Strays Anatomy

WHAT ARE THEY?
Anal sacs are small paired pockets located between the internal and external anal sphincter muscles, one on each side of the anus at the 4 and 8 o’clock position.  The sac empties through a short and narrow duct to the surface near the inside edge of the anus.  Each sac is lined with abundant sebaceous (oil) glands and numerous apocrine (sweat) glands.  The secreted substance is a semi-oily, brownish fluid that packs an odor strong enough to gag a maggot!  For unknown reasons some dogs’ anal sacs produce a rather thick, semi-solid material which is much more prone to impacting the sac due to the sac’s inability to pass this semi-solid material through the narrow duct to the outside.  In many of these cases the sac will become infected, cause pain and inflammation and even break through to the skin surface.  The abscessed anal sac may need surgery to provide drainage and curettage of the damaged and infected sac and surrounding tissue.  Antibiotics are indicated in abscessed anal sac disease.

WHAT THEY DO?
One study indicated that anal sac disorders affects about 12% of dogs. Continue Reading…

BACKGROUND
The Collie originated first appeared along the border areas of Northern England and Scotland and is thought to have been introduced by the Roman invaders many years ago. The origin of the name “Collie” is said to be derived from the word “coally”, as earlier Collies were predominantly black and white. Another theory suggests they were named after the black-faced ‘Collie’ sheep that were guarded by these loyal dogs. There are two types of Collies; the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie – each named after their style of coat.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Up to 14 years of age.

AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
Rough Collie
46cm to 60cm
22kg to 35kg Continue Reading…

BACKGROUND
The Bull Terrier is known as the gladiator of the canine race and is one of the oldest terrier breeds native to England. The Bull Terrier was originally bred for combat with dogs and other animals, a sport that was permissible in England in the 1800s. Since the late 1800s the Bull Terrier has been bred as a companion dog.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Bull Terriers will normally live for 10 years, but given heaps of attention and the right foods it can live up to 13 years of age.

AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
The healthy male of this breed should be 22kg and 38cm tall, while the female should be 16kg and 30cm tall. Continue Reading…

BACKGROUND The Shar-Pei originated in China and has a history dating back 2000 years. Although the exact place of origin is unclear, statues indicate they came from somewhere in southern China, Tibet or Dah-Lel. The name Shar-Pei literally translates to mean sand skin. This is from the breed’s characteristic harsh coat. Shar-Pei were used as general utility dogs for herding and guarding. They were also known as tomb dogs, relating to the discovery in ancient tombs of 2000-year-old statues bearing their likeness. When China became a communist country, a tax was brought in that made the keeping of dogs a luxury and basically out of reach of the average farmer. In 1947 the tax was increased and breeding banned. This led to the Shar-Pei becoming an endangered breed and it was listed with the Guinness Book of Records in 1978 as the world’s rarest dog. The first registered Shar-Pei were imported into Australia in 1981 with the first litter in 1985.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN The average lifespan for a Shar-Pei is 10 to 12 years.

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BACKGROUND
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dog with its origin to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herders or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the people and driving their cattle. Then at the beginning of the 20th Century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler was among those tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the task and therefore they were officially recognised as police dogs in 1910.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Rottweilers can live up to 12 years of age.

AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
56cm to 68cm
42kg to 50kg Continue Reading…