Health Veterinary Breeding
Things Dont Always Go According To Plan
On the Saturday morning I was a bit concerned that Dot wasnt settling and one of the puppies wasnt suckling so well. The vet advised that I bring them along for a check up. Having been thoroughly checked Dot was pronounced well but given a calcium shot, an antibiotic shot and an oxytocin shot as…
Health Veterinary Nutrition
ARNICA MONTANA Leopards Bane wolfs bane
Externally the herbal form has great healing properties for contusions with bruising. It should never be applied to open wounds or broken skin. The roots contain thymol which is a fungicide and preservative and has an anti-inflammatory agent. When used in a gel it can have the same effects as an NSAID for osteoarthritis ….
Human Interest
Miracles Can Happen
Misfortune is something that befalls others. At least in our own selfish way, we like to think so. However we know from experience that we do suffer misfortune, and sadly even tragedy, at times during our lives. For those in dogs one of the worst things is literally losing a dog! And I know now…
Health Conformation Q & A
Ask TSK – Q&A Eye Testing
I have a bitch here who is clear by parentage of HC. I was recently told she still needs a CERF test. Can you tell me why? I thought if she doesnt have cataracts then her eyes are fine. Thanks Answer: Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) is dedicated to the elimination of heritable eye disease…
Breeding
The Genetic Pedigree
The only really effective way to attack the problem of genetic disease is to actively select against the defective genes, rather than trying to select for the most normal dogs you can find. Its a way a thinking about breeding that seems counter-intuitive, until you realize that if you know who the affected and …
Breeding Interviews History Conformation Judging
Nostalgia with Clare Lee
Frequently breeders and judges are asked by various publications to write about their favourite Staffords, of course with the show ring in mind. Funnily enough when I go on a nostalgia spree, especially at Christmas with a few hot punches inside me, it is not the show winning Staffords, which bring tears to my eyes,…
Health Breeding
Using A Genetic Pedigree To Select Against Genetic Disease
A traditional pedigree shows the parentage of a purebred dog back through three or more generations. If you take a traditional pedigree and begin filling in the rest of the close relatives (siblings, half-sibs, offspring, multiple matings, etc.), youve got the beginnings of a genetic pedigree ( lets call it a genped for short )….
Training Q & A
Ask TSK – Q&A Pulling on Lead
I have a seven month old male that has gone through puppy socialization, obedience and listens and responds to all the basic commands when he is in class and in our house or backyard beautifully. I am having trouble with the basic walk at times. There are so many distractions that it is very difficult…
Health Veterinary
Living With Cushings Disease
I guess the first symptoms weren’t that easy to recognize, loss of hair! Yes, we did notice we were constantly cleaning the kitchen floor because there seemed to be plenty of loose hair around but having six other dogs at the time you simply assume they are all moulting rather only one of them