Tag archives: vomiting

Preventing Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome in the Border Collie

Preventing Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome in the Border Collie

The history of the modern border collie is generally regarded to have started with a dog named Old Hemp who was born in late 19th century England. Old Hemp was a tri-colored sheepdog with unique and extraordinary abilities in herding. According to reports, Old Hemp was a product of his owner, Adam Telfer’s attempts at developing a sheepdog with a milder temperament than other sheepdogs of the time while still maintaining a high level of ability to control livestock. Old Hemp’s success in the field was paramount in him siring over 200 puppies and thus, creating a foundation stock for the border collie we appreciate today.

Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and obedient dog breeds in existence, the border collie has branched from its roots as a working dog as breeders began showing their dogs in the conformation ring in the last quarter of the 20th century. The movement of border collies into the show ring has remained controversial as some breed lovers are concerned that border collies bred for aesthetic purposes are at risk of losing their natural abilities as herding dogs. Due to an emphasis on breeding dogs for working ability over form ...

Preventing Inherited Urate Bladder Stones in the Bulldog

Preventing Inherited Urate Bladder Stones in the Bulldog

Though the cruel bull-baiting practices for which the ancestors of bulldogs were used have long passed, the enthusiasm for the modern bulldog as a friendly companion animal is as fervent and robust as ever. Ranked the 4th most registered dog in the AKC, it’s no secret to most that the bulldog has established itself as one of America’s favorite canines. Through selective breeding practices, the previously fierce and aggressive bulldog of old has given way to a gentle, even tempered, yet strong willed breed with copious amounts of character; in both temperament and physical attributes. Unfortunately, like other purebred dogs, during the course of breed development, some inherited genetic diseases have come to light that can make life difficult for bulldogs and those that love them. Luckily, through the use of genetic testing technologies and selective breeding, some of these inherited diseases can be completely eliminated (or greatly reduced in frequency) from blood lines. One example of an inherited disease that can now be prevented in the bulldog is an inherited form of urinary stones known as hyperuricosuria (HUU), caused by a genetic mutation in the SLC2A9 gene.

Clinical Signs of HUU

Dogs affected with HUU lack a protein which ...