It's Not Getting Any Easier

Steve is really having a hard time, he's in excruciating pain, which is not believed to be directly connected to the hip. I've been googling, as I do, and a trapped/damaged nerve is a possibility, as is an infection because of the temperature spike yesterday. Following the spike they had taken bloods, but said the wound/scar was healing nicely. Steve is a very stoic man, he's lived with pain since his accident when he was 11, that's why the severity of this pain is obvious to all who know him.

Last night he really put me through the ringer, we always have a goodnight chat at 10pm, but last night he didn't answer. Between WhatsApp and Messenger, I must have phoned a dozen times, and by midnight I was really overthinking. After numerous calls to the ward, in the end I got through and was reassured that he was fast asleep and had been since about 9pm. When we spoke at 7am Steve was in severe pain and kept saying how hot and ill he was, I insisted he asked for help, but 9am he phoned me back and seemed himself again, by lunchtime he was in agony again. Anyway, he's gone for the MRI now and I'll get everyone fed so I can be over there about the time he gets back

I took this photo because that white flower is in full bloom, (of course I don't know what it is) it's one of his favourites and he's missing it this year! 

 

Kids

So Proud Of Her Work

She makes me laugh.

News

I've been inundated with messages asking how Steve is several times a day, hence me asking him if I could post on Facebook to keep people in the loop, I was surprised he agreed without quibble or question. 

My Facebook post - "Writing with Mr S' permission. Some of you know that Steve fell in the yard on Thursday and was unable to get up. After 4 hrs of lying in a cold, dark, windy, smoky yard (Yes the night of the fire) the paramedics came. He was taken to the hospital and had broken his hip. He had surgery on Saturday and due to the trauma and his mobility issues he will probably be in for a while. 

Thanks to all my lovely friends and family for their messages and I'm sorry it's taking me a while to answer everyone, but as everything else is going wrong too, I'm constantly chasing my tail. Siska is in full season making things hard, Beti has it on her due to lack of exercise and has emptied a cupboard, shredded the contents and shredded a rug. I've had a sheep in the top field two days in a row and today had to ask the farmer to come and get her, and the gate into the yard fell off its hinges. "Someone" (Ok Beti) got through the fencing in the garden and into the planted area, and now I've got toothache! LOL  Anyway, I really appreciate the messages and I'll update here as often as I can ... Thanks to everyone who are helping me with fencing and gates and generally keeping me sane .. ish!!!!"

Steve is still struggling, because he's been on morphine for so many years, his body is used to it and they are having difficulty getting his pain under control. He's still not up on his feet yet, before he can come home he'll need to be able to stand, walk with an aid and go up two steps. It is suggested that he initially stay in the bedroom and bathroom here, but now I'm not sure if the bed will be high enough or whether it will put the new hip at risk. They have given me a form to fill and I've got measurements to take before I go in today.

Siska is now on the peak of her season and life is difficult with Orin and Zeus. They both did eat this
morning, but initially considered not bothering. Orin started to sing about 5.30 am ... He may be Blanik Kyriacos, but he's no George Michael. 

Beti has been naughty, nothing major, but finding she wasn't in the garden the other day had my heart racing. Still she's as entertaining as every and she was very proud of her handy work emptying the cupboard in the utility room, and the new oblong rug is now square! Thanks to Ian who came to sort out the fencing in the garden for me. I couldn't believe that the yard gate decided to pick this week to fall off the wall. The wood holding it there simply crumpled, again friends came to the rescue, thank you Darryl. 

The farmer who came to pick up the sheep was very pleasant, not someone I've seen before, but in getting her out of the field he knocked more of the wall down than the sheep did coming in. Linda and I put our Bob the builder hats on this morning and blocked the gap as best as we could. I'm not attempting to rebuild the wall, knowing my luck at the moment I'd probably drop a large stone on my foot, break a finger, or something, but it will have to be sorted as the fallen rocks now give the sheep a ramp to walk up! 

Friends have been marvellous, even offering to come up and walk Beti for me. That is kind, but we have fields and as long as we can keep the sheep out then they have enough for now. Though Mum's mobility is now poor I did manage to take her with me to see Steve yesterday and my brother is coming up at the weekend so he'll visit too. I don't think Steve would be comfortable seeing many people, as is his nature, but it must help to see close friends and family. 

I will try to keep the blog up to date, but I guess posts will be less frequent now. 

And Still They Continue

Steve

Yesterday at around 4pm Steve fell in the yard, it became obvious pretty soon that something was seriously wrong and I rang 999. Steve was in excruciating pain, I've only heard him scream in pain once before and last night was horrendous. It took 4 hours for the ambulance to arrive, in that time it got cold, dark, windy and the air filled with smoke from the fire on Cilgwyn Mountain.

Steve has broken the ball and shattered the socket of his right hip, his good leg, or it was. He's having surgery tomorrow and I fear it will be a long way back and  I'll have a lot of  "nursing" to do. I don't begrudge it, I love him, but selfishly I'm sad it looks like I may have to cancel all my plans for April, well early April at least. 

Cilgwyn Burning

After a night of this ...

I woke up to this and was grateful I live on this side of the village. 

And today, the lesson has not been learned 

I know who lights the fires, and it sure isn't teenagers. Many moons ago, when Nikki was an old lady, I found myself trapped as a farmer (Who I saw) had lit fires on Moel Tryfan and blocked off my path home. I had to double back and take the pack, with the old girl it was a very long way round to get home. 

This Season

 As you can see my lovelies are still together. It's now 18 + days since I first saw blood but until today they have been OK. Now I think changes are afoot. Siska sent marked right around the edges of the field, an invitation to males to come and visit her, thanks Siska! Orin sent marked over them and tried to flirt, but she took no notice of his advances today, tomorrow it may be different! I know that after ovulation things will change as quick as a flick of a switch, and with Orin's experience he'll have to stay away from his half sister! The advantage of a stud dog is he knows when not to bother a female, the disadvantage is he knows what to do and when to do it. No doubt it will all go over Ross' head again, this time we won't have Loki singing at first light and Zeus will just be a little more awkward than normal! 

Happy Beti

She's a star

I Want To Talk About Hips

I'm going to write about this just once more this side of the time when I will be considering health test, because I need too to clear my head. I'm still convinced that Meerah's left hip is poor, and I don't just mean maybe a score of 12 or so, I think there is an issue that is unfamiliar territory for me in this female line.

I'll go through the causes of H.D one by one, this brings me to just one conclusion further on. 

Exercise - I always follow the guidelines of walking a puppy for 5 mins per month of life, if anything I do less. Free running and fun is always better than route marches, which I don't do anyway. Until recently Meerah was walked with the old dogs, that included Loki, so it was a plod rather than the madness that she may have experienced with Beti or Orin and Siska. 

Feeding - Overfeeding and improper diet can add to the severity of a dog who is already prone to H.D. Lack of balanced in essential nutrients can disrupt proper joint development. I have to confess, this time I did it differently, I fed her on Royal Canin, which is usually out of my budget, but I honestly can't see that this large breed puppy food would have caused any issues.

Trauma - there has been nothing, no knocks, no bumps that would be significant enough to worsen or accelerate the development of hip dysplasia.

Genetics - Hip dysplasia in dogs is predominantly a hereditary condition, meaning it's passed down through genes, therefore dogs inherit a predisposition to developing the condition from their parents. We all know that GSD's are one of the breeds more prone to hip dysplasia, but when we have bred from generations of scored animals we hope for decent hips. Sadly mother nature occasional likes to through a curveball into the mix and we can be confronted by an animal with H.D from low scoring lines. (as I had with a puppy I sold in the "A" litter) So if I'm right, then the cause has to come down to the general makeup of the individual animal and fecking bad luck! 

Now don't get me wrong, Meerah is not lame, Meerah is not crying out in pain, Meerah is full of fun and happiness and is a pleasure to share a life with, but what I have noticed I can't unsee. Firstly there is the constant stops and starts in the field, this could be due to discomfort and instability in her hip joints, dogs are good at finding their comfortable positions, though she doesn't bunny hop. Following resting after a walk she has a stiffness when getting to her feet, her front takes most of the strain, and then she has stiffness for the first few paces, something I would only expect to see in an older dog. On noticing these issues I have tried to flex the joints, when I have tried with the left hip she is guarded and will yelp. As a reminder, Pano (growing pains) affect long bones not joints. 

So there we are, that's where we stand, Meerah is currently playing tug with a toy with Beti, she's happy, they are both happy though the seriousness for the future for Beti and UAP is frightening, but I refuse to let it spoil her life. I've never found myself in such a position, though I don't have X-ray vision and therefore have to wait and see, but I am considering the future. Even the thought of re-homing Beti traumatises me, it simply will never happen, I have adapted my lifestyle and routines for her benefit, so there is no reason why if there is an issue with Meerah that we can't do the same for her needs. To be honest my experience was that Blade managed with H.D far better than when Loki's front mobility was poor. I do think they need more strength in the front than in the hindquarters. 

It may well have to be back to the drawing board for the Blanik line ... and I'm already looking at prospective males for next year for Siska. I would look for totally different bloodlines to the M litter,  not one parent is usually responsible for abnormalities, it's combinations that need to change. (unless it is an abnormality that repeats itself in multiple progeny from one parent) I have some ideas, but of course it's far too early for anything other than window shopping so to speak, and as I've also said, maybe, just maybe one day there's the change of another Orin pup too. 

A Beautiful Day

Sammi's Brother Cal

Sammi (with Meerah)

As I've said, Sammi is great, happy and full of fun, but today I've had the news that Cal (Nick in the litter) is not doing too great. Sadly, he has cancer and the borrowed time is running out. The tumour is protruding through his chest and though the boy is still bright and enjoying short walks he has slowed down, and his owners know his time is close. Not that it helps in the current sadness but Cal has had a wonderful life, running, doing Canicross, walking the mountains and being the perfect family dog. His owner describes him as the dog in his lifetime. 

Happy 5th Birthday

Isla

Loki B

Merlin

Fly

Zeus

Jazz

Orin

Sadly no photo of Ginger, but maybe we'll get one!

Garlic And Fenugreek

 Every morning since Beti started coughing, I get up expecting to hear someone else coughing too. So far, so good. Though Beti is well over it, the incubation period of 2 - 10 (maybe 14) days mean there is still a very good chance that someone else could start at any minute. I hope that getting the garlic and fenugreek into everyone from day one will have helped and as I said in an earlier post, as they had it after the Sieger Show last June maybe there is high immunity here. 

"Dorwest Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets, a licensed herbal medicine, can be used to relieve symptoms of coughs, minor infections, and skin conditions in dogs and cats, potentially supporting immune function and helping with kennel cough.

Here's a more detailed look at how garlic and fenugreek may help with kennel cough and other conditions: How Garlic and Fenugreek May Help: Garlic: Garlic is known for its antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Fenugreek: Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Combined Action: The combination of garlic and fenugreek in the tablets may help to relieve symptoms of coughs, catarrh, and other bronchial conditions. 

Immune Support: The tablets can be used to help maintain a strong immune system, which is important for fighting off infections like kennel cough. 

Other Uses: Garlic and Fenugreek Tablets can also be used to relieve symptoms of arthritis and skin conditions "

So, if the temperature is normal, or near normal, and there is no loss of appetite, a course of Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets should be given using the “initial administration” of 2 tablets per 10 kgs body weight daily, to help relieve the symptoms of coughs, catarrh and other bronchial conditions. It doesn't mention to give it as preventative but maybe/hopefully if we do it gets to the virus before it has time to become severe. 

An Orin Pup

God, what I would do to have another Orin Pup one day. I really hope he gets another quality bred female again, maybe next year. I'm just so smitten with Beti, logically I know she/he wouldn't be anything like her, but the dream would be to have something this special again.

 Maybe someday 

Sammi

Orin

Ear Ear

                                     

I've always said that since Tali, Beti has the best ear set here. It's not just the set, but also the size, they fit perfectly! lol Siska has(and Kaiah had) slightly wide set ears, I'm aware of that, though it hasn't bothered me. Meerah's ears looked great as a youngster, but then they too looked wide, but as her head has grown and filled her ears have really improved, now we just need her to grown into them, which she will!

All photos taken today - easy to see the younger generation have the better ears!

Not A Bad Place To Isolate

Kennel Cough

"How it works: Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, direct contact with infected dogs, and contact with contaminated surfaces like toys or bowls. 

Airborne Transmission: When an infected dog coughs or sneezes, tiny respiratory droplets containing the bacteria or viruses causing kennel cough are released into the air. These droplets can be inhaled by other dogs in close proximity, leading to infection. 

Direct Contact: Dogs can contract kennel cough by direct contact with infected dogs, such as through sniffing, licking, or playing together. 

Contaminated Surfaces: Kennel cough can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, like toys, bedding, food and water bowls, or even people's hands. The bacteria or viruses can survive on these surfaces for a short period (up to 48hrs) and infect other dogs who come into contact with them. 

Asymptomatic Carriers: Some dogs can carry and spread kennel cough without showing any symptoms themselves, making it even easier for the infection to spread. 

Places where it spreads easily: Kennel cough is particularly common in areas where many dogs gather, such as kennels, doggy daycares, boarding facilities, dog shows, and dog parks."

Beti is still coughing a little this morning, yesterday she was coughing till she gagged, today she is already dramatically better. So far, no one else is coughing, but we'll see how things go over the next week or so. The incubation period typically ranges from 2 to 14 days after exposure, during which dogs may be contagious even without showing symptoms, that why it's so easy to spread and more often than not people are not to blame when there is an outbreak following a show. Similarly, by the time Beti was coughing it was too late to separate her from her buddies at home. I will now keep my dogs away from any shows or training classes and I won't walk them beyond my boundary walls. I won't go to events where I would come into direct contact with other dogs either, but it would be bordering on impossible for me to carry it to another person and for them to carry it home to their dogs ... still to be extra careful I washed and changed my clothes and had no contact with my dogs today before attending a very enjoyable dog first aid course. 

Meerah

Not a bad photo, but I do think she looks better standing naturally in the fields. Her overline and backend looks great, but she's leaning back and raising her head too high which makes her look like she has no neck. I still don't think she has the early potential that Siska and Beti had, maybe because she's got so tall so young. I can only hope she's stopped going upwards and that she'll look better when she's filled her frame. 

Beti at the same age.

Crufts BOB

As  GSD exhibitors at Crufts we have to take the rough with the smooth. This year we had an excellent judge (Ross' breeder) and great stewards. Winning must be a double-edged sword, as I've said before everyone thinks they have a right to an opinion on our breed. I thought the BOB winner was correctly constructed, glamorous and sound, I'd go as far as to say, one of the best examples of the breed that I've seen in years, I honestly can not think of many better in all my years of showing. I only wish that someday I'm blessed to have something of this quality in one of my litters. Huge congratulations to her British breeder and her French owners, Eliisa is quite special.