Bo Came home
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Mast Cell question
Last week I had a lump taken off Gunner. It was on his side just under the skin. I found out this evening it's a mast cell. The vet said that's it's a grade 1 (I guess if you have a mast cell that's the good news). He said the pathologist could not definitely say they got it all. So the vet wants to go back in and get more out to make sure. Gunner's going back next Wed. to have that done. My vet said when he's had grade 1 mast cells and gotten it all out that he has not seen it come back, though that doesn't mean it won't. I'm not at all worried about Gunner going under anesthesia again. When he went the first time he was in at 9:00 am, they were done at 11:00 and at 1:00 they called and asked me or my husband could take Gunner home because he was walking around, which we did. They let him stay in the back with them were they work instead of in a crate. That evening he was trotting around the backyard with a toy. My vet is not one that sugar coats anything, he tells it like it is, and I like that about him. My question is, does it sound right what he said about grade 1 mast cells? If they get it all it probably won't come back? Gunner turned 6 yrs. old in Sept. and has been doing really good, though he's still a couch potato, that's just part of his charm. I did get a lot of weight off him in the last year and Greta has made him feel young again. He hasn't lost his appetite at all. I know I should know more about mast cells from reading the L. But since I lost Mattie I just can't bring myself to read about other Berners with cancer. I guess what I'm asking is how worried should I be? I tend to be overly optimistic, but I want to be realistic. Thanks for any info. Kathy Schmitz, Woodstock, Georgia Gunner & Brighteye Meine Liebe "Greta" CGC "Mattie" Matterhorn Princess CD, NA, CGC (in loving memory, always the light of my life) Two stray kitties
Re: Kibble
- Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Speaking of kibble (the Innova topic), what are your experiences, good and bad, with California >Natural and/or Wellness? Mic and Cassie are on California Natural and Lliira and Nessie are on Innova. Everyone is doing well with their respective foods--good energy, good coats, good cheer. 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: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002
RE: Spaying...Opinions, Please, Regarding Timing
Rose, You asked about the 9 berners in the survey with reports of mammary cancer. All 9 of them were female (although I have heard on one male Berner that died of mammary cancer). Two of them were still living at the time of the survey. All ages are in years: 1. died age 12.3 of mammary cancer metasticized; had been bred, neutered at the age of 9, diagnosed by necropsy. High grade mammary adenocarcinoma. 2. living, neutered at the age of 5. Mammary tumor diagnosed and removed at age 5. 3. died age 7 of liver cancer, had been bred, neutered at the age of 6. 4. died age 10 of osteosarcoma, neutered at the age of 5. Mammary tumor diagnosed at age 7. 5. living, had been bred, neutered at the age of 5.5. 6. died age 11.6 of lymphoma, diagnosed by necropsy, had been bred, neutered at the age of 7. Mammary tumor diagnosed and removed at age 8. 7. died age 12, advanced arthritis, had been bred, neutered at age 7. Mammary tumor removed at age 10. 8. died age 8 of anesthesia, neutered at age 2. Mammary tumor diagnosed and removed at the age of 8, did not survive the surgery. 9. died age 7 of cancer, not neutered. No other details. I think this answers all the questions? I'm not sure what it tells us, but none of them had been neutered before the age of 1 year. It's really not a big enough sample to draw any hard and fast conclusions. But I think I will continue spaying at age 6 months. Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
Lawns for dogs
I must admit, my kennel is also adorned with several colorful throw rugs as is the deck, porch, barn, garage, car. Another use for old rugs: In lawn areas that have totally gone to dirt we usually toss down a rug or place something (mulch) over the ground so dirt does not get tracked in the house. Trying to grow grass in these areas is literally impossible with Berner traffic, right? Here's what you do; Loosen up the ground a bit with a rack - don't be fussy. Go to your collection of outdoor rugs and select a size that will cover the spot. Spread a liberal amount of annual rye grass seed on the spot, water and cover it with the rug. Stake the rug down with tent stakes if you have to. Rye grass sprouts within two or three days and will grow under the rug for several days. The rug not only helps the grass grow faster but helps to hold the grass seed in place so it can grow. This method gives the grass seedlings the head start they need to survive big Berner feet. By the way, leave the rug on too long and you'll kill the grass. I use annual rye because it is tuff stuff, will hold up in high traffic areas and it grows fast and thick. I am an avid gardener and spend hours tending to my flower beds and vege garden which are all entirely out of reach of Berners. It takes tens of years for a tree to reach maturity - it takes a Berner ten second to chew down a 2" sapling! Gardening is my passion just as Berners are my passion, but the two cannot coexist without one diminishing and I'll take Berners over a green lawn any day!! -Denise with Bueford (the grub eater) & BooBoo (the grub digger) PS Anyone have any dog safe ideas for getting rid of ground moles? Buefs gettin' a little overweight.
CVS Berner
I stopped at CVS to get the 7" plush Berner, they were all out. But the guy that assisted me took me to another isle and they had bigger ones selling for $5.99. I'd say about 12" long, I got 2 of them and since they were out of the one I wanted, he gave them to me for $3.99. I am still going to another CVS this weekend to look for the smaller ones. Now I just have to make it to Costco Dawn, Manson, and Rio
Re: Question about X-Rays for Pregnant Bitch
There is an article by Cathy Burlile in the June 2000 Alpenhorn about x-rays for pregnant bitches Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Question about X-Rays for Pregnant Bitch
Hi Pat- I have always been told that it is diagnostic to evaluate litter size after 45 days by radiograph? I also believe that ultrasound is useful at 30 days, to look for little flutter heart-beats...but I personally always like to see the skeletons to count on x-rays. Radiographs are more accurate in my opinion. The ultrasonographer typically says "Well, it COULD be 2 or maybe 4...yada yada yada"...nothing definitive. As far as a danger to the pups...I have not heard of any vet that I have worked with offer words of concern about one dose of exposure during an abdominal film putting the pups in danger. A breeder once told me that she 'heard' that an x-ray taken too early can potentially cause growth problems, since the growth plates are not fully developed. This did not make much sense to me, since puppies don't have their growth plates fully formed until into the first year. I would be interested to hear others' responses...could you forward them, or if you make up a list of responses...could you send it along to me too? Thanks! Jennie
Re: Kibble
> Speaking of kibble (the Innova topic), what are your experiences, good and bad, with >California Natural and/or Wellness? > Thanks, > Kelli & Oscar > Livonia, MI I like California Natural and have been feeding it for about 4 years. I find the others too rich and I have to feed much less leaving hungry faced berners. I also experienced very loose stools and stomach upset when feeding the richer foods. With the CA they get a little more kibble per meal but I can keep their weight manageable. Their coats are gorgeous, I have had no problems with hot spots, and they all (5) gobble it down. I weaned my litter of pups on CA chicken and rice adult and sent them home with it. I think 3 or 4 of the owners have stayed with it, one is feeding a similar kibble by Natura as she cannot get the CA. I like the Wellness ingredients and protein, fat content as well but when I compared the labels on the CA to the Wellness, except for a few ingredients, the only major difference I saw was the price tag. When I cannot get CA, I feed Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice Adult - again - I like the ingredients and protein and fat levels and the food is not too rich. As treats they do get the Wellness Biscuits - they go nuts over the whitefish variety! Molly and the gang Charlottesville, VA
follow up re: northern New Jersey "rescue" pup
Thanks for everyone's kind offers of help in placing the puppy I posted about yesterday. I have put the puppy owner in touch with Margaret McMath, the rescue chair for the BMD Club of Watchung and, hopefully, they will be able to handle the placement. Sorry to disappoint all of the people who contacted me seeking puppies, but I feel this is really the best way to deal with this -- much safer for everyone, especially the puppy. I tried to respond to everyone individually, but I'm posting this just in case I missed someone. Margo Bader [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fair Lawn, NJ
Diet
I am looking for opinions based on experience with the use of Flint River Ranch and/or Solid Gold dog food. I have likes and dislikes for each, but am swayed more towards Solid Gold. Any information would be greatly appreciated to help me make this important decision. -Denise
Flexi leads
I love the flexi lead. Louis loves it but it has let me down a couple of times literally!! One morning on the way to the school bus stop we were late and saw the bus pulling away without us. The bus driver saw us and pulled over . the three children ran AND SO DID LOUIS! I braced myself, but slipped and landed in a big puddle, letting go of the flexi as I went down! Louis boarded the bus with the children! As I emerged from the puddle with a very wet bottom, my son reappeared from the bus with my dog! Fortunately the children on the bus were more interested in Louis than the Mum in the puddle! On another occasion I saw a group of dogs approaching and reeled Louis in. As the group passed Louis 'lunged' at one of them. Not sure whether it was operator error but the flexi lead 'let go' and I found myself once more flat on the floor. I was immediately set upon by a dear little Jack Russell puppy. Somewhat relieved that I hadn't 'landed' in anything I picked myself up, exchanged a few words with the passers by and retrieved my dog . who'd found himself a beautiful female German Shepherd! My 12 year old daughter's comment " how embarrassing"!!! Somehow the flexi had run between my thumb and finger and I had extremely painful burns that were white and throbbing! Yes, I love my flexi ... Rhona and Louis in The Netherlands __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
WE ARE FINALLY BERNER OWNERS!!!!
Hi all!! Last month, an email was posted about an older Berner in Peoria Illinois needing rescue. I had then posted that we were meeting with the family. Everything went great. Last night we picked up Beauregard (Ch. Friichnicht's Big Deal) Everything's been going great!! He's doing well, adjusting well. He's got an oozy elbow, he was taken to the vet yesterday -- the vet shaved his elbow, and told the owners to keep it clean with hydrogen peroxide -- i noticed this morning it seems it had scabbed up and came loose, so it's bleeding a bit. The vet had put him on prednisone (1 every other day) -- I think I may have to take him to my vet today -- or maybe call that vet for more info. They think he's been licking it out of nervousness. (any help is welcome of course!!) Anyway, you can see a few pictures of him at my web site (temporarily the name isn't resolving ... so, IP for now) http://24.217.130.192/us/beauregard htm He's a great boy!! We're all happy we could help him out and look forward to getting to know him day by day. Tracey, Mike, Anthony, Kjersti (the Buhund), and now the great Beauregard!!! Belleville, IL (near St Louis, MO)
Kibble
Hey everyone, Speaking of kibble (the Innova topic), what are your experiences, good and bad, with California Natural and/or Wellness? Thanks, Kelli & Oscar Livonia, MI
re; Innova - HATE IT!/ Now Hips/Elbows
- Original Message - From: "Ray & Pat Burgett" > When a puppy leaves your home with its new owner who is loaded with good > information about the best way to raise their new puppy and they chose to do > it their way, food , exercise & training, you as the breeder have lost most > of the control That is not always the casetake mine, against my beliefs I did exactly what the breeder said per contract, fed, exercise and all exactly as he said against my beliefs cause he was the breeder. Doesn't work as you say. Yes, you can make it worse by being ignorant but you can improve the life of a severely bilaterally dysplastic dog with proper diet nutrients and exercise, "including " hill running after a regime of swimming. Proper care is the key, proper care taking of the genes for they say it alland the genes are in the breeders hands. Every dog in every litter should be x-rayed and every dog in every litter should be on Bernergarde for the betterment of your breed. I hate the look that is going to be in my boys eyes when he is required to have the surgery Ask Liz P she has gone through it twice and she is a human with human understanding. At first this well bred dog will question what I have let them do to him, Oh, God give me strengthI will be his care giver, not the breeder, I am the one who would not euthanize him for his hips are fixable and I will do right by him for he is my friend, but also hold any breeder responsible for any crippled well cared for dog out there , not the PPO, accidents happen but the genes don't lie, not in human or animal. It is in that DNA molecule that is where it liesthe proof is in the pudding and if it don't gel then the genes are badtwo excellent dogs can and do produce dysplastic pups, it is nature not nurture! This blaming the PPO or blaming the breeder the first time a dysplastic pup is born is ignorant, but breeding the same two dogs again is ludicrous, cause the genes don't lie and the second time you know who knows the genes don't mixthe breeder, not the owner. Rusty C www.rednekwench.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Inflammation after injection
Hello, I have a question, maybe some of you had the same experience: my 5 year old berner had prostata problems. One day he was so in pain that I had to take him to the vet where he got a pain killer in his side (since than he's been castrated) but the point he got this painkiller to is swollen. It's not just a small thing, it's as big as my palm!!! He is on antibiotics for almost a month now (no, it's more than that), we used a bioptron lamp on him and rubbed his side with a special cream and nothing seems to help. The vet is now considering a surgery on him, but I don't feel confortable, becasuse 2 weeks ago he said, he is afraid to operate him cause he does not know what to expect. He also said he is afraid that he will not be able to stop the bleeding... Many vets saw him and now they are really about to operate him. I'm really afraid of it! Does anyone of you have the same problem as we have? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Timi http://www.geocities.com/max_balu Hungary
I'm back!
Hey folks, After a long long absence due to moving, I'm ready to resume being on the Berner-L. As you know, Panda, Pockets and Bison have decided to relocate to Minnesota just in time for winter. (It snowed the day after we closed on the house last month). The "purebred horde" made the 1450 mile trip without negative incident. Three dogs in a station wagon is a heck of a lot of coordination for one person to handle, but they were incredibly well-behaved, even using one another for pillows at time. Pockets looked a little rough once we made it up here, but bounced back in a day or two. Panda thinks we moved to the park (since we have a half acre lot). Bison is FASCINATED by leaves. He runs from leaf pile to leaf pile JUMPING into the middle and burying himself. Anyway, if anyone in Minneapolis wants to play, these guys are FULLY ready! Adam Conn Plymouth, MN Nor-Ham's Quellen Panda Conn CGC WDX Southwind TME Purple Majesty "Capezza's Pick Your Pockets" (rescue Aussie) __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
RE: info on pugs
Hi, My sympathies to your friend. Make sure they buy some Beano!! Every one I've ever met has been a gassy little stinker! Rose
RE: Spaying...Opinions, Please, Regarding Timing
Hi Pat, Thanks for your reply, was there information about the age of onset and whether they were spayed early, spayed late or intact. Maidens or retired brood bitches? Were the diagnosis' confirmed and/or primary or secondary metastes to another type of cancer? Rose
Fw: Re: Looking for vet
I think Sherry meant to forward this to the list--my response is at the bottom: ---Original Message--- In a message dated 11/6/2002 3:18:48 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: "Assuming a fairly cooperative dog, I think practice makes perfect. A vet or tech that does many xrays for orthopedic evaluation will do a better job than someone who's usually doing it to confirm crippling dysplasia in a pet dogwith or without meds. " I can not agree more with this statement..When I sell puppies I ask that they be x-rayed and the films sent to me.. I then include the films in a litter packet and send them on to OFA. I have to tell you that I have seen MANY films that have been sent to me by vets that were AWFUL. I have had vets tell puppy owners that their dogs were dysplastic ..only to have the films sent to me and find out that the dog is positioned poorly.. that the pelvis is tilted or the knees aren't in the proper position. 2 vets even wanted to do TPO surgery on 6 month old puppies that has films done when they were neutered..These vets told these owners that they should do the procedure now before any problems occurred. These owners called me and I asked to see a copy of the films,, BOTH were crooked.. One had a tilted pelvis. The other was a fairly good film the knees could have benn pulled in a bit more.. based on all the films that I have seen and done I would say that these were passing films.. Maybe not an excellent but most likely passing.Definately not something requiring surgery Neither one was symptomatic. Vets don't want to hear that from a "breeder" though. I asked 2 of the vets at the clinic where I work to look at the films and both agreed that they were not surgical candidates but that if the owners were not sure they should get a second opinion in 6 months from an orthopedic vet. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place with the issue of x-rays. On one hand as a breeder I feel that I should know what I am producing as far as whole litter orthopedics. I therefore require my puppy owners to do the x-rays.. I do get them to comply but then they get films taken like the situations that I just mentioned. Now the puppy owners feel like there is somthing wrong with their puppy. Actually there is nothing wrong except the films are taken poorly. I can't ask them to have them re-taken after they just paid for the first set. The vets mostly have the attitude that I am just a breeder what do I know.. I am no further ahead than I was before the films were taken and now the Puppy owners don't know what to think.. What is the right answer?? I have to say that I am more than a bit frustrated with this whole situation Anyone have thoughts on this?? Sherry Von Engel BMD's Sherry, you have very valid points!! It makes you wonder if some vets are out there trying to find ways to make money -- versus others that are just good vets!!! I must also say it is SPECTACULAR that you are able to get your puppy owners to do the xraying!! KUDOS TO YOU! Perhaps you can also put in your puppy packet the difference between a vet that just does an xray, and a vet/specialist that knows what they are doing -- I'm not sure how to word it ... but you get my point. Obviously with pet owners (no showing/breeding) the person that benefits most from doing the xrays (and eyes, etc.) is YOU -- the breeder. This is really the ONLY way for you to truly know exactly what you are producing. My suggestion would have to be, depending on the xray and results - should they be bad (potentially) because of positioning (i.e. no arthritic changes present) -- then maybe you should offer to paty to have the xrays done again by a different vet (your choice if they are close to you). Yes, this could be costly over time ... but we don't breed for money -- at least those of us that are responsible!! :o) We must also educate owners that there are thousands of NO-SYMPTOMATIC dogs out there with HD, some quite bad ... that live forever and you'd never know they had it, unless you xrayed them. If there is no pain, and no outward effects of having HD -- please PLEASE PLEASE don't do surgeries. They don't always work, and the dog could end up worse off than they were. All it means knowing, is that you keep your dog lean, muscled, and yet not over excersized -- no agility. Just to go at the dog's pace. Seems simple enough to me. (ahh, if only life WERE simple ... to be a Berner ..) Cheers! Tracey
BMDCA yearbook & stud book information
Hi there. Could someone let me know how to get my dog(s) into the following publications. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks. Laura Caprara
Re: The Importance of XRay Positioning
In a message dated 11/6/2002 8:32:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, Sherry VonEngel writes: > On one hand as a breeder I feel that I should know what I am producing > as far as whole litter orthopedics. I therefore require my puppy owners > to do the x-rays.. I do get them to comply but then they get films taken > like the situations that I just mentioned. Now the puppy owners feel > like there is somthing wrong with their puppy. Actually there is nothing > wrong except the films are taken poorly. You're not alone Sherry...I think as more and more breeders require evaluation of all their puppies, we'll be dealing with this a great. I've been trying to think of ways to address it... First is with patience...a whole lot of patience . In most cases, your owners will have enough confidence in you to stop and consider what you're telling them...though it will take a bit to get past their intial upset. Another thing the breeder can do is help owners find vets who do a lot of ortho xrays. I think my vet (3 vet practice) is probably pretty typical of many your owners are working with. They're used to dealing with vaccines and an array of diseases that have reached an acute stage before the owner brings the dog innot screening for sub clinical disease like we're asking for. They're also used to dealing with 'breeders' only in the context of backyard and puppymill...so tend to get pretty cynical in that respect. So, if you can network to locate vets who do lots of screening...that may help, especially if you can steer them to vets who routinely do rads without anesthesia. Last, and maybe best...I think OFA will evaluate xrays at any age, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Pre-lims (dogs under 2 yrs old) are $25 for hips alone, $30 for hips AND elbows..the later's the best bargain around. If the vet knows the films are going to OFA, they'll do their best to get good positioning. If OFA accepts the films, you'll have a professional reading, and if they're rejected, the owner's heard it from an unaffiliated source...and the vet should redo without charge. -Sherri Venditti
Re: GPS chips
Hi I work for a company that makes GPS chips, and they are now available as tracking chips for external use for kids, so if you have a large dog it makes sense you could use the same device for your dog (these are not made by my company but I have to keep up to date with what the competition is doing!) The ones I have seen have a price that is not too bad (considering the value of a BMD) plus a monthly fee of around $10-15 for the online tracking service. At this price it is only worth it if your dog goes a wandering frequently! However as it would be an interesting application you could always try and get one for less by offering to evaluate it! there are new animal ones that are coming out in the next few months - just keep doing web searches for animal tracking GPS. kind regards Emma - Original Message - From: "Lisa Ebnet" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 11:06 PM Subject: GPS chips > Does anyone know if a GPS chip is now available for use in domestic animals? > I have seen it for some time now with wild animals. This would truly be > ideal. If a dog is missing for whatever reason you can track it down and > pinpoint it's location with a GPS unit. You would not necessarily have to > own one. Our local SAR unit has one now as does Fish and Wildlife. Not > sure they are affordable or available for public consumption. > > Lisa Ebnet > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >
