| Subject: Re: FSF - |
Author:
Paul
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Date Posted: 14:21:24 10/24/02 Thu
In reply to:
Peta
's message, "Re: FSF -" on 15:25:13 10/23/02 Wed
All,
So far all the symptoms that my dog has shown are listed in all documents I have read in regards to FSF.
My pup, over the two episodes, has had the following symptoms :
Fever, "roached" back (i.e. walking on egg shells, swollen muzzle OR swollen hock, lethargic, in extreme pain and not willing to be in contact with anyone. This fever has lasted from between 24 - 36 hours.
I'm currently awaiting blood tests (the urinalysis has been done and levels of protein have been found) in order to determine if further treatment is required.
He has lost his muzzle and a fair bit of weight, but the good news is these are both slowly coming back and he's back to his normal self!
As for web-sites, yes, there are some wonderful sites (American based) that contain a great deal of information (http://www.drjwv.com is the best by far and has been a great help). In regards to treatment/prevention they suggest that dogs who are prone to FSF should be treated with Colchicine, it's a drug used to treat gout in humans. So far tests have proven that this has controlled any further FSF episodes.
As for vets, I've been in contact with a few vets and the consensus is they have had experience in treating the symptoms of FSF (i.e. reducing the fever and so forth) but this tends to be re-active as opposed to pro-active. No fault of their own, as stated previously the knowledge base of FSF seems to lie in America where they have far more experience with Sharpeis. Apparently research is still underway into identifying exactly what causes/trigger FSF.
In conclusion: It seems that it is hard to determine exactly whether or not a sharpei is prone to FSF, only by process of elimination in regards to any other diseases can this be determined.
From what I've read it IS a genetic disorder and thus is hereditary. As literature tells us some dogs are silent carriers and thus may contain the gene but never suffer, other dogs may have only two attacks and then never suffer again (my fingers are crossed)whilst in the worst case scenario a dog may suffer an attack every week.
Multiple or even a single attack can lead to amyloidosis, and subsequently a pre-mature death. Each FSF episode needs to be treated cautiously.
Whilst not being a breeder myself nor professing to being an expert, I think it IS something that should be bred out of this breed.
As Peta states, it is the right of the breede to know whether one of their dogs has suffered from FSF. They may not have had any of their dogs or the dogs they have bred/sold experience FSF, after all they themsleves often can only go on what they have been told by owners of the dams/sires that they choose to breed with.
If my pup does turn out to have FSF I will confidentially inform the breeder, it is their right to know. Whether they act upon it, I guess that is something that I cannot control. Perhaps the Sharpei society may take interest in the matter.
I will keep you all informed as to any up-dates.
B.T.W I'm currently talking to Murray Clarke from Kilsythe clinic, he has seen dogs with FSF before. However if ther are any other vets that anyone can recommend, I'd be more than happy to know. After all the better informed WE sharpei owners/breeders and vets know in regards to this disease the far better!!!!
Regs,
Paul.
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