online cae LA/Feb.02

[Joy Lucas]

Dear all, as we have 3 cases this month and as we also have a bit of time to
wait for a follow-up from the last case, I am posting this one from Lisa -
our first animal case. Please post your replies to the group for us all to
share. Best wishes, Joy Lucas
BEN:
Border Collie (he's pedigree but from a working line/family - didn't want a
'show' dog).

DOB 6 June 1996 - age 5 ½ years old.
He's never had a remedy before. He's always been fairly healthy.

DIET: He eats ground beef and buffalo (half cooked) - alternate days - with
biscuits (he doesn't eat many of those if any at all). Of course, he LOVES
any steaks/roast scraps I feed him.....loves milk but I think he shouldn't
have straight milk but cream (hubby disagrees)....

Also, Ben gets some vitamin powder sprinkled on his food. It's got a huge
list of Vitamins and Minerals, then there are: Micronutrients (choline
cholride and Lecithin), Micro-organisms 20million cfu (whatever the heck
that means!), Antioxidants (Ethoxyquine100ug and BHT), Other Ingredients:
Fish meal, dried yeast, protein 25%, digestible protein 22%, and maize
flour. The brand name is SA-37 Intervet Powder (complimentary feeding
stuff).

Gets sick if he eats too much chicken or turkey - too rich for him - and he
develops nasty diarrhoea. So he can only eat a small amount without getting
the squits.

He is veryyyyyy friendly. LICKS everyone like mad.

He LOVES bitches and WHINES and PINES for them....digs holes to get out
constantly (once he discovered 'mating' he was MAD for it, lol). He goes
through phases, obviously - but when the bitches are in heat - and all
loiter outside our fence - Ben behaves extremely crazy for them.

He has not been bred. THOUGH he has tasted the 'good life'...hence his randy
behaviour. Once he discovered sex - he began digging holes under the fence
to get out and get down to business. Now, we haven't worried too much about
this - as it is only natural - but recently with the temporary paralysis
thing (see below) - and his more aggressive licking, tearing the clothes and
whining/crying when the bitches are around - I'm thinking he could do with
some sound treatment.

When the bitches are around and he cannot find a way out of the fence (i.e.
successfully dig a hole. And he has dug to the point where he has skinned
his nose badly before!) he gets antsy - paces the floor - and whines and
cries...all on high-alert and begging me to let him out.

No gleet or discharge of any kind from his penis that we have noticed. And
we probably would notice, since he spends a fair amount of time with his
'lipstick' out licking himself (this is usually when the bitches are in heat
and circling the fence outside otherwise he doesn't spend a lot of time -
that is noticeable - licking his bits!). My kids came up with the name
'lipstick'.

He is VERY smart. I swear he understands English!!

He smiles- he bares all his teeth while wagging his tail and his body goes
from side to side in his enthusiasm.

He loves to play. He's a typical Border Collie - *round 'em up and bully
'em*. He thinks he is herding sheep or goats...he does this with my children
and any other children who are around (he does it with me in the house!).
All very playful and fun. He runs if they run. He runs to me if I'm tickling
one of the children 'to see if they are okay'. NEVER bites me but has been
known to nip if there are PEELS of laughter and giggles...gets very worried
one of us is getting hurt. In fact, he is confused if the 3 of us (me and
the kids) are playing because he cannot tell who 'needs help'...and will
stand ready - not knowing who to 'tell off'. (tells one of us off by either
physically coming close to 'herd' OR nips and the nipping is very rare).

He can do all sorts of tricks -and is very well trained. He can 'seek' - so
one of the kids will hide...and the other will stay with Ben - then when the
other child is hidden - the child with Ben will tell him to 'seek'...and he
goes and finds the hidden child. He LOVES this. He will jump through your
arms (if you make a hole/circle). He will jump over anything if you tell him
'over'. He sits, stays, etc, etc....you get the picture. BUT, he is unruly
and ill behaved in all these commands EXCEPT with my husband. He WILL do
them for the rest of us but ONLY if he feels like it (or should I say he is
contrary when he feels like it....more often than not he will do what you
tell him).

He LOVEEEEEEEEES fetch. Loves chasing the ball or a hoop that we throw for
him. We have to hide it when inside the house or he is too wound up in
anticipation of the game. So, I'd say his play for his breed is fairly
normal all in all.

He is very protective of the kids (he has nipped, but NEVER bitten, other
kids when they've been nasty to my kids - and I mean just verbally nasty! He
is smart hey).

He can be contrary with me tho - he knows I'm *not* his
boss/master/main-squeeze - and so he bullies me (John giggles when Ben does
this). If he is naughty and I give him a mere look - he is wagging his
backside "sorry" and begging for attention/forgiveness. He's so lovely in so
many ways, really.

You should have seen him the morning I went into labour with my son (born in
'97). I awoke with Ben's nose UNDER the covers resting on my right arm. He
would NOT leave me alone. I realised I had 'wet' myself and groaned thinking
I really had pee'd the bed. So, I got up - went to the shower (realising
that really my waters had broken) - while I showered, Ben's whole head was
IN the shower with me. He would NOT leave. When I finished - his whole head
was soaked (he hates getting water in his eyes whilst bathing, normally).

He wouldn't eat the ENTIRE time I was at hospital (3 days I was gone)...and
laid by the front door the entire time - crying. Licked the baby from head
to toe (not the mouth, lol) when we got home....

(Original Complaint when I started working on his case back in December,
2001)

A couple of months ago I was just home from taking the kids to school. And I
heard a strange noise in the kitchen...like something being dragged across
the floor. I always talk to Ben and I called through to him and said, "Are
you okay Ben?" I could hear the noise more so after I called through and
immediately went to see what was wrong, realising he wasn't digging in the
rubbish or something equally naughty (which he really doesn't do to be
fair..only a couple of times in his life).

When I got there a second later, I saw his hind legs were being dragged on
the floor and he was whimpering. He let me come to him - and I stroked him -
talking to him (soothing him) and trying to figure out what the hell was
wrong. After a minute or so - he was able to stand on them again (tho
wobbly) - and I thought - well, he must've been digging to get out again
(naughty!!) and probably got himself through a tight squeeze.... And, since
he seemed okay, I left it (watching him of course).

A little while later, I plopped my butt on the couch with Kent's Lectures
(and a coffee) - and Ben was being excessively sort of clingy-like. He was
lying practically on top of me (he kept laying his head on me - and putting
his paw up - and normally he will stop if I ask him too, but not on this
occasion. Also, he doesn't sit on our furniture.but this time he was pawing
me, etc). So, I stopped reading and stroked him - and while doing so, I
discovered there was a lump - size of a US quarter (coin)- on the right hind
quarter. It seemed to be painful *at the time* because when I ran my fingers
across (unknowingly at first) he whimpered and growled mildy. I then talked
to him to soothe him so I could part the hair to see if I could find any
bite marks...

He let me (reluctantly, bless his heart). I couldn't tell really. The lump
was lumpy (if that makes any sense - it wasn't smooth) - and it might've had
puncture wounds (snake?) but it was so swollen I couldn't be sure. By now,
tho, he was using his legs fine and I wondered at the same time if he had
been bitten by a snake in the hedge while trying to break out to play stud
for the day again or if it was even related.

That night he seemed fine..and the lump seemed a bit smaller. Similar the
next day - he was fine and the lump was a bit smaller again. Then I just
forgot about it since he seemed fine.

My husband and the kids bathed him a few weeks later - and John said he
noticed the lump was still there! Much to our surprise.

He really seemed fine otherwise... his normal self. The only thing I became
concerned about was the lump. And, I was also concerned - before this
paralysis thing and the lump - that he looks a bit stiff when he wakes up
and walks... Once warmed up and walking he is very agile. He has some
stiffness when he gets up in the mornings, or from a nap (any part of the
day) that seems to be better after he's moved around. He just looks like his
feet or legs (maybe his hips? Hard to tell!) are stiff/sore and it is
definitely better for movement (once it's warmed up???).

So, we had him checked (late December, 2001) by our friend who is a
veterinarian. After examining the lump - he said that it probably wasn't
related to the incident where Ben lost use of his hind legs temporarily (as
described above).

It very well could be that the lump was already there and I only noticed it
on that day that he dragged his legs (remember it was only a short period
that he was paralysed) because I was cuddling him so closely.

In any case, the lump is free-floating under the skin - not attached to
anything so he said it is probably non-malignant. He advised us to
watch/monitor it - and if it grows or changes in any way then he'd consider
removing it (and sending it off for lab tests...).

Also, the lump doesn't seem to bother him - he doesn't flinch or anything if
you touch it - despite that day when I touched it and he seemed mildly
irritated by it. In fact, Peter pinched it up to see if it was attached to
anything (muscle, etc) and Ben just sat there wagging his tail and loving
all the extra attention.

(It was also considered but I don't think it applies - that this episode of
paralysis might have been a seizure. Again, I don't think it was because he
was lucid and alert when dragging his hind-quarters. He responded to my
cuddles in his normal way.)

Then - some days after getting his lump checked:

There was a change in his behaviour (he had never done this before in his 5
1/2 years!!!!):
A few weeks ago (late December) - we went out to supper one night. We were
only gone for two hours and when we got home Ben had obviously been in the
children's room whilst we were out. He had clawed at the carpet (you could
see where he had clawed - the marks were apparent, tho nothing was torn) AND
he had taken some of the children's play-clothes that had been neatly folded
and laid on the couch in their room - and had flung them all over the place.
There were holes in some of the clothes. He didn't seem to go for any of
the stuffed animals that sit on the couch or any other toys...just the
clothes and the small rug that sits in front of the couch (that was in a
heap, but no holes). I don't think he meant to tear anything - just played
roughly.

We were shocked, as he has never done anything like this before - ever. Not
once.

And within a few days - he struck again with another clothing item.

The odd thing (initially) was that all the clothes he 'played' with belong
to our daughter. She is almost 10 years old. There was a hole (I noticed
when I was doing laundry one day) in the arm of her shirt (brand new LL Bean
shirt, I annoyingly add!). But recently (a couple of weeks ago) he made
holes in one of my son's shirts..

He usually gets a walk daily and he definitely is not left alone for long
periods - there is, at least 90% of the time(!!) someone here with him.....

I understand some of his behaviour is normal but the tearing clothes isn't
normal for him. And, this lump isn't normal. And I even don't think his
habit of licking so much, is normal. He stops but not without severe telling
off...in other words, once he is started licking (affection no doubt) he
almost can't bring himself to stop it - even when you are annoyed and have
had ENOUGH!

We switch shampoos for ourselves frequently - in case anyone wonders about
shampoo/perfumes, etc for my daughter in relation to Ben chewing her
clothes. She doesn't use perfume usually but occasionally sprays some body
spray on herself after a bath but this is nothing new. So, we're not sure
why he chewed her clothes soley - when it first happened (my son's clothes
were there too so we thought it odd that he went for hers). I considered
that she is almost 10 - and has some hormones kicking in.maybe that was it?

As far as Ben and my daughter - their relationship. I thought about that as
well. Their relationship has always been a playful one. She loves Ben, tho
she terrorised him at times. She doesn't hurt him but she definitely plays
rough and he with her too. They both seem to give each other as much as they
get and we've had no real problem with the two of them. He LOVES her.

He probably is more protective of my son (he's only 4 1/2) - who my daughter
is a bit jealous of and hasn't gotten over the fact that he is alive,
kicking and part of this family. (She liked being the only child for 5
years). This isn't a huge issue but I think Ben senses that Hunter needs
more protection than Alexandra.

As for chemicals - we do worm him about 3 times per year (err, my husband -
if it were left to me, we'd go completely natural and just feed him garlic
only......) and bathe him once a month.

Here is what my husband uses for his baths:
Shampoo is usually done with Palmolive - a mild and gentle shampoo followed
by a bit of Flea & Tick Shampoo called "Flea & Tick Shampoo" by HAGEN. It
contains:

Pyrethrins 0.054%
*Technical piperonyl butoxide 0.108%
N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide 0.178%
+Equivalent to 0.086% (butylcarbityl)
(6-propylpiperonyl) ether and 0.022% related compounds
Sheesh, that sounds awful. But remember, this isn't used regularly. (And if
it were left to me, I wouldn't use it at all but try to find an
alternative...any suggestions??)
If the fleas are really bad (and sometimes they are in the hotter months out
here - he will use an Insecticidal Powder by Vetzyme (Phillips Yeast
Products, LTD brand) - on the bottle/container it says "Kills fleas on
dogs". He sprinkles it on Ben and the carpet and furniture.
Ingredients are:
Pyrethrum Extract 25% 0.4% w/w
Piperonyl Butoxide 0.6% w/w

I used to get herbal drops and put them on his back, but John didn't like
them because they made his coat yukky/oily.

We don't have any worming tablets at the moment, so can't say for sure what
we use - but they are whatever is commonly obtained from a pet store.

The only dogs around here are Jebel dogs (meaning 'mountain' dogs)...they
are mostly feral animals in this region so none of them would have been
treated for fleas, etc (ruling out exposure to chemicals from other
animals)...they are all wild dogs. He is the only pure bred Border Collie
round here that I've seen and know of (we brought him out to Oman with us
from England when he was 16 weeks old). So, there are no other dogs he has
contact with (we live on a military camp) other than those ferel bitches
that come calling from time to time.

We do not use chemicals on our ground (outside). The ground is sandy/rocky -
no grass to speak of (only a very tiny patch to the side of the rear garden
which we try to keep watered/growing so he can have some if he needs it (he
has eaten it on occasion as dogs do).

He sleeps inside our house...we have a dog door so he comes and goes as he
pleases. The garden is fenced in.

The following are things I've quoted from my husband, which I feel are very
important to the case. My husbands comments are in QUOTES "" with a ~ in
front ---- while my comments are preceded by "My comments".

~"Dogs usually mature and become more placid with age - but Ben has not!
Partly this is the breed, I'm sure."

~"His reactions [to bitches] seem pretty normal to me! In most (suburban)
neighbourhoods bitches in heat are locked up but here the bitches are
teasing him from the other side of the garden fence."

~ "He is a strong character male of a breed that likes to control! Border
Collies are well known for being one-man (/woman) dogs, which is much the
same as saying that they don't easily accept domination. Border Collies also
like to intimidate - or they wouldn't be much good at herding - and so far
Ben has only bluffed."

~ "He doesn't 'mouth'. Licking is affectionate plus he enjoys the
taste/scent (salt?)."

~ "Recently he has reverted(?) to some mildly destructive behaviour when
left alone - chewing on clothes. He is not really left alone a lot but this
is naturally not a popular development."

~ "He initiates fetching games at every opportunity -even bringing over a
small rock to be thrown if nothing else is to hand. He will quit eventually,
when exhausted, but has a lot of stamina and usually outlasts the thrower!
He drags my shoes (trainers) out when he thinks he should be taken for a
walk! "

My comments: yes, this is quite funny actually. Ben will go into our room -
and pick up John's shoes - one by one - and move them a few feet from the
spot they were in! He started doing this in the last year.

~ "Apart from the bitches, I regret that he gets less attention and less
walks than he used to - as the demands of children's activities and other
commitments have intruded. On the other hand, the children do play more with
him as they have got older."

~ "He does have a pattern of behaviour. He sleeps in until I get up. Likes
to wake the children. Likes to go outside and roams the garden or lies
outside in the morning (and will try to get through the fence). He barks at
and chases birds and barks at any unusual activity in the vicinity (but is
not a yappy dog). He greets any arrivals with great enthusiasm (sometimes
overwhelming). He tends to sleep in the early afternoon but likes to go for
a walk late afternoon - failing which he tries to get someone to play with
him. He likes to be fed on time in the evening after which he goes back into
the garden and will again try to get out, particularly if the feral dogs
(which are nocturnal) come around. By 9 or so he is generally happy to doze
off in our company."

My comments:

If the feral dogs are around - he will NOT settle down for the night as
usual. John goes to bed (generally) before me - and I have noticed that Ben
will *not* go to bed until I go to bed. It is as if he won't settle down for
the night (to sleep) until the last person in the house is tucked into bed.
He isn't whiny or anything, he just makes sure everyone is in bed THEN he
goes to sleep. He either sleeps at the foot of our bed (on the floor) OR he
sleeps on John's side of the bed (on the floor).
As for waking the children - he is really cute. My children sleep in bunk
beds - and he will jump up with his paws resting on the top bunk - and licks
them 'good morning'. He does the same to me, but I hate being licked first
thing in the morning - and he knows it..so he adapted to me - and just comes
and nudges me hello and I always give him a good scratch, hello. (wagging
his tail of course!)

~ "He very much favours meat. He is quite fussy, too, and likes variety. He
seldom eats much of biscuits or cooked vegetables if these are added to his
dinner. He likes chicken/turkey but these seem to upset his tummy in any
quantity (can only eat small amounts). Mainly he eats undercooked cheap cuts
of beef. His eating has caused concern as he doesn't seem to eat much for a
dog his size (he is large for the breed) - but he seems strong and active.
Apart from a couple of 'special' biscuits for breakfast (which he only
occasionally eats) he doesn't usually get treats and he doesn't beg."

My comments:
One thing that might be of interest that I have noticed (John notices too
but maybe doesn't see the possible significance) is that Ben sometimes
heartily finishes a meal off in no time. I've noticed this is when I've made
sure he gets some gravy from OUR meal and have mixed it thoroughly with his
food.

But most of the time he will pickily eat the meat (leaving most of the
biscuits most of the time). So he will not finish most of his meals, and
like John said, despite looking fairly healthy - he eats very little
(quantity) for a dog his size. He weighs about 24 kilograms or 53 pounds -
he is big for his breed (taller and longer than most other Border Collies).

If he is upset he won't eat (or very very little).

If the feral bitches are around AND he CAN'T successfully dig his way out
through the fence - he will not eat or only eats very little.

I have noticed though, when he has been told off for something it also
affects his enthusiasm for food for the worse. I can coax him to eat sort
of. I will sweetly talk to him and tell him "C'mon Ben, eat your food" a
couple of times..and he will eat a few bites (I praise him then hoping he
will eat more) then he will go outside (to dig?) or go and sulk (if he had
been told off earlier).

When I feed him (though, John usually does the feeding) - like when John is
away or busy - his patterns are the same - no matter who prepares it, etc.

** (update since this case was originally taken) Recently, he has been
eating very well - finishing all his food. This is a big change. BUT, lately
the feral bitches haven't been around much. Connection?

Stools: "About twice a day - usually firm and regular (except as mentioned
in respect of chicken)
My comment's:
If he eats too much chicken or turkey (fresh cooked) - then he tends to get
the runs.
John used to give him the large chicken bones - which I strongly objected
too - UNTIL one day about two years ago when we were out sailing (Ben goes
out on our sailing yacht with us!) - John fed him some large chicken bones
(i.e. never gave him the wings - only the leg bones) - anyhow, Ben got the
squits (I was furious cuz I knew it would happen! and imagine this on a
boat!! YUK) but he also had bloody stool that time, which really frightened
us. I had told him before that they could cut his intestine, etc... So, he
never gets chicken bones anymore.

Some more info:
When John comes home from work, Ben jumps up (ever so gently) to say hello
to John...his paws will be on John's chest...wagging his tail - and he licks
John on the side of the face and his ears also get a good lick (John bends a
bit forward to greet him). It's all very sweet - and not a bother just so
you get the right impression here.

Then he follows John everywhere - room to room...even to the toilet...to the
kitchen whilst John is having some tea and lunch...and then when John sits
down to have a quick chat with me (about the day..the kids, etc) Ben is
ANNOYING because he steps in between us - and he paws him (puts his paw in
John's lap CONTINUALLY) and this is when the incessant licking starts and
becomes its worst. It is very distracting and Ben knows it isn't pleasing
but can't seem to help himself - can't stop.

He also does this if John and I sit down (which isn't often either) to watch
a movie - and will lick and lick and lick and lick and lick...and you have
to be almost mean-sounding (very authoritative!) to get him to stop.

Now, what is very odd about this particular scenario is that it is ME who
finally can get Ben to stop licking. When John tells him firmly "down" (his
command for 'lie down') Ben will not listen - well, he will lie down for one
second, THEN he is back up licking again!!

He usually starts with John and when John tells him to stop - he comes over
to me (licks me)...I just make a noise grrrrrrr and say 'no licking' (he
KNOWS!) and cuddle him (then he lays his head on my lap so sweetly) - but
this isn't enough for him...and so then he goes back to John. And licks and
licks and licks again. John will tell him over and over "down"..and after a
while, I get fed up with the constant interruption and that is when I step
in and tell him DOWN! and LEAVE(another command he knows)!.... and THEN he
finally stops!!

Then he goes and lies down a few feet away. But he always will try it again
a few minutes later if he thinks he can get away with it. After a few times
of ME telling him to STOP! he will eventually stop. This is a typical
scenario.

The other thing which is quite funny is - if John kisses me - Ben is THERE
with is head and part of his body between us. He's not jealous - he just
wants to be a part of it (of everything) and is very enthusiastic! SOME
things, I'm just not willing to share...we usually give him a cuddle and
then tell him to 'leave'. But he will sit there right next to us -
steadfast!

This happens when John gets home from work - or is leaving for work...or
just giving me a kiss to say thanks for dinner...any time he kisses me. He
does this when any of us show affection (hugs, cuddles, kisses, etc) between
each other. He is always included in one degree or another...and as we said
before, he is seldom ever left alone.

He licks everyone. Not just John. Me less-so because he KNOWS I won't
tolerate it. The kids don't mind it so he goes for them too. I feel sorry
for visitors because he is overwhelming..but most people are quite okay with
him because he is so cute. (little minx)

Lately, his breath has been smelling a bit fishy. It isn't all the time -
just sometimes. He's been having bad breath for about a year now....to the
point that John bought some doggie breathe stuff (tho he's never used it
yet..)...

Upon examining his teeth: No tarter. And his breath doesn't smell all the
time - that is what is kinda weird. Just now it didn't smell fishy . I've
only ever noticed it at night when he comes round to me for his dose of
nightly cuddles (this is his routine with me)...but this isn't to say it
doesn't smell at other times of the day - I simply haven't noticed. I
suppose I could check him at different times of the day to see if there is a
periodicity to it? Any thoughts?

I'm wondering if it is when he eats something specific, though his diet is
pretty much in a routine of alternating buffalo meat with beef/ground
meat...so...?

I did notice his lower canines were broken off on the tips...that is most
likely from his fence-adventures. No cavities that I could tell - his teeth
looked fairly pristine white - and only a wee bit of plaque on the upper
canines but when I scratched it with my nail it came off (hence why I said
no tartar buildup)...like he needs to go eat whatever it is that 'brushes'
his teeth. Just so you know..it wasn't a lot...only a tiny bit on those two
teeth...didn't notice any more plaque anywhere else.

RUBRICS I've been contemplating:

EXTREMITIES - STIFFNESS - Hip - walking amel.
EXTREMITIES - STIFFNESS - Lower limbs - rising, on

MALE GENITALIA/SEX - SEXUAL DESIRE - suppressed - agg.
I'm not sure about this one. He DOES get out fairly regularly and get his
bit of action. It is only suppressed when the fence is first reinforced
after a break out and he always manages to nudge his way out that same night
- - occasionally it is fortified enough to delay him by one day/night
only....When his bitch is outside digging on the other side - he is
relentless until he gets out.

How do we determine if this is truly applicable? Do we treat this anyway -
even tho his reaction is normal?? I don't have the answer, but it didn't sit
right with me...but maybe I'm wrong - or missing something...so please do
tell your thoughts (anyone), okay.

GENERALS - FOOD and DRINKS - chicken - agg.

GENERALS - FOOD and DRINKS - poultry - agg.
?? instead of the other rubric above?

Ben has had gas/flatulence on occasion - but usually when he's eaten
something that hasn't agreed with his tummy - like chicken. Since it happens
in that kind of circumstance - is it applicable to use Flatulence? (I'm not
sure).

MIND - CONTRARY
This describes him but is this part of his disease state? Or just his
personality? (I think it is his personality, therefore not something to
treat...maybe something we'd use to confirm a remedy?? Any thoughts?).

MIND - SELFISHNESS, egoism
I don't know...honestly, if this is applicable or not.
I don't think he is jealous. He IS one to nudge/bully (physically) his way
in to be included in EVERYTHING. He hates being left out. That is not
jealous is it? I'm thinking not...
It has always been this way with Ben - he HAS to be - MUST be part of what
we are doing...and usually he is (remember..sailing, etc...). When he isn't
he sulks and looks so sadly at you (it could make you cry).

He just seems never to have matured, as John said above - - that seem to be
the best way to describe it, to me.

He just likes to be a part of everything in the family. He comes to the
toilet when we go and just kinda sits there for company. In the kitchen when
I cook - he sits RIGHT in the path I need to walk in..sometimes I think he
does it on purpose...and he mildy growls at me - the bully in him - when I
ask him to move, please. If I go outside in the garden - he follows me. If I
play with the kids - he is right there! If someone drives up - he is right
there wagging his tail to greet ANYONE who comes to the door..and remember
he smiles at people (frightens the heck out of the workers because he bares
his full set of teeth! It is hilarious really). He licks people hello. He
will keep vying for their attention - especially if they give it to him - to
the point you have to call him off and say "down" or "leave".

CHILDISH behaviour -

He is like a two year old dog (they have sex)and has simply never matured
beyond that.

It isn't just that he hasn't mellowed or matured, in fact, it seems recently
(in the last year or so) that he has become more assertive generally.

Things which he previously was more obedient on - or more inclined to
subdue/submit to - he is less inclined now to take no for an answer. He's
become more assertive (matured in one aspect) without losing his immature
behaviour patterns which are:
-licking even more than previously (which was a lot to begin with)
-jumping up on us/people incessantly
-chewing clothes (which he never did when he was a puppy)

So, we've got this combination of a teenager/grownup dog - who is on one
hand becoming 'independent' in a sense and refuses sometimes (tho will yield
eventually) and on the other hand, he's *never* gotten out of that
puppy/young-dog-like phase of overenthusiastic licking, jumping, etc..and
throw in the new feature that we all know and love...
chewing our clothes! (though, to be fair - this doesn't happen every day!!!!
We have expressed our displeasure and because he is so keen to please - he
hasn't done it very often since this started back in November 2001).

MOUTH - ODOR - eating, after
I'm not sure if the odour is ONLY after eating...should I monitor this first
so we can see if we use it? Or go for another rubric that is more general
like MOUTH, ODOUR (or is that too big?)...

GENERALS - TUMORS - cystic
??

That is as far as I've gotten with his case. I would be grateful for any
comments and input from others.

All the best,

Lisa