My dog has excessive skin around his neck area. My vet says it's a little too much and I should exercise him to tighten it. What's a simple way to tighten it? I feed him Solid Gold, so I don't think his food is a problem. I walk him for about 1-2 hours every other day and always on the weekends. When we play, we play tug-o-war and I let him hang about 2-3 inches off the ground. It just seems like it'd work out his neck. Any other suggestions?
Best way to tighten skin on dog's neck?
Loose skin isn't really going to tighten up thru exercise, unless you are building muscle. So you do muscle building exercises like climbing, swimming, running etc.
Reply:A bulldog clip.
Reply:Is he otherwise overweight? If so if he is over 6 yrs old feed him something like dry Science Diet Adult Light %26amp; a small amt of wet food.
Reply:I'm not sure why your vet is concerned with excess skin, as long as it's kept clean and dry. What does he want you to do, have a little cosmetic surgery for your pooch??
Just keep on playing and exercising with your pup, and he'll be fine.
Reply:Call Dr. 90210 - K9
Friday, November 20, 2009
How much is an average vet consult fee for a dog in California?
Hi! Our dog has a skin problem that we couldnt get control of. Plus she seems to have developed allergies since we moved to the area. Im almost certain she can get better if she got some treatment, and we'd like her to be in the best health that she can be. I'm hesitant though because I'm afraid that the vet prices would be exorbitant... could anyone give me an idea how much it would cost to see a vet in the Central Valley, CA area? Any recommendations for the Modesto/Ceres/Turlock area?
How much is an average vet consult fee for a dog in California?
Well it depends. Some are $25 - $50.
Reply:So far, my experience has been with Vets in the N. Valley- Sacramento region of California. Non emergency fees range from 30-45 $ for the office visit alone. Then expect to add to that w/ any diagnostic tests (allergy skin testing), medications, etc. Emergency fees on the other hand can be outrageous depending on the time of day/night you go. Fees for ER visit start at 85.00 and above just for an exam. You may want to consider purchasing a Vet Pet Insurance plan that would cover costs incurred with a deductible or copay. I understand you reluctance to spend a huge amount of money, but then again- Your animal is counting on YOU to be responsible and humane. Good Luck.
Reply:You should just call around to different vets. They will want to do a skini scraping most likely, to see if she has parasites. If she does, they are usually easy to treat. If it isn't parasites then she could have a fungal infection, a bacterial infection, allergies, or allergies with a secondary bacterial infection or secondary fungal infection. The same could be said for parasites.
Allergies are the most difficult to treat because it can be hard to figure out what's causing them. Some dogs will out grow the allergies but if the skin is infected also it needs to be treated.
How much is an average vet consult fee for a dog in California?
Well it depends. Some are $25 - $50.
Reply:So far, my experience has been with Vets in the N. Valley- Sacramento region of California. Non emergency fees range from 30-45 $ for the office visit alone. Then expect to add to that w/ any diagnostic tests (allergy skin testing), medications, etc. Emergency fees on the other hand can be outrageous depending on the time of day/night you go. Fees for ER visit start at 85.00 and above just for an exam. You may want to consider purchasing a Vet Pet Insurance plan that would cover costs incurred with a deductible or copay. I understand you reluctance to spend a huge amount of money, but then again- Your animal is counting on YOU to be responsible and humane. Good Luck.
Reply:You should just call around to different vets. They will want to do a skini scraping most likely, to see if she has parasites. If she does, they are usually easy to treat. If it isn't parasites then she could have a fungal infection, a bacterial infection, allergies, or allergies with a secondary bacterial infection or secondary fungal infection. The same could be said for parasites.
Allergies are the most difficult to treat because it can be hard to figure out what's causing them. Some dogs will out grow the allergies but if the skin is infected also it needs to be treated.
I am looking for a small dog with not too many problems (ie..skin, eye, hip), what is a good breed?
like the other person said, get a mutt. they honestly have fewer health problems. the only "breed" i have experience with is a beagle. they don't have as many problems as some other breeds, but they shed a lot and are prone to hip dysplasia (it can be treated, though not always successfully). also depending on the climate, as with any long-eared breed, you have to watch out for ear infections. chihuahuas also seem to have few health problems, but they can be yappy.
I am looking for a small dog with not too many problems (ie..skin, eye, hip), what is a good breed?
jack-russell terrior
Reply:i love the beagle!!!
Reply:A well-bred one.
Look at the Toy breeds.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm
When you find one that you like, click on the link for the National Breed Club to find out more about it. Most National Club websites will also have breeder referral links.
Good luck!
Reply:How small? A beagle is the healthiest you will get in purebreds. I have chihuahuas, and even they have problems within the breed. Mine have been fine, but I know there are issues in the breed.
If you want a healthy small dog a mix is going to be your best option. All purebreeds have issues within their breed.
Reply:You need a mutt or heinz 57.
Visit a shelter or a rescue society. There are a lot of factors to consider besides these with any dog.
Reply:I have a yorkie-poo (mixed breed) that is absolutely adorable and in perfect health. He is agile and very fast, jumps unbelievably high and loves being with people. No problems at all except maybe being too loveable.
What I'm sure folks would say though is that with a mixed breed there is no guarantee what the dog will turn out to be like. Guess I just got lucky.
I am looking for a small dog with not too many problems (ie..skin, eye, hip), what is a good breed?
jack-russell terrior
Reply:i love the beagle!!!
Reply:A well-bred one.
Look at the Toy breeds.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm
When you find one that you like, click on the link for the National Breed Club to find out more about it. Most National Club websites will also have breeder referral links.
Good luck!
Reply:How small? A beagle is the healthiest you will get in purebreds. I have chihuahuas, and even they have problems within the breed. Mine have been fine, but I know there are issues in the breed.
If you want a healthy small dog a mix is going to be your best option. All purebreeds have issues within their breed.
Reply:You need a mutt or heinz 57.
Visit a shelter or a rescue society. There are a lot of factors to consider besides these with any dog.
Reply:I have a yorkie-poo (mixed breed) that is absolutely adorable and in perfect health. He is agile and very fast, jumps unbelievably high and loves being with people. No problems at all except maybe being too loveable.
What I'm sure folks would say though is that with a mixed breed there is no guarantee what the dog will turn out to be like. Guess I just got lucky.
Whats wrong with my dog?
my dog has a skin problem alwayz chewing and scratching. we take her to the vet and they keep giving her steroids and anitbiotics but it keeps coming back.
Whats wrong with my dog?
clean your dog alot and be sure to rub the shampoo into her skin very well. get a plastic collar thing that makes it so they cant chew at them self
Reply:My dog had the same problem, he had allergies he was allergic to grass, plus he has dry skin.
Reply:well the chewing and scratching can be due to many different things. her skin could just be sensitive. is there a rash on her or something?
Reply:bugs living right under the surface of the canine's skin, causes it to lose hair and be very itchie and dry....poor puppers...just keep taking it to the vet for treatment and with a little luck it will clear up...
Reply:Have you considered that he might be allergic to something in his food?
I switched mine to Canidae chicken and rice and there are no more skin issues.
Reply:We don't know what's wrong with your dog, what does the vet think? Keep working with the vet. You won't find better answers on here, if you're not happy with the results so far then try another vet.
Chalice
Reply:You've paid for all those appointments and they don't know? It could be many things, It could be hormonal; a sensitivity to something (soap/grasses/stress); a bacterial skin infection; parasites; boredom. Phone up and ask them what their diagnosis was/is and get a treatment plan/care plan to stop your poor dog doing this. Bathing too often or with a product she's sensitive to can make it worse. Find out from your vet what you should be doing to prevent this from re-occurring. Sounds like you've been there often enough with this condition, to have it resolved. My parents went through years of this with their vet, to end up having her diagnosed with the bacterial skin infection! She's always behaved as you describe your dog, but she's much more comfortable now. Vets are expensive, get a straight answer from them. Your dog deserves to feel better and to be able to relax a bit. Good luck!
Reply:My dog does the same thing. The vet was offering me fish oil supplements, I've decided that I am going to feed him 1 egg a day. I know people who do that, and their dogs all have shiny and soft fur.
Now I just need to get to the grocery store...
Give it a shot...
Reply:Go to a dermatologist and have them run allergy tests. He might be allergic to something in his food or in the environment. It will be expensive to test, but save you money in the long run since you won't have to put her on steroids all the time (steroids are not healthy in the long run)
Reply:A lot of skin problems are due to the diet. Check to see if his dog food contains corn, wheat, gluten, etc. If so, switch to a fodd that doesn't contain those things.
Reply:Oh I hear you! Aint it expensive having a pooch with a seemingly endless itch! I've been listening to various vets over the years and finally I've come up with a treatment that is completely safe and my dog is no longer itchy...requires regular application:-
2 heaped T of either table salt or even better Epsom salts into hot water to dissolve. Add to luke warm bathwater. Make sure you bathe your dog in this solution for at least 10 min's.
After bathing, gently pat dry, put on elizabethian collar (on the dog that is...) and apply the coritsone cream. Now, I'm not a great fan of using corisone on my dog but it's the only thing that seems to relieve the itching for him.
Every second or third bath, don't use the cortisone - replace it with Aqueous lotion. This is important as it's nourishing for your dog's skin - allowing it to heal quicker.
I hope this helps. All the best
agave
Whats wrong with my dog?
clean your dog alot and be sure to rub the shampoo into her skin very well. get a plastic collar thing that makes it so they cant chew at them self
Reply:My dog had the same problem, he had allergies he was allergic to grass, plus he has dry skin.
Reply:well the chewing and scratching can be due to many different things. her skin could just be sensitive. is there a rash on her or something?
Reply:bugs living right under the surface of the canine's skin, causes it to lose hair and be very itchie and dry....poor puppers...just keep taking it to the vet for treatment and with a little luck it will clear up...
Reply:Have you considered that he might be allergic to something in his food?
I switched mine to Canidae chicken and rice and there are no more skin issues.
Reply:We don't know what's wrong with your dog, what does the vet think? Keep working with the vet. You won't find better answers on here, if you're not happy with the results so far then try another vet.
Chalice
Reply:You've paid for all those appointments and they don't know? It could be many things, It could be hormonal; a sensitivity to something (soap/grasses/stress); a bacterial skin infection; parasites; boredom. Phone up and ask them what their diagnosis was/is and get a treatment plan/care plan to stop your poor dog doing this. Bathing too often or with a product she's sensitive to can make it worse. Find out from your vet what you should be doing to prevent this from re-occurring. Sounds like you've been there often enough with this condition, to have it resolved. My parents went through years of this with their vet, to end up having her diagnosed with the bacterial skin infection! She's always behaved as you describe your dog, but she's much more comfortable now. Vets are expensive, get a straight answer from them. Your dog deserves to feel better and to be able to relax a bit. Good luck!
Reply:My dog does the same thing. The vet was offering me fish oil supplements, I've decided that I am going to feed him 1 egg a day. I know people who do that, and their dogs all have shiny and soft fur.
Now I just need to get to the grocery store...
Give it a shot...
Reply:Go to a dermatologist and have them run allergy tests. He might be allergic to something in his food or in the environment. It will be expensive to test, but save you money in the long run since you won't have to put her on steroids all the time (steroids are not healthy in the long run)
Reply:A lot of skin problems are due to the diet. Check to see if his dog food contains corn, wheat, gluten, etc. If so, switch to a fodd that doesn't contain those things.
Reply:Oh I hear you! Aint it expensive having a pooch with a seemingly endless itch! I've been listening to various vets over the years and finally I've come up with a treatment that is completely safe and my dog is no longer itchy...requires regular application:-
2 heaped T of either table salt or even better Epsom salts into hot water to dissolve. Add to luke warm bathwater. Make sure you bathe your dog in this solution for at least 10 min's.
After bathing, gently pat dry, put on elizabethian collar (on the dog that is...) and apply the coritsone cream. Now, I'm not a great fan of using corisone on my dog but it's the only thing that seems to relieve the itching for him.
Every second or third bath, don't use the cortisone - replace it with Aqueous lotion. This is important as it's nourishing for your dog's skin - allowing it to heal quicker.
I hope this helps. All the best
agave
My mastiffs have a skin problem I cant seem to get rid of!!?
I have 2 mastiffs one is 1 and the other is 1and a half. At first one started to shed really bad then the other did. Then they one started to get bumps all over like swollen sists,some with a white head, then the other did. They itch like mad! Then one day when I was brushing them to help with the itch I found dog lice that you only find I guess on wolves and foxes. So like the vet said bath them in flea and tick shampoo and revolution them every two weeks a month, so I did, I shampood 3 times in one week then started on the revolution, the bumps got worse so I did med baths after the treatment becasue there skin was soo dry and more flea baths. More bumps and itching!!!! The bumps then pop, scab go away then 2 weeks or soo we are back to square one, it has been an on going thing for 5 months now and I cant see it being lice any more!! I even gave them an ivomech shot with more revolution. I have done skin scapings and blood work, the vets dont know anymore and I am out of ideas!
My mastiffs have a skin problem I cant seem to get rid of!!?
wow, i feel for you... you have tried tons of stuff.... so here is my thoughts %26amp; maybe i missed this in previous posts... stop all additives %26amp; treatments... keep them outside or at least away from all carpeting %26amp; beds (including dog beds-use airmatress or straw or foam pad instead)... give them Canidae dog food if you can ( good for skin %26amp; hair but may cause runny stools - messy but ok).... give them ONLY distilled water.. try this for 2 weeks... if you see dif you can slowly change ech thing to see exactly what it is but i would guess it is either a fabric detegent or more likely in the water.. good luck %26amp; best wishes
Reply:one part lysol--three parts water---NOT stronger.
Reply:maybe a....no
ummm I really dont know vet would hve check for all the major issues that popped in my head
get on fosterandsmith.com and get them some skin vitamins start adding it to there food
did you change there food? maybe its something in that
Reply:Have you changed your dog food lately? They could have a food allergy. Also, I would recommend taking the dogs to a professional groomer, because it is very important to rinse the dog properly. It is very important to get all the shampoo out and you have to rinse them from the neck to the tail.
Reply:Have you tried changing their food? I have a friend that breeds French Mastiff's and they had a similar problem. She ended up changing their food because they were allergic to wheat and corn...I think to something that was like Venison and Potato or Duck and Potato (not sure exactly). But the vet also sells allergy food for dogs and cats that have skin allergies. It might be worth looking into.
Also, you might try adding fish oil to their food. That seems to help with itching.
Another option (though on the expensive side) is to see an actual veterinary allergist. They will sedate your dog and shave an area on their side, where they will pierce the skin with a bunch of needles that have a variety of common allergens on them (they will leave black marks so that they can identify them). Than they wait to see which marks react...and they can figure out what your dog is allergic to specifically. A lady I pet sit for just had her dog tested and it cost $130 for the consultation and $350 for the actual procedure.
You haven't said anything about prednisone (steroid)...which is usually what vets use to treat skin problems when nothing else works. It's not the best option, but if they are as miserable as they sound...it can help.
Reply:It sounds like a skin allergy. It could also be parasitic and/or bacterial lesions. Consider all new products ingested topically or orally by your dogs prior to the symptoms. Allergies can also develop at any time during the life of a human or animal. I would talk to your veterinarian about antihistamines and possible allergy laboratory testing.
There is blood work that can drawn and tested to determine allergies of both humans and animals based on the region they live in. It is called "RAST" and "ELISA" testing. If your veterinarian's findings are inconclusive, you can always consider getting second opinion. This is definitely a skin reaction therefore, it is a release of histamine in the body of the animal. Look into that allergy determining laboratory work. Look at this site for more information on it:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...
Reply:Intruder's lysol reciepe, antibiotics if the vet agrees. Change to a high quality food with meat and omega fatty acids. It may take several months to calm things down. I also use a product called "Show Stopper" that I add to my Doberman's food. It really helps with the coat.
My mastiffs have a skin problem I cant seem to get rid of!!?
wow, i feel for you... you have tried tons of stuff.... so here is my thoughts %26amp; maybe i missed this in previous posts... stop all additives %26amp; treatments... keep them outside or at least away from all carpeting %26amp; beds (including dog beds-use airmatress or straw or foam pad instead)... give them Canidae dog food if you can ( good for skin %26amp; hair but may cause runny stools - messy but ok).... give them ONLY distilled water.. try this for 2 weeks... if you see dif you can slowly change ech thing to see exactly what it is but i would guess it is either a fabric detegent or more likely in the water.. good luck %26amp; best wishes
Reply:one part lysol--three parts water---NOT stronger.
Reply:maybe a....no
ummm I really dont know vet would hve check for all the major issues that popped in my head
get on fosterandsmith.com and get them some skin vitamins start adding it to there food
did you change there food? maybe its something in that
Reply:Have you changed your dog food lately? They could have a food allergy. Also, I would recommend taking the dogs to a professional groomer, because it is very important to rinse the dog properly. It is very important to get all the shampoo out and you have to rinse them from the neck to the tail.
Reply:Have you tried changing their food? I have a friend that breeds French Mastiff's and they had a similar problem. She ended up changing their food because they were allergic to wheat and corn...I think to something that was like Venison and Potato or Duck and Potato (not sure exactly). But the vet also sells allergy food for dogs and cats that have skin allergies. It might be worth looking into.
Also, you might try adding fish oil to their food. That seems to help with itching.
Another option (though on the expensive side) is to see an actual veterinary allergist. They will sedate your dog and shave an area on their side, where they will pierce the skin with a bunch of needles that have a variety of common allergens on them (they will leave black marks so that they can identify them). Than they wait to see which marks react...and they can figure out what your dog is allergic to specifically. A lady I pet sit for just had her dog tested and it cost $130 for the consultation and $350 for the actual procedure.
You haven't said anything about prednisone (steroid)...which is usually what vets use to treat skin problems when nothing else works. It's not the best option, but if they are as miserable as they sound...it can help.
Reply:It sounds like a skin allergy. It could also be parasitic and/or bacterial lesions. Consider all new products ingested topically or orally by your dogs prior to the symptoms. Allergies can also develop at any time during the life of a human or animal. I would talk to your veterinarian about antihistamines and possible allergy laboratory testing.
There is blood work that can drawn and tested to determine allergies of both humans and animals based on the region they live in. It is called "RAST" and "ELISA" testing. If your veterinarian's findings are inconclusive, you can always consider getting second opinion. This is definitely a skin reaction therefore, it is a release of histamine in the body of the animal. Look into that allergy determining laboratory work. Look at this site for more information on it:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...
Reply:Intruder's lysol reciepe, antibiotics if the vet agrees. Change to a high quality food with meat and omega fatty acids. It may take several months to calm things down. I also use a product called "Show Stopper" that I add to my Doberman's food. It really helps with the coat.
Dog problem with fur?
My greyhound seems to be loosing her fur from her thighs..these patches are appearing on both side of her back legs on the the thigh muscle,the skin can be seen..It's winter here I am hoping it is just a winter coat problem
Thanks for any suggestions
Dog problem with fur?
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/greyhounds/... seems to indicate this might be a "greyhound" problem. As long as the skin is not red and she is not biting at it or licking at it she may be ok. If she seems lethargic and gains weight or has other signs of hypothyroidism (like ear infections, allergies, dry skin, etc) get her thyroid checked. You might give her a fish oil pill on her food to help her coat but it likely won't help the fur come back. Make sure she is getting a good food that is hypoallergenic as food allergies will also cause skin problems.
Reply:Gee... coats usually thicken in the winter.... I'd call a vet... it could be an allergic reaction to something...
Reply:um she has a skin condition best to take her to the vet for treatment, it might get worse if you dont
best wishes with your dog=]
Reply:I think that ur pet has fleas. Or maybe he just is shedding a lot. I suggest u see a vet just to be sure. And if he does have fleas, u should get some medicine. GOOD LUCK!
Reply:how old is she
it could be due to her just being an old dog
or she could have a skin problem
also fur lose could be due to her rubbing them on something
do u put those silly lil dog clothes on her???
if so they could be the cause
xxxxxxxx
Reply:Does she sleep on or close to the heat vents, or the fire place.. something like that?? That'll cause them to lose fur in the winter.
Reply:You should take him to the vet. Sometimes things seem so small but can lead to something so much greater. My dog seemed fine one minute and then the next he has cancer. I am not sure what is wrong, but it is probably a skin condition. Take him to the vet just to be safe. I hope for the best!
-Audrina
Reply:It depends, since it's a greyhound.
If you got her from a shelter/greyhound rescue org. It may have to do with being raced and abandoned thus developing a skin condition.
But I'd take her to the vet either way.
Reply:first vet the dog. Might be mange or an allergy or illness.
Thanks for any suggestions
Dog problem with fur?
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/greyhounds/... seems to indicate this might be a "greyhound" problem. As long as the skin is not red and she is not biting at it or licking at it she may be ok. If she seems lethargic and gains weight or has other signs of hypothyroidism (like ear infections, allergies, dry skin, etc) get her thyroid checked. You might give her a fish oil pill on her food to help her coat but it likely won't help the fur come back. Make sure she is getting a good food that is hypoallergenic as food allergies will also cause skin problems.
Reply:Gee... coats usually thicken in the winter.... I'd call a vet... it could be an allergic reaction to something...
Reply:um she has a skin condition best to take her to the vet for treatment, it might get worse if you dont
best wishes with your dog=]
Reply:I think that ur pet has fleas. Or maybe he just is shedding a lot. I suggest u see a vet just to be sure. And if he does have fleas, u should get some medicine. GOOD LUCK!
Reply:how old is she
it could be due to her just being an old dog
or she could have a skin problem
also fur lose could be due to her rubbing them on something
do u put those silly lil dog clothes on her???
if so they could be the cause
xxxxxxxx
Reply:Does she sleep on or close to the heat vents, or the fire place.. something like that?? That'll cause them to lose fur in the winter.
Reply:You should take him to the vet. Sometimes things seem so small but can lead to something so much greater. My dog seemed fine one minute and then the next he has cancer. I am not sure what is wrong, but it is probably a skin condition. Take him to the vet just to be safe. I hope for the best!
-Audrina
Reply:It depends, since it's a greyhound.
If you got her from a shelter/greyhound rescue org. It may have to do with being raced and abandoned thus developing a skin condition.
But I'd take her to the vet either way.
Reply:first vet the dog. Might be mange or an allergy or illness.
What exactly is this Jack Russells skin problem & what can I do?
Hi,
I am house sitting a friend of a friends house and dog, a Jack Russell.
I noticed he has some reddish raw'ish looking skin on his chest. He spends allot of time deep in garden 'hunting' stuff, but one thing I am a little concerned about is a patch under is front paw as shown here in these photo's:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22580574@N0...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22580574@N0...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22580574@N0...
While the owners are nice people, I don't think they truly appreciate the needs of pets and besides this skin issue, this Jack Russel (which has an amazing temprament) also has some greenish whitish, quite thick puss'y looking stuff leaking from tip of his penis.
I can't really take him to the vet, but would appreciate some advice on what to at least tell owners, cause a simple 'you need to take your dog to the vet' wouldn't work.
Many thanks
What exactly is this Jack Russells skin problem %26amp; what can I do?
I believe that the armpit irritation may be an allergy.
The stuff coming from the penis is definitely an infection and he need to be taken to a vet before it becomes serious.
Call the Humane Society.
Reply:Greenish white pus is almost certainly some kind of infection. Are your friends going to be away for a long time? Maybe you should take the dog to the vet on their behalf (with their permission, of course).
I am house sitting a friend of a friends house and dog, a Jack Russell.
I noticed he has some reddish raw'ish looking skin on his chest. He spends allot of time deep in garden 'hunting' stuff, but one thing I am a little concerned about is a patch under is front paw as shown here in these photo's:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22580574@N0...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22580574@N0...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22580574@N0...
While the owners are nice people, I don't think they truly appreciate the needs of pets and besides this skin issue, this Jack Russel (which has an amazing temprament) also has some greenish whitish, quite thick puss'y looking stuff leaking from tip of his penis.
I can't really take him to the vet, but would appreciate some advice on what to at least tell owners, cause a simple 'you need to take your dog to the vet' wouldn't work.
Many thanks
What exactly is this Jack Russells skin problem %26amp; what can I do?
I believe that the armpit irritation may be an allergy.
The stuff coming from the penis is definitely an infection and he need to be taken to a vet before it becomes serious.
Call the Humane Society.
Reply:Greenish white pus is almost certainly some kind of infection. Are your friends going to be away for a long time? Maybe you should take the dog to the vet on their behalf (with their permission, of course).
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