Fulthalmic (sp!!)

[Robbie34]

You have to watch that you aren't giving it to a dog with an eye ulcer too- that's why the vet usually uses fluorescein, the orange stuff, to make sure there is no ulceration before prescribing fucithalmic.

It's fine to give an antibiotic for an ulcer, it's a steroid medication that must not be used.

[Cob-Web]

anyone know what else does the trick for conjunctivitis  , when ever I seem to take the gang to the seaside at least 1 or more  get it  the vet said this its quite common for dogs to get it from swimming in the sea ( wonder why  is it the salt that irritates the eyes ?   )  they haven't been this year  yet but I'm planning on going soon and pre thinking about there little eyes  will try to wash them out see if that helps    by the time I pay there £30 each time then the £26 eye ointment on top it works out a expensive trip to the beach 

Molo gets gungy eyes sometimes when we go to the beach (we're there at least once a week) - I use colloidal silver drops when we get home, which seems to make a difference 

Probly shouldn't be vaccinating a dog with an auto immune disease - just thought I ought to point that out...

I prefer to take advice from my vet.

I'd take Penel's advice over my vets any day when it comes to canine auto-immune conditions (and a lot of other things, too)  - although vets are professionals, it is unrealistic to expect them to be an expert in everything about every species, hence the need for specialists, and trusting the views of one person is very dangerous imo, no-one knows everything, and no-one is infallible 

[Robbie34]

Probly shouldn't be vaccinating a dog with an auto immune disease - just thought I ought to point that out...

I prefer to take advice from my vet.

I'd take Penel's advice over my vets any day when it comes to canine auto-immune conditions (and a lot of other things, too)  - although vets are professionals, it is unrealistic to expect them to be an expert in everything about every species, hence the need for specialists, and trusting the views of one person is very dangerous imo, no-one knows everything, and no-one is infallible 
[/quote]

Well, you do as you see fit.  I'm not impressed.

[Penel]

I'm not out to impress anyone.  I'd just prefer if dogs with AI diseases weren't re-vaccinated.

[happydog]

Probly shouldn't be vaccinating a dog with an auto immune disease - just thought I ought to point that out...

I prefer to take advice from my vet.

I'd take Penel's advice over my vets any day when it comes to canine auto-immune conditions (and a lot of other things, too)  - although vets are professionals, it is unrealistic to expect them to be an expert in everything about every species, hence the need for specialists, and trusting the views of one person is very dangerous imo, no-one knows everything, and no-one is infallible 

Well, you do as you see fit.  I'm not impressed.
[/quote] Just thought I'd comment on this. Penel does have a lot of experience with dogs and autoimmune disease. I have been a member of this forum for over a year and have always found her advice to be sound.

[Cob-Web]

Well, you do as you see fit.  I'm not impressed.

We're all entitled to our own opinions; that's the nice thing about this forum - even though we don't always agree on everything, we can still learn from each other and share experiences   

It seems a shame to refuse to even consider advice given in good faith by someone who has obviously dedicated a great deal of her time to researching and studying a condition that cockers are prone to and that many vets have to look up in a text book  ....even if you don't agree with Penel's opinion once you have "heard" it - surely it is polite to thank someone for their help and then draw your own private conclusions? 

[Helen]

don't think that impressing you was on the cards robbie - penel cares very much about AI and has a vast knowledge as her first cocker Saffie sadly died young of an AI related illness.

[Robbie34]

I have a lot of experience of treating "dry eye" - just over eight years - but I wouldn't set myself up as some sort of guru.  Indeed, my dog's vet is the eye consultant at the practice, and regularly compliments me on how well his eyes are.  In fact this happened this morning when Charley went for his annual check-up and booster.

[Cob-Web]

I have a lot of experience of treating "dry eye" - just over eight years - but I wouldn't set myself up as some sort of guru.  Indeed, my dog's vet is the eye consultant at the practice, and regularly compliments me on how well his eyes are.  In fact this happened this morning when Charley went for his annual check-up and booster.

If you are happy that you and your vet are doing the best you possibly can for Charlie, then that is great  Obviously, everyone has to make choices about which evidence and  they decide to take and which they do not consider relevent to their situation 

Personally, I would avoid (and probably report to the RCVS) any vet who I knew was prepared to medicate any dog contrary to the conditions under which the drug was licensed, and I base that opinion on the experience I have gained alongside other vets 

[Penel]

Guru Penel kinda has a nice ring to it 

[Cob-Web]

Guru Penel kinda has a nice ring to it 

You see - I told you that you should start a cult; you obviously have natural talent 

[Jane S]

Ok, best to leave it there I think. Advice has been given but it's entirely up to Robbie34 whether he chooses to take it or whether he prefers to follow his own vet's advice. Forums like this allow people to read a range of views but ultimately it's up to us all as individuals to decide for ourselves what's best for our dogs.