Large Breed
Large Breed
Would you consider a dog that is half Boxer, half Bull terrier a large breed type dog?
She is a puppy right now and I am trying to decide what type of dog food too use. I see there are types of food for puppies that Purina makes for large breed type dogs. Do you think I should be using the large breed type? Thanks for any help!
I would call it a medium size breed, because boxers are kind of big and bull terriers are kind of small.
I love boxers!! 
Click The Blue Links Below For Large Breed Deals
 X SMALL chihuahua yorkie toy DOG HOODIE COAT clothes PINK DOG SWEAT SHIRT NEW US $8.99 
|
 LARGE DOG SWEAT SHIRT airedale corgi std beagle PEACE DOG HOODIE clothes US $9.99
|
 LARGE DOG SWEATER schnauzer dalmatian collie bull dog PLAID DOG SWEATER clothes US $9.99
|
 18 22 brown Leather Rhinestone Skull Dog Collar large US $6.99
|
 17 21 Black Leather Spiked Studded Dog collar Large US $8.98
|
 19 22 black Leather Spiked Dog Collar Large spikes L US $9.99
|
 19 23 Red Leather Spiked Studded Large Dog Collar US $9.99
|
 Pink Genuine Leather Dog Harness With Leash MED US $39.00
|
 40x31x70 Large Play Top Parrot Bird Cage Storey Deluxe Ladders White Vein US $249.95
|
 Best Pet Small Dog Cat Puppy Towel Ever Invented Dries 5x Faster Than Towels US $13.95
|
 12 NEW MIKKI PROTECTIVE DOG FOOT BOOTS SIZE 3 US $29.99
|
 White Genuine Leather Dog Harness With Leash LRG US $39.00
|
 SPORTDOG SD 400 CAMO Wetland Hunter Remote Training Dog Shock Collar Camouflage US $135.00
|
 Pet dog cat Adjustable Leash Lead collar XS size 10 US $.99
|
 STRONG LEATHER WORKING GUIDE ASSISTANCE DOG HARNESS MED US $68.00
|
 32x30x68 Storey Play Top Parrot Bird Cages Ladder White Vein Iron Cage US $169.95
|
 50 Large HICKORY SMOKED PIG EARS Natural Dog Treats US $32.00
|
 ★Neatn Dry Training Puppy Pads Pet Pads Disposable Pads Large 400pk US $311.99
|
 ★ Doggles Comfort Harness Eco Freindly Dog Harness Pink Harness Pink Gray Large US $29.99
|
 ★IRIS Neatn Dry Training Pads Wee Wee Pet Pads Pet Sheets Puppy Pads Large 20pk US $11.99
|
Gastric torsion is seen most often in large breeds including the Great Dane and Bloodhound as well as some of the intermediate size breeds. Torsion of the stomach is the abnormal positioning of the stomach caused by the stomach rotation about its axis. This is better explained as a mechanical twist of the stomach. In essence, the stomach becomes filled with gas, food, liquid, or a combination thereof which causes the stomach to become abnormally enlarged or distended. At this point when a dog engages in a sudden jump or plays and rolls around, the stomach actually swings in a pendulum-like motion which results with it swinging completely around the fixation point of the stomach where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, thus giving rise to a twist.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus, also referred to as GDV, is more commonly called bloat. This is what usually leads to torsion, although torsion can occur without bloat. Chronic gastric volvulus, which is ongoing mild torsion, may not cause typical signs of GDV, but should be suspected in dogs with intermittent vomiting, weight loss, mild bloating, rumbling sounds in the bowel known as borborygmi, or belching. Depending on how quickly the problem is dealt with, GDV may result in a stomach that is rotated by anywhere from 90 degrees to 360.
Severe torsion usually means the displacement of both the stomach and the spleen as they actually exchange positions. The speed, at which the stomach empties itself, as well as the stomach digestive contraction pace, is thought to play a role in the development of GDV. Certain food types such as peas, onions, beans, beet pulp, etc. are also implicated.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus most commonly occurs in large breeds, but has also been reported in Bassets, Dachshunds and cats. Reported fatality rates range from 15 percent to 60. There is also a high recurrence rate when Gastropexy surgery is not performed to permanently attach the stomach to an anatomically acceptable part of the body, such as a rib. Bloat surgery is a very painful, major operation and is potentially life threatening especially in cases involving old dogs. Dr. John Lammerding, a board certified veterinary surgeon, with extensive clinical experience with GDV cases, believes that GDV in old dogs are typically caused by excessive hyperventilation via sucking too much air due to the fact that some old dogs, like old people, develop breathing difficulties due to the aging process. Theoretically, this state of hyperventilation can then be prevented by keeping the old dog calm and preventing him or her from hyperventilating. With young dogs, Dr. Lammerding suggests more of a genetic predisposition.
Regardless of the cause of GDV, the end result is a distended and twisted stomach. GDV results in physiological changes that create a medical and surgical emergency. Treatment must be instituted immediately if the animal is to survive. If the dog cannot be treated immediately by a veterinarian, the owner may be forced to render first aid to his dog.
Prevention of this condition is the best choice, and it is highly recommended that you should discuss the treatment of bloat and torsion with your veterinarian the next time you schedule an appointment. Not all veterinarians are familiar with the proper emergency treatment of GDV and fewer yet are familiar with proper surgical technique and post surgery care and monitoring. It is imperative that you make sure that your veterinarian is familiarized with the proper procedures before his or her skills are needed. If your veterinarian is not receptive to or is offended by your queries, then it may perhaps be time for you to find a more responsive veterinarian.
About the Author:
Pj Germain
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Bloat & Torsion in Large Breed Dogs