Dog questions. (biting, poop, vet, spaniel)

[JD59]

1. If a dog needs blood where do they get it?

2. Why cann't a blood test tell if a dog has eaten a poison plant?

3. Is there a way to find out if a dog has brain damage?

4. If a dog does have brain damage could it get where they might bit the owner?

Thanks, John

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by John1960

1. If a dog needs blood where do they get it?

Unlike people, all dogs can give blood via transfusion to any other dog. Where I used to live there was a vet who kept a "blood donor" dog on hand (it was the office "mascot" sort of) to give blood if necessary.

I don't know the answers to any of the other questions, sorry.

20yrsinBranson

[brightdoglover]

A dog could have a neurological disorder, either from birth (breeding, maybe) or from some illness he develops, and that could cause behavior problems.

I adopted a 4-year-old Springer Spaniel, a lovely animal, who went ballistic over three months, and tried to kill me- for about a minute- then he'd be sweet again. It looked neurological, almost epileptic. I read that some spaniels have inbreeding that causes this, called "Spaniel Rage Syndrome." I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it- he was insane for about a minute when it happened. I had to have him euthanized after he cornered me and torn my hand open.

Anyway. I think neuro problems could result in unprovoked biting. When I think of "brain damage," I tend to think of loss of function, like walking or learning, not so much a specific behavior like biting.

[Raggy dee Ann]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

A dog could have a neurological disorder, either from birth (breeding, maybe) or from some illness he develops, and that could cause behavior problems.

I adopted a 4-year-old Springer Spaniel, a lovely animal, who went ballistic over three months, and tried to kill me- for about a minute- then he'd be sweet again. It looked neurological, almost epileptic. I read that some spaniels have inbreeding that causes this, called "Spaniel Rage Syndrome." I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it- he was insane for about a minute when it happened. I had to have him euthanized after he cornered me and torn my hand open.

Anyway. I think neuro problems could result in unprovoked biting. When I think of "brain damage," I tend to think of loss of function, like walking or learning, not so much a specific behavior like biting.

I heard the same about Spaniels, must read up more about it.

[World Citizen]

John,

I hate to say it but I doubt that your doggie ate a poison plant. With everything that they gave to her at the same time, it's hard to say what exactly caused what's going on. But, don't hold your breath for anyone to admit any wrongdoing...

Isn't there a Veterinary School in Nashville? Most Veterinary Colleges have specialists and a clinic. You might want to call them to find out and bring your dog there.

[Carbondated]

I PM'd you John1960 with the phone number for the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medicine School. It is located in Knoxville, but maybe they can recommend some help nearby or answer some questions for you.

[JD59]

I have contacted the U of T animal hospital and they said I would have to bring my dog to them to check out. They said the MRI would cost 1150.00. I have another dog that needs taking care of and she is really upset about her not being being here and she cries. She has been with my other dog for 8 years. I hate to leave my dog alone with a stranger.

Thanks, John

[riveree]

Originally Posted by John1960

2. Why cann't a blood test tell if a dog has eaten a poison plant?

Most poisonous plants have a very bitter taste. Some dogs will ingest them anyway, but I don't think it's all that common . I can't imagine my adult dogs doing it, but I can see how some puppies might do so.

When one of my dogs got deathly sick last year - she was pooping blood for nearly a week - we could not figure out what it was. Poisoning was a consideration, but there was no way for my vet to know for sure.

You'd think there'd be a way to test the toxicity in the blood, but I guess there's not .

[vemureaux]

Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

Unlike people, all dogs can give blood via transfusion to any other dog. Where I used to live there was a vet who kept a "blood donor" dog on hand (it was the office "mascot" sort of) to give blood if necessary.

I don't know the answers to any of the other questions, sorry.

20yrsinBranson

Actually, dogs have blood types as well (at least 11-13, no joke!). A dog can safely receive one blood transfusion from any other dog regardless of blood type, but when this is done, the dog would be at risk if given further transfusions (the recipient's immune system builds up a sensitivity). Nowadays though, dogs can be tested for blood type and receive the correct type of blood from stores in canine blood banks. This allows for proper cross-matching, making multiple transfusions safe. Also, as in humans, there are dog blood types that are considered universal donors.

[Amazonchix]

Originally Posted by vemureaux

Actually, dogs have blood types as well (at least 11-13, no joke!). A dog can safely receive one blood transfusion from any other dog regardless of blood type, but when this is done, the dog would be at risk if given further transfusions (the recipient's immune system builds up a sensitivity). Nowadays though, dogs can be tested for blood type and receive the correct type of blood from stores in canine blood banks. This allows for proper cross-matching, making multiple transfusions safe. Also, as in humans, there are dog blood types that are considered universal donors.

I have heard this too. The first transfusion can be universal and then second should/does requires the same blood type of the recipient's blood.