Tool Page - Forum

"Tool Page" the column designed to give you some useful "Tools" in running a successful kennel.

Note: This dialog was taken from a live chat forum with Dr. Page at www.usabreeders.com March 27, 2002.

This month's Tool Page Questions:

Q: What does a grayish-white stool mean in a pup?

Dr. Page: In young puppies it could indicate coccidia.

Q: Is SMZ a good preventative for coccidia in 5 & 7 week old puppies? I use SMZ because the taste seems to be accepted better by my pups.

Dr. Page: No SMZ is NOT a good preventative for coccidia. Albon is very good, given in the proper dosage and schedule.

Q: What is the proper dosage?

Dr. Page: Albon should be given at the rate of 1cc per 4# of body weight once daily, for a minimum of 10 days, you can use this at any age when needed.

Q: Why isn't SMZ a coccidia preventative?

Dr. Page: The sulfa that's in SMZ is not effective against coccidia, the best sulfa to use is sulfadimethoxine, which is in Albon. SMZ can have side effects that decrease the function of the thyroid gland and may cause damage to the tear glands of dogs, causing dry eye later in life. There are many different forms of sulfa drugs.The form of sulfa found in SMZ is not effective against coccidia. ANY drug over-dosed, can cause liver and kidney damage as well. It just does not work well against coccidia.

Q: Why is it when a 5-6 week old pup defacates black it is usually dead in hours?

Dr. Page: It usually indicates a severe worm infestation or it has a stomach ulcer.

Q: How safe is it to breed a healthy, fit 9 year old?

Dr. Page: Perfectly safe, if she is in good shape she should do well.