Archives for March, 2010
One of the most common orthopedic diseases that veterinarians see is canine cruciate ligament injury. This disease affects all breeds, genders, and ages of dogs. The disease is so prevalent in dogs that a study was performed to assess the estimated economic impact of treating cruciate ligament disease in dogs for the year of 2003 and found the cost to pet owners to be $1.32 billion (JAVMA, 2005). The unfortunate part is that costs for treatment have only risen since 2003.
The cranial cruciate ligament in the dog is similar to the corresponding anterior cruciate ligament in a person and perform a similar function in both. The cruciate ligaments are called this because they form a cross or”X” within the knee. The ligaments are named by where they originate on the tibia. Thus, the cranial or anterior cruciate ligament originates on the front of the tibia and inserts on the back of the femur. The function of the cranial or anterior cruciate ligament is to prevent cranial or foward sliding of the tibia compared to the femur as well as to prevent hyperextension and excessive internal rotation of the knee.
In people, damaging the cruciate ligament requires some form of trauma to the knee such as getting hit in the knee like a football player, or falling and twisting the knee abnormally like skiers. Dogs can tear their cranial cruciate ligament in a similar way but can also injure it from normal, everyday activities like walking and running, without significant trauma. There are theories that the slant or angle of the top surface of the tibia where it comes in contact with the femur is to blame for this type of degenerative injury in the dog. Instead of all of a sudden coming up lame on the leg after running and falling, these dogs present with a slowly progressive lameness that can occur over months to a few years. Unfortunately, because degeneration of the ligament over time is usually the cause, it is very common that both knees have the same problem and often dogs tear the cranial cruciate ligament in the second knee within 1-2 years.
The first sign that is seen with cruciate ligament tears is lameness. This lameness can be all of a sudden while playing or some other vigorous activity or it can be a slowly progressive lameness which worsens over time. Often, when the lameness is slowly progressive, the dog will show exacerbation of the lameness with exercise or after a prolonged rest.
The diagnosis of a cranial cruciate ligament injury can be made by your veterinarian palpating your dog’s knee. There are two tests that can be done to feel for abnormal sliding of the femur and tibia called the cranial drawer test and the cranial tibial thrust test. If abnormal movement is felt, then you can be comfortable saying that the cranial cruciate ligament is torn. In cases where the ligament is not completely torn, movement may be subtle and then further testing such as radiographs to show abnormal swelling or arthritis can be performed to help make the diagnosis.
Making the definitive diagnosis of a cruciate ligament tear is done by visually inspecting the ligament during surgery. This can be done by opening the joint to look at the ligament (arthrotomy) or by using a camera on the end of a scope (arthroscopy) to see within the joint. Many factors such as size of the dog, age of the dog, activity level of the dog, financial limitations of the owner, and surgeon’s preference are all factors that determine what the best course of treatment is for each dog.
Robert Vonau is a board certified veterinary surgeon practicing in Denver, CO. Repairing dog cruciate ligament injuries is what he spends most days doing. Find out more about dog cruciate ligament injury at my site www.petsurgerytopics.com
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Mar 29, 2010 | | Dog Health
Getting a puppy in your house will likely be a satisfying time, and connecting with that brand new puppy is one thing that a lot of us, as owners, absolutely take pleasure in. It is important, however, that you make sure you are attending to your dog’s overall health early in their life so as to have a happy and lengthy relationship with them. Searching for the best canine puppy food that is available is one method for us so that you can may do this, but there are a number of various judgments that have to be made so that you can make a wise selection.
The primary factors that you should realize could be that the optimum canine puppy food which can be found is simply not typically likely to be the evident option. You will find many commercial companies that claim that they can take care of your puppy from a early age are not actually able to supply you with the most beneficial pet food that is available on the market. As a matter of actuality, you might find that most of this pet food is made up mostly of ingredients that are not necessarily the best choice for your new dog. Always make sure to study these companies beforehand as well as check the content label carefully.
For anyone who is having a difficult time discovering the right pet food puppy will enjoy, you may also like to consider questioning the vet for some serious information. Generally speaking, vets are incredibly interested in the health and well-being of your dog however they are usually in dealings to make income. Commercial dog food organizations will usually approach veterinarians and get them to exclusively provide a specific type of commercial dog food in exchange for a percentage as well as other considerations. It may not be the fact that the food that your chosen veterinarian offers is bad for your puppy, it just most likely is not one of the best dog food your puppy can eat.
Many of the high quality dog foods which are out there usually are not destined to be purchased at your neighborhood pet store. Doing some research on the internet will allow you to recognize elevated superior pet food items, and you may often find a distributor in the area. From time to time, it is possible to use the exact same pet food through the entire lifetime of your puppy and in some cases into adulthood, but at other times there could be special requirements and the very best dog food dog may well consume can alter as they definitely get older.
In cases where all else is rejected, and you are still concerned about the type of food that you have been providing your pet, you should not overlook the opportunity of creating your own pet food in the house. This is not only destined to be the most beneficial pet food puppy can consume during a young age, it is something which will probably stay with them through all of their life and get them to be as healthy as they can be. Even if you have loads of products as far as puppy food is involved, making a intelligent decision will certainly help all relevant parties.
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Mar 29, 2010 | | Dog Food
Contrary to famous belief, Doberman Pinchers are amongst essentially the most desirable breeds of dog offered right now. They are 1 of essentially the most favorite dogs and are quite well known for getting loyal and alert also as getting a great intellect.
Doberman Pinchers were very first bred by a tax collector from the name of Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman inside town of Apolda, Germany about the year 1890. When they have been at just one time bred to be vicious guard dogs, cautious and prudent breeding has greatly enhanced the disposition in the Doberman Pincher and the modern day Doberman is definitely an energetic, faithful and lively breed. It would do nicely to note that Dobermans from North America are much calmer than individuals in Europe because of steps taken in breeding to make certain this is the situation. Dobermans, along using the Border Collie, German Shepherd and Regular Poodle are regarded to be just one of essentially the most intelligent and most very easily trained dog breeds.
Dobermans are a canine breed of medium size with a brief coat, cropped ears, docked tail along with a boxy construct. The standard female Doberman Pincher will measure twenty four to twenty six inches long and weigh roughly sixty to ninety pounds. On the other hand, an regular sized male will measure among twenty six and twenty eight inches long with an estimated pounds falling between seventy five and one particular hundred pounds.
Essentially the most common Doberman coloring may be the black and tan; a solid black coat with tan markings about the eyes, ears, muzzle, underbelly and backside. There are also those with other colorings; red with tan, blue with tan and fawn with tan, also acknowledged as an Isabella Doberman. In 1976, a rare white Doberman was bred with her offspring and so forth. This regimented inbreeding continued on to grant Doberman breeders time to fix the albino mutation. Light Dobermans are actually a cream color with bright markings and apparent blue eyes. These light Dobermans are much rarer than their colored counterparts.
The existence expectancy of this breed of dog is inside typical variety often to fourteen many years. With respect to their common health, they could are afflicted by some frequent ailments, most notably thyroid issues, heart defects and hip dysplasia.
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Mar 28, 2010 | | Dog Breeds
We all know that it is not unusual for pet owners to allow their pets to sleep with them on their beds at night. In fact, one third of pet owners have at some time, allowed their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs readily provide a companionship that can’t be shown by any other breed of animal. However, this doesn’t mean to say that cat owners do not let their cats or another pets sleep with them too.
It is made easier too by dogs having a sleep pattern which is rather similar to our own. Dogs usually have complete trust in their owners, which makes them a lot more relaxed during the night. This goes a long way to explaining why most dogs fall asleep easily and even enter into a deep sleep where REM sleep activities can occur. In deed, once a dog goes into this phase, the owner often needs to call them several times before they can be woken up completely.
Certainly, lots of us have witnessed a dog paddling during sleep and barking while asleep too. These dogs are believed to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs while they are asleep. For example, there are breeds which breathe heavily and there are breeds which breathe more lightly. The dogs that are heavy breathers are much more likely to snore than those which do not breathe quite so heavily.
Dogs which snore can be rather a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the occurrence of this phenomenon. Like with humans, there are various considerations why dogs snore. Most though deal with the obstruction of the passage of air in the throat caused by the collapse of certain areas along the throat. The same as in humans.
A dog that snores very badly ought to be checked for various issues to see which treatment can be best applied. Some dogs are especially prone to some allergic reactions that cause constriction in the windpipe. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are inhibiting proper breathing. It is best if a veterinarian checks on different factors through careful evaluation of the dog’s anatomical features and general physical symptoms.
Is you dog overweight? I ask this because, like with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore than thin ones. This is because they have more tissue surrounding their windpipes. Therefore, they have excess fat hanging around the throat which can potentially cause obstructions. Once this problem is corrected, the risk of snoring will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, you may actually enjoy a decent night’s sleep too.
The facial features of the dog in general affect the amount of snoring too. For example, some dogs have pushed-in faces which restricts their nasal passages to a certain degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their difficulty in breathing. They are very much like humans with the flu, who are forced to breathe using only twenty-five percent of their nostril capacity. Dog breeds with shorter faces need to expend lots of effort to breathe properly. It takes them more effort to breathe and they are also more likely to snore loudly.
Minor surgery can give your dog great relief. Be sure though that, before any decision is made, you are well educated about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop a dog snoring. Most procedures are irreversible, so careful thought must be given to any operation you allow. In fact, it is best to follow the guidelines offered by your veterinary surgeon.
Does your dog need training? If you need more information on dogs in general, then visit our web site called Successful Dog Training This and other unique content ” articles are available with free reprint rights.
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Mar 28, 2010 | | Dog Health
As you will discover when starting the training process, everyone thinks their way is the most effective when it comes to teaching your dog good behavior. Advice usually will come pouring in from other dog owners as soon as you get home from the pet shop. It is very similar to what parents go through with the birth of their first child; every person they know has to give their two cents about how to get through the perils of parenthood.
A training method used in the past, known as clicker training, is currently making a comeback, as a productive dog training technique. Essentially, a clicker does just that — it’s a small box-like device that emits a click sound when pressed, and it allows you to show pride and appreciation for your dog whenever they exhibit excellent behavior or restraint. Through this training method, you are teaching the dog to learn the meaning of the clicking noise.
You will first need to buy a clicker, if you would like to utilize clicker training with your dog. A book describing the clicker training procedure, available in most pet shops, will also be quite useful. Begin slowly by initiating the process with a simple command like “sit”. Issue the command to “sit” and attempt to get your dog to sit on his hind legs. As soon as the dog follows the order, reward him by clicking the box while treating them with a dog snack item. Make sure that you discharge a click every time you reward the dog with a treat. You will be helping your dog to associate his appropriate behavior with the clicking noise.
In you follow the competitive circuit at all, you have probably noticed that many of the dogs there are trained with clickers. Whenever you watch television, keep an eye out for a person using a clicker to help these trained dogs run through courses complete with jumps and hoops. This can be quite an effective training method, if you consistently utilize the “command, treat, click” technique.
Through the use of clicker training, you are in control of letting your dog know how you feel about his behavior, along with dispensing punishment and praise when it is needed. As a result, the relationship between you and your dog will be strengthened.
Dogs thrive on praise, so, try never to miss an opportunity to utilize the your clicker box, to let your dog know that they have exhibited appropriate behavior.
Roger writes articles on the life jacket for dog and about using a dog life jacket near water.
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Mar 27, 2010 | | dog training
Pets like cats and dogs are commonly kept by many households and individuals. Like humans, these pets are also living things and require a lot of attention and care. Not only do they breath the same way like we do, these lovely pets are also as threatened by natural diseases and ailments. Sarcoptic mange is one of those dangerous medical conditions that your dog and cat can get infected with. It is easy to cure sarcoptic mange in dogs and cats but it is even better to take protective measures to avoid this.
Mange is basically a common vet related dermatological condition that is caused by flees harvesting a certain portion of your cats or dogs skin. Due to the microscopic size of the flees and mites that result in this dangerous condition, it is difficult for one to visualize such elements until the pet starts excessive scrubbing and paw scratching on the infected area.
Like other pet relates issues and diseases, mange also comes in different variations of which some or known and some still need a look into. Two of the most commonly envisioned and observed mange types are the sarcoptic and demodectic.
Commonly termed as scabies, sarcoptic form of mange is one the most contagious and disastrous types that can affix to your dog or cat. It normally happens due to your pets contact with counterparts. This mange kind is so contagious that if not diagnosed in early stages, it has the raving potential to infect humans. Although these flees and micro organisms that cause this mange are not multipliable on human skins, but prevention is better than cure.
The common symptoms in your cat and dog that can help you in carrying out a preliminary diagnosis of mange are prolonged etching of a certain skin area by the animal, quick loss of hair and formation of crust and patches behind ears. If any of these symptoms prevail for more than 48 hours in a cat and dog, it is better to have a vet examine it.
Demodectic mange which is also termed as Red Mange is a prototype of mange but is normally related to very young dogs or puppies. Vet scientists also call this a hereditary disease that is passed on from the breeder to the young ones. If a dog is not born with having this epidemic, generally he or she will not have it throughout life. Zero hair patched on a puppy skin can be a form of red mange and it is better to have so vet advice on treatment. There are also some externally applicable ointments available that can help in curing this mange form.
To prevent any of the above mentioned mange types, it is important to see what food you are currently giving to your cat or dog. Over cooked pet food can sometimes lead to adding bad lipids and aminos in your pets blood stream, which reduces the overall body defense mechanism.
A better food for your cat and dog will be the one that contains omega 1 fatty acids that can help enhance the body immunity of your pet. If you can take some of the preventive measures described above, then rest assured that your pet is favorably less prone to sarcoptic mange. It is a fact that to cure sarcoptic mange in dogs and cats is very easy through vet experts but there is no alternative to prevention and protection.
Are you the owner of a feline or canine suffering from Sarcoptic Mange ? We’ve got the best inside information on top notch Sarcoptic Mange treatment options.
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Mar 26, 2010 | | Dog Health
When the cold weather really kicks in, we all worry that our outdoor pets will be okay. There are a few things you can do to make sure they make it through the winter happy and healthy. A heated bowl which is controlled by a thermostat will ensure that your dog’s water never freezes.
One thing that a lot of owners tend to forget is that floors get extremely cold. If your feet are cold you go for socks and slippers, what about your dog’s feet? An elevated kennel will solve this problem, is that isn’t possible at least give them an elevated bed.
Dressing up a dog is a well debated issue between dog owners. Even those who look down on it appreciate that jackets, sweaters and the like are necessary items and not fashion statements.
The winter clothes that you can get nowadays will go through the wash when they need to be cleaned. They are now also in 5 sizes so there should be no problem kitting out your pet.
Health supplements taken in conjunction with the winter clothes will keep their joints supple and warm. Drafts along floors and under doors can even affect your indoor dog. There are lighter fleeces and sweaters designed for this kind of use. Even in winter weather your dog needs its exercise, and you can even get dog goggles to protect their eyes from the elements.
Our cats need some special care during the winter months too. As they have very little body fat they feel the cold more than dogs. A cat bed that is shaped like a cave will keep them warm and cozy in the coldest weather.
Getting back to your dog, have no noticed how they always lie is a shape akin to an apostrophe? A carpet for your pet to sleep on, or even a heated mat will be really appreciated; they’re great for cats too. If your pet lies next to your bed at night it stands to reason that they’ll lie downstairs through the day, so a heated mat will ensure their comfort.
Never leave your pets outside for a long time unless they have shelter. Dogs can get frostbite really quickly, especially on their feet, tail and ears. If you can’t bring them in make sure they have shelter that they can in out of the draft.
If you have a cat, learn about how a magnetic cat door or Petsafe electronic cat door might be a great idea too.
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Mar 25, 2010 | | Dog Health
Even if you have a regular grooming routine you can give your dog a reduced likelihood of ear infection if you just spend a little more time working on his ears. Some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others, if you’re ever owned a dog who was susceptible to such infections you know how much trouble they can be, it’s best to pick up a good pet ear cleaner for this reason.
Ear infections are generally divided into three categories; outer ear, middle ear and inner ear infections.
Infections of the outer ear are easy to recognize. You will notice that the outside of the ear has become inflamed. It might secrete an unpleasant smelling, waxy substance. In contrast, middle and inner ear infections are more serious and may necessitate a visit to the vet before it gets bad. Several factors, including bacterial infections, ear mites or allergic reactions can result in a dog developing an infection of the ear.
Making a thorough cleaning of the ears part of your grooming regimen will result in your dog having a higher tolerance for having his ears handled which could make dispensing medications into the ear an easier task. Cleaning your dogs ears on a regular basis will help to keep the area free from infections and other factors which can contribute to infections.
Ear cleaning is a simple matter for the most part. You can complete the required ear hygiene for most dogs with a simple ear cleaning solution and a soft rag. Raise your dog’s ear to open it, apply cleaning solution and rub the ear gently to help loosen any dirt. Then clean the ear and dry with the soft cloth. Many dogs won’t require frequent ear cleanings but should have their ears inspected to be sure they are free of waxy build up.
If your dog has a floppy style of ear, they could be susceptible to infection due to the fact they can cut off air which helps their ears. Extra follicles of hair can grow as well reducing ear flow even more. You can stop any problems from occurring through ensuring that you properly maintain their ears during the whole grooming process.
If your dog has developed the symptoms of an ear infection, there are a few things that can be done to ease his discomfort until you can get the animal to the vet. Placing a few drops of Cod Liver or Vitamin E oil inside the affected ear can soothe the pain of an ear infection. A solution of white vinegar can also be applied to the ears to clean them.
Casey has written articles on topics other than ear cleaners, check out his sites: dog clippers and dog ear drops.
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Mar 23, 2010 | | Dog Health
Your little one might be the kind who gets excited each time he or she visits a little pet shop, this will not exactly be because she loves all of the animals she sees there however maybe because of all the cute responses she gets from the animals in the little pet shop. However the basic problem that you as a parent must face is in deciding on just the best pet for your youngster, because your youngster doesn’t as of now have the ability to decide which pet can be most suited to his or her personality and what sort of a pet they might be most comfortable with. So the next time you visit a little pet shop in Malaysia, or perhaps a cat pet store, don’t just pick up the first rabbit or the first kitten that your kid finds cute, there are some important things that you should consider first.
Among the first things that you need to remember when you’re taking your little one to a little pet store or a cat pet store in Malaysia to buy a pet is the size of the pet that you’d buy for your child. Of course a really small child will be unable to take care of a big pet well and won’t even be able to enjoy such a pet, and will even find the pet intimidating. In case your little one is small, maybe a small kitten from a cat pet store could be the right size of a pet to buy.
Also, as it is important that you inculcate in your youngster the best thought about how well your pet must be taken care of on a daily basis, and should be groomed well, you even have to be sure your self of what extent of responsibility your little one himself can handle. In case your youngster thinks that a big shaggy canine can be the perfect pet for him from the first little pet store that you visit, it might not be such a good idea to get one because you’ll be the one ending up doing all the grooming and the taking good care of, because your child won’t be old enough to tackle the responsibility.
Also, in case your child is not old enough yet to take his or her pet walking every day, then maybe you should not get the type of pet that needs a daily exercise in the sense of a daily walk. Wouldn’t or not it’s so much better and would make your job easier by just getting your kid a pet hamster or perhaps a kitten from the cat pet shop so that you don’t yourself need to take time out of your busy schedule to go take your kid’s pet for a walk.
So relying in your child’s age and how accountable your little one is (which you will know best) you must determine which pet would be best suited to his or her personality.
By searching on the website you will be able to search out whatever kind of pet retailers that you are looking for, whether or not a little pet store in Malaysia with some of the most common animals on sale, or more specifically a cat pet store in Malaysia if that’s what your little one wants or even pet outlets that are known for the exotic animals that they’ve on sale.
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Mar 23, 2010 | | Dog Health
In case you have been a pet lover all of your life and would love to associate your future business with animals, the opening up a pet retailer in Malaysia is of course the obvious option there’s for you. Nonetheless, If you have indeed decided that a pet retailer is the business that you wish to run, then there are also a few issues that you have to make sure that of and also decide before you can start something concrete.
First of all for instance, you should determine what kind of a pet retailer it’s that you want to operate. You can open up a pet retailer that’s one that only houses different kinds of animals, so that they will find a home and an owner soon, or you could even just stock pet shop supplies in Malaysia which can be a good way of doing your bit for the animal world. Better still, You can actually open up a pet store with each these options, which implies that you can not only house animals but you can even stock your store with pet store supplies- whichever fits you better and whatever type of resources you have, because housing pets means that there are a lot of expenditure that must be taken care of as well. Also, this decision must be based on what sort of competition from other pet retailer and pet shop supplies stores that you may be dealing with in your area and then make your decision based on what you think will suit your business concerns best.
Also, before you make all of your last confirmations so far as opening the pet store is concerned, you have to also first undergo all of the regulations and rules that are set by your state so that you can find out what all of the legalities are of keeping pets in your pet store or even regarding the pet store supplies. If you find for some reason that you can not possibly maintain all the necessary requirements that the state requires of you, the best decision for you would be to not go forward with the plan.
After you are clear about the kind of pet store that you wish to run and you’re certain about the legalities of running such a business, the funds are the next important thing that you have to take care of. You also must firstly decide whether you plan on just buying an already existing pet retailer because there are other options as well, such as opening up a pet store franchise or even starting your own store from the fundamentals of opening up a brand new business.
In any case, a commercial mortgage may be step one that you have to take financially if you do not have already the type of funds needed. There are of course these overhead expenses of maintain a Vet, vaccines and medication in case you are keeping pets in your store.
These above steps should set you on your way to opening a profitable pet store.
Our pet retailer offers to all customers the lowest prices on all pet shop supplies in spite of the top notch quality that we guarantee, in fact you’ll not discover the kind of pet store supplies that we provide our clients for the costs that we give them away at; ours is the most competitive prices online.
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Mar 22, 2010 | | Dog Health