Hello we had a westie for 12 years and had no problems with him. He did have the black pigment skin. I just got a knew westie and he is pink skin and he has been scrathing and his tummy has scabs and sores all over. I took him to the vet they said get him benydrl. I did and its worse now they told me instead of once give it to him 3 time a day. I feel so bad for him he cry when he scratches. Is there anything they can do. I have been giving him nutro which is a all natural puppy food. PLEASE HELP ME I HAVE NEVER HAS THIS EVERY HAPPEN TO ANY OF MY DOGS.
14 July 2009 - usa
Webmaster comments
Hello Shelly;
Thank you for your contact. You didn't list the age of your Westie? Puppy, adult? Sounds as though might have secondary Staph infection. Would seek a second Vet's opinion. The dog can be washed in Malaseb Medicated Shampoo, scrubbed with a natural bristle pedicure brush and allowed to soak with the shampoo lathered. Make sure to rinse well with warm water. Also, blow dry the dog. Change bedding daily while the sores and scabs are present. Staph infection is treated with antibiotics. A skin scrapping recommended (that would rule out yeast and scabies). Dog can wear a baby's t-shirt (all cotton) to help with the scratching/itching.
If you would like detailed information please contact us via our email. This format does not lend itself to 'chat' dialogue.
Good luck!
Westie Rescue of CA
Susan Davidson
What does it cost to adopt a rescued puppy. My seventeen-year-old son is interested and Dad wants a young pup so it will be more easily trained.
11 July 2009 - United States
Webmaster comments
Hello Susan;
That information is available on our website under 'Adopting A Westie'.
Claudia
How long does it nornally take to adopt once you have received an application? I wish I had discovered your website earlier!
2 July 2009 - Port Angeles, WA
Webmaster comments
Hello Claudia;
There is not a designated time. It depends upon a match in program with your adoption profile.
Westie Rescue of CA
Deon
Love Westies. Adopted an older westie who has since passed to the Rainbow Bridge. Thinking of adopting another dog to be a companion for my husband who spends time at our place in Arizona while I am still working in Idaho. We have a 3 year old Westie named Angus.
31 May 2009 - South eastern Idaho
Webmaster comments
Hello Deon;
First step is to complete and send to our PO Box an application. Thank you for loving Westies!
Westie Rescue of CA
tanya c
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.
