September 12th, 2009 by admin
Tumors of the brain and spinal cord are seen with relative infrequency in the older dog, the former having a higher incidence in boxers and Boston terriers. Symptoms will vary depending on the actual location and size of the tumor but will often include dullness, staggering, pressing the head against a wall, walking in circles, convulsions, or just weakness in one or more legs.
In the hands of a competent veterinary neurosurgeon, many spinal tumors can be removed if detected before permanent damage has been done to the spinal cord. Chemotherapy is sometimes needed for a brief period following such an operation. Brain tumors can only occasionally be removed, as most are inoperable due either to their size or location within the brain.
Such was the case with my dog TiTi, a gentle and ever so lovable standard poodle. Within a period of only one week he became suddenly aggressive, growled often at his owner, developed an insatiable appetite, and finally had a severe convulsive seizure. In consultation with a veterinary neurologist, an inoperable brain tumor was diagnosed. Medication controlled the symptoms and improved the dog’s behavior for almost a month, then seizures started again, but with increased frequency and severity. Medication was ineffective at any dose and TiTi was euthanized.
August 24th, 2009 by admin
History and origin:
Believed to have been evolved from spaniels, the English Setter was first seen in 16th century England and was perfected as a hunting dog in the 19th century. In function they are almost identical to the Pointer. The major difference is the longer coat, which allows them to hunt in colder weather and gives them added protection against heavy undergrowth.
Description:
The English Setter stands 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. The shedding coat is of medium length, flat and slightly wavy. Daily brushing and combing is required to keep the coat in good condition. The silky hair under the ears should be removed, as well as hair under the throat and below the ear down to the breast bone. The background color is normally white, with intermingled black, lemon, tan, or liver spotting.
About the breed:
English Setters are gentle, beautiful, dogs that make for an excellent companion and a reliable gundog. They are very active dogs that needs regular exercise and should be given a job such as hunting or agility work. Their scenting ability is a great distraction to them. They can be quite stubborn and driven because of their strong hunting instinct. This will make the recall command a difficult one to teach. English Setters are usually quite good with children and are generally friendly to strangers after an initial period of investigation. They make excellent jogging partners, given their lithe, athletic build. Early obedience training and socialization are essential. They love the company of humans and can be horrid barkers if left alone for long periods.
Feeding:
Recommended feeding for the English Setter is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete dry food.
Ideal home:
A house with a fenced yard is very important for this breed. Children should be taught to respect the dog and should not be allowed to wrestle or chase him. The owner of an English Setter should be an active, patient, firm leader who regularly gives the dog a task such as hunting, agility work, or tracking. Early obedience training is mandatory. The English Setter may be too active for the elderly or disabled. Time to train, exercise, and groom this breed is essential.
August 24th, 2009 by admin
Fortunately, the aging dog has relatively few disorders of the brain and spinal cord associated with the process of growing old. Arteriosclerosis, that bane of human aging and a primary cause of senility, is quite rare in dogs. Hence it is unusual indeed to meet a truly senile dog.
Cerebral hemorrhage, also called apoplexy or stroke, is likewise a very infrequent occurrence in the canine. Rabies is caused by a virus which is attracted specifically to nerve tissue and is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. However, there have also been rare reports in recent years of airborne transmission. It has been traditionally believed for centuries that once symptoms of rabies develop, death is inescapable, and because of the hazard to other animals and people, such dogs are euthanized if they have not yet bitten anyone.
Recent reports of two human rabies cases which were treated successfully and survived the development of rabid symptoms, if confirmed, may possibly alter the present grim outlook for rabid dogs. With the extremely effective and safe vaccines available today to protect your aging dog, however, there is no excuse for you to ever have to worry about this disease.
