Introducing Sarah the Siberian

[Carpe Diem]

What beautiful dogs those two are! And no, Sarah is not a swine! She was just cooling off after running full speed across that field. I am glad though I wasn't the one that had to give her the bath.

[ElenaMarie]

Originally Posted by Carpe Diem

What beautiful dogs those two are! And no, Sarah is not a swine! She was just cooling off after running full speed across that field. I am glad though I wasn't the one that had to give her the bath.

Thank you. The bath was. . ..well. . ..interesting! She was such a mess! And talk about stink.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by ElenaMarie

Natalie, do you use regular human zinc for Lucas? I can't find a canine version of zinc and wondered if I can give Sarah the human version if she ever needs it. If you have a canine version where on earth do you get it?

We just use human zinc from the health shop. As long as it's the right dose, then it's fine. Your vet would have to work that out based on Sarah's weight. If she gets too much it would make her sick, so you have to be careful. Lucas is on 300mg per day and he hasn't had any ill effects, but he's quite a heavy boy.

[ElenaMarie]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

We just use human zinc from the health shop. As long as it's the right dose, then it's fine. Your vet would have to work that out based on Sarah's weight. If she gets too much it would make her sick, so you have to be careful. Lucas is on 300mg per day and he hasn't had any ill effects, but he's quite a heavy boy.

That explains why I can't find a canine version online! I went looking just to see how much it would be and came up with nothing. Hopefully she'll never need it but the breed certainly is known for it. I wonder if it's related to how the breed was developed in Siberia. . ..I know their propensity for thyroid issues is definitely due to their early development.

Anyway, thanks for the info!

[NatalieS]

I hope Sarah never needs the extra zinc! Yes, I definitely think it's something to do with the diet they would've normally been used to. Wouldn't it mostly have been fish? At least I know that fish tends to have a lot of iodine and iodine is good for the thyroid - don't know if it contains lots of zinc though!

[NatalieS]

My beautiful boy Lucas passed away last week Thursday. He was three months off of 13 and he did not die of old age, but of a massive, cancerous tumour in his liver. His only real symptom was weight-loss. On Monday he was out running around like a lunatic as normal, and by Thursday he was gone.

I don't think I've ever been so devastated. He was my baby who I'd raised from a pup.

For people with older dogs, please get regular blood tests - the liver is so good at what it does that by the time the dog has any symptoms it is normally already too late. Regular blood tests are the only way to reveal any liver problems.

[Carpe Diem]

I am so sorry. Anyone that ever lost a Fur Baby knows the pain. Please take comfort in knowing that some day you will meet again at... The Rainbow Bridge.
If you are not familiar with that site already, please take a look.

[ElenaMarie]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

My beautiful boy Lucas passed away last week Thursday. He was three months off of 13 and he did not die of old age, but of a massive, cancerous tumour in his liver. His only real symptom was weight-loss. On Monday he was out running around like a lunatic as normal, and by Thursday he was gone.

I don't think I've ever been so devastated. He was my baby who I'd raised from a pup.

For people with older dogs, please get regular blood tests - the liver is so good at what it does that by the time the dog has any symptoms it is normally already too late. Regular blood tests are the only way to reveal any liver problems.

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Natalie. Sarah isn't even two yet and I'm already worried about her getting older. I can only imagine your heartache.

I'm so very sorry.

[NatalieS]

Thank you both for your kind words. I've never heard the term 'furbaby', but that's exactly right. We have had many animals, but Lucas was my special boy.

ElenaMarie, your Sarah has many wonderful years ahead of her - enjoy each and every minute!

[ElenaMarie]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Thank you both for your kind words. I've never heard the term 'furbaby', but that's exactly right. We have had many animals, but Lucas was my special boy.

ElenaMarie, your Sarah has many wonderful years ahead of her - enjoy each and every minute!

Furbaby is an apt description isn't it?

I feel so awful for you. Please don't beat yourself up for not knowing that Lucas had a tumor. If he didn't let on how could you possibly know?

I hope, and usually assume, that I have many years left with Sarah. I don't like to think of the things that may take her from us at this age. My DD's boyfriend's dog, age 5, swallowed (get this) an entire cow hoof and chased it with a whole rabbit carcass. They thought he may need surgery to remove both items as his intestines were blocked. Fortunately he passed it all but he was on an IV at the vet's hospital for three days trying to help him pass it and keep him hydrated. The surgery is delicate and can be deadly.

You just never know what they'll get into.

(((((Natalie))))) I'm so, so very sorry.