I am glad to see that CBD, oftentimes hailed as a 'miracle drug,' is getting the much-deserved attention it merits. As many who know me or have read my articles are aware that I have been using CBD on my Wolfhounds for more than a decade to treat seizures in two bitches that we determined were caused by Neospora Caninum with latent, chronic infections resulting in multifocal brain lesions and or inflammation of the CNS (Central Nervous System) Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME). Technically, without an MRI or a post-mortem to confirm, we would still be obligated to classify these as idiopathic in nature.
Mammary Tumors
I make it a point to regularly check the undersides of my older female wolfhounds’ abdomens and teats for any signs of mammary tumors. In my lineage, I've noticed a pattern with certain bitches appearing more prone to developing these tumors. Detected early, I have them surgically removed and biopsied, usually revealing benign or mixed cell types. I ensure these tumors are taken out, and thanks to this proactive approach, my bitches typically live to around 10 years without any cancer issues.
Canine Heart Health and Genetic Testing
Canine genetic tests are important and must be interpreted together. Phenotype refers to a dog’s observable traits, whereas genotype refers to a dog’s genetic constitution. Phenotypic tests are typically performed by a veterinarian or board-certified cardiologist. DNA tests can be used to determine a dog’s genotype for specific genetic variants, but phenotype tests are required to obtain a diagnosis of heart disease.
Discoveries: Advances in Canine Bone Cancer Research
New treatments are needed for canine bone cancer. Current treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor and chemotherapy to treat metastatic disease (cancer spread to distant parts of the body). Unfortunately, surgery can have complications, not all dogs are good candidates for surgery due to other health problems, and many affected dogs develop metastatic disease and only survive for one year or less after diagnosis.
Best to Grind Your Dogs Heartworm Pill!
Post-Estrus Depression Update
More updates on my "Canine Post-Estrus Depression" DogBlogMusings article, as my website analytics inform me that this topic is the second most popular page on my entire website! This is unusual as my website welcomes a fair number of visitors regularly. I also receive email pleas for assistance on the topic. Still, the elevation in popularity on my popular website concerns me. It seems that this behavioral change in dogs is increasing considerably. Buy why?
Balancing Calcium & Phosphorus For Dogs, Repost By Dr. Jean Dodds
Dr. Dodds and Hemopet advocate for the advantages of properly-balanced and prepared homemade meals for companion pets. Indeed, these include the fact that companion pet parents can control and choose ingredients, customize for age and health, and modify according to any food sensitivities and intolerances.
Saving Sighthounds from Anesthetic Drug Death
Saving Sighthounds from Anesthetic Drug Death! Due to Sighthound’s peculiar quirks, they have a potentially life-threatening, slow recovery reaction to and from anesthetic drugs.
There have been a proportional number of sighthounds who have died on the operating table, especially Greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, and Irish Wolfhounds, and or who have had significant difficulty awakening from anesthetics….
Meloxicam, Proceed with Caution
Eggs As a Staple In Your Dogs Diet
The Ultra Fine Vitamin C Powder Out-of-Stock and Meanwhile What to Use
A quick note to share about one of two Vitamin C sources that I commonly recommend. Recently, the Ultra Fine Vitamin C Powder, Non GMO, Highest Grade of DSM's Quali-C. Pure Ascorbic Acid. 16 oz. Vegan “GMOFree Vitamins” company located in the United Kingdom were out of stock on this product. I have recommended this product in earlier Blog articles and have used it myself on a regular basis. It is one of the few Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid products NOT made in China. As I write on my Ballyhara Diet & Nutrition page 90% of all Vitamin C products are manufactured in China, and in my opinion, it is paramount that we source products NOT manufactured in China, especially edible foodstuffs.
During this outage, I used the Wholistic Pet Ester-C, as an excellent substitute which is a different form of Vitamin C being Ester-C. I recommend that you read my previous post on the pros and cons for choosing and all the particulars regarding other vitamin supplements we use. I did all the legwork for you so you might as well take advantage of it.
Read Reposting & Revised Vitamin Supplement Warnings: Look at the Ingredients!
Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease in the Irish Wolfhound
Most novice and current owners do not realize that advanced annual cardiac screenings, to include Electrocardiograms (ECG) AND Echocardiograms (Echos) are paramount in the care and maintenance of your Irish Wolfhound. Typically, these screenings are performed during the adult stages of growth (beginning at two years) and onward throughout their senior years…..
Irish Wolfhound or Any Sighthound Breed Emergency Kits
Multiple Organ Failure and Acute DIC
Amicar and Post-Operative Bleeding in Irish Wolfhounds
Recommended Heartworm Preventative for Irish Wolfhounds & Sighthounds
Autoimmune Diseases and Heartworm Preventatives
As of late, we have been learning of Irish Wolfhounds afflicted with autoimmune diseases. For those who are unfamiliar, do not feel left out as up until the past two decades autoimmune maladies were somewhat exotic. Not any longer. We now hear of alarming incidences of dogs with an autoimmune disease, particularly in Irish Wolfhounds throughout the country. What does this have to do with heartworm preventative?
Canine Nasosinal Tumors: In Memorium To Declan
Declan's Nasosinal Cancer.
Well, with Declan I first noticed that she was favoring eating her chicken wings on the left side of her mouth. I thought it somewhat odd but decided just to watch her for a day or so as I checked her lower jaw but did not notice anything. Then this favoring advanced to her eating her wings much more slowly which was definitely out of the ordinary as she was a voracious eater. Within two days, Declan began to go down fast developing a fever of 103.9. I made an emergency appointment with our soft tissue veterinarian surgeon and was fully prepared to have her anesthetized for a thorough mouth exploration.....
Split Tails
A common search phrase on my website is happy or wagging tail injury. A frequently seen injury in Irish Wolfhounds, we refer to it as split tails and the injury can be very problematic to care for until it heals completely. I have this information on my Health page website, however, here it is as a convenience for those who are reading my Blog.........