really last. Well, just looking at it and feeling how flexible it is you would think your dog would be able to chew pieces off...but after a month there is not even a toothmark on Nicco's! It comes in a large size and different colors..we got the glow in the dark color and it sure does show up nice in the middle of the night. No tripping over that toy! See website below for more info: www.planetdog.com/dog-toys.asp?ID=8 Cindy Reid and Nicco, who now has his new adult chompers
Re: Question about chew bones for berners
HI I had to keep my little girl well rested last summer while she was suffering form a bout of panosteitis. So - I know the dilemma well. I found that the galileo Nylabones did quite well, the edible ones lasted 30 seconds, hardly useful at $5.00 each. Also, hooves are very long-lasting, but make sure he has access to lots of water. I also like frozen carrots, they are very healthy and seem to last a while. Booda bones are destroyed easily, and my berners take chunks off them which are of a size big enough to have blockage be a concern, same goes with rawhide, too dangerous. You should also try kongs stuffed with peanut butter or light cream cheese. There is a relatively new product called a Havaball, which is my favorite leave them occupied toy - similar to a Buster cube but with ridges you can put PB or cheese in and fill it with kibbles or other treats. Seems to keep them busy! Good luck with the battle - it's never quite as easy as the veterinarians lead you to beleive. Leslie Joanisse Fortune (31/2 yr old baby boy) and Faith (18month old little princess) Whitehorse Yukon - Original Message - From: Cindy Buhner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 7:32 AM Subject: Question about chew bones for berners Hi all, Since I'm exploring items to keep my dog Paws from being totally bored while he's on bed rest I decided to start checking out chew bones such as Nylabones, Booda bones, etc. I give him marrow bones outside but can't do this inside since I have young children who would think nothing better of picking up one off the floor and possibly sampling it themselves! So what are the general thoughts about these other bones. Some are meant to be totally consumed - are they ok for our big babies? What size to people think are good for berners? And how do people feel about the ones that are not meant to be totally consumed but small pieces may be ingested and will pass through? Thanks a lot in advance! Cindy Buhner and Paws (the BARC rescue) - Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
Re: question for eileen morgan
Wow, my name made it to a header. I feel like I've arrived. =8-0 - Original Message - From: lydia myhree [EMAIL PROTECTED] Eileen- I am curious about if you mix Innova and California Natural together? Micawber the Berner boy, as a youngster, had tummy trouble with the food recommended by his breeder (Solid Gold) and also had loose stool trouble with Innova. Both are very rich foods, in terms of lack of fillers. California Natural (distributed by the same company as Innova) was a better food for Mic. Lliira the Pyr and Nessie the Newf were fine either way, but Lliira eats Innova better than she eats the CN. So I just got in the habit of giving Lliira and Nessie the Innova and Mic the California Natural. When Cassie the Pyr joined us, we put her on the California Natural for no particular reason other than the two bags would last about the same amount of time. Nowadays, Mic can eat either food, but we still get the two brands out of habit. Eileen Morgan The Mare's Nest http://www.enter.net/~edlehman --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.426 / Virus Database: 239 - Release Date: 12/2/2002
Re: question
In a message dated 11/20/2002 10:11:04 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What does Limited Registration mean?? Hi Susie, AKC Limited Registration means that were you to breed that dog or bitch, the puppies couldn't be registered with AKC. A dog or bitch with limited registration also cannot be shown in AKC conformation (aka: breed) competition. But they CAN do do everything else; obedience, agility, tracking, draft, therapy, foot warming, etc. The reason breeders use the Limited Registration is to discourage random breeding of pups after they're sold. Responsible breeders select only those dogs that best exemplify the breed standard, and have correct temperament, and have a full set of health clearances/evaluations, to contribute to the gene pool. My husband and I are PPOs and trying to learn as much as possible. THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU! :-D I know it's easier to just go with the flow than try to learn a foreign language like dog-talk. But you and the breed will both benefit from taking the time to learn the ins and outs. KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS!!! I'm sure there are lots of people online who want to know the same things, but are unsure about asking. -Sherri Venditti (2 berners on limited registration and 1 on full)
Re: Question about X-Rays for Pregnant Bitch
There is an article by Cathy Burlile in the June 2000 Alpenhorn about x-rays for pregnant bitches Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Question about X-Rays for Pregnant Bitch
I know lots of people do x-ray prior to whelping, and my understanding is that the risk to the pups is minimal. I elected not to x-ray because of the following: 1. Minimal risk is still risk; 2. Not 100% accurate anyway; and 3. A medical procedure for bitch -- I do not think she needed that stress when she was already huge and miserable. I know an excellent method for counting puppies -- as they come out just start -- one, two, three... :) I do x-ray after whelping to ensure that all puppies have arrived. Oh, that reminds me -- more puppy expenses to report -- I ordered collars and toys from a catalog -- about $100. Mary-Ann Bowman Utah
Re: Question re Flexi leads
I always used a Flexi with Riot, and didn't have any problem. On the odd occasion he would race after something, I'd call to him to stop - call very quickly! You can also (kind of) push on the button on the Flexi to kind of slow it down a bit (creates a bit of a drag on the line). It's very touchy, so you might want to practice. Last resort, I'd start running and pull back to slow him down. Last, last resort, I'd let go! :-) The sound of the Flexi dragging usually made him stop and turn around to see what the noise was. Then I could get his attention for a sit so I could walk up and grab the Flexi again. Dana Pero Simon the PWC (who's marked like a Berner, but a little short!) Remembering Riot always Tustin, CA
Re: Question re Flexi leads
In a message dated 11/5/2002 10:18:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, I'd be more concerned about your shoulder holding up than the flexi chord ;-} So long as it's not chewed, the flexi chord is very strong...but seriously, you have to use a flexi with care. Unchecked, your dog can build up quite a head of steam in that 16 ft resulting in either injury to you or a dropped leash. I use flexis all the time, but I do keep an eye out for squirrels, other dogs, other people...and I keep an eye on my dog's body language. The point of all this 'awareness' is to get my dog focused on me BEFORE he takes off after a squirrel or in tangled up (in play or otherwise) with another dog. By and large, my dogs know to control their pace while on the flexi, but if one starts gaiting out...I alway use the leash 'brake' BEFORE they get to the end. This helps to control them and keep my shoulder intact (no laughing matter after 14 weeks of PT, cortisone injection, and still the possibility of surgery). or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment? I know plenty of people who've bought the webbed flexi, but no one who uses it g. The problem is that it's very heavy and cumbersome...most people just don't like it. -Sherri Venditti
Re: Question re Flexi leads
I find the webbed version, despite price, much nicer not only in resistance but also in case it ever gets tangled around yr legs or other dogĀ“s legs. My Mali has a webbed flexi and a lab I used to walk had the cord and it hurt incredibly any time it got tangled! Simone Brasilia Brazil - Original Message - From: Maureen Barry [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 1:17 PM Subject: Question re Flexi leads To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment? Ninety-five percent of the time when we're out and about, Jake would not abuse the added freedom the Flexi lead would afford him. However, that other five percent of the time, when a squirrel or another dog beckons ! Till now we've been using a 6-foot leather lead. Any input would be appreciated. Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
Re: Question re Flexi leads
On Tue, 5 Nov 2002 07:17:30 -0800 (PST) Maureen Barry [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment A story - Years ago I had a problem with my Granville bolting out the door. I put him on a flexi when we got ready to go out the door and when I opened it and he bolted I held on with both hands as he charged full speed to the end of it. He was only about 100# but at that speed I couldn't hold on and he popped the lead out of my hands as it flipped him backwards into the air. I still have that flexi 10yrs later and am using it with other dogs. Whether it stops you dog will depend on if you can hold on. BTW, Granville quit bolting out of doors Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
RE: Question re Flexi leads
Maureen, I use a 10 yr. old Blue Flexi leash. It has always been able to hold a Berner (we are on our 3rd BMD, 2 rehomes and an SPCA rescue). The first BMD worked that leash for all it was worth - in out, in out. The 2nd was the best dog I ever walked on leash (former owner sent him to Obedience classes). Our current was 165 lbs when we got him from the SPCA and he was not leash trained at all (he's down to below 130 lbs now and still losing weight - target is 100 lbs). The Flexi leash has taken it all, even though it's the Up to 50 lbs model. If and when it breaks, I will definitely buy another. But I think I'll get the Red model then! :-) The nice thing about the Flexi-Leash is that you have a choice between letting the dog be a dog and sniff, sniff, sniff or have them Heel when needed or desired. Later, Carl Skip Seibert Williamsburg, VA Visit Skip's Berner Links at: http://www.widomaker.com/~seibert -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:owner-berner-l;prairienet.org]On Behalf Of Maureen Barry Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 10:18 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Question re Flexi leads To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a Snip
Re: Question re Flexi leads
- Original Message - From: Maureen Barry [EMAIL PROTECTED] To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment? When we kicked up a deer, my 130 lbs Newfie bitch hit the end of the flexi at a full gallop. Other than me taking some really big steps until I got her attention back, nothing bad happened. The leash has stood up to my guys for years now. They are polite almost always, but they do test it often enough for me to think they are pretty darn strong. I have the largest, heaviest, longest flexi's they make. Eileen Morgan The Mare's Nest http://www.enter.net/~edlehman --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002
Re: Question re Flexi leads
Hi, when 3 months and 12kgs our puppy broke her flexi lead through a bid to chase birds - it was designed for dogs up to 20kgs, now she has the adult big dog lead (up to 60kgs) and she is fine though the click spring does seem to be getting less trusty after only three weeks. When she is bigger I don't think we will use this, but we only need a lease in town and she has free rein of a large yard otherwise. emma - Original Message - From: Maureen Barry [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 4:17 PM Subject: Question re Flexi leads To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment? Ninety-five percent of the time when we're out and about, Jake would not abuse the added freedom the Flexi lead would afford him. However, that other five percent of the time, when a squirrel or another dog beckons ! Till now we've been using a 6-foot leather lead. Any input would be appreciated. Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/