Canine Longevity Project+

16/06/2024

Conformation showing is not for the faint of heart. On any given day, it may or may not go in your dog's favor. That said, what is far more important than the winning or losing in the ring are the results of a dog's genetic testing and how closely the dog aligns to its breed standard.

A dog who has poor health testing results and, or does not align with its breed standards, should not be bred. The whole point of breeding is to preserve the breed standard and improve on the health and conformation of the next generation.

Breeding should be done as a preservation effort. Carefully thought through, and not embarked upon haphazardly.

05/04/2024

19/02/2024

I found this article fascinating. I hope it serves to add to your knowledge.

Pretty rare case of sudden blindness.
This 6-year-old Cocker is presented for appearing
blindness within hours. Eyes suddenly turned
white.
It was a lipid outbreak in the anterior chamber
following the ingestion of a large amount of fat
(butter plate)
Eye ultrasound allows to eliminate the
assumption of fibrin (hyperechogenic) instead of
fat (hypoechogenic)
Blood centrifugation allows you to immediately
notice the milky aspect of the serum
No treatment is necessary. A simple low-calorie
and hypolipid diet helped the eyes to be healed
and the animal's vision returned in a few days
This case is quite rare, but to keep in mind when
you see it.

11/10/2023

To create posts, I need inspiration. I haven't been inspired in awhile, in fact, I have been the opposite of inspired. I have been bombarded by posts about neglect, abuse, and abandonment of puppies and dogs.

I want to keep sharing information, my knowledge, and my experience about caring for all aspects of dogs' needs, but I need to know if my posts actually help people. Does the information I share help people take better care of their dogs? Does the information enrich the lives of their dogs? Does it strengthen their relationship with their dogs? Does it help them advocate better on behalf of their dogs?

If you have found benefits in my previous posts, please leave a comment.

08/08/2023

Let's talk about crates. Yes, dogs have to be trained to settle and be calm in crates. Yes, some dogs and puppies take longer to crate train. Why persist and focus on crate training as a vital part of your dog's training?

1. A crate is the safest way to transport your dog in a vehicle.
2. A crate can be a great place for a dog to decompress when stressed, especially if you have visitors in your home.
3. Sometimes, your dog may need to go to a boarding facility. Being kennel trained makes boarding a less stressful experience for your dog.
4. Vet emergencies or planned surgeries will often involve your dog being kenneled. These are stressful events on their own. Added stress due to not being kennel trained could make for a poorer surgical outcome and longer recovery.
5. Crates are safe areas, especially during emergency situations such as roadside vehicle breakdowns, house fires, chemical exposures, etc.
6. Crates are needed for surgical or injury recovery, especially if mobility needs to be restricted.
7. Crates are necessary for managing behaviors in multiple dogs households, especially when you're not home to supervise interactions.

07/04/2023

A quick shout out! Life has pulled my focus away from CLP+ for a little while. Although I haven't posted new content for a bit, I wanted to leave you with two great online resources from which you can obtain reliable and safe information about veterinary issues your dog may be experiencing.

*clinician's brief (www.cliniciansbrief.com)
*Merck Veterinary Manual (www.merckvetmanual.com)

I hope to return to preparing and posting new content in a few weeks. Until then, remember, today is a gift, and tomorrow is not promised . Love your 🐶 with all your ❤️, each and every day.

28/02/2023

Did you know there are stress management strategies for helping relieve stress in dogs?

Dogs get stressed. A new environment, a new stimulus, a pre-existing trigger, pain, illness, and lack of socialization can all cause stress in dogs. The following are 5 stress management strategies that can be used with stressed dogs.

Strategy 1: Safety First. Ensure stressed dogs are kept as calm as possible and escape potential from the physical environment is minimized. Also, stressed dogs exhibiting an aggressive stress response should be physically segregated, and the target of the aggression removed.

Strategy 2: No punishment for dogs exhibiting a stress response. Punishing a dog experiencing stress will increase the stress response now and in the future.

Strategy 3: Identify, avoid, remove, or minimize stress triggers from the environment.

Strategy 4: Initiate a behavior modification program to reduce the stress caused by a trigger or stressor. Systematic desensitization can be attempted or counter conditioning to help reduce stress associated with stressors.

Strategy 5: Use ancillary activities, products, and services to reduce stress in dogs. Things such as gentle product wraps, phermones, and drugs can be used to reduce the stress response in dogs to certain triggers. Acupuncture, touch therapy, and regular activity/exercise may also be helpful.

20/02/2023

Did you know recurring skin lesions in dogs may be caused by underlying immune mediated diseases?

Recurring pruritic skin lesions in dogs may be caused by immune mediated diseases such as Pemphigus Foliaceus. Owners of these dogs often do not have the finances, patience, and commitment to process to help their dogs with their skin issues. Often, dogs with recurring skin lesions, open pustules, skin plaques, etc. are euthanized or surrendered to rescues. Typically, to determine the underlying cause of severe skin conditions, a dog typically undergoes a thorough physical exam, skin biopsies, and blood tests.

When severe skin conditions are caused by immune mediated diseases, a dog will be placed on a lifelong drug regimen, which includes immunomodulatory medications. These medications can cause GI upset, elevated liver enzymes, and bone marrow suppression. The use of these drugs requires close monitoring. Frequent blood tests are required, and quarterly examination by a veterinarian dermatologist is recommended.

For dogs on long-term immunomodulatory medications, their life expectancy is based upon striking a delicate balance between quality of life and longevity. Without medications, life for these dogs is filled with pain, discomfort, and little joy. On the other hand, these same medications used continually reduce a dog's lifespan.

Clinician's Brief offers an excellent discussion on a dog who presented with pruritic skin lesions and was eventually diagnosed with Pemphigus Foliaceus. www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/recurring-pruritic-skin-lesions-english-bulldog.

Photo Credit for post: Clinician's Brief

15/02/2023

Did you know researchers think there may be a connection between grape and raisin toxicosis in dogs and tartaric acid and its salts?

Tartaric acid is an organic acid found in grapes, raisins, and tamarinds. Tartaric acid can precipitate into certain salts such as potassium bitartrate. Cream of Tartar is potassium bitartrate.

Dogs who ingested cream of tartar, tamarind, or tamarind paste showed very similar histopathologic changes in their kidneys, as dogs who had ingested grapes or raisins. This has led researchers to think that tartaric acid and its salts may be the compounds that cause toxicosis in dogs when grapes or raisins are ingested. More research is required to determine if this scientific hypothesis can be proven to be fact.

Note: The ingestion of grapes, raisins, cream of tartar, tamarind pods, or tamarind paste by dogs is an emergency situation. Veterinarian care should be sought immediately. Kidney failure and death can result from ingesting small quantities of these items.

11/02/2023

Did you know abdominal palpation can help identify and localize abdominal pain during physical examination?

When your dog exhibits a distended abdomen and, or is showing signs of abdominal pain, their veterinarian will perform a step by step abdominal palpation exam to try to determine the cause of the pain.

Step 1: Your dog's veterinarian will place your dog in a standing position prior to starting the exam.

Step 2: The veterinarian will palpate methodically the cranial abdomen, mid-abdomen, and caudal abdomen. The cranial abdomen contains the stomach, liver, spleen, and pancreas. The mid-abdomen contains a portion of the spleen, the dorsal aspect of the kidneys, the dorsal aspect of the adrenal glands, and the small intestines. The caudal abdomen contains the urinary bladder, prostate, or uterus, the colon, and a portion of the small intestines. NOTE: SOME OF THE ABOVENOTED ORGANS ARE NOT PALPABLE.

Step 3: Your dog's veterinarian must palpate deep enough to determine which palpable organs might be causing pain for your dog.

Step 4: Progressive pressure must be applied to assess the current shape of the organs contained in the abdomen.

Step 5: Next, the veterinarian will assess the palpable organs for abnormalities, such as masses, distension, or foreign objects.

Step 6: Extra abdominal assessment is then performed to check for hernias, lipomas, masses, evidence of skin disease, etc.

Step 7: Your dog's veterinarian may place their hands on either side of your dog's abdomen and sway their abdomen. This action is performed to determine if there is a buildup of unnecessary fluid in the abdomen.

NOTE: Depending on the results of the palpation exam, your dog's veterinarian may recommend an abdominal ultrasound be performed to assist in making a diagnosis of your dog's abdominal and discomfort.

08/02/2023

Did you know the Texas A&M Small Animal Teacing Hospital (SATH) is performing a veterinary clinical trial on a new, non-surgical treatment option for herniated discs in dogs?

The clinical trial being conducted by SATH involves injecting a specific enzyme into a herniated disc to dissolve the damaged disc. The enzyme does not damage other tissue structures such as the spinal cord. At present, the trial is being conducted on small breed dogs only. However, if favorable results are continually achieved, this non-surgical may be available to most dogs with newly, herniated discs and partial paralysis. This non-surgical option will be more affordable than the traditional spinal surgery used to address herniated discs and has a shorter and easier recovery period.

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/oscar/

03/02/2023

Did you know the Chill Protocol can be used to reduce fear, aggression, and anxiety in dogs requiring veterinary care?

The Chill Protocol was developed by 3 collaborating veterinarians from Midwestern and Tuft Universities to help reduce the stress experienced by anxious, aggressive, and / or fearful dogs during veterinarian procedures. The procedure involves using low doses of a combination of medications (Gabapentin, melatonin, and injectable Acepromazine) up 12 hours before the veterinary procedure to help reduce the stress experienced.

For some dogs, veterinary procedures, necessary excursions, rehoming, and other trauma can cause extreme stress and can be expressed as aggression, anxiety, or fear. Extreme stress can have lasting effects such as overreactivity, depression, and reduced or suppressed immune function. To help avoid these effects, the Chill Protocol can be prescribed by veterinarians. Some veterinarians are also prescribing the Chill Protocol or variations there of, to help with some other periodic or short-term extreme stressful events such as boarding, recovery from extensive surgery, traveling, etc.

To learn more about the Chill Protocol, go to:
https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/chill-protocol-manage-aggressive-fearful-dogs

27/01/2023

Did you know IMHA has different stages?

When a dog is first diagnosed with IMHA, this is commonly referred to as the "First Crisis".
For many dogs, the First Crisis is not recognized by their guardians in a timely manner, and these dogs succumb to the disease. Even with early recognition of the First Crisis, often a dog's anemia can advance quickly to a life-threatening point. Sometimes, a blood transfusion can restore the red blood cell count. Often, secondary IMHA can be resolved with a blood transfusion once the underlying cause is addressed. With primary IMHA, the underlying cause remains unknown and is frequently attributed to an issue with the immune system. Primary IMHA can be more difficult to treat.

For dogs who have primary IMHA, who survive crisis events, they are placed on immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressive therapy involves treating IMHA with a combination of immunosuppressive medications and steroids. Every case of primary IMHA is different, which makes it difficult to determine an effective treatment plan.

The prognosis for dogs with primary IMHA is guarded. After surviving the First Crisis, some dogs receive immunosuppressive therapy for 6 months and never require further treatment. Some dogs can not be regulated on immunosuppressive therapy and are euthanized due to poor quality of life and debilitating medical issues. Other dogs do well for a couple of years and past away during a second crisis.

My dog, Bowden, did not respond to a blood transfusion and passed away before he could receive plasmapheresis. If a dog survives the First Crisis and how a dog responds to IMHA immunosuppressive therapy is dependent on the individual makeup of each dog. Each case of IMHA is unique.

25/01/2023

Did you know there are a few different tests used to diagnose IMHA in dogs?

After performing a complete physical exam and reviewing observed symptoms, a dog suspected of having IMHA will undergo a series of tests.

A complete blood count test will evaluate the amount of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells a dog has. A low platelet and a low red blood cell count, along with a high white blood cell count and elevated enzymes in the liver or kidneys, can be indicators of IMHA.

Next, packed cell volume ("PCV") and blood smear tests will be performed. The PCV test indicates the percentage of blood cells within a given sample volume. A blood smear test allows for the condition of the red blood cells to be observed. Both of these tests provide information about the severity of the anemia present and whether red blood cell regeneration is occurring.

The next test performed is the autoagglutination test. This test is performed to determine if abnormal clotting is occurring. The presence of clotting is an indicator of IMHA.

Often, the last test performed to diagnose IMHA is the Coombs' test. This test detects both immunoglobulin and complement (C3) on the surface of red blood cells. The clumping of red blood cells during this test indicates the presence of immunoglobulin. Clumping a positive test result that indicates a dog has IMHA.

21/01/2023

Did you know there are primary and secondary forms of IMHA?

Primary IMHA is caused by a fault/flaw in a dog's immune system or due to genetic abnormality.

Secondary IMHA can be caused :
-stress of estrus
-toxins
-infections caused by Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Leishmania
-elevated levels of copper or zinc via ingestion
-cancer
-medications
-tick bites
-recent vaccinations (*adverse reactions)

Secondary IMHA is easier to treat and resolve than Primary IMHA. Often, Primary IMHA is fatal.

14/01/2023

Did you know some dogs show mild symptoms when they are experiencing their first IMHA crisis?

When we woke up Sunday morning, Bowden seemed a bit sleepy. I didn't think he was lethargic because he often started slowly in the morning. He wasn't a fan of the morning. He didn't want to eat his breakfast, but did
so after a little coaxing. After breakfast, he took a nap, which was also normal behavior for him.

At lunchtime, Bowden refused to eat his lunch. I thought maybe his stomach was a bit upset. He did get an upset stomach once or twice a month.

By late afternoon, Bowden was lethargic. To me, he looked sickly. I checked his gums, and they were very pale. He was panting and then went outside. I asked my husband to accompany Bowden outside. My husband came in shortly afterward and said Bowden's urine was bright orange. We decided something was very wrong. We collected his urine in a ziploc bag. Luckily, it had snowed the night before. Martin took Bowden to the Veterinarian 24 hour Emergency Hospital.

With 40 minutes, we received the devastating news that Bowden's test results showed he was experiencing his first IMHA crisis, and his numbers were already at critical levels.

The expression of IMHA symptoms can vary from dog to dog. On physical presentation at the hospital, staff didn't think Bowden was critically ill. When they saw his urine collection and ran the required tests, they determined he was very sick. Common symptoms of IMHA include:
-lethargy
-rapid heart beat
-vomiting
-seizures
-fainting
-lack of appetite
-weakness
-pale gums
-dark, tarry stools
-bright or dark orange urine
-yellowing of the whites of the eyes, gums, ears, abdomen, or ge****ls
-nose bleeds
-panting and shortness of breath
-collapse
Note that some of these symptoms occur at the start of an IMHA crisis, and some develop as the crisis progresses. Left untreated, a dog in an IMHA crisis will die. Unfortunately, many dogs, even with extensive, expert veterinarian care, will not survive their first IMHA crisis.

11/01/2023

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia ("IMHA")

It has taken me almost a year to write a post about Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia ("IMHA"). This is the condition that ended Bowden's life. In simplified terms, IMHA is a type of anemia that occurs suddenly and results in the immune system attacking and destroying the body's red blood cells.

Bowden became sick on a Sunday afternoon. We took him to the critical care hospital by 5:30 pm that evening. The critical care doctors did everything they could; blood transfusions, medications, a plasma transfusion. Bowden passed away 60 hours from his admission on Sunday. In the next couple of posts on IMHA, I will discuss the symptoms, treatment, and prognosis for IMHA.

06/01/2023

Did you know the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ("OFA") website contains excellent information on a number of genetic diseases?

In previous CLP+ posts, I touched on what the OFA did and provided a high-level overview pertaining to genetic testing and breeding. The website ofa.org also has excellent information about genetic diseases. The description and information provided about hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disease etc is easily understood and invaluable if a person is looking to understand potential genetic health complications in breeds they are considering purchasing.

I highly recommend reviewing the Diseases and Browse By Breed areas of the website prior to finalizing your decision to purchase a purebred dog. There are many breeders who do not health test; have poorly managed pedigrees in their breeding program and will not support puppy owners after money has exchanged hands. Websites like the OFA, CKC, and AKC can help individuals make informed decisions when they select and purchase a puppy from a breeder.

01/01/2023

Happy New Year!!

As I was reflecting on the posts I made in 2022, I realized the CLP platform had strayed from its intended purpose. The platform was created to share information with dog guardians, with the intent of improving and extending the relationships between guardians and their dogs.

In 2023, CLP posts will once again focus on physical, intellectual, emotional, and stewardship issues, which impact the lives of our dogs. I am looking forward to sharing more information with you all on these important topics.

Thanks for taking an interest in the information I share through this platform. I appreciate you all.

~ Tracy

29/12/2022

Did you know dogs have been the subject of many scientific and social studies?

Dogs have been involved in numerous scientific and social studies. Studies have shown human interactions with dogs can positively impact the human experience with health related issues such as anxiety, obesity, Alzheimer's, cancer, etc.

The website, Top Dog Tips has a post which provides links to 20 interesting dog studies. These studies are interesting and available online. The link for the Top Dop Tips site is:
➡️ https://topdogtips.com/best-scientific-studies-on-dogs/

Enjoy!!

22/12/2022

Did you know snow globes can be dangerous for dogs?

Snow globes. Pretty. Festive. Amusing. DEADLY!!!

The liquid inside some snow globes is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is the chemical found in antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. Ethylene glycol is sweet smelling. Dogs are attracted to its' smell and will consume it. The ingestion of ethylene glycol is almost always fatal☠☠.

Ethylene glycol poisoning occurs in 3 stages:

*Within 30 minutes to 12 hours, your dog will be disoriented, drooling, and there may be vomiting, seizures and possible excessive drinking or urination.

*Between 12 to 24 hours, the abovenoted symptoms may appear to get better, but your dog's heart rate maybe elevated. They may have labored breathing and be suffering from dehydration.

Within 36 to 72 hours, kidney failure will begin to occur, along with severe lethargy, vomiting, seizures, drooling and coma. Most dogs who reach stage 3, do not survive.

If you have snow globes in your home, please keep them out of your dogs reach.

If you suspect your dog has consumed ethylene glycol, get them to an emergency veterinarian hospital immediately.

21/12/2022

I borrowed this from The Vets instagram account. I think is important information that needs to be reshared. Vomit is often misunderstood by dog guardians. Hopefully, this information will help dog guardians make informed decisions about when to seek emergency vet care for their dogs.

17/12/2022

Did you know ptyalism is the term used to describe the condition in which a dog produces an excessive amount of saliva?

Ptyalism is caused by:
*foreign objects in rhe mouth
*tumors or inflammation in the mouth
*injuries to the mouth
*broken, infected teeth
*ingestion of drugs or poisons
*inflamed tonsils
*fear
*nervousness or excitement
*infectious diseases (i.e. rabies)
*seizures
*irritation or inflammation of the esophagus, stomach or intestines
*administration of medicines
*metabolic disorders (i.e. kidney failure)
*abscess or blockage ofvthe salivary glands
*heavy hanging jowls

Aside from obvious causes such as temporary fear, nervousness, anxiety, administration of medications, a removal object in the mouth or heavy hanging jowls, ptyalism is often linked to a condition requiring veterinarian examination and intervention. If your dog is exhibiting ptyalism, and the cause is not obvious, a visit to your dog's veterinarian is warranted.

14/12/2022

Did you know the most important function of your dog's kidneys is to filter waste from their blood?

When your dog's kidneys are not functioning properly, they cannot efficiently filter waste from their blood. When waste products build up to dangerously high levels in your dog's blood, the condition is referred to as azotemia.

Azotemia can be caused by kidney disease, congestive heart disease, shock, dehydration or urine flow issues within the urinary tract.

Azotemia can be difficult to detect. Some possible observable symptom include:
*loss of appetite
*diarrhea
*decreased or increased urine output
*dehydration
*sores in the mouth
*vomiting
Since most of these symptoms are associated with many other medical issues, it is advisable to have your dog checked by their veterinarian. Remember, persistent or a sudden onset of symptoms should not be ignored.

09/12/2022

Did you there are some dangers associated with dogs eating snow?

Many dogs like eating snow ❄. For the most part, snow eating is a harmless pursuit. On occasion snow eating can be harmful.

When a dog eats too much snow, their core body temperature can drop resulting in a medical condition called hypothermia.

Not all snow is fresh and clean. In urban settings, snow is often contaminated with road and sidewalk salt, de-icer and other chemical and, or biological contaminants. Some ice melts and de-icers can contain antifreeze. Antifreeze is very toxic for dogs when ingested.

Snow can contain unseen hazards such as sharp objects, glass shards, rotten or tainted morsels of food, f***s etc. None of these items are safe for consumption by your dog.

To keep your dog safe in the winter, remain vigilant and observant on walks, and try to discourage the eating of snow.

05/12/2022

Did you know your dog's pancreas is composed of several types of cells?

The various cells in the pancreas are involved in the production of hormones and digestive enzymes. The pancreas is comprised of two distinct components, the exocrine pancreas and the endocrine pancreas.

The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes which assist with the digestion of proteins, complex carbohydrates and triglycerides. This component also secretes bicarbonate which helps buffer stomach acid.

The endocrine pancreas produces insulin and glucagon. These 2 hormones help to regulate blood sugar levels. The Islets of Langerhans is the area within the endocrine pancreas which is responsible for the production of insulin. Insulin is produced by beta cells, one of the three types of cells within the Islets of Langerhans. Insulin increases the transfer of glucose and other compounds into body cells, and decreases the rate of fat, protein and carbohydrate breakdown. The other two cell types in the Islets of Langerhans produce glucagon and somatostatin. When blood glucose levels decrease, glucagon is released.
(Sourced from Merck's Online Veterinary Manual.)

29/11/2022

Did you know the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB ("AKC") offers a course which can help you assess your/your family's readiness to raise and care for a puppy?

To learn more, go to:
https://www.caninecollege.akc.org/visitor_catalog_class/show/1037592

25/11/2022

Did you know a dog's paw is impacted by 3 types of force when it lands on the ground?

When a dog walks or runs, its paws exert 3 types of forces. There is a vertical force. A side to side force, and there is a backward to forward force. An excellent web article which explains these forces, and how they act upon a dog's paws 🐾 and overall body is available at:
https://www.sportsvet.com/article-one/

This is definitely a "must read" for individuals with dogs involved in sports or other strenuous activities.

20/11/2022

Did you know there are specific signs you can observe to determine if you and your puppy/dog share a strong bond?

According to www.dogtopia.com, the following are observable signs a strong bond exists between you and your puppy/dog:

SIGNS OF A STRONG BOND

*Your dog smiles, wags their tail, rubs into you, and makes great eye contact when they see you

*They may vocalize their joy

*They keep tabs on your location when they are off leash

*They frequently check to see where you’re at

*They perform obedience/requests happily without hesitation

*They desire to be near you

* They focus on you, evidenced by frequently looking at you

*They communicate their needs, wants, and concerns to you

*They seek physical interaction with you

*Once taught Come, the dog always responds, even when distracted