July 12th, 2009 by admin
The muscles of most aged mammals lose much of their strength and actually decrease in size with each advancing year. This is a normal part of the aging process and is to be expected. However, there are two as yet poorly understood muscle disorders which at first may look like normal aging weakness.
In one the dog develops weakness in the leg muscles during periods of exercise or other physical stress, may fall down briefly, seem to recover, get up for a short time only to fall down again. This is often seen in polymyositis, a disease which causes inflammation of any or all muscles in the body.
Polymyositis occurs mostly in late middle age and early old age, the most common of its several possible causes appearing to be a defect in the dog’s immune mechanism. Treatment with corticosteroids is quite successful despite the often alarming appearance of the dog. Occasionally the muscles of the esophagus are affected, making swallowing difficult, but even these respond.
Muscular dystrophy, the second disorder, occurs mainly in older dogs, bears some similarity to muscular dystrophy in people, and has a cause as yet unknown. Affected dogs develop a stiff gait as the muscles become progressively weaker and smaller in size. There is nothing we know of which will stop the deterioration or cure the disease. Treatment is palliative, trying to keep the patient as comfortable as possible, and is based on your dog’s individual symptoms.
June 27th, 2009 by admin
History and origin:
This is an old breed, developed in Ireland from several spaniel breeds toward the end of the 19th century. The Irish Water Spaniel, though capable of flushing birds like other spaniels, was actually bred to excel as a water retriever.
Description:
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniels, standing between 21 and 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing 45 to 65 pounds. He has a strong physique and a dense, curly, water-resistant coat with minimal shedding. Daily brushing and weekly combing is required, as well as periodic clipping. This agile breed is known for his topknot of curls and his rat-like tail. The coat is liver-colored.
About the breed:
The Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent water dog and retriever. He is beautiful, loyal, brave, and intelligent. He is also a very active and precocious dog. The Irish Water Spaniel is curious and expressive, active, somewhat stubborn, and independent. He is very affectionate and loving toward his owner, though he is suspicious of strangers and can be aggressive toward other dogs. Irish Water Spaniels tend to be very good watch dogs. Socialization and obedience training need to begin at an early age. This breed loves to work and needs to be given some duties to do, whether it is field work, tracking, obedience, or agility. He does not exhibit the possessive aggressive problems seen in some other spaniels. Irish Water Spaniels can be susceptible to hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
Feeding:
Recommended feeding for the Irish Water Spaniel is 1-1 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal parts or 3 cupfuls of a complete, dry food.
Ideal home:
A house with a fenced yard is preferable, though he can adapt to apartment living as long as he is given plenty of exercise. These dogs need strong leadership from early on, otherwise, they will walk all over a spoiling, weak leader. They should be socialized with people and dogs from puppy hood. The Irish Water Spaniel is usually safe with children, provided no roughhousing occurs. This is a breed that needs to be given something to do or he will become restless. The elderly and the disabled might have trouble keeping up with this active breed.
June 26th, 2009 by admin
Gordon Setter Dog
History and origin:
The Gordon Setter is a true Scottish breed, dated back to 17th century Scotland. He is the only native Scottish gun dog and was originally known as the Gordon Castle Setter due to the fact that he was bred at Gordon Castle, Banffshire. Many believe that he is a cross between the Bloodhound and the Collie. He was valued for his pointing, retrieving, and tracking ability.
Description:
The Gordon Setter stands 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 45 and 70 pounds. He has a graceful, solid, athletic body. His shedding coat is of medium length, is lustrous and wavy, and needs regular brushing. The coat is always black-and-tan.
About the breed:
The Gordon Setter is an excellent gundog, bird-finding dog, and watch dog. He is beautiful, graceful, intelligent, and makes a wonderful family pet. A Gordon Setter is very affectionate with his owners but suspicious and reserved toward strangers. He gets along well with children, provided they do not roughhouse. However, he may not be as friendly with the children’s friends. He is a very active dog that need plenty of exercise. This breed makes a great jogging partner because of his leggy, agile build. He can be difficult to train because he learns rather slowly and may become passive-resistant if he is pressed too hard. Be patient and go slow with this breed, and be clear about what you are asking him to do. Allow more time for him to learn whatever you are teaching and do not use overbearing techniques. Some Gordon Setters have a tendency toward fear-based aggression toward people or dogs, so make sure yours is amply socialized from the first day. Take your dog to friends’ homes, stores, and parks, but avoid any off-leash dogs that might scare your puppy. Introduce your puppy to as many people and animals as possible when he is young and impressionable.
Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ｽ – 2 ｽ cans (13.3oz) of high quality meat product with biscuit added in same amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry food.
Ideal home:
A house with a fenced yard is essential for this breed. The Gordon Setter is a very active dog and needs plenty of exercise, particularly jogging or field work. Older children are okay provided they are respectful and not rough. Obedience training and socialization are necessities for this breed and must not be hurried. If left alone too long, he may become vocal and destructive. The elderly and disable may have trouble providing the Gordon Setter with enough exercise.