Quick-fire
questions
KATE ELLAM
is professional
development
canine
behaviour
offi cer at
Dogs Trust.TONY CRUSE
is a member
of the
Association of
Pet Dog Trainers
and the Institute
of Modern
Dog Trainers.VICKY PAYNE
BVetMed,
MRCVS is
a holistic vet
based in East
Sussex.HOLLY MASH
BVSc, MRCVS
specialises in
herbal medicine,
acupuncture,
and nutrition.JOANNE
ANGUS
LCGI is
a founder
member of the
Guild of Master
Groomers.JOHN BURNS
BVMS, MRCVS is
a vet, and
founder of feed
company Burns
Pet Nutrition.STEPHEN
JENKINSON
is access adviser
to Your Dog, the
Kennel Club,
and local
councils.http://www.yourdog.co.uk 65WHAT IS A GENE?A gene is the most basic unit
of inheritance, which allows
the transfer of characteristics
from parent to off spring.
Every living cell of an animal
contains copies of all of the
genes that are typical of
that animal, and genes
contain all the information
that determines how an
animal develops, looks,
and functions.
Genes consist of DNA
and are arranged on
chromosomes (the dog has
39 pairs). Dogs have two
copies of every gene, one
copy from their mother,
and one copy from their
father; each copy is located
on one of each member of
a chromosome pair. Within
each pair, the genes might
be identical, or be slightly
diff erent; this can give rise
to animals being ‘carriers’ of
conditions, characteristics,
or diseases.
Typically a carrier animal
has no specifi c problems,
although if they mate with
another carrier of the same
condition, there is a 25 per
cent chance of that mating
producing off spring who
carry two copies of the
diff erent gene version.
This can result in off spring
with either desirable
characteristics (a diff erent
coat colour for example) or
problems, such as certain
inherited diseases.THE EXPERT PANEL
groomer, and speak to them
about your concerns. One of
a groomer’s roles is to work
sympathetically with all dogs,
and they should answer any
questions you may have. To fi nd
a qualifi ed groomer, visit http://www.
thegroomersspotlight.com
You could also help your dog
by using Vita Canis Comfort
Blend and/or calming spray.
These are aromatherapy
products for dogs (www.
vitacanis.co.uk), and help to
alleviate stress.Q
Our almost seven-year-old Cocker
Spaniel has just had her anal glands
removed along with a pea-sized tumour.
There now follows lymph node removal and
then radiotherapy. She will have fi ve days of
radiotherapy, then a weekend at home, followed
by another fi ve days of radiotherapy. The side
eff ects could be a very sore sunburned bottom.
The prognosis is very good, giving her another
three to four years cancer-free. Obviously, the vet
will treat her with ointment and pain relief, but is
there anything we can do to help her during the
radiotherapy treatment and recovery.
Susan Habes, via email.Vicky says: Radiotherapy can be a very
eff ective therapy for dogs following surgical
treatment for cancer. As your dog is going
to have two hospital stays, it will help if she
is relaxed in a crate at home. If she isn’t already used to
a crate, start introducing one as soon as possible. Make
going into the crate a fun game and let her enjoy treats
and chews in there. Ask if your dog can take a blanket
or toy from home when she goes to the hospital, to
provide a familiar and comforting scent.
You can also think up some games to play with her
following her next surgery when she will probably be
on restricted exercise. Games like fi nding a treat under
fl ower pots can be a good alternative to long walks for
convalescing dogs.
Speak to your oncologist about any supplements
your dog is taking. Many will want you to stop
supplements with a high anti-oxidant content during
radiotherapy as there are concerns these could protect
cancer cells.HEALTHRadiotherapy
recovery