Recent content by irotas

I guess I owe it to everyone that responded to this thread to announce that quite tragically we had to put Manni down. While he was responding quite well to the predinsone (aside from the drinking/urination), within a week he developed a gastic ulcer and was vomiting blood. We transitioned him...

So here's the latest update - the vet has diagnosed pemphigus, saying that pemphigus is not really one disease but a class of related diseases, and in Manni's case he has a very non-classical presentation. He also thinks Manni may have Cushings disease based on some clinical signs and...

I found a really good article (though full of medical jargon - have a dictionary ready!) on pemphigus and all the possible treatments and considerations: Canine and feline pemphigus foliaceus: Improving your chances of a successful outcome - Veterinary Medicine Apparently prednisone is a...

Thanks for the link. I've actually concocted my own anti-itch+healing formula for Manni. I don't measure everything exactly but this is roughly it: 1) 1-2 cups of warm water 2) A few drops of tea tree oil 3) A few drops of lavender oil 4) A few drops of jojoba oil 5) A few drops of oat...

I read online that Atopica is even more expensive than Tacrolimus. We've been using Tacrolimus and the expense of that one is absolutely killing me ($160 for a 30 gram tube after taxes). Going for something even more expensive is terrifying. I really love my dog but there is some vague line...

Thanks everyone for the responses! Let me try to answer everyone in one go: 1) His symptoms are many, complex, and vary from day to day. The initial symptom (although we didn't think much of it at the time) was a gradual decline in interest in food. It didn't happen all at once, but we...

Hi all, It's been a while since I've posted here - sorry to be away so long! :) Unfortunately Manni has had some rough times over the past few months. After (literally) dozens of visits to the vet, tests, treatments, etc, basically what we've got (aside from a huge bill) is a diagnosis of...

My wife and I finally bit the bullet and bought a house. We were very excited about having a back yard for the first time in our relationship - we've been in apartments for over a decade. The trouble is, the back yard totally reeks of dog pee. The yard is long and narrow - if the dog went all...

FDA shuts down manufacturer of generic animal drugs FDA Shut Down Teva/DVM Pharmaceuticals (Malaseb, OtiCalm...) - PugVillage.com Pug Forums http://www.fda.gov/downloads/aboutfda/centersoffices/ora/oraelectronicreadingroom/ucm162070.pdf FDA Takes Action Against Teva Animal Health Inc...

Good call on the MSM - I found a nice website that supports that idea: "Glucosamine for Dog Arthritis"

Unfortunately our yellow lab Manni is starting to stiffen up and limp around more often as he gets older. The vet suggested putting him on antiinflammatory drugs, but before we do that we'd like to try some natural alternatives first. Right now he's on Zukes Hipaction treats and fish oil. I'm...

You know, it's interesting that you mention raw feeders, because the websites where I read about fasting also talked about feeding raw. Is there something special about feeding a raw diet that fasting would be necessary?

Manni seems to enjoy swimming out in the lake even in the winter time when it's COLD outside (this morning it was -8C/17F!). Some people around us expressed concern, but the cold really doesn't seem to bother him. I read online that labs were bred to be winter hunting dogs, so I'm guessing...

After a LOT of research and experimentation, we've finally found a food that works perfectly for Manni: Pecurean NOW! Grain Free Senior Weight Management http://www.petcurean.com/index.php?page_id=161 Just thought I'd share in case anyone else is looking for a very high grade dry dog food!

Manni has never liked the winter road salt, but this winter in Toronto seems to be especially bad. We've tried putting this thick petroleum jelly on his paws, which helps a little, but not that great. Does anyone have any good solutions for this? I've seen small dogs wearing little...