I wish I could find the reference I read many years ago so I could send it
to you. When I was researching breed-associated diseases/disorders, this
report stated that the Cocker Spaniel had the most breed-associated genetic
problems. This information did not deter me from getting two more Cocker
Spaniels after my old girl passed away, but based on my experience, this
reference, and many anecdotes from other Spaniel owners, I got health
insurance for them. They both lived to a pretty old age, but we fought many
things along the way like skin disorders, ear disorders, glaucoma,
cataract, proteinuria (kidney), allergies ... and these were well-bred
dogs. I think I got my money out of the insurance. The point is I made the
decision to get them knowing that our vet/insurance bills were going to be
high, and I planned (monetarily and emotionally) for that. It would have
been nice if they had surprised me by not having so many medical problems,
but I was prepared for them.

Good luck,
Gina

kat wrote:
I've noticed some posters are quite knowledgeable about which medical
problems are a problem with certain breeds. Since I was so clueless about
signs of CRF with Shelby I'd like to be on the lookout for potential
problems with Shadow. I was wondering if there are any particular problems
associated with his breeds. He is a cocker/dachshund mix. Also are there
any good reference books/sites about the various breeds and their medical
problems. I'm thinking of adding a dog to the household but haven't made a
firm decision yet. Thanks

Kathy

On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:35:52 -0400, Gina Bull
wrote:

I wish I could find the reference I read many years ago so I could send it
to you. When I was researching breed-associated diseases/disorders, this
report stated that the Cocker Spaniel had the most breed-associated genetic
problems.

I think this might be that reference:
http://www.avar.org/pdf/whatsnew/canineguide.pdf

This information did not deter me from getting two more Cocker
Spaniels after my old girl passed away

And it shouldn't deter Kathy from getting the dog she wants, too.

All breeds, and all dogs, are subject to suffering from various
diseases, disorders, etc.

Getting a dog from a responsible breeder can certainly stack the deck
in your dog's favor, though.

But there are no guarantees.

--
Handsome Jack Morrison

Drill Here. Drill Now. Save the planet!
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/20...r-oil-now.html

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the Law of Unintended Consequences.
http://www.jerrypournelle.com/view/2...27.html#Monday

Statin drugs for children?!? Are they freakin' nuts?!?
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0.../index.html?hp

Ruh-roh.
http://firedoglake.com/2008/07/09/ob...weet-nothings/

Drill here! Drill now! Pay less! Sign the petition.
http://www.americansolutions.com/

Psychiatrists identify "climate change delusion" phenomenon. Heh.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...-25717,00.html

Way to go, Democrats! Congressional Approval Falls to Single Digits for First Time Ever!
http://rasmussenreports.com/public_c...al_performance

China: Doing what we should be doing.
http://nextbigfuture.com/2008/07/chi...se-ap1000.html

The New York Times: An Army of Durantys.
http://proteinwisdom.com/?p=12735

Nature, Not Human Activity, Rules the Climate.
http://www.sepp.org/publications/NIPCC_final.pdf

Barack Obama's racist rant.
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/20...tey-audio.html

20 Deadliest Plants on the Planet (for humans and dogs).
http://www.purpleslinky.com/Trivia/S...-Planet.145297

kat wrote:
One of the things I learned
that I never would have thought of is that dogs with black pigment in their
gums are at a higher risk for oral cancer. It gave warning signs to look out
for.


Whoa. Tell me more. Jim and I have no trouble opening Cubbe's mouth
for a good look inside, but the veterinarian never does. (Due to the
muzzle business.) Cubbe has a spotted tongue. Her gums and roof of
mouth are quite black. If we knew what to look for, we could help with
that part of the exam. (Unless the doctor did that while Cubbe was
sedated in the back?)


--Lia

"Julia Altshuler" wrote in message
...
kat wrote:
One of the things I learned
that I never would have thought of is that dogs with black pigment in
their
gums are at a higher risk for oral cancer. It gave warning signs to look
out
for.


Whoa. Tell me more. Jim and I have no trouble opening Cubbe's mouth
for a good look inside, but the veterinarian never does. (Due to the
muzzle business.) Cubbe has a spotted tongue. Her gums and roof of
mouth are quite black. If we knew what to look for, we could help with
that part of the exam. (Unless the doctor did that while Cubbe was
sedated in the back?)


--Lia


From the report: "Breeds with dark pigment in their mouths, such as German
Shepherds, black cocker spaniels "
(which Shadow most resembles - the legs are the only dachshund quality
except maybe the temperment that I can detect)
"Scotties and chows are prone to melanoma in their mouths. Routinely
inspect Shadow's mouth for any signs of abnormality such as swelling around
a tooth. If there is no tooth inury or dental disease, this could be a sign
of mouth cancer. Consult your veterinarian immediately."

I also put a muzzle on Shadow at the vet although when they brought in from
the back he wasn't wearing it so perhaps they did examine his mouth.

Kathy

"Gina Bull" wrote in message
...
I wish I could find the reference I read many years ago so I could send it
to you. When I was researching breed-associated diseases/disorders, this
report stated that the Cocker Spaniel had the most breed-associated
genetic
problems.

Great

This information did not deter me from getting two more Cocker
Spaniels after my old girl passed away, but based on my experience, this
reference, and many anecdotes from other Spaniel owners, I got health
insurance for them. They both lived to a pretty old age,

What age? We had a blonde cocker mix when I was a child and I was ust trying
to remember how old she lived to the other day. iirc it was at least 13-14.


but we fought many
things along the way like skin disorders, ear disorders, glaucoma,
cataract, proteinuria (kidney), allergies ... and these were well-bred
dogs. I think I got my money out of the insurance.

I considered insurance after I spent close to $3,000 during Shelby's illness
but haven't given it more than a cursory look. Any recommendations?


The point is I made the
decision to get them knowing that our vet/insurance bills were going to be
high, and I planned (monetarily and emotionally) for that. It would have
been nice if they had surprised me by not having so many medical problems,
but I was prepared for them.

Good luck,

Thanks. On another note, there was a guy awhile back who posted about his
dog with kidney problems. I passed along the group info that you passed
along to me (thanks again and I have been following his progress there.
He hasn't posted there recently (hope that isn't bad news) but when last he
posted he was taking his dog home after 4 or 5 (can't remember which) days
in the hospital and hoping for the best. The dog was originally in icu but
was improved but his numbers were still high.

Kathy

"Rocky" wrote in message
...
"kat" said in rec.pets.dogs.behavior:

Also are there
any good reference books/sites about the various breeds and
their medical problems.

http://www.dogplay.com/Breeding/health.html

Thanks

Kathy

"Janet Boss" wrote in message
...
In article ,
(Melinda Shore) wrote:

As
for the latter question, you might be a concerned and
devoted owner or you might be a hypochondriac. In your case
you're being responsible (I give each of my dogs a once-over
every day or so) but somebody else might be being neurotic.
I think it comes down to expectations.

I get that. I tend to go through more vigilant periods after something
has been found, and don't obsess. I think of the first time I found a
cancerous tumor on a dog though, while cleaning her ears (tumor was on
her side). All I did was rest my hand there and it was the size of a
pea. At that time, I wasn't the least bit concerned. I figured it was
something totally benign.

What happened after that?

Kathy

In article ,
"kat" wrote:


What happened after that?

Malignant mast cell cancer.

--
Janet Boss
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com

"Janet Boss" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"kat" wrote:


What happened after that?

Malignant mast cell cancer.

How was it diagnosed? Were there any changes in the bloodwork? Any other
symptoms other than the pea sized lump? Shadow has been panting more than
usual for awhile now. I mentioned it to our old vet and also to the last
vet. I'm wondering if I should follow up on it. I don't want to just
dismiss it but I don't want to overreact either *sigh*

Kathy


--
Janet Boss
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com

On 2008-07-17 19:27:19 -0400, Janet Boss
said:

Malignant mast cell cancer.

Tracy had cysts and malignant mast cell cancer lumps. He had surgery to
get rid of the cancerous lumps. We added a special drawing to his vet
records of where all his lumps were. We had any new lumps aspirated.