Monday, June 30, 2008

Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part II

Subject: Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part II

From: Christine (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name:

Reader's E-mail - Christine Answers:

Hi Fay,

Thanks for your reply. Dobby is a big boy and yes he is a purebred. We could not have gotten a better dog for our daughter, she just turned 5 and loves him to pieces.

His itch is seasonal, it has been since he was a year old and begins in the spring and goes till around October November.

Our vet has seen him a couple of times and put him on Temeril-p which works great for him. We have talked about doing allergy tests but he has to be off the Temeril-p for 8 to 10 weeks and there is no way I can do that to him during the itch as he would rip his face off. Our vet hasn't said it is a specific allergy just that it is something seasonal he gets into. The other vet in the office said that labs are known for their skin problems. They have both said to try different foods and I have gotten the Science Diet and Nutra from the pet stores and no difference. I talked to the vet about using Benedryl and Prednisone since the Temeril-p was so costly and that did not work. I did some research on the internet and found Clemastine 1.34mg and got that. It seems to work but not when he is having such a big reaction.
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He is mainly licking the front paws and right now his right front has a spot on it and he has opened but it is healing. His paws are not red or raw and I have not noticed a specific smell. Although I have said he has had an all around "Dog" smell for the past couple of years. But it isn't a seasonal smell it is year round. Even after bathing he has a smell.

His mouth on the left side is inflamed and a little puffy and pink and has always hung lower than the right side. Although it is much better since he went on the Temeril-p. He has been on it since June 13 as the Clemastine 1.34mg wasn't working. I did see that for his size the recommended amount is 2.68mg so I was doubling up and giving him that twice a day.

I feed him Alpo Chop House Originals, Filet Mignon, Roasted Chicken and Ribeye flavors. I can twice a day and 2 cups twice a day of Old Roy dry kibble. Also we get a bag at Petco from the Bog bone bar once a month and a bag of old Roy bones usually the basted ones. He usually doesn't get alot for table scraps, but he does get some, meat or green beans or the last bite of a sandwich.

He has not has any eye or nose problems aside from the itching around his eyes a little.

This year the itch has been different from last year. Last year it was mostly the right side of his face and around his right eye and in his groin area. This year it has been his left side mainly around his muzzle and a trail up to the bottom of his left eye and not on his groin area.

One big thing that happened in March was I let him out about 11pm before bed. I checked on him and told my husband he was going to have to let him in because I thought he was vomiting. A few minutes later he let Dobby in and I could hear him repeatedly shaking his head as his ears were flapping and flapping. My husband got me and said he thought there was a problem. Dobby was running around the room itching and itching he face. He then began to get hives all over his face and head, his eyes were swollen and shutting he was panting non stop and the hives were starting to go down his legs. All this was happening as I was talking to the emergency vet. I had put him on Clemastine 1.34mg twice a day and gave him one when the hives started. Benedryl has never been a help for him. We rushed him to the Emergency vets and they have him 2.50 Diphenhydramine 50mg/ml and 6 Dexamethasone 4mg/ml. He immediately looked 100 times better. When the Dr came out she asked if we were the parents of the Sharpei/Lab mix. That is how horrible he looked. She said he didn't have any puncture marks so it wasn’t a snake and thought it was either a frog or lizard he got a hold of. We figured it was a frog as we have a lot of them in our back year and he always chases them. We guessed he got one this time and it urinated in his mouth and he had a reaction to it. But we are not sure.

Even though he has been on the Temeril-p since June 13 he is much better but his face is pink and he is still itching somewhat. Definitely not like he was but he is still bothered by it. I feel confident it is something outside as he is better in the am since he has been inside all night.

I know I should have him tested for allergies but it is expensive and once we found out I don't know what we could really do, as I can't keep him indoors. Fay thanks for any suggestions you have I really appreciate it.

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Christine,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

Thanks for the answers to my questions.

Allergies are very common in Labrador Retrievers. They can have allergies to certain ingredients in food (food allergies), to substances they come into contact with in the environment, such as fertilizers and chemicals (contact allergies) and to airborne allergens such as pollens, mold, house dust (atopy, or inhalant allergies).

The itching caused by allergies can affect your Labs whole body, although certain kinds of allergies ( food and pollen) tend to affect the paws. Some common Labrador allergy symptoms to look for include chronic ear infections, rubbing of the face, and excessive chewing and licking of their paws.

I do recommend you get allergy testing done on Dobby as this will aid in the proper treatments for Dobby's condition. I am listing some further medications as well as other things you can try to help Dobby now.

Since many Labrador Retrievers do suffer from allergies in the spring and summer, what you can try to do if possible is to keep Dobby in during the early morning and evening hours, as this is when the pollen counts are at their highest.

It's also a good idea to wash Dobby's feet after he has spent his time outdoors.

Here are some other things you can do to help with his itching:

A nice cool bath can be helpful to get offending allergens off of Dobby, since the water will assist in relieving the itching. Add a little colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) to the bathwater, which will help to soothe, or your veterinarian can prescribe an hypoallergenic shampoo. Make sure you rinse Dobby thoroughly after the bath, since any remaining soap that remains can make the itching worse.

You can also soak Dobby's paws for five minutes, four times a day, in cool water. Add a sprinkle of Epsom salts to the water as it will also help soothe the paws. A compress applied the paw for approximately five minutes will accomplish the same.

Another method that you can, which seems to work well, is Aloe Vera applied to the paw. You want to make sure its 100% Aloe Vera not the mixture. This will not hurt Dobby if he is to lick at it.

Here are some other medications that may be helpful:

Chlorpheniramine - Chlor-Trimeton (Antihistamine)

Diphenhydramine (Antihistamine)

Hydroxyzine Pamoate (Antihistamine)

Methylprednisolone (Corticosteroid)

Some supplementation you can try:

Omega-3/Omega-6 fatty acids

Aloe Vera food supplementation

As for the swelling of the mouth, it is most probably also a result of allergies, but swelling can be caused by infections. Some signs of infection can include warmth at the swollen area of the mouth and/or bad smelling breath.

In regards to your switching of dog foods, I don't know for how long you switched for, but this must be done for more than a couple of weeks. For food allergies, a special diet "hypoallergenic diet" - a changing of his food to something he hasn't eaten before, which is fed for a set period of time (usually it takes at least 12 weeks on the new food) can be done to help to determine if this is the cause. It is important that Dobby not be fed ANYTHING else during this trial period (treats, table scrapes, etc) for this to work.

I am not a big fan of the Old Roy products, as they are of very poor quality and probably just about one of the worst dog foods and treats available. Also, just curious as to why you feed both the canned and the dry food.

I can recommend some foods to you if you want to try again, just let me know.

You also asked "Is there a grass that labs are more susceptible to". Bermuda grass is the most allergenic grass as it releases so much pollen into the air.

I hope this will be of some help to you and Dobby. If you don't understand something here or have further questions don't hesitate to e-mail me. Also, please keep me up to date with Dobby's condition.

Take care of yourself and Dobby,

Fay

To read part I of this e-mail visit: Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part I

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Friday, June 27, 2008

Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part I

Subject: Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part I

From: Christine (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name:

Reader's E-mail - Christine Writes:

Hi,

I have a yellow lab "Dobby" he is 3 and about 125 lbs. He gets a seasonal itch, spring & summer, that I am thinking is a grass pollen. Is there a grass that labs are more susceptible to?

I have not had allergy tests done on him. My vet has given me Temeril-P in the past, however I don't want to put him on it regularly due to the prednisone. In searching the Internet I have found Clemastine and it works well but that is more of a maintenance dose during the winter season.

Right now the left side of his mouth is all inflamed and itchy and under his eye. He licks at his paws too which makes me think it is something on his paws that he is transferring to his face. Any other thoughts?

Thanks Christine

Before All About Labradors sent any response to Christine she provided me with another update:
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With an update, the itch has gotten worse so I called our vet and got him started on Temeril-p and he is much better now, but still pink on the left side of his muzzle and rubbing it. Now that he is under control I don't want to take him off the Temeril-p but then I don't want to keep him on it.

All About Labradors Response:

Hello Christine,

Thank for writing, my apologies for the delays.

I must say, Dobby is a big boy. Is he a purebred Labrador Retriever?

As with all the e-mail questions I receive, I am going to need some further information from you, in order to try to provide some help to you and Dobby.

Just to make sure - you are stating this is just a seasonal occurrence.

What did your veterinarian do for Dobby (testing)? What did he/she say was the problem?

Is Dobby licking all four paws?

Are his paws red and/or raw?

Do his paws smell?

Are there any cuts, cracks, blisters on the paws?

The mouth is inflamed on the inside or the outside?

What do you feed Dobby (please be specific with this - dog food brand and flavor, treats, bones, table scrapes)?

Any problems with Dobby's eyes or nose (discharges, bloodshot, itching, etc)?

One last thing Christine, with all the email questions I receive, I always ask a favor of the person writing. If you have any photos of your Labrador Retriever, that you could email me, I would love to post them to the Labrador Retriever Pictures blog. You DO NOT have to send a photo to receive an answer to your question.

Talk to you soon,

Fay

To read the second part of this e-mail visit: Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part II (Will be posted 06/30/08)

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

No shortcuts to flea control

Q: Is there a reasonable natural alternative to prescription flea medication for my dogs? Something that's not so labor intensive that I have to hunt for fleas in their fur? -D.K. A: Natural flea control is labor intensive, but worth the effort, according to Dr. Pitcairn's "Complete Guide to...




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Pet food settlement leaves mixed feelings

A $24 million legal settlement isn't likely to leave Ohio pet owners and others nationwide totally compensated for their losses due to tainted food.The contaminated pet food from China was identified in 2006 after an estimated 1,500 animals died...




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Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Topical Drops

I have found another free sample for you and your Labrador Retriever to try. It seems that we don't have any free sample offers to try for some time and then they come in bunches. This free sample is for Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Drops for Dogs and Puppies.

Information from Hartz: "Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Drops for Dogs and Puppies offers vet quality protection and prevention against fleas and ticks with the convenience and cost savings of purchasing at mass and local retailers. The unique patent pending Pro-cision Flo™ applicator easily penetrates fur for application directly to your dog’s skin. Topical drops are a convenient once a month application."

FYI: "Offer subject to availability of supplies. Limited to Continental United States of America. Not valid in any location where taxed, prohibited or illegal. Offer subject to change and cancellation at any time. Persons under the age of 18 are not eligible to participate and should not complete this form."

As always, these free samples offer go quickly, so act fast if you would like a sample. All About Labradors does not provide the samples, the listed company does.

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Flint River Ranch Dog Food Sample

I thought we had this posted before but I can't seem to find it, so maybe I'm thinking of another sample. This one is for a free sample of Flint River Ranch dog food (or if you would like, cat food. You can only choose one).

Information from FRR Independent Distributor #353K - "Give your dog or cat the best in all-natural food with Flint River Ranch Super Premium Health Food. Formulated to help your companion animal heal holistically through properly balanced nutrition, Flint River Ranch pet food has been called "the next best thing to home-cooked meals." We at Safe-T-Pet are convinced Flint River Ranch is the best cat and dog food on the market!"

This free sample offer is valid only in continental United States.

Flint River Ranch dog food sample.

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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Yellow Labrador Retriever Smells Horrible after Swimming - part II

Subject: My Yellow Labrador Retriever lives in the water, but she smells horrible afterwards - part II.

From: Susan (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Maggie

Reader's E-mail - Susan's Response:

Fay,

Please see my answers below. We've started spraying her with a dog deodorant, but it's still almost unbearable.

Below you will find the questions I asked with Susan's answers in red:

Is it a sour or rancid type of smell? YES. IT'S A SOUR SMELL.

The next couple of questions are in regards to the location of the smell:

Is the smell to the whole body? YES.

Is the smell toward her rectum area (musty metallic type of smell)? NO

Is the smell from her ears? NO.

Do her paws smell? NO.

Does she have any yellowish brown or greasy scales on her elbows or around her ears? NO SCALES.

How is Maggie's weight? 10-15 POUNDS OVERWEIGHT.

What do you shampoo her with? WE'VE USED VARIOUS DOG SHAMPOOS RECENTLY, TRYING TO GET RID OF THE SMELL. IT NEVER COMPLETELY GOES AWAY.

Any medical conditions with Maggie? NOT THAT WE'RE AWARE OF.

All About Labradors Answer:

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Hello Susan,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

Thanks for your patients waiting for my reply, as the many e-mailed questions I receive take me some time to answer. Love the photo, thank you, they are all adorable.

A sour smell coming from Maggie is usually the first sign of a skin infection. You want to look throughout Maggie's fur and take a good look at her skin. With skin infections you may notice pimples, boils, open sores or rashes. Maggie can get these skin infections anywhere, and there is a chance you might not even see anything, but you will definitely smell it.

Because of Maggie being slightly overweight, skin wrinkles can develop, which are an ideal place for yeast and bacteria to grow.

Yeast infections are common in dogs that love the water, and who loves the water better than our Labrador Retrievers. Without proper drying of Maggie (the quick shake that she does doesn't always do the trick), warm, moist areas are left on his body and in ears where the yeast love to breed.

A good dog degreasing shampoo (MalAcetic Shampoo) may be helpful, but if there is an infection on the skin, oral antibiotics or oral antifungals may have to be prescribed by your veterinarian.

If you suspect a yeast infection, you can try a solution made from equal parts white vinegar and water. This can help to prevent yeast infections, by lowering the skins pH. Spray it on her coat and leave it on without rinsing off. You can use this as a final rinse after shampooing.

You also want to make sure you're feeding Maggie a high quality dog food as odors come from within. If you need help in recommending some good foods, just ask.

Another great overall supplement is digestive enzymes and probiotics, which helps in keeping the pH balance of the stomach in proper balance, helping to prevent yeast infections. Probitoics are live cultures found in yogurt which will help out in maintaining and increasing the good flora (bacteria) of the gut.

Non-flavored yogurt with live cultures (probiotics) daily, can also be used. Make sure there are no sugars or sweeteners in it. You could add it to her food, or your can use it in the Kong toys if you use them. One reader of this blog stuffs it into the Kong toys and freezes it.

Last but not least, a supplementation with essential fatty acids can go a long way in helping out.

Let me know if you need any help in clarify any of this information, or need any help with other conditions that may arise. As always, please keep me updated on Maggie's condition. By letting me know what helped her and what didn't, or what your veterinarian tells you if schedule an appointment with them, will be of great help to the readers of this blog.

Take care of yourself and your Labrador Retriever (and your other doggies),

Fay

To read part one of this e-mail visit: Yellow Labrador Retriever Smells Horrible after Swimming - part I

To see a wonderful photo of Maggie visit: Maggie 06/19/08

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Monday, June 16, 2008

Labrador Retrievers in the News - Canine cancer sniffer cloned

South Korean scientists show four pups they say have been cloned from a dog credited with detecting cancer in humans. The scientists are claiming a world first in cloning four puppies at the same time from a Japanese Labrador retriever thought to have a well-honed sense of smell to spot cancer....




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Yellow Labrador Retriever Smells Horrible after Swimming - part I

Subject: My Yellow Labrador Retriever lives in the water, but she smells horrible afterwards.

From: Susan (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Maggie

Reader's E-mail - Susan Writes:

Maggie loves to swim, however, as we get further into the summer, she’s starting to smell so bad that I can hardly stand to have her in the house!

She gets groomed regularly and bathed often enough. To rule out the obvious, the lake water does not smell. My Yorkie (who thinks he’s a Lab) and Daschund swim also and do not smell. We dry her off very well after each swim. Any ideas?

All About Labradors Response:

Hello Susan,

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Thank you for your question. I have a couple of questions that I need to ask.

Is it a sour or rancid type of smell?

The next couple of questions are in regards to the location of the smell:

Is the smell to the whole body?

Is the smell toward her rectum area (musty metallic type of smell)?

Is the smell from her ears?

Do her paws smell?

Does she have any yellowish brown or greasy scales on her elbows or around her ears?

How is Maggie's weight?

What do you shampoo her with?

Any medical conditions with Maggie?

With all the email questions I receive, I always ask a favor of the person writing. If you have any photos of your Labrador Retriever, that you could email me, I would love to post them to the Labrador Retriever Pictures blog. You DO NOT have to send a photo to receive an answer to your question.

Get back to me at your earliest convenience with the answers to these questions and we will go from there.

Talk to you soon,

Fay

To read part two of this e-mail visit: Yellow Labrador Retriever Smells Horrible after Swimming - part II

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Friday, June 13, 2008

Pup-Peroni Dog Snacks - Free Dog Snacks Sample

Wow, the second free sample for your Labrador Retriever to try in two days. Going to spoil them (or give them diarrhea).

This one is for a free sample of Pup-Peroni® dog snacks which is being offered from Walmart. Both of my Labrador Retriever girls have tried this one, with one liking them and one not to fond of them.

You do get a choice of the Pup-Peroni RIBS or Pup-Peroni 50 Calorie Pack (I didn't even know they made a 50 calorie pack).

Information from Walmart:

Pup-Peroni® Ribs Dog Snacks - These snacks have an irresistible smoky aroma and delectable hints of hickory and molasses flavors. They’re made with real beef and fortified with calcium.

Pup-Peroni® 50 Calorie Beef Snack Pouches for Dogs - Take the guesswork out of indulging your dog with these convenient 50-calorie pouches that give your dog just the right amount of the delicious 90% lean beef snacks they love.

Walmart samples are available to the US only.

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

LEAP Dog Treats - Free Dog Treat Sample

Here is a chance for your Labrador Retriever to try a new organic dog treat. Organic Pet Nutrition is offering free samples of their LEAP dog treats.

Information from the Organic Pet Nutrition Website: "LEAP Treat is a treat that has the added benefit of maintaining joint and heart health. One LEAP Treat has the equivalent of 1-2 servings of LEAP.

LEAP Treat is made with organic rye flour, organic apples and organic olives. LEAP Treat is wheat-free which means that it's easier to digest than ordinary dog bones and therefore unlikely to upset your dog's GI tract."

If your interested in letting your Labrador Retriever try their organic dog treats visit the Organic Pet Nutrition website to learn more about their company and to request your free LEAP dog treats.

Remember that free sample requests usually go really fast, so you had better hurry.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

'Destiny' Awaits One of America's Injured Heroes

Visitors to the headquarters of US Family Health Plan at CHRISTUS Health, 2600 North Loop West, might be surprised to share a conference room with a four-month-old yellow Labrador retriever. But this is no ordinary office setting and no ordinary dog.




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Monday, June 09, 2008

Shaving my Labrador Retriever?

Subject: Shaving my Labrador Retriever - should we consider it?

From: Lee

Labrador Retriever Name: JJ

Reader's E-mail - Lee Writes:

We have a 12 year old male yellow lab. His coat is very thick. My husband takes him on a 3 to 5 mile hike every morning from 7 to 8:30 AM. The rest of the day he’s indoors except for 2 shorter walks. He’s very healthy and has no problems except he pants a great deal. We think he gets very hot on his morning hike. Should we consider shaving him? Any other suggestions for keeping him cool?

Lee

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Lee,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

Thank you for your question and for visiting the All About Labradors blog. I hope you find it to be helpful to you and your Labrador Retriever.

A BIG DEFINITE NO, NO is the answer to your question regarding shaving your Labrador Retriever. Many people believe that by shaving their Labrador Retrievers, it will keep them cooler in the warm weather. What they fail to realize is the undercoat that they are shaving actually helps to keep your Labrador Retriever cool.

Basically, the only time your Labrador will ever need to be shaved, is if your veterinarian needs to for conditions such as "Hot Spots", or for some other surgical procedures.

Here is a really good article for you to take a look at: Why you shouldn't shave your long haired double coated dog.

What you do want to do is to make sure you keep your Labrador Retriever well groomed in the heat of the summer. You can accomplish this by regularly brushing/grooming your Labrador. This will help to remove loose hairs, heavy undercoat and aid in keeping him cool by reducing heat that can be trapped in layers of coat.

In the warmer months of the summer, I like to brush/groom my Labrador retrievers 2 -3 times a week to help keep them cool and clean. Successful tools are a slicker brush or shedding blade. I also like to use a bristle brush after the slicker brush as it helps distribute the oils in your Labrador's coat, and it’s not stressful on their skin.

Other fellow Labrador owners love a product called the Zoom Groom, which is a rubber brush with flexible rubber "fingers", that help to collect loose hairs. This product is made by the Kong company. http://www.kongcompany.com/

I also use a product called the Furminator, which is a great tool in helping to remove any loose, dead undercoat. I really this tool, but I wouldn't use it daily as it can strip the topcoat of hair, which will cause the coat to look dull and thin. http://www.furminator.com

Some other things I recommend:

Taking your walks, hikes in the early cooler hours of the morning (which you are doing), or in the evening to help prevent overheating. Be wary of hot pavement or sidewalks that can burn your Labrador Retrievers pads (has happened to one of my Lab girls).

Water, water, water! Not only for you or your husband, but for your Labrador also. Keeping him hydrated is very important.

For inside your home, keeping and air conditioner or fan on can help. They also have products such as dog cool beds and body cooler mats.

As for panting, this is the way your Labrador Retriever unique way of keeping itself cool.

Make sure you watch for signs of Heat Exhaustion/Stoke in unseasonably high temperatures.

Some signs can include:

Rapid heavy panting

Increased salivation

Confusion and/or weakness

Vomiting

Graying of the gums

What to do if your Labrador Retriever should any of these signs:

Cool your Lab by soak him with cool water. Do not use extremely cold or iced water as it will cause blood vessels to constrict. Supply water to his mouth and throat, and transport to your veterinarian or animal facility.

I hope this will be of help to you and your Labrador. Please feel free to contact me if you don't understand anything or you ever have any other questions (or to just say hello).

As with all the email questions I receive, I always ask a favor of the person writing. If you have any photos of your Labrador Retriever, that you could email me, I would love to post them to the Labrador Retriever Pictures blog.

Last but not least, what is your Labrador Retrievers name.

Take care of yourself and your Labrador,

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Lee's Reply:

Dear Fay,

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We have had 7 labs, 2 before we raised 5 for Guide Dogs of America. We never have shaved them and seldom give them a soap bath. Your advise is really appreciated. I’m attaching some photos as you requested. JJ(center), is 12, Napa 3 and Cash is 13 weeks. I will definitely keep in touch with you.

Thanks again for advise well taken!
Lee

Want to see 12 year old JJ (with Napa and Cash) visit: JJ, Napa and Cash 06/09/08.

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Thursday, June 05, 2008

Fighting Canine Kidney Disease

(CFR) Chronic renal (kidney) failure is a common problem in all dog breeds. Digestion of foods produces waste products, which get carried by the blood into the kidneys. When they reach the kidneys they are filtered and then excreted in the form of urine.

What happens when the kidneys fail?

When they do fail, the kidneys aren't able to remove the waste products, which causes a toxin build up in the blood producing clinical signs of kidney disease.

I found some good (and hopefully helpful) information for anyone who's Labrador Retriever is dealing with kidney disease.

"Fighting Canine Kidney Disease - Diet, Nutritional Supplements and Early Detection Can Prolong Life of Pets"




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Monday, June 02, 2008

Labrador Retriever Puppy with white hairs at base of tail

Subject: Fox Red fox red Labrador Retriever puppy with white hairs at the base of tail.

From: Pat (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Rusty

Reader's E-mail - Pat Writes:

I just got a fox red Labrador pup (6 weeks old) and there are hairs near the base of the tail that are white in color. Will the "ring look" disappear as the lab gets older and the hair grows out on the tail?

Thanks,
Pat

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Pat,

Thank you for your patience with the answer to your question. A big congratulations on getting your new Labrador Retriever!

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I remember receiving another question some time back (04/14/07) in regards to the same problem with another readers Labrador Retriever. I had found some information for that reader in regards to canine genetics, for I would have never be able to explain it.

As it turns out, it was a recessive gene with that readers Labrador. Here is that readers e-mailed question, along with my answer, and an update:

Labrador Retriever - Skin problems - Hair Color Change

UPDATE - Labrador Retriever - Skin Problems - Hair Color Change

Technically speaking Pat, the white ring around the tail is a mismark. It seems to be fairly common in the Labrador breed. The good news is that as the adult coat comes in, it usually grows over it and will cover the area up. The result will be that you will not be able to see it without going into your Labrador Retrievers coat and looking for it.

I hope you find this to be of some help to you Pat. Unless you see other areas of the coat changing colors, or other conditions occurring such as hair loss in these areas, I wouldn't worry about it.

If the condition is still worrying you, and you decide to take your Labrador Retriever to your veterinarian, please keep myself, as well as the readers of this blog informed as to what your vet tells you as it will be of great help to all.

Pat, if you have any photos of your new Labrador Retriever that you could e-mail to me, it would be appreciated. I would love to post them to the Labrador Retrievers Picture blog.

One last thing... what is your new Labrador Retrievers name?

Once again Pat, thank you for your patience.

Take care of yourself and your Labrador Retriever.

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Pat's Response:

Thanks for your response Fay. My dog's name is Rusty and he is now a little over 8 weeks old. I have already noticed that the whiteness is starting blend with other tail hair that is growing longer. It almost seems like the white hair was longer and coarser than the rest of the puppy's fur and the rest is starting to catch up with it in length and texture. I'm not sure I will be able to e-mail you a picture of him because I'm technically challenged. I could always try to have a picture sent to you if you really want one. Just let me know.

Pat

All About Labradors Reply:

Hi Pat,

You are welcome, I'm sorry it took so long! Please keep me informed if you notice any changes in the areas, such as hair loss, itchy, etc. As I stated, I don't believe it is anything to worry about.

Don't worry about the photo, it is not necessary. I must confess Pat, I'm technically challenge myself. All the nice work that is done on the All About Labradors, the graphics, pictures is done with plenty of help by my son and he is only fifteen!

Please keep me informed every now and then with how Rusty is doing and if you ever have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck with him.

Take care of yourself and Rusty,

Fay

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