Mendeltna Mastiffs

02/19/2024

Do you know the names for all of the parts of your dog?

As we explore the Mastiff breed standard, it is helpful to understand anatomy and related terminology. The ability to identify and recall the pieces is useful when envisioning the whole and helps cultivate appreciation for the connection between form and functionality of a specific breed.

12/08/2023

Mastiff Health

WOBBLERS

Wobblers is a disease with many names; CVI – cervical vertebral instability, CVM – cervical vertebral malformation, CVMM – cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation, and cervical spondylopathy just to name a few. Wobblers is primarily a disease of large and giant breeds. The cause of the disease is not well understood. It is believed to have a hereditary component but has not been proven to either.

The primary sign of wobblers is a “wobbly” or unsteady gait mostly in the rear. The wobbly gait may only be visible on slippery floors or when the dog walks slowly. Often times dogs walk with their heads down (a pain indication). In the more advanced stages of the disease the problems become obvious in all four legs, and they may have trouble getting up, appear very weak, and even “buckle over” with the front legs. Approximately 5% of dogs with wobblers may become acutely paralyzed in all four legs. This pain response is caused by the compression of the spinal cord as the disease progresses.

To diagnose the disease, your vet will utilize medical imaging typically xrays first to rule out diseases which can mimic wobblers and then a referral will be given to go and receive an MRI for confirmation. After diagnosis, there are two possible treatment options depending on the severity of the disease. Dogs can be treated medically or surgically. Medical management usually consists of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (steroidals or non-steroidals) with restricted activity. Because they have a neck problem, neck leashes should not be used, and a chest harness is strongly recommended.

Based on a study completed at Ohio State involving 104 dogs we learned that approximately 50% of dogs will improve with medical management, approximately 30% will remain stable and 20% will worsen. Surgical treatment offered a success rate of approximately 80%. The other 20% of dogs either remained stable or worsened.

To learn more about Wobblers visit our Health Website at https://www.mastiffhealth.org/

12/04/2023

12/02/2023

Mastiff Health

Bloat or GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvus) is a rapid onset rapidly progressing LIFE THREATENING issue that can happen in dogs, particularly in deep chested breeds. GDV is an EMERGENCY SITUATION and MUST be treated at an emergency vet clinic. It is commonly associated with eating large meals and being active but can unfortunately spontaneously occur too especially in older dogs or dogs with a familial history of this medical emergency. Early identification and rapid treatment is key to survival and all dog owners should know the signs!

Some signs include:
an anxious look or looking at the abdomen
standing and stretching
drooling
distending abdomen
retching without producing anything
As the disease progresses, your pet may begin to pant, have abdominal distension (bloated belly), or be weak and collapse and be unresponsive. On physical examination, pets often have elevated heart and respiratory rates, have poor pulse quality, and have poor capillary refill times. Abdominal distension is commonly noted. EMERGENCY TREATMENT IS NECESSARY IF BLOAT IS SUSPECTED. GDV rapidly progresses and can cause organ damage from lack of blood flow as well as stomach rupture.

All dog owners should have a bloat chart printed and hung up for easy reference in case if emergency. We've created a handy dandy file just for that and encourage you to print a copy to have handy and spend some time going through what bloat looks like so you can be prepared!

07/01/2021

http://valleyrecycling.org/

12/19/2020

I no longer breed mastiffs
This is no a memory page

04/26/2020

03/18/2019

02/17/2019

For sale: $249,000. The Old Mendeltna Lodge property has creek frontage, great fishing in the creek and nearby lakes. There are trails to Tazlina lake, Tazlina Glacier, as well to near by lodges. The property has its own trails. Great for skiers, and mushers. 50 Campsites with hookups, shower house,...