Let us begin

2010-07-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Prepared this blog today in (almost) readiness for publishing the first posting regarding the health of my dogs - Timba, a nine-year-old German Shepherd neutered dog and Bryn, a ten-year-old Golden Retriever neutered dog.

This is not going to be a blog for self-indulgence where I talk about my dogs as if they were the best dogs in the world (which, of course, they are), can do no wrong (which they can't), blah blah - nor will I be using this blog as a platform to try and tell you what to do, or give advice (as if I was some kind of expert) or even recommend anything. I'll simply describe my experiences and observations with regard to my dogs' health problems, and what I did to try to eliminate the problem using specific methods and technology, and any progress or non-progress made.

But be warned - What I've learned so far (at times) goes against everything we have been told by veterinary experts. I consider myself to be a very, very fortunate person in that I have access to some amazing technology which can actually REGENERATE cells. Think about what this means: To halt and undo damage caused by degenerative disease. I want to share my experiences with you so that you know that there IS hope for all of you animal people reading this who have beloved pets who are suffering from diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, structural problems, skin problems, etc etc.

About Timba (German Shepherd)

Timba has pannus (also known as Uberreiter's disease or chronic superficial keratitis). This is a disease which affects the eyes and is very common in German Shepherds, but is also found in other breeds such as Belgian Tervurens, Greyhounds, Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies. According to expert veterinary opinion, pannus is 'most likely a genetic disease and can only be controlled rather than cured'. I hope to disprove this. In fact, I think I already have. Timba also has hip dysplasia (with possible arthritis) in his left hip.

Here is a general description of pannus, pasted from www.petplace.com:

"Pannus, also referred to as chronic superficial keratitis, is a chronic inflammation of the cornea and sometimes the third eyelid of both eyes. It arises as a gray, pink film that spreads across the eyes and eventually decreases the dog's vision. As the lesion progresses, superficial vessels invade the cornea and the cornea becomes opaque. With time the cornea becomes thickened and the surface may become rough and pitted.

The cause of pannus is believed to be an immune-mediated inflammation of the cornea that is made worse by external factors. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollution increases the severity of the condition. Dogs that live in areas of extensive sunlight, especially at high elevations tend to have the worst clinical signs. Pannus is not painful, but advanced cases may lead to blindness.

Pannus occurs only in dogs. Most affected dogs are middle-aged, but the disease can develop in young adult dogs."

About Bryn (Golden Retriever)

Bryn has arthritis in both knee joints.

Photos of both dogs to follow soon, in particular photographs of Timba's eyes before the onset of pannus and as they are now.

The Dog (and other animals) Blog

Let us begin