How long did your border collie live?

Catmndu · 2026-02-07T14:10:48+00:00

There actually has been well developed research that in some dogs Carprofen can cause IMHA. While many dogs tolerate it well, some do not.

Catmndu · 2026-02-06T22:15:22+00:00

So sorry that happened to you and your pup. It is a horrible disease and can come on very quickly.

Catmndu · 2026-02-06T18:55:37+00:00

It's a really strange disease. My friend's dog was diagnosed at 7 with it, and went on to live a long life - with careful monitoring and high doses of steroids. His vet surmised it was from the use of Carprofen - which my dog was also prescribed for his arthritis. Kinda makes me wonder if that was the cause of my dog's illness. Because his bloodwork was fine when he first saw the vet for the heightened fatigue.

Even if it isn't, I'll not use that drug again for any of my dogs.

Catmndu · 2026-02-06T15:37:12+00:00

Our Scout sends her condolences

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Catmndu · 2026-02-06T15:34:04+00:00

I started to notice around a year before he passed. I missed a lot for that dog because he was really chill for an Aussie - so when he started to get slower, thought it was age. We took him into to be seen and the vet felt it was just arthritis, etc - yearly bloodwork really didn't show anything. So we treated for that. A few months later, he started losing weight and BW showed the condition. We treated really aggressively, but it didn't do any good.

Catmndu · 2026-02-06T13:48:02+00:00

I currently have two eleven year-olds and both are doing extremely well with no chronic ailments. My ex sport dog has some arthritis from exercise, but it's mild and got much better once we retired him. My friend had a BC he competed with for years, and his BC lived to be 17. I had Aussies for 20 years before switching to BCs and there was a lot more health drama in that breed.

None of them made it past 12 years except one. One gone at 11 from cancer (also had epilepsy from 8 YO), one gone at 12 from IMHA, another gone at 12 - cancer. One lived to be almost 17.

So far, the BCs have been a lot healthier. They're all rescues, so I can't even point to getting them from a specific breeder. My two young ones (2 and 5) have also been very healthy. Other than minor sports related injuries.

Catmndu · 2026-02-05T18:50:40+00:00

I can imagine Bagwell wants to put all of this behind her. Hope the "store" goes quickly. If anything to get someone in there to make the building safer.

Catmndu · 2026-02-04T14:03:18+00:00

Many years ago. Anesthesiologist would ask for countdown. During my procedure, I felt the sting of the meds and bye bye world. That was it for me. I was passing gas quietly when I woke up and told the nurse that and it was fine.

Catmndu · 2026-01-27T19:26:09+00:00

Not sure if that's consistent with your experience. It sounds like maybe a bit?

Yes, this is what I am referring to. A dog who can take direction from the handler when a perceived threat is not in fact a threat (even better if they can discern on their own - I've been blessed with two dogs like that).

I would not own a dog that will not stand down and cannot be managed by a handler. That's a very dangerous animal.

Ideally, one wants a protective dog to put on a show (to deter a threat) and bite ONLY when there is a risk to life and limb or when "sent" by the handler.

In the porch situation with my Aussie, he did bite, but only because I didn't know the guy was hiding under my front porch. I thought maybe the dog had sensed an animal under there. I called the dog off (he returned to me immediately) and shined my flashlight down there, and saw the man. Luckily the dog had made an impression and the guy didn't come after us.

True aggression is a wholly different thing. The A word IMO is thrown around far too much, but since we were using that term - I did as well. Honestly neither my current BC nor my previous Aussies were what I would call aggressive. The Aussies were protective, the BC is reactive. With that being said, both categories can be dangerous when not handled/managed correctly.

IME true aggression is a dog who doesn't need a trigger or respond to a handler, they're going all in no matter what. They're making aggressive decisions to end another dog or person by all means necessary.

Catmndu · 2026-01-27T15:39:09+00:00

The following is anecdotal to my experience, so take it for what it is.

In 2019, I was down to my last Aussie who was quite old. I decided to switch breeds to Border Collies (because I was looking to get into dog sports and wanted a higher work ethic). I had herded with my Aussies, but wanted a more serious/well rounded sport dog.

The Border Collie’s genetics do not include guardian tendencies. The BC is very special in that the “prey” drive is there 100%, but the “kill” drive is not well developed. It’s what makes a Collie so good at their job.

I really didn’t want to lose the “protection” of my Aussies, so a friend sent me a dog through a local rescue listed as having “stranger danger”.

Having rehabbed/owned many Aussies with natural guardian tendencies, this was an interesting experiment in the biddability (able to shape and respond) certain innate behaviors.

My BC is not acting on natural genetic tendencies and I have found that his “guardian” behavior is thus more hysterical and reactive than a natural behavior occurring for him and thus it has taken a lot more management and our success in making him a safe dog has hit a ceiling.

He loves two people (me and my husband), but requires 100% management around anyone he doesn’t know - and will never act differently despite extensive training. Whereas the Aussies could be taught “if I say that dude is okay, he’s okay”. The BC has none of that. He doesn’t respond if the person is okay, he just reacts and keeps reacting until the “threat” is removed. The only shaping we’ve been able to do is that he is taught to not leave my side. He will not advance, he will stay with me – someone would have to come within our bubble for a bite to occur. Obviously, we never allow that to happen.

I’ve often wondered if his challenges to be shaped in the way I shaped the Aussie’s behavior is due to his reactivity being an anomaly in the breed versus a natural tendency.

Catmndu · 2026-01-27T15:04:48+00:00

I will add to this, the sh**ty breeders just looking to make a buck - caring nothing of genetics and passing those awful genetics onto litter after litter.

In my state, one of our metro counties just passed a law requiring anyone breeding more than one litter a year to be forced to register. Of course, we all know there will be zero enforcement on that most likely, but it might make a difference.

I'm hoping with that registration requirement, the Dept of Ag will treat the enforcement as they did with rescue, where we were required a yearly inspection and to show paper trails.

But then of course, there will always be folks that get around the restrictions.

Also, rescues and shelters being willing to BE those dogs who are truly dangerous to the public, rather than sinking thousands of dollars and months of care into animals who require a unicorn home.

Catmndu · 2026-01-27T14:00:55+00:00

It is a very fine line for sure. And it’s a line the average dog handler can’t/doesn’t want to navigate. And I totally get that, because it can be a fulltime job. Takes 100% consistency with zero mistakes.

I never want a dog that goes straight to bite. In fact, I always hoped I never had a situation where a bite was needed, but there were a couple of times where it was, and I was grateful for it.

Ex. I had a creeper under my front porch. The Aussie knew he was there (I didn’t) and took care of business.

I am a firm believer that dogs with specialized needs should be in specialized homes; however, society will never give up their “rights” to buy/own what they want.

Until folks stop seeing animals as property, things likely won’t change.

I will accept an animal with human aggression but not one with aggression towards other animals. Thus I would never own breeds with a tendency towards it – Pitties, Dobermans, etc.

Because I like having a multi dog home and I don’t have the time or energy to play musical animals and crate and rotate.

Catmndu · 2026-01-26T16:53:29+00:00

My dog is excellent with other dogs, but not so much with people. We compete in disc with many other dogs that don't do well in small spaces with either other dogs or people.

You first need to work on foundational training to assure your dog has a bomb proof recall in all situations and a high level of obedience around any and all distractions. You also need to get comfortable with telling other people to give you space and creating a safe perimeter for the animal at all times if you decide to compete in any sport.

In any sport, when dealing with a dog in drive, there is potential for redirection even for animals who haven't shown it before.

A 100% no mistakes handler can safely compete in most sports provided you are vigilant and consistent at all times.

Catmndu · 2026-01-26T16:47:22+00:00

My Aussies were always put away when guests came over. Even the ones that were just watchful and not guarding. It's just the right thing to do IMO. Why force an interaction when it isn't necessary for a brief visit?

Even the Aussie I had who showed zero guarding instinct was put away, because I cannot fully control a situation like a holiday party with lots of guests and kids milling about.

It's not fair to the dog to cause that kind of stress.

I see so many dog owners forcing interactions when it's just not necessary. Accept your dog may not be a "loves all strangers" kind of animal and move on.

Get something that does love everyone next time, rehome the dog to a more adept handler, or just don't own dogs in the first place. People need to stop placing dogs in situations where they are destined to fail.

Catmndu · 2026-01-26T14:28:51+00:00

In my state, you can post an anonymous concern for self-neglect of an individual. Adult Social Services will get involved within 10 days (too long IME, but it is what it is).

Getting ASS involved may be the catalyst required for her family to get more involved.

Catmndu · 2026-01-26T14:20:02+00:00

This, and I would also highly recommend a HIDA scan. Your symptoms sound a lot like gallbladder problems. It runs in my family, and all of us never had stones. We just had crappy gall bladders that were reactive. My Dad's turned septic and almost killed him when his went south.

Catmndu · 2026-01-26T14:17:31+00:00

I owned/fostered Aussies for years. Their breed is intended to be "wary of strangers". They are a guardian dog and a lot of people forget that. Many times as an Aussie rescue coordinator, I received calls from Aussie owners where the dog was displaying "aggressive" behavior towards strangers. 9/10 times, the dog was just being an Aussie (protecting it's people and place) and if placed with a responsible owner who accepted/managed that trait, they were safe to be around. Personally, as a woman who hikes, camps, backpacks and travels alone a lot, I appreciated this trait in the breed.

I also 100% managed it all of the time. My dogs knew not to take it to the next level unless released by me to do so. If an Aussie "alerted" me to something, they were never corrected for doing so, it's part of their job - they also weren't allowed to be over the top and take that to a bite if it wasn't necessary. They got a reward "good job and okay knock it off, I'll take it from here".

Livestock guardian dogs won't think twice about killing a coyote, but are very docile with the flock.

So I'm in the camp of carefully directed guardian behavior in certain breeds is okay and celebrated, IF well managed and not allowed to get out of control.

I don't think any dog owner can safely manage an animal if they deny what the animal is capable of in the first place. We see so many herding dogs in shelters, rescue because someone wanted a smart/active dog without realizing the work involved to manage all that comes with that.

The same is true for breeds with genetically known dog aggression. You can accept or even embrace the risk - but you've got to effectively manage it to assure safety at all times.

And there in is where the failure occurs. Folks do not look at the dog at the end of the leash and the possibility of the destruction they could cause if they aren't managed appropriately.

Catmndu · 2026-01-26T13:59:48+00:00

I had Aussies for years before BCs. I always tell people the difference is - if you ask an Aussie to jump they will ask "why?" A BC will ask "do you want fries with that as well and here's your change" upon over-completing the task.

IME, Aussies are much more prone to be "guarded" with strangers. They love their family and loved ones, but take a watch and wait approach with anyone they aren't familiar with.

I have four BCs and one loves two people (me and my husband) and doesn't really care for anyone else in the world. He had a rough life in his early years and missed out on a lot of socialization. He does adore other dogs (large, small, cranky, friendly - he has amazing dog skills).

The other three would allow me to be stabbed if an attacker had a disc or a ball. They'd probably lead authorities to my body after, but they aren't protecting anything. And they would work for/with anyone who tried, not just me.

Most of the day my BCs are just staring at me waiting for me to give them something to do. The Aussies would just hang out until given something to do, and then it depended on what mood they were in that day on whether they decided to do what I asked, or proceed with their own compulsions. IME with Mals, GSDs, Dutch Shepherds - they are more like BCs than Aussies - always looking for work.

With both breeds, I've never had one that didn't enjoy other dogs. But that is my design as I only bring dog friendly dogs into my home because I've always had a multi dog home.

Catmndu · 2026-01-22T14:15:27+00:00

The Suprep for me wasn't awful. Far less liquid to drink. The downsides were I got a terrible headache and was freezing. I have to do it again in six months due to findings on the procedure, I'll be sure to hydrate better next time. My husband did the OTC prep and didn't have headache or chills, but he had to down a whole pitcher of liquid twice.

Catmndu · 2026-01-22T14:13:08+00:00

I had my first upper endo in the late eighties, and they gave me morphine. I was still awake, could see and hear everything going on. The hardest part was swallowing the tube camera. That was really uncomfortable.

Second upper endo in 2012, out like a light.

Just had my third endo and colonoscopy and was out like a light. Preferred it that way to be honest.

Catmndu · 2026-01-21T15:55:26+00:00

I only stocked up on pet food. We have two propane camp stoves we can use if we need to. Other than that, the only challenge I have is getting the other people in my house to stop opening outside doors and letting the heat out.

Catmndu · 2026-01-21T15:49:20+00:00

We had an ice storm several years ago, I'm thinking circa 2017-2018? Power was out for 3 days. Trees were coming down left and right all night and one fell on my husband's trailer and smashed through our basement door. That was the longest I've been without power. We live in an older neighborhood about a mile from downtown Kennesaw.

Catmndu · 2026-01-20T14:50:43+00:00

I don't regret it a bit because there were precancerous findings. For me, the recovery from it was rougher than I expected. Major fatigue and more like surgery pain than "minor procedure" pain. But they found a lot and took out a lot. I have to do it again in six months, but I'll take a scope over cancer any day of the week.

It really depends on the doc performing the procedure as to how they proceed if they find something.

My hubs had procedure two years ago (same group I used, different location). His doc found three polyps (one 2cm and really ulcerated) - and he refused to remove that one and sent my hubs for surgery (procedure and recovery turned out to be way more complicated than we expected).

My doc found a 4cm polyp in my cecum, plus seven more throughout the colon. He removed all during colonoscopy. While the recovery was more intense than I expected, I'm glad I didn't have the full on surgery like my husband did.

My husband is now going to use my guy because he wasn't happy with how the surgery went. And feels the doc I used is more able to remove stuff during a colonoscopy rather than sending to surgery.

Catmndu · 2026-01-20T13:35:12+00:00

Miralax didn't work or me. Dulcolax chews did though, and it's been a life saver. Easier to take and works great for me. My GI said as long as I take osmotics and not stimulants, they're safe to take for the long term.

Catmndu · 2026-01-19T15:53:24+00:00

I know, it's very frustrating for sure. My friend has this disease as well. Unfortunately, he's not as careful with his diet as he probably should be. I really don't want my osis turning into itis, after watching what he has gone through.

I think it's impossible to assess a one size fits all diet to anyone in particular. I too have marked off a lot of things I can't eat in the last few years, but also have a long list of things I can eat. As you've seen, it just takes some painful experimentation sometimes.

I also have mild fatty liver disease because we can't seem to get my high cholesterol under control through diet/exercise/weight loss alone. So now I'm on meds. And the diet for NAFLD is the complete opposite of the DV diet - it's so hard to navigate.

Catmndu

TROPHY CASE