Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter - UPDATE

Here is an update from a Ashley's e-mail question who wanted to know if Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter.

You can read that entire e-mailed question here: Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter?

Subject: Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter - UPDATE

From: Ashley (USA)

Labrador Retriever's Name: Junior

Fay,

Thank you soo much for the helpful information! Its starting to get cold, but thankfully he is bundled up in his doggy house with blankets. I always stick the blankets in the dryer just so they can stay warm for him. His name is Junior =)! Barely 10 months still VERY hyper and extremely happy. He truly is my heart! Thank you soo much again.

Ashley

You can see the handsome Junior here: Junior 12/12/09

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Chocolate Labrador Retriever with sensitive stomach - UPDATE

Here is an update from a reader's e-mail question regarding her two female chocolate Labrador Retriever's with sensitive stomachs.

You can read that entire e-mailed question here: Chocolate Labrador Retriever with sensitive stomach

Subject: Chocolate Labrador Retriever with sensitive stomach - UPDATE

From: Cynthia (USA)

Labrador Retriever's Name: Reese and Hannah


Dear Fay,

Thank you SO much for your response AND for turning to an expert for further advice. My girls Reese and Hannah appreciate it as well!

Reese has the most sensitive stomach with explosive diarrhea and rectal bleeding, while Hannah's belly is much more tolerable. I went to homemade food after simply changing the bag of holistic food caused Reese these episodes.

After having them fully tested by the vet, I have Hannah on Wellness Holistic Puppy Food. She has been doing great with the change! Reese, on the other hand, I continue to cook for.....a meal of boiled pasta/rice, boiled beef/eggs, and a small amount of yogurt. I have started her on a holistic multivitamin supplement from Cutter's Mill (an organic Pet Food store) in my area. Crossing my fingers she continues to do well with no episodes of rectal bleeding.

I give them carrots as snacks which seem to be tolerated by both fairly well. I have never had a lab with stomach issues, in fact every other lab I have had could eat anything and everything!

I will certainly go ahead with the Aloe and green beans. I don't think I could swallow making chicken gizzards/hearts/etc in a saute of olive oil though!

Thanks so much!
Cynthia

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Labrador Retriever finds his way Home

I wanted to share a wonderful story I received from Josie in regards to her chocolate Labrador Retriever who goes by the name of Jake.

Reader's E-mail - Josie Writes:

Good Morning Fay,

Not sure if you remember me, but I am the one with the chocolate lab named Jake and you posted his photo on your Labradors Blog last year. I wanted to share with you an amazing story about my Jake.

My husband takes Jake to the park every morning where he can run and meet up with his buddies and enjoy a few hours of play time. The part is about a mile away from our home. This past Sunday, my husband called me around 10:00 AM to tell me that Jake had wandered off and he could not find him and that he was looking for him for about an hour. Everyone was on a search for Jake. Animal shelters were notified as well as the police. My heart sank and I was uncontrollable. I told my husband that he could not come home without Jake. I was frantic and felt helpless.

It must of been about 15 minutes later when I heard a bark. I thought to myself that sounds like my Jakie. I looked out my window and I saw a tale wagging. I ran down the stairs as fast as I could and there he was barking and wagging his tail at the front door. This dog had found his way home from the park that is a mile away crossing big streets. I don't know how he did it, as my husband never walked to the park with him. They always drive there. I was so overwhelmed to see him. All I could think of was that god was guiding him back home safely.

I tried to reach my husband on his cellphone, but of course he never heard it. He finally called me and I asked him "Did you find Jake? He said he had not, so I said "Well, he is here at home". He was totally amazed and happy at the same time. I wanted to share this story with you as I think it is amazing. We just don't realize how smart dogs really are. I shower him with so many kisses each morning as I think of how I could of lost him forever.

Take care and have a wonderful day.

Best regards,
Josie

All About Labradors Reply:

Hello Josie,

How are you. It's so wonderful to hear from you. I'm assuming the whole nipping / mouthing problem has long past? How did it work out with his "Alpha" condition?

What a wonderful story. I'm so glad that Jake is back and safe. I'm also amazed that he made it home without ever walking the route. Every once in a blue moon will I hear a story of a dog being lost and then making their way home from a few miles away.

I do remember reading about a British biologist named Rupert Shedake, who compiled a database of story involving cats and dogs returning. They were transported from home to an location they were never at before, and followed a different route home.

Thank you for sharing this story and it is great to hear from you again.

Take care of yourself,
Fay

For those of you that don't know, I had the pleasure of talking to Josie when she first wrote me an e-mail pertaining to Jake occasionally nipping/mouthing and a possible problem with the "Alpha Dog" leader concept (that's why I asked in the above reply.

To read the original e-mail on Jake's problems as a young Labrador Retriever pup visit:

Chocolate Labrador Retriever Nips Occasionally - part I

Chocolate Labrador Retriever Nips Occasionally - part II

You can also see the adorable photo of Jake by visiting: Jake 3/04/07

Once again, a big thank you to Josie for sharing this story and for giving us an update on Jake. Make sure you give Jake hugs and kisses for me!

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Update - Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever?

From: Lisa (USA)

Subject: Aggressive behavior in Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever Name: N/A

I received this e-mail from Lisa who had originally wrote in regards to aggressive behavior with her Labrador Retriever.

You can read the original post here: Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever? - part I

Reader's E-mail - Lisa Writes:

Hello Fay,

Sorry I'm just now getting back to you. Of course, we still have our dog and have gotten a rat terrier mix puppy around Thanksgiving time. The lab will be 5 years old this month and she didn't like the puppy at first, now she is about 99% liking her.

It's so nice to see her playing with the puppy and having to be careful with her. As far as her aggression, it seems to be down, we all know that we just have to be
careful with her around other people. We are willing to do that though, because we love her so much.

Thanks for asking.
Lisa

Thanks for the update Lisa!

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Tyson Updates

From: Lyn (Australia)

Subject: Updates on chocolate Labrador Retriever who had problems urinating in the house.

Labrador Retriever Name: Tyson

Here are three different updates on Tyson. Lyn has been such a sweetheart and has been keeping me updated along the way. She has even added a new beautiful Labrador (Bindi) to the family!

To read more on Tyson's problem, visit: Male Labrador Retriever urinates in my house - part I

Part II can be read here: Male Labrador Retriever urinates in my house - part II

Reader's E-mail - Lyn Writes:

Update #1

Hi Fay

Just thought I would email you with an update on Tyson, my chocolate Lab.

I read all the information you sent and it was very helpful. I spent a couple of days going over it all and taking it all in.

I decided to buy him an outside bed and see how that went at night, only letting him inside for short periods when we are home, it has been over a week now and each time he has come inside there have been no problems. He now eats and sleeps outside permanently and seems to be responding to my authority much more than he was before. I think I mentioned he did have a biting problem as well when he was excited, I am pleased to tell you that has also eased quite a bit and now instead of being playfully bitten when playing with him, I am getting lots of licks instead. It was a case of putting more time in and reinforcing the "NO" and reinforcing the "kisses" instead of biting. I know kisses might sound strange but it has worked.

He now seems to have realised that good behaviour has rewards and bad behaviour is not so nice when he is put outside and ignored.

He still has moments when he forgets and bites but then immediately starts licking my hands and is much more gentle. I might be speaking too early as it has only been just over a week, but it is so nice to come home and have a pup that is learning the difference between good and bad behaviour.and to have hands that aren't cut from his sharp teeth. We now have walks each day when it isn't raining and a lot of play time burning up some of that energy he has.

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He is the good natured little guy I always knew he was.

Thank you so much for all your advice and I am sure over time there will be something else I need to ask you. I have attached a recent photo of my partner with Tyson.

Lyn

Update #2

Hi Fay

Here are some photos of my 6 month old choc lab Tyson who you helped me with a few months ago and our adopted baby 18 month old lab Bindi who came into our family this week.

Tyson is doing well and so happy he now has a friend to play with during the day. They were both in the same situation with owners at work all day and being left on their own, so our "adoption" of Bindi has worked well for both of them She is so well trained and does everything on command, we are hoping that Tyson will follow suit. If Bindi is told to sit, Tyson will sit etc, fingers crossed.

Lyn

Update #3

Hi Fay

Thanks for your reply.

Tyson is doing very well and since we have had Bindi has grown up a lot. His biting has completely stopped and is now more affectionate and is the beautiful boy I always knew was inside him. He has a funny personality and is a real comic.

Bindi is doing well and has become a part of the family very quickly, she is so very placid and very feminine but if Tyson becomes overwhelming she is not afraid to make him do what she wants him to do.

I will keep in touch and thank you again for your help it was invaluable.

Lyn

To see some wonderful photos of Tyson and Bindi visit: Tyson and Bindi 01/15/08

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Update 2 - Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

From: Patricia

Subject: Update 2 - Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

Labrador Retriever: Haley

I just received some great news from my friend Patricia who has been keeping me up to date with her yellow Labrador Retriever Haley. For those of you that don't know, the beautiful Haley was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. You can read all of the prior e-mails on Haley by visiting:

Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

UPDATE - Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

Reader's E-mail - Patricia Writes:

Dear Fay,

Great news!!!! I took Haley, my Yellow Lab to the University of Georgia small animal teaching hospital. They did a thorough evaluation of her and determined that she does indeed have Cushing's disease. They started treatment with Trilostane 30 mg twice a day and determined after 6 weeks to increase the dosage to 60 mg in the am and 30 mg in the pm.

Haley just got back from UGA and is in EXCELLENT health. She is down to a trim 86 lbs from a massive 105. She is strong and healthy and happy. The trilostane has been an answer to my prayers. AND the best news is...it is NOW FDA approved. Also, the only side effect she has is loose stools, which are still better than when on Lysodren.

In case some of your readers are interested, the trilostane does not kill the adrenal cells like the Lysodren does. It basically interferes with the message the adrenal glands receive to produce more cortisol. I highly recommend going this route. I have a different dog and a very positive outlook for Haley's future.

Thank you for being so supportive in my quest for help. You have been a blessing. And you taught me to follow my instincts. Thank you for your wonderful site and your prayers!

Love, Patti

All About Labradors Blog

I hope this can be of some help to other owners who have Labrador Retrievers that have been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. I would like to thank Patricia for keeping us up to date on Haley's condition and her treatments. As much as she thanks me for my help, I must thank her just as much because it is of great help to me and hopefully will be helpful to some of the readers of this blog.

To see photos of Haley (along with Chloe) visit: Chloe and Haley 9/28/07

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UPDATE - Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

Here are some of the different updates I have received from Patricia in regards to Haley, her yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushings Disease.

I have to give a big hello and thank you to Patricia for keeping me updated along the way with the beautiful Haley.

These are some of the e-mails sent back and forth between myself and Patricia that I am posting, for they may be of help to other readers that may be dealing with the same condition with their Labrador Retriever.

To read the original email, visit Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

Reader's E-mail - Patricia Writes:

Hi Fay,

Thank you for asking about Haley. Well, last check up was 1 month ago. My Vet raised her Lysodren to 2 pills 3 times a week. She still wasn't suppressed. I tried a natural remedy called Phosphatidyl Serine in addition to the Lysodren. Unfortunately, it resulted in terrible diarrhea and hemorrhoids. I take her in for another Stim test this Friday. Hopefully she will be suppressed. If not, I am going to find someone who specializes in Cushing's Disease in Atlanta and take her there.

She is in great spirits and seems to be the same old Haley; playing ball and swimming every chance she gets!

Thanks again for checking in. I will let you know what happens!

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hi Patricia,

How did the Stim test go with Haley. Sorry it took me a while to respond in regards to finding a specialist but I had little luck finding one, and everyone I wrote to could not give me a good recommendation for Atlanta.

I did manage to find one:

Georgia Veterinary Specialists
455 Abernathy Road Atlanta
404-459-0903

http://gvsvet.com/index.asp

You will need a referral from your primary care veterinarian prior to calling to schedule an appointment with any of our specialists.

Sorry I couldn't be more help with this.

Fay

Reader's E-mail Patricia Writes:

Hi Fay,

Update on Haley. I decided after our last Stim test and she still wasn't suppressed to get a second opinion. So, I took her to the University of Georgia Small Animal Teaching Hospital. They are wonderful there! They kept over night and did a complete and thorough analysis. It included bloodwork, cultures of blood, urine and stool and a Liver Aspirate and liver Biopsy.

Results that came back are consistent with Cushing's but the Vet is not convinced it is yet. Haley could possibly have an infection that is masking itself as Cushing's. I have to take her back next week. We have been off all Lysodren for almost a month. When we go in, the Vet wants to do another Stim test to see if she is still suppressed. If she is, then she likely has an infection and we will test some more. If she isn't suppressed, she has a newer drug she wants to use. She has had much success with it. It blocks the message being sent to the adrenals to produce Cortisol. The drug is not approved in the US yet, but Haley can still get it through a pharmacy here.

Thanks for thinking of me. I will write back as soon as I hear anything.

Patricia

All About Labardors Blog Response:

Hello Patricia,

How are you? How is Haley doing since she's been off the Lysodren? I hope she is well!

I'm very happy to hear you have found a nice veterinarian (teaching facility) to bring Haley to. You must e-mail me the address and the phone number to the University of Georgia Small Animal Teaching Hospital. It will be of great help for future readers.

I don't remember reading anything on a new drug for Cushing's. Did you happen to catch the name? Possible trilostane (Vetoryl in England). Please let me know on the drug also.

Thank you sooooooooo much for keeping me updated, I appreciate it and I'm glad to hear that Haley is getting proper treatment.

Keep me updated and make sure to take care of yourself and Haley.

Fay

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Reader's E-mail - Patricia Writes:

Hi Fay!

Great to hear from you. Haley is such a different dog off of the Lysodren. She is very happy. She really seems asymptomatic for Cushing's Disease. We will see what the doctor says next week. Yes, it is trilostane. Have you heard much about it? Here is a website link to the Teaching hospital where I take Haley.

http://www.vet.uga.edu/hospital/smallanimal/generalinfo.php

You do need a referral from your primary Vet, but it is worth it, they are very thorough and very much animal lovers. Haley had to stay overnight for a liver biopsy. When they went to feed her she was so nervous, they actually had a Vet Student in training stay in the run with her and feed her by hand. Then, the next day after her biopsy, she cried when they put her back in the run. So the same student let Haley sleep at her feet while she caught up on hours of paperwork. They care so much about the animals. When I picked her up, everyone we passed in the hall knew her by name and gave her a kiss goodbye. It was amazing.

Thanks for thinking of me. Let me know what you think of the Trilostane.

Patricia

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hi Patricia,

Thank you for sending the information on the teaching hospital and your praise in regards to them. It sounds like a very special, caring facility and I'm happy to hear Haley is getting the proper care she needs. Your information on the hospital will be very useful for all the other readers of All About Labradors blog!

I remember reading some positive reviews about the use of Trilostane as opposed to Lysodren in one of the many dog newsletters I receive, but can't seem to remember which one. I think the aging process is starting to take my memory away :)

You have probably done your research on this drug, but I am listing some further sites for you to review on Trilostane.

New Treatment Options in Canine Cushing's Syndrome

New Therapy Option

Current Treatment Options of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism

Trilostane Therapy Of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism

Vetoryl Brochure

As always keep me updated with Haley's condition and treatment. Take good care of yourself and Ms. Haley.

Fay

The wonderful Haley (along with Chloe) can be seen by clicking: Chloe and Haley 9/28/07

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