Fundraiser question
Many thanks to everyone's hard work and donations for the fundraiser, it is very much appreciated, a job well done! I'm looking forward to the next one! I love that Berner ornament Angels are just Berners with wings I want to purchase one if possible, does anyone know where to get one or how to contact Dot Duvel since she donated it? It is a must have for me. Any help in finding one would be appreciated. Kelly Sorochinski and Harley! Glen Gardner, NJ
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.
Question
Hi all -- I'm writing for a friend, who has an 8 1/2 year old berner who has lately developed what appears to be a 'numb' hind leg. That is, every now and then as the dog walks his leg seems to slip out from under him toward his other leg -- my friend says it looks like what would happen if you tried to walk when your leg was 'asleep'. They've done x-rays of his spine and leg, and found no tumours, minimal arthritis, and now obvious cause for the situation. The vet isn't offering any suggestions. Meanwhile, the dog is happy, smiling, eating well, etc. Any ideas on what could be happening? Some kind of neurological process? Is there a (non-invasive) diagnostic procedure that would be worth doing? Any archive articles I should look at? Thanks! Susan
car question
Hi Berner Buddies!! I'm taking a break from the dog-quilt and would like to ask a question of the Berner group regarding cars-trucks-SUV's Is anyone driving one of the new Pacifica's? Or a XC70 Volvo? We are looking at them and would like some owner pros and cons. Thanks everyone and have a great Labour Day Weekend LeAnn Zogg North Dakota
Re: chemotherapy question
Hi Lisa, has anyone out there had a dog on vincristine cytoxan for treatment of leukemia? i'm trying to get some more information. My Sam when he was diagnosed with highly malignant T-Cell 3 Lymphosarcoma was given both these drugs as part of his COP system chemo treatment, Lymphoma is not that far away from Leukemia but is non-Hodgkinson's Disease as opposed to Hodgkinson's Disease. Don't ask me what the difference is here, the treatment can be the same! Mail me privately! Sam was on the COP system, which involved weekly IV injections with Oncovin (Vincristine). My vet administered the IV injections herself but was in consult with an Oncologist. (In the CAP system L-Asparginase (Elspar) can be given with vincristine). I gave him the Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) tablets at home, and had to check carefully for blood in the urine as this can cause kidney problems, they recommend that you make sure the dog drinks plenty! But since Sam was also on Prednisone, he was surely doing this and needing to pee very frequently But, BTW, my human Sister-in-Law who had Hodgkins (leukemia) was diagnosed some 20 years ago and underwent a similar chemo protocol, she also underwent Radiation Therapy! Sandra, sadly died last year, after-effects of the Radiation Therapy, but after a very long and active life! Well guess my Sam too had an extended life with his treatment when you count up in doggie time! Still too short but you do the best you can and treasure that quality time! Humans and furbabes too! Biggest Hugs! Know we are praying for you all! All Love, Jean, Sunny, Sim, Barney and the Gang XX http://bernese.biz
Car safety question
While we're on the subject of SUV's, I also have a question for the group: My partner and I recently purchased a new Lexus SUV for our Berner (one couldn't expect him to ride around in the back of a sedan, now could one?). Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions on how to safely transport our boy in the open space behind the second row of seats: - Use a gate/barrier behind the 2nd row of seats and let him roam back there. - Put the dog in a crate (metal or cloth) in the back of the SUV. - Use a harness-type restraint system clipped to one of the interior tie-down brackets in the rear, to give him some mobility, but not enough to be thrown against the seats ahead of him. I'm also open to other suggestions. I'd like our puppy to be able to look out the windows when we're driving, but I want to make sure he doesn't get thrown up against something hard in the event of a crash. I'm also thinking a collapsible cloth crate would be useful when traveling. We've already purchases a collapsible dog ramp to help him climb in and out of the SUV. Thanks for your help, - Alex, Steve and Jackson (5.5 months old, growing like a weed) [Original Message] From: LeAnn Zogg [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 8/20/2003 8:00:05 AM Subject: car question Hi Berner Buddies!! I'm taking a break from the dog-quilt and would like to ask a question of the Berner group regarding cars-trucks-SUV's Is anyone driving one of the new Pacifica's? Or a XC70 Volvo? We are looking at them and would like some owner pros and cons. Thanks everyone and have a great Labour Day Weekend LeAnn Zogg North Dakota
chemotherapy question
has anyone out there had a dog on vincristine cytoxan for treatment of leukemia? i'm trying to get some more information. thanks, lisa baldwin (dickens, bark zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
mast cell cancer question
Reposted in plain text for Deb, please respond directly to her! Our 6 year-old Berner boy, Rudy had a mast cell tumor removed from his hind leg in October 2002. I believe the histopathology report came back staging the tumor at 3?? Anyway, the margins weren't clean and the news wasn't good. He has been doing well since then.no indication of metastasis to major organs. He has, however, developed a significant limp on the affected leg and I am wondering if this could mean something going on in the bone? I talked to the vet who performed the surgery and he seemed to think probably not..suggested we give him Etogesic. Today he will not bear weight on the leg, but really doesn't seem to be in pain. I have an appointment with a local vet tomorrow, but am anxious about the situation. Does anyone out there know if mast cell cancer could spread to the bone? Any ideas about what might be going on? I want to prepare myself for the worst and then pray for an ACL tear! Deb in Montana
Teething question
Never one to be afraid to ask a stupid question.. Do dogs drool more when they are teething the way human babies do? The thought just occurred to me. Or, am I destined to have that lovely Berner Patina on my floors forever G Slippin' and a Slidin Janice Parky Halley and Wrigley
Re: Teething question
- Original Message - From: Janice Parky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Do dogs drool more when they are teething the way human babies do? The thought just occurred to me. Or, am I destined to have that lovely Berner Patina on my floors forever Some do, some don't. Two of my four most recent puppies were drooling more during teething. Of course, the rock hard frozen old bagels we used as teething rings probably helped that . . . 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: 6.0.509 / Virus Database: 306 - Release Date: 8/12/2003
Re: grooming question
In a message dated 8/3/2003 11:06:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: and keep rinsing until the water runs clear of hair debris and soap suds... Hello everyone, Water pressure is a problem at our house and getting all of the soap and debris out used to be quite a chore. While I don't usually plug products, we did come across an item at a dog show that has helped us out a lot in the bathing process. If you are interested go to www.dogwashcompany.com and check out the pet nozzle and hose. There are about 7-8 different nozzle setting and directions that work great. Best wishes, Robin Hamme ShadyOak BMDs Evansville, IN, USA
Re: vWD question
reposted: (she did it in plain text, but AOL sometimes garbles it!): Hi All! Very concerned mommy heremy six month berner boy barnum got fixed and was having his belly button hernia repaired over the weekend well my Dr. call me late in the evening that barnum was OK but only a hour after surgery was very bruised and ouzzing...and has never seen this for such routine procedure.and of course didn't sleep a wink that night worried about my poor 80lb boythe Doc is running a bunch of blood tests.he says that there is a possibility of von wilderbrane(if i am spelling correct)if this a common disease in berners. has anyone encountered such a problem for a nuder he is so bruised from the top of his belly all the way passed his scrotum.so nervous. come to think of it we had problems with our bailey as well when she was fixed.(different hospital) they had to operate a 2nd time cause she had an infection. My kids are going to be the death of me Welcome to my circus... Dana West Milford, NJ _ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
RE: Prong collar - a success + a question!
Hi Julene, If you have the large prong collar then there should be no problem with ring around the collar hair loss. The collar is only worn for walks and training and not general use. The reason the leash is fastened to the right side of the neck is because we heel with the dog on our left and if the collar is put into use there is a direct pull rather than a torque effect if fastened under the chin. Given that the collar is fitted snug then there should be no chafing to cause hairloss. Rose
RE: grooming question
Hi Natalie, A bath this time of year will loosen the undercoat and cause matts in the fur. With the accompanying dampness this sets up the right environment for hot spots. Before bathing the dog should be combed out thoroughly and even then matting can occur. Always best to blow dry and use a slicker brush while doing so to help blow out the dead coat. Now you have a lot of work to get those clumps out so use a slicker and keep surface brushing and then work down in the layers, do not drag a comb through as the dog will resent it quickly. You can buy a matt comb to help or just use the end of the comb to gently pick at the clumps starting at the outside and working in. One of the best investments a Berner owner can make is to buy a Commodore Blow Dryer, they vary in type and price and can be used without bathing the dog to facilitate layer brushing and getting the dead hair out as well and a good tool to have to dry them. Also you can buy coat dressing which you spritz on and that may help with the stubborn bits. My afternoon is prepping two hairy bears for their summer bath so I'll be thinking of you while I stand with my wind machine running:-)) Rose T. -Original Message- From: Natalie Waters Seum [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: August 2, 2003 9:33 PM To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List Subject: grooming question Greetings - I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. We gave George a bath today at a grooming facility and decided to let him dry naturally... the room was a bit warm. Seven hours later he is close to dry, but I've just discovered terrible mats across his back and on both shoulders. Could this be because we didn't blow dry him? He's never had mats in that area - only a bit behind his ears. I worked on him with a comb for about a half hour - until he was obviously uncomfortable. I'll resume trying to get them out tomorrow - any advice? Many thanks, Natalie and George (Mom, I've had enough already... a brushing, bath and combing all in the same day... ph-lease.)
Re: Grooming Question
Natalie. This happened to my berner-boy, Ian, once when I had him groomed at a grooming facility. They neglected to brush out his bib area and I spent a few days getting all the mats out. Since then, Ian is brushed well, and all mats gotten out before he is bathed. To help you get the mats out, try spraying some conditioner on them as you comb. Brushing seems to just make the mats worse. You may have to use thinning scissors or even cutting out some of the mats. Give George a big hug and lots of love, Carol Slider in NC with Ian and Anna, who has no coat right now (easy to bath and dry!) - From: Natalie Waters Seum [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: grooming question Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 20:33:28 -0500 Greetings - I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. We gave George a bath today at a grooming facility and decided to let him dry naturally... the room was a bit warm. Seven hours later he is close to dry, but I've just discovered terrible mats across his back and on both shoulders. Could this be because we didn't blow dry him? He's never had mats in that area - only a bit behind his ears. I worked on him with a comb for about a half hour - until he was obviously uncomfortable. I'll resume trying to get them out tomorrow - any advice? Many thanks, Natalie and George (Mom, I've had enough already... a brushing, bath and combing all in the same day... ph-lease.) -- End of BERNER-L Digest 4526 ***
Re: grooming question
Possible causes: he wasn't brushed out prior to the bath Is your dog in the midst of blowing coat? Good idea to get all loose hair out prior to bathing. and keep rinsing until the water runs clear of hair debris and soap suds... Did you rinse ALL the soap out? Did you use a HIGH QUALITY shampoo and dilute it appropriately and/or use conditioner? MOST Human shampoos are not meant for dogs... (DAWN dish soap strips the hair of all natural oils- that's why they use it on animals caught in oil slicks) Many grocery store shampoos (hartz products for example) are essentially useless... works for a beagle not for a Berner Did he roll on carpeting or grass and dirt post bath? A good pin brush ought to help you remove the mats... SOLUTION: don't brush the coat dry- mist with water not saturate... use a pin brush, or rake if he is shedding , or large ['greyhound']comb to gently comb through the coat. work one section at time. comb in long strokes; use a good leave in conditioner (actually, Paul Mitchell leave in conditioner works pretty well- only a small drop is really necessary) CAUTION: 7 hours to dry?? IF it is humid out; this is the perfect environment for hot spots to form...also leaving soap in the coat can dry and irritate the skin... hope this helps... ~Rebecca (owned by Bernese since 1989) Canine-Corner from hair to heel Grooming; Training *free* Breeder-Referral Service Owner/groomer/Trainer/BMD Breeder CGC evaluator The Home of: CC-Bernese Red Hook, NY [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canine-cornerbmd.com (currently under construction) A DOG IS THE ONLY RELATIVE YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE SO CHOOSE WISELY! -Original Message- From: Natalie Waters Seum [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: August 2, 2003 9:33 PM To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List Subject: grooming question Greetings - I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. We gave George a bath today at a grooming facility and decided to let him dry naturally... the room was a bit warm. Seven hours later he is close to dry, but I've just discovered terrible mats across his back and on both shoulders. Could this be because we didn't blow dry him? He's never had mats in that area - only a bit behind his ears. I worked on him with a comb for about a half hour - until he was obviously uncomfortable. I'll resume trying to get them out tomorrow - any advice? Many thanks, Natalie and George (Mom, I've had enough already... a brushing, bath and combing all in the same day... ph-lease.)
Re: Prong collar - a success + a question!
Hi, I use the quick release prong collar made by herm sprenger (sp). I found over the years that putting and taking off the regular prong collars made them weak (and me too!) and over time they loosen up and will come off the dog if he/she turns just right. With the quick release collar it's so much easier for me to put the collar on and take it off (and it's much quicker). My big boy sits nicely while I put it on, all the time wagging his tail and a sparkle in his eyes! I can't to the soft training with him or use treats. He gets out of control if I use food! I use a firm but fair approach to training. I am working one on one with a pro from Europe who trained in England and in Germany and now teaches in US. His methods are of the horse whisperer style. Very different from what I have learned from obedience classes, clicker training etc. I am finding out that my big boy is respecting me more as alpha when as before he was getting out of control with food motivated training (even clicker training). Every dog is different and not all will learn at the same rate or have the same learning style. Sheila PSyes using the prong I have found some fur to come off, but that is when he was blowing coat, same as for my Akitas. I have had muzzle marks on my Akitas when I used the head collar. And they hated the way it ended up over one eye. I have the newer one now and my dogs still hate them. At 02:31 PM 8/1/2003 -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Greetings, After reading the posts from Vilma, Karen, etc., I decided to check into getting a prong collar for my 16 mo. old boy. He walks nicely and resonds well to a buckle collar when I walk him (his mama), but he'll pull when walked by others. I have tried the Gentle Leader and, although it helps, he spend most of the time rubbing his nose on the grass or tunneling in between legs trying to get it off. What a lovely sight this is! After reading the posts about prong collar success, I made a purchase. I purchased the conventional one - the one that you directly clip on and off versus the slip type. Sheila Avalos - TNG Bernese * Redding, California http://www.tngbernese.com * ICQ #255707 * Yahoo! IM tngbernese *snappy, funny, cute or clever quote goes here*
grooming question
Greetings - I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. We gave George a bath today at a grooming facility and decided to let him dry naturally... the room was a bit warm. Seven hours later he is close to dry, but I've just discovered terrible mats across his back and on both shoulders. Could this be because we didn't blow dry him? He's never had mats in that area - only a bit behind his ears. I worked on him with a comb for about a half hour - until he was obviously uncomfortable. I'll resume trying to get them out tomorrow - any advice? Many thanks, Natalie and George (Mom, I've had enough already... a brushing, bath and combing all in the same day... ph-lease.)
re: potty question - non bmd
I have had my 11 week old great dane puppy for two weeks, and she has been reliably going outside, with no indoor accidents, for 5 days now. First, IMO, the object is not to catch her and stop her from an accident, it is to prevent an accident from happening. That means you take pup out after naps, after eating, after playing, and whenever she seems to even think that she needs to go. Then you reward like crazy, telling her she is the smartest, best pup in the universe. I have a great advantage in that I can be with her 24/7 (I'm a teacher and off during the summer) and I got my berner during my spring break years ago, and he was totally housebroken 10 days later when I had to return to work. I find the constant attention, bonding, rewarding and PREVENTING accidents before they happen patterns the desired behaviors and eliminates any confusion in the pup. The more the undesired behavior happens, the harder it will be to unlearn and reteach. It's a LOT of work the first weeks (alot of fun, too) but it's really alot less work than half hearted attempts at training that go on endlessly. If she sees the pup messing in the house, it means she was there to begin with, and needs to be more pro-active and aware of the pup's needs almost before the pup is. Also, she needs to clean accidents completely with Nature's Miracle or another natural enzyme product to eliminate the smell, to prevent a repeat offense in the same spot. Good luck to her. Jane Hudson Valley of NYS
Re: Prong collar - a success + a question!
I personally use a wide buckle collar, but my Vet/Chiropractor recommends using a prong collar, she say's a head halter is the worst for a dog's neck followed by a choke collar. She says a prong collar disburses the tension over a wider area of the neck and is less likely to displace vertebra. Mitch - San Diego, CA
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: about the question
Hi Mary-Ann, I concur with what Libby had to say, if the bitch is in good health and maternal duties come easy to her then six litters would not be excessive. For myself I have yet to breed more than three litters from any one bitch that I have owned, two bitches were bred for a fourth time but in both instances they were empty. I don't breed my bitches before the age of two and some have been into their fourth year before a first breeding. Some decisions are governed by whether or not the economics are justified and if that sounds cash driven I would point out that I see no point in re-breeding a bitch who lacks sufficient fertility to justify the expense of a stud fee coupled with elective C-Section. I have had good producing bitches who may have had to be sectioned and there is a limit as to how often I will do that. I don't know that repetitive pregnancies are any more a health hazard for some bitches than a single pregnancy might be for another. Rose T.
about the question
Hi Mary Ann, In answer to your question, no, a bitch having whelped six litters does not seem extreme to me. A strong and healthy, easy-whelping, good-mothering bitch that can produce *high quality* offspring over time would be a dream for me and a credit to any breeding program. Looking at numbers of litters alone does not tell the story. We all, as breeders, have different goals for ourselves and our bitches. By all means, if you or any breeder feel that six litters for your bitches would be extreme, don't do it. These breeding decisions depend on both the bitch's abilities, and the breeder's abilities to follow up on what she produces. If one breeds back to back litters, and takes a season off, and repeats this, starting at 2+ years of age, a bitch could have her six litters and finish up at 6-7 years old and have a lovely retirement coming as well. I have to say none of my bitches has had more than 5 litters, but several of them have had that. And lived to 11-12 years. I have also bred a bitch once, and never again. I don't consider a six year old bitch to be old. I sent a litter of 7 pups to new homes in June, and the bitch celebrated her 6th birthday in July. It was her 5th litter. Her grandam whelped her 5th litter and sent them to new homes the week before her 7th birthday. That bitch lived to over 11. Breeding, as you know, is a time-consuming, hair-raising, challenging, exhausting, thrilling avocation. It can break your heart, and it can make you strong. Doing things by numbers only, is simplistic and misleading. BTW, congratulations on all the new titles your girls have brought home this year! Mooches all around (you, too). Libby Kesner and the Berner girls of Maine Voorheesville NY USA
Re: about the question
It is interesting to explore different perspectives, and to understand the reasons that the differences exist :) I suspect that the answer to the question about how many litters is enough will depend on the bitch but perhaps even more on the goals of the breeder and his/her tolerance for risk. I do wonder about the impact of multiple pregnancies. Does anyone have any data/knowledge about the general impact of multiple pregnancies on the body? Vilma -- anything to say about multiple close pregnancies in women?? Mary-Ann Bowman Utah
forward about the question
Vilma has this to say in response to my question... Vilma -- anything to say about multiple close pregnancies in women?? There is a slightly higher risk of complications w/ closely spaced pregnancies, but actually not dramatically higher. Bleeding, anemia, nutrition issues mostly. Risk of poor nutrition to fetus if mom is still breast feeding the last baby. Maternal exhaustion!! :-) But multiple pregnancies in general (independent of timing/spacing) IS actually fairly strongly associated w/ increased risk of uterine atony (poor contraction of the uterine muscle) after delivery resulting in significant post partum hemorrhage immediately after delivery. The problem is it is hard to study this in people carefully. Most of the time there are also coexisting socioeconomic factors or increasing maternal age (both of which will strongly increase risk of complications such as preeclampsia, hemorrhage, hypertension, premature delivery, poor intrauterine growth) that come in to play more than the timing of the pregnancies alone in humans. In humans, the risks increase most dramatically w/ 5 or more deliveries and reproductive age is considered 15-45 yrs old, with the highest risks in patients 15 or younger and 35 or older. Vilma Briggs, MD (OB/GYN) Ohio
question
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? Mary-Ann Bowman Utah
Neutering question
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED---* * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * *Mail Lists at Prairienet only accept PLAIN TEXT* * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Re: administrative question
To postpone, add, delete, change email addresses, switch from digest to individual, go to: www.berner.org click on: berner-l accounts Or keep my email handy, and just contact me! Good luck with the move!! Pat Long ( Luther) Berwyn PA Check any e-mail over the Web for free at MailBreeze (http://www.mailbreeze.com)
Lurker learning but now needs to ask question - Long
Hello all! I'm an almost two month old lurker who has very much enjoyed reading (and learning!) from all your posts. I am brand new to the Berner world and am enjoying it very much, trying to absorb as much as I can from you experts about this wonderful breed. We acquired our new pup (from a breeder, of course!) in early June. Duncan is going on 14 weeks and within the last week has developed a limp in his left hind leg. I have read in earnest the posts regarding limping recently and have gone to your site to learn more. We, of course, immediately took Duncan to the vet's thinking it might've been an injury to the leg since it came on so suddenly. Even though we discourage too much (read: too hard) roughhousing, Duncan and his golden retriever older brother just love to play together. The limp really came on overnight and so we took him the next day. The doctor palpated his leg, found nothing to write home about and sent him home with some Etogenic (?) pain meds. Told us to come back if the situation did not improve. Of course it did not and I took him back four days later. The doc took x-rays and found no evidence of trauma. He told me his hips look and feel great and the only thing he could possibly see is a slight inflammation of the knobby end of the bone (told me the medical term and I cannot recall it now). His tentative diagnosis was hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Well, when I looked it up, I was horrified. This is one nasty disease! I'm not sure I am in complete concurrence since limping is really the only thing Duncan is exhibiting right now. No suppressed appetite, no fever, no lethargy, etc., etc., In fact, he gets around on three legs almost as well as all four. The ONLY thing he has exhibited other than the limping is diarrhea from time to time, but I could also chalk that up to the fact that he gets a hold of dirt, rocks, paper, etc., etc. and before I can stop him, it's down the old gut. He is happy, alert, and does not seem in pain at all. Very puzzling. Oh, one other thing, he had roundworm the week before this limping episode began and I took in a sample immediately and they gave him (and my other dog) medication to erradicate the worm problem. Don't recall what it was, but it was a yellow liquid med. The doctor also did a blood test for Lyme disease since it is so prevalent in our area. Nothing. The test was normal on all counts. Any ideas? If it is HOD, are there any remedies that are out there that have worked for you? And is this a common ailment in Berners? I knew of the other things I was facing when I choose this breed, but I hadn't come across this one in the long list of what could be lurking around the corners. I just hate to see such a young, vibrant, wonderful and promising puppy limping around the yard. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. I trust your opinions as gospel from what I have read you certainly are a wealth of information. Most humbly awaiting your feedback, Lynn
RE: bell question
Hi Linda, What you didn't do was introduce the bells to the dogs. What were you thinking?? Of course they were alarmed at this irritating noise everytime they moved. When you train animals you don't suddenly dump a new experience on them but introduce gradually. One reason for putting bells on dog's collars is to frighten and ward off wild life so if the dog isn't trained to accept the noise beforehand he is going to have the same reaction. You now have some repair work to do and that would be to ring the bell everytime you give a cookie or before you feed them dinner, then a tinkle on the bell while talking and carrying on around the house with your normal chores. In time attach the bells to yourself so the dogs get used to the noise. Soon the ringing will be tolerated and then you start to walk them with the bells on their collars, do some sits and recalls, and then let them run in a controlled zone with their bells on. Only then can you be sure they are comfortable with them before letting them run loose in the park. Swiss bells were designed for cows, you might like to find the type of bell gundog owners use which are lighter sounding and less clanging. Far better to reinforce your recall commands and keep your dogs on leash when walking in wildlife country. Many a dog is lost forever once it takes after a deer. Rose T.
Re: bell question
Hi Linda, Both my Berners (Daisy and Buddy) are used to noises since I made it a habit to drop objects, etc. during their puppyhood. I bought two bells (small and medium) from the Care-A-Lot Pets catalog. They are not as loud as the Swiss bells. I think I could have hung the Liberty Bell from their collar and they would not have hesitated because they love to go for walks. I remember them looking at me with confusion when the bells first jangled but I just clapped, jumped up and down and then gave them a treat. The smaller bell makes a low tinkling sound -- just enough for me to figure out where Daisy is in the woods. I'd try a smaller bell, put it on your Berner, let it jangle, cheer, give your Berner a treat and immediately remove the collar and bell. Do this several times extending the time the collar/bell is worn. I'm sure the Berner-L pros will have some good ideas. Good luck! Maria Crifasi Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
Re: bell question
My Winston used to love to wear his Swiss bell. When he was a puppy, I got a tiny wedding bell and put it on his collar just for fun. It didn't phase him at all and he wore it all the time on his collar. When I was at the Specialty in Wisconsin, I bought a beautiful, melodic Swiss bell for him and he always wore it when he pulled his cart for fun or in parades. It never seemed to bother him - in fact, he got excited when he heard it ring. The Public Safety people called this week to see if I would please bring Winston to the Antique Car Show that is being held in the main street area of Mt. Lebanon this weekend and also to the 4th of July celebration in the park.Last year he gave cart rides to the little kids during those events and was a huge hit!!! They felt so badly when we told them that he had died from malignant histiocytosis in January. I know that he would have had a good time this weekend and also on the 4th of July in the park. Bill told them that in a few years, we would continue the tradition with Nicky. I guess I better start getting him used to wearing a tiny bell. Joye Neff and Nick (just turned six months old today) (and Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA --On Wednesday, June 25, 2003 2:06 PM -0400 Maria Crifasi [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:r Hi Linda, Both my Berners (Daisy and Buddy) are used to noises since I made it a habit to drop objects, etc. during their puppyhood. I bought two bells (small and medium) from the Care-A-Lot Pets catalog. They are not as loud as the Swiss bells. I think I could have hung the Liberty Bell from their collar and they would not have hesitated because they love to go for walks. I remember them looking at me with confusion when the bells first jangled but I just clapped, jumped up and down and then gave them a treat. The smaller bell makes a low tinkling sound -- just enough for me to figure out where Daisy is in the woods. I'd try a smaller bell, put it on your Berner, let it jangle, cheer, give your Berner a treat and immediately remove the collar and bell. Do this several times extending the time the collar/bell is worn. I'm sure the Berner-L pros will have some good ideas. Good luck! Maria Crifasi Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
Re: bell question
Between name tags, Home Again chip id tag (you just never can be too careful) and rabies tag, I don't need bells on my babes, the jingle wherever they go. I like the idea of a bell though, give the squirrels a fighting chance (as if they need it, they sit in the trees and laugh at Clyde as it is, although he thinks he's hiding from them - big black dug in the middle of a little tree or bush - it's quite the sight!!). Regards Mandy Lionheart's Clyde v Pioneer BARC's Caledonian Princess
re: need help on a question
if anyone is interested, i got 17 answers to my little survey. thanks to all who responded. people came from all over the united states, plus one in england a few in canada. just over half had owned a purebred dog of another breed before. the time it took to get a puppy ranged from 1 day to 2 years. the average was just over 6 months. thanks again to everyone who helped to make my information for people looking for berners more accurate. lisa baldwin (dickens, bark zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Puppy Weight Gain Question
Hi Eve, Some young Berners are light in weight and this is better than weighing too much:-) So long as he has been treated for worms and his activity levels are good then I wouldn't worry. Some lines mature quicker than others but if you know the parents were slow to mature then you must be patient, I currently have one of my stud dogs visiting who was quite geeky as a youngster so much so that a neighbour advised me not to show him. Well when he was two years old he finished his championship very quickly over some very nice dogs and while still more leaner than some at that time he has now blossomed into 106lbs at four years old with his ribs easily felt. I currently have a young male who will be two years old next month weighing in at only 80lbs. He still looks like a gawky teenager but his parents are solid dogs and his father's side was slow to mature and his mother as a young bitch weighed 75lbs now as a six year old she weighs 93lbs and no blubber on her. This breed should mature slowly and reach their best after four years, I have a fit when I read of young dogs weighing their adult weight three years before they typically should. I also watch the weight of the oldies, one has to balance out activity with diet and not load aging joints with unnecessary fat. Enjoy your young lad, Rose T.
Re: Puppy Weight Gain Question
- Original Message - From: eve berman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Anyone have any thoughts or specific concerns we should be looking for? We don't need a giant behemoth of a Berner but do not want to starve our little guy or miss some condition that could otherwise be identified and corrected. They all grow in their own groove. I would not worry at all. They seem to go out and then up and out and then up. Mic grew like a house on fire until 8 months and crashed to a halt. He weighs at 4 yrs old about 10 lbs more than he did at 8 months; he always outweighed our Pyr, Lliira, by 10-15 pounds each equivalent month in their ages. They are now less than 6 lbs apart as adults. Nessie the Newfie was about 10 lbs heavier than Mic at each equivalent month until 8 months when he stopped and she kept going; now at 3 she outweighs him by 50 lbs! Mic is smaller than both his mother and father in weight. (105 and 120). Lliira is almost her dad's size and quite a bit bigger than mom. Nessie is just about exactly mom's weight and 30 lbs smaller than dad (as well she should be!). 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: 6.0.488 / Virus Database: 287 - Release Date: 6/5/2003
RE: PS: Neutersol - a question
Forwarded in plain text for Andrea: Hi Esther, I'm very curious why this product has NO published study on male kittens/cats. Also, I cannot find where FDA approved for neutersol's use on male cats/kittens. In shelters, cats are just as big an overpopulation problem as dogs, if not worse.So I'm very interested to learn why they chose dogs and omitted cats from both their study and from FDA's approval. I asked a Phd involved w/animal studies and he suggests that dogs are sometimes chosen because they will tolerate medications that cats will not. I have not thought much about the cat issue, but did think of a few things. I suspect that before the company did all the research and spent $$$ for the research and FDA process, they wanted to see if the concept would work on dogs and see if the shelters would embrace using the drug. I suspect that dogs initially were chosen because they can be much easier to handle for the people dealing with administering and following these dogs, dogs have larger testicles so easier to be able to feel for changes in the testicle and monitor for other reactions, semen collection was needed to verify sterility (never seen semen collected from a cat!), and I thought of another reason but now can't recall what it was. I did hear a vet lecturer at the vet conference this past January explain the cat/dog drug thing. Not only do cats metabolize a drug differently than dogs do, each cat metabolizes it differently from the next cat (I assume this means that most dogs metabolize the same drug the same way). This is one reason why it has been so very hard for drug companies to produce an effective pain reliever in cats. If the cats all metabolize it differently how can you figure out what dose would be effective and safe for what cat? Cheers, Andrea
Re: need help on a question
this is a little questionnaire for anyone who bought their first bernese puppy in the last 3 years. i'm just trying to get a better answer for folks i talk to on the phone about wait time. Hi Lisa, Well, my latest Monster Pup, Sim, was three and a half years ago and took a week! But by then I was well established with Berner Folk and people knew who I was! And knew Sunny was pining when Sam died, and went flat out to find me a pup! That was a miracle! My first puppy, Samson, took nine months. Didn't know anyone! Then, I got phone number for one of the top people here UK and had long talk. (Thanks again, Jude, now my friend!) She gave me a few numbers, and I got swung on top of a Breeder's List here because I was able to go down with my first adoptee Berner, Tinks, who I had mainly cared for over a long time and actual owner took us down and extolled my virtues and my Tinka was thirteen and looking good. Very shortly after, I brought Sam home! I get an enormous amount of mail in from potential Puppy Owners who find my Longlease Site. I always advise them to go to shows, join the groups and lists and get to know other Berner owners. Thankfully, most of the time, Berner Breeders are very discriminating! The waiting list for PPO's, hopefully, will stay long! Perhaps some people may say this is nepotism, but I feel that anyone who truly wants a Berner, not just as I must have one of those dogs, but really in love with the breed and understanding the commitment needed will take the time to get to know people in the Berner World. Hope this helps, All Love, Jean, Sunny, Sim, Barney and the Gang XXX http://bernese.biz
need help on a question
this is a little questionnaire for anyone who bought their first bernese puppy in the last 3 years. i'm just trying to get a better answer for folks i talk to on the phone about wait time. 1) what region of the country are you from? 2) have you ever purchased a purebred dog of another breed from a breeder before the berner? 3) approximately how long did you wait between getting on a breeder's waiting list getting a puppy? thanks in advance for all of your help. lisa baldwin (dickens, bark zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
question about lump
Hello List, we discovered a lump on Tatty's left side (from back) just in front of her hip close to the spine, from nothing in one day it was egg sized. Took her to the vet today and surgery is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. The vet said it felt like a . and its position between the skin and muscle also indicated this. However I didn't understand the . (due to it being in French) and I forgot to ask him to write it down so I could look it up. He said this is usually benign, but surgery was needed quickly due to the fast growth. It hasn't noticeably enlarged today and her behaviour is normal, touching the lump does not cause her pain. He said she was very young for it to be cancer (she is 11 months), but obviously this is our concern. Any info would be appreciated, though it will take a few days for me to reply as I can get mail fine, just can't send it out! Emma and Tatty in France
Potty Training Question
Hi Everyone, I have returned to the mailing list to ask a training question. We have installed a potty area in our backyard to get our 2 year old boy to use the same spot and eliminate him distroying the grass. It is made of timbers dug in the ground (5 x 7), filled with pea gravel to drain and topped with mulch. He does not raise his leg, but squats. I thought we would have no trouble because he does know the go potty command. He has refused to go here and will hold off urinating all day and into the night. I've felt bad and let him go in the grass eventually thinking his holding it could hurt him. My vet says a dog will go before he hurts himself. Any expert training ideas on how to get him to go there? We have dumped some of his own urine in the area and am keeping the event positive. He is one stubborn boy! Anyone else ever tried this? Can it be done? Thanks! Diane Hanson (Lucas)
Re: Hot Question
I also have a dog that likes hot sauce: His dad enjoys hot sauce on just about anything. As a pup, Tucker came over to investigate dad's food and tentatively licked at the plate. Because there was a big puddle of hot sauce where he was licking, we figured it would be a strong negative reinforcement for plate licking, so we let it happen. What followed had us both in stitches. Tucker licked the plate, made an awful face, scooted backward and barked at the hot sauce. Then he did it again. And again. And again. Every lick was followed by scooting away, a funny face, and the mad barking. He's just like my boyfriend - he fusses about how hot the hot sauce is, feels his mouth burn, gulps water, but then returns for more. I also had a rabbit that was an inveterate telephone cord chewer. I tried everything, including hot sauce, but she just licked it off the cables after it dried. She would actually sit there and lick the length of the cord for the longest time... Jen (I also have a cat who is addicted to pancakes. This little guy will lie in wait when he knows we are cooking them. The instant the plate of pancakes is on the table he appears out of nowhere, hooks one with his claws and runs off with his prize hanging from his mouth.) At 09:35 AM 01/04/2003 -0700, Lynne Robinson wrote: Well, that did not work either. In fact, it seems that one of the dogs has become quite addicted to Frank's and now will not eat his meals unless there is a few drops of hot sauce on them.
Hot Question
Does anyone know if hot sauce is harmful to dogs? I'm asking because that is the only way we can get one of our dogs to eat -- by putting Frank's hot sauce on his food! This particular dog developed the nasty habit of eating some of the other dogs' poop. We tried a number of things to break the habit. We tried various additives to food (from meat tenderizer to licorice). We have tried to keep the yard scooped, but with 10 dogs there is always a poop hiding in the bushes somewhere. So, we resorted to the brilliant idea of pouring a glug or two of hot sauce (we prefer the brand Frank's) on top of fresh poops, assuming that anyone (anydog) who ate them would get burned and be taught not to eat poop. Well, that did not work either. In fact, it seems that one of the dogs has become quite addicted to Frank's and now will not eat his meals unless there is a few drops of hot sauce on them. Not only is this inconvenient, but we are starting to worry that hot sauce may have some undesirable side effects. So, does anyone know if hot sauce is harmful to dogs? Thanks, Rick Robinson
Appenzeller question and the plane facts about 700 Vari Kennels
Have your veterinarian check for luxated patellas right away; can usually be felt by palpation and owner observation of the dog (this regards the Appenzeller question). Now for the 700 Vari Kennel issue; not all planes have cargo doors big enough to get them into the plane; I found this out the hard way ten years ago so check with your airlines first as to the kind of plane that will be used for your intended flight. Lisa Allen _ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
Re: Appenzeller question
Hello there, Has your vet checked your dog for slipping patellas (Patellar Luxation)? At times in affected dogs the knee cap can shift to on side and cause temporary lameness - the dog then stretches the leg and the knee cap slips back into place and all is well again. The knee cap is kept in place with the help of a notch or groove where it sits. Sometimes the notch/groove is not the correct shape (often shallow) and allows the knee cap to slip (medial or lateral luxation). This is not an uncommon problem especially in smaller dogs such as Jack Russell Terriers. Your vet should be able to palpate the knee cap to determine if this may be the cause of your dogs temporary lameness. Bernerly, Angela Wagenblast Wagenblast Kennels Caledonia, Ont. about twice or three times a week, my pup suddenly starts hobbling around with his right hind leg off the ground ... as if it were injured. But this only lasts a couple of minutes, sometimes even less than a minute. Then all of a sudden, he's playing and running around as usual.
puppy training question
One thing that can help with the jumping behavior, is to teach sit, and down. Also, shake hands etc. The more behaviors that the puppy can be told to do, the better. And, if you are sitting, you can't be jumping etc. Also, go down to puppies level. Puppies jump up to gain attention. If you are at the level of the puppy, they do not need to jump up to you. For the biting, continue to offer them a legal thing to chew on. When they bite you, simply, calmly say no, and then give them something that they can chew. This will go away with time. You don't find adult dogs biting there owners! So, it is a self limiting behavior, but you may not want him/her to continue to bit for months! Be consistent. No puppy will learn anything overnight. They need A LOT of persistent reinforcement. You have to be patient. You are dealing with a baby. Don't expect over-night results. And, take LOTS of pictures! They don't stay little long enough :) Kris Clark and Kris Osojnicki and the Bevy of mostly Berners Haley, Mara, Lexi, Cassie Niko ( Pearle the Border Collie) Chalet Tiki (both in loving memory) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: nice question--how to make your dog throw up!
Lucky Aeryn just got to be on the receiving end of the hydrogen peroxide. I got home from work tonight and 'Ryn was outside in the dog pen -- didn't even rush to the gate to greet me. Hmmm, what's she doing? I guess when my Dad put out the bag of kitchen garbage he set it on top of instead of in the garbage can. I got home in time to find the darling girl polishing off the last of the garbage. Included in said garbage where chicken wing bones, a big sheet of aluminum foil with salmon skin stuck to it, tea bags, kleenex, paper towels etc. etc. Well there were only a few tiny pieces of the aluminum foil left, some scraps of the plastic bag, and 1 tea bag. I couldn't imagine letting her try and pass all that heavy duty foil, let alone the chicken bones, so out came the dreaded H2O2. Poor girly, I always hate doing that to her -- the disgusted look on her face! But up it all came, along with a couple of things I didn't know about (seems she'd been helping to clean up a couple piles of dog poop .. YUCK!!!) All's well that ends well, the garbage is now appropriately disposed of, Aeryn has forgiven me, and was quite adament that she did indeed feel like having her supper! sue(Aeryn with Devyn Rowyn -- good thing the boys were inside at the time or i would have been cleaning up barf from 3 instead of 1!
nice question--how to make your dog throw up!
hi everyone, i have a question, we were all out hiking today and my boy mutt suddenly comes over gagging and choking a little, then ate a lot of grass all the way back--and drank water but cannot throw up, and i know he wants to--he's still gagging a little! i think he got something up his nose or stuck in his throat. a big bunch of grass is waiting to come out somewhere! is there a way i can help him throw up? thank you! danielle
Re: nice question--how to make your dog throw up!
I used a mixture of peroxide and water before, something like a teaspoon of peroxide to a cup of water, wait 5 minutes and there it goes. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2003 3:04 PM Subject: nice question--how to make your dog throw up! hi everyone, i have a question, we were all out hiking today and my boy mutt suddenly comes over gagging and choking a little, then ate a lot of grass all the way back--and drank water but cannot throw up, and i know he wants to--he's still gagging a little! i think he got something up his nose or stuck in his throat. a big bunch of grass is waiting to come out somewhere! is there a way i can help him throw up? thank you! danielle
Juvenile Cataract Question
Posted in plain text for Jackie, please respond directly to her: Can anyone give me information on juvenile cataracts? (I'm asking for a friend who has a 13 mo old Saint) I've checked the internet and also called my vet but wanted info from owners who have experienced this. Can it be corrected? Will the dog evantually go blind? What are the chances of it popping up in the other eye? Any thought/comments please... Jackie [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: lawn fertilizer question
I've been following this thread with interest. Now I see that Janice and I are of the same mind. Kill crab grass?! Not me. If it wasn't for the wild crab grass and quack grass I'd have no grass at all! jane the boys of iowa - Original Message - From: Janice Parky [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2003 8:52 PM Subject: Re: lawn fertilizer question Libby- I used the product from Garden's Alive that is made from corn gluten. It was supposed to feed the lawn and kill weeds, I think??? It was recommended to apply in the spring and again in the fall. I did the spring time application. My guy went NUTS eating the tiny granules off the lawn, which made me nuts. Natural or not, his obsessive snarffeling concerned me. That summer I had the best crop of dandelions ever. I did not reapply in the fall, because of Beau's snarffelingperhaps if I had, the next summer the lawn would have looked better. I have given up and gone for what we here on Cape Cod refer to as the Cape Cod Lawn. Dandelions and all. Janice Parky Cape Cod, MA
Re: lawn fertilizer question
In a message dated 3/8/2003 9:03:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: does anyone remember the name of the lawn fertilizer product that is made from, I think, corn? You can use corn gluten meal (available at feed stores) to keep down crab grass and other annual weeds that come up from seed. As it dissolves, the gluten coats seeds to keep them from sprouting but as far as I know, it doesn't feed the lawn in any way. The corn gluten meal comes as small pellets that you can spread with the same kind of spreader you'd use for lime or fertilizer. If I remember, it has to be reapplied every 30 or 60 days...do a web serach and I'm sure you'll find articles on the specifics of using it. Beware...some dogs love to snuffle it up from the grass, and of course...many dogs are allergic to corn. -Sherri V.
Re: lawn fertilizer question
Libby- I used the product from Garden's Alive that is made from corn gluten. It was supposed to feed the lawn and kill weeds, I think??? It was recommended to apply in the spring and again in the fall. I did the spring time application. My guy went NUTS eating the tiny granules off the lawn, which made me nuts. Natural or not, his obsessive snarffeling concerned me. That summer I had the best crop of dandelions ever. I did not reapply in the fall, because of Beau's snarffelingperhaps if I had, the next summer the lawn would have looked better. I have given up and gone for what we here on Cape Cod refer to as the Cape Cod Lawn. Dandelions and all. Janice Parky Cape Cod, MA
lawn fertilizer question
With all the snow still on the ground around here - including Thursday's fresh 3 inches it's crazy to be thinking about green grass, but does anyone remember the name of the lawn fertilizer product that is made from, I think, corn? that Stacey Goodman had told us about on the L probably 2 or 3 years ago?? If I have it right, you can put it into one of those little carts that you push around to distribute lawn care stuff onto the grass - it's not chemical, all natural? Ringing a bell for anyone? I'm not concerned about brown spots, just something to feed the lawn. Thanks. Libby Kesner and the Berner girls of Maine Voorheesville NY USA
Re: 2003 raffle question and upcoming fundraisers.....
Hi Susan, Hey Pat and Joye, will Berner folks not actually at the 2003 specialty have a chance to bid on some of the special raffle items and if sowhen do you think we can see them. I have a need to spend money * Although we will be posting some photos of the items for the 2003 Specialty Raffle on the Specalty website soon, the actual raffle will only take place at the Specialty and not on line. We do not ship items from the Specialty Raffle and the people who are there bring their items back with them. Last year, any items not claimed were donated to the fundraisers on the berner-l that I do. Of couse if you have a hankering to spend some money to support our berner causes and would like to try to win some very nice items at the same time, I'll be happy to tell you about the upcoming fundraisers on the berner-l that are open to all people, both on and off the L and their friends. I will be 'launching' a fundraiser on Tuesday. February 25th with two more of Willem's beautiful painings to raise money to fight malignant histiocytosis. Jean Cheesman is doing a tribute page to those Berners who lost the fight to malignant histiocytosis. If you have a berner who was diagnosed and died of the terrible cancer, please send a photo of your special Berner to Jean and give her some information for her website. We have some lovely tributes already but would like to honor all those berners on Jean's site. Here is her address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] After the Specialty, I will be doing the Fourth Annual Berner-Garde Fundraiser and I already have many lovely berner items for this fundraiser. Remember, I am still collecting items for the Specialty Raffle!!! Looking forward to raising a LOT of money to help our Berners in the months to comeso save your loose change and put aside some dollars so you can buy lots of tickets!!! Joye Neff 2003 Specialty Co-Chair with Pat Long Berner-l Fundraiser!
This is just a question
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED---* * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * *Mail Lists at Prairienet only accept PLAIN TEXT* * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Arthroscopic elbow surgery (was Fresh Factors question)
In a message dated 1/23/2003 7:21:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My Molly is continuing to recover from a right-side TPO and also faces arthroscopic elbow surgery fairly soon. Martha, Several people have asked about where to find surgeons skilled in doing elbow surgery arthroscopically. Can you fill us in on who you're planning to use and where they're located? -Sherri V.
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: Arthroscopic elbow surgery (was Fresh Factors question)
Hi, Sherri, Dr. Robert McCarthy at Tufts Veterinary School's Foster Small Animal Hospital will be doing Molly's arthroscopic elbow surgery. He also did her TPO. We are very pleased with the outcome of the first surgery and his diagnostic abilities and feel a great deal of confidence in his abilities. He cannot, of course, promise that arthroscopic surgery will correct ED. It doesn't. It is just the best shot we have at relieving her discomfort. She is scheduled for surgery on March 14th, and I will report further when we have some results to share. The problem for Molly with the ED is arising. Her elbows click noisily, and at times she looks like she is giving serious thought to whether it's worth getting up at all. Are there treats involved, for instance? (Are they trying to get me to go inside? But I like it better out here in the snow!) The ED and HD definitely created some obedience issues, since we can't be sure if she balks at the come command due to discomfort or just out of habit. I have to say that once Molly is up from the floor, she doesn't look like a crippled dog. She runs and plays and is a happy girl. I give a lot of credit to my husband, too, who took her walks in rehab very seriously. Thanks to Nancy Melone for giving us some recommendations in that area! Martha Hoverson and Molly (I love Fresh Factors! Very nummy!!) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Portland, Maine From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Arthroscopic elbow surgery (was Fresh Factors question) Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 06:06:17 EST In a message dated 1/23/2003 7:21:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My Molly is continuing to recover from a right-side TPO and also faces arthroscopic elbow surgery fairly soon. Martha, Several people have asked about where to find surgeons skilled in doing elbow surgery arthroscopically. Can you fill us in on who you're planning to use and where they're located? -Sherri V. _ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
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
Question about Dog Call Names
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. We adopted our Berner as rookies, and didn't know much about what to consider when registering her with AKC. 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. 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. Thanks, Cindy Bridger -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2003 10:01 PM To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List Subject: BERNER-L digest 4277 BERNER-L Digest 4277 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Skin Condition by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 2) Re: Dogs call names by Bruce and Faith Hopperstad [EMAIL PROTECTED] 3) Specialty Photo Contest by Kathleen A. Meier [EMAIL PROTECTED] 4) call names by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5) Re: Dogs call names by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 6) Blood donors... by Judith Van Nostrand [EMAIL PROTECTED] 7) Aeryn -- CD ! by Susan Wilkinson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 8) Aeryn CD p.s. by Susan Wilkinson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9) RE: Dogs call names by Laura Lopez Mendez [EMAIL PROTECTED] 10) Re: Dogs call names by Janice Parky [EMAIL PROTECTED] 11) Re: BERNER-L digest 4253 by George Diana [EMAIL PROTECTED] 12) Ravel's B'day!!! by Laura Lopez Mendez [EMAIL PROTECTED] 13) Re: Dogs call names by [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Question
Does anyone on this list have a copy of the last Owner-Handler Association of America newsletter, The Advocate? I am looking for the issue that Lisa spoke of with the article and statement on the Bernese people buying dogs at the auctions. Please email me privately if you have this article, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Terri Zimmerman, Zephyr, Zaltana, Zion, Kita Zodiac, gone from this earth but not from this heart. Washington State, USA Puget Sound with clouds, moss and lots of mud puddles.
RE: Blowing coat question
Hi Cheryl, Was Tanner recently neutered? Any surgery will cause a dog to blow coat regardless of weather. Usually dogs (altered or not) and spayed females will shed according to the season though many of us here in Ontario have seen our dogs start to shed and then stop with the severe fluctuations in the weather. I usually note the big shed between May and June and a lighter hair loss in the fall, the intact females blow coat 10 -12 weeks post heat and go virtually bald after a litter. Continual hair loss that is noted to be heavy should prompt an owner to check the thyroid on the dog. Rose -Original Message- From: Cheryl Otis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: January 31, 2003 11:08 AM To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List Subject: Blowing coat question Is there a general age for the first time an altered male will blow his coat and how long does it last? Tanner is just 10 months and has just about lost all the long hairs along the ridge of his back and all around his neck. The under coat is comming out from everywhere except his tail. He is really looks a mess, I can pull the hair our by the hand fulls but he is not dry, flakey or itchy. We have had a mild January here in the N.W. but our girl Tessa is not shedding out. Regards, Cheryl, Tessa and the Incredibly Shedding Tanner Portland, Or. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Blowing coat question
Is there a general age for the first time an altered male will blow his coat and how long does it last? Tanner is just 10 months and has just about lost all the long hairs along the ridge of his back and all around his neck. The under coat is comming out from everywhere except his tail. He is really looks a mess, I can pull the hair our by the hand fulls but he is not dry, flakey or itchy. We have had a mild January here in the N.W. but our girl Tessa is not shedding out. Regards, Cheryl, Tessa and the Incredibly Shedding Tanner Portland, Or. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Re: food aggression question
I gotta runto work, so will reply in more detail soon, but the first thing you need to do is order the book Mine! A Guide to Rescource Guarding in Dogs by Jean Donaldson PhD. It describes your dog to a T (and my foster-turned-permanant rescue Berner, Charm) and has an excellent desensitization (gradual counter conditioning) program that you will want to start working on ASAP. It is a positively based training program that does not use aversive methods (which could potentially worsen the aggression.) This is an inexpensive little easy to read paperback book, available from www.dogwise.com. 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: AKC registry question
In a message dated 1/28/2003 10:43:05 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: So, register Nola and go for it!! Thanks Janice for writing all the stuff I was going to! G PLEASE, do register your Berner puppy. You might think of it in terms of *why* you chose to buy a purebred. You paid all that money so that you'd have a good idea of what you would get, right? That benefit comes from pedigrees which are maintained in a *registry* so whether you plan to breed or show or not, it's important that your BMD be IN the registry. And, once your pup is registered...enter her in the Berner Garde database (http://www.bernergarde.org/) and update the record throughout her lifetime. For $15 and a couple of minutes to fill out the paperwork, there's no question in my mind... ALL BMDs eligible for registeration with the AKC should be. It's a part of our future. -Sherri Venditti
Question about overhead trolleys
Hello, I just wanted to know if anyone has used the heavy duty overhead trolleys for their berner and if they worked. My husband and I set it up for our 60lb. std. poodle and he broke it after two days. So we went to the hundred foot heavy one. I wanted to find out if anyone has experience in putting these up and if it is supposed to be super tight or if it is supposed to have a slight dip in it. As I figured the last time we put one up we must have had it to tight or something. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Also, in case anyone was wondering we plan on fencing the yard in the spring this is just spare room for visiting dogs and to let them run more. My berner is 100lb female and the other dogs that would use it are about 50-70lbs. Thanks for your help! Mrs. Williams And the Zoo 1 rescue Berner 2std. poodles 1 cockapoo 7 cats - 3 ferrets a fish tank 2 guinea pigs and 45 show rabbits (flemish giants, dutch, and polish) - Original Message - From: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 1:01 AM Subject: BERNER-L digest 4247 BERNER-L Digest 4247 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Berner L cookies?...what are they? by Emma Goodall [EMAIL PROTECTED] 2) a test by Frances C Broome [EMAIL PROTECTED] 3) RE: how to transport a large, injured dog - ? by Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] 4) RE: berners small dogs by Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5) RE: Shy Berner? by Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] 6) Baby Steps for Stevie by Karen McFarlane [EMAIL PROTECTED] 7) Prayers Needed by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 8) Great learning oppty in MA by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9) Another BMD ad responded to by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 10) Stevie and BEHAF by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 11) FW: Stevie and BEHAF by Karen McFarlane [EMAIL PROTECTED] 12) Karen and Stevie by nbmws6 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 13) Prelim News!!! by Kim Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] 14) AKC registry question by Jim Mary Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] 15) gonna get bigger? by Jim Mary Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] 16) (no subject) by Nancy Pedersen [EMAIL PROTECTED] 17) Supported Entry - CVBMDC by Mary Shaver [EMAIL PROTECTED] 18) Re: Shy Berner? by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 19) Fwd: Amy's Results Response by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 20) Re: BERNER-L digest 4243 by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 21) fwd BY MISTAKE by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 22) berners small dogsthanks! by P J Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] 23) drug question by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 24) Re: AKC registry question by Janice Parky [EMAIL PROTECTED] 25) Re: BERNER-L digest 4228 by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 26) Norwegian by Coral and David Denis [EMAIL PROTECTED] 27) puppies experience their first snow - kind of long and a bit melodramatic by Mark Mohapp [EMAIL PROTECTED]
drug question - male incontinence
ORIGINAL POST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Could anyone share their experience with using Proin 50 with their male dogs? The drug name is . . . Phenylpropanolamine HCL 50 mg. I think. What is/was your situation with your male that perhaps caused the incontinence, and did it work, and if so what did the dog weigh and what was the dosage? Thanks a ton Patt Wiegand Patt, I have no experience with the drug you mentioned, but have had a small problem with male incontinence. Major was a much leakier puppy than our girl Maddie. While in much better control now at 18 months, I found through trial and error that Ester-C appears to cause the problem. No Ester-C, no incontinence; even a little Ester-C, and he will lose a little urine when overly excited. I'm not sure what you're experiencing, but I just thought I'd share this as I'd never seen anything posted about a connection with incontinence and Ester-C in dogs. I just happened to discover ths by accident when I ran out of Ester-C and he didn't have any for a couple of weeks, and had no more accidents. Perhaps there are other common supplements that have this effect? Vicky Whitney Bozeman, Montana _ The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
Re: AKC registry question
Hi, From a breeders perspective, if you don't register your puppy then in the eyes of the AKC and Bernergarde records the puppy is always on record as belonging to the breeder. The breeder then retains some responsibility for updating records with those registries. Sandie Hawkins
RE: drug question - male incontinence
Hi vicky, Urine incontinence is when the dog dribbles without stimulation or knowing about it. When a male is young and urinating frequently you need to check for UTIs and if necessary have a urine culture done. Low ranking dogs and bitches will partially urinate as a sign of submission to a senior ranking dog and their interpretation of a dominant person. Maturity in the intact male usually cures the problem. The effect of Vitamin C on the amount of urine passed will often be a result of giving too much. If a dog is making enough of his own or other aspects of his diet are providing plenty then he is simply urinating the excess. There is a big difference between a dog emptying his bladder multiple times and the leaks caused by an expression of the I'm lower on the totem pole than you that youngsters tend to make. As Major is fed BARF diet I would presume the fruits you feed provide him with enough Vitamin C without needing to add extra. My kibble fed dogs are given 500mgs of Vitamin C and never more, if I'm doing the fruit thing then they are not given any supplement. A good BARF diet does not need extra supplementation of Vitamin C. When you think that 375mgs is enough for a human who cannot make their own Vitamin C then 500mgs is more than enough for a dog that can. Rose -Original Message- From: Vicky Whitney [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: January 29, 2003 6:02 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: drug question - male incontinence ORIGINAL POST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Could anyone share their experience with using Proin 50 with their male dogs? The drug name is . . . Phenylpropanolamine HCL 50 mg. I think. What is/was your situation with your male that perhaps caused the incontinence, and did it work, and if so what did the dog weigh and what was the dosage? Thanks a ton Patt Wiegand Patt, I have no experience with the drug you mentioned, but have had a small problem with male incontinence. Major was a much leakier puppy than our girl Maddie. While in much better control now at 18 months, I found through trial and error that Ester-C appears to cause the problem. No Ester-C, no incontinence; even a little Ester-C, and he will lose a little urine when overly excited. I'm not sure what you're experiencing, but I just thought I'd share this as I'd never seen anything posted about a connection with incontinence and Ester-C in dogs. I just happened to discover ths by accident when I ran out of Ester-C and he didn't have any for a couple of weeks, and had no more accidents. Perhaps there are other common supplements that have this effect? Vicky Whitney Bozeman, Montana _ The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
drug question
Could anyone share their experience with using Proin 50 with their male dogs? The drug name is (here goes, trying to read the bottle, from someone waiting for their See Clearly eye exercise video to show up in the mail) Phenylpropanolamine HCL 50 mg. I think. What is/was your situation with your male that perhaps caused the incontinence, and did it work, and if so what did the dog weigh and what was the dosage? Thanks a ton Patt Wiegand A HREF=http://www.canterbury-tails.com;http://www.canterbury-tails.com/A
Re: AKC registry question
Mary, Jim and the Girls- I am sure there are many more owners and breeders out there who would have a more defined answer to your question, but here is my opinion. I am a pet owner of my second Berner. I believe that any dog, Berner or not, born to a responsible breeder, should be registered with the AKC. I would think that any responsible breeder would require their pups to be registered. Aside from showing on a professional level, you may find that Nola is a terrific obedience or agility dog and may want to pursue fun competition as opposed to conformation showing. I like to see what my dog enjoys. Okay, begging is NOT a competition. G I believe that all Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their genetic pre-dispositions and history should be OFA'd and/or PennHip'd, (hips and elbows), CERF'd and have Heart clearances. VonWillebrand's and DNA testing are not as important to me as a pet/non-breeding owner. I believe that every Bernese Mountain Dog should be registered with BernerGarde. I believe that the only way to save our breed from it's own genetic frailties is through the registering and disseminating of this information. I know this is probably more information than you asked for. My current Berner is a BARC dog, bred in Hungary. She was not eligible for an AKC registration, so I applied for and was given and ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege). She is high energy and we are doing agility classes. If she ever decides she wants to compete in agility, she can! She has been CERF'd, Heart checked and will be OFA'd and PennHip'd when she is two years old. Not because I need this information, but because the future of our breed depends on this information. So, register Nola and go for it!! Janice Parky and Halley, BARC's Comet Comes Home Can I get your opinions on how important is or not to have your dog AKC registered? What are the pros? We have the forms from Nola's breeder, but haven't sent them yet, now we're wondering if it's really that important. (we don't plan to breed. Or show on a professional level)
food aggression question
hi there! i need some help, please! i have a nine month old girl, hudson. she is obsessed with food, of course--nothing lasts for more than 5 minutes with her in this house! i leave bones out in my apartment all day for my three dogs and they have been fine sharing for all i know until this point. hudson is great with playing and meeting new dogs i general. but now she's started being extremely protective over her bones and food, no matter where she is. she won't try to steal another dog's treat or bone but if anyone comes near her wher food is or even has been but isn't anymore, she gets this really weird look on her face, raises her lips and has been known to growl or even snap. in my apartment, she has been will lift her lip and even growl at any new dog who comes near her bones--but she won't ever try to take them away from them if they have them first--only if they come next to her while she has them, which i thought was normal. but now, a few days ago, she and her older, more dominant 6 year-old sister were waiting for dinner, i was in the kitchen and i hear a noise, which was my older dog snapping at hudson, turn around and my older dog runs away like she did something wrong and hudson was all nervous, but i swear i bet hudson was lifting her lips at her which provoked my older dog to snap back. and the other night, in her 2nd home she's been at since she as a baby, she was there all night with her other 3 doggie sisters she's grown up with, but when we gave them treats, she finished hers and was laying down and her ridgeback sister stepped over her, not to even smell her but to get up on the couch and hudson snapped and stood up and grabbed her whole cheek in her mouth. didn't hurt her, but it shocked her sister so much that she cried. There was no food even there, just us eating and the memory of the treat that was there a few minutes ago. now tonight, we were in my apartment eating dinner and once in awhile handing out treats, again hudson finished hers and was laying down and her 5 year old brother walked by sort of just to sniff the air around her and she lifted her lips up completely almost like she didn't want to but did it anyway. then she did it again about twenty minutes later and he wasn't even doing anything and there was no food there. she got reprimanded for that because i actually saw it. knowing she was in trouble, she stayed out of their way for the rest of dinner and would not even look when they walked by. she is not stupid, but it's like she can't help doing it now for some reason. and she does this a lot in times where she thinks i'm not looking, and most of the times i don't even see, other people tell me. i do not want this behavior to get worse. she has been known to snap and not hurt, dogs who don't live with us, over her bones if they come into her vicinity, but now it's starting to be her own family and she seems to be becoming more of a jerk. she is babysat a lot by her 2nd family and i don't want them to have to worry when i'm not there. and it's a house where treats and bones are out constantly. she hasn't done anything like that before (grabbing her sister's cheek) and i don't think she'd hurt them but i wouldn't blame another dog for snapping right back at her and then what happens? and it annoys me that she does it to her own older brother and sister in their own home! any advice as to why and what may lessen this behavior? she is the sweetest dog with these same exact dogs when playing or anything else, but food is her weakness, i guess. and she doesn't care if they have them first, it's only when it seems she's guarding her space and food time. thanks in advance! danielle
lump question
I was petting Mocha (spayed, 2 yrs old) this morning and felt a lump on her torso. Actually it was just behind her front left leg, but underneath her - I guess that would still be considered her stomach area? It was right where the black and white fur meets. It's about an inch away from a nipple. Anyway, I've made an appointment for the vet today, but unfortunately the only one who was available seems to be very laid back about a lot of things, so I don't know if I'm going to trust his opinion. My question is, are there any things I can do to try to determine if it's a harmless lump or something more serious? It felt kind of hard, it's not discolored and there's nothing in the surface of the skin to indicate that there should be a lump there. She's been acting and eating normally. Thanks in advance for any advice!! Linda Mocha Latte Blacksburg VA
Re: lump question
In a message dated 1/22/2003 9:33:55 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My question is, are there any things I can do to try to determine if it's a harmless lump or something more serious? One option is to do a needle aspirate. The vet will use a needle and syringe to try to draw up a few cells from the lump. If successful, he can either send the slide off to a pathology lab for evaluation or he can take a look at it himself for any unusual cells. My vet usually does the basic cytology herself and lets me know whether there's anything suspicious or not. If there is, I either remove the lump and biopsy it or do a punch biopsydepending on her findings and the location. Usually she comes up with sebacious cyst type stuff or lipoma (fatty benign tumor). Some types of tumor can be proliferated by anything that disturbs their integrity, such as infiltration with a needle of punch...that's a risk I take rather than repeatedly knocking my dog out for full excision or ignoring the lump all together (the other two options). -Sherri Venditti
Re: lump question
In regards to my posting this morning about the lump I found on Mocha: I just got back from the vet. He found a oozy, crusty wound that was less than an inch away from the lump I had felt. So he thinks that the lump I found is just an irritated lymph node, that will get better when the wound heals. We walk in the woods a lot so I'm sure she was probably poked with a stick or something. I missed the wound because I didn't make Mocha lie down this morning so I could do a more thorough search when I found the other lump - she has hip dysplasia and I always seem to make her scream when I try to manipulate her legs to make her lie down. Since I had looked at this lump and saw that it clearly wasn't a wound I panicked and called the vet. But I'm glad I did, because even if I had seen the scrape this morning I would have wondered why this other lump was there. So hopefully that's it. If the vet's explanation doesn't make sense to anyone please let me know! But since I get swollen glands in my throat from other infections I thought it made sense. He also said it was too small to aspirate (only 2-3 mm across and he didn't think it was very deep) Anyway, thanks for those who e-mailed me and please let me know if the lymph node explanation doesn't seem reasonable! Thanks! Linda Mocha Latte Blacksburg VA
Re: colonitis update and meds reaction question
- Original Message - From: Carol Bailey [EMAIL PROTECTED] The meds Nika was given caused a major reaction. For my information, I'd like to know what medicines have caused allergic reactions in the dogs out there. If she is in need of other meds at a later time, we're definitely hesitant. Carol -- I'm glad your girl is improving! ANY medicine can have undesirable effects. For instance, I have had penicillin products used on most of my animals at one time or another. My good show mare, Moonlight, stepped on a nail last spring and punctured her hoof. We put her on procaine penicillin, something I had used with other horses on many occasions over my years with my own horses or horses in the barns I worked with. Well, she had an allergic reaction which was truly horrible (think, horse collapsed in field, unable to ride, entire neck and chest inflamed and swollen). So, we use SMZs on her now when we need an antibiotic. However, I used up the rest of the procaine penicillin on another of my horses a few months later with the good results we hope for from such antibiotics. Best wishes for continued return to health for your girl. 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: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 1/10/2003
colonitis update and meds reaction question
Nika is doing ever so much better. She's eating. Swelling's gone. Her energy is returning. The meds Nika was given caused a major reaction. For my information, I'd like to know what medicines have caused allergic reactions in the dogs out there. If she is in need of other meds at a later time, we're definitely hesitant. Carol Bailey
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
Question about chew bones for berners
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED---* * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * *Mail Lists at Prairienet only accept PLAIN TEXT* * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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
question about xrays
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED---* * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * *Mail Lists at Prairienet only accept PLAIN TEXT* * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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: exercise and teenagers QUESTION
this is a really interesting topic. i have a question--does anyone out there have an intact male or female for reasons OTHER than to show or breed because i would be really interested in knowing other reasons there could be for not doing it since so many other (health or otherwise) problems seem to arise from having the intact dogs...just a question...this coming from the owner of three dogs, one bernese and two pound dogs, one great shepherd girl and my adorable macho neutered boy dog who DESPISES unneutered boys and can smell them a mile away--i always know before we even get to the dog when we go out hiking or the park or whatever and he gets that weird high step with his tail up and a low growl...i've finally gotten to the point where i can handle this behavior but thank goodness most people out there tend to spay/neuter their dogs before they bring them out to public areas like this because i've also noticed my annoying boy is not the only dog who feels the need to show off when intact males are around. i've witnessed many many fights...this is another reason why i will never get another boy dog! i love him to death and he is my baby but i think i prefer girls from now on. anyway, thanks for listening... danielle hudson
Re: exercise and teenagers QUESTION
My first Berner was a male who his first year of life was very very sick. At 4 mos he suffered from pancreatitis, parvo, had exploratory surgery, followed by kennel cough and pneumonia and generalized demodetic mange. By the time he was a year old he was just starting to shine as far as his health went and I chose not to neuter him as he had been through so much. He had a very very very low libido so was no problem with the girls. As to male aggression, I have had up to 3 intact Berner males in my home and my boys have never shown signs of aggression. I took care with them if a girl was in season but other than that they were good with each other. I have also had other Berner boys here to visit and taken mine out and while they may not seek out the company of other males I have not seen the boys misbehave. Maybe it's been luck, I'm always watchful. Now the girls on the other hand is a whole other story. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Mon, 06 Jan 2003 19:27:44 -0500 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: this is a really interesting topic. i have a question--does anyone out there have an intact male or female for reasons OTHER than to show or breed because i would be really interested in knowing other reasons there could be for not doing it since so many other (health or otherwise) problems seem to arise from having the intact dogs...just a question...this coming from the owner of three dogs, one bernese and two pound dogs, one great shepherd girl and my adorable macho neutered boy dog who DESPISES unneutered boys and can smell them a mile away--i always know before we even get to the dog when we go out hiking or the park or whatever and he gets that weird high step with his tail up and a low growl...i've finally gotten to the point where i can handle this behavior but thank goodness most people out there tend to spay/neuter their dogs before they bring them out to public areas like this because i've also noticed my annoying boy is not the only dog who feels the need to show off when intact males are around. i've witnessed many many fights...this is another reason why i will never get another boy dog! i love him to death and he is my baby but i think i prefer girls from now on. anyway, thanks for listening... danielle hudson
Re: Teeth question
In a message dated 1/1/2003 7:12:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It seems like my berner girl has cavities, little brown holes, in her teeth. Most likely this is tooth wear as cavaties are very uncommon in dogs. The enamel layer on dogs teeth is pretty thin and takes a lot of abuse so it's not unusual for the dentin underneath to show...that's the brownish area you see. I wouldn't worry about it unless your dog is showing any sign of discomfort or you see swelling along the jaw or under the eye. The dental devil you DO want to avoid is plague and tarter. Gingiveitis is just as bad for dogs as it is for people, it can lead to problems ranging from bad breathe to infection of the heart and kidneys. -Sherri Venditti
RE: raw meat bones question
Hi Sherri, I should add that there is a possibility of a dog torsioning the stomach if allowed to drink a large volume of cold water especially when overheated. I always provide tepid water for my dogs to drink and monitor that they do not drink obsessively after exertion which includes bone chewing. Rose
Re: dremel question
- Original Message - From: Andrea Brin [EMAIL PROTECTED] woofit and chi now have a dremel. it is cordless and has two speeds. it comes with a collet on it and some accessories. can you use the collet alone? what should we ideally use for their nails. this is a lot more complicated than i thought it would be. their groomer just grinds! thanks andrea, woofit and chi RESPONSE: Andrea and others interested in using a dremel on your dogs' nails, go to http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merenski/doberdawn/index.html A friend who wanted me to show her how to dremel her dog's nails happened on this website, and it has everything you ever wanted to know about why, how, and when to do this. She gives some excellent advice on how to start doing this -- which I wish I had known about before I started doing my dogs. After my big blowup with Major a couple of months ago over dremeling his nails, I've taken the advice of several people on this list and Major and I have come to a good compromise. He allows me to do two nails a night, 2 or 3 times a week, without a problem. I wanted to do four, he wanted me to do NONE, I promised more treats, and he agreed to two. And he's been a very good boy about it, tolerating it quietly without fighting. He does quickly remind me if I try to sneak in a third, so I think this is going to be our routine. I do like my rechargeable battery-operated dremel, as it is much quieter than the electric models, and very convenient to use. Vicky Whitney Bozeman, Montana
Teeth question
It seems like my berner girl has cavities, little brown holes, in her teeth. My question is, are they bothered by that? She seems to eat fine, no problems there and also chewing bones doesn't seem to be a problem. Can that be fixed? Does anyone have any experience with that who can tell me what the procedure could be? Thanks, Judith Johnson Kennesaw, GA Owned by 'the girls' April, Claudia, Puck, Hailey, Angel, Kyra and Daisy
lump question
Hi All. I have a Berner boy who is almost two. He has severe hip and elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia started showing signs at 5 months, he was operated on at 10 months, and hips started showing signs at 13 months. He is very happy and seems to have a good quality of life on Chondroitin/Glucosamine, Dismutase, ester-C, and Rimadyl as needed (we are monitoring liver enzymes-no problems). I was petting him this am and noticed a pea sized lump, freely movable in the skin over the rib cage. It is firm and smooth and does not appear to be painful. He also vomited in the am last week, nothing but some pale yellow slimy stuff and did the same thing this am. He does not seem to be ill and wants to eat. I am holding off until the pm, which is what I did last week and he was starving when I fed him. He ate his food (California Natural) and was fine. Does this scenario sound like something that needs to be investigated? Thanks! Karen in MI with Zeus and Titan
Re: lump question
I would take him to see the vet and have it looked at and see what your vet recommendsand if it doesnt go away in a few weeks, then definitely have him/her biospy or aspirate it. My dogs have had lots of lumps and bumps biopsied. Once I took Java in for a pimple. The vet popped his zit and we went on our merry way. Then 2 1/2 yrs ago what I thought was nothing turned out to be his mast cell cancer. (He had surgery and radiation treatments and is fine today.) Vilma Briggs 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: dremel question
Thanks Teresa That was a great web site! I've been thinking about using a dremel but wasn't sure how to do it! Stephanie Heeter and Brina - Original Message - From: Teresa Dominguez [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Berner-L [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2002 11:11 AM Subject: Re: dremel question Use the sanding bands, kinda like an emery board .. the grinding stones get too hot and use the low speed. Here is a great site on dremeling dog nails, great detail with pictures. http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merenski/doberdawn/dremel/dremel.html Teresa, Patriot and Romeo - Original Message - From: Andrea Brin [EMAIL PROTECTED] woofit and chi now have a dremel. it is cordless and has two speeds. it comes with a collet on it and some accessories. can you use the collet alone? what should we ideally use for their nails. this is a lot more complicated than i thought it would be. their groomer just grinds!
Health question on tests
Hi, I am in the middle of researching/refreshing my knowledge of the important health requirements to look for when searching for a new puppy. It has been 5 years since we last contacted breeders and I know to look for certifications on hips, elbows, and eyes. But I have a couple of questions on the eyes, heart and thyroid tests. 1) If eyes have been deemed clear, what does this meanclear for what? Does the test have to be performed yearly to be valid? I'm sorry if this is a naive questionI remember there was a disease involving the eyelids (is this PRA?), but I don't understand what the test checks for and how often it should be repeated. 2) Why are the heart and thyroid tested? I noticed that the Breeder Checklist I pulled off one website suggests testing the dam. Why not test both the sire and dam? What abnormalities is the test looking for? In this day and age, if the hips tested good and the elbows test normal, is this pretty good? I guess excellent would be better, but how rigid should one be for a pet quality puppy? My family is looking for a nice pet, with the best chance for a longer, healthy life. I know this breed has health issuesthat doesn't scare us. But we are not looking to breed, and I was thinking maybe good hips and elbows are good enough for us. Do you agree? Thank you for your comments and advice. I can be emailed at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kim Touzeau [EMAIL PROTECTED]
raw meat bones question
hi there everyone! i know it's been a topic of discussion, but just to cut through any confusion, i was wondering which raw meat bones from the supermarket i could buy and safely leave my 8 month old puppy alone with? i already know that the marrow bones, the small ones, are pretty much unbreakable, but they don't have so much meat on them--so any other choices? the beef ribs? and i want to be able to hopefully buy them from my supermarket. i just want to be able to keep her occupied in her crate for awhile when i leave...and she eats ANYTHING and as fast as she can unlike my other two dogs...so i need to be very careful. thank you! danielle
