As you know, Moses, nine years young, has bone cancer; he is gloriously
happy and completely mobile ten months post amputation and seven months post
chemotherapy. Xrays thus far, done every three or four months, show that he
is in remission, thank God.
Ascertain that your dogs' doctors have che
Tomorrow, I'm gonna be nine years old and so's my sister, Tory "Cottle" of
Rhode Island. Not only did Sis send me a lovelee card but, guess what I
gots in the mail today! My breeder, she's the bestest, sent me a birfday
cake. My human, "Lisa," has already taken several photos of it for our
c
Based on notes taken at the Ann Witte herding seminar:
A strong eyed dog (think Border Collie) stares, lowers his head, and moves
close to the stock.
A loose eyed dog moves with his head up, is outgoing, and is aware of
everything (think Swiss). 8/1-8/3
Herding is moving stock along a line of tr
Jorda's mast cell tumor was located, to the best of my recollection, on the
same spot on which the Hartung's Berner's tumor was discovered. I do not
recall the grade of Jorda's tumor. It appeared when she was four years old,
in 1990.
Treatment was, initially, surgical removal. My dogs' veteri
Got back from a herding clinic, 3 days, in rural New York state today. The
instructor is very experienced with the style of herding done by the Swiss
breeds. There were Bernese there, some participating. I took copious notes
and about 200 photos. A couple of Entles participated as well. My
Regarding the breeding discussion:
With so many Bernese dying before the age of seven
With so many Bernese dying of cancer
With so many Bernese with fragile immune systems
With so many Bernese with questionable orthopedics
With too many Bernese still shy
With good health/care the birthright of any
Regarding the pup who barks in his crate in the early morning:
I would like to suggest that you remove the pup from the crate, and take him
out quickly for a no-nonsense kind of potty trip. Then, put him in bed with
you and cuddle him until he is sleepy again, or pull some bedding on the
floor
I can only speak from experience with two types of canine cancer, of course,
bone cancer and synovial cell sarcoma.
Yoda's synovial cell sarcoma in a front leg required "only" amputation and
no chemo. We consulted quite extensively with Dr. Withrow and had him and
his pathologist review all of
The standard treatment for bone cancer in dogs is amputation to rid the dog
of the primary tumor and then chemo. to rid the dog's body of the
microscopic bits of cancer remaining in the body. Osteosarcoma is a very
aggressive cancer and Moses' oncology team got right to work shortly after
his
Moses underwent chemotherapy for osteosarcoma; that and amputation almost
immediately after diagnosis have kept him in remission and he is doing
extraordinarily well.
His first three chemotherapy treatments consisted of adriamycin and
cisplatin (excuse spellings) and his fourth treatment consist
I would suggest a visit to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon for evaluation.
One of my four Berners, since 1983, had elbow dysplasia in both elbows and
one had it in one elbow. A male will often show signs early in life. We
are fortunate to have some excellent and trusted orthopedic doctors her
To the best of my recollection, someone posted that health insurance should
be purchased for a Berner for at least the first two years. I would
disagree with this. Cancer does not generally seem to occur in this breed
that early. Buy coverage for the dog's entire life. For example, Moses'
c
When my sweet and sensitive Berner, Jorda, was four years old, a mast cell
tumor was removed from her foot. Our regular veterinarian removed it; he is
a skilled and talented surgeon who has tremedous experience with many
Bernese and has been doctor to my dogs since 1983. I do not know the grad
I am curious as to how many francs are equal to how many USA dollars; in
other words, how you convert.
Second, an idea for a shirt:
one that displays three or four of the most important websites or phone
numbers for people to secure information regarding Berners.
Lisa Allen
_
Funny the things we remember.
I was in my teens and visiting my grandparents in Miami Beach, Florida.
Animal lover that I am, I decided to stroll along the beach and feed the
birds.
Either they were starving or did not care for the brand of biscuits that I
brought, because, the very second the ba
I am struck by how many people are immediately drawn to Moses during our
walks. I take the dogs on errands with me, weather permitting, and walk
them on leash around the area stores, post office, etc.
Moses is, within seconds it seems, surrounded by a crowd and he shakes hands
with his fans and
I just re-read my post and when I wrote the creation of 2000 pups, I meant
2000 a year.
Lisa Allen
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We do not know if the AKC would accept radical, as most would see it, moves
on the behalf of the Berner breed unless we ask them. I refer to the
Chinook program and the Leonberg program. One of the reasons that I
continue to mention them is because I hope that one day, one or more of the
infl
Hope springs eternal but there are times when I wonder if this breed can be
saved; everyday delayed is important time lost. There are radical
approaches that could be taken such as adopting "rules" that would make
those of the Leonberg club or the most strict European countries seem
"lenient."
Berners have been a part of my family for twenty years and when I leave the
house without them, and I take them just about everywhere with me, weather
permitting, they are "confined" in a special, large area of the house which
has been dog-proofed to perfection; their favorite toys and treats ar
My first Berner, Daphane, bred by Eileen Brouck and Charles Kolenik, lived
to the age of ten years four months. My second Berner, bred by Eileen,
lived to the age of thirteen years two weeks two days; she was diagnosed
with large cell lymphoblastic lymphosarcoma in the last few weeks of her
li
Thank you to everyone who has written to me lovely notes about Moses'
continued, thank God, good health.
As you know, Moses has been treated for bone cancer using the combination
which is most successful, amputation and chemotherapy and he was just Xrayed
for the second time since treatment was
Moses second post bone cancer treatment (amputation and chemotherapy) Xrays
are clear!
Nothing in the lungs! Amputation was last November and chemo. finished in
February, 2003.
What a relief! Xrays in February, May (every three months).
Lisa Allen
___
When my younger dog was given a Greenie as a graduation gift from puppy
class, she promptly buried it.
Moses, on the other hand, was lying on the rug in the front room of the
training center, where all the merchandise and goodies are displayed. I was
right next to him. Suddenly, he gets up, st
A family in New York City seeks to place their three years old, spayed
female, likely Appenzeller-mix into a new home. When they adopted Lucy,
they lived in Georgia. They are very fond of her but feel an environment
which provides the stimulation and opportunities for activity suitable for
an
What the breeder of my first two Berners told me still rings true. These
were both girls. She said that in the Bernese breed, the girls and the boys
BOTH make admirable pets. She was correct. The only slight, and I do
emphasize slight difference, just perhaps, is that I perceive the boys to
Also, another "rule" to which I subscribe is to never, to the best of my
recollection, administer medications, treatments, supplements to my dogs
without consulting, first, with my dogs' veterinarians or, in an emergency,
with whatever veterinarian is handling the case.
For example, Moses, hopef
I would strongly suggest that before anyone considers various supplements,
treatments, therapies, diets for lameness, Xrays and perhaps various other
diagnostic tests be done. There are so many things that can cause lamemess,
such as, but not limited to, dysplasia, autoimmune disease, and bone c
Moses spent most of the day at the Cottle residence in Jamestown, Rhode
Island, where his litter sister, Tory, lives. Piber, Moses, and I went
there to attend a Bernese club draft work clinic, with Piber participating
and pulling her tiny plastic kiddy wagon. Moses was permitted free access
t
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
Moses was treated with Adriamycin and Cisplatin for his first three chemos
for bone cancer and Adriamycin and Carboplatin for his fourth.
Stat blood work and urinalysis were done before each chemo treatment.
Fourth urine test revealed lower specific gravity that they like to see
which is why carb
Today Moses had his second "official" post amputation, chemo (osteosarcoma)
check-up by his specialist at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.
The doctor is less inclined to feel that there is cancer in the spine since
Moses has improved and is more readily and easily ambulatory. So, we
If, as a result of your post or any calls you have made around your area,
someone offers you a show pup, from healthy lines, tomorrow, be very
suspicious. There are brokers and backyard breeders who are now involved
with Bernese who would be delighted to "guide" you and tell you whatever you
w
It is no secret that the Bernese Mountain Dog is not the world's healthiest
breed. There has been discussion as to whether any lines are free from
cancer. In addition, immune systems appear to not be terribly strong.
These are just a couple of the problems with which the breed is plagued,
ev
Years from now, when you have at last obtained that Bernese that is winning
in the show ring, performing well in working events, and, too, possesses an
admirable temperament, you will want to also ask your mentor(s), and those
with decades of experience as breeders to evaluate your dog. Let us
After twenty years of involvement in the breed, I have formed opinions
regarding what I feel should be "required" to become a conscientious breeder
of Bernese. It is my hope that, especially, our fine breeders
will contribute to this thread.
Since just about anyone can become a dog breeder, I sh
Four or five years ago, t'was time to "give back" the ol' Ford 150 Econoline
Van and lease another vehicle. So, I gave it a cleaning, sweeping,
vacuuming that put all others to shame.
Several days later, I had to stop by the dealership for something or other
and was talking to the fellows in th
I am pleased with the recent performance of my Ford Windstar as it has
gotten me safely back and forth to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital and,
during the storm when 100 cars were piled up on 95 in the Attleboro, MA
area, it got me through blinding snow, around the pile-up via a detour, and
home
Someone wrote to the list requesting information about leg injuries with
mention that the dog in question had suffered from several.
If your dog injures his or her leg, I would suggest that first you take the
dog to your regular veterinarian; if he or she thinks that the services of a
specialist
My Berner, Jorda, had a mast cell tumor surgically removed at age four
years. She lived an additional nine years. I credit the work of my dogs'
veterinarian, who is a skilled surgeon.
Lisa Allen
Blessed with Jorda, Olympians Helen of Troy CD DD from 1986 to 1999!
If someone treats you rudely, look elsewhere. I say this because, if I
approach someone with good intentions and address him or her politely and
with respect and this person treats me with contempt, I attribute the
problem to this person and move on, with the knowledge that there are
"plenty o
I experience some of my very most profound insights when I am falling asleep
at night. Thus, it did not surprise me to find myself contemplating the
recently discussed subject, "Bernerfur," as my eyelids grew heavy last
evening.
Bernerfur, I believe, has a life of its own. Much as we do with o
Today Moses had his first "official" post-chemotherapy-amputation (bone
cancer) appointment at Boston's Angell Memorial Animal Hospital.
This was a regular, scheduled appointment with his internal medicine
specialist for an examination and plans for future cancer care/treatment.
Moses recently
Or, as the local Berner club likes to say, they shed once, for 365 days.
I don't mind pet hair at all. I probably wouldn't know how to breathe in
air without it!
The breeder of my first two Bernese told me, 20 years ago, that she cannot
even slice open a baked potato without finding dog hair in
As you have noticed, I do not mince words where the welfare of the Bernese
Mountain Dog is concerned because I do not feel I am serving the breed by
being any less than completely honest, as my mind dictates.
What I had hoped to state was that this breed has some very serious health
problems and
Kenny and others,
If price is a profound consideration in your decision to adopt a Berner,
then perhaps more thought on the matter is in order. It is known, in this
breed, that the purchase price can be a mere "drop in the bucket" compared
to the price of tending to an unwell Berner. By all me
I think that recently a Berner owner wrote to this list about her dog,
"Oberon" and that she felt she could or would not "recover" from his
passing. I just want to state that I can empathize with you;
Yoda(1992-2002) passed away from cancer a year ago and I still ache more
deeply than most can
Yes, they shed, big-time; prepare to find fur in places you never even
considered. The shedding does not bother me at all but I realize it is an
issue for some people.
I notice you did not ask about health issues in the breed. Perhaps you are
already well-educated in this regard?
Lisa Allen
The breeder of my first two Berners and I have always agreed on everything
but not so with me and the breeders of my third and 4th Berners; I realize
that it is human nature not to agree with everyone, even a parent, sibling,
or spouse 100% of the time. I let all my dogs' breeders know via gift
I was more than a wee (pun intended) bit relieved when Moses urinated in the
parking lot of the veterinary clinic. This is because we were not only
there to fetch a new medication but also so Moses could be catheterized. It
had been felt that his spondylosis had caused such a shift in his bala
Moses just walked across the room without my help! Bravo!
Lisa Allen
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Moses had extensive radiographs done of his spine and pelvis today. Though
this is the most "crude" way to detect bone cancer spread (remember, he is
not at Boston's Angell Memorial Animal Hospital right now), there are no
black spots on the spine, no erosion?, the bone does not have an "eaten"
Moses' veterinarian and his internal medicine doctor at Angell feel that
there is a strong possibility that Moses' osteosarcoma has returned, to his
spine. Plain radiographs at Angell do not demonstrate this but they are
"crude" as a diagnostic tool for such.
A myelogram, bone scan, CT scan wou
Moses continued to decompensate throughout the afternoon. He finally
defecated but could not make it outside to do so; no problem. He was
drooling, panting, could take a few steps but would then collapse, would
sometimes stand frozen in one place and then drop to the floor, and would
not hydr
Moses' internal medicine specialist's office called.
They are concerned that the bone cancer has spread to the spine and are
considering doing a myelogram and/or a CT scan and/or a bone scan.
All of Moses' urine tests results came back and they are fine.
Moses remains depressed, is breathing hard
I do not think that medical care for our dogs is overpriced, as a person who
posted to the list questioned. Their (Bernese) conditions are far too often
severe and serious, even critical, requiring the most highly specialized
care available.
I have always been extraordinarily pleased with the q
Moses appears to have lost all of his enormous confidence and the weather is
contributing in no small part to this. Even with assistance, manuvering on
the frozen and/or snow covered ground has begun to fighten him. When he
naps in the house, he cries unless I am near. He will stand as if he
Moses appears to have lost all of his enormous confidence and the weather is
contributing in no small part to this. Even with assistance, manuvering on
the frozen and/or snow covered ground has begun to fighten him. When he
naps in the house, he cries unless I am near. He will stand as if he
Moses was admitted on Saturday night, Feb. 15 by his internal medicine
specialist, who was, thankfully, on duty to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital
in Boston, where he has been a cancer patient (osteosarcoma) for fever
(103.7), lethargy, decreased appetite and fluid intake, labored breathing
and
Moses is home. Piber and I departed for Boston's Angell Memorial Animal
Hospital at approx. 6AM and there was little traffic and no snow on the
drive there. As usual, the front desk had all of Moses' medicines ready and
the paperwork in order related to his case. A "plug" here for the
Newfou
I just got off the telephone with Moses' doctor at Angell. He has "picked
up" considerably. Temperature 101.3. Is eating. Chest Xrays appear normal
but will be re-checked by a veterinary radiology specialist. Neurologist
came in specially on a Sunday to check Moses and feels that Moses is
Yes, Berners can go rather quickly from being "fine" to, sometimes, quite
ill. That is why Moses' quickly going from having a little more trouble
walking to almost collapse did not surprise me as much as it might a new
Berner owner, as I have been owned by the breed for twenty years.
I cannot s
My sweet Bernerboy was readmitted to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in
Boston, Massachusetts this evening with fever, pain, and considerable
difficulty remaining ambulatory. Moses' internal medicine specialist met us
there; he told me, when I spoke to him on the phone, earlier, to bring Moses
Well, I received a call from Moses' internal medicine specialist at Angell
Memorial Animal Hospital; they are thrilled that Moses' first
post-chemotherapy blood and urine tests were normal, as am I. We scheduled
his first Angell amputation and treatment follow-up, for Xrays. Am I
worried? Dee
Let me preface this post by loudly exclaiming that I am the type of person
easily intimidated by a soda pop machine and, what is worse, is that all
machinery seems to sense this; perhaps even smelling my fear. Now, this is
entirely different from, for me, a trip to the dentist, where I loudly
Last night's news investigative report on Channel 7 Boston really shocked
me. I consider myself rather savvy where the doings in the dog world are
concerned but was not prepared for the terrible conditions that I witnessed
which constitute the sad reality behind ALOT of these newspaper ads. Th
Yesterday, my dogs' regular veterinarian removed the few remaining staples
from Moses' amputation site, drew blood for testing, and sent out the urine
from Moses that I had brought to be tested, per request Angell Memorial
Animal Hospital. We were concerned about the specific gravity of Moses'
I am completely in favor of dog clubs advertising in the newspaper to offer
the very best of services but I would never "send" a person to the newspaper
in search of a dog if one requested of me where best to find a specific
breed. Rather, I would warn such a person of the fact that ALOT of the
I can only speak regarding Bernese but, if your dog is displaying limping
and stiffness, a trip to the veterinarian, in my opinion, would be in order.
This can indicate the mildest of conditions to the very most serious.
Your veterinarian can Xray and then suggest the proper medications or
tr
A truly sad news report on Boston Channel 7 at 11PM.
Was called "Puppy Profiteers"
I had to take notes very quickly but,
They said that ALOT of the Want Ads are deceiving
Their investigative people went to visit some of the folks who posted the
ads
Deception, shocking conditions
In a NH home? doze
Let us SUPPOSE that I am new to the list. I am learning several things: if
my Berner plays with a Lab, I can bid farewell to good orthopedic status.
If my Berner presents with a lump, first rule out cancer. If my Berner does
not remain on the exact same diet on which the breeder's dogs thrive
And, with the popularity of the Bernese, the number of people breeding them,
and the puppy mill and pet store Berners joining the population, those with
temperament issues will perhaps just constitute "the tip of the iceberg."
The health issues faced by this breed are monumental. Will the averag
Well, today about eight inches of snow fell in Southeastern Massachusetts.
My heart grew wings and soared like an eagle watching my lovely Moses, eight
years six months old, three legged from bone cancer, having just completed
chemotherapy, cavorting and rolling about like a pup, covering himsel
Everytime I look at Moses' head, I wonder at the subtle changes that I see;
it is so handsome and noble. And, now, at age eight years six months I see
wisdom, too, and am utterly enchanted and deeply moved by a seeming knowing
that even I cannot hope to achieve.
I would suggest that those searc
It has been a long and very tiring day for Moses and me, but he is finished
with chemotherapy for his bone cancer; the amputation and chemotherapy have
extended his happy life, hopefully significantly. When I learned to drive,
in Detroit, in the very early 1970s, my instructor said that if a pe
I would strongly suggest that you have your veterinarian Xray and check for
elbow dysplasia; if it is such you can begin making plans to manage it.
Been there.
Lisa Allen
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A couple of people have posted to me questions or comments regarding bone
cancer so, allow me to elaborate regarding such.
The most common sites for bone cancer are the distal femur (Moses, left
side), the proximal tibia, the distal radius and the proximal humerus. That
being said, I have heard
Yes, while I still have much to learn about osteosarcoma, since Moses was
diagnosed with such, I have learned more than most laypeople with much to
learn yet.
One very frightening fact is that, if the dog has had surgery in an area
and, for example, some sort of metal piece has been left at the
regarding the dog whose leg suddenly broke: suspect osteosarcoma; this is
one of the possibilities that explains a sudden break associated with little
trauma.
Lisa Allen
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I never sleep well the night before Moses' chemotherapy (third session
today) because my "baby" will be away for the day and, too, the drive to
Boston makes me a bit nervous, even though we are so used to it that I could
almost hop into my van, say "Angell," and the vehicle would know where to
Berners have been a part of my family for twenty years.
I would say, and this is but a general statement, that the biggest change in
the breed, perhaps, is that the breeding, buying, and selling of Bernese has
become big business more so than the breed can handle and afford rather than
the infre
Please, people who write to the list about Bernese with eye problems,
consider taking your dog(s) to a specialist who has the kind of highly
trained and developed skills and sophisticated equipment necessary to make a
firm diagnosis. Your veterinarian can refer you to a specialist in your
gene
For the person who is interested in obtaining fake doggy poo-poo; I would be
glad to send you a "pattie" or two. I bought them at a summer street fair.
I, too, am guilty of attempting a fraternal gross-out. Having an acute case
of the all day giggles several weeks ago, I found myself desperate
Moses was very subdued yesterday, did not eat much, and was whimpering a
bit. The same this morning. He underwent his second chemotherapy treatment
on Thursday for osteosarcoma, to which he lost a leg.
I spoke to one of his doctors on the telephone and was told that a dog
sometimes will not "b
Our day began, officially, at about 5:30 AM, when we left Southeastern
Massachusetts for the trip to Boston. This can take from 45 minutes to two
hours, if the traffic is heavy. It only took an hour to drive there this
morning, to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, the place where miracles occur
Berner on TV news this morning in Cincinnati, Ohio "Reindog" parade.
Lisa Allen
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I got this in the US mail:
Changes to "Ocular Disorders Presumed to be Inherited in Purebred Dogs"
2000-2002 Genetics Committee A.C.V.O.
It says for Berners that for Distichiasis and Cataracts, mode of inheritance
is not defined
Breeding advice for cataracts is NO
Breeding advice for distichias
I would urge the owner of the dog with neuro. symptoms to take the dog to
Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, where several of my own Berners
have received or are receiving wonderful care for non-neuro problems. It is
quite a drive for you and you might have to leave the dog there for a
Who is the lovely Berner on the "Progresso Soup" commercial?
Cats fare better than dogs in regard to ostoesarcoma from what I have read
at http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/dog_bone_cancer.HTM
It has a lower rate of metastasis in cats and longer term survival can be
expected with complet
My mother of blessed memory, when she would come from Detroit to visit, upon
opening my fridge, exclaimed, "Where's YOUR food?
(was tucked between dogs' various menu items).
When I would describe the various treatments, therapies, social events,
classes, and foods enjoyed by the Berners, she used
I feel like a new man today, I do!
My massage therapist worked on me for half an hour yesterday and I "had my
hair done" for the holidays today; my human, Lisa, ooohed and aaahed when
she picked me up at the "salon" of my "stylist."
Feels nice, especially after all the surgeries and treatments of
I shall take a guess at answering the cancer question; I think that it has
to do with the general fragility of the Berner immune system and the fact
that the population of the breed is exploding will only make things worsen.
As I said, this is only my theory; my answer to the question posed by
A carpenter friend of mine built a beautiful, carpeted dog ramp for my
Bernese to assist them in entering the van. If they used it at all, it was
with reluctance; they let it be known to me that the ramp of their choice
was MamaliftmeorIwontgetin!
Interesting experience today; I was at a local
Some of the ways to get the dog back up on the top of the mountain, roaming
about the farm, would be to appoint breed wardens (I would like these to be
no-nonsense kind of gals like Mary Alice, Debby Mulvey, and Esther Mueller
(excuse spellings), rules that allow no leniency such as you may not
To me, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston will always be a place
where miracles occur. The staff is always helpful and kind.
Moses' internal medicine specialist and surgeon are considerate, gentle,
brilliant and available to assist dog and owner.
Pat is correct; we must not moan about wha
I was so relieved when I heard the following that I was speechless and began
to tremble slightly...
finally, a piece of good news regarding Moses' bone cancer, a light in the
darkness that is this disease...
I had the opportunity to communicate with one of Moses' doctors who helped
us this summe
I thoroughly enjoyed "King of the Hill" last night.
Bobby did an amazing freestyle routine with a terrier mix and Hank did a
less spectacular, but equally delightful, program with the family hound,
"Ladybird."
The show ended with a formal freestyle competition.
VERY cute, entertaining, and quite
How can we possibly expect to improve health in the breed if over 2000 per
year are bred in the USA alone, and these are ONLY the Berner pups
registered with the AKC!
And, a problem which is going to become more and more frequent:
Let me preface such by saying that I would crawl from one end of t
How can we possibly expect to improve health in the breed if over 2000 per
year are bred in the USA alone, and these are ONLY the Berner pups
registered with the AKC!
And, a problem which is going to become more and more frequent:
Let me preface such by saying that I would crawl from one end of t
Angell Memorial Animal Hospital sent me, per my request, a copy of Moses'
pathology report. Of course, Moses' regular veterinarian will also receive
one.
Left distal femur: Osteosarcoma
Left popliteal lymph node: Moderate diffuse sinusoidal hemmorrhage,
erythrophagocytosis, and hemosiderosis
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