patterdale balance problem

[motoade 4]

Hi everyone, I have registered here in the hope of some info. My Patterdale is now seven and a half months old and although he is in great shape for a pup I am a little concerned about his balance. If he plays jumping up for a ball or generally play fighting he has a tendency to drop his head to one side and walk in a crabbing diagonal crouch almost like he is drunk. Is this something anyone has come across before.

PS His parents are both workers and in great shape also. Many thanks Ade

[paddy mc 11]

ear infection sound like mate

[sallie 67]

Could be ear mites

[jocky 198]

as paddy says, sounds like ear infection.my pats 3 now. and had ear infection about 3 month ago. they said at vets it the inner ear. she had antibiotics, is alot better now, but not perfect still scrates her ear some times. take her to vets. or you could try small amont of ear ex.

[motoade 4]

He had an ear infection when he was younger, Im now thinking maybe it damaged him.

Another question, I really want to put him to work at some stage, starting on rats. Im in no hurry as I want him mature enough not to be put off. He has caught a couple of mixy rabbits but lacks any real kill instinct, he will despatch them but its more play than with any intent. Is this because the rabbit is weak or does he just need to mature yet before he goes at it.

[mintstick999 485]

I should imagine motoade once he's been bitten by a rat a few times he'll start to kill um with a bit more vigour, unless that's already happened.

[motoade 4]

Thanks for your input guys, what age do you think is right for their first experience with rats?

[b53hunt 15]

about the 6 month mark iv got a dog and bitch that are 6months and started them round the farm last week went well they had 11 rats between them just take it steady its a good idea to catch 1 in a cage trap and let your dog see it if your dog wants to kill it he will let you know

[Laura 0]

mine are out rattin along time before 6 mths depends what line they are i suppose

[MUDD 374]

The dog may have "canker" !! When penned up have you noticed it shaking it's head from side to side at all ??

[motoade 4]

No probs with head shaking, and he is not penned, he is a family/working dog.

Hopefully he will grow out of it.

Another question, do you get your dogs protected against weils disease because of the rats.

Thanks again

[LolaPat 49]

Weils disease is covered in his yearly jabs. Well some forms of it anyhow

[Squirrel_Basher 17,100]

Dont mean to be the bringer of doom mate but if youve left this untreated for some time you may be too late .What starts as an ear infection can lead to partial brain damage if not treated correctly .Get it to the vets asap and forget the ratting until its been given a clean bill of health .