Hello, I have a 6yr Westie male. Buster. He is very much loved and spoiled rotten by all of our family members. Buster, has been struggling with shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.these episodes are lasting longer and longer. And occur more often now. I am terrified that he might have the 'Westie Lung Disease'. Is anyone dealing with this condition? Any advice? If anyone has any suggestions. Please help. Thank you.
19 March 2009 - La Palma, California
Webmaster comments
Hello Tanya;
Thank you for contacting our guest log with your medical question. Please take you Westie to a Veterinarian who is familiar with 'Westie Lung Disease'. There are several reasons why your young dog could be panting; collapsed trachea, Westie Lung Disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis), heart murmur/irregular heartbeat, etc. The most important thing is take him to a Veterinarian for the proper diagnosis.
Thank you for your question. We wish you and Buster well.
Susan Reeves, Exec Dir
Monica
I would like to adopt a male westie puppy
26 February 2009 - Fayetteville, Georgia
Webmaster comments
Hello Monica;
Thank you for your contact. We do not cover Georgia. Google West Highland White Terrier Club of Georgia. They will have membership/breeder referral available.
Thank you for your question.
Susan Reeves Westie Rescue of CA
Kathy hodge
my westie is nine months old and is still miss some adult teeth and I see no sign of them comming in yet should I be worried
17 February 2009 - ont canada
Webmaster comments
Hi Kathy;
There can be missing premolars within our breed. At nine months all adult teeth are in place. Would suggest taking your Westie to dogie Vet dentist or x-ray from your Vet. Should tell if there are 'retained' adult teeth, that have not come down.
Hope this information helps! Enjoy your little one!
Susan
Ellen
I wrote in September about my puppy Liam who had allergies. We put Liam on the Westie diet and he is so much better. He was looking better within the week. All his hair has grown back in and he looks great. He loves his food too, he is done by the time the bowl hits the ground. I only have pictures of his new hair grown in otherwise I would show proof that the westie diet works. Thanks a million times over the all the help you have given us.
30 December 2008 - TN
Webmaster comments
THANK YOU ELLEN!!!!
For any of you owners who are thinking of starting The Westie Diet (it isn't just for Westies!)....please contact us via our email address. We have additional information, treats, products which are recommended as well. Please know....we are here to help all Westies and the people who love them.
Susan
Debi Palmer
Our Westie, Aspen, is 16 1/2 years old and is finally feeling the effects of old age with arthritis, kidney failure, coughing amd breathing problems and many other issues! She continues to do pretty well and isn't quite ready to give up her good life. We certainly will have another Westie or two after Miss Aspen decides to join her Gramma in Heaven.
20 December 2008 - Winter Park, Florida
Webmaster comments
Hello Debi;
Thank you for loving Westies! Aspen was so lucky to have a very special Mom. When it is her time, may you know she will be vibrant, playful, tail wagging and wait'n .....At The Rainbow Bridge.
Westie Luv, Susan
Katrina
Westie Lung Disease. Please can anyone help us. KC is 12 years old and is just like a puppy who likes to play, bark, eat etc. We have been told she has this terrible disease and cant even walk 2 paces without panting. She is struggling to breathe and has a crackly chest. We dont know when to let go and put her to sleep. Has anyone been in the same boat? Has anyone got any advise as there is NO CURE. Thankyou from 2 distressed westie owners. By the way we have 3 more westies who are OK at the moment.
15 December 2008 - UK
Webmaster comments
Hello Katrina and KC;
We are very sorry for your KC's condition. We do know just how difficult it is to see your beloved Westie suffer. The clinical trials and research paper was written from a researcher in UK initially. However, a Vet at UC-Davis,-CA, first noticed it in Cairns. He applied and received a Grant and funding to research. He did consult initially with our rescue on his findings. It is unfortunate, research and trials have not found the DNA marker, but it appears is passed within a pedigree family-desending. Breeding dog who exhibits condition would should not be an option. More study needs to be done, but there seems to be two onsets; one early (at 4+ years)and one seen in older dogs (10+ years).
Since we do not want to misquote the study, please Google 'Westie Lung Disease'. Review the Westie Foundation's website, there are medical findings posted. Print and hand it to your Vet. Early diagnosis can occur and helps with the comfort of the dog. As you will read, the dog can be made comfortable with steroids (Prednisone - helps with the inflammation) and even nebulizers. Actually humans have similar disease and researchers are using the initial clinical results in our breed to help with human disease (boy that is a switch). The disease is known as: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
We are sending loving hugs and thoughts 'across the pond' to you and yours! Blessing abound.
Susan Reeves Exec Director WR of CA
Jackie
Our beloved Westie, Gibson, had suffered intermittent ear infections and allergies for a few years. Finally our vet said that it was the dog food he was eating. We switched to Nutro Lamb and Rice (vet recommended). Then my husband and I had to go to the states for 10 weeks and we had our landlady take care of Gibson during that time. I had given our landlady Gibson's food prior to leaving, but she ran out of his food and instead of buying more she merely substituted the same food she fed her dog. Well, needless to say by the time we came back, Gibson had raging ear infections and was scratching constantly. Fortunately we found the Westie diet on your website and between that and some antibiotics and anti-inflammatories from the vet, Gibson was in the healing process.our little Gibson was doing much better within a week! We now keep him on the Westie diet and nary a scratch and no more ear infections! Thanks so much!
18 November 2008 - Mexico
Webmaster comments
Hi Jackie and Gibson;
Thank you for the wonderful testimonial to our Westie Diet. It continues to have a positive effect on many breeds of dogs, not only Westies. Make sure you keep him on the suggested treats and products which we are certain does not cause coat color nor itching.
If you have a before and after photo we will post on our website. Always are interested in 'before' and 'after' photos. They are sooooooo telling! Sending best wishes to all,
Susan
Dee
I cannot say enough good things about the westie diet. My 13 year old westie developed a low thyroid and skin issues. I put him on the diet and the diet in combination with medication did wonders for his coat. I could see the results literally within the first week. I am taking a copy of the diet to my vet--this is really something every westie owner should know about.
6 November 2008 - California
Webmaster comments
Hi there;
We are so pleased with the results for your 'senior' Westie. Some modification is suggested for our 'senior' little ones; use the Nutro Natural Choice Less Active or Lite Lamb and Rice (Tan and dark brown bags). Viola.....it is a lifelong diet. ASIDE: I have a 13 yr old that has been on the diet his entire life; conformation showing, obedience, and now couch potato. He is doing so great! I attribute it greatly to the Westie Diet.
Hugs to you and yours, Susan
deb gorham
Regarding the Westie Diet food--Can I make a week's worth of it ahead of time for when I board my Westie? Also, I read about keeping my Westie from licking/chewing her feet. Use Athlete's Foot Powder--Like "Gold Bond"?
11 October 2008 - Franklin, TN
Webmaster comments
Hello Deb;
Thanks for the clarification question, here is what I personally do when traveling with or kenneling dogs. Purchase the 'snack' and 'sandwich' size zip lock baggies. Measure all the 'wet' ingredients in the 'snack' size baggie (minus the Vit E). Remove the air from the baggie and seal tight. Measure the 'dry kibble', place in 'sandwich' size baggie. Place CLOSED snack size baggie into the dry kibble baggie and close. Viola one bowl pre-measured. All can be kept in refrigerator, one bowl taken at a time and all the active ingredients measured for one bowl. The snack baggie can be gently warmed in microwave or if no microwave available, fill the bathroom basin with hot water. Float CLOSED snack baggie in basin to heat. Pour over dry kibble and mix well.
On clean, trimmed and dry pads, toe digits and feet tops; work into all medicated (active antifungal ie: Tolnaftate 1% or similar) powder. Present in human athlete's foot powder not spray. Best use at night when the dog will not go onto dewy grass. Remember on clean, dry and trimmed foot pads and toe digits. Active ingredient then has all night to work, undisturbed. Once wet active ingredient stops working.
Hope this helps. Susan
Maureen Linville
Very intrested in adopting, we already have 2; 1 male ;12yrs. and a female,3yrs.old.
30 September 2008 - Queen Creek, Arizona
Webmaster comments
Thank you for your adoption comments, however we can do nothing without an application. Please go onto our website under 'Adopting a Westie', download, complete and submit according to directions your application. We have many awaiting placement deserving Westies. Thank you for loving the breed!
