This is my first try with the message board. My sister gets on a message board with Boston Terrier owners and really enjoys this, so I thought I'd try it with Dalmatian owners. I have a 10 year old male Dal. He's been with me since he was 10 weeks old. Until the last 2 years, his health was A+, but about two years ago, he developed a tumor that looked like a marble coming thru the skin, on his lower stomach area, near the groin area. This was removed via laser surgery at a local vet's office. The incision never really healed as I felt it should. It's appeared somewhat raw, but not draining. He's had a raspy dry cough also, mainly at night, but also during the day. This past summer, Semper developed a skin irritation on most of his body, that I thought was hot spots. He was losing big patches of his hair around these and nothing seemed to ease itching. The vets treated him with numerous medications, but nothing has cleared it or the cough,completely. The vet started treating him for mange, although he said this was not mange. I think he was just at his wits' end, as to how to treat it. I've had him to 3 different vets, all failing to diagnose the problem. He's been on Prednisone off and on since mid summer, currently being weaned off this, by taking a smaller dose. Semper is overweight. One vet did testing on him for Hypothyroidism, saying this was positive. He feels the Hypothyroidism is the cause of his cough, skin & weight problems, however the medications haven't helped much at all. The vet's even increased the meds, still with no luck in curing these. I've wondered if my dog might have cancer, as he's had numerous tumors on his body, besides these listed problems. There was a tumor in one ear, we had this removed via surgery before the other problems started. He now has a large lump (the size of 1/2 a grapefruit)on his back, between the spine and shoulderblade. I was told by one of the vets this was probably caused from injections he'd been given. Why is this staying, rather than diminishing? There is also a foul odor to my dog, even after being bathed. I have another small 'stray' dog that smells of these places on Semper's back, that look almost like tiny cigarette burns.
My vet has told me he's sure Semper doesn't have cancer, because he has an enormous appetite, plus he's overweight rather than underweight. Would this be the case, even if it's skin cancer?
If anyone has had similar problems with their Dal, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
I hope each of you have had a merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year.
I know that this will arrive months after your request but our "baby" who is eight, also with a tremendous appetite, and is overweight, has been diagnosed with lypomas. They are fatty tumors that grow and shrink and will move easily under the skin{subcutaneous tissue}. I have had this biopsied and they assure us that all is well. Some are marble size and others are just HUGE. If your dog is happy and active, they probably are lypomas. Three vets have told us that overweight dogs are prone to lypomas and that there are generally multiple lypomas as they age. -We had a dog that had cancer and he sadly enough, like many, never showed any signs or symptoms of having it. I had brought him to the vet only 2 days before for red eyes and decreased energy. In the end, I think that it was best, the way things turned out. We would have spent any money necessary to save him and he would have suffered so much more than the way he "went".
Dix, Devs and D'Leo's mom (who only chewed up the toilet paper roll holder, got a sock, my tennis shoes from the porch and a 16 Ft measuring tape in the last day)
Took Dutchess in last week because she was panting excessively. Did blood work and took an amazing number of x-rays. From being on Rimadyl her kidney values are very high. She had to stay overnight and I missed her so much. We didn't want to sedate her for the x-rays until we could figure out why she is so anemic (side effect of Rimadyl). Did a tick serology which showed nothing. The x-rays showed she has severe arthritis in her hind legs and also in her elbows, that is why she walks so stiff legged. We switched her to Dermaxx. Keep your fingers crossed the deramaxx begins to help because it's hard seeing her stumble, but all in all for 14 years old she is in pretty good shape and she is one happy happy little girl. On the downside Hope is now beginning to have problems getting around and she's stumbled up and down the steps going out and she is coughing alot more than she was. I love these old guys but they are keeping me on my toes.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms of all the "kids". (msg)
by Susan W. Linden (no login)
Some are moms of two-leggers, some are moms of three-leggers and some are moms of four leggers.
Some are biological moms, adoptive moms, foster moms, step-moms or "spare" moms.
Whether you became a mom by choice or by chance this is your day.
I am mom to Sundance, Josh, Haylee, Junior, Taunee and Jester.
I am a step-mom to Kathi and Richard.
I am a "spare" mom to Vicki.
I am blessed to still have my mother, Mary. She turned 85 on January 7th and is in very good health. I almost lost her to a heart attack on April 1st thirteen years ago. I told God I was not ready to lose her, that she still had things to teach me. Thirteen years later, I am still learning from her.
I also still have my "spare" mom, Jackie Edele. She was the mother of one of my best friends and the person I could tell my troubles to and know they would never be told to anyone else. She taught me about being that kind of "mom" to someone else. She taught me the value of knowing how to listen to someone in pain, even a child.
in the card for me to have a child or children of my own. I was glad to have the two step-kids. But it is still hard today when someone says, "but you never had kids......." Like that makes me inferior to them in some way. I double dog dare them to be a step-mom to a bratty step-daughter who introduces them to a new friend as "my wicked step-mother" when you have not done anything to them. See how long they last.
I got your message that you left on my phone (msg)
by Susan W. Linden (no login)
about 9:30 A.M. on our way back from the track. I am so sorry about you losing your dad. I was glad to hear that you got to be with him before he passed. Please feel free to call back any time.
I know you feel bad about being away when he had to go into the hospital. But your dad loved you and I know he wanted you to go and have a good time. That was his last loving gift to you. A happy memory to share space with this memory of his passing.
you have my condolences on the loss of your dear Dad.
A co worker just lost his Mom..she'd had a stroke earlier and he went back to PA for her passing...it seemed she was waiting for him to arrive, just as my own Dad waited for me to get back home four years ago before he passed. We talked about it, and as sad as it is to lose a parent, in many ways, it's a relief as well as they are no longer in any pain, but are freed to go to the Bridge and be whole again there.
I know my Dad is still with me, watching out for me and even watching out for Ben, in the Middle East.
I am sure that with a bit of time, if you look for them, you will find little signs from your Dad that he, too, is still with you and your family.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Like you said, at least there is no more suffering. My friend at work lost her mom yesterday, too. On Mother's Day of all days..but it was expected. Very bad cancer and strokes. Wishing you and your family peace.
I am sooooo sorry. I'm guessing that this wasn't really expected even though he'd been through a lot. What a homecoming for you. Did you get to visit with him on Friday? You had said you were going to go see your mom and dad. I just don't know what to say. My prayers are with you and your mom, and your sister too. I am so sorry.
I am thinking of doing another charcoal picture, and want pictures of Dals jumping in the air. You know the leap for joy kind. Would you all go thru your old pictures and see if you have any?
Thanks
These were the ones I was able to find online at the moment, I have at least one or two that are better, "completely in the air while running" pics, but I have to go through some CD's for them.
In addition to their little comedy routine in brace, they had a great time at DCA. Robbie ran in agility in standard and jumpers. He took second place in his class in standard and first place in jumpers. I was ecstatic. All the dogs were having trouble on the two courses. None of the excellent dogs or open dogs qualified. So it was up to the novice dogs. Four novice dogs qualified in standard and only two qualified in jumpers.
Unfortunately, both my dogs NQed in the Heartland Specialty obedience trial. The next day was the DCA National obedience trial, and again Simi NQed in open A, Robbie NQed in open B and Robbie also NQed in utility B. Robbie then redeemed himself by taking first place in versatility which is a combination of exercises from novice, open and utility. And then came the famous brace event. They were the only brace team, so in spite of their little humping exercise, they took first place.
So we ended up with some nice ribbons, 3 first place trophies and a second place trophy. Next year, we're gonna get Hannah, Thelma Lou, Dixie and Reilly to compete in novice obedience...right guys??!!! I'm sure Reilly will take first place. OR he may try to compete with Robbie and Simi for best comic performance!!
I aM still trying to pry my butt off the couch to train Finn. There is no way Reilly will be competing in obedience. His teeny tiny brain couldn't handle doing 2 things at once and my humongo behind has such a gravitational pull I'm not sure I will ever get started with the Finn either.
She might pull the mean bitch act and be the talk of the day like the male did this year in the ring. And if I get TJ/Dante/Tecate I do not think he will be ready yet.
If DCA has level 1 rally - no long sits and downs. Then we could show the girls in brace also. Julie needs some competition! (LOL) We we have to think long and hard how to top that!
I have to move my dryer out from the wall tomorrow. I washed an old blanket from a Dal crate. The little holes that gather the lint were nearly plugged up...so I am taking the thing apart tomorrow to give it a good cleaning. I know there have been fires in some Dal homes and I wonder if folks ever check those holes...I will from now on!! I tried to pull out as much as I could from inside, but it's going to have to be taken apart.
When the P and O board is fixed, I'll repost this there. I think it's important to check this.
I take the hose to my cansiter vacuum and stuff it up the tube and sweep it out too. You would be surprised just how much lint and dog hair can accumulate it. Also when you are cleaning out your dryer if you can pull the top off be sure to check out the outer part of the dryer drum.
Lint can sometimes collect on it. A dryer repairman told me that. I clean mine completely, inside and out about once every 6 months.
Thanks...I will see about doing that too...my tube is
by LisaM (no login)
extra long and bends a lot so I have to pull out the dryer now and then and clean it. And it goes down to the floor. I know...weird..but this entire house was built weird. It's not "normal" in any way.
I just can't help but wonder with all the hair that our dogs shed, if fires can start because of the hair in places we don't usually think of to clean.
caught fire when the floor furnace kicked on and the cat/dog hair that had sifted down into it caught fire. She was lucky and did not loose the whole house. Lots of smoke and water damage though.
it seems that no one uses it even when P and O is down, so I guess I should just take this down? It seems the P and O board gets back on track with a little time anyway...
Nice to meet you at DCA - Have you scheduled your major dental surgery yet? Cheryl posted the pictures of all of us and they were talking about you. I believe you were identified sight unseen. The gun is cute!!
How did the Keegan or Reilly man do.
Dix and Dev were happy to see me
At the Heartland Specialty on Sat and Sun. Reilly placed 3rd in his sweeps class. In Regular classes he won the Bred By Exhibitor class. Keegan made the cut in her Oepn class.
Then for the DCA Futurity - nada. Sweeps - Reilly nada, Keegan placed 3rd.
In regular classes Reilly placed 3rd in Bred By and once again Keegan made the cut in Open.
Reilly's sister Bette had a couple of placements too in the sweeps. All in all, we went home with ribbons and some hardware, where plenty of other people didn't. Anytime you place at a National you are looking good.
It was very nice to meet you too. Hope you can make it
by Jacki (no login)
next year, too. Next year I will not be so rushed. I won't have puppies to show in Futurity, Sweeps etc. I will only be showing on Tues and Wed. Much more relaxed and much better for socializing.
I just completed my tenth day of employment this last Friday at a new job. I haven't worked in years, due to my fibromyalgia. I can't work normal hours, can't work full time, can't be on my feet all day..can't be bending over as my back won't take it. There is little I can do..but I got the PERFECT job. It's part time, and I work a few hours a day.
I am the Animal Control Officer for a little neighboring town.
Everyone is very cooperative so far, and I am just talking to people like I'd want to be talked to if someone had a problem with my dogs. Everyone thinks they hired the perfect person and so far, I LOVE IT! I get to drive around, look for dogs, meet dogs, meet dog people, talk dog talk and get PAID FOR DOING IT! LOL What could be better than that?
The funny part is that I am fighting my own city council over a lying neighbor's complaints about my own dogs, and fighting for a variance on a kennel license. My neighbor is the general manager of the master planned resort that is coming in, and all my other neighbors have stood up for me. He's a jerk in the worst sense of the word. He's even sent me threatening emails, yet the city won't tell him where to get off. It's almost funny.
So, when people around here find out I got this job, they are first in disbelief and then they crack up. They all think it's very ironic that I got this job, and a bit of a slap to my own town "fathers" as I wouldn't get the job if I wasn't well thought of and very highly recommended.
(I think some of you know this from my Dal Rescue list, but some might not.) Anyway, I do love my job. I've done well so far and hope that it continues. The hardest part is learning to drive the stick shift on those hills..stop signs on the steep hills still intimidate me greatly.
glad the new job is working out-trust me the hills with
by amy (no login)
the stick shift will come-I remember when I was learning to drive mine -now i dont think i would drive anything else
Hopefully the other stuff will also get into line
Amy
I had in the past, posted this url on P and O, to be used whenever P and O was down. Some Dal owners on the Dal-L list were inquiring what the P and O board was, so they may check this board out and then move to P and O when it gets back up.
I hope to see more from P and O here and hope the problems get sorted out soon!
Thanks Lisa for Having this board. Took my liver gal and guy to the park last night for Thursday night music in the park. Several people asked me what they were (lol). They were so well behaved - the wire hairs had to bark at my 'silent' ones. Weird I was in a remote area of park sitting on bench and talking on my cell when a 10 y.o. boy came up needing to call his parents - wow!!! Lucky he found them otherwise.
That was a while ago, but Pat posted to Dal-L that it's down now..msg
by LisaM (no login)
and Gary is working on things.
Hey, saw Keegan won at a recent show..congrats!! How many points does she have now? She's gonna be a star!! You must be very proud of your little girl.
Now to get everyone here til we get the P and O back up.
Julie and Jan Toth so hopefully she will forward it to Marie and the others
hope everyone is doing ok with the withdrawal-glad your board is here Lisa
Have a good day everyone
Amy and Hannah
Keester has 4 points now. She should have had 5 but today the other bitch didn't show up, so no points. The other person told me yesterday she didn't like losing. She said this right before she hired a handler to take her girl in. So not only did she lose but it cost her a lot of extra bucks to do it too. lol
Dominique is a beautiful 3-4 year old female dalmatian in URGENT need of a new foster or forever home. She is located in OK now at RockySpot rescue who is just a temporary stay for her, but needs to leave there FAST!!!
She has mild seizures about once a week, but they are well controlled by meds that cost about $4-6 a month. She was successfully treated for heartworms, spayed, utd on shots. She gets along with kids (don't know about small children), does best with male dogs, but will get a long with a female if properly introduced and given a chance to adjust to them. She is a velcro dog that loves human attention. Working on housebreaking, and is crate trained.
