Received First Yahoo Digest!
Hi Everyone- It did take about one week...but I received my first Yahoo Berner-L digest this mornign!!! Yeah! Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA Tully-Sky Bernese Mtn Dogs
Japanese girl VS playboy
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Clomicalm
Hi Everyone- Does anyone on the list have experiences with their Berner on Clomicalm? I would appreciate hearing any positive or negative thoughts. Please e-mail me privately if you feel it is more appropriate. Thanks! Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Frontline
Hi Everyone- I was told by my holistic vet last year, that Frontline is the only tick product that does not work systemically. In other words...it does not enter the bloodstream and infect the internal organs of the pets. It only works from the hair follicle level. From what I understand, the tick does not have to bite the dog...it only needs to have contact with the skin/hair. Applying the product correctly is crucial. A pharmaceutical rep recommended to me that we instruct clients to remove leather and nylon collars prior to applying the product, so it can travel to the skin on the dog's head without getting absorbed by the collar. It is also important to get the full amount inside the vial onto the pet's skin...not the hair around the application site. The product is wasted if it is only emptied onto the hair itself. Another important step is to not bathe the dog (or cat) at least 2 days either before or after the Frontline application. An oily haircoat helps the product work most effectively. As other listers have stated...remember, Frontline (and other products such as BioSpot, PrevenTic Collars, etc) are not 'repellants'...you WILL find ticks on your pet. The objective is to make them neurologic and kill them before they have the opportunity to transmit disease...OR crawl off the dog or cat and climb on you instead. Take care, Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: My beloved Berner
Hi Cissy- What a heart-wrenching decision that must have been for you to turn to. Your post did not mention that you had anyone to turn to such as Cissy's breeder, a trainer, or a veterinarian, to help with your dog's aggression issues. It is such a shame that we failed you. It is such a shame that your Cissy had some temperament issues that made her dangerous to live with. Unfortunately, there are dogs in our world that make living with them more difficult than others. Hopefully, by breeding dogs with exceptional temperaments and health clearances, we are providing wonderful companions for people. However, dogs are like people...sometimes a family member just is not nice. Cissy's littermates may be wonderful and trustworthy, yet she did not inherit their self-confidance. I am using this as an example only of course...since I have no idea whether her littermates are 'good' companion dogs or not. Cissy is in a special place now...where dogs run and play freely...no leashes and lots of treats. Rest assured that she understands your decision to help her cross over, and she is being cared for by many of those who went before her. Take care, Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA Tully (2/27/93-12/8/99) Schyler (2/91-11/30/01)
AOL HTML
Hi Everyone- I don't know if this helps...but I have used all of the AOL versions, and currently am using AOL 7.0 (only because I really don't like 8.0 at all). I can post directly to the Berner-L, and other internet groups, without a problem...as long as I never cut/copy paste words from another lister's post on the L. If I simply write my own post to the Berner-L...it seems to always go through without a problem. If I want to refer to something that was said in a post on the Berner-L by another lister, I need to free-type that info into my post as a reference. As far as I am aware, typing directly from my address book to the Berner-L has not been a problem with the HTML? I haven't received error messages from the error crew...and my posts seem to go through clearly in the digest form. Hope that helps? Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Acupuncture
Hi- My lab mix developed arthritis in her wrists and hips as she aged. It seemed to affect her seasonally, so every 4 weeks I took her for acupuncture treatments during the spring, summer months. Within days of her first treatment in the spring-time, she would stop limping, and would climb stairs without a problem. By the fall season, she would no longer limp at all, and would not have problems with the stairs in our house. One of my Berners had an OCD lesion in her shoulder as a puppy. It was surgically removed, but she still limps ocassionally. When she shows discomfort, she gets acupuncture treatments. Typically only two treatments are necessary, about 2 weeks apart. Then she is good for quite a while! Usually more than 6 months. Another one of my Berners had chronic knee pain from ACL surgeries...he did remarkably well after his acupuncture treatments. The vet did not concentrate on the knee, instead she corrected his neck and spine because he had a chronic limp from his knee injury. I am a big advocate of acupuncture treatments in dogs. Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Berner/Cane Corso Mix!
Hi Everyone- It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this post tonight. My friend called me tonight to inform me that her neighbor has a Bernese Mtn Dog/Cane Corso mix puppy... This litter was also advertised in the Philadelphia Inquirer last weekend...$250. Apparently that is how her neighbor found out about the pups in the first place. Super Bowl weekend my husband I attended a party in a neighborhood near us...it was my husband's co-worker's party. THEY are also getting one of these puppies! I am just so annoyed... And speachless...which is rare if you know me personally... Anyway, just thought I'd share my sorrow with you all. Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
OT-Swissie Info
Hi Everyone- My good friend who owns a horse farm in Maryland, is in search of a reputable Greater Swiss Mtn Dog breeder. She is interested in a dog who has the correct temperament to act as both a livestock guardian, as well as a family pet. She is also interested in search rescue dog training. She and her husband have put a lot of thought into the appropriate breed for their home and lifestyle...and a Swissie seems to fit the bill. Any recommendations from my Berner friends would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Question about Dog Call Names
Hi Cindy- My first Berner was simply Chewlot's Tully. Chewlot is the kennel prefix, and Tully is my dog's name. My second Berner was Tully-Sky Avery v Wingfield...Tully-Sky is my kennel prefix, Avery is my dog's name and the 'v Wingfield' refers to the kennel where my dog was bred. Finally, on my third Berner, we started to get a LITTLE imaginative...October The Drake v Tully-Sky. October is the kennel prefix, The Drake is a character from Seinfeld (you know...everybody loves the Drake), and Tully-Sky is my kennel prefix. We call him Drake. Now...my FOURTH Berner is much, much better...Greenway's Just Over Par, and we call him Bogey. Greenway is the kennel prefix, and he is from the 'J' litter...my husband and I are very proud of this name since we have been failures in the past! VBG Take Care, Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Hyperthyroidism
Hi Peter- As you are probably aware, hyperthyroid problems do not typically affect dogs. Cats are highly susceptible to this problem, while dogs typically are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In cats, some symptoms would be: Ravenous appetite Very skinny/losing weight Poor hair-coat High heart-rate (into the 200's!) Vet is able to palpate the thyroid nodules on the neck I would request that further testing be done if my dog was diagnosed with hyperthyroid problems. A Michigan State thyroid panel would be a good start. Be sure that the form has the box checked off for an Endocrinologist to interpret the results from the tests. Many times, thyroid problems are secondary to another medical problem. If your veterinarian can determine if there is an underlying condition...and treat that problem...sometimes the thyroid problems will reverse, and show normal results again. Take care, and please keep the Berner-L updated on your dog's problem. Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Vet education on OFA films
Good for you Vicky!!! Sometimes it only takes one person's voice to change the thoughts and opinions of others. I am proud of you for speaking up to your veterinarian about the importance of submitting OFA films. Jennie Hoffnagle, LVT Glenmoore, PA
Re: Clicking noise
Hi Leslie- I would be very suspicious of a partially torn cruciate ligament (ACL tear). Many dogs 'click' when they walk, and it is due to rubbing in the knee...Better have it checked out by a board certified orthopedic specialist. They would be able to tell you with the most accuracy if you are dealing with a knee injury, or something else. If the ACL is fully torn, typically the dog will hang the leg and not use it at all...and they only 'toe-touch' when standing. A partially torn ligament appears to be a normal knee, except when they ocassionally limp...or click. Good luck! Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Partial ACL tears
Hi Everyone- Cruciate injuries 'used' to be considered an out of shape, sports injury in middle aged dogs, as Sherri has pointed out...but I can attest personally that many, many Berners succumb to this injury, regardless of age or physical structure. For instance, my Tully was only 4 yrs old when he ruptured his ACL, and he was not what I would consider to be heavy. He eventually ruptured his other knee about 3 yrs later, but that was probably due to the tremendous stress of using the leg as his primary support. He had many complications with the first knee surgery. My female Berner, Avery, is super athletic, in top physical condition and very lean and muscular. She partially ruptured her ACL a few months ago at the age of 3 1/2 yrs old. We decided to rest her and treat her with anti-inflamatories (Rimadyl) when she limps. Several months after her diagnosis, she only limps after exercise and on rainy days. Looks like we will not be putting her through surgery for a while yet. There are typically several options when dealing with a partial ACL tear. Some orthopedic specialists will recommend rest and pain management, while others will recommend to run your dog, hoping to fully tear the ligament. Some opt for surgical repair of the ligament regardless of the full or partial tear. At this time, there appears to be no 'right or wrong' answer. There are also several surgical techniques for repairing the injured knee, and those are up for debate as well. In the clinic setting, we are seeing young and old, small and large breed dogs with ruptured ACL's. Some are definitely out of shape, and even obese...while others are in top condition. Seems there is no rhyme or reason...or...perhaps there IS and we just don't know it yet? g Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
RE: Knee surgery at 4 months
Hi Tina- Most orthopedic surgeons will suggest to do ACL surgical repair on a dog over 40 pounds, and allow the knee to heal on it's own in dogs under that weight range. Since a 4 month old Berner pup is in a grey area as far as weight...I imagine he is about 40 pounds or so already...it would need to be determined by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon if surgery is indeed necessary. For instance, if a beagle tears their ACL, many vets will suggest rest and anti-inflammatory medication for a few weeks. However, if it is a 'fat' beagle, surgery may be a better option. If the dog is a large breed adult, there is typically no question that surgery is needed. Basically, that is a tough decision to make for a young Berner pup. He is going to have arthritis regardless of surgical intervention or not. I suppose I would follow the advice of a reputable orthopedic surgeon in this particular situation. If she/he suggests surgery, I suppose I would opt for that... and if they do not suggest surgery, I suppose I would follow that advice. Perhaps ask for several opinions from different ortho specialists? Can't hurt to have varied opinions for such a young dog. Let us know what happens- Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: berner pup or baby - which should come first???
Hi Kerry- I had two dogs before we got married. They were adults, and grew up with me while I was in college. Even my Berner were not what I would call 'good with kids'. They just weren't socialized enough as younsters with children. Only beer and loud music! G When my husband and I wanted to get pregant, AND add another Berner to our family, I chose to get a pup when I was in my first trimester. Our puppy, Drake, was 6 months old, had basic obedience training and was housebroken when our human baby entered our household. Granted...I was terribly sick my entire pregnancy...so THAT is not something I planned on at all. Bending over and cleaning up puppy poop, pee and training to sit/lay down are not too easy when you have morning sickness 24/7 for 8 months straight. However, playing with my dogs did take my mind off of how I felt. They made me happy in my sickest moments. So, we had Schyler (LabX)...who was 9 yrs old when Evan was born...would not trust her with children at all. We had Avery (Berner) who was 1 1/2 yrs old...and she was gentle, sweet and very interested in the baby. And we had Drake (Berner) who was 6 months old and was totally adorable with the baby. Evan is now a 2 year old toddler. We lost Schyler to cancer one year ago. She was never allowed to be around Evan when he was crawling or walking. I can honestly say that Avery is trustworthy to the point that I can feel comfortable leaving the room with both dogs in the room alone with Evan. If Evan is running and playing...Avery (who is almost 3 yrs old now/spayed) will leave the room and leave the commotion rather than snap or growl. She has never snapped or growled at Evan. However, she prefers to not 'play' with him. Although she does tend to like being around him. Drake (who was the 6 month old when Evan was born...he is now 2 1/2 yrs old/and intact) is Evan's best buddy. Evan can accidently fall on Drake, take food from Drake's mouth, take his toys out of his mouth, and he even snuggles with him and uses his stomach as a big pillow while watching Monsters, Inc!!! G All dogs have their own individual personality. It is important that we respect each dog for who they are, as well as train them properly to be respectful to us. For instance, I know that Drake and Avery love having kids over to play in the yard and in the house. However, Avery will not tolerate being grabbed at or hung on, while Drake loves that physical attention from children. It is up to me to recognize that the children's play is heading in that direction, and assist Avery to leave the area safely. It is also up to us, as parents, to teach our children the difference between appropriate play behavior with animals and aggressive, abusive behavior towards animals. Even a hug from a toddler can come across to a dog as being dominated. Not all children should 'hug' dogs, and not all dogs want to be hugged. :o) I was pleased with our decision to add a new dog to our household when the dog would be an older puppy/adolescent when our child was born. I think it strengthened their bond, and it has been wonderful watching them grow up together. Plus, having all of the dogs trained well before the baby arrived was a positive result. In my opinion, trying to learn to be a good Mom or Dad is overwhelming enough...trying to train a puppy should not be on a new parent's to-do list. Hope that helps- Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Hernia operation - should I?
Hi Michaela- If you had your dog neutered already, I am surprised that your vet did not go ahead and fix it surgically regardless of you authorizing it. Typically it is done for the dog at the time of the spay/castration...and many owners are never the wary. g That said, it is not a necessary surgery, in most cases. If there is only a small amount of fat popping through the area, causing a little ball of fat to be felt underneath the skin on the belly...then most vets will recommend either having it corrected at the spay/castration time, or leave it alone if the dog is not going to be neutered. Most dogs do just fine living with an umbilical hernia all their lives. IF the hernia is on the larger size (to be determined by your veterinarian), then they may recommend surgical repair regardless if the dog is to be neutered or not. Just depends on the size of the opening. Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
OT - Flying pets to Ireland
Hi Everyone- This is not Berner related... My cousin lives in Boston and is possibly moving to Ireland this year. She has an indoor only cat and would like to know the restrictions (if any) on entering the country. Also, does anyone know if there are restrictions for her to return to the US and bring the cat back with her next year? The cat is an adult, indoor only and current on all vaccines (FVRCP Rabies). Thanks for any info that is available! Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: G'Day Buddy!
Don't worry Julia...not ALL of the boys are 'make-up artists'! G Some, like my Drake, are more subtle with their manly ways, and keep their lipstick in their pocket until absolutely necessary. :o) Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Berner-L Histio Rollcall
With much sadness and tears...forever in my heart... Tully , Chewlot's Tully 2/27/93 - 12/8/99 Loved by Jennie Hoffnagle, Glenmoore, PA
Re: Female Incontinance
Hi Everyone- DES was the drug that made women infertile if their mothers took it in the 60's for morning sickness/nausea while they were pregnant. The daughters of the women were found to be infertile due to the parent taking the drug. It is still used today for veterinary use to treat urinary incontinance in dogs. Sometimes it is difficult to find a supplier however. Phenylpropanolomine is another drug that many veterinarians use instead of DES for urinary incontinance issues. It was also found over-the-counter in the form of Dexetrim capsules (the dietary supplement), however recently it has been shown to cause strokes in people...and I believe it is now taken off the market. Veterinarians still use this medication to treat dogs. Personally, I have not heard of, or seen, any side effects directly related to the use of either DES or Phenylpropanolomine when treating urinary incontinance in dogs. Both products can work well for most dogs. It is always best to follow the advice of your veterinarian, and be up front...ask if he/she has seen any side effects before you start giving your dog any new medication. Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Microchips
Hi Everyone- I microchipped all 3 of my cats as they were walking across my kitchen floor using the AVID chip. Yes...the needle is huge, however it is also VERY sharp and glides underneath the skin rather effortlessly. We often microchip young pups on their first vaccination visit at the clinic, and they rarely, if ever, squirm or cry. Typically they just don't want to be held still. Perhaps you could ask about microchipping clinics at the local SPCA, or ask another local veterinary clinic to place the chip for you, if your vet is concerned about the size of the syringe? You could also have your pet microchipped when she is spayed at your regular vet. Take Care, Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Arthritis, Rimadyl, Confusion, Dread
Hi Richard- As with any medication, you first need to evaluate the dog's problem and then determine if the pros outweigh the cons for medicating. The description that you have used in your post regarding Bodhi's health leads me to believe that you are seeking some kind of pain relief for your Bodhi. Since his liver enzyme levels are indeed elevated, the Rimadyl may increase those values over time...yet it may be the best relief for your friend. Typically you will see positive results rather quickly with the use of anti-inflammatories. I would not be surprised if you noticed that Bodhi is more comfortable after just 1-2 doses of the Rimadyl. If you give the chewable form in a meal for a week or two...and gradually taper down the dose from 100mg twice daily to a dose that is effective for him but lower than the recommended dosage for his weight (such as 75mg once daily), you may give him the pain relief that he needs, while keeping his blood levels in check. Only Bodhi can determine what dose is right for him...you would just need to experiment and see what the lowest dosage is that he can handle. Another suggestion may be to ask your veterinarian about giving Piroxicam instead of the Rimadyl. Piroxicam is less expensive, is given once daily for 3 days, and then every other day. It does tend to be a little harsher on the stomach than Rimadyl, however many, many dogs do extremely well with this alternative. Before Rimadyl came out, most vets prescribed either Piroxicam capsules or Phenylbutazone tablets to relieve arthritis pain. Of course you could try Buffered Aspirin or Ascripton as well...but those leave the dog more susceptible to GI problems, such as ulcers, with long-term use. Also, incase you are unaware...Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate are the same ingredients in Cosequin. If you are giving 2 different forms...you are probably wasting some money. :o( The typical recommendation is to give a 100 pound dog 1500mg Glucosamine daily. If you would like to add some other supplements to his diet that may help his arthritis pain, you may try adding 500-2000mg Vitamin C (gradually increase from 500mg over several weeks to prevent diarrhea). Flax Seed Oil has been suggested in the past (I don't have a dose for that...perhaps another Berner-L'er could offer a dosage for you to try?) Also, fish oil has been recommended as a supplement, such as Derm Caps sold in your veterinary clinic. I guess the true question that you and your veterinarian need to decide is, what is most important in Bodhi's older years...keeping his liver values low in a relatively safe range, or giving him pain relief that may increase those values? My personal opinion is that if I were treating my 2 yr old for arthritis pain...monitoring blood levels and using the safest possible anti-inflammatories would be essential for the next 8-10 years. However, if I were treating my 10 yr old, my focus may lean more towards comfort and quality of life. Take Care- Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Canine Acne
Hi Julene- Puppy Acne typically is seen when they are young pups, and are still house-training. It is especially common in female puppies who are not too clean when they pee, and sometimes they also have puppy vaginitis along with it. When they lick to clean themselves up, they can irritate the skin and get little bumps. Once the bumps arrive, there is a skin infection...and the vet will usually prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. Gently cleansing the area with warm water and a house-hold antibacterial soap (rinsing well afterwards and pat completely dry!) will help keep the bacterial in check. Since your male is an older pup (you mentioned 7 months old), I would suspect either a contact allergy or food allergy. If his belly is itchy as well as his inner thighs...my first question would be if you changed laundry detergent recently? Another thought is if he is lying outside in mulch or dry grass...possible an allergic reaction to that environment? If so...I would suggest cleansing the area (gently) with antibacterial soap, rinse well, and pat thoroughly dry. The hand soap in your bathroom will do the trick. If that is not the case...I would suggest that you try a different food. Eliminating the old food from his system will take 6-8 weeks...so you will not see improvement overnight. Keep in mind that the over the counter foods in pet stores and feed stores are NOT truly hypo-allergenic diets, even though they market them as such. They typically have meat-by-products, the first ingredient chicken,etc...so they are not truly eliminating chicken or beef from your dog's diet. I would suggest that you ask your veterinarian for a potato and duck, or venison diet to see if that does the trick. Alcohol is VERY irritating. Be very careful and dilute it when applying to the skin over and over again. If the skin is already sensitive and reactive...it may not be the best product to use to help clear up the infection. Ruling out things one by one is essential. Since you are not seeing results so far, perhaps you could rule out the contact allergy by thoroughly rinsing out his dog bed, and not allowing him to rest outside in the same areas. If that does not help...then try changing his diet. Give that at least 2 months time to see results...and that means NO other treats, etc except his prescription allergy food. One other thought...have your tried giving Benedryl twice daily to help with the itching? Most importantly, check in with your vet about what you are trying. If she or he disagrees with my suggestions...certainly follow their advice regarding your dog's health. Good luck! Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: anesthetic procedure
Hi Elizabeth- Everyone (dogs, cats and people,etc) recovers from anesthesia in different ways. Some gradually wake up and then doze back off to sleep, while others awaken quickly and start howling and paddling...very eratic behavior (sounds like your Ptolli did this, eh?). Still others 'pretend' they are still zonked out...but if you try to move them to another location, they pop right up and walk around as if they were never under anesthesia at all! You truly never know how a dog will react to anesthesia...regardless if pre-anesthetic agent was given or not. Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
Re: Lyme Vaccine
Hi Melissa- A good question...with no good answer unfortunately. I can tell you that out of the three vets I worked with over 3 yrs ago...only one vet vaccinated his own dogs, and recommended vaccinating all dogs. The other two vets did not vaccinate their own dogs, but discussed the pros and cons with their clients. Some clients did chose to vaccinate, and others did not. The clinic I currently work in also has three vets, and they all recommend the 'new' Lyme vaccine for dogs. It has supposedly been proven safer with better efficacy. Even Labrador Retrievers...who were having a lot of problems with the vaccine and natural exposure over the past years, do not seem to be having the extreme reactions to the vaccination as they did with previous manufacturers. I can tell you that one vet does not have dogs, the second vet does vaccinate for Lyme (he has a Springer Spaniel), and the third vet does not vaccinate his Shepherd mix or Golden Retriever for Lyme. Personally, I have never, and presently do not, vaccinate against Lyme Disease. I do use Frontline TopSpot because it does not work systemically. It stays in the hair follicles...therefore it does not enter the dog's bloodstream or internal organs. Some people have good luck with the Preventic Collar...I cannot use this since my dogs wrestle and chew on each other. I would recommend that you ask your veterinarian if they vaccinate their own dogs (or family dogs if they have none of their own). Ask them why they do, or why they don't. That will help you to decide what is best for your own dog. Take Care, Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
