Ziva's Not Great

 
Extra concern today with Ziva, she was very slow getting to her feet this morning and she's extremely wobbly. She's growling again at the other dogs, which causes tension, but my main concern is that she didn't hassle me through lunch. The weather hasn't helped, with gale forced winds and heavy rain I decided not to take her out. I don't know if her mobility is effected more so today by the tablets, the lack of exercise, or something more concerning. She's very quiet, subdued, and disorientated, bless her she seems to have no energy at all. 

These Three

Siska, Orin, Kaiah

Orin, Siska, Kaiah

Reading these body signals I'd say someone young has pushed it too far. No one tells her in this house, well no one but Orin, so I think she's about to be told!

Who's Missing?

Sammi,Siska, Ziva, Loki

So where is the brown clown?

Steve's first time out with us in the field for months. He got this far but couldn't go further. 

Still it was a start and he was happy to sit and wait, but Ross decided to stay with him too. Not out of love or concern just out of hope for more throws of the kong whilst I wasn't looking! 

Morning Out With Zeus

Following my dentist appointment, Zeus and I went to visit Mum. A lovely walk in the Autumn sunshine with his lordship where his behaviour, as usual was faultless. Mum was smitten and said he could stay with her, I said no problem as long as she realises that Steve would be staying too. Not a hope in hell that he'll give up his dog!

I then drove on to the vets to pick up Ziva's meds, a pleasant surprise that 20 days of tablets came to £12. 

Whilst I was there I had Zeus weighed, 35.8kg, so yeah still significantly a smaller dog under all that hair than Orin - who was 40kg when he was last weighed. For the correct dosage of medication Ziva was weighed on Sunday too, she still 32.5kg, so really maintaining her normal adult weight. 

Ziva Went Walking

 Geraint, the vet who treated Ziva on Sunday rang this morning. He has suggested we keep her on the same dose of medication for 2 weeks and that I should ring back then to discuss further plans. He said that if she does well and has no fits then maybe he would consider adjusting the dose. He assured me that her poor mobility is down to the medication. Strangely, her mobility seemed better on the walk than it is pottering at home. For want of a better description, she reminds me of dog with early stages of CDRM. She is crossing her hind legs, knuckling and scraping her nails on the floor with every step. On the walk she was obviously slower than usual but did do very well, better than I anticipated. Like Beth, Geraint reminded me that they could not give a prognosis, in all honestly Ziva could drop dead tomorrow or she could still be running on the mountain in a years time, we simply do not know what's going on inside her head. The tumour could be large, small, slow or fast-growing - but life is for living and there is no way I was leaving Ziva at home today when she obviously wanted to come with us. Of course I was sensible, but quality of life is paramount. I hope everyone understands what I mean when I say, I'd much prefer her to drop dead on the mountain doing what she loves doing, then left at home stressing because she's been left behind. If/when the day comes as it did with Tali and Jezi when she says, actually I don't want to go, then that is when we stop... 

All Out

Side Effects

Our Ziva isn't back with us yet, she's spaced out and her behaviour is different. We have noticed a wobbly gait, we hear her claws constantly catching on the floor. I was sent some information from the vet this morning which has helped me understand what's going on, and I have also googled the medication. (Soliphen) 

Ataxia - The most common sign of ataxia, regardless of the cause, is an abnormal gait in which the dog is very unsteady on his feet. 

One thing I'll never do again is have three dogs of the same age. With the average life expectancy of the breed from 9 - 13 years, I guess it was destined to happen. But why so close together? Of course I've Googled "life expectancy for dog with brain tumour." Stupid thing to do, vet google is as inaccurate as Dr Google, but the average is 2 months. Of course as Beth said, we don't know exactly what's there, what size, how fast-growing .. so there is no accurate prognosis, but there's no getting away from the fact that there is something there. Every day as it comes and I hope she can throw herself in a ditch a few more times again.

Shadow And Taz

Last night I had a call from the owners of Taz and Shadow, two of the puppies from Arya's litter. They had taken them to see the vet in Cibyn for a once over. This use to be hands down one of the best vets in North Wales, but after Jill and Neil retired, my how the mighty have fallen. Now you are simply a number, not a name there.  Anyway, the vet who they described as looking about 10 years old, told them on looking at Shadow that he had Hip Dysplasia. He manipulated his legs till Shadow squealed and concluded that the pup was in pain prescribing metacam for him.  He also told them that they had vaccinated their puppies incorrectly by only having one vaccine at 10 +weeks and suggested that Taz was also "stiff." He concluded that they should be X.rayed for HD next week, and that they would not be allowed in any training class or kennel with their incomplete vaccination. The owners came away in tears and were deeply upset by the whole situation. 

I must admit I'm seething, the arrogance and ignorance of him. A young ungainly GSD and he jumps to the conclusion of HD, how unprofessional of him. Then I guess they see the pound signs, and whilst we are at it why not restart all the vaccinations too. Who cares that more dogs die of an adverse reaction to Lepto 4 than actually get the disease in the UK? As long as you get your money! I wish I'd been there and made him look at the Nobivac website myself. 

Well I must go and see this vet, he will have to be my new vet because if he can diagnose HD in a 5-month-old puppy without doing X-rays then he must be remarkable and have X-ray vision. I asked the owners if Shadow had been lame, they said not at all, but that his untidy gait had concerned them, especially when compared to Taz who is more "together." Though I pointed out that I would never diagnose that their pup doesn't have H.D, neither could I diagnose that he did. They were honest in saying they do not walk their dogs at all, they have a farm and the pups free run. Well as good as it sounds, it really is not ideal, for muscles to develop the pups also need to walk. I suggested 20 minutes of road work a day, and natural muscle development and maturity should improve the situation. If they are still concerned at 13 months then X-rays should then obviously be considered. Following his diagnosis, the vet at Cibyn suggested the pups have X.rays now to confirm - again another huge error, X-rays would not be conclusive until the pups were over 12 months old. 

A GSD pup at this age can look bloody awful, though Orin didn't, Sammi looked like a cross between a hare and a kangaroo, by 6 months she had come together, but of course I was already walking her. Some young males are particularly ungainly and uncoordinated at this age, especially if they are on the limit for hind angulation. I have offered to have a look at Shadow for them and any help I can give is freely available, and life long, these are Orin's pups therefore part of our extended family. My heart went out to them both last night, they were devastated at the thought they may lose their lovely young boy. Someone really needs to take these young vets aside and tell them there's far more to being a vet than what it says in the book. 

Ziva Update

Beth the vet phoned about 8.30pm last night, she informed me that all Ziva's bloods are OK, so sadly it's more than likely to be a brain abnormality/tumour. I asked about her prognosis and she said she knew me well enough to give an honest answer, which was that without getting into her brain she really doesn't know. She said a referral and scan could be available but finished the sentence with, but at her age you don't want to do that, do you? You see she does know me well. There is no way I would put Ziva through tests to get an answer just for my knowledge, when the only option is controlling the fits anyway.

There is always concern with fitting dogs that it's genetic epilepsy, hence my concerned obsession with doubling up on some lines.  Ziva is over 11 years old so far too old for any genetic epilepsy which I knew always occurred by middle age, Beth even said text book between 6 months and 6 years, but of course that is a guide. 

We've thankfully had a very quiet night. I took advantage of Steve prostate problem and he checked on her every hour or so. She was fast asleep and barely acknowledged him, to be honest the poor girl was exhausted. She's a little subdued and wobbly on back legs this morning but has been for a pee and had breakfast. Her last fit was just before 7pm, and by now she's had three tablets. There is no guarantee that Ziva won't fit again, and 6 fits a day simply won't be happening, but I hope we can control the fitting and that she can have some more happy times making precious memories with her Blanik family.

For my record 

1st fit 1.30pm 

2nd -2.05pm

3rd (on route to vets - probably about 2.30 - 2.45pm)

4th -4pm

5th -5.50pm

6th - 6.50pm 

This Morning

When the biggest problem I thought I had were a few cows

Shock With Ziva

I've been lucky, I've managed to own dogs for 34 years and not seen one have a fit. Today was a normal day, the walks went well give or take the odd brown cow, wet happy dogs and then a cuppa with Ian and Mario in the garden. After lunch, we settle for a lazy Sunday afternoon, but our plans were soon shattered when Ziva had a fit. Neither Steve nor I had seen anything like it, but we coped, and waited for her to come round. Ziva had the second fit about 20 mins after the first. Steve sat with her whilst I rang the vet, she had another in the van on the way to the vets. Geraint the vet was wonderful with her, I can't praise him enough. He's taken bloods and given her soliphen to try and control the fitting. The bloods will check for organ abnormalities and he says can't rule out a brain tumour, but currently he thinks it's unlikely as she has had no previous symptoms. Ziva is too old for anything genetic, so hopefully we can find the cause.. or at least just treat the symptoms and take it day by day. Ziva has had three more fits since coming home, one at 4pm, one just before 6pm and one just now just before 7pm - she can have another tablet at 8pm I'm really hoping it helps.

Remember Cal?

Nico and Ziva's son, so Sammi's brother. 

Cal is and always has been a masculine version of his mum.

Edit And Names

 I've changed the photo in the WKC critiques post I thought about it and decided it would better make the point to use another GSD and not Orin. So a photo of a male being exhibited at the Sieger this year has taken his place. 

Siska's face is healing nicely, it really was no more than a scrape. Steve is convinced it was a tooth mark, I didn't hear any friction, but I'll go with his better judgment. 

I've already started an "M" litter list of names, well I started it a long time ago .. as I do. If I hear a name that I like, I always make a note of it. I'd looked forward to Blanik Mayhem, I loved it, but just last week a Scottish kennel has used it on their keeper, we don't need two Mayhems' in the ring at one time do we! Of course Miss Otis is on my list, Kirsty MacColl's version is one of my favourite songs. Being an 70/80ies child and teenager, I'm also considering Major Tom, so who was Major Tom? Was he an astronaut or a junkie? Well I guess that depends on whether you were listening in 1969 or 11 years later - If you were listening throughout then maybe he was he an astronaut who became a junkie? I guess we can surmise, but we'll never know. Do I go with this theme then? Characters from songs starting with M, or just carry on writing down unusual names that start with M?  To be honest, currently I can only think of Molly Malone, as we are not having a Mickey Mouse as we already have a Mini Mouse. (One of Siska's many nicknames) 

Happy Walking

WKC Thoughts

I have to say I loved the WKC critiques, I guess that the judge that I once disliked is now my bessie friend! LOL She dare say something negative about Louis' head years ago and I held a grudge, as I do! Her critiques for Orin and Siska are on the money, she'd noticed Siska's feet, not many do and I totally agree, and because of her slightly long rear pasterns Siska does need to strengthen further on her hindquarters. The judge observed that she would have liked Orin's eyes to be darker, how can I disagree? One thing I can't agree with is when she says that they are both slightly long, a GSD should be longer than tall, they should not be "compact" I think is the word she uses in other critiques. But generally really lovely critiques for all 5 Blaniks and a compliment for me too. 

The judge herself has Tervurens which are compact/square - but as beautiful as they are, they are not GSD! (Longer than tall) The GSD is one of the exhibits at this years Sieger show in Germany.

The Dogs

 We beat the torrential rain that was forecast, Ok, only by minutes but we did it! I only went to the fields, but we had a great time. I watch them messing about, Loki is so well - but where is your toy Loki? "I don't know!" Ross would be frantic if he'd lost his, such different personalities and priorities. Siska bobs about from here to there and everywhere, Sammi spends her time trying to avoid Ross and Ziva has a picnic!  

Part two starts with Siska on the lead. She gets on her mother's nerves by dive-bombing her, and Kaiah ends up walking behind me and not enjoying herself. About half way I let her off, but if she's annoying she goes back on. It's great to have Kaiah back to normal, full of fun and flirting with Orin, and O well he just takes my breath away. I watch him and admire him constantly. Whether he's standing still, powering around the field or rolling like an idiot in wet grass, the dog oozes presence and personality, he simply is, dare I say it, Amazing, maybe not Louis was amazing, Kai was Awesome, so Orin is breathtaking. I'm so proud. Maybe Siska is constructionally a tad better, but you may have noticed, he is my heart dog, my big cuddly bear impresses in every way. Kaiah and Siska look lovely, both in tip-top condition, constructionally beautiful and in glamorous coats. Siska possibly now has the edge on her mother, as it should be, what we want is to improve on what we have. I'm still niggled by the recent words of the owner of her sire, he said Kaiah was a nice bitch, but not a great bitch. Cheeky git, I always store these things for future reference -  I won't forget! Anyway Kaiah we think your excellent, Oh, I can't use "excellent" as Kaiah's word, as we know Siska is "excellent!" haha 

First thing this morning I noticed a scar on Siska's face, it was fresh, but definitely not there yesterday evening, I can only think she pushed her luck with someone on their last wee before bed. I doubt she'll learn though, her puppy privileges may well have run out but no one ever seems to tell her .. well until last night. It is thankfully only a scrape! 

The last walk was just me and hairy. Steve is not well enough to take him, and yesterday was his worse day ever. Resting is something Steve finds hard to do, but yesterday his body made him do it!  Zeus and I have a great friendship, the dog is wonderful. In looks I guess he is a smaller, hairy version of Orin, there is no doubting they are brother. Zeus just lacks Orin's masculine presence and instead tends to be more of a clown, like Ross, but all the lads are very cuddly.  Hell, I'm happy with the way they all are, after all who wants two the same?

Compliment

Wow - Vesco's owner thought my posters were good enough to ask for one for his dog. What a compliment. I have a lot to learn and I'm enjoying making them, and he offered me a deal that I couldn't refuse! 

Pepsi

There's a chance the date with Pepsi could be back on. Her owner has seen a specialist this morning and been told that she is healing well. It looks unlikely that surgery will be necessary for the forceable future - but it may be necessary later on. Pepsi is doing a Sammi, spotting and going off again - So now we'll wait and see!

I just had to include the photo of these two this morning, Siska and Orin - just doing what they do!

WKC Critiques

GB 1 Stanley’s Blanik Liszka – 19mths – Very promising youngster who just now needs to finish. Standing would prefer her slightly more compact, but has size, shape and type. Strong topline and croup. Well angulated front and rear. Feet could be better. Alert balanced head, combined with pleasing ear and eye. Needs to tighten going away otherwise a well balanced free gait with good forward reach

2 Stanley’s Blanik Jeevana – 5yrs. So much to like but rather enjoying herself on the move and tended to loose co-ordination but she is sound always. However she has a correct build, type and shape, giving a clean balanced profile. Has a lovely head and expression. In good order for weight, coat and muscle

- GD Good class 1 Swan and Hughes Blanik Lancelot – 20mths – Maturing into a handsome lad with so much to like, loved his profile, overall shape and proportions. Is very well made all through, good reach and carriage of neck. Muzzle to skull good, used his ears well but would like a slightly higher set. Alert dark almond eyes. Flowing balanced side gait, sound coming and going

PGB 1 Smith’s Blanik Kamari – 2yrs - Same sire as Liszka and sister to the PGD– another quality exhibit from this breeder. Standing was lovely for size, type and shape. Compact with good length of leg, angulation front and rear. Strong in topline. Pleasing bone and feet. Alert with proportioned and balanced head, correct ear and eye. Needs to be more consistent and settle on the move, however did display a sound side gait when she got going

2 Stanley’s Blanik Kyriacos – 2yrs – Pushed 1 hard. In stance would prefer him slightly more compact. However is well made, length of leg with good strength in rear quarters. Has a lovely head and expression, for me eyes could be slightly dark. Sound on the move, controlled with good drive in rear covering good ground.

Siska And Food

Just for my reference - Siska is still messing about with her meals. She ate yesterday morning and this morning, but not last night. It's not going to have any clues from her eating habits after a season whether she's pregnant or not in future am I.

You can clearly see from this photo of her with Sammi that she has a profuse, glamorous coat - obviously not brushed here, but she does carry a super coat.

Siska At Darlington

, 

The top photo was the original, taken on a phone of Siska about to do her individual at Darlington. There was nothing I'd want better, well other than to move the discreet outside attraction from another exhibitor, to zoom in, and maybe get rid of the judge and his shadow? I've had a go and I'll repeat what I said earlier, there's nothing I could want better. Siska in full coat, maturing beautifully and stood to perfection, So proud! 

Anna

I'm feeling sorry for Anna's owner, she has now informed the prospective purchasers on her list that she will have no long coats in the impending litter. All the people who have booked males have cancelled or have asked to wait till the next litter, they had all hoped for long coats! I really am sorry, but circumstances simply went against us all. Here's hoping for another time. 

Feeding Ziva

Feeding times are not the same these days, there's a noticeable difference since we lost Asha. When the door opens to let everyone in, it stays in my hand and doesn't almost fly into the next room. Yes, there are far better manners now around feeding time, but I really do miss her bad food manners.

These days Ziva "cooks" with me. It doesn't help her waistline, but she's only a little overweight, so sod it. I'll never let her become a fat dog, the risks are too great, especially after the sudden death of her overweight son. Carrying excess weight puts far too much stress on the heart and with her increasing years I'll need to be more careful than ever. I must admit when cooking tonight I giggled and thought, yeah you are just like your mother, I realise more and more that I can not turn my back on her in the kitchen! Bless her, my lovely smiling Ziva.

Currently A Back Up Plan.

This is Vesco who has just come into the UK. He is described as "absolutely sound with importantly short straight hocks stood and moving, a real virtue among many he has is that he is a not a big dog, but beautifully balanced with great strength. To be honest he is difficult for me to fault and I will get him ready to show so people can get their own view." 

Vesco will be at stud at the Rafaye Kennel where Fransisco lives - so a sensible distance for me to travel alone should I need to! I know full well that I can not do the 5+ hour journey to Zalu alone and we can not guarantee a bitch will need mating at the weekend when I have people who could help me. I've been invited over to visit Vesco, and I may well do that but I really would like to see what he produces before running in blind. I've been the first to criticise people for doing exactly that with other imports, but on paper this lad has a lot less to worry about. He does have lines to Vegas and two to Quenn, one being through Furbo, Remo is there too as well as Dux. Avoiding these dogs seems impossible, god knows how I've kept them to a minimum so far. It's so hard isn't it, doubling up on the good also brings risks of the bad!

Darlington Day

Lovely but chilly day spent at Darlington with great friends yesterday. Siska was 2nd in PGB and Orin 3rd in PGD. Both my kids brilliant in the ring and as usual a pleasure and a privilege to spend a day with. Little Miss chilling in her chair, only going AWOL after Darryl's bacon bap, and my lovely O was just after cuddles ... Oh and females! These two Fransisco kids have different mothers, Sammi is Orin's mum and her daughter Kaiah is Siska's mum, they both do me proud every day in every situation. We ask a lot of these dogs and these two always excel ... Sometimes these things need saying, they may not be perfect, but they are perfect for me!

This Morning