Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (or BPH as it is often referred to) is an age dependant, non-inflammatory enlargement of the prostate gland. This condition is one that affects older dogs who have not been castrated. For some time now, there have been thoughts that BPH might be something that Rhodesian Ridgebacks in particular are prone to, […]
My darling Rain-Bob developed a teeny lump at the end of May. As it was lockdown for the Corona Virus at the time, I showed the photograph to my vet who advised just to keep a close eye on it, since it wasn’t “life-threatening”. This we did but, as the social distancing requirements dragged, the […]
The UK’s most dangerous plant? GIANT HOGWEED It has been said that Giant Hogweed or “Heracleum Mantegazzianum” to give it its posh name, could well be the UK’s most dangerous plant … and for good reason! Simply brushing against this nightmare plant can cause enormous pain and problems for both humans and our furry friends […]
GIARDIA I was asked earlier today if I had any information on Giardia and, as I always do when I’m asked a direct question, I like to share my answer on the page in case it comes in handy for anyone else too. I haven’t done an actual blog on it but in […]
Why? THIS is why …… Well, although we all HOPE we will never be in a position where we need to use it, at least if our luck runs out and we’ve had the forethought to undertake a first aid course, we will know what to do. This was certainly the case for Jonathan […]
With Corona Virus doing the rounds, personal hygiene has never been more important and the use of barrier PPE is paramount but you have GOT TO WEAR IT CORRECTLY! I’ve seen so many pictures of people with masks but wearing them completely inappropriately … so here’s Dice to show you Rhodes 2 Safety RIGHT WAY […]
Mild Seizures Rain has had idiopathic epilepsy since he was 14 months old. Today, at the age of 10.5 he experienced a very mild seizure which is now normal for him, every 8 weeks or so. Because people often think that fits will be massive, violent, thrashing episodes, I thought I would share this video […]
Human CPR Technique: As you may have seen, due to the knock on effect of the Corona Virus, all of our physical first aid courses have been either cancelled, postponed or altered to being delivered as a Webinar Live Platform course. All of our courses will be just as good as being with you in […]
Although I’m sure you’ve heard of the Cruciate Ligament, I know a lot of people aren’t exactly sure what it is or what it does. A quick check on Wiki says “Cruciate ligaments (also cruciform ligaments) are pairs of ligaments arranged like a letter X.[1] They occur in several joints of the body, such as the knee joint and the atlanto-axial joint. In a fashion similar […]
An awful lot of dogs really aren’t keen on having their nails clipped. Some are not too bad if you try a Dremel hand-held grinder for the job. Others can be persuaded to have them done with clippers but some really do just struggle with the whole thing and it can be very frustrating for […]
What is GRACILIS MYOPATHY? The term itself can be split into two halves – GRACILIS is a hind leg muscle in the inner thigh. MYOPATHY just means abnormality or condition. A Gracilis injury is also sometimes referred to as “Contracture” or “Dropped Muscle” … but these terms all refer to the same thing. Who is […]
This is one of the accompanying symptoms of Laryngeal Paralysis together with the breathing issues and hind end weakness. However, other things can cause acid reflux too such as food (quantities, type and ingredients) medication and other medical conditions. Antacid Medication such as Omeprazole (20mg daily for a dog the size of a Ridgeback) can […]
Laryngeal Paralysis or GOLPP is thought, at least in some breeds, to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is perhaps something you’ve not heard of. Do you have an older dog? Have you noticed he is a little short of breath nowadays? Is his breathing a bit raspy and noisy or perhaps faster […]
Sometimes, dogs get itchy or you might notice that their coat is not quite as good as it might be and this could actually be something called Staphylococcus – also known as a “Staph” skin infection. Infection might be noticed in many locations including the eyes, feet, skin, ears and respiratory system. Signs that might […]
Aloe Vera is well known for its soothing, healing properties and while there are lots of pharmaceutical treatments on the market, there are several of the Aloe products that I truly wouldn’t be without. The two that I most go back to again and again both come from the Forever Living range, although Aloe Vera […]
Sometimes, when I’m out walking with my boys, I get the urge to speak to you all through a vlog, rather than a written blog. This one was all about warm weather and things to consider to keep your dogs happy and healthy in the hotter weather. Initially posted on our Rhodes 2 Safety Facebook […]
Spondylosis or “Spondylosis Deformans” in dogs sounds like a very serious diagnosis and there is no doubt that it’s effect on a dog’s quality of life can be marked BUT what if I were to tell you that pretty much any dog that lives long enough, will eventually develop spondylosis to some degree? Didn’t know […]
What they are Why they have them Why you shouldn’t remove them Great article from McIntyre Canine Rehabilitation: https://www.facebook.com/mcrehabilitation/posts/568915563442033
An interesting take on Alabama Rot by Dr. Connor Brady in the Dog Listener – food for thought? Alabama Rot Truth or Fiction
Deafness in our dogs can easily go unnoticed for quite a while. Sometimes, when we get older, we like to think that rules don’t apply to us any more and we like to do things our own way and the same is true of our dogs. I think it’s because of that fact that deafness […]