TRIBLEDANES
Pronounced "Tribal Danes" Est. 2004
Breeders Of Quality, Health Tested, AKC Registered, Color Pure, Fawn and Brindle Great Danes.
Health and Longevity
~ LIST OF CONTENTS ~
Surgery Guidelines For Great Danes, DCM: Cardiomyopathy, K9 HD: Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Cataracts, Canine Entropion, Ectropion, Cherry Eye, GDV: Bloat & Torsin, Cancer, CVI: Wobblers, HOD, Pano, OCD, Joint Support For OCD, Elbow Hygroma, Internal Parasites, Heart Worm Information, Vaccination Guidelines, A True Puppy Mill, Nail Trimmers, Toys, Crate For Great Danes, Recommended Shampoo and Conditioner.
Surgery Guidelines For Great Danes
This information has been prepared by the great dane club of america health and welfare committee and written by sue cates, rvt and reviewed by leann lake-heidke, dvm.
The following information regarding both routine spay and neuter surgery as well as emergency situations in the great dane (such as those involving c-sections) is presented as a basic protocol to help avoid complications such as dic (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy) which appear to occur in a higher number of giant dogs undergoing surgery than the norm. Therefore, the gdca offers the following information for owners and breeders of great danes.
Several veterinary clinics with regular and extensive experience dealing with giant breeds have developed similar protocols for surgery that can be recommended preferentially for giant breeds. These are techniques that have proven highly successful; both in routine spay/neuter surgeries as well as more critical care situations, such as c-sections. Such a set of protocols is offered below. We suggest you download it and discuss this with your veterinarian prior to any surgical appointment.
Please review the following with your attending veterinarian before deciding to have surgery done on your dane:
1. First find a veterinarian experienced with surgeries involving giant breeds.
2. All elective surgeries, such as spay/neuter, should be done ideally only on healthy animals. Spays are best planned in anestrous: about 3 months after the last season. Please insure your veterinarian is aware of any health concerns you might have about your dog prior to surgery.
3. Prior to any surgery, request that the veterinarian do a complete physical examination, including a good heart auscultation, and ekg.
4. Ensure that you elect to have the pre-surgical blood work done (cbc and serum chemistry panel) and ask them to also include a clotting profile.
5. If all blood work and the exam are normal, then schedule the surgery and fast the dog overnight. It's not generally necessary to withhold water for 12 hours (simply put the water bowl away at bedtime).
6. Ask that the surgeon insert an iv catheter prior to surgery. Fluid therapy should generally be administered as a safety precaution. Pulse oximetry and cardiac monitoring are also recommended. If blood pressure monitoring is available, consider any extra costs as potentially insuring additional safety margins.
7. Spay surgery in conjunction with c-section is not always the safest option in giant dogs. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of two separate surgeries vs. doing both procedures at once with your veterinarian.
8. Currently, the induction agent, propofol (deprivan), and the gas anesthesia, sevoflurane, are considered the most ideal (safe and effective) anesthetic agents. These agents are not always available and always cost more to use. Valium, ketamine, and the gas isoflurane are widely available and generally acceptable. Due to the variations in physiology in giant breeds, drugs such as acepromazine, rompun and the thiopentals are less appropriate choices. Discuss this with your veterinarian. Also discuss appropriate pain control for your dog when contemplating surgery for your great dane.
9. During and after surgery, dogs are highly susceptible to hypothermia (lowered body temperature). The body loses heat directly through the surgical opening; stress and anesthetic agents further impair ability to maintain body temperature. Hypothermia adversely affects the cardiovascular system, coagulation, anesthesia recovery time and increases the risk of wound infection. Preventive measures, including warming of iv fluids, placing the dog on a heated pad (circulating water heating pad or other heating pad set on "low") and covering the body and extremities with warmed blankets, towels, bubble wrap, or other protective coverings post-surgery are vital in conserving body heat. Temperature monitoring, either via electronic device or rectal thermometer, should be done during surgery and periodically throughout recovery.
Prepared by the health and welfare committee of the great dane club of america. Written by sue cates, rvt and reviewed by leann lake-heidke, dvm. Permission to reprint as submitted for educational purposes is given.
There are two issues you need to discuss before doing surgery on your large/giant breed.
1) keeping the dog warm when coming out of the surgery
2) supporting the head and neck during surgery and aftercare.
It is crucial that you make sure you have a meeting ahead of time with the vet and staff that will be doing the surgery and handling the after care of your dog.
In a survey taken of over 385 great dane owners/breeders, 30% of them had lost a dog to spay or neuter surgery. There are precautions you must take ahead of time, one being not to spay when bitches are in estrus (see above) or if you have a male in a house full of females in season. Wait until they are all out of season and he is no longer stressed.
Yes, they can die in surgery or recovery if they are in the cycle of estrus (season) but they can also expire due to a drop in body temperature causing bleed out.
If they get cold coming out of anesthesia and recovery and their body temp drops it can cause them to bleed to death internally, and they are gone before you even know they are bleeding. This is because on a very large dog, the "mass" of the dog is often greater than the area or body surface of the dog, causing them difficulty in keeping hot or cool.
If after the surgery they carry your dog to recovery and lay them on a cold concrete floor, it can be a death warrant. They must keep the dog on a warm floor - with ample bedding under the dog, and keep the dog covered up with a comforter or blanket as well during the recovery process - usually the first 24 hours is the most crucial.....it is the drop in body heat that causes bleedout internally. I mean make them understand this is required from you..and you supply the bed and blanket if you have to, and put it in writing and hand it to the vet as you drop off the dog. It's your dog, you pay the bills, be an advocate for your pet.
The second critical issues is for you to tell your vet and staff in writing and verbally "do not allow your dog's neck and head dangle off the operating table during surgery and you want it supported on either side with towels or a surgical trough". I would ask to talk to the helper that will be carrying the dog back to recovery as well. Make sure every one knows that you want the head and neck of this dog supported at all times, while under anesthesia and during surgery and transport to recovery.
I can't tell you the number of dogs that end up with slip disc's or diagnosed with wobblers syndrome right after surgery. This is because the dogs are limp under anesthesia and then not supported properly during surgery or movement to recovery and it causes misalignment of the spine!!
Either of these problems wobblers or discs..usually means euthanasia, they are not repairable so you must step up to the plate and be the voice for your pet.
* DCM: CARDIOMYOPATHY - is suspected to be an inherited disease in the Great Dane and current (preliminary) research indicates that this disease may be sex-linked in our breed. Research is ongoing. An echocardiogram of the heart will confirm the disease but will not guarantee that the disease will not develop in the future. Regular exams on breeding stock are recommended. There are some congenital heart defects also occasionally found in the breed. For an in-depth article on the subject, see "Heart Disease in the Great Dane."
* K9 HD: HIP DYSPLASIA - is an inherited disease with multi-factorial expression. Clinically the disease may be seen as simply poor rear end conformation or lessened athleticism to such malformation of the hip joint that the dog becomes crippled. It is recommend that breeding stock be Xrayed as normal. OFA and PennHIP both offer certification programs.
See OFA and PennHIP. The SV in Germany (the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany) has proven that genetics is only responsible for about 25% of the bad hips in dogs. This means that 70% to 75% of the bad hips are caused by environmental issues. Even though German Shepherd Dogs are not Great Danes, this still applies. K9 Hip Dysplasia does not select a certain breed, it effect just about every breed out there but mainly your Large/Giant breeds.
* HYPOTHYROIDISM - in dogs is generally the result of a heritable disorder of the immune system. This condition results when the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormone to adequately maintain the dog's metabolism. Happily, it is easily treated with thyroid replacement pills. Thyroid testing (T4, TSH and autoantibodies) on breeding stock should be performed on a routine basis. Finding autoantibodies to thyroglobulin is normally an indication that the dog has autoimmune thyroiditis. Low thyroid dogs, manifested by a high TSH and a low T4, should be treated and monitored on a regular basis. Dogs with confirmed thyroid abnormalities should not be bred. See the Hypothyroidism update article.
* CATARACTS - although not common, cataracts have been described in the Great Dane and can be blinding. Eyelid abnormalities (e.g. entropion) are also not unheard of in the breed. For breeding stock a CERF exam can insure that the eyes are normal in all aspects. See CERF data for the breed.
* CANINE ENTROPION - Entropion is a conditions that involve the eyelids. With an entropion the eyelids roll inward and rub against the cornea of the eye. This can cause a great deal of discomfort for the dog.
* CANINE ECTROPION - Ectropion is a conditions that involve the eyelids. Ectropion is the opposite of entropion, the eyelids droop exposing the cornea. Entropion can be a congenital defect but can also occur following injury or trauma, painful corneal lesions, and conjunctival inflammation. Ectropion is considered normal in some breeds. Even top show breeders come face to face with this condition.
Great Danes are commonly seen with Ectropion, the rolling outward of the lower eyelid giving the droopy eye look. Its more commonly seen in Great Danes that are European or carry European within their pedigree.
Both condition can be corrected with surgery.
CHERRY EYE : - The medical term for 'cherry eye' is nictitans gland prolapse, or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. Unlike people, dogs have a 'third eyelid' that contains a tear gland and is located in the corner of each eye. Under normal circumstances, this gland is not visible and aids in the production of tears. For some reason, which is not completely understood, the gland of the third eyelid prolapses or comes out of its normal position and swells creating the condition known as cherry eye.
What dogs are likely to get cherry eye?
Any dog can develop cherry eye, but there are several breeds that appear to have a higher incidence of developing it in both eyes. They are: the Beagle, Bloodhound, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Saint Bernard, and Shar-Pei. Dogs can acquire this condition at any age and it affects males and females equally.
A C.E.R.F. certificate or clear ophthalmologist eye exam on a particular dog does not mean that that particular dog does not have or has never had Cherry Eye. Nor does a clear exam mean that puppies from that dog will never develop Cherry Eye. Cherry Eye has not been proven to be a genetic defect and C.E.R.F. will certify a dog that has had one or both glands prolapsed.
What causes it?
The reason this prolapse occurs is not completely understood. It can occur secondary to eye inflammation or irritation or for unknown reasons. Some people suspect that certain occurrences may be due to a genetic weakness of the connective tissue that attaches the gland to the surrounding structures of the eye. However, there is no known inheritance pattern for Cherry Eye.
Once the gland prolapses and is exposed to the dry air and irritants, it can become infected and/or begin to swell. The gland often becomes irritated, red, and swollen. There is sometimes a mucous discharge and if the animals rub or scratch at it, they can traumatize the gland further or possibly create an ulcer on the surface of the eye.I my self have witnessed a cherry eye brought on by an accidental injury!
What is the treatment?
Treatment of cherry eye is very straightforward and consists of surgically repositioning the gland. Topical or injectable treatments of antibiotics and steroids are rarely effective in reducing the gland and allowing for correction without surgery. Because the exposed gland is at greater risk for further trauma or infection, prompt surgical replacement is the best choice.
At one time, it was popular to surgically remove the gland as a way to correct this condition. While this procedure is often effective, it can create many problems later in the animals life. The gland of the third eyelid is very important for the production of tears. Without the tears produced by the third eyelid many dogs could suffer from the condition known as 'dry eye.' Dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a serious condition that results from the decreased production of tears. When the third eyelid gland is removed, we are greatly increasing the chances for the development of this condition. The much better and preferred surgical option is to surgically tack the gland back into place with a suture that attaches the gland to the deeper structures of the eye socket. Most of these surgeries are performed quickly and have very few complications, and allow the gland to return to normal function. After the surgery, some animals may need to be placed on antibiotic ointment for a few days.
GDV: Bloat - is the number one killer of Great Danes & Great Danes are the #1 breed at risk for bloat. For reasons not fully understood, in certain deep-chested breeds in particular, the stomach distends, then has a tendency to rotate, which cuts off the blood supply to various parts of the body, as well as effectively shutting down digestion. This condition is extremely painful as well as a true emergency that is rapidly life-threatening. A dog with a bloated, twisted stomach (technically called "Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus") will die in great pain in a matter of hours unless drastic steps are taken: surgery is normally necessary. The reasons for GDV are currently not understood, however most would agree that multiple small meals per day and preventing vigorous exercise around mealtimes can help reduce the chances of bloat. Many breeders and owners of Great Danes consider a surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy ("preventative tack") which can help prevent some of the more serious aspects of GDV. Discuss this with your veterinarian and your Dane's breeder. Please click on the flowing link to read more about Bloat and Torsion.
Many things can contribute to Bloat for instance : Genetics, Stress, Diet & Environmental Factors.
CANCER: Danes can suffer from a variety of cancers as do many other breeds of dogs as well as many mixed breed dogs. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and lymphoma appear to be the two forms of cancer most commonly seen in the Great Dane, and along with heart disease and bloat (GDV), cancer is a leading cause of death in Great Danes. Research into both types of cancer is ongoing and treatment options are improving every day. See The Genetics of Cancer
CVI: Wobblers - is a result of pressure on the spinal cord in the neck region and results in a "drunken" gait & increasing instability. It it thought to result from a combination of nutritional effects and inherited traits and is considered a form of DOD (Developmental Osteodystrophy) along with such as OCD. Great Danes are considered at risk for Wobblers. CVI stands for Cervical Vertebral Instability.
HOD (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy) - Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy – HOD is an orthopedic condition that occurs due to the rapid bone growth in Great Dane puppies. It causes severe joint pain (usually in the front joints, or pasterns) and is accompanied with fever. If HOD is going to strike, it usually occurs in puppies between four and seven months old.
The danger with this medical problem is that it can lead to severe secondary infections (i.e. pneumonia) that can be fatal.
Dogs with HOD generally exhibit swollen, painful joints especially of the limbs. If your puppy appears to be in pain and develops a temperature, HOD is the most likely culprit. HOD can be treated and provided it does not lead to further complications, is not life threatening.
Some reports suggest that given extra Vitamin C may help prevent this Orthopedic Disease.
Pano (Panosteitis) - Pano, is another bone health issue that occurs due to the rapid growth puppies go through during the first year. When the bones develop faster than the soft tissue around them, inflammation will sometimes result. A lump normally appears on one of the legs and although it can be stationary, it is not uncommon to see it migrate to the other one. This condition disappears once the Dane is a year old.
There is no cure for this health condition, although anti-inflammatory medication will manage it. The real secret to preventing pano is to properly feed during the first year. Don’t over feed, watch the protein levels and in particular, the calcium levels of you puppy. Growing your Great Dane too fast always leads to trouble.
OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans) - Yet another puppy orthopedic condition – if this one shows up it is usually when your Dane pup is between four and eight months of age. It affects the shoulder joints and lower leg joints and occurs when cartilage at the end of the long bones (leg bones) is injured because it is not developed enough to sustain the impacts and stress from vigorous exercise.
There are medications that can manage this condition but in more serious cases, surgery may be required. The best way to approach this health problem is through prevention: try and limit the intensity of your puppy’s physical activity. During that first year of growth in particular, even though they look magnificent, they really are quite fragile!
Distinguishing Fact from Fiction
Fact: In the textbook Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition 2000 has these diseases HOD, OCD and Panosteitis (Pano) listed as DOD - Developmental Orthopedic Diseases and nutritionally related, not genetic in origin.
Fact: HOD and Septicemia also known as Septic Arthritis, are NOT the same disease, but share the same symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. Always do a blood test to rule out infection.
Fact: All growing puppies, if x-rayed, look as if they have HOD due to fast rate of growth. Therefore, x-rays are not all that useful in diagnosing HOD - do a blood culture instead to rule out septicemia.
Fact: Vaccine reactions, from combo shots, can produce the same symptoms as HOD and therefore the problem is misdiagnosed as HOD, when in fact it is a Vaccine reaction.
Fact: Rabies vaccines given before 6 months of age (particularly in Great Danes) and at the same time as combination vaccines, can cause HOD -like symptoms. These symptoms of fever, swollen joints, excruciating pain are often irreversible and result in the need for humane euthanasia.
Fact: Most research on orthopedic diseases have been done in the equine field not canines.
Fact: These 3 diseases HOD, OCD, Pano are definitely treatable and do not have to be life threatening. Proper diagnosis and change in feeding program is necessary to correct the problem.
Fact: Euthanasia does not have to be an option with "true" HOD, OCD and Pano, with vaccine reactions there is little that can be done for them.
Fact: Septicemia or Septic Arthritis is erroneously labeled as pseudo HOD by breeders/owners. If the dog is septic and misdiagnosed as HOD, it can be life threatening. Make sure a blood test and culture is run to correctly diagnose Septicemia.
Elbow Hygroma or Elbow Swelling
A Hygroma is fluid filled pocket that ranges in size and surrounds the elbow below the skin, common size seen is "Golf Ball" size. Its commonly seen around 6 months to 12 months of age. The "elbow hygroma," is the body’s response to chronic trauma to the point of the elbow. In more common terms, the dog is lying down on a hard surface and point of the elbow bone is traumatizing the soft tissue. It can also be caused by, playing to rough, slamming the elbow into the ground or even banging the elbow on a hard object.
The simple hygroma is not painful and is mostly of cosmetic concern "an eye sore ". Changing the dog’s bedding generally solves the problem though sometimes special pads or bandages for the elbows must be constructed. If the dog begins to lie on softer more pliant materials, the hygroma is likely to simply resolve over 2-3 weeks but has been known to last as long as 3 to 9 months after the swelling begins. It is best not to drain the fluid as any time the hygroma is pierced, infection can be introduced, creating a "complicated" hygroma, it has also been known to set in early arthritis once pierced.
It is important to recognize the hygroma early in its course so that it need not progress to a complicated status. If you are unsure about any swelling on a pet, it is prudent to see your vet promptly.
DMSO and MICROLACTIN have been used for this with great results - Microlactin can purchase at www.firstchoicenaturals.com Dose according to the bottle for an adult. That means double dose for two weeks then you can drop back to a normal dose. DMSO can be purchased at - www.dmso.com/products.php I have had several people including my self report great results with Microlactin in reducing elbow swelling as well as orthopedic problems. According to the bottle instruction you dose, 4 caps 2 times a day for 14 days and then drop down to 2 caps 2 times a day until the hygroma has disappeared.
Below is a link for a product that was made to protect the dogs elbows or to help assist in healing a Hygroma.
HEARTWORM DISEASE - Heart worm disease, caused by a parasite Dirofilaria Immitis, is now found in all 50 states. According to the American HeartWorm Society, most cases of heartworm disease are found in the hot, humid areas of the southeast. There are, however, high incidences of heartworm disease in pockets of Minnesots, Oklahoma, California, and many other states. Additionally, heartworm is not just and american problem - heartworm infections happen worldwide.
HEARTWORM LIFECYCLE - Heartworm is transmitted between animals by many species of Mosquitoes. The transmission occurs when a mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected animal and then feeds on another animal. Heartworm infection can involve both dogs and cats, but the infection occurs differently in each species.
IN DOGS, the immature larval stage of the worm is deposited into the dog's skin by an infected mosquito. These larvae enter the dog's skin through the bite wound of the mosquito. Then in about 2 months the juvenile worms migrate through the bloodstream to the right side of the heart. There they grow into adult worms ( some can grow up to 12 inches in length ! ). The female then begins to produce offspring, called Microfilariae. She may produce as many as 1000 of these offspring. These Microfilariae grow to be about 1/2" to 3/4" in length and are fed by the blood of the infected animal. This process takes about 6 months. As they grow, the heartworms lodge in the heart and the large blood vessels going from the heart to the lungs. Adult worms can live up to 7 years in the dogs body. If untreated, dogs usually die of heart failure.
IN CATS, heartworm disease is different then in dogs on many levels. For instance, heartworms are smaller in cats then in dogs and it takes about 1 month longer for the larvae to develop into adults in the heart. Additionally, the lungs are the major organ affected in the cats and it only takes a small number of worms to cause disease. According to the American Heartworm Society, the lifespan of the heartworm is shorter in cats than in dogs. Remember that the vector for heartworm disease, the mosquito, does not bite exclusively outside the house. Indoor-only cats are effected by this disease, as well.
SIGNS OF HEARTWORM DISEASE - IN DOGS, the first outward signs of the heartworm disease may not be apparent until a year after infection and may begin simply as a soft cough. the severity of this disease depends on the number of heartworms present. As the disease progresses, the infected pet will find it more difficult to breath. He will be reluctant to exercise, and he may have a decreased appetite and weight loss.
IN CATS, have clinical signs that mimic many other diseases. these include difficult or rapid breathing, coughing, vomiting, fainting, seizures, blindness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Heartworm is more difficult to diagnose in cats than in dogs.
HEART WORM MEDICATION: - Some breeds including Great Danes have a sensitivity to ivermectin ( heartguard heartworm medication ). Only use interceptor heart worm preventative.
Its been reported that ProHeart 6, which is a 6 month heartworm prevention shot is killing dogs.
HOOK WORMS - Hookworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats ( especially puppies and kittens ), and can cause life-threatening disease, like sever anemia, and serious diarrhea.
How does my dog get hookworms? there are 3 ways and animal may become infected:
1.) THROUGH THE SKIN: Larvae entering through the skin migrate through the bloodstream to the lings and trachea, and are coughed up and swallowed. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and consume the dogs blood from the tiny vessels of the wall. thus completing the life cycle.
2.) THROUGH INGESTION: Larvae may be ingested through contaminated food or water, from moist surfaces, or from prey animals. Most larvae that are ingested usually pass down to the intestine, where they remain. A few, however may migrate through the body and ultimately to the trachea where they are coughed up and swallowed. Some larvae will stop their migration midway and encyst in muscle.
3.) THROUGH THE UTERUS OR MILK: Larvae that encyst in the muscle can subsequently migrate to the uterus of a pregnant animal and infect the fetuses. they can also migrate to the mammary glands of a lactating female and infect the nursing young.
SYMPTOMS OF HOOKWORMS - By feeding on the oxygen-carrying blood of the host, hookworms can rapidly cause anemia. the mucous membranes, e.g. gums, will appear pale, the animal will become weak, and sometimes black, tarry stool can be seen. Growth in young animals is stunted, and the hair coat may appear dull and dry.
DIAGNOSIS - Diagnosis is made by finding the eggs in the feces. In very young animals sever disease may be present before the adult worms have started to lay eggs. Diagnosis must then be made by evaluating the signs of disease.
TREATMENT - Treatment consists of using the appropriate wormers. Certain prescription heartworm preventives will also kill hookworms. Many times supportive care must be given along with hookworm treatment. In server cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
ROUNDWORMS - (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) are the most common type of worm to infect the animal kingdom. These worms are usually 2 – 4 inches long, tan or white “spaghetti-like” creatures with tapered ends. If a roundworm burden is heavy, a dog may vomit these worms or pass them (whole) in the stool. Roundworms can cause vomiting and diarrhea and can have an effect on a dog’s overall general health and appearance. Puppies infected with roundworms will have a “potbellied” (bloated) look to them. Roundworms can become so numerous that they can cause an intestinal blockage and stool cannot pass. As mentioned above, roundworms are zoonotic (can be transferred to humans) and can cause an infection known as “Visceral Larva Migrans”, which may result in possible inflammation of muscle tissue and blindness. Anthelmintics (dewormers) that are frequently used to treat roundworms are pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole and piperazine.
WHIPWORMS - Whipworms are common in dogs and found throughout the United States. Whipworms get their name from the Whip- like shape of the adult worms. The front portion of the worm is very thin ( the whip ) and the posterior end is think ( whip handle ). Whipworms live in the large intestine and cecum. they are 2-3 inches long, but are very thin, and rarely seen in the feces.
HOW DOES MY PET GET WHIPWORMS? - A dog or cat becomes infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with whipworm eggs. The eggs are swallowed, hatched, and in three months, the larvae mature into adults in the large intestine where they burrow their mouths into the intestinal wall and feed on blood. Adult worms lay eggs that are passed in the feces. The eggs must remain in the soil for about a month to mature and be capable of causing infection.
DIAGNOSIS - An infection is diagnosis by a veterinarian finding eggs in the feces. The signs of infection vary with the number of worms in the intestine. A small number of worms will cause no visible signs, but large numbers can result in inflammation of the intestinal wall. Large amounts of mucus are produced by the inflamed intestine. Sometimes bleeding into the intestines occurs, and anemia can result. Animals may have diarrhea and weight loss.
COCCIDIA - coccidia are small protozoans ( one celled organisms ) that multiply in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats. They are most common in puppies and kittens less then six months of age or adults that are stressed or have suppressed immune systems.
Young animals are frequently exposed to their mothers feces. If the mother is shedding the infective organisms in her feces, then the young animals will likely ingest them and coccidia will develop with in their intestines. Most young animals who are ill from coccidia are two weeks of age and older. As a young animal ages, he tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects of coccidia.
The primary sign of an animal suffering from coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to server depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated or worse.
Fortunately, coccidiosis is treatable with prescription drugs. Because these drugs do not kill the organisms, but rather inhabit their reproduction capabilities, elimination of coccidia from the intestine takes time. By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the animals own immunity to develop and remove the organisms. To give your pets digestive tract a boost while being treated, try Acidophilus+ or Bac-pac plus or Bene-Bac pet gel.
GIARDIA - Reoccurring loose stools or diarrhea? If it is a young puppy, Coccidia is often the problem and easy to find in a fecal test then treat with Albon. Coccidia stools have a very distinct sour smell to them. In older puppies and adults Giardia Protozoa is often the culprit, and it is next to IMPOSSIBLE TO DETECT because you have to catch it just at the right cyst cycle, or it is not evident there is a Giardia problem.
Giardia Protozoa is a organism that is often present in the gut of a dog or human and when the system gets stressed, this organism will rear it's ugly head. The giardia protozoa, as well as coccidia are common in new puppies and rescue dogs.
It is very frustrating for both vets and owners. Giardia is a problem in the large/giant breeds in particular due to the stress their body's are going through during those first few months of development.
Giardia is a waterborne protozoa, a parasite, but not a worm which is VERY difficult to detect. Only at certain cycles will the cysts be noticeable in the stool which makes it next to impossible to detect. You must have the vet go up inside the rectum with a loop and take a fresh/warm sample of stool from the dog in order to get an accurate reading. You can’t bring a stool sample with you. Even if the dog shows up as negative for Giardia, and the dog exhibits any of these symptoms, you need to discuss with your vet the necessity to treat for Giardia, in order to rule out any infestation.
Intermittent loose stools, most dogs have this and it can happen to puppies.
Will not gain weight
Poor appetite
Some dogs will eat but keep losing weight
Graze on grass excessively
Gassy
Anytime you have a dog that will not gain weight or is on/off their feed and/or with intermittent loose stools, gas or diarrhea, you should check for Giardia first, before you start running up vet bills looking for other health problems. Sometimes these dogs will not eat, because Giardia causes such stomach upset and severe cramping. It is because of this, they will often graze on grasses excessively.
Giardia is a very big problem, one that goes undetected by most veterinarians!
Generally, Flagyll, Metronidazole and Panacur are often used for Giardia, and repeated again in 2 weeks if the symptoms have not subsided. In 2001, Flagyll (Metronidazole) appeared effective in only about 60% of the cases. "Currently, some vets feel the effectiveness of Flagyl (Metronidazole) is down to 40%. Known side effects of Flagyl are nausea, disorientation, yeast growth, liver failure depression, regurgitation, and nerve damage".
Canine Vaccination Guidelines
That We Follow!
The duration of immunity for vaccines for diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus have been shown to be 7 years. More importantly it has been scientifically proven that, after the initial series, when vaccines are re-administered the immune status of the patient is not enhanced. Antibodies from the initial vaccine block the subsequent vaccines from having any effect.
Although the true interval at which re-administration of Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus and Para influenza vaccinations will enhance the immunity in a significant number of dogs has not been determined, an arbitrary compromise interval of every three years has been agreed upon by the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and 22 Schools of Veterinary Medicine. It is the consensus of immunologists and experts that the duration of immunity is much longer and probably the life of the patient. This three-year compromise interval will greatly reduce the number of antigens administered, and therefore the risk of adverse reactions, while providing the most complete protection against preventable diseases possible.
These are the recommendations of Bob Rogers DVM based on
Peer Reviewed Journal Publications (References)
The American Association of Feline Practitioners
The American Veterinary Medical Association
Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents
Texas A&M University
Colorado State University
Cornell University
The American Animal Hospital Association
Vaccination Schedule:
Core vaccines – recommended for all dogs
I do not give the Rabies vaccine until 6 months of age or later due to the fragility of the immune system. There are options available that can help you prevent vaccine reactions in your dog/cats.
1) Do not let the vet give a rabies shot at the same time as any other shot. You must be insistent about this and hold your ground. If there are other shots due at the same time, then make two trips to the vet - space them at least a week apart.
2) Make sure your dog is on Nzymes - dietary enzymes and Vit C before/during and after vaccines, so the body is detoxified.
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Vaccine
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Initial
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>12 Weeks
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1st Annual
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Re- Administration Interval |
Comments
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| Rabies (killed) |
16 weeks | One vaccination |
1 yr after the initial vaccination
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Every 3 years. | Due to age & maternal antibodies, closer to 4 months is better | |
| Distemper (MLV) |
8 weeks 12 weeks 16 weeks |
2 doses 3-4 weeks apart | Yes. Will provide lifetime immunity. |
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Recombinant vaccine for breeds like Weimaraners may prevent HOD
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| Parvovirus (MLV |
8 weeks 12 weeks 16 weeks |
2 doses 3-4 weeks apart |
Yes – DOI 7 yrs+ Probably lifetime
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None needed. Duration of immunity 7.5 years by studies. Probably lifetime. Longer studies pending. |
At 6 weeks of age, only 30% of puppies are protected but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. |
| Non-Core | Only recommended where there is a chance of exposure |
| Bordetella (Intranasal) (killed) |
Intra Nasal 4 days prior to boarding Inj. 3 weeks prior to Boarding Inj followed by Intra Nasal demonstrated better protection |
Mfg recommends one dose |
Yes Immune response is faster with boosters
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Annually (Para influenza every 3 years?)
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Para influenza only protects against 1 of 8+ causes of Kennel Cough Bordetella
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| Intranasal Bordetella takes effect in 72 hrs to take effect vs. injectable requires 2 weeks to take effect. Recommended 3 days prior to boarding, grooming & dog shows. Protects against 2 of the possible 8 causes of kennel cough. Duration of immunity 6 months. | |||||
| Leptospirosis | 1.) There are an average of 12 cases of Lepto annually in Texas. 2.) Side effects are common. 3.) The most commonly used vaccine contains the wrong serovars. (There is no cross-protection of serovars) There is a new vaccine with 2 new serovars. Two vaccinations twice per year would be required for protection.) 4.) The risk of side effects outweighs benefits. | ||||
| Lyme | 1.) Vector tick/reservoir relationship not in Texas 2.) 85% of cases are in 9 New England area States, Minnesota and Wisconsin. 3.) There is a possible side effect of polyarthritis from the vaccine. | ||||
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Vaccines Not Recommended For Dogs | ||||||||||
| Distemper & Parvo @ 6 weeks or younger | Not recommended. At this age, maternal antibodies form the mothers milk (colostrum) will neutralize the vaccine and only 30% for puppies will be protected. 100% will be exposed to the virus at the vet clinic. | |||||||||
| Corona | Not recommended. 1. Disease only affects dogs < 8 weeks of age. 2. Corona is a rare disease, only 1 case reported in 7 yrs at each of these Vet Schools: TAMU, Cornell, Colo.St., U.Cal.@ Davis 3. Efficacy of vaccine questionable, IgA Mucosal antibodies needed | |||||||||
| Giardia | Not recommended 1. Efficacy of Vaccine unsubstantiated by independent studies. 2. IgA mucosal antibodies? Immunity against a complex organism? 3. Natural infection does not provide immunity. | |||||||||
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