Southland Weimaraner Club
Retrieving Ratings
Prado Dog Park, Chino Hills, California
June 21, 2014
It seemed appropriate that the Southland Weimaraner Club retrieving ratings were held on the first day of summer. The warm weather and beautiful fields and ponds at Prado Dog Park provided the perfect setting for the gray dogs to show off their retrieving skills. For several of the dogs, this was their first foray into field events, and they showed very impressive skills at retrieving on land and in water.
Congratulations to the five teams that qualified for their NRD: (1) GCH Top Hat’s Hollywood Canteen at M and M, JH AX AXJ “Crack” owned by Mike Fields and Stephanie Schuster handled by Mike Fields, (2) Pearl Essence Aurora’s Echo ”Echo” owned and handled by Vicki LePenske, (3) Trax Edenrock Fireworks One “Sparkle” owned by Anabel Schafnit, Cindy Cerne and Shirley Nilsson handled by David Schafnit, 4) CH Aldemars Spontaneous Combustion, JH MX MXJ XF VX “Min” owned and handled by Patrice Gail, and (5) Pearl Essence Olive Grace “Olive” owned and handled by Vicki LePenske.
The event ran smoothly and efficiently due to the great team of people who helped pull it all together. Huge thanks go to the following people:
Judges: Louise Brady and Nancy Rapaport
Gunners: Justin D’Alessandro, Bob “Dead Eye” Margolis, and Lee Meadows
WCA Rep: Rachel Aguilar
Trial Chairman: Mike Fields
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BRAGS
GCH Aldemar’s Quick To Chaos “Katie Grace” owned by Walt & Sharon Freshour, won Best in Veteran Sweepstakes at the SWC Specialty show on 6/24/14 at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach.
Copper Leaf’s Best Of Sundays ”Grayson” owned by John & Maureen Duffy, won Winners Dog at both the SWC & WCA National Specialty on consecutive days for 5 point majors! (10 points in 2 days!) Brianne Rock, handler.
Ch Silveroaks SurfCity Shades of Grey, owned by Brad Rosenberg MD and Jo Ann Rosenberg, was first place in the WCA Intermediate Futurity dog class on 6/25/14.
Copper Leaf’s Best of Sundays, owned by John & Maureen Di\uffy, earned a 2nd place in the WCA Junior Futurity dog class on 6/25/14.
Ch Windchymes First Break All the Rules, owned by Linda & Louis D’Alessandro, was 2nd place in the WCA Intermediate Futurity bitch class on 6/25/14.
GCh Silogram’s Rolls Royce CD, owned by Vickie & Bob Margolis, was Best Dog in the WCA Western Maturity class on 6/25/14.
GCh Ola Lola’s Anyone Can Cook! owned by Fredda Rose, Doug Davis, Skye Davis and Pat & Bill Van Camp, earned a 4th place in the WCA Maturity Dog class on 6/25/14.
Obedience News
GCH Silogram’s Rolls Royce, CD, owned by Bob & Vickie Margolis, scored a 194 & first place in Open A class and “High Scoring Dog in Trial” at the SWC Obdience Trial on 624/14. The following day Royce earned a 197 – first place in Open A , and again “High Score in Trial” at the WCA National Specialty Trial.
Ch Top Hat’s Surfin’ the Islands, RE “Duke” owned by Mary McElwee, scored a 95 and a first place in Rally Excellent-A at the SWC specialty 6/24/14 under Nancy Craig. This completed his RE title. Duke also scored a 97 and a first place in Rally Excellent-A at the WCA National 6/25/14 under Pauline Andrus.
GCh Star Synchronous Rotation, MH SDX RD VX BROM “Torque” owned by Louise Brady & Candice Gerson, scored a 193 – 2nd place in Novice B class at the WCA National Trial on 6/25/14. “Torque” also competed in Rally-Novice B and was first place in both the SWC & WCA Rally trials with scores of 98 & 99 respectively on 6/24 and 6/25/14.
Ch Windchymes First Break All The Rules “Oakley” owned by Linda & Louis D’Alessandro, scored an 86 – 2nd place in Novice B at the SWC Rally trial 6/24 and an 87- 3rd place in Novice B Rally at the WCA Trial on 2/25/14.
GCh Top Hat’s Hollywood Canteen At MandM, JH AX AXJ T2B VX, owned by Michael Fields and Stephanie Schuster, scored a 74 – 4th place in Novice B Rally at the SWC Trial on 6/24/14
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HOW TO SHOW YOUR OWN DOG
E. Katie Gammill, TheDogPlace.org Exhibition Editor – May 2013
Why did your dog NOT win today? Some decide the judge is a “handler judge” while others feel judges have color or “political” preferences.
Often driving home becomes a venting session but some who may consider a judge inept have NOT READ their own breed standard. Most judges truly attempt to do a credible job with the dogs that appear in their ring. This is why judge’s education evolved. So, before we take the judging community to task, what about the exhibitors responsibilities? Speaking for myself, I have no preferences except what is written in the standards. However, I will say this. “The CORRECT color is the BEST color!”
Desired markings are a plus, like “icing on the cake” whereas some markings are distracting. Many judges see beyond color. IF you choose to exhibit something different than the preferred colors as designated in your standard, don’t be surprised when your dog is not considered for Winners.
Most judges are serious about their judging and participate in continuing education. Being human, some make mistakes and most learn from these mistakes. Before looking for excuses as to why some dogs don’t make it to the winners circle, consider the below list as to what most judges want to see in the dog that is presented to them. They concentrate on virtues, not faults. Remember, a judge has only a scant amount of time to consider type, soundness, character, conditioning, and presentation. That’s why good handlers don’t show dogs out of condition and the dogs are trained.
Good show ring advice to help you win with a good dog
1) Show up on time at ringside. This means for your class, and the possibility of returning for Reserve. Don’t expect judge to
wait for you.
2) Take handling classes. Proper presentation is important.
3) Dress in appropriate attire that compliments your dog. Don’t wear anything that would take away from the dog’s presentation.
4) Be sure your dog is clean and properly groomed. “Holding coat” results in mats and knots. Some judges will place a good
dog with an inadequate coat if the dog is clean and brushed.
5) Trim those toenails.
6) Clean those teeth.
7) Train your dog to stand for examination. Teach it to allow a “bite” check or tell the judge you prefer to “show the bite”
yourself.
8) If your dog shies or pulls away, go back to training classes.
9) Clean the belly hair around the “plumbing” and make sure there is no feces under the tail.
10) Practice posing your dog in a large mirror to see if you appear a “team”.
11) Trim the feet if the standard calls for it. Do not over do “grooming products”.
12) Use a loose lead if possible on the “down and back”. Train the dog for a “go around” at a comfortable gait without breaking
stride.
13) STAY IN YOUR PLACE during the class, especially if the class is large. Don’t get lost!
14) Follow procedures set out by the judge officiating.
15) If you don’t win, congratulate the winners.
Another tip is to allow someone your dog trusts to present your dog. This enables you to evaluate your dog against the competition. Keeping records of particular judges “likes and dislikes” may be helpful but each entry is different on any given show. Good judges always look for structure, type, presentation, symmetry, and conditioning.
Too often the difference between “winning and losing” rests on the person presenting the dog. Pay attention in the ring as one never knows when a judge may “look back” for a quick comparison. Some judges (myself) don’t like exhibitors jerking, pushing, or moving the dog with their feet. Use the bait or lead.
As an exhibitor, YOU have the power to present your dog well. You know your dogs’ virtues and faults and can present it in such a manner as to accentuate your dog’s good points. Remember this is a dog show, not a people show. The way you handle the dog can make or break how the judge sees him.
If you are at ringside, on time and ready, and dressed appropriately (it’s not a cocktail party or picnic) for your breed, the judge will see your entry at its best. The overall picture you present increases your chances for the judge to point to your dog for those coveted points.
Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help. Most people will be happy to assist and encourage you IF you give them a chance when they are not readying for their own ring call.
Some new people will “catch fire” and others fall by the wayside. The first step toward success, for both exhibitors and our sport, is to make new people feel welcome. In turn, those seeking assistance need to give the more seasoned participants the respect they deserve.
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EPILEPTIC” SEIZURE DISORDERS
by Geneva Coats, TheDogPlace.org Genetics Editor / Sept. 2006
Your dog develops a far-away look in his eyes, suddenly collapses and begins to tremor and shake uncontrollably. Before you have a chance to react, the incident is over. He remains lethargic and weak for a while afterwards. What happened?
Seizures, epilepsy, fits, convulsions;
Different terms, same condition. A seizure results from sudden uncontrolled abnormal firing of neurons in the brain. The brain exists in a delicate state of chemical and physical balance. This balance can be upset by a number of factors. If the balance in the brain shifts too far, brain cells (neurons) may become over stimulated, and a seizure may result. This point at which seizures occur is known as the “seizure threshold”.
Seizures are commonly preceded by an “aura” or altered state which may be characterized by restlessness, nervousness, salivation, and anxiety. The “ictus” or actual seizure follows next. The dog will become non-responsive, collapse, and experience involuntary motor movements such as stretching, kicking, or paddling. The motions may vary in intensity from mild tremors to severe jerking movements. Seizures place tremendous stress on the heart, lungs and circulation. The body temperature may get very high from all the muscle activity and the animal may not breathe adequately. This may result (in rare cases) in brain damage and death. The actual seizure itself may last only seconds or minutes. A seizure persisting more than a few minutes is an EMERGENCY, which requires immediate treatment by the closest veterinary facility. The postictal stage is the period of time after the seizure; the dog may remain lethargic and weak, and possibly disoriented.
To be considered a true seizure, there must be an alteration in the level of consciousness. If the dog is conscious, responsive, aware of his surroundings, or is awakened easily from a sleep state, he is not having a true seizure. Heart and lung problems can sometimes result in weakness and collapse, and middle ear infections can cause dizziness. Twitching and jerking motions may occur in a sleep state, and this is considered normal in early neurological development of puppies.
There can also be focal or partial seizures, which affect a certain part of the body. For instance, the face or just one limb may be involved. This may progress to involve the entire body. The fact that the seizure starts in a local area suggests that a specific area in the brain is damaged, perhaps due to a brain tumor or infection.
Seizures are a sign of irritation of the brain tissue, just as coughing is a sign of irritation of the respiratory tract. Any of the factors listed below can trigger uncontrolled firing of the neurons of the brain. When a seizure is the result of an identifiable cause, the disorder is known as symptomatic or secondary epilepsy.
Seizures or Convulsions May Be Caused by:
◦ Brain tumors – more common in dogs over 5 years old.
◦ Head injury
◦ Stroke-can be caused either by bleeding in the brain or by deficiency of the blood flow to the brain tissue. Either condition can be associated with seizures.
◦ Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose (sugar)-common in toy breeds and especially puppies. Rubbing a small amount of sugar or syrup on the lips, gums and tongue may be effective in stopping the seizure if caused by low blood sugar.
◦ Hypoxemia – Low blood oxygen, with resultant lack of oxygen available to the brain. This can be due to poor lung function, or an abnormal cardiac or pulmonary shunting process in a youngster.
◦ Elevated blood ammonia level due to liver infection, cirrhosis or a liver shunt.
◦ Inflammatory or infectious disease of the nervous system, this can include Lyme disease, distemper, rabies, toxoplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, encephalitis and meningitis.
◦ Ingestion of toxins such as lead, caffeine, chocolate.
◦ Botulism-toxins sometimes produced by bacteria in food.
◦ Exposure to pesticides such as organophosphates (many flea control products) and metaldehyde (snail bait).
◦ Congenital problems, such as hydrocephalus, produce increased intracranial pressure.
◦ Intestinal parasites can cause severe anemia and hypoglycemia. Some parasites also migrate to the liver and brain in their larval forms.
◦ Low serum calcium or magnesium levels- for example, eclampsia in a lactating bitch.
◦ Blood sodium or potassium imbalances can be caused by dehydration or kidney problems.
◦ Genetic predisposition as in the MDR-1 mutation common to many herding breeds causes a lack of the protein which exerts a protective function in the blood-brain barrier and limits the entry of many drugs to the central nervous system. The lack of this protein renders the dog susceptible to the neurotoxic side effects of several drugs including Ivermectin, Moxidectin and Loperamide.
◦ Kidney failure and high levels in the blood of uremic toxins.
◦ Hyperthermia as a result of fever or heat stroke.
◦ Thyroid hormone deficiency or hyperactive thyroid.
Seizures are a common disorder in dogs. When tests are done and no reason can be found for the seizure, the disorder is referred to as “idiopathic epilepsy”. The term “idiopathic” means that there is no cause for the problem, and that the seizures are not the result of another disease process. This is the type of epilepsy which is usually considered to have an inherited basis.
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common canine seizure disorder, occurring in up to nearly 6% of all dogs. The problem is more prevalent in some breeds than others. There is a suspected genetic basis for idiopathic epilepsy in German Shepherds, Belgian Tervurens, Keeshonden, Beagles, Dachshunds, Pugs, Poodles, St. Bernards, Irish setters, Siberian Huskies, Cocker Spaniels, Wire-Haired Fox Terriers, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds. In breeds which are genetically predisposed, up to 14% of the population may develop epilepsy. As epilepsy has been shown to be an inherited disorder in humans, baboons, mice, rats, rabbits, gerbils, and chickens, it seems logical that is can be an inherited disorder in dogs as well. Test breeding of epileptic dams and sires done by veterinary researchers have produced incidences of epilepsy in the offspring ranging from between 38% (affected to nonaffected) to 100% (breeding together of two affected dogs).
Hereditary epilepsy commonly begins between the ages of 1-3 years. Seizures which begin earlier or later in the dog’s life most probably are a result of a disease process such as those listed above. Your vet will likely want to rule out these conditions before deciding that your dog has hereditary epilepsy.
If your dog has a seizure, don’t panic. Check the clock and make a note of how many seconds or minutes the seizure activity lasts. Keep your dog in a safe environment until the seizure is over. Note what type of abnormal muscular activity happens, so you can describe it for your vet. Do not put anything in your dog’s mouth. Remain by your dog to comfort him. Call your vet for further advice. If the seizure lasts more than a few minutes, take your dog to the closest veterinary facility for immediate care. If your dog has recurrent seizures (more than once in 24 hours), again, seek immediate medical assistance.
Epileptic Seizure Treatment Choices
Determining the cause is essential for making appropriate treatment choices, and to assist in breeding decisions. You should seek the advice of your veterinarian. Your vet will obtain a medical history, and a full exam including a neurological exam. He will do blood tests, a urinalysis and fecal exam to look for any possible cause for the seizures. Other exams may include x-ray or ultrasound of the abdomen, EEG to evaluate brain waves, skull x-ray or head MRI, and a cerebrospinal fluid analysis if infection is suspected. Treatment will depend upon the cause of the seizure.
In the case of idiopathic epilepsy, if your dog experiences seizures more frequently than once a month, your vet may decide to place your dog on seizure medication. Antiepileptic drugs do not cure epilepsy, they simply control the seizures. Life-long therapy may be expected. The drugs increase inhibition in the brain, decrease the seizure threshold, and thus make seizures less likely. This often results in side effects such as sedation, un-coordination of movements and appetite stimulation. These effects lessen with time as the body becomes habituated to the medication. The number of dogs who have serious side effects from the medication is small, and often preventable through careful health monitoring. Regular rechecks are essential, and a thorough physical should be done at least yearly.
Phenobarbital and Primidone (Mysoline) are considered first line drugs for idiopathic epilepsy. They are eliminated by the liver and over time may cause liver damage. Your vet will want to monitor liver function tests on a regular basis to avoid this problem. Also blood levels of these drugs are checked to help with deciding on the dosage required. Bone marrow depression and anemia may occur, so a blood count should be done yearly as well.
Potassium Bromide can be used in dogs. Interestingly, it is not well tolerated by humans, as it causes psychological problems in people. However, this is not a problem for dogs. Salty foods should not be given with bromide. Bromide can be mixed with food, as it sometimes can cause an upset stomach.
Valium (diazepam) is affective in treating the acute phase of seizure activity. It is not as effective when given routinely, and is usually reserved for emergency situations. Many of the newer antiepileptic drugs, such as Dilantin, Tegretol, and Depakote, are metabolized more quickly by dogs than humans. The need for frequent dosing (and their higher price tag) makes their use impractical for dogs. Unless the seizures are due to low blood sugar or low oxygen due to heart/lung disease, there is no reason to restrict activity. Most epileptic seizures occur when the pet is relaxed and quiet, or even sleeping. Most epileptic pets can lead relatively normal lives with careful monitoring, a healthy diet, plenty of fresh air and exercise, and their favorite human nearby.
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BRUCELLOSIS IN DOGS
By Dr Karen Becker
Brucellosis is a venereal disease caused by bacteria that invade the reproductive organs. It occurs in a variety of different animals through infection with several species of Brucella bacteria. In dogs, the bacterial culprit is usually Brucella canis (B. canis). After exposure, it takes the bacteria about three weeks to show up in the bloodstream, and then it sets up shop in the reproductive or urinary tract, and also continues to feed into the bloodstream.
If you are thinking about breeding your dog, it’s important to be aware of this disease. Have your pet tested for Brucellosis, and insist the owner of your dog’s potential mate do the same.
Symptoms of Brucellosis
Most adult dogs with brucellosis don’t appear sick initially. Others develop symptoms like enlarged lymph nodes and/or inflammation of the spleen or liver. Left untreated, chronic immune stimulation by the Brucella bacteria can result in inflammation of the discs of the spine (a condition known as discospondylitis), uveitis (deep eye inflammation), glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys that results in protein loss), and multiple joint arthritis (polyarthritis).
However, most of the time, the only sign of a brucellosis infection in female dogs is an aborted pregnancy that occurs late term. Less common variations are a pregnancy that is lost early term rather than late, stillborn puppies, or the birth of live puppies that are infected. In male dogs, there can be swollen scrotal sacs that signal infection, shrinkage of the testicles, and/or infertility.
How Transmission Occurs
Brucellosis affects both male and female dogs and is passed from dog to dog in bodily fluids. The main route of transmission is through sexual activity. But the infection can also be transmitted through inhalation of contaminated urine or fetal membranes, through the eyes or the oral cavity, or ingestion of contaminated fluids such as urine or vaginal discharge. Airborne transmission is very rare, but has been reported.
Brucellosis spreads fastest among dogs living in close quarters, especially during breeding, whelping, or when a female dog aborts a pregnancy due to a Brucella infection. In the latter situation, the female will continue to secrete contaminated fluids for four to six weeks, making every dog that comes in contact with her susceptible to infection.
Brucella bacteria can survive in the environment for a long time. In moist, cool, dark conditions, it can survive for months. It’s very important to note that brucellosis is a zoonotic condition, which means it can be transmitted to humans, though the chances of infection are quite low.
Diagnosing a Brucella Infection
The most common method for diagnosing brucellosis is a test called the rapid slide agglutination test. If your dog’s results are negative for this test, he or she does not have brucellosis. The drawback to this particular test is that while it’s very sensitive and can detect small amounts of bacteria, it can’t distinguish between closely related bacteria types. This results in a lot of false positives for brucellosis. If your dog tests positive on a rapid slide agglutination test, further testing should be done to confirm a diagnosis of brucellosis. A version of the agar-gel immunodiffusion test is considered the most accurate test for the disease.
Treatment Options
Unfortunately, there’s no dependable treatment available for brucellosis. Long-term antibiotic therapy is sometimes used. But in most cases, the drug only reduces the level of bacteria in the bloodstream. It doesn’t successfully destroy all the Brucella bacteria present in the dog’s body. Dogs diagnosed with Brucella are considered positive for the disease for the rest of their lives. Interestingly, dogs have been known to recover from brucellosis naturally. However, it can take as long as five years for their immune system to clear the infection completely. Dogs who naturally recover from this disease can’t be re-infected, whereas dogs treated with antibiotics can acquire the infection again.
Animals that have been infected with Brucella should never be bred. Infected dogs should be separated to prevent transmission to healthy animals. Because brucellosis is zoonotic, people with weakened immune systems or those who have had autoimmune disorders should not be exposed to an animal that is positive for Brucella.
Holistic veterinarians often use immune supportive herbs, nutraceuticals, and homeopathics to help bolster a dog’s positive immune system response. And of course there is always a focus on excellent nutrition, including whole fresh foods that nourish the immune system.