healthpage

I was sent this article by a colleague of mine. It outlines many things wrong
with breeding programs in the US. So if you are interested in a pedigreed dog,
you should read this article first. To link, click on the following:
Problems in US dog Breeding Programs

Hips:

Giant breed dogs and large breeds are prone to having some joint problems. The most common is
"hip dysplasia '. Unfortunately many pet owners have been misled regarding this condition and the
animal has suffered. True hip dysplasia is the lack of correct formation of the hip socket for the hip
ball to fit into or the malformation of the ball. According to many top US and foreign professionals,
a dog can't be correctly diagnosed until the age of two or three depending on the breed.
The age of the dog is critical to correctly diagnose a dog with a level of dysplasia . Why is age so
important? Great question, age is a factor as the bones are still very soft and not formed completely.
All breeds are different at the age of maturity, but on the average most professionals will wait until
three years of age for correct evaluation. The other part of the equation is the degree of
malformation of the ball and/or joint.

Until recently many people in the field thought this problem was genetic. Recent studies have shown
different results. Infection and diet have also been added to the list of potential causes of the
problem.

Large and Giant bred dogs go through many stages their first three years of life. They have rapid
growth to slow growth cycles. When such massive changes in size and weight occur the dog will
get stiff joints, soreness and limping. This is no need for concern as it is normal for the dog to
experience it. Close attention to diet and exercise are the best prevention and treatment, along with
growing your dog slowly and avoiding over feeding.

Unfortunately, some veterinarians hear the word "limping" and dollar signs go off in their head.
Rather than taking the time to educate the consumer,(i.e.you) they immediately go right for
recommending x-rays, drugs, surgery, therapy and regular check ups. The reaction is very real and
is getting worse by the day. Recently many Vets have been x-raying puppies hips as part of a
general exam. The average age I have been hearing is five to eight months of age. In every case that
I have heard of there has been negative diagnoses (i.e. The dog is dyspeptic).

Case in point. Recently I was sent x-rays of a six month old pup that a person had bought. I was
ask for my opinion on the vets findings. I reviewed four sets of x-rays and also had two vets review
them for their opinion. The dog's x-rays showed a good hip with some looseness but good overall
construction for the age of the dog.
The attending vet's recommended a $10,000.00 operation and added that the dog would have arthritis
for the rest of its life.

THIS IS VERY VERY WRONG
and the vet should be removed from practice.

While some animals require surgery and treatment the majority of them are just fine, but may need
some extra supplements to help out the body. There is no such thing as a perfect dog no matter
how hard we try.

As a general rule breeders try their best to produce strong dogs. We never want to see our pups in
pain or have problems. At Redoak Kennels we x-ray our dogs at three to four and prior to breeding I
have our vet evaluate the hip. Mother nature is always full of surprise's and we can never predict her.
What we do not need, however, are mis-diagnosis and a rush to radical surgeries.

For more information go to www.peteducation.com

Encyclopedia of Canine Veterinary Medical Information

Panosteitis (Pano)

Panosteitis is a spontaneously occurring lameness that usually occurs in large breed dogs. German
Shepherds seems to be particularly predisposed to this condition. Due to this, it is possible that the
disease may have genetic causes. Some veterinarians feel that this disease may be induced or
worsened by stress.

Affected dogs are usually in the 5 to 14 month age range and male dogs are more commonly infected
than female dogs. The disease has been reported in dogs as young as 2 months and can occur in
young mature dogs. The lameness tends to occur very suddenly, usually without a history of trauma
or excessive exercise. In most cases one or the other front leg is affected first and then the problem
tends to move around, making it appear that the lameness is shifting from leg to leg. There are often
periods of improvement and worsening of the symptoms in a cyclic manner. This makes evaluation
of treatment difficult since many dogs will spontaneously recover with or without treatment and then
relapse.

X-rays usually reveal that the bones have greater density than is normally found. If pressure is
applied over the long bones, pain is usually present. The X-ray signs do not always match the clinical
signs.
In most cases, the worst pain lasts between one and two months but may persist in a cyclic nature
for up to a year. Analgesic medications like aspirin can be helpful. In severe cases, corticosteroids
may provide relief.

Currently, a common rumor is that low protein, low calcium diets may prevent this condition. It
should be noted that the energy level of low protein/calcium diets is often lower as well. If this is the
case, a puppy will eat much more of the diet in order to meet its energy needs, resulting in higher
total calcium consumption. It may be preferable to feed a puppy diet and restrict total quantity to
keep the dog lean than to use a low protein/low calcium adult dog food.

This condition is self limiting, meaning that it will eventually go away, with or without treatment.

Ears problems
Solving ears infection (yeast) can be a challenge in any breed. The problem is getting to the infection
and keeping a good air flow over the ear. Food also plays a factor in production of ear wax and
every dog metabolizes food differently. As it has been stated many times over canines are not
herbivores. So the intake of grains contain in there food is foreign to the body. Some dogs have no
problem expelling the grain and some dogs have great difficulty. Generally speaking dog with
problem with grains also have problem with ear infection.

Treatments:
1) Keep the ear clean. Use a round cosmetic pad and a good ear cleaner. Some dogs may require
once ever three days.
2) Rotate the food to a product the does not use a grain as a binder. I would recommend potato,
sweet potato or fish.
3) Add Green tripe to the food or yogurt. Green tripe is the best but has a very bad odor.
4) Flus year with a good ear flus if necessary once every other day for a week.
5) Trim the hair on the inside of the ear flap. Providing a clear path for air to enter and exit.

For detailed info on the benefits of yogurt and green tripe please click on the link below.
Additional information link

Hot Spots