Today was neuter day for Archie, a rescue we took in back in Nov. (terrier/lab mix), nail trim under sedation for Buster (rescue pug) and rabies shot for Sprout (Sprite’s sister). Sprite’s rabies shot is to be delayed for 1 month due to her infection and surgery.

Sprout and Sprite are 5 years old. At age 4 months Sprout had an anaphylactic reaction to the rabies shot a few minutes after it was given (while at the vet clinic fortunately). So at age 1 we gave her benadryl prior to her 1 year rabies vaccine and she was watched all day at the vet clinic and did fine. Sprite has not had an issue with vaccines. I premedicated Sprout with benadryl about 45 min. before she had her rabies shot today. I sat at the vet clinic another 1/2 hour while Buster had his nails done and she was fine so took her and Buster home. I had taken the day off and stayed home and watched her all day. I took her with me when I went to pick Archie up from his neuter and checked her before going into the clinic, no problems. About 15 to 20 min. after getting home from that second trip to the vet clinic, her eyelids started looking puffy and I noticed her itching. I gave her a benadryl, called the clinic and told them if she wasn’t better in 30 min. I was bringing her in. Thirty minutes later her muzzle was swelling so back in the car for the 3rd trip to the vet clinic today and the 7th trip to a vet clinic this week. Her face and head were more puffy by the time we got there and it is only 10 min. away. My vet was gone but another vet was fortunately still there (it was 15 min. away from closing time). So he gave her a benadryl injection and a steroid injection and I sat there 15 min. so we could watch her. The swelling got a bit better over that time and is almost gone now. She will NEVER get another rabies shot — vet said they will give me a letter saying “this dog is not a candidate for rabies vaccine” when it is next due. I just won’t take the chance. She’s due for her 5 in one shot but I’m not sure I will do that one either after this.

Vaccine reactions are not uncommon in pugs. I am on several pug e-mail lists and this subject comes up several times per year. In fact I personally know of pugs that have died from reactions to their vaccines. Most knowledgeable pug people also avoid giving the lepto and kennel cough vaccines due to an increase in reactions to those. As a nurse I do know that vaccines prevent illness and save lives but in some cases the risk of the illness is less than the risk of illness/death from getting the vaccine and for Sprout this is now the case. This is also why I never give more than one vaccine to any of my dogs in any given day — otherwise how would I know which one they were reacting to? Of note is that Marigold, one of the mini-donkeys, also had a similar but even more dramatic reaction to a rabies shot a couple of years ago. We no longer vaccinate any of our equines for rabies.

If you have dogs long enough you will probably see many different illnesses and conditions.  Pyometra was one we fortunately had not encountered until this weekend.

Pyometra is a uterine infection so can only happen to intact female dogs.  Thus if your female  dog is a pet, not being shown or used for breeding, spaying them will prevent this from happening.    Here are a couple of links if you want to learn more:

http://www.squidoo.com/pyometra

http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/pyometra

One of our pugs, Sprite, had been in season earlier in the month.  A couple of days ago I noted that she seemed a little droopy and was not eating as quickly as usual.  Next she started drinking huge amounts of water, to the point she was obsessed with the water bowl and would drink until I either removed her or the bowl from the area.  I knew this was not normal behavior and could be the first sign of pyometra so I started taking her temperature.  Her temperature remained normal but yesterday she didn’t eat her breakfast at all, again, very unlike her.   I checked on her a couple of hours later and her bowl still had breakfast in it so I picked her up and really looked her over.  It was then that I saw drainage from her vulva that looked like pus.  It was a Sunday (of course, any vet emergency I have usually involves a weekend or holiday….sigh…..) so my regular vet was closed.  There are several emergency animal clinics and a vet school within 20 min.

The vet school recently opened a 24/7 emergency clinic so since they’d seen Sprite there before (for eye surgery) I opted to take her there.  Bloodwork was run and an abdominal x-ray done which confirmed a suspicion of pyometra.  There are two types of pyometra — open (where the cervix is open and drainage can flow out of the uterus) and closed (the cervix is closed so infection is contained in the uterus which is much more dangerous and can lead to toxicty and death rapidly).   Sprite’s type was fortunately “open pyometra”.   The option was to have them call in a surgical team and immediately spay her (only cure) at a huge cost or have her stay overnight and they would give her an IV and IV antibiotics then I could move her to my vet’s in the a.m. as they could spay her for less.  I decided, based on the fact her labwork showed infection but no toxicity, to bring her home on antibiotics, monitor her all night myself then drive her to my vet in the a.m. for surgery.

I got her to my vet shortly after they opened.  The vet school had already faxed all the lab work and info.  My vet immediately took her to surgery after starting an IV and giving her IV antibiotics (this is important to do).  A little over an hour later he called me to tell me surgery was over and she was doing fine, even sitting up already.   Her uterus was 6 to 7 times its normal size due to the infection so it was a good thing I got her right in.

She is home tonight and doing well.  I am thankful I realized what was going on right away and had the knowledge to know what to do for her.

Unpredictability of Mixed Breed Concerns Longtime Breed Experts

NEW YORK, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In light of the recent announcement by the Obama family that the “labradoodle” is under consideration as the next “first dog,” the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC) and the Poodle Club of America (PCA) are voicing their concerns about this trend – one that they feel is detrimental to canine welfare and potential pet owners.

“These crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an advantage to these designer dogs,” said LRC, Inc. Board Member Frances S. Smith DVM, Ph.D. and Diplomate American College of Theriogenology. “The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.” To read the LRC’s full statement go to: http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/labradoodle.php

“Some breeders breed to improve a breed while others do it for profit,” says Fred Kampo, vice president of the LRC. “‘Doodle’ breeders hype them as the ideal dog, but every dog in a litter of mixed breed pups is different — there is no predictability in size, temperament, energy level, coat type so selling them for thousands of dollars to an unsuspecting public as so-called ‘designer dogs,’ often at prices higher than what a reputable breeder of purebred dogs would charge makes no sense. Our clubs can’t sit back and watch people being misled any longer.”

According to the PCA’s “Report to the Media on Poodle Rescue,” “Labradoodles were first produced in Australia in 1989 through an experimental breeding program sponsored by the Royal Guide Dog Association. The goal of this experiment was to produce a dog more suitable for disabled individuals with allergies than the typical Labrador Retriever. The Association believed that by crossing the steady temperament of the Lab with the Standard Poodle, with its low shedding coat, a solution for this small population of people would be found. Upon analysis of the breeding program however, it was found that fewer than 35% of the labradoodles produced were acceptable as guide dogs and an even lower percentage were found to be ‘hypoallergenic.’ The last labradoodle bred to attempt to become a guide dog was born in 1996 and the Association has no plans to continue the experiment.” Read the complete report at:

http://tinyurl.com/85n4u2

“We aren’t necessarily advocating for the Obamas to get a poodle as we are always concerned about our breed’s profile being raised,” said Jack MacGillivray president of the PCA. “We do not want to encourage disreputable breeding or see more dogs come into our rescue program. However if the choice is between a ‘doodle’ mix and a purebred, we felt we needed to speak out and educate the Obamas and dog lovers everywhere about the difference between a purebred and a mixed breed.”

Should the Obamas decide on the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) as their choice for first pet, both clubs agree that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (www.pwdca.org) is their best resource. As with the LRC and PCA, club members are responsible PWD breeders dedicated to the principles of preserving and protecting the integrity of their beloved breed.

About the organizations:

Poodle Club of America -The Poodle Club of America (PCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of the Poodle. For more information visit: www.poodleclubofamerica.org

Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. – The Labrador Retriever Club, Incorporated (LRC) is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Labrador Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function – that of a “working retriever.” For more information visit: www.thelabradorclub.com/

We pause from our regular blog to say Congratulations to President Obama on his inauguration!!  Fortunately I did get to see the actual swearing in while at work as one of our doctors brought a TV in so we could watch in between patients.  What a joyful day and how fun to watch the coverage at night.   I pray he stays safe and is able to help our country return to its greatness.

The President has a lot more important things to deal with than listening to the HSUS (who is bragging he is  on “their side”).  As someone who is about to choose a dog to add to his and his family’s life I hope he will realize that their agenda to end the breeding of purebred dogs would also impact him and that many of us, who enjoy breeding and/or competing with purebred dogs did support him in his run for president.

Back to the farm…..

Over the last few years, those of us in the U.S. who enjoy owning dogs as well as competing with them and occasionally having a well thought out litter of purebred puppies have come under attack by the animal rights people.  The HSUS and PETA are both trying to get mandatory spay/neuter laws passed in every community where they can get a foothold and making it a requirement to have an expensive “breeder’s license” if you choose not to spay/neuter your dog.  Because I do show some of my dogs in American Kennel Club conformation shows those dogs cannot be spayed/neutered in order to compete.  The rest of my dogs are spayed/neutered.  We do not have unwanted litters here, only carefully planned ones about every two to three years when we are hoping to keep something from the litter for ourselves in order to keep our blood line going.

Today I received two different posts that I think are more eloquent than what I could write about the attacks on breeders, dog shows, those of us who show/compete in perfomance events, etc. so I am quoting the one with permission and sending a link to the other for you to read for yourself.

Here is the link to the one and below the quote from the other:

http://endangeredowner.blogspot.com/2009/01/hsus-turn-in-breeder-program.html

Veterinarian speaks out on PETA & Westminister

By Libbye Miller DVM (Permission to crosspost)
“Adorable mixed breeds” get cancer, epilepsy, allergies, heart disease, and orthopedic problems just like purebreds. I see it every day in my veterinary practice but mixed breed dogs aren’t tracked like
the purebreds so they have a reputation as “healthier” that is actually undeserved in many cases.”

It is so sad that a lot of folks, including young veterinarians these days, buy into the “hybrid vigor” baloney. The vet schools have been infiltrated by the Animal Rights Extremists, who are teaching them this junk science in order to push their agenda.

All animals have a certain amount of genetic load, which is to say there is absolutely no animal without some genetic problem of some sort of another. Know anyone who wears glasses? Has allergies? Thyroid
problems? Weak knees? Flat feet? A skin condition? Arthritis? A gap between their front teeth? These are all genetic imperfections.

No human is genetically “clean.” Neither is any individual of any species on earth. So this idea that dogs should not be bred because they might have a genetic problem, and that breeders are somehow “evil”
for breeding them, is ridiculous. Every single individual of every single species has at least a few genetic conditions.

To use PeTA’s logic, all breeding of all kinds (including having human babies) should halt immediately. And to be honest, Ingrid Newkirk (the woman who founded PeTA) does believe exactly that. She thinks that humans should become extinct, along with dogs, cats, etc. This ridiculous scenario is precisely what she would like to see happen.

So folks, if that is what you want…if you agree with Ingrid Newkirk’s whacky views, send your hard earned money to PeTA. They will help to ensure you are not able to own a dog or cat or hamster or any
other pet in the future. They will see to it that you can’t eat meat or fish or eggs or any type of animal-based nutrition. They will work to shut down places like Sea World, the zoos, etc. so you cannot observe
the many wonderful animals on the Earth. Eventually, once they accomplish these things, they may turn their efforts to making it illegal for humans to procreate.

If you don’t agree with their extremist views, wise up and start supporting those who truly do love, care for and enjoy interaction with other species here on our little blue planet.

The fanciers of the breeds, those you see exhibiting their dogs at Westminster and other dog shows, work very hard to eliminate serious genetic conditions. They screen their breeding stock with every
available test. They research pedigrees before breeding into other lines, to check for similar clearances in those animals. They contribute money to research organizations to further the work being
done to track down genetic problems. They contribute blood, cell samples, etc. from their own animals to help with DNA and genome studies. They have made great progress so far, and they continue to
work hard at it.

Are there unethical breeders? Certainly, there are. Just as in any group of humans, you will find the good and the bad. United States VP Elect Joe Biden, for example, managed to find a not so good one when he
got his new German Shepherd puppy. I don’t know who did his research for him, but they obviously didn’t do their homework if they were looking for a responsible breeder. Joe has the right to get his dog
from whomever he wishes, but if he was trying to set an example of purchasing from a responsible hobby breeder he went off the track this time. That’s too bad, but it was his choice.

Unfortunately, breeders like that may be a lot easier to find because of their high volume and high profile. If you are looking for a nice family pet from a breeder who will be there for you forever, you need
to do due diligence. You won’t get that from a pet store. You won’t get that from the guy selling dogs out of his pickup truck in the WalMart parking lot. You won’t get that support from a high-volume breeder,
either. Yes, it takes a little more time and effort to find someone who really cares and does all the work to breed the healthiest, happiest puppies possible and then stands behind those puppies.

This is a living being that will be part of your family, hopefully, for many years. Isn’t it worth a bit of effort to find a breeder who will be there for you and that puppy forever? And guess what? Shows like Westminster are a very valuable resource for finding breeders who do care and who use the best possible
practices, as well as for learning more about the various breeds.
Bravo to USA Network for broadcasting the Westminster Kennel Club show all these years. May they enjoy continued success through the ongoing inclusion of such programs. I will be eagerly watching this year’s
show!”

THANK YOU LIBBYE MILLER, DVM for sharing this post!

After last winter I didn’t think it could get any worse. In fact I told people when the first snow fall hit here in Nov. that I was suffering from PTD from last year still. 100 plus inches of snow last year is being topped this year as we already have over 50 (season average is 49) and more coming tonight and next week.  Even more challenging is the extreme cold we are having this week.  It was minus 21 degree last night and at 11 a.m. it is still only minus 8 degrees.

Having dogs in this weather is enough of a challenge (don’t worry, they all live in the house and several have coats they wear when they go outside) — they barely want to go outside to pee so are definitely not getting the exercise they are used to.  They walk a bit then hold their feet up pitifully.  The pugs all huddle against the door a minute after they’ve gone out.  Then add in the horses and donkeys and we can’t escape being outside in these sub zero temperatures.

Yesterday the high didn’t get out of the minus digits.  All the area schools were closed yesterday due to wind chill warnings of up to 40 below zero and they are closed again today although winds are pretty calm.   Kent bought he and I face masks at the UW Bookstore yesterday (his office is right above it) which I can see will be helpful as I just used mine for the first time while I did barn chores.

The horses and mini donkeys are used to going out every day, rain or shine.  They have 3 sided shelters for when they are out but with these extreme temperatures and wind chills they could easily suffer frost bite, especially those donkey ears.  I have seen donkeys who have had their ears frostbitten and lost part of them so it won’t be happening to mine.  So they are getting a bit stir crazy as this is day 4 of these temps.  Yesterday I turned the horses out briefly when the temp almost made zero and it was at least sunny out.  They went crazy running, rearing, bucking and actually didn’t want to come in so I left them out for 2 hours.  This a.m. they made it out for about 10 min. while I cleaned their stalls, took a couple of laps and were ready to come back in.  The donkeys are divas and if you turn them out they usually stand by the barn door and bray to come in when it is like this outside so they pretty much have been captive in the barn since Monday and it’s Friday now.

We also have 2 barn cats, Gadget and Beauty, who I have been watching carefully for any signs of being chilled.  All the barn animals have heated buckets/bowls for water and we keep a lot of food out at all times when it is like this as digestion produces body heat.  Gadget and Beauty have blankets to lay on and often are laying in the barn window in the sun.  They have the most gorgeous, plush coats right now so they seem just fine although we have a contingency plan of bringing them into our basement should they seem to be suffering from the cold at all.

It’s a new year and time to get my blog going again.  We get so busy here at the farm that I think about updates but run out of time to post them.

I am taking a blogging class at LVSonline.com so hopefully that will get me inspired to keep up the blog a bit more.

Happy New Year everyone!