“The $800.00 Puppy vs. The $300.00 Puppy”

$800.00 – Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written AKC and ASCA standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement on another.

$300.00 – The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a Missouri puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the AKC or ASCA written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.

$800.00 – Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had test including hip X-Rays, eye tests and heart tests to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.

$300.00 – The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The breeders’ hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can by that new couch he’s been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.

$800.00 – The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, handler’s fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to, cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are seven weeks old. Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination record, minimum five-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC or CKC and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog’s life.

$300.00 – These puppies are born in a box, in the garage and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch’s health declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without having had their dewclaws removed, without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky he may receive a AKC or CKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.

The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often. Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become “partners” in this hobby that I love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal. As well as a breeder they can count on.”

~ Author Unknown

Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith

What is panosteitis?

Panosteitis is a bone disease of dogs that is characterized by bone proliferation and remodeling. It is often painful and can last as long as 18 months, though more commonly it lasts from 2 to 5 months. It is characterized by lameness that often comes and goes and changes from leg to leg. It is a common problem in several large breeds and the cause is currently unknown. The treatment is symptomatic but the outcome is usually very good.

Who gets panosteitis?

Panosteitis is most common in large breed dogs between 6 and 18 months of age. Occasionally, middle-aged German Shepherds will have a bout of panosteitis. It affects dogs worldwide and has been recognized and studied since the 1950′s. Male dogs are much more likely to get panosteitis then females. There is a higher incidence in several breeds including German Shepherds, Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Basset Hounds.

What causes panosteitis?

The cause of panosteitis is currently unknown. There have been many theories as to the cause of this disease. Originally, it was suspected that the disease was caused by a bacterial infection. However, several investigational studies failed to isolate any bacteria. In addition, the disease responds poorly to antibiotics, further suggesting a cause other than bacterial.

Other studies showed that if bone marrow from affected dogs was injected into the bones of healthy dogs, the healthy dogs would contract the disease. It has therefore been speculated that a virus may cause the disease. The high fever, tonsillitis, and altered white blood cell count would also go along with the viral theory. Another interesting twist to the viral theory is that panosteitis was first identified as a problem at the same time that modified live distemper vaccines became widely available on the market. Since wild distemper virus can be isolated from bone tissue, some researchers feel that there might be a link between distemper virus vaccine and panosteitis, however, more research in this area will need to be done before any serious speculations can be made.

Another theory is that panosteitis might have a genetic link. Because of the greatly increased incidence in certain breeds and families of dogs, it is very likely that there is a genetic component involved in this disease.

Lately, there have been some claims that nutrition, particularly protein and fat concentrations in the diet, may have an impact on the incidence of the disease. But here again, more research needs to be done to substantiate these claims. Most likely this is a multifactorial disease that has several different causes including viral, genetic, and possibly nutritional.

What are the symptoms?

Presenting symptoms include a history of acute sudden lameness not associated with any trauma. It is usually a large breed male dog between the ages of 6 to 18 months. There are periods of lameness lasting from 2 to 3 weeks and it may shift from leg to leg. The most commonly affected bones are the radius, ulna, humerus, femur, and tibia, though the foot and pelvic bones may also be involved. The dog may show a reluctance to walk or exercise. When the affected bones are squeezed, the dog reacts painfully. Occasionally, affected dogs will have a fever, tonsillitis, or an elevated white blood cell count.

How is panosteitis diagnosed?

Panosteitis is often diagnosed based on a combination of presenting signs and radiographs (x-rays). The presenting symptoms are listed above. If a dog is suspected of having panosteitis, then radiographs are indicated to confirm the diagnosis. Individual radiographs of each affected limb should be taken. Often, radiographs of the unaffected limbs are also taken to compare the bone changes. In early forms of the disease, a subtle increase in bone density is observed in the center part of the affected bones. During the middle part of the disease, the bone becomes more patchy or mottled in appearance and the outer surface of the bone may appear roughened. In the late phase, the bone is still slightly mottled, but is beginning to return to a more normal appearance.

How is panosteitis treated?

There is no specific treatment for the disease. Since this condition is often very painful, painkillers such as buffered aspirin or carprofen (Rimadyl) are recommended. (Do NOT give your cat aspirin unless prescribed by your veterinarian.) These products are used as needed to help control the pain. Antibiotics are not routinely used unless there are indications of concurrent infections. In severe cases, steroids are used, but because of the potential long-term side effects of these drugs, painkillers are often tried first. This disease is self-limiting and after it runs its course, there are very few long-term side effects or need for further treatment. As mentioned earlier, the disease usually lasts for two to five months, but can last much longer. There are several conditions with similar symptoms, so if a dog continues to have symptoms after the normal period of time or is not responding to treatment, she should be reevaluated.

How is panosteitis prevented?

There is currently no way to prevent the disease. However, because of the potential genetic link, breeding animals should be screened to ensure that they are not potential carriers of the disease. Despite the numerous puppy foods catering to large breed dogs, there is no current evidence that confirms that these foods will lower the incidence of the disease when compared to standard commercial puppy food. If an animal shows symptoms of the disease, they should be promptly diagnosed and treated and exercise and activity should be reduced until the symptoms have gone away.

References and Further Reading:
Brinker, W; Piermattei, DL; Flo, GL. Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1983.

Ettinger, S. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1989.

‘Panosteitis,’ Compendium of Continuing Education. January 1996.

Article Courtesy of PetEducation.com

If you suspect that your dog is sick, you can take its pulse or temperature before you rush off to the vet. An elevated heartbeat could be a sign of heart problems or pain, while a high fever might indicate infection. Here is how you can take your dog’s pulse and temperature.

Taking a pulse

Before you start off, make sure that your dog is relaxed, as excitement or exertion will elevate his or her pulse. Then do the following:

1 Place the ball of two fingers inside your dog’s thigh close to the body on either of its rear legs

2 Count the pulse beat over a minute

A normal dog pulse will vary according to the breed. Small breeds have a higher pulse of between 90–120 beats per minute, while large dogs will have a pulse of between 60–90 beats per minute. If your dog’s pulse is too low or high, seek veterinarian advice.

Taking a temperature

A normal temperature for a dog is 38.3 to 38.8 C. You can measure your dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. Do the following:

1 Use a digital thermometer as a glass thermometer could break inside your dog’s back passage if he struggles

2 Make sure that the thermometer is registering zero

Ask someone to calmly hold your dog while he or she is standing

3 Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly and insert it 2.5 cm into your dog’s rectum

4 Keep the thermometer there for at least one minute to get an accurate reading

5 Wipe the thermometer clean with mild antiseptic once finished

If the reading is higher or lower than what is normal, seek veterinarian advice

H. Perold

Sources:

http://www.caninepharm.com/askthevet.htm

http://www.pethealthcare.co.uk/dogs/welldogclinic/howto_taketemp.asp

By Joe Bartges
DVM
University of Tennessee
(Archive)

When you take your hunting dog into the field this autumn, you may be unknowingly exposing it to a deadly fungus that resides in the very ground your pooch is sniffing in order to trail game.

Blastomycosis is a fungal disease that can affect many organ systems in your dog. The disease is caused by the fungus, Blastomyces dermatitidis, which lives in the soil. Dogs most commonly become infected by inhaling the organism. This means that dogs that spend a lot of time sniffing the ground in an area where the organism lives are at risk for infection.

Geographically, areas with moist soil and standing waters, such as the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River valleys, the Mid-Atlantic States, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario, have a high incidence of Blastomycosis. This includes areas along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and the Southeast.

Although Blastomycosis can affect any dog of any age, breed, and gender, male dogs are more frequently infected than female dogs, and a greater percentage of female dogs survive treatment.

And, obviously, because hunting dogs spend more time sniffing potentially infected ground than other dogs, they are at a greater risk for contacting Blastomycosis.

Symptoms

The lungs are usually the first organ system to become infected, and the organism spreads to other organ systems including the skin, eyes, bones, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, nose, brain, and testes.

Clinical signs are vague, but usually include a fever. A cough, often dry to begin with, is present, and may have been present for months.

The organism can spread to the skin where it causes draining tracts or to the eyes where it can cause inflammation and blindness.

Usually, the lymph nodes are enlarged, and affected dogs often experience weight loss to the point of emaciation. As mentioned, many other organ systems can be involved.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Blastomycosis is done best by finding the organism in aspirates of lymph nodes, in fluid from draining tracts, or in fluid collected from the lungs.

Chest x-rays often show a “fluffy snowstorm” appearance to the lungs, which are the fungal organisms and associated inflammation. Although blood tests are available, they are not as good or as accurate as finding the organism. In fact, many dogs with full-blown infection have negative blood tests.

Because the disease is caused by a fungus, the fever and clinical signs do not clear with antibiotic treatment. This may result in an infected dog being given steroids to decrease the fever, which, in turn, causes wider spread of the organism throughout the body.

Treatment

Treatment of Blastomycosis involves using drugs that kill the fungal organism. Several drugs are available, but the safest and easiest treatment is to use an antifungal drug called itraconazole. This is a newer drug that has fewer side effects than older treatments such as ketoconazole or amphotericin-B.

It is given by mouth one to two times a day for a few months. The most common adverse effect of itraconazole treatment is anorexia associated with liver toxicity.

Although the chance of curing a dog is good, some dogs die despite aggressive treatment and supportive care. Dogs with brain involvement usually die, but occasionally such a dog can be successfully treated.

The severity of lung disease may worsen in the first 2 to 3 days of treatment, and is due to an inflammatory response to killing of the organisms in the lungs. Death usually results from respiratory failure and occurs in about one-half of the dogs with severe lung disease during the first week of treatment.

Currently, there is no specific prevention for Blastomycosis except awareness of the disease in your area and prompt medical attention if clinical signs develop. You should remember that the organism lives in the soil and that your dog picked up the infection from the soil; therefore, your dog may be exposed again.

About Joe Bartges: Joe Bartges is a professor of internal medicine and nutrition and The Acree Chair of Small Animal Research at The University of Tennessee.

He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.