Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Oue local dog newspaper, the Downeast Dog News has an excellent article this month regarding Lyme Disaease and information regarding the test.  I had thought that if a dog had the vaccine then they would test positive however that is not always the case.  The article states:

Is there a test for Lyme Disease?
IDEXX LAboratories in Westbrook manufactures two test kits that veterinarians ust to determine Lyme Disaese infection in dogs.  The SNAP 3x kits tests for Lyme, heartworm and canine ehrlichiosis.  The newer SNAP 4Dx test kit adds a test for granulocytic anaplasmosis.  In his publication "Tick Biology: New Diagnostic Methods. Canine Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis for the Small Animal Practictioner"  Steven Levy, DVM, a disease expert and veterinarian, expalins the tests, "SNAP 3Ds and 4Ds are unique in that they offer detection of an antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi that is produced in response only to an active infection.  The test, is specific for infection with Borrelia burgdoeferi, does not cross react with vaccine induced antibodies, and offers the canine practictioner the ability to immediately determine if a dog has has antibody induced by infection with the organism without the expense or inherrent difficulty intepreting Western blots?

A positive test does not mean that the dog has Lyme Disaese or will get it in the future.

If my dog received a Lyme vaccination, can the IDEXX SNAP test distinguish between infection by the actual bacteria and the vaccine? 
Testing technology can distinquish bewteen a natural Lyme bacteria infection and the Lyme vaccine.  According to the IDEXX website "The SNAP 4Dx test indentifies infection.  The test's C6 peptide is highly soecific for Borrelia burgdorferi and is only present in the cafe of an active infection.  In addition, antibodies from currently available Lyme vaccinces have been shown not to cross recat with SNAP Lyme antibody detection so you can identify infection in vaccinated dogs."

Research show that it takes four to six weeks for an immune response to develop to Lyme bacteria, specifically, the C6 antibody that the SNAP test measures.

Here's the link

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/12/science/12dog.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5090&en=0ada7d926806a161&ex=1339300800&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Does all the undercoat brush out?  Cirra gets alot of brushing (daily - sometimes hours)and it seems that she still has undercoat.  Not mats - undercoat.  I am using a rake and pin brush.  She doesn't like the sound of a slicker brush.  Now that she is "blowing her coat" should I expect to get a comb through her hair to her skin?   How is it possible for someone to take a Pyr to a groomer and have the dog brushed out in one day??? 

What does everyone do?  Last year we gave Cirra Heartgard Plus every six weeks as opposed to every four which was suggested by The Whole Dog Journal.  We will probably start that again this year however we are concerned about the side effects of the product. We don't use any topical products for ticks and fleas.  We don't have a problem with fleas however there are ticks in our area.  We check Cirra for ticks on a regular basis and use a tick remover called Trix to remove any that we find.  We have put some herbal formulas on a bandana for Cirra to repel ticks however don't know how successful it is.  We do not give Cirra the vaccine for Lyme Disease.   

Just wondering if any one's Big Paws are sporting dog booties???  We have inches of solid ice every where with very crusty snow and are considering them for Cirra.  Of course, who knows if she would wear them.  Don't know if they would really help with traction however may help protect her dew claws???  Any experience or suggestions?  We haven't been getting out for our walks because there is either salt or ice/crusty snow.

We are looking at two types:

http://www.muttluks.com/our_products/index.php
http://www.ruffwear.com/grip_trex_dog_boots?sc=2&category=11

"The Language of Dogs" is a two DVD set that shows many examples of canine body language and behaviors.  Another resource to help better read the canine signals and have better understanding of of dogs.  Here is her website:

http://www.bluedogtraining.com/aboutSarah.html

Has any one else seen these?  I had to mute when some of the dogs were barking because Cirra would "Woof" along with the DVD. 

Here is a link to Turid Rugaas answering many, many questions.  I thought it might if of interest.

http://www.canis.no/rugaas/questions.php