Jokes about traveler s trots and

Transcription

1 August 2011 Jokes about traveler s trots and Montezuma s revenge are common, but one cause of diarrhea the organism called Giardia is no laughing matter. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Giardia is the most common protozoal disease in humans. Estimates are that, on average, 6.9% of dogs and cats seen by veterinarians in the United States test positively for Giardia, although not all animals display signs of infection. The percentage of dogs and cats that are infected with Giardia may range from 1.6% to 13.3%. So What Is Giardia Anyway? From Pedigree Breeder Forum by Linda Mihator Giardia is classified as zoonotic (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans) by the CDC and the World Health Organization. Because of the genetic diversity of the various Giardia species, determining whether cysts (organisms surrounded by capsules) shed by dogs and cats are infective to humans is difficult: nevertheless, giardiasis (disease caused by Giardia: diarrhea is a common sign) is generally treated as having zoonotic potential to decrease unnecessary risk to humans. Breeders need to be aware of Giardia and take appropriate precautions to avoid becoming infected. Giardiasis is the intestinal infection caused by the protozoal organism Giardia. Giardia organisms isolated from mammals are identical and are thus usually referred to as Giardia intestinalis or simply Giardia. Giardia has a direct life cycle: The cysts the inactive stage of the life cycle can directly infect an animal or human. After cysts are ingested, usually by consuming contaminated water or food, they open, the resultant trophozoites (the active, mobile stage of the life cycle) attach to the intestines. Then the trophozoites divide, once infection is established, some trophozoites continue to divide, whereas others develop a cyst wall. Then cysts are eliminated in the feces. Most mammals, including dog, cats, ferrets, bats, primates, horses, pigs, sheep, cattle, various wildlife, and humans, can carry Giardia. Whether all Giardia species can be passed from animals to humans remains unclear, but sufficient evidence exists to determine that humans can contract giardiasis from animal hosts. Giardiasis also can be spread via human-to-human contact. Any animal can become infected with Giardia, but some are at higher risk. These include stray animals, outdoor pets, pets in multiple-animal households, puppies and kittens, and animals kept in unsanitary conditions. Animals in densely populated groupings, such as a cattery or kennel, boarding facility, pet ship, or animal shelter, also have an increased risk of getting giardiasis. Although the infection rate of Giardia is high in animals, disease is not as common. Animals infected with Giardia may not have symptoms or may have vague signs. Signs of giardiasis can include soft stools or diarrhea on a regular basis possibly appearing like mucus with a high fat content caused by poor absorption. Some animals have increased quantity and frequency of stool production. Lack of weight gain despite dietary adjustments also may be a sign of infection with Giardia. In severe cases, abnormal drowsiness, dehydration, loss of appetite, and vomiting can occur. In very young or already weakened animals, dehydration resulting from vomiting and/or diarrhea can be fatal. Giardia is transmitted by ingestion of the cysts. Humans usually become infected by drinking contaminated water (from streams, lakes, ponds, wells, or tap water in cities that do not have water treatment facilities with a sand filtration system). Poor sanitation practices, such as not using gloves or thoroughly washing the hands after handling anything that may contain fecal matter (litter boxes, diapers) are another source of infection in humans. (continued on page 2) Next Meeting August 15th, 7:00pm at Allied Gardens Recreation Center Dog Daze Deadline: the 3rd of the month. Send Dog Daze contributions to Audrey Austin Send information for the calendar to Bruce Barnett

2 Dog Daze is a monthly puublication of All Breed Obedience Club Inc., a nonprofit obedience club serving San Diego County. Articles which appear in this paper do not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the subject matter by ABOCI. Articles may be quoted, provided credit is given to the author and Dog Daze. Subscription rate for non members is $ ABOCI Class Info: (619) Dog Daze Editor Audrey Austin (619) audreyaustin@cox.net ABOCI Officers David Smelser, President (760) Judy Ekdahl, Vice President (619) Audrey Austin, Secretary (619) Sarah Ball, Treasurer (619) Giardia... (continued from page 2) Animals also become infected with Giardia by ingesting contaminated material. As pets groom themselves or one another, they can ingest cysts that were attached to the hair. Cysts are primarily found around the anal area (from passing infected feces and feet (from stepping on infected fecal matter). Because cysts can live outside the animal for up to several months in cold, wet environments (lawns, parks, kennels), humans can unwittingly take Giardia into their homes. Giardiasis can lead to long-term weakness. Albeit rarely, diarrhea and vomiting can become life threatening if not treated, especially in young and/or weakened animals. Those with weakened immune systems in particular (chemotherapy patients, humans with AIDS) should use extreme caution to avoid giardiasis. Cysts are shed intermittently, and thus Giardia may not be detected on routine tests. Because cyst shedding can be inconsistent and cyclical, multiple fecal samples collected from different days may be required before a Giardia-positive sample is obtained. On occasion, mobile trophozoites can be identified in a fresh diarrhea sample mixed with a drop of normal saline. One of the most accurate and inexpensive diagnostic tests that the veterinarian uses is zinc sulfate fecal flotation. Other intestinal parasites also may be detected using this flotation solution. Administer Drug Therapy: Metronidazole (an antibiotic) is commonly used off-label to treat giardiasis in dogs, cat, and ferrets but cannot be given to pregnant animals, puppies, or kittens. Metronidazole also kills other diarrhea-causing bacteria, effectively restoring stool to normal consistency. Several other drugs also can be used to treat Giardia infections. Each drug has varying effectiveness and can be affected by other drugs that the animal is taking. Whether drug therapy kills all Giardia in the intestine or only prevents shedding of cysts via feces remains uncertain. Often, more than one course of drug therapy is required to alleviate clinical sign of giardiasis. The animal should be bathed, and thoroughly rinsed to remove all fecal matter. Infected animals should not be allowed to have contact with healthy animals. A decontaminated area should be established where animals can be housed after each course of drug therapy. Two vaccines have recently been introduced to help break the life cycle of Giardia infection, halt the signs of disease, and reduce the occurrence and duration of cyst shedding in dogs and cats. Infected animals or those showing signs of infection should not be vaccinated until they have been treated for infection. Animals at high risk for infection are the prime candidates for vaccination, although the vaccine can be administered to any healthy dog or cat older than 7 to 8 weeks of age. FF Board Members Vickie Hill (619) Cathy Colley (619) Calendar Editor Bruce Barnett bcbarnett@cox.net Dog Daze Publisher Kathy Upton Cell (858) uptonkathy@san.rr.com AUGUST 15th MEETING UPDATE: POTLUCK, DOG GAMES, AND FUN Come to the August 15th potluck and bring a dish to share, your chair, your utensils, your drink and your dog. Cathy Colley has fun fun fun dog games planned. Potluck will start at 6 p.m., followed by games and then the meeting. If you can t make it by 6, I m sure there will be lots of food left over. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!! 2

3 MEET THE BREED Polish Lowland Sheepdog Taken from the AKC website and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed Standard Developed in Poland, the Polish Lowland sheepdog is better known by his native name: Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON, as he s called in the United States. Popular in his home country (they are even featured on stamps!), PONS are intelligent, spirited working dogs that fearlessly protect their flocks from any predators. The breed has a long, shaggy wired-haired coat with lots of hair on the forehead, hanging into his eyes, on his cheeks, chin and legs. It can be many colors, including white with black, gray or sandy patches; gray with white; or chocolate. He is compact, strong and muscular. He has a shaggy and natural appearance with a docked or natural bobbed tail. His herding and working ability is attributed to an intense desire to please and compatible nature. He is lively but self-controlled, clever and perceptive. The breed is well known for an excellent memory and the ability to work independent of his master. He is a well-balanced dog ranging in height from 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder for dogs and 17 to 19 inches for bitches. He has a lively penetrating gaze. His entire body is covered with a long, dense, shaggy, thick double coat that is reasonably straight. He has an unkempt but clean appearance. He needs to be brushed once a week, but sheds little. Can be a good dog for an allergy suffer. With his dense coat, he prefers a cool climate. He is stable and self- confident,. He needs a dominant master and consistent training from the time he is very young. If this is not provided, he will tend to dominate the master. When not used as a herding or working dog, he can be a magnificent companion, as he seems to fit into any type of lifestyle. He is extremely loyal, but somewhat aloof and suspicious of strangers. He must be socialized at a young age as he is a seriously responsible dog. He could bite if provoked. As will many herding dogs, he can nip at heels in a herding behavior. He is good with children if he is raised with them. This is not a calm little lap dog. He needs proper mental and physical exercise. He does make a good traveling companion. FF August Brags The ASCA trial was a successful one for some of our members! Really good jobs, everyone! RUTH ANDERSON and JOSIE, her AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD, have a brag! On Saturday, July 30, Josie earned her second Novice ASCA leg under Judge Shirley Indelicato at the Seaside Australian Shepherd Club trial. On Sunday, she finished her Novice title under Judge Ken Miller with a third place and a score of I was mightily pleased with her performance, even considering that in both trials she redesigned the end of the off-leash Fast by running out of the ring and coming back to heel position for the final about turn and halt. Evidently she doesn t think the exercise is enough of a cliff-hanger for her handler, who has enough trouble keeping up with her on the Fast as it is. PATTI MILLER, with KERRIE, her AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD, finished their ASCA CDX. Super job! DAYLE MODEN and SADIE (ATCH 2 NATCH 4 Foxpointe s Sealed With A Kiss UD, RVE-SP,GVE-SP,JVE-SP MX MXJ), her magnificent Australian Shepherd, finished her ASCA UD under Robert Livell 189 1/2!! Dayle has worked very hard. A UD is not easily come by. It is thought that the PON descended from the coated working dogs developed in central Asia, including the Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso. The Tibetan people were avid traders, so the dogs moved across Asia and into Europe, where the sheepdogs were intermixed with local working dogs, most likely the Puli. The PON has been known in Poland since before the 13th century, where he is used for herding and guarding. In 1514 Kazinierz Grabski, a Polish merchant, came to Scotland to trade grain for a herd of sheep using the PON to control the sheep. A Scottish shepherd was so impressed with the dogs he traded a ram and two ewes for a dog and two bitches. He bred them together and with other herding dogs to become the present day Bearded Collie. He is believed to be the basis for the Dutch Schaperdoeses as well. Right breed for you? When not used as a herding or working dog, the PON can fit into any type of lifestyle. His medium size makes him suitable for apartments or the farm. 3

4 Points to Ponder... attended a Pat Hastings seminar this I weekend centered around functional structure in dogs. A lot of performance people attended. One thing that came up was the problem of the current fad of teaching our dogs to strut. This is starting to cause a lot of dogs to have problems per both Pat Hastings and the Board Certified Orthopedic Vet. It is a very unnatural way for the dog to move...his head held high and twisted sideways and the unnatural high movement in the front. I know that if I equate the same bent & stiff form to myself or to a horse, it is likely to cause neck, shoulder and elbow, as well as back problems due to the twist in the body and the stress on the shoulder assembly. Fortunately, we do not do this sort of heeling with dogs for too long at a session, but then when you think about it and the chance of injuring or wearing out your dogs sooner, rather then later...why do it? To have sound movement in our dogs, their head should be pointed straight ahead or in the direction as which they are moving. So on a Fig. 8 the whole body should be gently & smoothly curved around the posts. The body should be soft and supple and never stiff as they are when they strut. There is no real basis for asking a dog to move this way, other then it is very eye catching. Should we bend to current fad and risk injury or increased wear & tear on our dogs??!! I think it is potentially a dangerous thing to do with young dogs, in particular. Also one should consider the shoulder angles and length of forearm on a dog before contemplating asking a dog to move in this manner. I was amazed today to see all the variation in forearm length in dogs present today. While in theory, form should follow function...in practice ability to function definitely follows form! Suzi Ironmonger, Wallaby Kennels The Unusual Suspects Taken from Dog World Magazine by Liz Palika Insect bites and stings can be frightening and painful both for us and our dogs. Many bugs can bite and sting. Not all are venomous, but the top six can be dangerous. Allergic reactions can vary and can include pain, swelling, panting, nausea, diarrhea, seizures, anaphylactic shock and death. A. Wasps In North America, wasps are often known as yellow jackets and hornets. They don t swarm to protect their hive like Africanized bees do, however, they will sting to protect their hive if disturbed. The sting can trigger an allergic reaction. B. Bees Not all of the world s 20,000 species of bees sting, but those that do can cause an allergic reaction in many people and dogs. Africanized bees, and hybrids of native or domesticated honey bees and descendants of bees from Africa, are extremely aggressive and defensive of their hives and territories. C. Scorpions Although found throughout the world, scorpions are more common in warmer climates, such as deserts. This eightlegged, clawed arthropod has a stinger at the end of its large, flexible, arched tail. Although the sting contains a poison, only 25 species are considered deadly. Many scorpions sting when disturbed in their hiding spots or when stepped on. D. Ants More than 22,000 species of ants inhabit every landmass on Earth except Antarctica. Most ants will bite, and for their size, many have powerful, painful bites. For example, a fire ant s toxin can trigger a dangerous allergic reaction in people and dogs. 4

5 The Unusual Suspects (continued from page 4) E. Black Widow Spiders This black spider with a red hourglass marking on the bottom of the abdomen is well known throughout North and South America. However, not all widow spiders are black, not do all of them have a red hourglass. Some are brown, and some have red spots, or yellow or white markings. These spiders will bite readily and are potentially lethal. Black and Brown Widow Spiders IN CASE OF A BITE OR STING If your dog is crying, avoiding putting weight on a paw or leg, acting as if a particular area is sore, rubbing at the spot, or otherwise showing signs of a bite or sting, follow these steps. 1. Try to catch the insect so you can identify it. This can help your veterinarian determine the course of treatment. 2. If you find a stinger in your dog, scrape it off or out with your fingernail or a credit card. Save the stinger if you can t find the insect. 3. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the spot and top it with an ice pack to help relieve the pain. 4. Call your veterinarian, describe the type of insect that stung or bit your dog, and your dog s reaction. Your veterinarian might recommend giving your dog an appropriate dose of an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Give your dog 1 milligram of antihistamine per pound of body weight in the form of children s liquid, dissolvable strips, tablets or capsules. 5. If your dog becomes agitated, begins to swell, drool, vomits or has diarrhea, or exhibits other potentially dangerous side effects, such as seizures or swelling that might inhibit the dog from breathing, take it to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency vet clinic immediately..ff F. Brown Recluse Spider This brown spider has a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax (back) with legs of moderate length for a spider. It exists thought our the United States and tends to hide in warm, quiet places like our homes. This aggressive spider has a potentially lethal bite. The vast majority of insect bites are stings that are annoying and painful, but not potentially deadly. A few can pack quite a wallop. If your dog is bitten or stung, watch for allergic reactions, and contact your veterinarian. A couple of different Brown Recluse Spiders. Many years ago one of our members almost had to have her arm amputated following a bite...she was cleaning a closet. Note the violin shape on the front portion of the body. 5 P.S. Last year we needed a new battery in our seldom-used van and had it towed to Sears for a replacement. The technicians were not the least happy with the entire colony of black widows they found in the battery compartment and took at least an extra hour eliminating them and getting the job done.

6 TWO OBEDIENCE TRIALS IN ONE DAY!! September 10, 2011 Outdoors on grass (no electricity available) Allied Gardens Recreation Center 5155 Greebrier Avenue, San Diego, CA JUDGES 1 st Show - All classes: Barbara Nowak (AKC) Trial Secretary Karen Churchill or karenc12@cox.net 2 nd Show Utility: Barbara Nowak (AKC), Novice and Open classes: Lynn Hamon (Sr. Breeder CA) Trial Secretary: Sandra Penn or shadyacressp@aol.com ENTRY INFORMATION PRE-ENTRIES OPEN July 25, MUST BE POSTMARKED BY CLOSING DATE OF Sept 5, 2011 ($35.00 fee on all returned checks) ENTRY/TRACKING FORMS CAN BE FOUND AT Entry forms under obedience and tracking forms are under general forms see general information below. Pre-Entry Day of Show $13.00 Regular Obedience $15.00 Regular Obedience $ 5.00 Non-Regular Conformation $ 7.00 Non-Regular Obedience PLEASE MAIL ENTRIES TO: Checks made out to ASCSDC ASC of San Diego County c/o Sandra Penn rd Street San Diego, CA DAY OF SHOW ENTRIES: Taken from 7:30 AM till 8:15 AM. Entries will be taken for the second trial for 15 minutes after the completion of the first show. TIME SCHEDULE Please do not arrive on the grounds any earlier than 7:00 AM Sits and Downs at 8:30 AM followed by Utility, Open, Novice and Sub Novice. 2 nd Trial: Sits and downs will begin ½ hour after the completion of the first trial. LATE/EARLY ARRIVAL: Contact Sandra Penn at (619) Directions: Allied Gardens Recreation. Center 5155 Greenbrier Ave, San Diego, CA From 5/15/163/805 take I-8 East take the Waring Road Exit to Greenbrier Avenue. Turn left on Greenbrier. The park is at the end of the road.

7 Calendar of Dog Events EVENT TYPE DATE(S) Addl. Day? CLUB AKC Agility Trials 8/6/2011 8/7/2011 Germ. Shep. Dog Club of SD Co. Rohr Park, Chula Vista Closing date (blank=n/a): 7/20/2011 Info: Lynda Tjarks: Obedience & Rally Practice Match 8/6/2011 West LA Obed. Training Club Cheviot Hills Rec Center, LA Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: Info & flyer at AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 8/14/2010 South Bay Kennel Club North High School, Torrance Closing date (blank=n/a): 7/27/2011 Info: Bradshaw: General Meeting, Games, Potluck 8/15/2011 All Breed Obedience Club Allied Gardens Recreation Center Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: Potluck starts at 6 p.m., then games, then meeting. CPE Agility Trials 8/19/2011 8/20 & 8/21 Ups 'N Downs Agility Clug Valley Center Closing date (blank=n/a): 8/9/2011 Info: Premium at: Obedience & Rally Show & Go 8/20/2011 All Breed Obedience Club Allied Gardens Community Park Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: 8:30 a.m. to noon NADAC Agility Trials 8/27/2011 8/28/2011 Palomar Agility Club Naval Training Center, San Diego Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: Premium at: palomaragilityclub.org/site/welcome.html AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 9/3/2011 9/4/2011 Cabrillo Kennel Club Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center Closing date (blank=n/a): 8/17/2011 Info: Bradshaw: NAFA Flyball Tournament 9/3/2011 INXS Otay Ranch Town Ctr., Chula Vista Closing date (blank=n/a): 8/3/2011 Info: Stephanie Doerr, stefdoerr@aol.com Obedience & Rally Show & Go 9/11/2011 Hidden Valley Obedience Club HVOC Training Grounds, Escondido Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: 9 a.m. to noon AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 9/17/2011 9/18/2011 Santa Maria G. Shep. Dog Club Elks Lodge, Santa Maria Closing date (blank=n/a): 8/31/2011 Info: Ms. Cindy Tellefsen, 776 Pomeroy Rd., Nipomo, CA AKC Agility Trials 9/17/2011 9/18/2011 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Rohr Park, Chula Vista Closing date (blank=n/a): 8/31/2011 Info: Lynda Tjarks: JumpNFunAgility@yahoo.com AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing 9/18/2011 Silver Bay Kennel Club Markim Pet Resort, San Diego Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: Entries at 10:30 a.m. CGC Test at 11. Conformation match concurrent. General Meeting 9/19/2011 All Breed Obedience Club Allied Gardens Recreation Center Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: Meeting starts at 7 p.m. AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 9/24/2011 9/25/2011 Santa Ana Valley Kennel Club Richard Gahr High School, Cerritos Closing date (blank=n/a): 9/7/2011 Info: Bradshaw: AKC Agility Trials 9/24/2011 9/25/2011 Germ. Shep. Dog Club of SD Co. Rohr Park, Chula Vista Closing date (blank=n/a): 9/7/2011 Info: Lynda Tjarks: JumpNFunAgility@yahoo.com AKC Agility Trials 10/1/ /2/2011 Aztec Dob. Pinscher Club of SD Naval Training Center, San Diego Closing date (blank=n/a): 9/14/2011 Info: Lynda Tjarks: JumpNFunAgility@yahoo.com Obedience & Rally Show & Go 10/8/2011 All Breed Obedience Club Allied Gardens Community Park Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: 8:30 a.m. to noon NADAC Agility Trials 10/8/ /9/2011 Agility Club of San Diego San Diego Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: Information to come AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 10/16/2011 Obedience Club of SD County Markim Pet Resort, San Diego Closing date (blank=n/a): 9/28/2011 Info: Barbara J. Scott, 441 Las Flores Ter., San Diego, CA General Meeting 10/17/2011 All Breed Obedience Club Allied Gardens Recreation Center Closing date (blank=n/a): Info: Meeting starts at 7 p.m. AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 10/22/ /23/2011 Hidden Valley Obedience Club HVOC Training Grounds, Escondido Closing date (blank=n/a): 10/5/2011 Info: Scotty Maloney, 9606 Benavente St., San Diego, CA AKC Agility Trials 10/29/ /30/2011 Golden Retriever Club of SD Co. Naval Training Center, San Diego Closing date (blank=n/a): 10/12/2011 Info: Lynda Tjarks: JumpNFunAgility@yahoo.com AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 10/29/2011 Kennel Club of Riverside Perris Closing date (blank=n/a): 10/12/2011 Info: Bradshaw: Information to come AKC Obedience & Rally Trials 10/30/2011 Pasanita Obedience Club Brookside Park, Pasadena Closing date (blank=n/a): 10/12/2011 Info: Sharon Licciardi, th St. E, Palmdale, CA

8 ABOCI Membership Renewal Form Member Name Additional Family Members: Address (if different from mailing label): City, State, Zip: Address: Best Phone Number to reach you: Dogs Names & Breeds: If you wish to renew your membership, our current membership fees are: o $5.00 Junior o $25.00 Individual o $35.00 Family o $15.00 Dog Daze Subscription only Please mail your renewal check and this form to: Eleni Stevens P.O. Box 296 Lakeside, CA Contact Kathy if you d like to receive your Dog Daze in full color instead of a boring black and white copy! (web link or delivery) Also,membership dues are due! Mail in the form on this page! All Breed Obedience Club, Inc. Care of Kathy Upton 3365 Ogalala Avenue San Diego, CA 92117