All About Chow Chows

Welcome to the wonderful world of Chow Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Chow Chow is probably the most misunderstood of all dog breeds. Over the years the breed has received negative publicity for aggression, however, like any other breed this depends on how the dog was raised. Chow Chows are low-energy, highly intelligent dogs. The breed is naturally clean and quiet which allows for the breed to do well in most living situations as long as the dog is given adequate exercise. The dog is not one to run away, so he does well in a fenced yard. He will remain loyal to the family until the end, but before adding a new Chow puppy to yours, please do your research and make sure the breed is right for you, because they can be harder to re-home as they become very attached to their owners.

When you make the choice to adopt a Chow puppy, you are making a life-long commitment. Although the breed is easier to care for than most, they are still not for everyone. Check with your landlord and insurance company before bringing one home because some insurance companies either charge a higher premium or will not cover your home at all if you have the breed.

After your research is complete and you have decided upon the Chow Chow, make sure you choose a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill. You should start socializing your Chow puppy immediately because the breed can become aggressive. Proper socialization from a young age, however, can prevent this. In the end, if you choose the Chow as the right breed for you, you will not be disappointed; this is one of the best breeds available!

Why is a Chow's Tongue Purple?

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:32:00 +0000

One of the great debates of the dog world has always involved the color of the Chow’s tongue. Many people ask why the Chinese Chow Chow and Shar-Pei both have purple tongues, but other breeds do not; the answer to this question is not simple or known for a fact.

What is known is that the Chow is a very ancient breed of dog that originates back to the Han Dynasty in 150 BC China. We also know that over 30 pedigree dog breeds can develop black spots on the tongue. Now, the complication comes when trying to explain this phenomenon.

For starters, DNA tests were conducted on the Chow dog and it has been confirmed that it is one of the oldest breeds of dog. The DNA analysis also confirmed the breed originally evolved from wolves.
There has been a long-accepted theory in the dog world that the Chow Chow breed was developed by crossing the original Samoyed with the old Mastiff of Tibet. However, in modern day this theory is being questioned because neither the Tibetan Mastiff nor Samoyed has purple tongues. Hence, this information is causing many experts to believe that the Chow and Shar-Pei are possibly the original breeds of dog that all other breeds have originated from.

Now, with that information out of the way, we will discuss how the coloring is created. The blue-black color comes from the same type of pigment that causes humans to have freckles. It is interesting to mention that few other animals outside the Chow and Shar-Pei have black tongues, and those are the polar bear, giraffe, and some cattle breeds.

It is not known why or how this has happened to so few animals over the centuries. Today, there are many purebred dogs that can develop black spots on their tongue. These breeds include: Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Bichon Frise, Doberman, Airedale, and many others. So, if your dog is a full blooded Labrador and he starts developing black spots on his tongue, this does not mean he is part Chow; he is not. This is completely normal and should cause no alarm for you.

In conclusion, if you go to the local animal shelter to adopt a puppy and find one that has black spots on its tongue might or might not be part Chow. If this is the case, you should ask what breed the shelter believes the dog is; they are usually very knowledgeable at giving the best idea. The reason many dog breeds can develop black spots is most likely because they originated from the Chow Chow a long time ago.

History of Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Some scholars believe the Chow Chow to be one of the most ancient breeds of dog. Scientists used DNA analysis to confirm this theory and realized it was indeed one of the first dog breeds to evolve from a wolf about 2,000 years ago. Other scholars, however, believe the Chow Chow existed long before that, possibly dating back to 150 BC or earlier. Archeologists found artifacts dating from the Han dynasty unmistakably picturing the breed on engravings and sculptures.

There’s no doubt that the Chow originated somewhere between Northern China and the Mongolia region. The Chow is referred to as “Songshi Quan” in Chinese which literally means “puffy lion dog” because of its uncanny resemblance to a lion. There are conflicting theories as to which breeds created the Chow Chow. On one side, experts believe the Chow Chow was formed by a cross between the Tibetan Mastiff and the Samoyed. On the other hand, people believe the breed is a mix of Norwegian Elkhound, Samoyed, Keeshond, and Pomeranian.

The Chow Chow is one of the only breeds exhibiting the trademark blue-black tongue, the other breed being the Chinese Shar-Pei. Although these breeds have a blue-black tongue as a breed standard, they are not the only breeds to have color on their tongue as black spots on the tongue are very common in many dogs. We will discuss the Chow Chow’s tongue in more depth later.

The Chow Chow was bred as an all purpose working dog for hunting, pulling, and protecting the home. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Chow Chow in 1903 as a member of the non-sporting group. The Chow
Chow Club of America was recognized and accepted by the AKC in 1906.

Some groups claim the Chow Chow was bred in China for human consumption because the slang term “Chow” in Chinese means edible. Unfortunately, a sad part of the breed’s history is that Chows actually were used for food in China; it is claimed they also used the dog’s fur for clothing.

The breed received fame around the world starting in 1880 when Queen Victoria took an interest in the breed and began importing Chow Chows into England. The breed first entered the United States in 1890, but did not really gain fame until the roaring 20’s when it was a popular breed among the rich and famous.

Some famous Chow owners are Martha Stewart, Janet Jackson, Sigmund Freud, and a black Chow named Timmy even lived in the White House with President Calvin Coolidge!

Chow Chow Profile

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Appearance

Height: 17 - 20 inches at the shoulder; dogs can be larger or smaller but must be proportional.

Weight: 45 - 70 pounds with the males being larger.

Life Expectancy: 9 - 15 years

Litter Size: 5 - 7 puppies

A Chow Chow's coat can come in two textures, either smooth or rough. Both coat types are thick and course, requiring regular maintenance. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allows Chow Chows to come in five coat colors: Cream, Red, Blue, Black, and Cinnamon. Although variations of these colors are allowed, parti-colors are not.

Chows are medium built dogs of the arctic type. They are heavy boned and have strong muscular development. The Chow Chow's body is compact with a tail that is set high, but carried close to the dogs back. The breed has very straight hind legs which results in the breed's characteristic stilted gait. The gait causes the dog to look very proud when it walks. This is a breed with a large amount of dignity.

The dogs have large heads with a muzzle that is short and broad. The Chow Chow has an unmistakable scowling look on his face with his deep set, almond-shaped eyes. The most well-known characteristic the breed possesses is the blue-black tongue. The AKC requires the tongue to be this color to be accepted into the club. However, occasionally the breed with have splashes of pink which is acceptable. Experts say diluted coat colors such as cinnamon and blue are more susceptible to pink splashes, as well as older Chows. An interesting fact is that all Chow Chow puppies are born with pink tongues and by 8 - 10 weeks of age most tongues have completely turned blue-black.

Due to the large amounts of fur around their heads and looming eye problems within the breed lead the dogs to have poor peripheral vision, so it is important to approach these dogs from the front or announce your presence.

Temperament and Personality

Chow Chows are intelligent, keen, independent dogs who have a certain aloofness about them. The breed is interested in what they want, when they want. This is not a breed that can be controlled easily or who wants to be loved on constantly, although they do love attention from their friends and family. The breed is known to be a "one-owner" dog, however, they do well in families as long as they are properly introduced or raised with the family.

The breed is very discerning and reserved with strangers which make it an excellent guard dog. It is very important to socialize your Chow puppy at a young age. If socialized correctly, the breed can get along well with children, cats, dogs, or other animals. The breed is very well-mannered and clean which makes it an easy breed to potty train; sometimes, it seems as if the dogs potty train themselves as long as owners take them outside often enough when young. The dogs are very clean which helps make them easy to train. The breed is rather low-maintenance and can do well in most living conditions as long as it is exercised properly. Whether the dog is kept on a lot of land or in an apartment, the Chow makes a wonderful pet for experienced owners.

Chow Chow Health Issues

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:55:00 +0000

The Chow Chow, like any other purebred canine, is susceptible to certain diseases and health conditions. Such diseases and conditions are mainly caused by environmental factors or genetic predispositions. This article will explain the diseases, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of health related problems that are most common among the Chow Chow breed. This article includes information on entropion, juvenile cataracts, glaucoma, lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, hip dysplasia, gastric cancer, canine pemphigus, major histocompatibility complex, fleas, and skin melanoma.

Entropion

Entropion is a medical condition that occurs when the eyelid edges turn inward towards the eyeball instead of outward. This is a condition that usually occurs within the first six months of life but can become present later in life following other eye changes in the dog. The condition usually affects only the lower eyelid and entropion is considered to be an inherited disease, so it is mainly a genetic condition; however as we will discuss later this disease can be environmental. This disease can affect many purebreds other than the Chow Chow, such as the Great Dane, English Bulldog, Shar-pei, and the Labrador Retriever, among others.

Symptoms to watch for:

· Rolling of the eyelid

· Tearing

· Rubbing of the eyes

· Squinting or not being able to see the dog’s eye well

· A thick discharge around the eye

Diagnosis:

A veterinarian can complete an ocular exam. This exam will allow the doctor to look at the position of the eyelid and search for underlying causes for the entropion. Some underlying causes of entropion are abnormally placed or ingrown eyelashes. In addition, the vet will use a fluorescent dye to check for corneal ulcers caused by the lashes rubbing against the cornea.

Treatment:

Currently, there is no medical therapy to correct entropion; surgery is required. There are two surgery types available; one involves removal of skin, one does not. The procedure that does not require the removal of skin is usually performed on dogs under the age of 6 months and is most effective for cases of entropion that are just beginning. In this procedure, doctors use sutures or staples to pull the eyelids outward.

The other treatment involves the removal of skin near the eyelid margin. This surgery is recommended for a more permanent fix. There are several different techniques doctors use to remove the skin, depending on the location and severity of the entropion. The goal of both procedures is to return the eyelid to a normal state and keep hair off the cornea.

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:55:00 +0000

Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is a disease that is common in most all dog breeds, especially the larger ones. Hip dysplasia is characterized by loose, unstable hip joints. Dogs with hip dysplasia are born with normal hips and as they mature, the disease begins to take form. A puppy can begin to develop symptoms of the disease as early as 5 to 13 months of age, although the disease is most prominent in older dogs. Symptoms can affect one or both sides and can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain for the dog during any movement. Some breeds are at a higher risk of developing the disease such as Otterhunds, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, and Chows, among many others.

Symptoms:

Reluctance to climb stairs, exercise, or jump
Reduced physical activity
Rear limb waddling gait
Signs of lameness in the rear limbs, especially apparent following movement
Stiffness or difficulties while standing up
Dragging of the rear limbs

Diagnosis:

The procedure that is most common and considered the most effective is through the use of x-rays.

Treatment:

The goal for all hip dysplasia treatments is to inhibit further progression of the disease and decrease pain for the dog. There are several surgical and medical treatments readily available. The treatment type used will depend on the severity of the disease, age of the dog, and financial considerations of the owner. Disease management recommendations include body weight management, exercise restrictions, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. Ideally, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used as short-term pain management treatments. Popular drugs used for treatment include Acetaminophen, cortisone, NSAIDs, and visco-supplementation. Doctors offer surgical procedures, that are usually required for older dogs, that include Total Hip Replacement (THR), Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), Darthroplasty, and Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO).

Canine Pemphigus in Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:54:00 +0000

Dog's Stomach with Pemphigus Foliaceus

Canine pemphigus is a sometimes severe autoimmune disease infecting a dog's skin and mucous membranes. An autoimmune disease, such as this one, happens when a dog's body mistakes a certain component of the dog's skin as a foreign object and starts making antibodies to rid the foreign object. In this specific disorder, auto-antibodies begin attacking skin cell walls, thus causing the cells to separate. This separation causes the outer layers of skin to split apart and once the skin pulls apart, the crevices become filled with cells and fluid. Thus, this disease can cause blistering eruptions that are most commonly found on the dog's ears, face, and oral cavities. The triggers for the disease are still undetermined; it has been equated to possibly genetics or environmental factors. Canine pemphigus is commonly found in older dogs around four years of age; although, some types can begin as young as two years old. Along with the Chow, this disease is found in other breeds as well, including: Dobermans, Akitas, Newfoundlands, Schipperkes, and Dachsunds. There are four sub-types of canine pemphigus, and they are:

Pemphigus Vegetans: This form of pemphigus is very rare and little research has been conducted on causes and treatments for it. Currently, most veterinarians prescribe topical ointments that contain glucocorticoids. These ointments have proven to be effective for treatment.
Pemphigus Foliaceus: This is considered the most common form of pemphigus. This form commonly creates crusty lesions around the dog's groin, eyes, ears, nose, and foot pads. To treat this form of pemphigus, the immune system must be suppressed. Prednisone has proven effective for treatment, sometimes in conjunction with Azathioprine for dogs who do not respond to Prednisone alone.
Pemphigus Erythemtosus: Pemphigus erythemtosus is the second most common form and is closely related to pemphigus foliaceus. The main difference between the two forms is that in this form the lesions are concentrated on the face and ear areas. There are two common treatments which include giving the dog vitamin E supplements or veterinarians can prescribe topical ointments that contain glucocorticoids.
Pemphigus Vulgaris: This is the most fatal and severe form of the pemphigus strains. The disease is difficult to manage, but treated in the same manner as pemphigus foliaceus. This form is severe causing blisters on the anus, vulva, inside of the mouth, and groin areas.

If you feel your Chow Chow has a form of canine pemphigus, please contact your dog's veterinarian immediately. The treatment of this disease will need to be closely monitored by both you and the dog's doctor. If you have additional questions or concerns about the disease, please contact your local veterinarian.

Skin Melanoma in Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:53:00 +0000

Dogs, like humans, can be infected with skin cancer, or skin melanoma. Furthermore, some breeds, more so than others are at high risk of developing skin cancer; Chows are one of the high risk dogs. Skin melanomas are tumors that arise from pigmented cells. This form of cancer is most commonly found on a dog's skin, toenails, or mouth. Most cancer spots located on the skin of a dog are benign (non fatal). However, most melanomas found on the toenails or in the mouth are malignant and have been known to spread to other areas of the body, invade local tissue, and even regrow after surgical removal. One difference between human and canine skin melanoma is that in humans, one main reason for the cancer growth is exposure to the sun; but in dogs, sun exposure has not been related to skin melanomas in dogs.

Due to the fact most skin melanomas require immediate attention, experts have agreed it is a good idea to perform a check on your Chow, or other breed at least once per month. You should look closely under the dog's fur at the condition of the dog's skin, toenails, and (if the dog permits) it's mouth. There are a couple differences between the appearance of malignant and benign melanomas. The types are said to look like:

Malignant Skin Melanoma: Can cause lymph nodes to appear enlarged or swollen and creates abnormal concentrated areas of pigmented skin. However, some have no color at all; these should be check immediately
Benign Skin Melanoma: These are usually seen as firm, raised, round, and darkly pigmented masses that vary from 1/4 inch to 2 inches in diameter. Benign melanomas are commonly found on back, head, and digits.

Symptoms:

If you notice any of the following symptoms on your Chow during the examination contact your veterinarian immediately.

Any tumor, especially those that bleed
Areas that do not heal
Areas that change color or have crusty, scaly lesions
Skin with lumps or discoloration under the tail
Areas the dog licks and scratches at repeatedly
Discharge from a nipple or swelling of the breast tissue
Unusual masses of tissue inside the mouth

Diagnosis:

Once you take your dog to the Vet, the doctor will do a visual examination to get a feel for the circumstances. Following a visual exam, the doctor will determine what other tests are required. There are several tests that can be conducted, the most common tests are:

A blood test to check the dog's overall health and organ function. Blood tests will also determine if the melanoma is localized or if it has spread to other areas of the dog's body.
A biopsy of the melanoma in question.
X-rays of the tumor area.
If needed, draining of the tumor.

Treatment:

Most skin melanomas require surgical removal of the tumor and all surrounding tissue. Localized tumors are almost always completely removed and the dog undergoes a full recovery. However, some malignant forms that have been able to spread in the body can create an unfavorable prognosis for dogs. To prevent melanomas from returning, Chemotherapy has been shown to have some success; but even with chemo, some melanomas will no go into a full remission. Talk to your Vet if you have any questions or concerns that your dog may have a skin melanoma.

Lymphoma in Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:54:00 +0000

Like people, dogs also get tumors. One of the most common form of canine tumors are Lymphosarcoma (LSA). These tumors are caused by a cancerous proliferation of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells that usually function within the immune system. Lymphoma can occur in dogs of all breeds and ages; although, the disease is usually diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs. The disease is considered to be genetic, with environmental factors playing a role. One study showed that the use of the herbicide 2, 4-D increased a dog's chance of developing lymphoma. Some breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Chows are at a higher risk than other breeds; the reason some breeds are at a higher risk than others is still unknown.

Symptoms:

Loss of appetite
Fever
Vomiting
Depression
Loss of fur
Weight loss
Increased water consumption
Increased urination

Diagnosis:

If you suspect your dog may have lymphoma, you should take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will conduct a biopsy of the affected organs or lymph nodes. If the doctor locates one location infected with lymphoma, he will conduct other tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays, bone marrow biopsies, or a blood analysis to reveal other locations within the dog's body. There are 5 stages of the disease, severity and location will be the main factors in the prognosis and treatment of the disease.

Treatment:

Since lymphoma is a deadly disease, it is important to take action quickly upon discovering the disease. In most cases, a complete cure is very rare, although a long remission is possible with chemotherapy. The disease is so deadly, an untreated dog has an average survival rate of 60 days. Treatment has been shown to raise the average survival rate to 9 to 12 months. Most common form of treatment involves a combination of vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, L-asparaginase, and prednisone. There are other chemotherapy drugs on the market, as well as some doctors who offer stem cell transplants. The cure rate with stem cell transplants is usually 40-50%; similar to the human survival rate with this treatment.

Juvenile Cataracts in Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:02:00 +0000

Juvenile cataracts are a common problem among many breeds of dogs, including Chows. Cataracts can be caused by heredity, toxins, trauma, infection, or diabetes. Breeders can eradicate the chances of juvenile cataracts by having both parents tested within one year of breeding. There are two types of juvenile cataracts which are of the dissolving or non-dissolving type. Cataracts of the dissolving type can be healed through time and the use of cortisone drops in the lenses. On the other hand, non-dissolving cataracts can cause total irreversible damage to the lens.

Juvenile cataracts do not always lead to blindness. It depends on the severity, location, and underlying reason for the cataracts. Some dogs have them and experience blurred vision, but can still see basic shapes. If left untreated, cataracts can sometimes cause glaucoma. If your Chow will develop these cataracts, it will most likely occur between 6 months and 2 years of age; however, these kind of cataracts can occur up until 5 years of age.

Symptoms:

The most common symptom is visible by the naked eye, and this symptom appears as a milky film behind the pupil. This is also referred to as "clouding of the eye".

Diagnosis:

Taking your Chow to the veterinarian is the best idea. The vet will examine the dog's eyes with a ophthalmoscope which can detect cataracts. The vet may also draw blood to check the dogs overall health, and may also perform an ERG that will ensure the dog's retina functions properly.

Treatment:

In some cases, dogs can live normal lives with slightly impaired vision, with no treatment required. In this case, the disease is present, but never worsens.

The vet will prescribe Cortisone drops if the dog has the dissolving type of cataract. This treatment only works in young dogs with a dissolving type.

Finally, surgery in the form of ultrasonic waves can be performed. The ultrasonic waves are used to convert the lens to liquid so it can be extracted via a small incision in the eye. Some doctors replace the lens with a plastic implant. It is reported that 95% of all surgeries for this cause are successful.

Canine Diabetes Mellitus

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:17:00 +0000

Canine Diabetes Mellitus is a group of conditions relating to problems with the hormone insulin. Diabetes in dogs is a common problem and is either related to a deficiency of insulin or a sensitivity to it. In a healthy dog, insulin is created to control the blood concentration levels of glucose by stopping the production of glucose by the liver. Insulin is also created to make sure the extra glucose from energy-producing foods is stored in the body properly.

On the other hand, a dog with diabetes has a lack of insulin to turn off glucose production in the liver and properly store the extra glucose mentioned above. This condition makes the blood concentration of glucose rise, eventually reaching levels that are too high. This causes the kidneys to allow glucose to leak into the urine. A process called Osmosis begins, this process begins when the loss of glucose into the urine begins to take the body's water supply with it. In the end, this causes larger amounts of urine to be produced which results in increased thirstiness and urination. There are two major types of diabetes, they are uncomplicated diabetes and diabetes with ketoacidosis. Dogs with uncomplicated diabetes will probably show symptoms such as the ones above, but the dog will not be extremely sick. On the other hand, dogs with diabetes with ketoacidosis will be extremely ill and can also be depressed and vomiting.

Symptoms:

Cataracts
Weight Loss
Increased urination
Increased water intake/thirstiness
Increased appetite
Recurrent infections
Intolerance to exercise

Diagnosis:

If you suspect your Chow has Diabetes, it is important to take he or she to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will perform some tests, most likely blood and urine samples will be taken. The doctor will check the urine for presence of glucose and check the blood for inconsistencies in in the blood concentration levels of glucose. The vet may also check other organs for infection because untreated diabetes can lead to bladder, skin, or kidney infections.

Treatment:

For dogs with uncomplicated diabetes, they will require long-term medication that will be managed by the dog's doctor. The medication can be given orally or injected; however, most of the time, dogs require injections where cats can take medicine orally. The medicine is used in combination with a more healthy diet. You should ask your dog's doctor if you need suggestions on food or how to change your pets diet.
Diabetes with ketoacidosis in dogs is dangerous and requires the animal to be treated using rapid action insulin and/or intravenous fluids. The dog will continue to go through this treatment until the condition is under control; once the condition is under control, the animal will stop vomiting and begin eating. After this has happened, the dog will be moved onto the normal treatment for uncomplicated diabetes.

Canine Glaucoma in Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:18:00 +0000

Canine glaucoma occurs when there is increased pressure within the eye. This pressure is the result of a build-up of aqueous humor, an intraocular fluid. In healthy dogs, this fluid drains through a circular filter where the white sclera and clear cornea meet; this junction is known as the iridocorneal angle. However, in a dog with glaucoma, the filter has an abnormality that is blocking the flow of the fluid, thus causing a build-up of the fluid.

There are several causes for canine glaucoma:

Intraocular tumors left untreated lead to glaucoma.
Some dogs are born with abnormal filters that leave them prone to inherited glaucoma in both eyes.
Certain breeds, such as Chows, have a genetic predisposition to developing displaced lenses. When the lenses are displaced, they block the filter and stop the flow of fluid.
Dogs that develop inflammation in their eyes are at risk of their filters becoming clogged with inflammatory cells.

If glaucoma is left untreated it will lead to blindness. If you feel your dog has glaucoma, please keep reading.

Symptoms:

There are often no symptoms; especially in the first stages of the disease. For this reason, many times glaucoma goes unnoticed and the dog eventually loses its sight. This is why a regular eye-check up by a veterinarian is very important for prompt, early treatment of the glaucoma. In later stages, there can be symptoms such as:

Rubbing of the eyes, especially if the glaucoma is painful
Swollen
Red
Sore
Clouded in appearance
Appear to be slightly sunken into the skull

Diagnosis:

Eye exams are the only positive way of diagnosing glaucoma. Veterinarians use three methods to diagnose the disease:

Ophthalmoscopy - A procedure used to evaluate the optic nerves and retina.
Tonometry - A procedure that measures the IOP with the use of special tool.
Gonioscopy - A procedure examining the angle of the anterior chamber.

Treatment:

Currently, there are several methods to correcting glaucoma in dogs. The procedure used depends on the severity and underlying cause of the glaucoma. Unfortunately there is no way to regain lost vision for your pet, but if treatment is available, it could be one of the following methods:

Laser Surgery - Laser surgery is considered the most effective long term method for managing glaucoma. This surgery is used to selectively destroy the ciliary body and tissue to reduce the production of the aqueous fluid. This method is sometimes used in junction with shunts.
Valved Shunts and other implants - Shunts or other implants are usually used following other failed treatment methods. These devices are used to control the flow and storage of the fluid.
Enucleation - This method requires removal of the eyeball and is generally reserved for patients in the final stages of glaucoma.

The Panda Bear trend in Chows

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:15:00 +0000

It was a trend that started in China and quickly caught the attention of the world as people began dying their dogs' fur to look like exotic animals. As you would imagine the trend is semi-controversial; although groomers insist the dye is 100% safe for the animals, others feel otherwise. This trend is especially popular among Chows because the dogs have an uncanny resemblance to an unpainted (Panda) bear.

The trend began when Kensuke Hirakawa, a pet store owner and former beautician decided to dye his dog Columbo. Columbo was adopted by Hirakawa after the dog's original owners wanted the dog put to sleep. When Hirakawa inherited Columbo he noticed the dog had stains on the fur surrounding his eyes from an eye infection. To hide the staining, Hirakawa used doggie-safe black dye to paint the naturally white dog to look like a Panda. The dye he used is non-toxic and temporary, usually lasting around a month. During the next month, Columbo began receiving widespread attention and soon more Panda dogs appeared.

It was following this that Chow Chows in China and Japan began to appear painted like Pandas. The trend spread a little more with one person painting their Golden Retriever to look like a Bengal Tiger. As mentioned earlier, the trend is split among animal lovers. Some people think of it as a harmless way to have fun with their pet's appearance, and others believe it to be animal abuse. If you are interested in trying this with your pet, please seek advice from professional dog groomers and do not attempt this at home using human hair dye; this can be very dangerous for your dog!

Columbo (First Panda Pup)

Golden Retriever Bengal Tiger

Housebreaking your Chow Chow

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:10:00 +0000

Most owners find that Chows are the easiest dogs to housebreak. It's almost as if the puppies potty train themselves between 6 and 10 weeks of age. The breed possess a good understanding of keeping a clean home. The dogs are very cat-like in actions and cleanliness; in fact, some owners even report that they have witnessed their Chow cleaning his face with his paws just like a cat!

Since the breed is known to be more on the lazy side, even as puppies, they do not tend to damage furniture or other items in the home. As long as you teach your puppy where its toys are and what its limits are, the dog will be easy to train. The breed can be very stubborn, for this reason, a Chow may not learn to perform tricks like other breeds do. This goes back to the Chow being very cat-like, a Chow has a certain independent, aloof attitude about it. These dogs like to live a good life and do what they wish; whether that's running around in the yard chasing
butterflies (the breed is very curious sometimes) or lying on the cool tile next to its humans, the dog is happy if it can do as it wishes.

The Chow is a good breed to crate train. Some people believe that crates are cruel and should not be used, however that is not true. As a matter of fact, a crate is a beneficial training tool. When a dog is crate trained, it is usually forced to hold it's potty until it is let out of the crate. Now, I'm not saying you should leave a dog locked up in a crate for hours on end, because that is not a good idea and not healthy for the dog's mental state. However, crating the dog for a couple hours at a time when you are gone will help to housebreak the dog and give the dog a chance to feel secure and at rest.

The Chow Chow Diet

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:10:00 +0000

One of the most important things to remember about owning a Chow is that the breed needs a well balanced diet to ensure proper health. Your dog's diet is essential for a long, healthy life. With that said, it is a good idea to put your dog on a schedule and make sure the schedule is followed. It is recommended that Chows are fed 4 cups of food per day, being served in one or two servings. If you choose to feed your Chow in two servings, it is suggested to feed the dog once in the morning and once in the evening. Make sure you allow your dog access to fresh, clean water all day as the dog requires a lot of water.

The breed is a non-sporting dog and does not require high amounts of protein like a working dog would. The other reason large amounts of protein, like those found in meats, is bad for Chows is because the breed is at high risk for skin conditions; this can be avoided by cutting large amounts of meat from the dog's diet. You can feed your Chow dry dog food, but make sure its a natural, high quality food that does not contain high amounts of preservatives because those are bad for the dog's digestive tract.

Here are some tips for a healthy diet in Chows:

Omega fatty acids are essential for maintaining skin and coat.

You can add a teaspoon of fish oil or olive oil to the dog's food to provide some fatty acids.

Breed does best on a homemade diet.

Diet should contain rice to aid the dog's digestive tract.
Feed the dog plenty of crunchy vegetables such as fresh celery and carrots to help prevent plaque on the teeth.
For protein you can try cottage cheese, cooked eggs, or ham occasionally.
Other healthy foods Chows love are frozen peas, beans, and blueberries.

Do not overfeed your Chow because the breed is at high risk of developing bloat, which can be fatal.

Adopting a Chow Chow

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:09:00 +0000

If you are considering adopting a Chow Chow, make sure you do your research. This breed can be stubborn and is not the right breed for everyone. Chows are an ancient breed of dog dating back at least 2,000 years. The breed has primarily been used as a draft and guard dog. Since the breed is very territorial by nature, it makes Chows very protective of their family and home. Some people say Chows are one owner dogs, although this may be true in some individual dogs, it is not always the case with every Chow.

If a Chow is chosen as a family pet, it is important to socialize the Chow at a very young age with many people, especially children of all shapes and sizes. The more people you introduce your Chow to, the more he will accept strangers. However, they will not accept strangers as other breeds accept strangers because Chows are suspicious by nature and are not overly loving of any human. If you are wanting a dog that will show you affection via kisses on a daily basis, the Chow may not be the breed for you. Although the dog would protect his family
with his life, he will not shower the family with wet sloppy kisses as other breeds will.

This breed is very cat-like in actions. They are very clean which makes them easy to potty train. On the other hand, they are stubborn, so they do not achieve high marks for obedience. Even though the breed is smart enough to learn and do tricks, most are too independent and headstrong to ever actually perform. There probably are Chow Chows out there somewhere that do perform when asked though. This breed requires an experienced dog owner. Since Chows want to be boss, it is important to have a firm hand over the dog and teach the dog from a young age the pecking order of the family. However, do not push a Chow too far, because they have been known to push back in the form of a bite. For this reason the breed is usually on the top ten list of breeds that bite.

Always make sure you buy your Chow from a reputable person and ask as many questions as possible. If you have small children and are thinking about adopting an older Chow, you should contact the local Chow Rescue in your area. The people who run these rescues are very knowledgeable and only want the best for the dogs, so they go to great lengths to match the dogs with perfect families.

Privacy Policy

noreply@blogger.com (HHall) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:02:00 +0000

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