Health & Education Quick FAQs

Please note that this page contains helpful advice and ideas on health related concerns and should not take the place of consulting a qualified D.V.M.  For serious illness, accidents or injuiries, please don't hesitate to call your veterinarian.

Quick Topic Search
AIHA/IMA Bloat Canine Flu Deskunking Rover Dull Coat Eating Grass Emergency Pet Preparedness Epilepsy and Seizures Heartworm Kidney (Renal) Failure		Over Heating Parvo Poison Proof your Home Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Rimadyl and Arthritis Dog Training Upset Stomach Xylitol Sweetener Teeth Care

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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia aka Immune Mediated Anemia (AIHA/IMA)
Sent in by Kathy D.

Last November I lost my precious 5 year old Golden Macie to Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia or aka Immune Mediated Anemia.  I was not aware of such a disease in a dog and the dog can decline very quickly.

Autoimmune disorders are serious health conditions affecting dogs and other animals. AIHA/IMA is on the rise in dogs.  In AIHA abnormal antibodies stick to the red blood cells and cause the body to believe the red blood cells are "foreign invaders".  The immune system attacks the red blood cells and destroys them.  When a large amount of red blood cells are affected, they are removed faster than they are replaced, leading to anemia.

Scientists estimate that 50% of all AIHA dogs will die from this condition.  The cause is still unkown, but they are linking it to several possible factors including vaccinations.  The ONLY sign I noticed maybe a month before she was diagnosed was that she seemed more tired.  At first I thought maybe it was just age, but I took her to the vet anyway. He did a battery of labs and the only thing that showed was that she was slightly anemic.  A COOMBS test was done and this is a test done on whole blood to detect any antibodies attached to red blood cells or circulating antibodies in the blood.  This test is done specifically to try and rule out autoimmune diseases.  Macie's test came back negative...yet she did have the disease.

Do not rule out this disease if the Coombs test is negative, because a large percentage of dogs tested are negative and still have the disease.  Further tests are needed.  Symptoms of AIHA/IMA may include:

1. weakness
2. lethargy
3. an increase in the heart and respiration rate
4. pale or yellow gums, ears or eyelids
5. bloody discoloration in the urine or stool (Macies stools were Orange colored)
6. fever
7. vomiting

If you think your pet may be suffering from these symptoms, take them to the vet RIGHT AWAY.  Even with medical care, my Macie crashed quickly.  Some dogs do respond to medications and can go into remission if they are lucky.  Please note ANY change in your pets behavior and if you have ANY doubt, seek veterinarian assistance ASAP.

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You brush your teeth at least two or more times per day. (at least I hope you do!)  Do you brush your dog's teeth?   Click here to find out how and why you should.

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Does your dog take Rimadyl? Get informed on potential side effects - talk to your veterinarian.  Make sure you have your dog tested for pre-existing liver disease before you put them on it!


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Get the scoop on the new Canine Flu that you've been hearing about.


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In light of Hurricane Katrina, some very helpful Emergency Pet Preparedness from the ASPCA.


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Warmer weather means great times outside with your family and dogs.  It also means that heartworm could be spread to your beloved pet by the pesky mosquito.  All the goldens that are rescued by GRIN are checked for heartworm and placed on year round preventatives.  Aren't they all worth it?


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We've all heard how deadly Parvo is, but do you really know what it is and what causes it?


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Has your golden experienced any seizures or does he have epilepsy?  Click here for helpful information.


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Many substances commonly found in and around your home can be potentially dangerous to animals, including everyday food items.  Here are some things to watch out for as you poison-proof your home to make it as safe as possible for your pet.


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Kidney Failure in Dogs
Sent in by Linda S.

As dogs get older (unfortunately they get old too quickly) they are susceptible to the same things we are when we get older.  Heart failure, bad hips, and Kidney Failure.  I lost a dear Golden I owned, Chelsea, to Kidney Failure because I didn't realize the signs.  I thought she was just getting old.  Now, believe me, I know better.

She developed a raging thirst and appetite.  I thought, she's getting older and needs more water (at the time this started it was summer and hot) and wanted to eat all the time.  Of course, I didn't feed her all the time, and felt bad when she wanted more food and didn't give it to her.  I knew how much food she should have per day.  That's the first sign.  Then other signs follow.  Please take heed at the first sign, an unusually greater appetite than normal and a constant need for water.

I took her to the vet in December 2004 as she was having trouble walking.  I thought her hips had given out.   Her hips were fine.  She was hurting from the Kidney Failure.  She was bloated, which she had always been an overweight girl.  She had an underactive thyroid and on medication and the medication had caused her to gain weight, so I didn't think anything about it.  Those are the next signs.  Difficulty walking and bloat.

One of the most obvious signs towards the end is the breath smelling like ammonia.  I gave her treats and brushed her teeth and couldn't understand why she had, what I thought, was bad breath.  The ammonia smell.  Now, I know these are the signs.

I lost my Golden Girl on December 27, 2004.  I was with her when she passed to Rainbow Bridge.  She lived to be 12 yrs. 6 months old.  Had I known these signs maybe she would still be here.  Maybe not.  One thing is for sure, I'll see her again someday.

These are the most important things to look for.  Once your dog develops the unusual thirst and appetite, please go to your vet.  There is treatment for the early stages.  It's not going to keep it from happening, because it will, but it will hopefully prolong your dogs life.

For more information on Kidney (Renal) Failure, click here.


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Sent in by Jene M.
My beautiful 6 year old golden retriever, Griz, looks as though his coat is thinning and his red hair color has gotten kind of dull looking.  His thyroid has been tested and he has been to the vet, with no real explanation for why this is going on.  He has always eaten a lot of grass, and has always been active.  Is this just a sign of aging?  Or is this dull coat something I need to be concerned about?
 
Sent by Linda S. - 11/8/05
Jene, that sounds like an allergic problem to me.  Have your Golden tested for allergies.  Dermatitis might be a possibility.

Sent by Shauntelle, RVT - 11/14/05
If bloodwork is normal there are supplements for dry skin and coat.  Check with your vet for Omega 3 supplements or a prescription diet for healthy coat such as Eukanuba KO.

11/17/05
My golden had the same issue so we went to the allergist.  She recommended Derm Caps because it contains omega 3 and 6 as opposed to 3v caps which are just omega 3.  That works beautifully and our golden now has a shiny, soft wonderful red coat.  We also tried Vit. A (6-8 capsules/day) but we were told soon after he started that it was working for our golden.  Good luck!


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Sweetener Xylitol can be toxic to dogs. Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in candy and gum, could quickly cause low blood sugar, impaired muscle coordination, and seizures in dogs.  Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your dog has ingested this substance.  To avoid a trip to the vet, keep bags, backpacks, and the other places you stash xylitol-sweetened treats out of reach.


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Train Dogs So They Know Their Place in the Family. A good look at kids, dogs and the importance of obedience training for all family members. Dear Abby:


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When it's 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes.  Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help.  Your dog is susceptible to heat stroke and possible death in these conditions, so please take care the next time you leave the dog in the car and "run in for just a few minutes".

Did you know that a bright red tongue may indicate your dog is overheated?  Stop the activity and let your dog cool off.  Try to avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days, and refrain from physical activity when the sun's heat is most intense.


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Does your dog eat grass? If he does, please take care that your pet does not eat grass that has been treated with fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides.  This could cause stomach upset or even worse problems for your dog.


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Does anyone have any good tips or recipes for dogs with upset tummies?  If so, please submit them below to share with others.

sent in:
Boil chicken and add white rice - feed for several days.  Transition to regular food gradually.

Or ground meat and rice is another idea.

I've heard that it's OK to give pepto bismol but haven't tried it.  We give Immodium for loose stools.  Starting with 1 pill then increasing if needed.

Sent in by Shauntelle, RVT - 11/14/05
For those dogs with upset tummies, veterinarians can recommend a prescription such as metoclopramide or carafate for those with long term or severe vomiting problems.  You can also use Pepcid over the counter.  Be sure it is just the regular pepcid.  Again, check with your vet for the proper dosage.


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Do you know what bloat is?  One of our members shares her heartrending story and tries to educate others in becoming familiar with this life threatening condition.


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Deskunking Your Golden Retriever

 

Rover snuck out of the yard and decided to spread his or her wings and explore the neighborhood.  A short time later he trots back into the yard, stinking to high heaven.  What to do?  Here is a tried and true recipe, found in Storey’s Basics Country Skills, A practical Guide to Self-Reliance, that claims to be a sure thing.

Deskunker
1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1 teaspoon liquid soap

Wet the dog, and work the formula through their fur.  Leave the mixture on the dog for four or five minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.  Throw out any leftover remedy.  Another option would be to drop Rover off at Petsmart.  They have a new deskunker shampoo package!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have any health, education, tips or helpers about goldens that you want to share with others on our website?  Do you have any burning questions about goldens or dogs in general?  If so, please email the WebMaster.