question about breeding

[Alisha Mobley]

Originally posted by JulieM


As for titres - there are differing opinions on these. Some feel that high levels mean the dog will be able to mount a response to a disease, and low levels mean it will not. However, some feel that a high level means the dog has recently been exposed to the disease, and has mounted a response, and a low level means the dog has not been exposed recently, and may or may not be able to mount a response.

Either way I would think that high levels would mean the dog is protected. For the ones that believe high levels mean the dog has been exposed to the disease then the dog must be protected since it didn't get ill with the disease, right?

Originally posted by JulieM

Read Dr. Goldstein's book (The Nature of Animal Healing) and visit Wellpet http://www.listservice.net/wellpet for information on immunity, vaccinations, etc. Check Favorite Links and Lots of Links.

I subscribed to wellpet about a week or so ago. It has been very helpful (one lady in particular). I'm sure I'm about to drive my vet insane by calling so much but everytime I hear something new about helping the thyoid I call her to get her opinion. I have cut back on the calls lately since Sheeba has an appointment in a couple of days. I figured I will spring all my new concerns, questions, and findings on the vet all at once while I'm there.

Originally posted by JulieM

I've never heard of lemon helping thyroid problems, but I have heard that kelp can boost an underactive thyroid.

The lady from wellpet advised me of this, I haven't talked to my vet about it yet but I figured a tiny bit of lemon juice can't hurt.

[JulieM]

Jim -

OK, I think we've found something we can agree on. Sort of You've been using the term "holistic" medicine and I think it would be more accurate in this case to say "homeopathic." Holistic medicine looks at the whole picture - environment, diet, history, breed, pschology, stresses, etc. - and chooses the approach that will be of the most benefit - which may or may not include homeopathic and allopathic ("modern medicine") treatments. It is, as you say, a matter of finding the balance.

So, I think what we can agree on is the need to find the correct balance for your individual dog (or yourself, since we've expanded the conversation a bit) between allopathic and homeopathic/natural lifestyles. Is that right?

Without getting into a "whole foods" debate (because frankly I just don't have the energy right now!) I'm curious what foods you feel are more beneficial after they are processed. I promise I won't respond at this time (unless you call me names ), I'd just like the information to ponder.

And while I know several people who would argue with you about vaccines, medication and modern food processing not being bad in and of themselves, I haven't done enough research to be one of them (yet....). I do think that overuse of any of them can be detrimental, and I'll argue that one if you want.

Balance in all things is central to my life philosophy, so we're definitely in agreement on that one.

Sarah, I don't have experience with titres yet. I've just started researching the topic, and my dogs aren't due for revaccination until summer Even then, that will be the one-year booster and I'm not sure I'd consider titres at that stage. So while I can't give you a proven answer, scientifically or anecdotally, I'll tell you what I think I think that a titre that shows high levels of antibodies should be accepted as reason not to vaccinate. Whether the high levels are always there or are there because the dog was recently exposed, they do show that the dog is/will be able to mount a response.

As for low levels, I'd look at the whole picture. If the dog is healthy, fed a _total_ foods diet , in an environment which promotes optimal health, comes from a line of non-immune-compromised dogs, I'd probably not re-vaccinate even with a low titre. If the dog is fed commercial kibble, and/or comes from a line of dogs with immune problems (which include all kinds of things, but demodectic mange, thyroid problems, and allergies are often overlooked) I don't really know what I'd do. I might first try nosodes (which are not proven to work), or do single-dose vaccinations over several weeks. It would call for lots more reading and consultation with my vet (and I'd probably call Dr. Dodds or Dr. Goldstein while I was at it). (I'm speaking here of 3-year boosters, not yearly. I wouldn't do yearly in any case.)

If the dog is immune compromised itself, I would work very hard to boost the immune system before I even thought about vaccinating. Again, this would call for reading and consultations. I absolutely would insist on killed virus vaccines if I decided to vaccinate.

Anyway, like I said, this is my opinion only and not advice per se at this time. Consultation with a (preferably holistic for this topic) veterinarian is recommended before a course of action is decided upon. This is what I think I would do, based on scientific and anecdotal evidence from several veterinarians, researchers and breeders. Your mileage may vary

Julie