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Fact of the Month |
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Do you know that what you feed your dog can affect his overall health? Things like allergies and skin irritations could be cleared up simply by switching over to a high quality food--one with no chicken, beef or lamb "by-products", pesticides, preservatives, BHA, BHT or Ethoxyquin, etc... Look to this link for recommended brands. |
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Week of June 19, 2002
Seasonal Flank Alopecia
I thought I'd provide a great link, as the "skinvets" do a great job explaining this condition--which is very common to the Boxer breed. It is especially pertinent now (this time of year), as some of you may be seeing hair missing from the "flanks" or sides of your Boxer. Visit the link, and you'll learn WHY it's happening and HOW to combat it.
I know several people who have used the recommended treatment of melatonin, and have had nothing but 100% success.
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Fact of the Month |
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Have you ever heard the term "kidney beaning," or doing the "pretzel" or "horseshoe" when talking about Boxers? This simply refers to the bending "dance" that Boxers do, especially when a Boxer's owner comes home from being away (and trust me there is no time limit)--The Boxer dog wiggles his stumpy behind so much so, that his body actually "bends" into a kidney bean/pretzel/horseshoe shape! It is the cutest thing ever to watch, and a trait that is specific to this breed of dog!
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demodicosis (demodex--mange)
Week of May 4, 2002
Demodex mites are found on the skin of all dogs, but in some dogs that are born with a compromised immune system, the numbers of mites increase and start to cause problems! Boxers are one of the most common breeds affected by this condition. Demodex (sometimes called red mange) is thought to be genetically transmitted, and can also be brought about during the teething stage of puppies, or any other particularly stressful time in the dog's life.
The diagnosis for demodex is made by a skin scraping and peering under a microscope. ( A vet must do this!) Demodex mites are cigar-shaped.
If the puppy outgrows its immune deficiency or defect, the mange condition could self-cure; this process can be assisted by feeding a high quality dog food, nutritional supplements (vitamins), bathing with special shampoos and treating for any other type of internal parasites. If the condition does not resolve itself on its own, special treatments are necessary. Ivermectin is a current and very promising drug of choice for many vets; many vets are moving away from the paramite dips as they are very toxic.
Mange is definitely something you DO NOT want to see progress, so it is strongly suggested that you see your veterinarian for an evaluation and recommended course of treatment--don't sit and wait! For this is what can and will happen:
This is what happens when mange goes untreated.
A dog in pain and total agony.
Believe it or not, this is the very same dog, after her course of treatment, and obviously happy and feeling MUCH better!
Dogs with a history of demodicosis, or who have been diagnosed with generalized demodicosis should NEVER be bred.
There are other types of mange, including sarcoptic and cheyletiella, which will be covered here next month.
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Fact of the Month |
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The following diseases are considered Zoonotic--that's a fancy way of saying that adults and children can "catch" these illnesses FROM THEIR DOGS: Rabies Lyme
disease Roundworms Tapeworms Hookworms Giardia
The good news is, each and every one of these diseases can be PREVENTED! There is a vaccine for Rabies, Lyme disease, and Giardia (the latter is given as two vaccines three weeks apart and then as a yearly booster). Intestinal worms can be prevented by regular deworming by your vet as well as administering a preventative (many heartworm preventative medications ALSO protect against various intestinal worms).
Giardia is a parasite that is found in water sources like puddles, streams, ponds, water hoses, rivers, swimming pools, etc. If your dog is kenneled, attends dog shows, the dog park, or drinks out of the pool or puddles, etc...he is at risk for this disease. Symptoms include diarrea, weight loss, and possible abdominal cramping. Antibiotic treatment is necessary to clear up the condition.
Encourage your neighbors to pick up after their pet, as intestinal parasites like Hookworms, can be passed from dog to child via pet waste.
Be diligent and insist your child washes his hands after playing with a dog and always encourage good hygiene. Do not allow your child to go barefoot where dogs are known to eliminate. Tapeworms or a Dipylidium species infection in a child is rare, but don't take the chance! Have your veterinarian check your dog for worms twice per year!
If you acquire a pet, it is your responsibility to dispose of your pet's waste appropriately, and to keep him vaccinated against these diseases. When you keep your pet up to date on his vaccines, your children and community will be protected as well.
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Topic: Gingival Hyperplasia
Week of April 4, 2002
This is a condition of the gums, that has a high incidence of occurrence in Boxers. It is VERY COMMON. The gums grow over the dog's teeth and in some cases the growth can cover the teeth completely and may make it more difficult for the dog to eat or chew. There is treatment available, but it can depend upon the extent and location of the growth, and the dog's age. It occurs most often, in Boxers who are a bit older, and some veterinarians do not recommend putting an older dog through anesthesia. Remember to ask your vet for his advice and guidance and NEVER agree to any procedure in which Acepromazine would be the tranquilizer of choice!
Plaque and calculus can be an issue, and often you will notice very bad breath in a dog afflicted with this condition! Treatment of the affected area usually involves the surgical removal of the excess gum tissue; however the excess growth may occur again and in larger proportion, so there is no guarantee the minor surgery would be a permanent solution.
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Fact of the Month |
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have "breed sensitivity" to the drug called ACEPROMAZINE and
should NEVER be given this drug for any reason. This drug is a common
tranquilizer and can cause first degree heart block, a potentially
serious arrhythmia of the heart, can include collapse and respiratory
arrest. Make sure you confirm with your vet BEFORE any procedure is
done, that an alternative drug will be used on your Boxer dog!
This info has been documented and is available in medical journals as well as the "Handbook of Veterinary Drugs." If your vet thinks you are overreacting, ask him to look under the section on Acepromazine. The 1993 edition of the handbook discusses the effects of this drug on the Boxer dog. Instruct your veterinarian to write on the outside of your pet's file, that "ACE" should never be used on your dog. It could mean the difference between life or death, so choose a vet who understands your valid concern regarding Acepromazine! |
Boxer Short:
Separation anxiety
Week of March 4, 2002
Boxers are a breed of dog that is prone to "separation anxiety." Boxers love people and are the most content when around their human families; however, some Boxers do not possess the skills it takes to be able to handle being separated from their owner.
If the "problem" is not addressed, and is left "untreated," not only can your dog pose harm to himself, but your home and it's furnishings can also be destroyed. Some Boxers have been known to chew door frames, chairs, coffee tables, tear down drapes or blinds, rip up carpeting, dig holes, scale walls, and escape fencing, etc...
Boxers hurt themselves by ingesting or chewing things they are not supposed to! Some can also become injured in their attempt to escape their crate (for those who fear it).
There are many options out there for people who own dogs afflicted with this condition! You can help your dog manage this stressful time by trying any or all of the following suggestions:
If
it is financially feasible--adopt another dog! Separation anxiety can lessen
dramatically when the suffering dog has a playmate to comfort and occupy him
while you have to be away from home.
Crate
train or RETRAIN the appropriate way!! Always give one or two special,
stimulating toys to occupy him (KONG stuffed with peanut butter or a Food Cube).
A busy dog is a happy dog.
Try
an all natural remedy like Bach's Rescue Remedy (found in pet supply stores or
on-line pet catalogs) or Clomicalm if your veterinarian feels a drug would be
beneficial.
Revise
your "comings and goings" to be uneventful and less of a production.
Put your dog in his crate a few minutes before you leave and then leave quietly
without making a big "to-do." When you come home, wait a few minutes
before you let him out of the crate and then don't go overboard with affection
right away.
Alter
your "leaving cues." Practice picking up your keys and jacket when you
are not going out.
Many of us have Boxers with separation anxiety, and these suggestions really do work--depending on the dog. However, we are not licensed vets--so be sure to ask your pet's doctor for advice or any additional information you would need in order to make an appropriate decision about dealing with your dog's condition. Do not accept this website page as a diagnosis for your dog..