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Non-cancerous bone tumours are rare and mainly due to abnormal development. They include bone cysts and single or multiple lumps of bone in abnormal places (exostoses).
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Most of the red and white blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. If a recent blood test indicates a problem with any of the blood cells, a bone marrow sample sent to the laboratory, may indicate the reason.
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Lameness indicates a deviation from normal gait. The commonest cause is pain in the limb.
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Mammary neoplasia (breast cancer) is very common in the bitch. Its frequency is only second to skin cancer. Both benign and malignant forms occur but sixty percent of mammary lumps in the bitch are benign.
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Puppies should not go to new homes under the age of six weeks, except in special circumstances. From the point of view of socialisation and bonding the sooner the puppy goes to a new home the better.
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Puberty, or sexual maturity in the bitch, usually occurs around six months of age although this varies.
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Although the majority of bitches will whelp without the need for assistance, problems can arise which require veterinary attention.
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If whelping appears to have finished clean up the bitch as much as possible without upsetting her. The bitch will spend most of her time with her puppies for the next few days.
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Pregnancy, also known as the gestation period, normally ranges from 57-65 days with an average of 63 days.
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During the first three weeks of life puppies require little care from the owner provided the bitch is competent. They are born with their eyes closed but these open after 7-14 days.