Health
Dealing with a Torn CCL in a K9 Search Dog- Part III: Bailey’s Surgeries
In Part III of a series that discusses a SAR K9 team’s months-long process of dealing with my 5-year-old, high-energy Labrador Retriever, Bailey, that suffered a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (similar to the ACL in humans) rupture, I cover weeks nine through her date for the hip dysplasia surgery. Part I & Part II addressed the…
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Dealing with a Torn CCL in a K9 Search Dog- Part II: Recovery and Rehabilitation
In Part II of a series that discusses a SAR K9 team’s months-long process of dealing with my 5-year-old, high-energy Labrador Retriever, Bailey, that suffered a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (similar to the ACL in humans) rupture, I cover the surgery and the eight weeks of recovery and rehabilitation. In Part I, I left off with…
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Border Collie Collapse Syndrome
This article is based on my personal experience, opinion, and research. A new syndrome has affected several breeds of dogs, and it is still being researched. It is most likely genetically based as are many other health issues. All dogs are susceptible to genetically based health issues because all dog breeds have a limited gene…
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Dealing With a Torn (Ruptured) Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) in a K9 Search Dog
Last November, I observed a limp on the rear left side of my five-year-old Labrador Retriever, Bailey. Being a young and energetic dog, I assumed that she had played too hard, and the limp would resolve itself in a few days. Unfortunately, I was mistaken and began a journey of diagnoses, surgeries, healing, and rehabilitation.…
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Kibbles & Bits: Diseases Transmitted from Ticks- Part 1
There are more diseases that people and dogs can get from ticks than many people realize. This article will give you an overview of the diseases for both people and dogs. AnaplasmosisTransmitted to humans and dogs from the blacklegged tick in the northeastern and upper midwestern U.S. and the western blacklegged tick along the Pacific…
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Dogs in Cold Weather
Dogs have varying degrees of tolerance when it comes to temperature extremes. Even the hardiest breeds are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia depressed temperatures can affect the normal function of the central nervous system (brain), as well as the dog’s ability to effectively circulate blood and oxygen. This impaired ability to circulate blood and thus deliver heat…
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Swamp cancer (pythiosis) in animals
Swamp cancer i.e. pythiosis should be a serious concern for SAR dog handlers who live in the areas where it is common. It has been found in Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, North and South Carolina as well as Wisconsin and California. Swamp cancer has been around worldwide for a long time. It…
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Dog’s Ear Cleaning
One of your New Year’s resolutions have been to pay more attention to your SAR dog. Another resolution might be to be more proactive on keeping your dog’s ears clean and healthy. Regular inspection and cleaning of ears are important to maintain ear healthiness and avoid complications. Inspecting the ears of your dog once a…
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