Horsefeathers!

Trinity, this is probably one of the best things out of all the usual forwards and junk I get in my email. I put it on another email list I'm on and some people seemed to find it offensive. Go figure. Some people are wound up just too tight, I guess. I think it's a riot.

Hobbit, I have an email in to my witch doctor, but haven't heard back yet. I'll keep checking. If I don't hear from her by tomorrow night, I'll try to stop by her shop this weekend and catch her there.

Can't help ya, Marble. My Peanut (Poodle) likes to eat deoderant. I have to keep it waaaaaaay out of her reach. :-? Actually, since I scrub so many dog butts, I have noticed that a lot of dogs enjoy licking the shampoo. Go figure.

[quote name='bulldogsrus'] does anyone else find this a little harsh????? [/quote] Not really. Inconvenient, sure, maybe even traumatic, but rabies is ALWAYS fatal. There is no cure therefore the need to be so cautious. I know that the closer to the brain, the quicker the onset (if it's going to occur), but then there are so many variables. Who is going to be the one to try to make the judgement of exactly how long it will take for the animal to exhibit symptoms based on the location of the bite? There are no concrete answers. It may be overkill, but I do understand the need for it. I do feel sorry for the dog stuck in the pen for that length of time, but there are a few options. A heat lamp can be used to heat the dog's house. All he really needs is enough to ward off the cold weather and stay dry. I'm sure he's miserable, but it is just a necessary evil. It's not the ideal situation, but sometimes ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.

Thanks, Hobbit.

No, Mei Mei, that's what has everyone scratching their heads. The "somethings" were there and then they weren't. Still no idea what they were or what caused them. The only thing logical thing seems to be that they were distentions on his stomach perhaps caused by excess gas, but Doc could find no weakened tissue on his stomach to make it protrude like that. Weird, huh? :-?

Well, good news... sorta. :-? Perry made it through the surgery with flying colors. I was there the whole time and Doc dug through all Perry's innards, looking for "something." Remember in earlier xrays, there was a very obvious "something" there and in the second xrays a couple of weeks later, nothing. Doc said he's never seen anything like this. Anyway, everything inside Perry looks good and healthy which is good news. Both vets are scratching their heads over this, though. They took more blood and ran further, more specific tests, looking for (?). One thing we know is that Perry is hypoproteinemic(?) and his albumin is low. Ok, at this point, I was way in over my head, so we all (two vets and me) sat down with some medical journals and began reading. The only thing we know for certain is about Perry's low protein/albumin and that he has had some significant weight loss. We will be checking urine again tomorrow. At this point, I'm really just glad that Perry is through this surgery and is ok in that respect, but I'm totally lost on where we go from here. I was so overwhelmed with possibilities and information today that I couldn't even begin to make sense of it. To begin with, we are putting Perry on a lamb and rice puppy food to try to get some weight back on him. During this time, he will be undergoing constant monitoring and testing and then we'll go from there to decide if he needs to be on a prescription diet. I would just as soon feed him a totally natural cooked diet and I have someone that is an expert on that, but am playing by the vet's rules at this point. We just don't know at this point what part of Perry's problems may be diet related. Also, I will have to feed Perry little bits of food throughout the day. Just a few bites here and there at a time as Doc doesn't want Perry to have a whole lot on his stomach at one time. We still aren't sure what caused that distention. There are several things we are working on like protein losing enteropathy and irritable bowel disease. Perry will likely be on medication his entire life for gas and will probably also be taking a lot of antibiotics. Some of his problems may make it really difficult for him to fight infection and have a hard time healing wounds. Anyway, sorry if I'm not making sense, but I'm totally overwhelmed by all the new info thrown at me (and lack of sleep). I'm just thankful that he made it through this surgery ok and didn't need any extensive internal work (Doc did tack Perry's stomach to one side to help keep him from bloating while he was in there). Now we just keep testing and looking and wait and see. At this point, we are going to try to control Perry's problems with diet and medication and frequent rechecks. Thanks so much for all the concern. I really appreciate knowing that so many people have been pulling for him.

I can only tell you how we live with an aggressive dog and what is working for us. First of all, my Penny is spayed. I agree with Roo when she said that it would be a way wrong idea to breed Lily if she is going to have aggression problems. I know you wouldn't want to be responsible for starting another generation of ill tempered Boxers. Also, my Penny reached the point of having to be medicated. She will probably have to take a happy pill each day for the rest of her life. It doesn't totally eliminate the problem, but it makes her much less volatile. When she goes at another dog, she has intentions of killing and nothing less. Forcing them into submission doesn't stop her... she'll keep on at them even if they are cowering on the floor screaming. The medication reduces the ferocity and frequency of the attacks. The absolute most important thing is to supervise supervise supervise. I can't stress that enough. Penny [u]usually[/u] gets along great with our other dogs, but she is never, not even for a minute, left alone with them unsupervised. We know that she will [b]never[/b] be able to be trusted. She is just too unpredictable. It's not to say they have to be separated 24/7, but you have to be prepared to monitor them closely when they [u]are[/u] together. It's a full time job, but is a necessity if you want to maintain peace. You will also need to always be on alert for the things that seem to create the problems. With Penny, her most volatile attacks are if she is abruptly awakened from sleeping. This means she absolutely must sleep in her crate when napping. Knowing this, she always moseys into her crate when she feels a nap coming on. She also can be triggered into an attack if there is food or affection involved. If we are passing out treats or affection, she absolutely must be held in a sit/stay and focus only on us (hubby or me). It all comes back to diligent monitoring. If you feel that Lily has the potential to harm Tessa, it's up to you to keep Tessa safe. Just be sure to never trust them alone, ever. It's a full time job, but worth it in the long run. Without this constant monitoring and adjustment to our lifestyle, Penny would have to be put to sleep as it is illegal here to "change ownership" (sell, give away, "rehome") of an aggressive dog. We adore her... she just has "issues." I know this is the last thing you want to hear, but I tend to believe that having Lily spayed would be a really good idea.

I have a seriously dog aggressive Pit Bull/Boxer mix (some of you have seen me mention her... Penny). Not seriously in the sense that she is always out for trouble. Most of the time she's pretty cool and she gets along with everyone ok (as long as there is not food, affection, or sleep involved). I mean seriously in the sense that if and when she goes at another dog, she intends to kill that dog. There is no posturing and bluffing and very little warning other than knowing the particular things that are likely to make her want to attack. It is crucial that we keep her under tight control and try to prevent these attacks (she is on medication which does help control the ferocity of her attacks). However, on those occasions where she "snaps" seemingly out of nowhere, it is of utmost importance that I get her off her victim. I'm not one to go around breaking up serious dog fights (hubby got 6 stitches in his hand once doing that), but I can't have her killing my other dogs. I never really thought about what I do with her until this thread came up. Those few times I've had to react, I just dive on her back, football style(American... not that soccer stuff... I mean a full body tackle) and get her in a headlock at the same time, rendering her immobile. I wouldn't advocate anyone else doing this and, really, just typing this out, it sounds really stupid, but it's just what my gut reaction is. At the time, I don't have time to hunt for something to throw at/on her, so I throw me on her. Has worked great so far because once I break that "concentration," she does not dare challenge me. Still, prevention is the best thing. Since we've had her on medication and started taking these attacks seriously, she is NEVER left unsupervised with my other dogs and when she is ready to doze off, she goes into her crate. Some of the most volatile attacks were when other dogs inadvertantly blundered into her while she slept. Just a side note... I don't ever worry about breaking up scuffles. Most of the "brawls" around here are minor things. Posturing, grumbling and maybe some rushing. If there is no actual bloodshed involved, I usually watch closely, but let them sort it out (except for Penny, obviously). My Lab and my Schnauzer absolutely hate each other and spend their days around here screaming and charging at each other, but so far, it hasn't been serious enough for me to intervene. Actually, I wish Tucker (Lab) would just grab this little aggraving Schnauzer (Simon) one good time and shake the crap out of him. Then maybe this little instigating devil would leave him alone (Simon always intentionally antagonizes Tucker just to get him going... would never dare do that with Penny, or any other dog that physically challenges him). I think Simon just needs to get his butt whooped one good time. :o

Oh well... the expected case of da nerves has set in. Perry is boarding at the vet clinic overnight tonight and they will be doing the surgery first thing in the morning. I will be right there. I've already rescheduled all the appointments I had for tomorrow so that I can be right there. I'm nervous as a pregnant nun! Good grief, I know I have a lot of dogs, but when ONE isn't here, it throws the whole balance of things off. It's so quiet around here tonight without Perry. He's such a ham and a goofball. This is the longest I've been away from him since I first brought him home with me. He is ALWAYS with me 24/7. Most of my other dogs are used to spending time alone, but Perry is so clingy. Since I've had him, he HATES to be alone and will start barking the minute I leave the room if he can't go with me. I'll bet he's barking his fool head off tonight. I feel as if I've betrayed him. He spent his first three years of life in a kennel and now I'll bet he feels like I've just dumped him right back in one. At least he's in familiar surroundings and with familiar people even if I'm not there since I take him to work with me every day. I know, I know, I'm just rambling on. I tell ya it's just a case of da nerves. This is another good reason I'll never have children. I do not handle stress well when it involves loved ones. :-?

Nah, you don't worry too much. You are "conscientious." :lol: [size=2]In best Martha Stewart voice...[/size] "That's a very good thing." Glad Kenzo seems to be finally on the mend.

That interesting, Hobbit. The vet who actually did the surgery on my Lab gave him Rimadyl for I reckon about a week. Could have been two; I don't remember, but I remember he didn't want him on it for long as he wanted Tucker to start to use that leg as soon as possible and felt he needed that pain as a guidance(?). I have heard these things about Rimadyl, but it's so amazing how so many vets totally disagree on it. The primary vet at my clinic is an advocate of Rimadyl, but the relief vet there is adamantly opposed to it, calling it "Rimakill." I'd certainly never look at it as longterm pain management, but I don't really know how long they'd have to take it to have any problems. Hobbit, this does you absolutely no good for the next couple of days, but I am going to ask my local "witch doctor" what she thinks. This lady has a huge selection of herbs, natural/homeopathic remedies and such and as much as I'm a cynic about some people who tout "all natural" as a selling point for products, this lady really does know her stuff... even in animals. If anyone in the world could recommend a safe, natural, yet effective pain relief, she would be the one. It may take me a couple of days, so I don't know what to tell you to help in the meantime. :(

Well, Hobbit, the absolute critical worst is over. That's not to say there isn't an uphill climb from here because I'm sure there is. However, if anyone can bring Guy through this, I know you can. Keeping him in my thoughts and wishing him nothing short of a miraculous recovery.

Thanks so much for the well wishes and support, everyone! Perry had his prelimary blood work today and, thankfully, that was all normal. He was also xrayed again today just to see what changes may have occurred over the last two weeks since he's been on all this medication. It's the weirdest thing. In this recent batch of xrays, there was NO distention (round "something") in/on Perry's stomach. It looked almost normal, though Doc said Perry's spleen seemed like it was sitting weird(?) :-? . Also, there is still a lot of gas in his tummy. Doc is thoroughly puzzled now. He cannot figure out why there is distention and then there is none. He's still going to poke around in there on Thursday to see what he finds. It does appear that Perry may have also been suffering from ulcer(s), so I guess the medication has been helping with that. His breath, at least, is MUCH better. It doesn't make me feel all woozy now when he breathes in my face :lol: . Anyway, we're now wondering if maybe it's just some weakened tissue in there causing his stomach to distend the way it does. Doc says that Perry is still definitely not out of the woods yet until we know what's going on. Anyhoo, thanks again for the support. It means so much to me to know that Perry has so many people in his corner pulling for him. I really am thinking he's going to be ok. If it's just weakened tissue, they can just cut that right out of there and stitch him back up. Let's hope that's as serious as it gets. :D I do want to add a little footnote here... This is just one example of why it's a good thing to always follow your intuition. You know... when something kind of gnaws at you, but you just ignore it, thinking that it's nothing. Intuition is a wonderful thing. Don't ignore it. Foul breath and gassiness is not something I would ordinarily take too seriously, but that little inner voice kept insisting that this was worth checking out. I'm glad I listened. There were so many times I ran my critters to the vet for what turned out to be minor things. Doc thinks I'm such a crackpot (I was practically planning the funeral for my Schnauzer a few months ago when he had a simple abscess on his side... I was sure it was a cancerous tumor). For once, my paranoia may have paid off. :roll:

Some of you remember that I adopted a Standard Poodle about three months ago from a Poodle rescue group. He's three years old and had been kenneled in a show kennel his entire life. He has been fitting in well here and I am so unbelievably in love with this boy. He has not been alone for over two hours during the entire time he's been with me. He's with me 24/7 whether it's work, errands, or even eating out. It's amazing how many "dog friendly" places you can find if you just snoop a little (and this in a rural area where dogs aren't always highly valued as family members). Anyway, I became somewhat concerned about Perry's foul breath and constant belching. Even after a dental cleaning, his breath could make you cry. It stank clear through his face without him ever opening his mouth. And LOUD burps. Xrays revealed that Perry had a faint, round "something" in/on his stomach. Further xrays with barium revealed TWO faint, round "somethings." The vet is stumped as to what exactly these could be. We don't know if it's a constriction, a hernia or exactly what as there are several possible things. Still, my vet says this is very serious. Perry has been on antibiotics and gas medicine to clear up any ulcers and infection, but he will be having his preliminary bloodwork tomorrow and the surgery is Thursday. The vet scheduled this with another surgeon present as he says this will likely require two vets. If all goes well, they will also be tacking his stomach up to diminish his chances of ever bloating. I'm so worried about this boy. Both vets have already taken me to the side to give me the "hope for the best, but prepare for the worst..." speech. It breaks my heart to even consider the idea that Perry's life may end just when it has really started and he has so much to look forward to. We lost another rescue dog only two weeks before Perry came along and I just don't know if I could stand this. He is such a special boy and I can't even begin to describe the way he makes me smile. He is living proof that a dog can have a sense of humor. If you would, please send Perry some positive energy. He's going to need all the luck he can get.

Hobbit, I'll just start another thread.

Well, you know how they always say that it gets worse before it gets better. While things are tough now, keep in mind that it WILL get better. Guy is still in my thoughts and you go get some rest. Trust me... I know exactly how you feel and there can't be any worse feeling in the world than that of absolute helplessness and feeling totally powerless.

Thinking about Guy today and sending all the positive energy I can. Will check back in this evening and look for updates.

Babies... *shudder* :-? I am soooooo not good parenting material. I once gave my kid sister (several years ago) 20 bucks to knock off her imaginary friend. I was tired of sitting on, stepping on, kicking, etc. her poor imaginary friend who always just happened to be in MY space. :x I may be the only person on earth who has decided not to procreate because 1: not enough chlorine in the ol' gene pool here, if ya know what I mean, and 2: worrying about how a baby would affect my dogs (would the dogs be jealous, be my luck I'd have a kid highly allergic to dogs, might take time away from my dogs, what if the kid didn't like Wellness food, the law has something to say about crating kids, etc.). Nope, no kids for me and none planned for the future. With all the problems I've had from my family, I sure don't want to create even more family that I'd have to live with. Yuck. I can buy a two seater, go out when I feel like it without having to find a babysitter and all that good stuff (of course, I drive a four door sedan and have no life, therefore NEVER go out, but that's beside the point... I COULD do these things if I wanted to :o ). People turn up their noses and look disgusted when they find out I have EIGHT dogs in the house (and a few cats, couple of ferrets, and a bunny). Like dogs automatically stink. Warm milk, sh*tty diapers and vomit smells better :o ? I'm just going to be an old crazy woman with lots of animals, but hopefully no offspring. *shudder* Oh, and congrats, Kiwi.

K, I love that (where in the world do you keep finding these?)! I swear it sounds like it could have been written by me. I had tried replying to this post a few times and kept getting the dreaded disappearing posts. I'm still having a few problems with disappearing posts, so sometimes it takes me a while to respond. For the lengthier things I've been posting lately, I've been typing them up in my notepad and just trying until it goes through. :oops: I swear I wasn't ignoring you!

Ooooohhhhhhh, I misunderstood what you meant about the before, during and after photos. I was thinking you were going to be filming the surgery. I'm just a weirdo that way. Oops. :oops: That poor Guy. It makes MY leg hurt seeing his like this. I sure hope all goes well for him. What a tough thing.

Poor Guy. I'll be sending positive thoughts his way. Welcome to the "there's not going to be a Santa this year" club. With my Lab's recent hip surgery and another upcoming major surgery next week on another dog, I'll split a pack of bologna with you! :lol: Hobbit, am I understanding you right? Will you be allowed to be present during the surgery (re: before, during and after photos)? If you can do that, that's great! I don't know why, but somehow I find it much more calming to ME to be present instead of finding it stressful. Maybe I'm just a weirdo. I hope you will be able to be present during Guy's surgery. I'll be thinking of him.

Rockwilers?! Pshaw, everyone knows they're ROCK CRAWLERS!! What a bunch of do dos. My personal favorite is Lapsa Apsas. Being one of my favorite breeds, it kills me. While we're at it, I see people all the time breeding Wheat[u]o[/u]ns (when it should be Wheat[u]e[/u]ns, or actually Soft Coated Wheat[u]e[/u]n Terriers), Dalmati[u]o[/u]ns (when they're Dalmati[u]a[/u]ns), Sh*t Zoos as mentioned above (when they're Shih Tzus) and, of course, the total annihilation of the name, Lhasa Apso (I've heard Lapsa Apsas, Lasso Apsos and the best I ever heard was Lotsa A$$holes). Oh, and here on the forum, we once had someone wanting to breed their own beloved Syberian Huskie (Siberian Husky, perhaps?). It makes me slam my head on my desk every time I see someone who can't even spell the name of a breed they're propagating. Typos are one thing (hey, we all, errrr I mean you all do it :lol: ), but I'm talking about blatant stupidity. :x

Oh, Corgi, then I [u]totally[/u] misunderstood! Please forgive me! [size=2]Imagine my red face...[/size] :oops:

I am far more tolerant than you would imagine in many ways, Corgi, but I do have to strongly disagree with a few things. First of all, I have to say that I respect your change of heart, but I stand by my convictions. I only chose to get involved in the "other" thread (which carried over to this one) after watching this person for weeks post this stuff and get lots of diplomatic advice and attempted support. It wasn't a sudden thing. If you're ever reading through old posts just for lack of anything better to do, you'll see that I actually tend to stay away from many of the debates if others are handling it on their own. Remember the whole Mary thing? I don't think I posted ONE time to that because it was covered. However, prior to me speaking up about this Ebby thing, everyone had been diplomatic and tried several attempts at polite dialogue in helping her with different things. Diplomacy did not change her mind and she constantly justified reckless (IMO) behavior, so that's when I got involved. I'm all for diplomacy and working through things, but sometimes it takes a good kick in the butt to get someone's blood going enough to react, whether positively or negatively. This person has had MORE than her fair share of positive responses in the last several weeks, but she STILL planned to continue with something I do not agree with. Right or wrong, I have my own set of ethics and, just like anyone else, all I can do is stand up for what [b]I[/b] think is right. Sometimes it's like being in a one horse parade, but I don't mind standing out in a crowd. I extended a sincere offer to work with this person and try to help any way I could, but all we got in return were alter egos and she created her own personal amen corner in the form of other identities. It's obvious that she's just angry and lashing out at this point rather than actually being a productive member of this "community." Sorry to disagree, but this is not a case of anyone being quick to judge anything. Again, it was weeks before I responded to anything. I honestly do get frustrated with people when they hear something they don't want to hear and instantly label their opposition "judgmental." It's not always a simple case of right and wrong, but this time is and I stand by that. Sorry, Corgi. :(