Re: [PyrNet-L] DogChat: Introduction (long)

[Ann Wetherilt <wetheri@emmanuel.edu>]

Michaelene, to try to respond to some of your questions. The weight will
really vary according to her size. Our Ivy Rose, who came to us last
Spring at 5 1/2, weighs a little over 70# and looks terrific, but she's
really small and fine boned. Her momma was over 100# and a good 4" taller.
It doesn't sound as if she should have lost weight between 6-8
months--Paddington is the only one I've had from puppyhood and he was
still gaining rapidly at that age. 
Others probably know better than I, but it sounds unlikely that taking a
walk created a luxated patella! Again, our Paddington has that problem in
his right rear leg, but it began to show up in a slight limp at about 4
months, and he had surgery for it a couple of months later. You might
consider one of the natural products that have glucosamine/chondroitin
sulfate in. It works on the cartilage in the joints. We've had Paddy on it
since his surgery, and it has made a huge difference. We use a product
called "Joint Care" from Foster & Smith catalogue--it's much less costly
than Cosequin, which was what our vet had. You don't need a prescription,
and can usually cut the amount in half after the first 6-8 weeks. We're
hopeful that it will lessen the risk of severe arthritis later in his
weaker knee, but at present it seems to keep the leg strong despite a bit
of a limp and a toe that turns out!
I'll check out your web pictures as soon as I get through with my mail!
Ann, Peg, Paddington and Ivy Rose