Vet visit & stuff

[Gina Heitz <brier@oregonsbest.com>]

Hi All,

Ugg what a day!  First our phone went out, came back and went out
again in back on right now but who knows... Everyone has my cell number
right:  503-804-8344 George's cell is 503-579-7206.

  Two of the vet's at our clinic called in sick and you guessed it
our appointment was canceled at 9:00 AM  for a 10:00 AM
appointment.  Aloha Dog and Cat to the rescue!  I quickly
loaded everyone up and off to Aloha we went, for an 11:00 AM
appointment.   

All is well EXCEPT the puppies have Coccidia so we are treating for
that.  No one is "sick sick" but a couple are a bit off
however this changes from hour to hour with puppies often.  Below is
an excerpt from your puppy go home books on coccidia (you will get a
printed copy in your book)  but this is so everyone knows and
understands what coccidia is now and is not alarmed.  Coccidia is
very common in puppies.  In addition to the material below:  I
had already started treatment as stated below stress is a factor in the
little bug being active, and going home is stress, whether stress is good
or bad it's still stress...  So were on the right track and all
should be just fine.  I will send home medication with everyone to
complete the course.  Adult dogs at home should not be affected but
taking precautions are always prudent, clean up your puppies poop right
away, don't allow other pets to eat it and you should be just fine. 
Chances are your other pet's have had Coccidia before and as I say should
not be affected.  Gidget is obviously harboring it and is as well
being treated, btw, she shows no signs of symptoms.  This is normal
too.  If after reading this if anyone has questions, please bring
your questions to the list so that everyone can benefit from the
exchange. :-)   If everyone continues to do well I don't see
any reason to delay go homes but if things change there I will let you
all know.  Read this now and then below is more news...

Coccidia:

At Brier we have had problems with coccidia a single cell protozoa
(parasite) with puppies.  This is not due to being unclean as some
people might like to say.  It is in the environment in the Pacific
North West and impossible to eradicate.  Adult dogs are often
carriers and will shed the parasite in times of stress such as whelp with
out showing symptoms of illness what so ever. 

 However puppies are often more affected by virtue of not having
mature immune systems, and may require treatment. Indications of Coccidia
are unexplained diarrhea, ie you know your puppy has not eaten
things he should not have ect.  If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours
please consult your vet.  You will want to take in a fresh fecal
sample but not a first morning sample, best to try to collect sample
number two, which with a puppy with coccidia that is not hard to do.

Coccidia is self limiting and many vet's chose not to treat unless the
puppy is severely affected or will give you the option of treating or
not.  It's my opinion that you should follow your vet's advise on
this, however if your puppy is feeling ill and has confirmed coccidia
please treat.  Most vet's will prescribe Albon which is a sulfa
based antibiotic and very safe for puppies.  Chances are your puppy
has been treated here at Brier with Albon previously.  It has been
our experience that the label on the drug is wrong, it calls for
treatment of 5 days.  Experience has proven that a 10 day course is
usually much more affective and chances of reoccurrence are lower with
this protocol.  Please refer to this web site for detailed
information on Coccidia.

http://www.peteducation.com/parasites/coccidia.htm

More News:

Since I was more than 1/2 way to Judy's being at Aloha Dog and Cat I went
on ahead and took the puppies out to Judy for testing and grading. 
As I have said and maintain this litter is very even in temperament and
there is not a puppy in the litter we hold any concern for with regard to
overall temperament.  I have continually gone over profiles and have
made mental notes as I have gotten to know each of you more.  Judy
and I recapped today and brain stormed on placements.  More on that
with each of you individually when I see you.

  Conformationally the litter stacked up well too and I am pleased
at the improvements I see.  In breeding with regards to conformation
the whole goal is to produce the "One" which takes time and
skillfully palling your program/breedings.  Ok so this one was an
accident?  Not exactly, a breeding I was working toward, have been
for 4 generations just wanted to wait till 2002 to do it. :-))) 

So with that said I am going to go crash!

Gina