Taro's hog dog training up date
Well I havn't posted up in awhile on the training and hunting, I been busy with Turkey hunting season and guiding junior hunters. Well the season ended so I put Taro on the boar this afternoon.
I been slowly transitioning Taro from barking at the hogs into baying and catching. Unfortunately I have not been snapping photos or taking video since it gets really busy keeping an eye on Taro and the hog. I will get some video tomorrow if I can.
So Taro is a bit curious about the hog in the beginning and kind of stares at it for a bit. Once the hog charges at him, he starts to get the idea that the hog means business. He cornered the hog really well and held it for a few seconds.
Once the hog broke loose, Taro gae chase and cornered it again by barking and moving to block the hogs path........exactly what I want him to do.
He nips and attempts to bite the hog but this may take awhile for Taro to get used to. For tomorrow, I will take the hog to a larger area where Taro could chase and try to hold the hog in a real world situation.
I can feel a super hog dog coming out from Taro........but only time will tell. As for the hogs the boar is getting big and heavy. and they eat like hogs!
I been slowly transitioning Taro from barking at the hogs into baying and catching. Unfortunately I have not been snapping photos or taking video since it gets really busy keeping an eye on Taro and the hog. I will get some video tomorrow if I can.
So Taro is a bit curious about the hog in the beginning and kind of stares at it for a bit. Once the hog charges at him, he starts to get the idea that the hog means business. He cornered the hog really well and held it for a few seconds.
Once the hog broke loose, Taro gae chase and cornered it again by barking and moving to block the hogs path........exactly what I want him to do.
He nips and attempts to bite the hog but this may take awhile for Taro to get used to. For tomorrow, I will take the hog to a larger area where Taro could chase and try to hold the hog in a real world situation.
I can feel a super hog dog coming out from Taro........but only time will tell. As for the hogs the boar is getting big and heavy. and they eat like hogs!
Comments
Jesse
Taro is being trained from the ground up to be a sakiinu (strike dog/lead dog). Every hog dog pack will have one or two sakiinu that will be the lead dog in a hunting dog pack. Thats the hardest dog to train........I hope Taro can pick up from Riki soon so we can really start hunting.
Looks like I may have to continue the training once he is better.............stupid ear infection!
Shishiinu, Shigeru...I have dyslexia or ADD when it comes to this forum I swear. My apologies!. I confused Taro with Baron/Haru.
Jesse
http://www.varlallergy.com/
http://www.ovrs.com/docs/brochures/dermatology.pdf (this is what our derm brochure looks like)
The Next Level
Identifying Causes of Otitis Externa
By Jenise C. Daigle, DVM, Diplomate ACVD
June 2009
Otitis externa is a common condition observed in everyday clinical practice.
It is usually straightforward, but successful management must involve identifying and managing the underlying cause. Causes should be classified as either predisposing, primary, or perpetuating. Recognition of these factors is critical to long term control of chronic otitis.
Predisposing Factors
The external ear canal is defined as the pinna, horizontal and vertical canals, and the tympanic membrane. Factors that directly change the microenvironment of the ear canal are predisposing factors. They facilitate inflammation by permitting the external ear canal microenvironment to be altered, which allows pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria to become established. These factors include:
• Conformation of the ear canal
- Pinnae (floppy vs erect ears): Evidence suggests there is a higher prevalence of otitis externa in floppy ears.
- Length and conformation of ear canals
- Stenosis or swelling of the opening of the external ear canal: Lack of a significant opening into the canal allows otic secretions to accumulate, providing a medium for growth of pathogenic bacteria, and may also reduce air circulation. This is a notable problem in some breeds, such as shar-peis.
• Environmental factors: Heat and humidity tend to create a microenvironment that is suitable for bacterial and yeast growth. Dogs that swim may be predisposed to otitis due to excessive moisture and humidity.
• Improper treatment: Trauma to the ear canal during treatment can damage the epithelial lining and predispose the canal to infections.
It is important to note that predisposing factors alone do not cause otitis; they need to be paired with another factor to cause disease. For example, a dog with floppy ears and underlying atopy is predisposed to otitis because it is easier for pathogen flora to become established.
Primary Factors
Primary factors are those that cause or initiate the inflammatory process within the ear canal. In short, they are the reason that the problem begins. Recognition and treatment of these factors is important in preventing chronic recurrent otitis.
• Ectoparasites
- Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), various forms of mange (eg, sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange), and ticks
- Ear mites are the most common cause of otitis externa in cats.
• Allergic skin diseases (Figure 1):
- These diseases are the most common cause of persistent otitis externa in dogs.
- Allergies include atopy, food allergies, and contact allergies. Atopic dermatitis and food allergy should be considered more likely causes than contact allergy.
• Foreign bodies
- Substances in the external ear canals of dogs and cats cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, foreign objects can damage or perforate the tympanic membrane, resulting in more serious damage.
- The most common foreign bodies are plant materials (Figure 2).
• Keratinization disorders: These disorders produce a ceruminous otitis externa. Primary idiopathic seborrhea and hypothyroidism may be associated with a ceruminous otitis externa.
• Other dermatological diseases
- Autoimmune diseases (eg, pemphigus foliaceus, discoid lupus erythematosus)
- Ear tumors and polyps can cause obstruction of the external ear canal, preventing removal of normal secretions.
Perpetuating (Secondary) Factors
Factors that allow inflammation and irritation to continue, even if and when the primary factor is controlled, are called perpetuating factors. These factors prevent resolution or exacerbate otitis; they must be controlled in order to prevent chronic otitis. Bacterial and yeast infections are the most common perpetuating factors.
• Bacterial infections
- Most common bacteria include Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, Streptococcus species, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus species, Corynebacteria species, and Escherichia coli.
- When interpreting ear cultures, remember that a low number of commensals and potential pathogens is normal. The most frequent organisms isolated in normal ears with positive cultures are Staphylococcus intermedius, coagulase-negative staphylococcus, and Micrococcus species. If these organisms are observed in low numbers on ear cytology but the animal has clinical signs (eg, erythematous pinnae/canals, head shaking, painful ears), then treatment should be considered.
- Bacterial infections in the ear result in malodor, excessive production of exudate, ulceration, and extreme pain when the ear is handled.
• Yeast infections
- Malassezia pachydermatis is the yeast found most frequently in association with otitis externa. Malassezia organisms, in small numbers, are considered normal inhabitants of the ear canals.
- Malassezia infections result in accumulation of a cream-to-dark waxy, odiferous discharge.
• Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) may result from trauma, neoplasia of the middle ear, or, most commonly, bacterial or fungal infections. Otitis media can be a source of recurrent otitis externa.
• Chronic changes
- Repeated episodes of otitis externa and development of scar tissue may cause hyperplasia of the ear canal. These changes may also restrict the size of the ear canal.
- Calcification of the cartilage of the ear canal results from chronic scarring and inflammation. It is irreversible and ear ablation may be the only viable treatment option.
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests are always useful to help diagnose causes of chronic otitis externa:
• Complete medical history
• Complete physical and dermatologic examination to evaluate other clinical signs of allergic skin disease
• Otoscopic examination of external ear canal (Figures 3 and 4) (This may require sedation if ears are painful.)
• Cytology of ear canal: A sample of exudate is taken from the ear canal, preferably at the junction of the vertical and horizontal canal, smeared onto a glass microscope slide, stained, and examined microscopically.
- Necessary to identify perpetuating factors, such as bacterial or yeast infections
- A MUST for follow-up examinations to determine efficacy of treatment.
The following tests may be helpful and necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment:
• Aerobic culture of the ear canal at the level of the vertical and horizontal junction is routinely recommended. If fungal organisms are seen on cytology, then fungal culture should be requested; however, fungal otitis is rare.
• Radiographs
- Bulla radiographs may be indicated when otitis media is suspected.
- Heavy sedation or general anesthesia is generally required.
• Allergy diagnostics: Should include food trials, ectoparasite elimination, and in vitro allergy testing or intradermal skin testing. These diagnostics help identify primary factors.
When to Consider Referring
Referral should be considered if:
• Otitis media is suspected and/or a myringotomy with middle ear lavage is necessary and beyond the comfort level of the practitioner
• The practitioner is having trouble determining the underlying cause of chronic otitis
• Neurologic signs consistent with middle or inner ear disease, such as head tilt, nystagmus, or facial paralysis, are present (aggressive medical treatment is often necessary in these cases).
If a mass is observed or suspected, referral for video otoscopic examination and surgery may be necessary (Figure 5).
The Referral Process
When referring, it is important to provide a detailed history of previous diagnostics and treatments. It is also important to document any potential topical sensitivities the patient may have had to past treatments.
When Referral Is Not an Option
It is important to discuss with owners that compliance is an important key in the management of chronic otitis. Successful management involves identifying and managing the primary cause and treatment of inflammatory and, if present, infectious components that are causing clinical signs.
Otitis externa often requires topical corticosteroids and, in severe proliferative chronic cases, systemic therapy. In addition, dogs with chronic recurrent otitis externa should be evaluated for otitis media. Heavy sedation or general anesthesia is often required to properly examine the external ear canal and middle ear.
Owners also need to understand the importance of follow-up evaluations. These examinations, which document resolution of clinical disease, not just resolution of clinical signs, are a must.
See Aids & Resources, back page, for references, contacts, and appendices.
Confirming Adverse Food Reactions
By Karen A. Moriello, DVM, Diplomate ACVD
December 2006
Adverse food reaction (AFR) in dogs can affect the skin or gastrointestinal tract alone but can also affect both. Dogs have been described to have just regional pruritus (ears). The prevalence of AFR in dogs is unknown but is a major differential diagnosis for dogs with nonseasonal pruritus. It can occur alone or in combination with atopic dermatitis; it is also a differential diagnosis for dogs with a prior diagnosis of atopic dermatitis that is not well controlled with immunotherapy. One of the major reasons for the paucity of information on AFR in dogs is because it is a difficult condition to diagnose. Serologic and intradermal testing are unreliable-dietary trials followed by provocative testing are the accepted standard. In this retrospective study, the records of 181 dogs that had undergone a diet trial were reviewed. Ectoparasitic and microbial infections were treated or eliminated as a cause of pruritus. The owners were given the option of feeding a home-cooked food or a commercial chicken hydrolysate diet. Dogs were examined and scored for pruritus, skin changes, and gastrointestinal problems before starting the regimen, at 6 weeks, and after provocative challenge. Seventy-two dogs were fed home-cooked diets, and 109 dogs were fed the hydrolyzed food. The drop-out rate between the two groups was not significantly different. AFR alone was diagnosed in 10 dogs fed the home-cooked diets and in 15 dogs fed the hydrolyzed diet. Gastrointestinal problems were more common in dogs with AFR than in dogs without AFR. A second allergic disease, primarily atopy, was diagnosed in another 11 dogs fed the home-cooked diet and in 20 other dogs fed the hydrolyzed diet. This study found similar frequencies of AFR in both groups of dogs. The authors concluded that the hydrolyzed diet is a useful alternative to home-cooked diets.
COMMENTARY: The authors note that crossover studies are needed to confirm their conclusion; however, the findings are clinically applicable. This is a large retrospective study, and the findings mirror what most clinicians suspect to be true: the new hydrolyzed diets are useful in ruling AFR in or out in dogs. It is important to emphasize that the place for a food trial is after parasitic disease, such as scabies, demodicosis, flea infestation, or infestation with other parasites, has been ruled out. In addition, concurrent yeast and bacterial pyodermas need to be treated for at least 30 days. Regardless of the diet used, it is expensive and time-consuming for the owner. Diet trials should be reserved for dogs with a solid clinical diagnosis of allergic skin disease. The results of this study showed that "pure" food allergy is not as common as food allergy and atopy combined occurring in the same patient. One interesting note was the resolution of gastrointestinal signs while dogs were receiving these diets. The most common clinical sign associated with AFR was frequent bowel movements. In my practice, adult dogs with allergic skin disease and a history of frequent bowel movements often have an AFR with or without atopic dermatitis.
A retrospective analysis of case series using home prepared and chicken hydrolysate diets in the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in 181 pruritic dogs. Loeffler A, Magalhaes R, Bond R, Lloyd D. Vet Dermatol 17:273-279, 2006.
Novel Proteins & Food Allergies
By Cynthia L. Bowlin, DVM, Diplomate ABVP Cats Only Veterinary Clinic, Columbus, Ohio
March 9, 2010
You asked…
What role do novel protein diets play in treating patients with adverse food reactions?
The expert says…
Novel protein: is it lamb, horse, duck, beef, chicken, eggs, or kangaroo? Actually, it could be any of the above. “Novel” simply means new and different. In this context, new and different means new to the animal eating the food—that is, the animal has no previous exposure to the ingredient. Novel protein diets are usually discussed when they relate to the diagnostic or therapeutic plans associated with adverse food reactions, such as allergy or intolerance.
Food Allergies
Food allergy is an abnormal response to food that is triggered by a specific reaction in the immune system and expressed by certain, often characteristic, clinical signs. The allergens in food—proteins that usually resist the heat of cooking, stomach acid, and intestinal digestive enzymes—are the components responsible for inciting an allergic reaction. They survive, cross the gastrointestinal lining, enter the bloodstream, and go to target organs, causing allergic reactions throughout the body.
Mechanism of Action. Food allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction, which means the animal has been exposed to the allergen previously. At initial exposure, the allergen stimulates lymphocytes to produce the antibody that is specific for the allergen (Figure 1). This antibody is released and attaches to the surface of mast cells in different tissues of the body. The next time the animal eats that food, the allergen targets the specific antibody on the surface of the mast cells and prompts the cells to release histamine and other chemicals (Figure 2). Depending on the tissue in which they are released, these chemicals cause various signs of food allergy.
Figure 1: Schematic representation of sensitization to foods in the gut mucosa: (1) Evading physical barriers, including epithelium-lining mucin, secretory IgA antibodies, and the cell epithelium, small amounts of food proteins can (2) be endocytosed by antigen-presenting cells (APC) and activate naïve CD4+ lymphocytes.
Figure 2: Schematic representation of an IgE-mediated reaction: (1) Antigen-specific, Th2-type lymphocytes will secrete IL-4 and IL-13, promoting specific IgE secretion by plasmocytes; (2) IgE will circulate in the serum and (3) bind to organ-resident mastocytes; (4) subsequent ingestion of the food antigen will directly provoke mast cell degranulation after binding of the antigen to mast cell–bound IgE antibodies.
Clinical Signs. The complex process of digestion affects the timing, location, and particular signs of an allergic reaction. All signs occur within a few minutes to an hour of eating. A food allergy may initially manifest as redness and swelling of the mouth and throat, and possibly even difficulty swallowing and breathing. Then, during digestion of the food in the stomach and intestines, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can develop. In addition, when the allergens are absorbed, enter the bloodstream, and reach the skin, they can induce pruritis and uticaria (the eosinophilic complex common in cats) and, when they reach the airways, asthma. The gastrointestinal signs of food allergy are those most often confused with signs of food intolerance.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is far more prevalent, tends to be localized to gastrointestinal signs, and is triggered by several different mechanisms that are distinct from the immunologic reaction responsible for food allergy. Lactase deficiency (lactose intolerance) is a common food intolerance in animals and humans. Food intolerance also includes adverse reactions to certain compounds added to food to enhance taste, provide color, or protect against growth of microorganisms. Consumption of these additives can produce signs that mimic those associated with food allergies.
Food Elimination Trial
A food elimination trial is the most important diagnostic tool in dogs and cats with suspected adverse reactions to food. In vitro and skin testing are not considered reliable for diagnosing food allergy. However, food trial testing gives no information about the underlying immunologic mechanism. Although food intolerance can be identified with an elimination diet and following challenge, most animals with adverse reactions to food are generally believed to suffer from food allergy when systemic signs reappear after challenge with their former food.
History. The first step, and possibly most important part of a successful food trial, is a thorough and accurate feeding and diet history. To what sources of protein and carbohydrate has the animal ever been exposed? To what proteins, carbohydrates, food colorings, and additives is the animal currently being exposed? This includes not just the primary diet, but all treats, snacks, and table foods. Due to the complexity of modern pet foods, this information has become much more difficult to ascertain.
Selecting the Diet. A food elimination trial generally begins with discontinuation of all components of the previous diet and introduction of a novel protein “hypoallergenic” diet. However, the concept of a hypoallergenic diet is not entirely correct since it does not really exist. Food itself is antigenic (foreign to the body, capable of binding to specific antibodies), so the diagnosis and treatment of an allergy for a certain diet component consists of eliminating that component and switching to another diet with a different set of antigens and ingredients. A diet can only be hypoallergenic if the animal was not previously exposed to the food components.
The ideal elimination trial diet should contain a limited number of new (novel), highly digestible proteins. Hydrolyzed protein diets (diets that contain altered proteins reduced in size to make them less antigenic) are also currently available commercially, although palatability of hydrolyzed proteins can be a problem. All additives should be avoided, the diet should be nutritionally adequate for the animal’s life-stage and condition, and the taste should be acceptable to the patient.
Considerations. Signs will resolve in an animal with food allergy if the animal ceases to take in any food; however, allowing the patient, especially a cat, to refuse the new food for an extended period is contraindicated and potentially more harmful than the original disease. Food intake must be monitored closely during the trial. As well, many pet owners believe that the new food is inherently therapeutic, rather than recognizing the diagnostic and therapeutic benefit of eliminating the source of all other potential allergens. The concept of an “elimination diet” must be made clear to the client.
Challenge. After the signs of food allergy or intolerance have resolved with the test diet, specific food components should be reintroduced individually. If added and fed for 1 to 2 weeks with no recurrence of signs, the next component can be added. This strategy is continued until recurrence of signs is associated with the reintroduction of a specific component, or a balanced acceptable diet is achieved without any recurrence of food allergy or food intolerance signs. Ideally, suspected ingredients should be added until signs recur and an allergy or intolerance to a specific component is confirmed; however, most owners are reluctant to alter a well-tolerated diet if it is balanced and complete, convenient, and acceptable to the pet.
The Pitfalls of Pet Food
Changing a patient with a suspected food allergy from one brand of commercially available food to another is not a food elimination trial. The clinician must know each component and additive of the suspected offending food and the new suggested trial food.
Although a pet food label says “salmon dinner,” salmon may not be the only protein component in the product; for this reason, convenient, commercially available pet foods may not be ideal for the initial diagnostic food elimination trial. In addition, protein sources that were once thought to be unusual have become popular additions to commercial pet foods to market the concept of a “better” food—for example, lamb and rice, rabbit and potatoes, and many other combinations are increasingly common.
Many pet owners purchase what used to be considered hypoallergenic prescription diets to feed to all their pets, thinking that these unusual protein and carbohydrate combinations are in some way more digestible. This trend reinforces why an extensive and thorough dietary history is very important.
Thoughts on Homemade Diets
Homemade diets are often used as initial test diets for dogs and cats with suspected food allergy or intolerance because composition can be more easily controlled. The homemade diet usually consists of 1 protein and 1 carbohydrate source. The food components most often suggested for dogs are lamb, chicken, rabbit, venison, rice, potatoes, and tofu. In cats, baby foods, deli meats, and cooked meats can often be used short term, with or without a carbohydrate source.
An important drawback of most homemade diets is that they can be nutritionally inadequate for growth and maintenance. However, while a homemade diet may not be nutritionally balanced or complete, supplements are not necessary during the short test period. When a homemade diet is given during a prolonged time, it has to be balanced with essential nutrients.
Hopefully some of that info helps!
I can't tell you how confusing this has been for me for precisely the same reason.
kwyld: Thanks for the info! I still have to finish reaing every thing but to let every one know, I think his ears are almost all healed up.
Hope Taro's ears clear up quickly.
Keep in mind Purina dog foods often have ingredients listed as "meat" and not specifying the origin of meat (ie chicken, beef, often horse actually. They also tend to have corn and wheat listed as one of the first few ingredients which more than 90% of dogs are sensitive to.
Food allergies were one of the contributors to getting me to feed RAW. My girls started to get ear infections afterwards but it made it so easy to figure out the cause and resolve it. Now that they don't eat chicken or any grain they haven't had an infection in months.
You've been so incredibly helpful when it comes to offering & guiding me with advice on hunting in general, let alone hunting with dogs, so thought I'd return the favor.
I wrote a pretty easy-to-read article about dog food that you can find here. I'd definitely give it a glance over & get them dogs off of Purina!
You'd be amazed at the differences you'll see in your pups when you switch to a higher-quality kibble. & there are even more huge differences if you go RAW. For having hunting dogs, I'm sure their health is psychotically important to you...if you think they're doing good now, try switching them over to a higher-quality food & be amazed at the differences
Allergies or not, you'll see tons of improvement!
Good luck with Taro's training & his ear infection! Look forward to hearing about him more! I want to see him become that crazy-awesome hog-dog. ~