Advanced Training

 

Training and Gear

 

 Healthy colored fur of a Golden Retrievers

 
This is a first aid kit that is used for injuries while in the field. The first aid kit includes a thermometer, small flashlight, forceps, needles and thread, large and small safety pins, bandaging materials, and medicines. you have to make sure you keep your gear and kennels clean.

keeping a your dogs kennel clean is a major part of their health. you want to keep it clean so the dog won't get sick from anything that could be left in the kennel. You all so have to make sure the dogs kennel is in a well lighted place.
after coming in from the field it is important to check their eye because debris can enter and obstruct the tear duct sand then that can result in infection.

Another eye disorder is Retinal Dysplasia. They are spots and blind zones but they may be detected as early as six months. Your puppy's eyes should be checked by their vet for this at their first physical exam.

Retinal atrophy - retinal atrophy is when parts of the eye deteriorates and results in blindness. this disorder may take four or five years to detect.

When an a dog gets old there a many problems over the years. Some of the problems can be weak sightedness, blindness, deafness, arthritis, cancer, and senility.
         At the age of three or four month the pups bones are still growing. You shouldn't start their training or racing over rough ground until the puppy's bones are done growing and the growth plates are closed up. Some of the things that could happen while the dog is growing is Osteochondrits Desiccans that is when there is a separation in the cartilage from the bone. It is most common to happen in the shoulder area. Big eager young dogs from six months to a year are afflicted most frequently. They get a jammed shoulder "lameness" is slight but it recurs often  or is  there for three or four days so you want to tale you dog to the vet if this happens. There may be other development disorders that may show up with lameness. In pups from four months to two years.
           Another thing that is very common in big dogs such as Labrador retrievers is hip dysplasia. it can be detected as early as six months with a radiograph. There are many forms of dysplasia. and evidence of it doesn't mean that the dog will just break down. Some of the highest achieving field-trial dogs have different forms of dysplasia. A dogs diet may have an affect on the dog if they are too heavy also exercise will influence their joints. If the ground they are on is too rough or deep mud. 
           On a dogs feet a dogs pads can get cut or gouges are common. Sometimes are dogs feet can bleed profusely and are very slow to heel. They are very hard to close with stitches and should be kept protected during healing. a dog usually keeps a wound clean but, it should be wrapped or bandaged during working.  The pads on the bottoms of their feet toughner and conditioners are available  and may be of benefit to tender footed dogs.

Torn and split toe nails are painful and distracting enough to affect a dogs working performance. The dogs toenails often have to be removed to facilitate healing.

 Traumatic injuries-  bruises, lacerations, and deep cuts. You have to clean superficial cuts and abrasions with   mild soap an warm water and then you can treat it with the appropriate antibiotic ointment. Bandaging is necessary. IT is only to make sure the dog doesn't bite or lick the wound.
Sprains and Lameness- Obvious fractures and dislocations must be attended to immediately and lameness  that is there for three to four days should be examined by a professional a good lameness diagnoses is difficult. It is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist. 

Carpel or wrist sprains a very common. you want to apply a light support wrap  confine the dog to his kennel to for a full weeks rest from training. An aspirin tablet is sometimes helpful  temporarily helpful to a sore dog after training or a ling hunting day. if there is any swelling or any obvious deviation in the wrist or ankle of your dog should receive veterinary attention. 

Shoulders sprains form jamming ( can be caused by jumping wide ditches with a crash into the opposite bank) that requires rest and respite from training. If your dog still favors  the joint you want to see the vet.

 Stifle or knee sprains of collateral ligaments usually will heal with rest. (several weeks). A ruptured cruciate  ligament  can cause acute lameness. however with some surgical repair by an expert  and also six months  of careful rest and therapy  the dogs leg can recover. A partly torn crutiate  is a  tough diagnoses. The dog will use the leg during interesting work and forget ht e discomfort,  but the dog will carry it's leg up when the joint was cold. It is  a dangerous  disability  as much as you would like to avoid surgery and let it heal naturally an unstable knee  has a very strong  tendency to develop arthritis. The crippling result is worse than the total cruciate  break and   the repair.  To avoid tarsal or knee sprains and rupture of ligaments or tendons Which are particularly in larger dogs. You want to spare your dog the unnecessary vertical leaps or bouncing a ball or Frisbee retrieves. There is a natural tendency for a dog with one  damaged to overstrain the other knee ( may cause a muscle to be pulled in non damaged leg ). Over weight dogs  of all breeds tend to break down easily.  After knee surgery  great  care should be taken to not rush the dog back on to the field.  You want to progressively  have the dog take longer swims because they are the best postoperative therapy. You want your dog to avoid soft muddy ground, fast starts, and tough angling  conditions. Refrain  from any marking until the leg is restored.  The risk of lameness in an athletic dog simply can't be avoided anymore than it can in football and basketball players or in other human contact sports. If you are pushing your dog too hard without enough rest  it will increase the hazards  that often result in arthritis and early retirement.