Basenji Dog

The Basenji is a lighly-built, elegant hunting dog from Africa. It has a wrinkled head and a high, curled tail. The Basenji is commonly known as the "barkless dog" because it doesn’t bark, but when excited, it makes a noise that sounds like a yodel.

Physical Characteristics

The Basenji differs from other primitive dogs, in that it has a sturdy build. Its longer legs help it to run fast, performing a sort of double-suspension gallop. The Basenji also has a short black, red, brindle, or tricolor coat, which is effective in coping with the hot African climate, while its erect ears are excellent for dissipating heat and locating game in dense bushes.

Personality and Temperament

The Basenji is reputed to get along well with other dogs, but does not mingle with members of its own breed. As it is a feisty hound, many feel that this dog resembles the terrier in its nature and mannerisms. The Basenji has also been described as cat-like: reserved, clever, inquisitive, independent, and stubborn.

Although the dog does not bark much, it makes a howling and shrieking sound and occasionally makes a coughing sound like a fox.

Care

The Basenji requires minimal coat care: it is sufficient to brush the coat once in a while to get rid of dead hair. Being a very active breed, the Basenji should be given daily physical as well as mental exercise, for fear that it might become aggressive and/or frustrated. A long walk, free running, and energetic games in an enclosed area are also suggested. The dog functions well as an indoor dog.

Health

The Basenji, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, suffers from health problems such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD), corneal dystrophy, and patellar luxation. Some of the major diseases affecting the breed include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Fanconi syndrome, and Basenji enteropathy, while the minor concerns include umbilical hernia, persistent pupillary membranes (PPM), Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, and hypothyroidism. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may conduct urine, thyroid, eye, and DNA exams on the dog.

History and Background

The Basenji, or "Barkless Dog," is an ancient breed that draws its lineage to Egypt. It later became the premier pack hunter for the native tribes and Pygmies of the African Congo region, sometimes referred to as the Congo terrier or Zande Dog.

Attempts were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to bring the Basenji to England, but sadly the efforts were unsuccessful. It wasn't until 1937 that the Basenji (roughly translated to "bush thing") was introduced to England.

The Basenji, meanwhile, became a popular breed in the United States for show dog and pet owners, further gaining acclaim when the 1954 novel Good-bye, My Lady (later made into an eponoymous film) featured a Basenji.

There were two controversial but significant events associated with the Basenji in the 1980s. Firstly, numerous dogs were imported from Africa to reduce some common hereditary health problems in the breed, producing a brindle color for the first time. Secondly, the American Sighthound Field Association recognized the Basenji as a sighthound, allowing the dog to participate in lure-coursing tests. Earlier, the hunting style and the body structure of the Basenji had been regarded as inappropriate for a sighthound. To date, this dog breed retains many of its primitive traits, such as a yearly estrus cycle and no barking.

Australian Terrier Dog

Originally bred as a sentinel and for hunting small vermin and tending livestock, the Australian Terrier is small and tough dog. This versatile worker has a a keen, alert expression and is a suitable companion in most environments.

Physical Characteristics

The Australian Terrier has an attractive ruff circling the neck with a crest of longer hair that enhances its intelligent and keen expression. This working terrier has a medium-boned, small, and sturdy body that is longer than it is tall. It can withstand harsh conditions and shows a ground-covering gait.

The Australian Terrier's coat, which is blue and tan or red in color, is weatherproof. It is comprised of a 2.5-inch long outer coat that is both straight and harsh, and a soft, short undercoat.

Personality and Temperament

This Aussie breed is always eager to please, quite clever, and among the most obedient of terriers. It mixes well with other household pets and dogs, but is shy around strangers. Being a true "Earth" dog, it enjoys digging.

Even though it is among the quietest of terriers, it is also a tough and spirited dog, on its mark and chasing rodents whenever it can.

Care

A well-behaved housedog, the Australian Terrier should be allowed to spend lots of time with its family. However, in order to prevent frustration, this adventurous and playful breed requires daily exercise in the form of a playful game, a moderate walk, or an off-leash run. The wire coat requires combing every week and stripping of dead hairs twice a year. For a neat look, the hair around the feet should be trimmed.

This terrier was bred to tolerate harsh Australian weather conditions, thus it can stay outside in warm and temperate climates.

Health

The Australian Terrier, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, may be prone to health problems like Legg-Perthes disease, cruciate ligament rupture, and seizures. In addition, patellar luxation and diabetes are just some of the minor problems seen in this breed.

History and Background

Among the smallest of the working terriers, the Australian is its country’s national terrier. The breed -- first exhibited as the "broken-coated terrier of blackish blue sheen" -- originated in the late 19th century. Later names included Blue and Tan Terrier, the Toy, and in 1900 it was named the "Rough-Coated Terrier, Blue and Tan." Generally, the dog was known for its tan and blue colors, but early representatives also showed sandy or red coloration. Eventually the dog became popular in both British homes and show rings.

A large number of breeds were crossed with the root stock of the Australian Terrier, including the Yorkshire, Dandie Dinmont, Scottish, Skye, andManchester Terriers, resulting in a useful dog with a striking appearance.

The American Kennel Club would officially recognize the Australian Terrier in 1965, nearly 40 years after the breed arrived to the United states.

Australian Shepherd Dog

Bred as an all-purpose herder and farm dog, the Australian Shepherd lives for the enjoyment of its job. It’s an intelligent, obedient, and agile breed.

Physical Characteristics

The Australian Shepherd dog possesses a muscular body and an athletic appearance. With its medium-sized body, which is a bit longer than it is tall, it is capable of moving very quickly. It is also known for changing speeds and direction effortlessly and in a graceful manner.

The Australian Shepherd possesses a weather-proof double coat of medium texture. Its outer coat, which can be found in a variety of colors, is either straight or wavy. Its expression, meanwhile, is pleasant, bestowing a sense of intelligence.

Personality and Temperament

The Australian Shepherd has a guarding instinct and is somewhat reserved with strangers. However, it is smart and independent in nature. To prevent the dog from becoming frustrated, provide it with daily exercise.

In addition to being courageous, confident and responsive, the Australian Shepherd has tremendous stamina. Be aware that some Australian Shepherd dogs have been known to nip at small animals or children.

Care

The Australian Shepherd loves to be indoors with its human companion, but it can live outside in temperate conditions. It requires a great deal of physical and mental exercise, and grooming consists of the occasional combing to remove any dead hair.

Health

The Australian Shepherd dog, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, is prone to minor health issues such as iris coloboma, nasal solar dermatitis,hypothyroidism, Pelger-Huet syndrome, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). It is also susceptible to cataract, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), lumbar sacral syndrome, Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM),distichiasis, von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), epilepsy, and patent duct arteriosus (PDA). To identify some of these issues early, a veterinarian may recommend eye, hip, and thyroid exams for the dog, as well as DNA tests to confirm CEA.

History and Background

The Australian Shepherd is, in fact, not Australian at all. A popular theory states that the Basques herders who emigrated to Australia in the 19th century brought their sheep and their sheepdogs, some of which were Australian Shepherd dogs, with them. Others believe the guardian breed, which is known for its versatility, originated in Turkey more than 5,000 years ago.

What is certain is that the Australian Shepherd Club of America was established in 1957. These dogs soon adapted themselves to the harsh conditions of the United States; some were even featured in film or used as trick dogs in rodeos. The American Kennel Club formally recognized the breed in 1993.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, or Australian Heeler, is a true blue Australian native. As the name suggests, this breed has traditionally been used for cattle herding, and has maintained its popular place as a working dog because of its soft but assertive bite with cattle, its exceptional problem solving abilities, and its impressive level of intelligence. As a working dog, or as a companion to a high energy family, the Australian is obedient and faithful; the perfect breed for anyone who is always on the go.

Physical Characteristics

Australian Cattle Dogs are the physical mirror of the Dingo, though with a slightly thicker body set, and with quiet and gentility bred in. The coat of the Heeler is ticked, meaning that the hairs are of different colors along each shaft of hair. The medium textured outer coat is straight, close to the body and moderately short while the undercoat is short and substantial. This outer coat is harder to the touch, making it resistant to rain and enabling it to survive under harsh Australian conditions. The two standard colors are red and blue, sometimes with a mask over the eyes, and sometimes not. Either appearance is acceptable. The body is muscular and compact, of moderate size at about 17 to 20 inches tall at the withers. It is a bit longer than taller, with a low set tail and a broad head.

Australian Cattle Dogs do not tire easily, they are capable of working or exercising long hours, and indeed, they work best when challenged to difficult tasks. They are fast runners and quick in changing directions -- as they must be to work with heavy cattle. The movement of the Heeler is athletic, agile, and in graceful unison, from hindquarter to shoulder and foreleg.

Personality and Temperament

Australian Cattle Dogs have a stubbornness that makes them high achievers that are ready to meet the toughest challenges. They are independent by nature, but are entirely trust-worthy and capable of being left in control of a herd. However, it is necessary for the owner to take on the role of master -- or pack leader, as it is termed -- without question, since this breed has a strong pack instinct. Heeler's have sharp minds and should be given regular physical and mental exercises so that they are able to focus and respond well. Regular open space exercise is essential for the Heeler's well being. If they are left without direction, they will look for ways to occupy themselves, which can lead to mischief. On the other hand, this breed is known to pick up after itself, putting toys away after activity time.

They are good with children but may have a tendency to try to control their movements, to "herd" the children. With strangers, the standard expected stance for this breed is one of shyness and caution. Outside of the traditional working environment for which this breed was designed, it is especially suited for an active, adventurous life, such as hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities.

Care

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive under both cool and temperate climatic condition. They were bred especially for the sometimes harsh environment of the Australian outback. They can live in a secure shelter outdoors, but they also do well inside the house with the family. Ample physical and mental exercise, perhaps long sessions of walking or jogging, or specially designed agility exercises, such as Frisbee or course runs, will help the Heller to stay fit and to spend its excess energy. Grooming is easy enough, with the occasional combing and brushing to encourage hair turnover, along with weekly baths.

The importance pf obedience and intellectual challenges for keeping the Australian Cattle Dog fit cannot be stressed enough. A Heeler without a job will be frustrated and unhappy. They are unsuitable for living an apartment life, or living in an environment that restricts their movement.

Health

Australian Cattle Dogs have a lifespan of about 10 to 13 years. Some of the major health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, deafness, and Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD). Apart from these, some of the diseases that can be occasionally seen in them are lens luxation, cataract, con Willebrand's Disease (vWD), and Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM). Therefore, it is advisable to have regular tests on eyes, hips, elbows, and ears.

History and Background

Australian Cattle Dogs were earlier known by the breed names Queensland Blue Heelers and Australian Heelers. They are often still referred to as Australian or Blue Heelers. Their beginnings can be traced to the 1800s, when cattle herders that had emigrated from Britain to Australia found that the sheep herding dogs they had brought with them were not adjusting to the harsher environment of the outback.

The Smithfield dogs, as they were called, had thick coats that had suited them well back in London, but that weighed too heavy on them in Australia. Ranchers complained as well that the Smithfields bit too hard and barked too much, making their cattle anxious and prone to lower weights. The need for a dog that could survive under harsh conditions in the rough tracts and manage the cattle without getting too rowdy or rough with the cows led to a long period of breed experimentation, beginning with a man named Timmins who crossed the Smithfield with the native Australian Dingo. It was not a successful pairing, as the resulting progeny was too aggressive, but it was the beginning of the recreation of the Dingo as a working companion. More successful was Thomas Hall, of New South Wales, who crossed the Dingo with the Blue Smooth Highland Collie. The offspring proved mush more useful here, and came to be known as Hall's Heelers.

Along the way, subsequent cattlemen bred other dog breeds into Hall's Heelers in order to strengthen the breed and improve upon it, most notably the Bull Terrier, which lent its tenacious nature. Brothers Harry and jack Bagust bred the Dalmatian with one of Hall's Heelers, which added an affection for human companions, and further on added the Black and Tan Kelpie to the line, for its working ability. It was at this point that the Australian Cattle Dog breed truly took shape.

The first breed standard was spelled out in 1902 by breeder Robert Kaleski. The best results were used to further the breeding program, until the breed could be considered pure. It is from this line of pure Australian Heeler's that today's Cattle Dog can be traced. It is the addition of the Dalmatian that causes Australian cattle Dog puppies to be born white, but otherwise, the breed bears little resemblance to this “blood relative.”

Heelers gained popularity in U.S. very slowly, finally receiving recognition from the American Kennel Club  in 1980. Since then, the Australian Cattle Dogs have shown great merit as a show dog.

Dislocated elbow and Symptoms

A dislocated elbow occurs when the bones that make up the joint are forced out of alignment — typically when a person lands on an outstretched hand during a fall.

Toddlers may experience a dislocated elbow, sometimes known as nursemaid's elbow, if they are lifted or swung by their forearms.

If you or your child has a dislocated elbow, seek immediate medical attention. Complications can occur if the dislocated elbow pinches or traps the blood vessels and nerves that serve the lower arm and hand.

In most cases, a dislocated elbow can be realigned without surgery. However, the impact that caused the elbow to dislocate also can cause bone fractures within the joint, so surgical repair may be necessary.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a dislocated elbow commonly include:

• Extreme pain
• Obvious distortion of the joint

In some cases, the elbow may be only partially dislocated, which can cause bruising and pain where the ligaments were stretched or torn.

Diabetic coma and Symptoms

A diabetic coma is a life-threatening diabetes complication that causes unconsciousness.

If you have diabetes, dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to a diabetic coma.

If you lapse into a diabetic coma, you're alive — but you can't awaken or respond purposefully to sights, sounds or other types of stimulation. Left untreated, a diabetic coma can be fatal.

The prospect of a diabetic coma is scary, but fortunately you can take steps to help prevent a diabetic coma. Start by following your diabetes treatment plan.

Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain
• Fruity breath odor
• A very dry mouth
• A rapid heartbeat

Diabetes and Symptoms

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood glucose, commonly called blood sugar. Glucose is vital to your health because it's an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain's main source of fuel.

If you have diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the reasons may differ. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes — when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes — and gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy but may resolve after the baby is delivered.

Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough insulin)
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• High blood pressure
• Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal or bladder infections