**************************************** *********

Health and Testing links:

http://www.offa.org/   Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

http://www.offa.org/numberkey.html  This page explains how to read

the numbers on the certificates given to a dog by the Orthopedic

Foundation for Animals.

http://www.pennhip.org/  University of Pennsylvania Hip

Improvement-a multifaceted radiographic technology (x-ray) for hip

evaluation. They evaluate the hips differently than the OFA does.

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chicinfo.html  Canine Health

Information Center.

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/brdreqs.html?breed=MF 

Requirements for Mastiffs for the Canine Health Information

Center.

http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html  Canine Eye Registration

Foundation(CERF)

http://www.vmdb.org/verify.html  CERF Certification Online

Verification.

http://www.offa.org/cerfdata.html  The OFA will only accept NORMAL

CERF results directly from CERF. Owner submissions will only be

accepted for ABNORMAL CERF results that the OWNER WISHES TO

DISPLAY on the OFA website.
 

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Tests that are good to have done on the sire and dam:

HEALTH TESTING that is good to have done(to achieve a CHIC--CHIC

stands for Canine Health Information Center)

1. OFA(Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hips done at 24 months or older 
2. OFA Elbows done at 24 months or older
3. OFA Heart done at 12 months or older(by Cardiac Specialist is best)
4. CERF(Canine Eye Registration Foundation) done by 24 months or older

(can and should do this earlier-at any age, must re-register once

a year)
5. Permanent identification(microchip or tattoo)

Optional for CHIC (but important to have done anyway)

1. Cystinuria 18 months and older (can be done any age, test once)
2. Thyroid 24 months and older (should have annual testing first
four yrs, bi-annually after)

Additional Preferred Testing (but important to have done anyway)

1. Patellas 12 months and older
2. VwD (Von Willenbrand's Disease) any age-test once
3. PRA(Progressive Retinal Atrophy) DNA--any age-test once

Of interest....................

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10971-cheap-safe-drug-kills-most-cancers.html

  Summary –

8 weeks – DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze)

12 weeks – DHPP

16 weeks – DHPP

6 months – Rabies

14 months – DHPP Booster –last one ever

Dr. Jean Dodd's protocol is now being adopted by ALL 27 North American
veterinary schools.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vaccination NEWSFLASH
I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North
America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and
cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to
vets, and there will be skeptics.
Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting
vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those
concerned about potential side effects.
Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well being should not be a
factor in medical decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
"Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live
virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is
good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline
distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first
vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or
no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced."
Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject
the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated
hemolytic anemia. "There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for
annual administration of MLV vaccines." Puppies receive antibodies through
their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks.
Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal
immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be
produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first
highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than
stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8
weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination
given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide
lifetime immunity.

CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS
Distemper & Parvo
"According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given
at 2, 3 & 4 months and again at 1 year with a MLV, puppies and kitten program
memory cells that survive for life, providing lifelong immunity." Dr.
Carmichael at Cornell and Dr. Schultz have studies showing immunity against
challenge at 2-10 years for canine distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for
longer duration are pending. "There are no new strains of parvovirus as one
mfg. would like to suggest. Parvovirus vaccination provides cross immunity for
all types." Hepatitis (Adenovirus) is one of the agents known to be a cause of
kennel cough. Only vaccines with CAV-2 should be used as
CAV-1 vaccines carry the risk of "hepatitis blue-eye" reactions & kidney
damage.
Bordetella Parainfluenza: Commonly called "Kennel cough"
Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed, taken to dog shows, or for
any reason housed where exposed to a lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine
provides more complete and more rapid onset of immunity with less chance of
reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of
kennel cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months).
RABIES
There have been no reported cases of rabid dogs or cats in Harris,
Montogomery or Ft. Bend Counties [Texas], there have been rabid skunks and bats so the
potential exists. It is a killed vaccine and must be given every year.
Lyme disease is a tick born disease which can cause lameness, kidney failure
and heart disease in dogs. Ticks can also transmit the disease to humans.
The original Ft. Dodge killed bacteria has proven to be the most effective
vaccine. Lyme disease prevention should emphasize early removal of ticks. Amitraz
collars are more effective than Top Spot, as amitraz paralyzes the tick's
mouth parts preventing transmission of disease .

VACCINATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED
Multiple components in vaccines compete with each other for the immune
system and result in lesser immunity for each individual disease as well as
increasing the risk of a reaction.
Canine Corona Virus is only a disease of puppies. It is rare, self limiting
(dogs get well in 3 days without treatment). Cornell &Texas A&M have only
diagnosed one case each in the last 7 years. Corona virus does not cause disease
in adult dogs.
Leptospirosis vaccine is a common cause of adverse reactions in dogs . Most
of the clinical cases of lepto reported in dogs in the US are caused by
serovaars (or types) grippotyphosa and bratsilvia.
The vaccines contain different serovaars eanicola and ictohemorrhagica.
Cross protection is not provided and protection is short lived. Lepto vaccine is
immuno-supressive to puppies less than 16 weeks.

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATS
Feline vaccine related Fibrosarcoma is a type of terminal cancer related in
inflammation caused by rabies & leukemia vaccines . This cancer is thought to
affect 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. Vaccines with aluminum adjuvant, an
ingredient included to stimulate the immune system, have been implicated as a
higher risk. We now recommend a non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine for cats . Testing
by Dr. Macy, Colorado State, has shown this vaccine to have the lowest
tissue reaction and although there is no guarantee that a vaccine induced sarcoma
will not develop, the risk will be much lower than with other vaccines.
Program injectable 6 mo flea prevention for cats has been shown to be very
tissue reactive & therefore has the potential of inducing an injection site
fiborsarcoma. If your cats develops a lump at the site of a vaccination, we
recommend that it be removed ASAP, within 3-12 weeks.
Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine
This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most at risk
of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and cats exposed to
such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to potentially infected
cats are unlikely to become infected. All cats should be tested prior to
vaccination. Cats over one year of age are naturally immune to Fel.V whether they
are vaccinated or not, so annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT necessary.
The incubation period of Feline leukemia can be over 3 years, so if your cat
is in the incubation state of the disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine
will not prevent the disease. Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine.
Also called feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease
of kittens. It's extremely hardy and is resistant to extremes in temperature
and to most available disinfectants.
Although an effective treatment protocol is available, it is expensive to
treat because of the serious nature of the disease and the continued presence
of virus in the environment, vaccination is highly recommended for all kittens
. Cats vaccinated at 6 month or older with either killed or MLV vaccine will
produce an immunity good for life. Adult cats do NOT need this vaccine.
Feline Calicivirus/ Herpesvirus Vaccine.
Responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract
diseases. The currently available injectable vaccines will minimize the severity of
upper respiratory infections, although none will prevent disease in all
situations .. Intranasal vaccines are more effective at preventing the disease
entirely. Don't worry about normal sneezing for a couple of days. Because
intranasal vaccines produce an immunity of shorter durations, annual vaccination is
recommended.

VACCINES NOT RECOMMENDED
Chlamydia or pneumonitis.
The vaccine produces on a short (2 month) duration of immunity and accounts
for less than 5% of upper respiratory infections in cats. The risks outweigh
the benefits.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become infected
during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled for use at 16 weeks.
All 27 vet schools do not recommend the vaccine.
Bordetella
A new vaccine for feline bordetella has been introduced. Dr. Wolfe of Texas
A&M says that bordetella is a normal flora and does not cause disease in
adult cats. Dr. Lappin of Colorado State says that a review of the Colorado State
medical records reveals not one case diagnosed in 10 years.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North America,
30% or more of all dogs & cats are infected with giardia. It has now been
demonstrated that humans can transmit giardia to dogs & cats & vice versa.
Heartworm preventative must be given year round in Houston .

VACCINES BADLY NEEDED
New vaccines in development include: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and cat
scratch fever vaccine for cats and Ehrlichia [one of the other tick diseases,
much worse than Lymes] for dogs.

THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES; BUSINESS ASPECTS
Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators require them.
For years the pricing structure of vets has misled clients into thinking that
the inherent value of an annual office visit was in the "shots" they failed
to emphasize the importance of a physical exam for early detection of
treatable diseases. It is my hope that you will continue to require rabies & Kennel
cough and emphasize the importance of a recent vet exam. I also hope you will
accept the new protocols and honor these pets as currently vaccinated. Those
in the boarding business who will honor the newvaccine protocols can gain
new customers who were turned away from vet owned boarding facilities reluctant
to change.

CONCLUSION
Dogs & cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvo, &
feline leukemia every year . Once the initial series of puppy or kitten
vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity from MLV vaccines
persists for life. It has been shown that cats over 1 year of age are immune
to Feline Leukemia whether they have been vaccinated or not. Imagine the money
you will save, not to mention fewer risks from side effects. PCR rabies
vaccine, because it is not adjuvanted, will mean less risk of mediated hemolytic
anemia and allergic reactions are reduced by less frequent use of vaccines as
well as by avoiding unnecessary vaccines such as K-9 Corona virus and
chlamydia for cats, as well as ineffective vaccines such as Leptospirosis and FIP.
Intranasal vaccine for Rhiotracheitis and Calici virus, two upper respiratory
viruses of cats provide more complete protection than injectable vaccines
with less risk of serious reactions.

The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America are our biggest
endorsement for these new protocols.

Dr. Bob Rogers
Please consider as current on all vaccinations for boarding purposes .

DOGS Initial series of puppy vaccines
1. distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parinfluenze - 3 sets one month apart
concluding at 16 weeks of age.
2. Rabies at 16 weeks of age (later is better)
3. Bordetella within last 4-6 months
First annual (usually at 1 year and 4 months of age)
1. DHP, Parvo, Rabies
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months
2 years or older
1. Rabies with in last year
2. Bordetella within last 4-6 months
3. DHP & Parvo given anytime over 6 months of age , but not necessarily
within the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam for transmissible diseases and health risks.

CATS Initial kitten series
1. Distemper [PLP], Rhino Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Vaccine - 3 sets
given one month apart concluding at 16 weeks.
2. Rabies at 16 weeks
First Annual [usually at 1 year and 4 months of age]
1. Distemper (PLP), Rhino Calicivirus, Rabies
2 years or older
1. Rabies within the last year
2. Rhino Calicivirus within last year
3. Distemper and FelV given anytime after 6 months of age, but not
necessarily with the last year.
Recommended: Physical exam, FeLV/FIV testing, fecal exam for giardia.

Meg Affleck
http://www.geocities.com/heikodeufringerschloss

Teresa Registered: 10/28/07 Posts: 190

Today at 03:29 PM #1 Okay, here's contact information and forms. The AKC Canine Health Foundation PO Box 37941 Raleigh, NC  27627-7941  Then, fill out the form for Danny's Fund. Please email me for the form. It will not attach here, but I will be glad to send the form to anyone that needs it. The other option is to send donations to the MCOA Charitable Trust and ask that it be designated to the "Cystinuria Fund" if you would prefer.  These donations can be mailed to: Anne Heyob MCOA Charitable Trust 1345 Murphy Hill Road Langston, AL  35755 Thank you Anna May for providing this information!!! __________________ http://www.oasismastiffs.com

James he is a pretty boy and he is perfectly fine. That bump is bone and its normal. usually means he will have a very pig head when his head comes in.

lol yes I did..lol

Murphy's elbows look like he swallowed tennis balls and that is where they landed.  Is that normal?  He is my first Mastiff.  He doesn't limp, wince or appear to be in any pain.  He is 9 months old and weighs 150.  He has all his shots, eats a healthy diet and is doing really well.  He gets a slow, leisurely walk twice a day for 10 minutes at a time.  Both elbows look identical.

Hi there - I get all my antibiotics through Revival Animal health.  http://www.revivalanimal.com/store/p/5922-Fish-and-Bird-Antibiotics.aspx You can get many of the commonly used antibiotics without a prescription, because they are marketed as fish / bird biotics.  I always seek veterinary advice - I'd never attempt to diagnose on my own, but once you know what you need, you can order from Revival if you are comfortable.  Some examples of the drugs they carry are: Fish-Cillin: Ampicillin 250mg Fish-Cycline: Tetracycline 250mg Fish Cycline Forte: Tetracycline 500mg Fish-Flex: Cephalexin Monohydrate 250mg Fish Flex Forte: Cephalexin 500mg Fish-Fungus: Ketoconazole 200mg Fish-Mox: Amoxicillin 250mg Fish Mox Forte: Amoxicillin 500mg Fish Mycin: Erythromycin 250mg Fish Pen: Penicillin 250mg Fish Pen Forte: Penicillin 500mg Fish-Zole: Metronidazole 250mg Fish Zole Forte: Metronidazole 500mg Bird Biotic: Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg Bird Sulfa:Sulfadimethoxazole 400mg, Trimethoprin 80mg Go to their website, and click on the Birds and Fish link, then from there, go to the Fish & Bird antibiotic page.  You'll see everything listed above, and very reasonable prices.  For example, a bottle of 100 tabs of 500 mg. Cephelixin is $44.99. Antibiotics aren't medications to be fooled around with, but if you have been given veterinary advice, and know what you need, you can order from these folks at a considerable savings.  I also order all of my wormer here.  I worm with liquid Safeguard (which is the same as Panacur) but labeled for cattle.  As long as you know the appropriate dosage, it's much less costly than ordering the Panacur packets. Good luck - Margaret Warfield Loading... Edit | Delete

View Member ProfileSend Private MessageSend EmailFind Member's Threads Find Member's Posts Medic_Chick Registered: 01/02/09 Posts: 48

10/19/09 at 03:39 PM   Reply with quote #7 Hey Annie!! Glad to hear you guys got things figured out for Delhia! The only online pharmacy I've used is based out of Manitoba(I'm in Alberta) & is called PetDrugs.com. There's another one though, called Canada Pharmacy that offers it for almost 1/2 the cost of the other site. Just look for Baytril as it's generic name, Enrofloxacin. Oh, and here's the link for the 2 websites: http://www.canada-pharmacy.com/drug-prices/enrofloxacin.html http://www.petdrugs.com/dogs/product/Baytril/623/ Hug Delhia for us! Caleya __________________ "In wilderness lies the salvation of the world"