An Introduction to Canine Hip Dysplasia.

Hey Everybody,(Nitro here) and It's Blogging time.My Dad and I are back with new tips and information on how to keep your pets safe,happy and healthy.So today we will discuss something that you should be aware of.Hopefully you won't ever have to face anything like this,but it is always good to be prepared for.Okay let's get started...

                                          Today's Topic:

An Introduction to Canine Hip Dysplasia.

 
Canine Hip Dysplasia is not a death sentence.Learn the symptoms and treatments available for your dog.

What is Hip Dysplasia?
The hip joint consists of a “ball” on the femoral bone, and a “socket” on the hip bone.
Canine hip dysplasia simply defined is when a dog’s hips do not develop normally and the ball does not fit snugly into the socket. 

What Causes Hip Dysplasia?
While there is no “conclusive proof” of the cause of hip dysplasia, there are 2 general schools of thought about its cause – 1) genetic or 2) environmental

These two differing viewpoints often place the dog breeders at odds with the dog owners, causing each to blame the other for the problem. 
Genetic:  The puppy is born with the problem
Environmental: The puppy is too heavy resulting in excessive growth and/or over or under exercising a puppy during its growth phase resulting in developmental problems.

The most common theory is that hip dysplasia is indeed genetic.  Most breeders have their breeding dogs’ hips rated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (Penn-HIP), or various other international orthopedic groups. 

We could discuss the merits of both theories, but it doesn’t change the facts.  If your dog has hip dysplasia, you need to deal with it. You may be deciding what to do next, or you may have already decided, and want to know what to expect.

When Does a Dog Get Hip Dysplasia?
If you subscribe to the theory that it is genetic, they are born with it.  Dogs that have severe hip dysplasia often begin to have problems as puppies.  Sometimes, the hip dysplasia does not cause pain for the dog, so they do not show signs of it until they develop arthritis in their hip joints.  Some dogs that are not as severe can live out their entire lives with few, if any symptoms. 

What are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?
There are a number of symptoms of hip dysplasia.  Some dog owners only say that their dog didn’t walk right.  Others will say they saw no symptoms at all, or just that their dog began to limp.  Following is a list of common symptoms, of which your dog may have a couple and not have hip dysplasia.

Bunny Hopping:  The dog tends to use both hind legs together, rather than one at a time. This occurs when the dog is running, or going up stairs.

Side Sit:  Also called lazy sit, slouch or frog sit.  When the dog sits, its legs are not positioned bent and close to the body.  They can be loose and off to one side, or one or both legs may be straight out in front.

Sway Walk:  Also called a loose walk.  When the dog is walking, the back end sways back and forth because the hips are loose.

Unusual Laying Position:  Legs are straight out and off to the side when the dog is laying on its stomach or legs are straight out behind the dog.  (All dogs lay with their legs behind them on occasion, many dogs with hip dysplasia lay like this all the time.)

Limping:  The dog may favor one hind leg or the other, and may alternate legs that it is favoring.

Quiet Puppy:  Puppies who are already in pain from hip dysplasia tend to be very good puppies.  They do not rough house the way that normal puppies do.  They also tend to sleep for a long time after playing or going for a walk.  Some owners describe their puppy  with hip dysplasia as the best puppy they’ve ever had.

Dog Doesn’t Jump:  Not only do they not jump on you, they seem to pull themselves up by their front end onto furniture as opposed to jumping up.

Underdeveloped Hind Quarters and Overdeveloped Chest:  This is caused by the failure to use the hind legs normally and jump.  The dog also may actually be shifting weight forward. 

Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia
The only way to diagnose hip dysplasia is with x-rays.  However, I must note here that you should treat the dog and not the x-rays.  Some dogs with seemingly mild hip dysplasia are in a lot of pain, while other dogs with apparent severe hip dysplasia do not display symptoms.

What Can Be Done for My Dog?
If you have had x-rays taken of your dog’s hips at your regular vet, you may have been referred to an orthopedic surgeon.  The surgeon is going to recommend various surgical options for your dog.  I am going to give you a very brief overview of these surgeries.  You will need to discuss your dog’s options with the surgeon.  They will provide the details of each surgical option.  Some people are able to treat their dog with nutritional supplements and avoid surgery.  Ultimately, it will be your decision to determine the best treatment for your dog.

Surgical Options:
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) - This surgery is performed on puppies under 20 weeks of age, generally when the puppy is neutered or spayed.   It shows great promise as a preventive measure, by altering the pelvic growth.  This surgery has a short recovery period, but is generally done before a puppy can be diagnosed.  However, once you’ve lived with hip dysplasia, it may prove to be worthwhile for a puppy considered at risk for developing hip dysplasia.

Dorsal Acetabular Rim (DAR) – This surgery consists of bone grafts being taken from other areas of the pelvis to build up the rim on the hip socket (cup).  The idea is for the femoral head to have a deeper socket to fit into.  It's relatively new, so there is some question as to how a dog will do into old age - there aren't many older dogs that have had it done.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) -  This surgery involves cutting the bone around the hip socket and repositioning the socket for a better fit with the femoral head.  The bones are plated back together so they heal in the correct alignment.  This surgery is performed on young dogs before they have finished growing.

Total Hip Replacement (THR) – This surgery consists of replacing the hip joint similar to a human hip replacement.  A new cup is usually attached to the hip bone, and the femoral head is cut off the leg bone and an implant is inserted into the leg bone.  This surgery is done on more mature dogs that have finished growing.  Due to the size of the implants, this surgery is done on larger dogs.  Previously, all artificial hip components were cemented in place.  More recently, cementless hip replacements are being performed. 

Femoral Head & Neck Ostectomy (FHO) – This surgery consists of removing the femoral head of the leg bone to eliminate the pain of hip dysplasia.  The dog’s body will then develop scar tissue to create an artificial hip joint. Long considered only appropriate for smaller dogs or as a salvage operation for a failed THR, it has become increasingly popular for larger dogs.

Non-Surgical or Conservative Management Option
Many people choose to have surgery performed on their dog only as a last resort.  Some are able to manage their dog’s hip dysplasia with supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic care, exercise and weight management.  Sometimes, the puppy will show signs of pain from hip dysplasia, and once it is done growing and the muscles are fully developed, they seem to “go into remission”, developing signs of hip problems again as the dog ages.  Surgical options are still available to you if the conservative path is unsuccessful.

For additional information on hip dysplasia, please visit
mypoordog.com

(Nitro): Now for the best part of this article.My video of the Day!This is so funny!!!

(Nitro):I told You it was funny!!!

(Nitro):Okay Everybody.Until next time.Take Care...

Oh!By the way,don't tell my dad who did this article... 

 

 

 

Allergies Can Be A Real Pet Peeve.

Hey Everybody,It's Blogging Time...
     Welcome Back and Thanks for Dropping In.
Back with More Info and Tips on Our Furry Friends.

Today's Topic:

Allergies Can Be A Real Pet Peeve


As many owners will confirm, pets are more than animals living in their house. They are part of the family. For allergy sufferers, this bond often means that it will take more than a stuffy nose and sneezing to separate them from their favorite Fido or feline.

An estimated 10 percent of the population is allergic to pets. But because more than 70 percent of U.S. households have a dog or cat, these pet allergy sufferers may frequently come in contact with animals, and sometimes even have pets living in their own homes.

"I work with lots of families who have allergies and chose to live with a pet anyway," said Dr. Jeff Werber, a practicing Los Angeles veterinarian and Emmy Award-winning pet health reporter. "Most people view their pets as beloved members of the family, and parting with them because of allergies is not an option."

Understanding Pet Allergies

Although most people think it is hair or feathers that cause allergic reactions, it is actually the saliva and proteins in animals' dander that trigger symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion. Surveys have found that sufferers consider nasal congestion to be the most bothersome allergy symptom. Bathing and brushing your pets regularly will help remove allergens from their bodies.

"Soap is not necessary and can dry out your pet's skin," said Dr. Werber. "Bathing with water alone is fine."

A common myth about dog allergies is some breeds cause less severe allergic reactions than other breeds. All dogs have dander, which means they all can cause an allergic reaction.

Household Tips

• Try keeping your pet in rooms that don't have carpeting or upholstered furniture, such as the kitchen.

• Train your four-legged friend to stay off of the bed and to rest in a separate room from where you sleep. Pets' dander and saliva can trigger symptoms all night.

• Minimize the time a pet spends outdoors on days with high pollen counts. Pets also can bring outdoor allergens like pollen from grass and weeds into the home.

• Visit www.nasal-allergies.com to check the allergy forecast for your area before going out to throw a Frisbee or take a long walk.

• Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture frequently to remove pet dander. Surfaces like hardwood or tile floors are preferred over carpeting for allergy sufferers as dander can easily be removed from them.

• Have a nonallergic person clean your pet's cage, preferably outdoors.

Symptom Control

Rather than enduring symptoms, visit your doctor to discuss your allergies. Your physician can help properly diagnose your condition and prescribe medicine to help treat, or even prevent, your symptoms.

"If a patient is complaining of itchy eyes and throat, I'd suggest a nonsedating antihistamine. For the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms, including congestion, a prescription nasal-inhaled steroid is often recommended," said Dr. Matthew Clarke, Associate Director of the Occupational Health Center at North Shore University Hospital at Forest Hills in Forest Hills, New York. Nasal-inhaled steroids, which are available for adults and children, include NASONEX® (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg (calculated on the anhydrous basis).

"I see patients who think they only need to use their medication when they are experiencing symptoms," said Dr. Clarke. "By following some simple steps at home and using medication daily, year-round, allergy sufferers and their pets can live comfortably together."

NASONEX® is the only once-daily prescription nasal-inhaled steroid approved to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in adults and children 12 years of age and older when NASONEX is started 2 to 4 weeks prior to allergy season, and the only nasal-inhaled steroid approved to treat nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in patients as young as 2 years of age. Take regularly, as effectiveness depends upon regular use. Maximum treatment effect is generally reached after 1 to 2 weeks. NASONEX also is the only nasal-inhaled steroid approved for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults 18 years of age and older. Side effects were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing. Please see accompanying full prescribing information.

Hope This Helps You Out!

 

                      (Dad):Hey Baby Boy,Do you have anything for our Readers Today?

(Nitro):Yes Dad I do.Hey Everybody,Hope Ya'll Like This.This will be Funny!Here Goes!!!

 

(Nitro):I Told You It Would Be Funny!

 

Until Next Time,Take Care Everybody!!!

 

Jul 16, Is Your Flea Killer Safe... Naturally?

Laboratory studies of flea killer and tick control ingredients in seven popular products reveal adverse health effects in all animals tested.

The effects of these well known and aggressively marketed products range from convulsions, body tremors and labored breathing to thyroid cancer, brain lesions, and liver and lung tumors. Yet TV commercials with trusty looking veterinarians pitch only the happy side of these products.

Which flea killer and tick pesticide are you using on your best friends?

If your favorite flea killer contains the active ingredient Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Methoprene, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen or the inert ingredient Butyldydroxytoluene, Butylhydroxanisole, Carbitol, Ethanol, or Polyvinlpyrrplidone, you need to know about the not-so-happy side of these products as well.

Advantage Flea (Bayer Corporation), Adams Spot-On Flea and Tick Control (Farnam Pet Products), BioSpot Flea and Tick Control (Farnam Pet Products), Defend EXspot Treatment (Schering-Plough Animal Health), Frontline Top Spot (Merial Limited), Frontline Flea Plus (Merial Limited), and Zodiac FleaTrol Spot On (Wellmark International) - all contain one or more of the aforementioned active or inert ingredients.

Toxicology and morbidity findings from these pesticide products were gathered over a decade of laboratory testing by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor; Extension Toxicology Network; Journal of Pesticide Reform; Pesticide Action Network North America and other sources, with additional information supplied by Material Safety Data Sheets.

Most testing was performed for the benefit of new dog flea and cat flea product manufacturers in order to qualify for EPA registration. Scientists overdose laboratory animals to determine how much of the product will kill 50% of the test population. Information is then extrapolated and assumptions made that may apply to domestic animals and human beings.

According to laboratory tests, Fipronil (Frontline Top Spot and Frontline Plus) is a neurotoxin and suspected human cancer agent. Fipronil can cause liver toxicity, thyroid cancer, kidney damage, raised cholesterol, lack of coordination, labored breathing, miscarriages and stunted offspring.

Laboratory testing of Imidacloprid (Advantage) on mice, dogs and rats shows this insecticide to be neurotoxic to laboratory animals, also causing a breakdown of coordination, labored breathing, lesions of the thyroid, reduced birth weight, and increased birth defects.

The synthetic broad spectrum pyrethroid insecticide Permethrin (Adams Spot-on Flea and Tick Control; BioSpot Flea and Tick Control; and Defend EXspot Treatment) shows indications of being an endocrine disrupter and the cause of lung cancer and liver tumors in laboratory animals.

Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen (Zodiac FleaTrol Spot On; and BioSpot Flea and Tick Control) are known as insect growth regulators (IGR), both of which restrict the growth of fleas to the juvenile stage where reproduction is not possible. Laboratory testing reveals that Methoprene causes enlarged livers and degeneration of the kidneys.

Unfortunately, few people actually read EPA test results. Fewer still want to hear about the many laboratory test subjects (unwanted dogs and cats) killed during and after the studies in order to determine damage to specific systems and organs. But it only takes a few people with straightforward thinking to bring about change. Are you ready to stop this insanity? There are effective alternatives, as you know.

Today there are totally natural flea killer and tick remedies - completely harmless to kids, pets and the environment - made from pure botanical essential oils. Some natural products work fairly well, some not so much, and some work much better than name brand toxic chemicals.

The mode of action - the way these natural flea treatments kill fleas and ticks - is to disrupt the insect's ability to function by blocking a substance called octopamine.

In nature, certain plants have developed a natural defense against bugs. These "octopamine blockers" in plants are extracted as oils and used as active ingredients. Octopamine is to an insect what adrenalin is to a human. When blocked from the system, the insect quickly dies. No muss, no fuss - a natural flea control. Nobody gets hurt but the bugs.

Please begin today to stop supporting the heartless laboratory testing of innocent animals, the insidious cover-up and rush to market of big business, and the unwitting harm we may be doing to our children, our pets, and our planet.

Kind regards,

Gary Le Mon
Natural Wonder Products

P.S. For additional information on dog flea and cat flea remedies, please read the Executive Summary of the Natural Resources Defense Council, an informative (though dated) research paper titled Poisons On Pets - Health Hazards From Flea and Tick Products.
Natural flea control

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"I am the kind of person who always speaks up when I think I'm not getting my money's worth for anything. I am also not hesitant to give praise where praise is due.

With that said I bought some of your DentaSure teeth spray for my cat. I received it at the beginning of this week. After 3 DAYS of using this product her teeth have already gone from a scary looking brown and very unhealthy to a light shade of yellow.

I am absolutely blown away by how fast this product has helped her teeth improve and the fact that it's all natural is huge to me (the vet has been pushing me to pay $720 for a cleaning including anesthesia!!).

My only regret is not finding you guys sooner!! Keep up the great work!!!!" ~ Fred Brennan, Waymouth, MA


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"Dear TripleSure,

We are pleased with the cedar and peppermint flea spray - it seems to perform as promised & that's a big deal here in Florida which is flea central.

Finally, a practical alternative to the nasty spot style flea pesticides. I will recommend this to my friends who (like us) don't want to use the traditional toxic treatments.

My dog also smells woodsey, a lovely side benefit. We sprayed the house and the combo is working. THANKS!" ~ Michelle G., Ft. Myers, FL


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"I have two dogs that have kennel cough. I bought the Primalix combo for the immune system and the kennel cough. The medicine arrived today and for the first time in two years, no coughing!"
~ Kerry Jacques, Temecula, CA

"I just want to thank you for your wonderful products and caring nature.

We made the decision to put Oreo to sleep on Tuesday. She was much worse Tuesday morning and it was time to let go. It was very hard as my husband and I wanted so bad for her to go on her own, but it was the right decision.

I know that your products helped give her a little more quality time with us than she would have had without them. I would also like all pet lovers to know the importance of spaying and neutering as early as possible - preferably before the first heat cycle - to decrease the chance of getting mammary gland cancer. Studies show mammary tumors in cats are 80% likely to be cancerous.

If I would have known about this risk, I would have started Oreo on the Primalix C-Care for cancer as a preventative measure long ago. I am going to continue giving it to my other 2 cats at least once or twice a week to hopefully prevent them from getting cancer.

Again, thank you so much for your kindness and compassion."

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“I just received my order of your flea and tick spray. Ok, at first I was skeptical, but now my wife and I are impressed. We see fleas or ticks on our German Shepard “Bumpers” or our Cocker Spaniel “Bella,” they get sprayed and – “Voila!” – dead fleas or ticks.

The buy one get one free was a good deal. A little pricey, but if you want the best this does what it claims and is worth the money.

I want to thank you for making a product that actually works. On a scale from 1 to 10, TripleSure gets a 12.”

~ George and Brenda Campbell, Defuniak Springs, FL

"The DentaSure from my order of a week ago is already working on my 2 maltese's teeth and they both like it, making the job of cleaning their teeth much easier for me and is much more effective than trying to brush.

Wish I heard about it (on tv) long ago! I plan to encourage my friends with dogs or cats to try it.

Thank you for your immediate response to my inquiry. You are very efficient!

~ Joyce Snelling, Sun Lakes, AZ


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As a retired dog groomer I knew most products were not successful and I wished I had answers for my clients who lived with these tear stains. I did not want my dog to have to live with it also.

Tidy Tears has all natural ingredients which I look for for my pets. Nice to have found a product that works after all these years in time for my Pom."

~ Marie Cherry, Altoona, FL


"Your TripleSure product and customer service are first rate. I have been using it on my Wire Haired Pointing Griffon for the past 10 months. Living in Minnesota we are in prime tick country. My dog has been in the thick of them on extended canoe trips, hunting in tall grass and daily trips along the Minnesota river trails.

TripleSure has prevented ticks & fleas. Granted, after water activity, it must be re-applied. However, this is a small price to pay considering not having the questionable chemical cocktail running through her from the standard systemic solutions such as Frontline. I have found that performance is enhanced if I take a minute to work in the spray by hand & finish it off with a light brush. Griffons have a double coat. My guess is that other breeds won’t need this."

~ K.C. Carpenter, Minnesota

"Thank you so much for offering these alternative solutions for really dangerous drugs vets give dogs and cats. I will always shop with you, and tell others."

~ Robin Kincaid, Port Orchard, WA

"I am very happy with the way my 9 year old lab has responded to your arthritis remedy. We were considering much more invasive methods, and now I am so happy we found your herbal remedies.

We are all the way from Istanbul, Turkey, and find ways to carry the remedies with us or with people coming from the US to Turkey. I really do think you are doing a great job for dogs and cats. As an animal lover I shall spread the word as much as I can."

~ Can Malta, Istanbul, Turkey

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"About 3 years ago my cat Timmy was diagnosed with diabetes. The vet put him on insulin injections which were a disaster and his health deteriorated greatly and he exuded a horrible odor.

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I would, without hesitation, recommend any pet owner whose pet has blood sugar control problems to go onto Primalix----its a life saver!

With great appreciation,

Yours sincerely,"

~ Nigel Hyatt PEng (Ont), CEng, MIChemE (Professional Chemical Engineer) Ontario, Canada

"I bought this product about 5 days ago, It is Amazing! I have both dogs and cats and everything I used was NOT working until Now! I see no fleas and nobody is scratching themselves to death! TripleSure is a Godsend. If you have a problem with fleas do not hesitate to buy this product. I am now a customer for life! Thank you Natural Wonder!"

~ Susan Fussell, Jupiter, FL

"I have been using your TripleSure flea and tick spray and do very much love it. All you stated is TRUE, I can not thank you enough for making my life and my pets life more enjoyable. THANK YOU for what you are doing for animals and the world!!!"

~ Terree W., Atlanta, GA

"Just a note to let you know that Taylor's breast cancer is completely gone. This was on only one bottle of C-Care. She had tumors the size of pecans in both front teats. 4 years ago when she was 9 years old, she had a tumor the size of a Nerf football on her side. The vet said nothing could be done. It took 4 bottles of C-Care, but cancer completely cured. This is such a marvelous product, I tell everyone about it as cancer seems to becoming so common in our doggies.

Thank you so much for your research & efforts to help our precious babies. Seeing Taylor run and play, and play with toys at 13 years, is more than I could have ever hoped for! Please use this note to let others know that this product really really works. Thanks again so very very much!"

~ Patricia Gregg Cox - Ballinger, TX


All testimonials on this website are given by actual customers who use our products. They are not related to or affiliated with Natural Wonder Products in any way, nor have they received any form of compensation for their testimonies.

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