This page of the Breeder's Notebook is a bit different from the others, and offers a suggestion that anyone can use, from the owner of a show kennel to the owner of one companion dog of any breed. I want to tell you about "The Feelies," a process that has helped our veterinarians save the lives of many Clan Duncan dogs over the years.

What ARE the Feelies? Feelies is my rather silly name for the monthly inspection I do of each Sheltie. Ours is a coated breed. That luxuriant coat makes it impossible to discover small health concerns just by looking at the dogs. Also, many Shelties are brave. They can ignore serious levels of pain just to do the things that please you. A periodic inspection is needed. The Feelies can catch serious problems early and can help your veterinarian keep your dog healthy.

I do this once a month to each Sheltie, and in addition I do a Feely examination anytime a dog seems listless or in distress.

Starting at the nose, with both hands, feel the dog all over. Feel all over the face, the ears, the jaw, neck, chest, back, ribcage, belly, loins, genitals, thighs, and feel the tail right down to the tip. Pay particular attention to under the jaw, the belly, and the genitals. Look under the tail at the anus to see if all is normal there. Then feel down each of the legs, including between the toe pads. You are looking for dandruff, lumps, warts, ticks, fleas, thorns, imbedded grass heads, sores, patches of thinning hair, reddened or otherwise discolored skin, broken nails, discharges, and anything else out of the ordinary. Note if any place in particular is tender and causes a reaction from the dog when you press there gently. The photos show puppies being examined, but the older your dog is, the more important these quick checks become.

Next, look inside the mouth. Look at the gums, the teeth, and the tongue. Open the jaws and look at the roof of the mouth, back as far as you can see. Lift the tongue and look under it. Look for red and/or receding gums, plaque, swelling, infection, sores, loose or cracked teeth, lumps, outgrowths, discolored areas, and anything else that doesn't look right. Smell the dog's breath. It should not be foul -- if it is, something needs attention.

Next, look inside the dog's ears and SMELL the dog's ears; the smell should be slight, waxy, and pleasant, not foul. You are looking for lumps, redness, sores, infection, crusty skin, thickened skin, or ear mites. Look into the dog's eyes. Are they bright and sparkling? Are they runny and dull? Are there cloudy places or scratches on the eye?

Finally, pull down the lower eyelid a little and look at the color of the membrane there, and also look at the color of the gums away from the gumline. The below-eye membrane should be medium pink, and the gums should be medium pink. Press on the gum with your finger and take it away quickly. The gum should be pale where your finger pressed the blood from the tissue, but the color should return immediately, the moment you take your finger away. Gums should not be pale and they should not stay pale for seconds after you remove your pressing finger. If gums do not immediately recover their color, take your dog to your veterinarian; your little friend needs expert help right away.

You will soon learn what is usual for your dog, and what is new. Promptly consult with your veterinarian about anything you find that concerns you. You will be glad you took action!

I decided to tell you about The Feelies after a Feely check on our oldest girl, little spayed Reenie, found a small breast lump. Of course, we took her right in to our veterinarian. The lump was aggressively malignant, but was removed when it was still very small, so she has a good chance at non-recurrence.

Do The Feelies every month!