Happy National Puppy Day!
Dealing with a doggy disability: X-rays show the progression of Hazel's broken femur
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Hazel at 9 weeks and 13 weeks
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Hazel, my Saint
Bernese puppy, is
four months old, and much has changed for this fluffy little spitfire of a
mountain dog. When my partner and I brought Hazel home on March 22, we
noticed that she walked with a limp. I brought her to the animal hospital where
I work the next day and received some bad news- Hazel had fractured her femur
bone in her left hind leg at some point early on in her life. It went undiagnosed and untreated. The first radiograph showed that the bone had completely callused over, causing the left leg to be shorter than the right.
As
I discussed in my letter from the editor, Hazel will walk with a limp, is
guaranteed to have arthritis and hip dysplasia early on in life, and may need major surgery. At that time, I was still waiting for the surgeon’s assessment.
Later that week, I received the news- the surgeon said I should leave the leg for
now, but take X-rays monthly to monitor the growth and watch for signs of pain.
If we saw signs of soreness, we were to put Hazel on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help with pain management.
Santa Paws: Santa Claus goes to the dogs this Christmas
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| Photo by DaPuglet Foter CC BY-SA |
Featured dog treat for March is puppy approved
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| Photo by halfrain Foter.com CC BY-SA |
You just brought your puppy home and have to choose
a treat for the first time. The pet store can be a confusing place with way too
many endless options. Puppy owners must be more careful when selecting
something new to introduce to their dog's tummy.
When choosing a treat for a puppy it is important to
select a healthy option. A puppy’s stomach can be sensitive and Wellness® Just for Puppy Mini Soft Treats have natural ingredients that are palatable and
highly digestible.
February's featured dog breed is quick and clever
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| Photo by zoomyboy.com Foter.com CC BY-NC |
Considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world the Border Collie is an energetic breed that can be trained to be so much more than just a pet. The Border Collie is a medium build herding dog that is always alert to its surroundings. The Border Collie has been a favorite of dog owners for years- especially owners looking for a dog that will earn its keep.
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| Photo by K's GLIMPSES Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND |
I will be live tweeting today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate Puppy Bowl Sunday! So give me some barks on twitter @PawsForReaction anfd put your paws up for Puppy Bowl
www.pawsforreaction.com