The more that I think I know about the breed, the more I realize that I don’t. This is just one of the things that I didn’t know that the German Shepherd Dog can be affected by. I never even heard of this disease before.
German Shepherd Dog Keratitis [pannus], medical name: keratitis superficialis vasulosa pannosa pigmentosa chronica, is a chronic inflammation of the corneal surface and, in most cases, of the conjunctiva of the eye. The reason it is called German Shepherd Dog Keratitis is because the disease is found predominantly in German Shepherds and is only rarely seen in other breeds.
Pannus is a condition where your dogs’ immune system attacks the cornea. Symptoms include changes in color and the appearance of red blood vessels. While there is no cure for the syndrome, it can be controlled for the life of your dog. Failure to treat the condition can result in blindness.
It is normally seen in dogs between the ages of three and five. It first appears in the outer regions of the cornea and, in almost all cases, affects both eyes simultaneously.
The cornea is a membrane that covers the colored part and white part of the eye. Canine keratitis is a syndrome where the cornea becomes inflamed and discolored (corneal pigmentation). Pannus causes tissue to accumulate on the surface of the eye and cholesterol to form inside the cornea.
The cause of Pannus is not well understood, but several factors are involved. The breed incidence suggests a heritable predisposition. Additionally, UV (ultraviolet) radiation plays an important role as an inciting and propagating factor. Dogs living at high altitudes and low altitudes are more severely affected. Also, autoimmune factors and possibly genetics play a part.
Initially, redness and brown pigment may be seen in the conjunctiva (white tissue of the eye). White infiltrates made up of inflammatory cells then invade the clear cornea. Next blood vessels invade the cornea. Finally pink connective tissue grows into the cornea and later becomes brown. In a small number of cases, two other symptoms may occur either alone or together. A thickening, redness, de-pigmentation and lumpiness of the third eyelid may occur. This is called a plasmoma. The other condition which may occur is chronic, erosive ulceration of the lower eyelid near the inner and outer corners of the eye. Pannus is uncomfortable to the dog. When treated adequately, your dog can be free of this irritation even though the corneas may not clear up completely.
What is the treatment for Pannus? Despite intensive research efforts, no permanent cure exists for this disease. However, in the vast majority of cases, the diseases progress can be halted and the problem kept stable. In other cases, Pannus may be reversed and the corneas will clear. This is most probable if therapy is instituted early during the disease. The inflammatory cell infiltrate and blood vessel invasion are generally reversible with therapy. The connective tissue infiltration and pigment deposits are often not reversible once they have occurred.
There are four types of therapy:
1. Corticosteroid (cortisone) therapy. This is the main line of defense against progression of the disease and in most cases is effective. If the pannus is severe, cortisone may be administered by injections under the white of the eye. In all cases drops containing cortisone must be applied to the eye many times a day. Treatment must be kept up for the rest of the pet¹s life. Even short periods of interrupted treatment, i.e., 2-to-4 weeks, may cause severe relapse with worsening of the patient's vision. The main side-effect of prolonged corticosteroid therapy is the adverse effect on corneal wound healing. Microscopic wounds of the outer layer of the cornea often occur. In a normal eye the cornea heals rapidly. If corticosteroid medications are being applied, minor wounds worsen leading to serious corneal ulceration. The main sign seen in patients with ulceration is pain. Therefore, should any patient on cortisone therapy show signs of pain, such as holding the eye shut or pawing at the eye, it is important that the medication be stopped and the doctor consulted immediately.
2. Cyclosporine is a new medication in the war on pannus. It does work on pannus and doesn't have the side effects of corticosteroids. Unfortunately, cyclosporine doesn't work as quickly and it is usually necessary to continue it twice daily for the rest of the patient¹s life. Often, we will initially prescribe corticosteroids to be used in addition to the cyclosporine. When used together, greater improvements are seen without the side effects associated with high levels of corticosteroids.
3. Surgery may be used when medication does not completely clear the pannus from the cornea. A 'peeling' of the cornea may be required to restore vision in eyes that are severely scarred and pigmented. Unfortunately, treatment is required following surgery to prevent the pannus from recurring as the cornea heals. This method is only used if medication doesn't work.
4. Beta-irradiation may be used when medication and surgery prove insufficient. This will not be recommended unless all else fails.
Although Pannus can be a condition that requires life long treatment, with the correct diagnosis and early treatment, the dog's vision can be maintained.
From the top rated book: "THE 5-MINUTE VETERINARY CONSULT: Be ready to face the rush of common and not-so-common animal disorders with the Third Edition of 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline. It's your complete, quick-reference resource, offering authoritative coverage and timely answers to your questions pertaining to canine and feline health. You'll also have the insights of more than 300 top veterinary specialists at your fingertips, plus complete coverage of more than 700 specific disorders.
My rating: Learning and educating yourself on the diseases of the German Shepherd Dog: (4)
Showing posts with label german shepherd diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label german shepherd diseases. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
PYOMETRA
Pyometra is the medical term used to describe an infected uterus. This infection can be open (draining pus from the vagina) or closed (pus is contained in the uterus by a closed cervix). In the past, pyometra was considered to be simply a uterine infection. Today it is now known as a hormonal abnormality and a secondary bacterial infection may or may not be present. This disease mainly affects the middle aged female dog that has not been spayed. Pyometra follows a heat cycle in which fertilization did not occur. Many times within two to four months after the cycle, the female starts showing signs of the disease. In the simplest terms, it is an infection in the uterus.
The two main hormones produced by the ovaries are estrogen and progesterone. An excessive quantity of progesterone, or the uterus becoming oversensitive to it, causes pyometra. In either case, cysts form in the lining of the uterus. These cysts contain numerous secretory cells, and large quantities of fluids are produced and released into the interior of the uterus. This fluid, along with a thickening of the walls of the uterus, brings about a dramatic increase in the overall size of this organ.
How do bacteria get into the uterus? The cervix is the gateway to the uterus. It remains tightly closed except during estrus. When it is open, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus rather easily. If the uterus is normal, the environment is adverse to bacterial survival. When the uterine wall is thickened and cystic, perfect conditions exist for bacterial growth. When these abnormal conditions exist, the muscles of the uterus cannot contract properly. This means that bacteria that enter the uterus cannot be expelled.
What are some of the signs of a dog that has pyometra? The clinical signs depend on whether or not the cervix is open. If it is open, pus will drain from the uterus through the vagina to the outside. It is often noted on the skin or hair under the tail or on bedding and furniture where the dog has laid. Fever, lethargy, anorexia, and depression may or may not be present.
As the body attempts to flush out the build-up of waste products through the kidneys, the animal will drink excessive quantities of water (polydipsia) and urinate large amounts frequently (polyuria). She will lick at her vaginal area while the cervix is still open and the uterus is discharging a white fluid. She may run a low-grade fever and if blood work is done, she will show an elevated white blood cell count. As the uterus increases in size and weight, the dog shows weakness in the rear legs, often to the point where she cannot rise without help. As the dog enters kidney failure, she stops eating and becomes very lethargic.
If the cervix is closed, pus that forms is not able to drain to the outside. It collects in the uterus causing distention of the abdomen. The bacteria release toxins which are absorbed into circulation. These dogs often become severely ill very rapidly. They are anorectic, very listless, and very depressed. Vomiting or diarrhea may be present.
Toxins from the bacteria affect the kidneys ability to retain fluid. Increased urine production occurs, and the dog drinks an excess of water. This occurs in both open- and closed-cervix pyometra.
Dogs that are seen early in the disease may have a slight vaginal discharge and show no other signs of illness. Most dogs with pyometra are not seen until later in the illness. A very ill female dog that is drinking an increased amount of water and has not been spayed is always suspected of having pyometra. This is especially true if there is a vaginal discharge or an enlarged abdomen.
Since toxicity may develop very quickly in dogs with pyometra, it needs to be treated promptly. Dogs will receive intravenous fluids, usually for several days, and antibiotics. In most cases, the preferred treatment is a complete ovariohysterectomy (spay). This removes the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and all associated blood vessels. These animals can be a surgical challenge because of their poor overall condition. In some females valued for breeding, prostaglandin and antibiotic therapy may be tried instead of surgery. The prostaglandin is given for 5-7 days and causes the uterus to contract and expel the fluid. In mild cases, when the cervix is still open and the fluid is draining, the success rate is excellent. This therapy should only be used in dogs 6 years of age or younger, who are in stable condition, and have an open cervix. Prostaglandins can have side effects, especially after the first dose, including restlessness, panting, vomiting, increased heart rate, fever, and defecation.
The infection is not only life threatening on its own, but it can also cause kidney failure through bacterial toxins. If treated quickly with surgery and antibiotics, approximately 90 percent of dogs affected with pyometra will survive.
If an owner decides not to have surgery on their pet, the other option is medical management. This method of treatment involves the injection of hormones, called prostaglandins, to change the environment in the uterus. Antibiotics are also given. Medical treatment of pyometra is not recommended.
It takes two days for the hormone injections to take effect, during which the pet could die of infection or kidney failure. There is also a high incidence of recurrence of pyometra with medical management. Furthermore, not all pets respond to this therapy and require life-saving surgery after this therapy has failed.
So obviously the best treatment for this disease is to have your dog spayed.
My rating: Spaying bitches not used for breeding: (4)
The two main hormones produced by the ovaries are estrogen and progesterone. An excessive quantity of progesterone, or the uterus becoming oversensitive to it, causes pyometra. In either case, cysts form in the lining of the uterus. These cysts contain numerous secretory cells, and large quantities of fluids are produced and released into the interior of the uterus. This fluid, along with a thickening of the walls of the uterus, brings about a dramatic increase in the overall size of this organ.
How do bacteria get into the uterus? The cervix is the gateway to the uterus. It remains tightly closed except during estrus. When it is open, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus rather easily. If the uterus is normal, the environment is adverse to bacterial survival. When the uterine wall is thickened and cystic, perfect conditions exist for bacterial growth. When these abnormal conditions exist, the muscles of the uterus cannot contract properly. This means that bacteria that enter the uterus cannot be expelled.
What are some of the signs of a dog that has pyometra? The clinical signs depend on whether or not the cervix is open. If it is open, pus will drain from the uterus through the vagina to the outside. It is often noted on the skin or hair under the tail or on bedding and furniture where the dog has laid. Fever, lethargy, anorexia, and depression may or may not be present.
As the body attempts to flush out the build-up of waste products through the kidneys, the animal will drink excessive quantities of water (polydipsia) and urinate large amounts frequently (polyuria). She will lick at her vaginal area while the cervix is still open and the uterus is discharging a white fluid. She may run a low-grade fever and if blood work is done, she will show an elevated white blood cell count. As the uterus increases in size and weight, the dog shows weakness in the rear legs, often to the point where she cannot rise without help. As the dog enters kidney failure, she stops eating and becomes very lethargic.
If the cervix is closed, pus that forms is not able to drain to the outside. It collects in the uterus causing distention of the abdomen. The bacteria release toxins which are absorbed into circulation. These dogs often become severely ill very rapidly. They are anorectic, very listless, and very depressed. Vomiting or diarrhea may be present.
Toxins from the bacteria affect the kidneys ability to retain fluid. Increased urine production occurs, and the dog drinks an excess of water. This occurs in both open- and closed-cervix pyometra.
Dogs that are seen early in the disease may have a slight vaginal discharge and show no other signs of illness. Most dogs with pyometra are not seen until later in the illness. A very ill female dog that is drinking an increased amount of water and has not been spayed is always suspected of having pyometra. This is especially true if there is a vaginal discharge or an enlarged abdomen.
Since toxicity may develop very quickly in dogs with pyometra, it needs to be treated promptly. Dogs will receive intravenous fluids, usually for several days, and antibiotics. In most cases, the preferred treatment is a complete ovariohysterectomy (spay). This removes the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and all associated blood vessels. These animals can be a surgical challenge because of their poor overall condition. In some females valued for breeding, prostaglandin and antibiotic therapy may be tried instead of surgery. The prostaglandin is given for 5-7 days and causes the uterus to contract and expel the fluid. In mild cases, when the cervix is still open and the fluid is draining, the success rate is excellent. This therapy should only be used in dogs 6 years of age or younger, who are in stable condition, and have an open cervix. Prostaglandins can have side effects, especially after the first dose, including restlessness, panting, vomiting, increased heart rate, fever, and defecation.
The infection is not only life threatening on its own, but it can also cause kidney failure through bacterial toxins. If treated quickly with surgery and antibiotics, approximately 90 percent of dogs affected with pyometra will survive.
If an owner decides not to have surgery on their pet, the other option is medical management. This method of treatment involves the injection of hormones, called prostaglandins, to change the environment in the uterus. Antibiotics are also given. Medical treatment of pyometra is not recommended.
It takes two days for the hormone injections to take effect, during which the pet could die of infection or kidney failure. There is also a high incidence of recurrence of pyometra with medical management. Furthermore, not all pets respond to this therapy and require life-saving surgery after this therapy has failed.
So obviously the best treatment for this disease is to have your dog spayed.
My rating: Spaying bitches not used for breeding: (4)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
TAKING CARE OF DOGS IN A BAD ECONOMY
Very few people are not affected by this bad economy. Some are affected more than others, but everyone has been touched or knows someone that has by this economic depression. For many this means their lifestyles have had to be adjusted. Things that people have taken for granted in the past have now been compromised and we have had to learn to sacrifice some of those things for a simpler way of life.
Because of this poor economy, some have had to change the way that they are taking care of their dogs. Many of us have to stop and think before we buy that $15 toy at the dog store that we just know that “Rover” will love to chew on.
Perhaps we have looked at another way of feeding our dogs without sacrificing the health of our companions. With the gazillion different brands of dog foods on the market, it has made many of us wiser consumers by reading the labels and understanding just what it is that our dogs are eating. Doggie snacks have always been an indulgent treat that we enjoy giving our pets, but even these have become more expensive than some households can afford.
So what’s the answer when you are trying to survive yourself and then you have dogs that depend on you for everything? It’s about compromise. It’s about educating yourself to understand and truly read labels. It’s about getting the best value for your dollar.
Some people find themselves feeding a cheaper dog food than they have in the past. Others will take a cheaper dog food and mix it with a higher quality, more expensive food hoping to get the best that they can without spending too much money. Others feed a raw diet and swear that it’s cheaper than the traditional dog foods. I feed a dry dog food and also buy meats for my dogs. I look for any meat that is on sale or reduced in price like the manager’s specials. I find that a great buy is chicken legs when they go on sale. I don’t feed raw, however. I cook all of the meats that I feed my girls. I take the chicken legs and roast them in the oven and then cut off all the meat and put it in their dry food. I used to feed them lots of chicken livers, but this has gone up a lot in price this last year. So now the only time that I feed them this is when I see it go on sale. I’ll feed them beef liver, hearts, giblets, etc. Also they get eggs in their dinner every day. Cottage cheese is something else you can add if you see it goes on sale. Yogurt is also great for their digestive system and I’ll buy the store brand unless I have a coupon for a national brand.
You can add vegetables to your dog’s food as well. Just make sure it’s a vegetable that they can have. No onions or raw garlic. Carrots, string beans and sweet potatoes are good choices if you want to add these things to your dog’s diet. String beans are good to use as filler if your dog needs to go on a diet. Giving raw carrots as a treat is a good option if you dogs like it.
If you like to bake, then you can bake your dog’s treats and snacks. There are a whole lot of recipes on the web that you can try. Also if you belong to the Show list they have recipes in their archives that you can use as well. Some people make their own dried liver treats which are great for double handling your dog for shows. There are recipes using hot dogs, cheese, etc. The list is endless or you can make up your own ingredients.
Anyone that knows me well knows that I am the coupon queen. I never go to the store without them. Some of your better known dog food companies offer coupons for you to use on their products. Just go on line to the company that makes your dog food and see if they offer coupons. Many times you have to sign up for their newsletter and they’ll send you coupons every month. You can also call them and ask if they can send you coupons. Many companies have a breeders program where if you buy a certain amount of their product, they will send you a coupon for a free bag. The companies are aware of the economy problems and many of them are trying to help and keep their customers happy.
Another thing you might consider doing. If you have other breeders that live in your area that feed the same food as you do, you might want to order your dog food from a company together. Many times a company will give a discount when you order a certain amount of food from them. This can amount to a considerable savings when you divide up the expense among the breeders.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to get some toys for your dogs, one of the best and most economical places you can go to is the Good Will or Salvation Army stores. Just go into their children’s section and many times you will find a great variety of stuffed animals and a lot of times they are new or just like new. You can always throw them in the washing machine before you give it to your dog. Just make sure when you buy these stuffed toys that there are no removal parts like button eyes or noses or squeaky gadgets in them.
If you are looking for bedding for your dog, here again the Good Will and Salvation Army is a great place to find these things. You can buy quilts and blankets and towels here that you just need to put in the washing machine and there you go, you now have spent a whole lot less and your dog has a comfortable place to lay his head. The towels are great for bathing him as well.
Someone told me recently that where she lives there are many dog clinics. Wow……..so I looked into my area just yesterday and I found a couple not too far from me. I’ve never used them, but I’m told that they can save you a lot of money. I’ll have to call them to see what they charge for similar services that my vet performs. There are also spaying and neutering clinics that you can check out if this is something you need for your dogs.
Many breeders give their own shots and medicines. You can find these items in most animal catalogs. JUST KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING BEFORE YOU DO IT! Don’t play veterinarian unless you know what it is that you’re doing. Don’t administer medicine unless your dog has been checked out by your vet. Ask him/her for a discount on the medicines that they are advising you give your animal. Some vets (not all) will be willing to work with you on this. If not, buy the medicine from a catalog or on line.
When it comes to dog shows, here again, some people have had to cut back on how many times they show their animals. Some now are only going to local shows or ones that are no longer hours and hours away. They are no longer staying over night at hotels and eating out at restaurants. They pack up their own lunches and don’t go to shows where they have to stay over night. Some people “car pool” with their friends and share the expense of gas and tolls to help cut down on the money that they are spending.
Well these are just a few tips that I have found to be helpful when taking care of dogs in these rough times. I’m sure many of you have other tips you could share in how you make ends meet. I’ll be looking forward to hearing about some of them.
My rating: cutting back where needed without sacrificing quality care: (4)
Because of this poor economy, some have had to change the way that they are taking care of their dogs. Many of us have to stop and think before we buy that $15 toy at the dog store that we just know that “Rover” will love to chew on.
Perhaps we have looked at another way of feeding our dogs without sacrificing the health of our companions. With the gazillion different brands of dog foods on the market, it has made many of us wiser consumers by reading the labels and understanding just what it is that our dogs are eating. Doggie snacks have always been an indulgent treat that we enjoy giving our pets, but even these have become more expensive than some households can afford.
So what’s the answer when you are trying to survive yourself and then you have dogs that depend on you for everything? It’s about compromise. It’s about educating yourself to understand and truly read labels. It’s about getting the best value for your dollar.
Some people find themselves feeding a cheaper dog food than they have in the past. Others will take a cheaper dog food and mix it with a higher quality, more expensive food hoping to get the best that they can without spending too much money. Others feed a raw diet and swear that it’s cheaper than the traditional dog foods. I feed a dry dog food and also buy meats for my dogs. I look for any meat that is on sale or reduced in price like the manager’s specials. I find that a great buy is chicken legs when they go on sale. I don’t feed raw, however. I cook all of the meats that I feed my girls. I take the chicken legs and roast them in the oven and then cut off all the meat and put it in their dry food. I used to feed them lots of chicken livers, but this has gone up a lot in price this last year. So now the only time that I feed them this is when I see it go on sale. I’ll feed them beef liver, hearts, giblets, etc. Also they get eggs in their dinner every day. Cottage cheese is something else you can add if you see it goes on sale. Yogurt is also great for their digestive system and I’ll buy the store brand unless I have a coupon for a national brand.
You can add vegetables to your dog’s food as well. Just make sure it’s a vegetable that they can have. No onions or raw garlic. Carrots, string beans and sweet potatoes are good choices if you want to add these things to your dog’s diet. String beans are good to use as filler if your dog needs to go on a diet. Giving raw carrots as a treat is a good option if you dogs like it.
If you like to bake, then you can bake your dog’s treats and snacks. There are a whole lot of recipes on the web that you can try. Also if you belong to the Show list they have recipes in their archives that you can use as well. Some people make their own dried liver treats which are great for double handling your dog for shows. There are recipes using hot dogs, cheese, etc. The list is endless or you can make up your own ingredients.
Anyone that knows me well knows that I am the coupon queen. I never go to the store without them. Some of your better known dog food companies offer coupons for you to use on their products. Just go on line to the company that makes your dog food and see if they offer coupons. Many times you have to sign up for their newsletter and they’ll send you coupons every month. You can also call them and ask if they can send you coupons. Many companies have a breeders program where if you buy a certain amount of their product, they will send you a coupon for a free bag. The companies are aware of the economy problems and many of them are trying to help and keep their customers happy.
Another thing you might consider doing. If you have other breeders that live in your area that feed the same food as you do, you might want to order your dog food from a company together. Many times a company will give a discount when you order a certain amount of food from them. This can amount to a considerable savings when you divide up the expense among the breeders.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to get some toys for your dogs, one of the best and most economical places you can go to is the Good Will or Salvation Army stores. Just go into their children’s section and many times you will find a great variety of stuffed animals and a lot of times they are new or just like new. You can always throw them in the washing machine before you give it to your dog. Just make sure when you buy these stuffed toys that there are no removal parts like button eyes or noses or squeaky gadgets in them.
If you are looking for bedding for your dog, here again the Good Will and Salvation Army is a great place to find these things. You can buy quilts and blankets and towels here that you just need to put in the washing machine and there you go, you now have spent a whole lot less and your dog has a comfortable place to lay his head. The towels are great for bathing him as well.
Someone told me recently that where she lives there are many dog clinics. Wow……..so I looked into my area just yesterday and I found a couple not too far from me. I’ve never used them, but I’m told that they can save you a lot of money. I’ll have to call them to see what they charge for similar services that my vet performs. There are also spaying and neutering clinics that you can check out if this is something you need for your dogs.
Many breeders give their own shots and medicines. You can find these items in most animal catalogs. JUST KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING BEFORE YOU DO IT! Don’t play veterinarian unless you know what it is that you’re doing. Don’t administer medicine unless your dog has been checked out by your vet. Ask him/her for a discount on the medicines that they are advising you give your animal. Some vets (not all) will be willing to work with you on this. If not, buy the medicine from a catalog or on line.
When it comes to dog shows, here again, some people have had to cut back on how many times they show their animals. Some now are only going to local shows or ones that are no longer hours and hours away. They are no longer staying over night at hotels and eating out at restaurants. They pack up their own lunches and don’t go to shows where they have to stay over night. Some people “car pool” with their friends and share the expense of gas and tolls to help cut down on the money that they are spending.
Well these are just a few tips that I have found to be helpful when taking care of dogs in these rough times. I’m sure many of you have other tips you could share in how you make ends meet. I’ll be looking forward to hearing about some of them.
My rating: cutting back where needed without sacrificing quality care: (4)
Monday, January 11, 2010
ON THE SPOT - GERAN'S GERMAN SHEPHERDS
The second picture is of MyMy's champion inbred daughter, Ch Geran's I did it my way (Presley)!
This interview was conducted with Gerald Roach of Geran’s German Shepherds. Gerald lives in Indiana with his wife Angela and their beautiful young daughter Alexa. I never met Gerald but we established a telephone friendship when he called me and invited me to be a member of his popular German Shepherd Dog List called, “German Shepherds for show.” That was a little over four years ago and as I told him one time, “Not talking to Gerald every morning would be like starting my day without my Raisin Bran!” So thank you Gerald for giving me permission to do this interview and to use your pictures of your beautiful dogs on my blog.
Me: Please tell us how and when you got started in the German Shepherd Dog breed.
Gerald: Wow that brings back memories. I used to stay with my cousins on the weekends when I was growing up. My uncle had a subscription to Dog World and I would end up spending most of the weekend reading those magazines front to back. I fell in love with the German Shepherds from those magazines and I was hooked.
Me: Who were your mentors?
Gerald: Nancy Schneider and Lorraine Rosinski. God the hours I spent on the phone with these ladies and they both taught me so much.
Me: You have had a tremendous amount of success over the last few years. What do you contribute that to?
Gerald: Ch Geran's Always On My Mind ROM for without this bitch I would have no success. She has proven to be one of the great producing dams of our breed and her true worth to the breed was not been seen for years. To date My My has given Geran's nine champions with several more coming. I have stayed very focused and worked very hard at training, conditioning, and showing along with great owners and co-owners. Add all of this together and these are the reasons for Geran's success.
Me: What are the Geran's German Shepherds known for?
Gerald: I think my dogs are known for motion and type, with a strong emphasis on shoulders.
Me: Besides your own dogs, which dog from the past was your favorite and why?
Gerald: Ch. Wellspring's Ironsides ROM. I didn't see Charlie till he was older but I remember him as one hunk of a male. I fell in love with his breed type and presence.
Me: Where do you see the strengths in our breed today?
Gerald: I think we have excellent breed type. I don't see as many weak backs as I did in the past.
Me: Where do you see the weakness in our breed today?
Gerald: Shoulders and temperaments.
Me: What would you like to see change in the breed?
Gerald: I would like to see more breeders focus on correct motion and sound minds.
Me: What do you feel your greatest contribution to the breed is?
Gerald: I think my love and passion for this breed and preserving it to my best ability is the greatest contribution I can give.
Me: What do you think about today's judging?
Gerald: I think too many judges focus on pretty and plushy or what might seem to be today's fad. They need to focus on the dog’s motion more. This is a movement breed.
Me: Although you have shown and won at both Specialty and All Breed shows, you have told me that you prefer the All breed shows. Why is that?
Gerald: As a breeder and owner I love showing my dogs myself. I feel I am more competitive in the All breed ring as an owner handler.
Me: Is there anything that you would like to see changed in the Parent Club?
Gerald: Not really. It seems to be going very well right now.
Me: What food do you feed your dogs and how many times a day do you feed them?
Gerald: We feed Diamond natural chicken and rice and extreme athlete. We feed twice a day.
Me: What sort of advice would you give to people just starting out in the breed?
Gerald: Learn the standard. Learn correct motion. Then find a breeder who has a proven breeding program and watch what they do. Let them help you pick a nice puppy.
Me: What do you still want to accomplish in the breed that you haven't yet done?
Gerald: I am still looking to win a Best in Show!
Me: Where do you see yourself in the next five years in the breed?
Gerald: I have thought about judging, but keep telling myself I want to keep showing. So, I guess the future is still open.
Me: Tell us something about you that people don't know.
Gerald: I am a 32nd degree Mason.
Gerald is probably one of the most ambitious young men that I know of. If he sets his mind to do something, he usually achieves it. He is very focused about what he wants to do with his breeding program. He might listen to what others may say about different bloodlines, but one of the things that I’ve learned about him is that he ALWAYS DOES IT HIS WAY!
To see more of Gerald’s beautiful German Shepherds, take a look at his newly designed website at: www.Geransgermanshepherd.com
My rating: dedicated breeders: (4), mentors for the breed: (4)
Friday, October 23, 2009
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE - (IBD)
The German Shepherd Dog is prone to gastro intestinal diseases. Why this is, no one knows for sure. Among some of the diseases that this breed can have is a condition called Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD.
IBD is a when one or more sections of the gastrointestinal tract have been invaded with inflammatory cells. Left untreated, this inflammation can cause the intestinal tract to become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from their food. The result can be a dog that loses weight, vomits and has diarrhea. Many times this condition develops slowly and can go on for several months or even years before a real problem presents itself.
There are several types of IBD. These different types affect different parts of the gastro intestinal tract and the different cells that are affecting it. Because there are many different things that can inflame the dog’s intestinal tract, other diseases must be ruled out before a true diagnosis of IBD can be confirmed.
The four different types of IBD are: The most common type is Lympho plasmacytic. The second most common type is Eosinophilic which is also the most severe form of IBD. Food allergy and parasites must be ruled out for the inflammation before a diagnosis of IBD is made. Then there is the rarer form of IBD known as Neutrophilic. Bacterial infection must be ruled out for a proper diagnosis. And lastly another rare form of IBD is Granulomatous. Foreign bodies and fungal infection must be ruled out for this diagnosis.
The cause of IBD is not truly known although genetics, intestinal infections, food and abnormalities of the dog’s immune system can all play a role. The intestines produce a large amount of food and bacterial particles called antigens. It is these antigens that can cause an allergic immune type response. Bottom line, when these inflammatory cells invade the intestines, it interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and digest nutrients.
Some common antigens are proteins and preservatives from the dog’s food, parasites, virus’s and bacteria, and ingested foreign materials (garbage, toys, etc.). These things can start the abnormal immune response and even when the antigen is no longer present, the inflammation continues. When an exact reason cannot be found for the inflammation, this is call idiopathic, or true IBD.
The most common signs to look for are vomiting and diarrhea. Putting the dog on antibiotics and changing his food may help for a short time, but eventually the symptoms return. Usually the signs will slowly progress and then can become severe and sudden as the disease progresses. With IBD, the stomach, colon and small intestines may be involved.
When a dog has stomach inflammation, this is called gastritis. Typical of this condition is loss of appetite and vomiting. The dog may vomit undigested food, partially digested food, a clear or brownish liquid and sometimes a small amount of blood.
When the inflammation is in the small intestines, this is called enteritis. This can cause vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. The dog may be lethargic and doesn’t look like he’s thriving very well. The diarrhea is usually a large amount and can happen one to three times a day.
When the colon is inflamed, it’s called colitis. This condition causes diarrhea in smaller amounts, but can happen up to ten times a day. The dog many times will strain while defecating and have blood or mucus in his stools. These dogs usually remain active, eat well and don’t lose weight.
Many conditions can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhea and this can be the most difficult part in diagnosing IBD. After all testing is done which may include, a complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis, fecal examination and culture, ex-rays of the chest and abdomen and sometimes an ultrasound, intestinal parasites, bacterial, viral and fungal infections, dietary allergies, foreign bodies and cancer. To determine intestinal malabsorption, specialized blood tests such as colbalamine and folate are often recommended to determine the severity.
If all tests fail to reveal another disease that’s causing the intestinal malabsorption, then IBD is suspected and a biopsy of the intestines is required to make a definite diagnoses. Once the biopsies are performed, then they are sent to a lab for a microscopic examination. A diagnosis will confirm if the IBD is mild, moderate or severe. This will help your veterinarian determine the best treatment for your dog.
Most dogs will require medication and dietary management to treat their IBD. Highly digestible diets are usually recommended for these types of dogs because nutrients are more easily digested and will reduce the amount of diarrhea. Usually it will take 8 – 12 weeks to see a positive change in the dog. If the dog’ colon is inflamed, then the vet may advise the dog get more fiber in his food.
The medicines that are usually used to treat this condition are: Corticosteroids (steroids, cortisone, and prednisone). These medications help reduce the inflammatory process and inflammation in the intestines. Since steroids can have potentially serious side effects, your vet will usually start at a lower dose until the dog can be helped by dietary measures alone. Another medicine that sometimes can be used is called Metronidazole which is an antibiotic that helps restore the normal balance of intestinal bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes dogs with more severe IBD may be treated with Azathioprine, chlorambucil and cyclosporine that reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Sometimes your vet will recommend treating the dog that vomits and has diarrhea with an antacid, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrhea medicine.
Although dogs with IBD can be treated and controlled, it is a condition that can not be cured. These dogs will require a strict diet and anti-inflammatory medicines to manage their disease. Unfortunately some dogs will not respond to dietary changes or medications. These severe cases can sometimes lead to intestinal cancer.
If a dog is diagnosed with IBD, it is wise to have your veterinarian check him over a few times a year to make sure the disease has not progressed to a worse condition.
My rating: early diagnosis of symptoms: (4), importance of dietary changes; (4), medical attention: (4)
IBD is a when one or more sections of the gastrointestinal tract have been invaded with inflammatory cells. Left untreated, this inflammation can cause the intestinal tract to become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from their food. The result can be a dog that loses weight, vomits and has diarrhea. Many times this condition develops slowly and can go on for several months or even years before a real problem presents itself.
There are several types of IBD. These different types affect different parts of the gastro intestinal tract and the different cells that are affecting it. Because there are many different things that can inflame the dog’s intestinal tract, other diseases must be ruled out before a true diagnosis of IBD can be confirmed.
The four different types of IBD are: The most common type is Lympho plasmacytic. The second most common type is Eosinophilic which is also the most severe form of IBD. Food allergy and parasites must be ruled out for the inflammation before a diagnosis of IBD is made. Then there is the rarer form of IBD known as Neutrophilic. Bacterial infection must be ruled out for a proper diagnosis. And lastly another rare form of IBD is Granulomatous. Foreign bodies and fungal infection must be ruled out for this diagnosis.
The cause of IBD is not truly known although genetics, intestinal infections, food and abnormalities of the dog’s immune system can all play a role. The intestines produce a large amount of food and bacterial particles called antigens. It is these antigens that can cause an allergic immune type response. Bottom line, when these inflammatory cells invade the intestines, it interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and digest nutrients.
Some common antigens are proteins and preservatives from the dog’s food, parasites, virus’s and bacteria, and ingested foreign materials (garbage, toys, etc.). These things can start the abnormal immune response and even when the antigen is no longer present, the inflammation continues. When an exact reason cannot be found for the inflammation, this is call idiopathic, or true IBD.
The most common signs to look for are vomiting and diarrhea. Putting the dog on antibiotics and changing his food may help for a short time, but eventually the symptoms return. Usually the signs will slowly progress and then can become severe and sudden as the disease progresses. With IBD, the stomach, colon and small intestines may be involved.
When a dog has stomach inflammation, this is called gastritis. Typical of this condition is loss of appetite and vomiting. The dog may vomit undigested food, partially digested food, a clear or brownish liquid and sometimes a small amount of blood.
When the inflammation is in the small intestines, this is called enteritis. This can cause vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. The dog may be lethargic and doesn’t look like he’s thriving very well. The diarrhea is usually a large amount and can happen one to three times a day.
When the colon is inflamed, it’s called colitis. This condition causes diarrhea in smaller amounts, but can happen up to ten times a day. The dog many times will strain while defecating and have blood or mucus in his stools. These dogs usually remain active, eat well and don’t lose weight.
Many conditions can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhea and this can be the most difficult part in diagnosing IBD. After all testing is done which may include, a complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis, fecal examination and culture, ex-rays of the chest and abdomen and sometimes an ultrasound, intestinal parasites, bacterial, viral and fungal infections, dietary allergies, foreign bodies and cancer. To determine intestinal malabsorption, specialized blood tests such as colbalamine and folate are often recommended to determine the severity.
If all tests fail to reveal another disease that’s causing the intestinal malabsorption, then IBD is suspected and a biopsy of the intestines is required to make a definite diagnoses. Once the biopsies are performed, then they are sent to a lab for a microscopic examination. A diagnosis will confirm if the IBD is mild, moderate or severe. This will help your veterinarian determine the best treatment for your dog.
Most dogs will require medication and dietary management to treat their IBD. Highly digestible diets are usually recommended for these types of dogs because nutrients are more easily digested and will reduce the amount of diarrhea. Usually it will take 8 – 12 weeks to see a positive change in the dog. If the dog’ colon is inflamed, then the vet may advise the dog get more fiber in his food.
The medicines that are usually used to treat this condition are: Corticosteroids (steroids, cortisone, and prednisone). These medications help reduce the inflammatory process and inflammation in the intestines. Since steroids can have potentially serious side effects, your vet will usually start at a lower dose until the dog can be helped by dietary measures alone. Another medicine that sometimes can be used is called Metronidazole which is an antibiotic that helps restore the normal balance of intestinal bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes dogs with more severe IBD may be treated with Azathioprine, chlorambucil and cyclosporine that reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Sometimes your vet will recommend treating the dog that vomits and has diarrhea with an antacid, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrhea medicine.
Although dogs with IBD can be treated and controlled, it is a condition that can not be cured. These dogs will require a strict diet and anti-inflammatory medicines to manage their disease. Unfortunately some dogs will not respond to dietary changes or medications. These severe cases can sometimes lead to intestinal cancer.
If a dog is diagnosed with IBD, it is wise to have your veterinarian check him over a few times a year to make sure the disease has not progressed to a worse condition.
My rating: early diagnosis of symptoms: (4), importance of dietary changes; (4), medical attention: (4)
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