Spring Notes from the 2017 FCRSA Specialty

Transcription

1 Spring 2017 Presidents Letter pg 1-2 Canine Influenza FAQs pg 3-4 Bloat articles pg 4 Pyometra article pg 5-6 Veterans Birthday pg 7 Field Report pg7 Brags pg 8-11 Notes from the 2017 FCRSA Specialty The 2017 FCRSA National Specialty was one of the largest and best organized that I have attended. Congratulations to Rachel Hill and the members of all the various committees, including SSFCRC member Patti More, who worked very hard at judges hospitality, as well as all the individuals, both club members and dog people from other breeds, who contributed to making this year s National Specialty a success. Packing for the Specialty involved a lot of sweaters, winter jackets, and rain gear. Fortunately, the forecast for cold wet weather in upstate New York turned out to be incorrect: the weather was temperate and the rain held off for the most part. It was a long drive up to the western PA/eastern NY sites, but a beautiful one, since my route took me through the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia and West Virginia surely some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The first three days of field events were held just across the border in PA. The grounds were very good and the organization of the huge entries on all three days was outstanding. The judges were enthusiastic and encouraging. Entries in both the field trial stakes and the WC test were large enough that extra judges were needed: Mitch Brown, Doug Wilson, Bunny Millikin and Chris LeBel answered the call and stepped in to help judge. It was wonderful to see young dogs and old doing what they were bred to do, as well as handlers with many years experience and some brand new to the sport. Results for all the events can be found at Entry Express: Monday 5/15 was the day of the agility trial near Erie PA. 250 dogs competed in a dizzying array of classes. There was much praise for the quality of the event center and I did not hear any complaints. Agility is one dog sport where handlers seem always to appreciate the efforts made by

2 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 2 their dogs, qualifying score or not; a good example for all of us. Results can be found on the AKC website at: roup=ag&cde_comp_type=ag&new_end_date1=&key_stkhldr_event= &mixed_breed=n%27,%27eventinfo%2 7,%27width=800,height=600,toolbar=1,location=0,directories=0,status=0,menuBar=0,scrollBars=1,resizable=1&event_type= AG Monday also saw everyone moving to the main location, Peek N Peak Resort and Spa, in Clymer, NY. This was a very comfortable and welcoming ski and golf resort, turned over to the flat-coats for a week. A golf course opposite the main hotel was empty of golfers and available entirely for exercising dogs even for a little bit of training. Having everything on site was convenient; the staff was friendly and helpful. Since the conformation show ring was outdoors and the obedience was under canvas, we were fortunate that the rain held off, apart from some light bursts on a couple of days, and the temperatures were relatively mild quite warm some afternoons, in fact. Our conformation judges were Wendy Tisdall from BC, Canada, (Coastalight FCR), Canada, Nancy Cavallo from SC/NY (Bertschire FCR), Betsy Horn-Humer from VA (Eastern Waters Chesapeake Bay Retrievers), and Sidney Marx from AZ (Irish Setters, FCR and many other breeds). Without exception, our judges were pleasant, diligent, committed to making good choices and making the event a positive experience for dogs and handlers. They took pains to ensure that spectators at ringside were able to see the dogs under judgement. Congratulations to everyone who walked away with one of the spectacular rosettes, and to all the competitors who displayed good sportsmanship throughout the week. Conformation and obedience results can be found at A national specialty is so much more than the main events : it is the camaraderie, the socializing with old friends and making new ones, the opportunity to learn more about our breed, the chance to celebrate today s successes and plan for tomorrow s triumphs, to see where the breed is going and make sure it is on the right road. Thank you to everyone who made the 2017 FCRSA National Specialty possible. I know I am looking forward to the 2018 event in York, PA. The Facebook page is already active: Mary Smith President SSFCRC

3 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 3 For the benefit of SSFCRC members, here is the latest information from the University of Florida on the recent canine influenza outbreak in our area. We urge you to discuss the health of your dogs and appropriate vaccine protocols with your veterinarian. Canine Influenza FAQs for Pet Owners and Veterinarians Updated Statement Friday, June 16, 11:15 a.m. Misinformation about the dog flu has begun circulating on social media. This web page is the sole official source of accurate dog flu information provided by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine. College officials advise residents to review the FAQs posted below for further information about H3N2 CIV. College veterinarians confirm that 21 dogs in its care have tested positive for the dog flu. These cases have originated in north and central Florida. As many independent veterinarians across the state also are able to provide diagnostic testing for H3N2 CIV, college officials are unable to confirm outside cases. College officials also remain unable to provide specific county information because canine influenza is not among the reportable diseases per state law. Updated Statement Friday, June 2, 2:53 p.m. UF College of Veterinary Medicine officials confirm cases have originated in north and central Florida but do not have specific county information. Merck Animal Health and Zoetis, makers of the canine influenza vaccine have anticipated additional demand and are increasing vaccine supplies. There have not been any dog flu deaths at the UF Veterinary Hospitals. Additional information can be found doginfluenza.com. Updated Statement Thursday, June 1, 2:30 p.m. Visit the UF Health Facebook page to view the June 1 question and answer session with Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., the Maddie s Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Crawford answered questions concerning the more than one dozen confirmed cases of canine influenza A virus, also known as dog flu. Veterinarians in central and north Florida are treating many dogs that are suspected to have dog flu. You may view the archived via Facebook: Updated Statement Wednesday, May 31, 2:33 p.m. UF College of Veterinary Medicine officials have confirmed more than one dozen cases of canine influenza A virus, a.k.a. dog flu. The first 12 dogs tested have been confirmed with the strain of influenza A known as H3N2 CIV. Dogs testing positive for the H3N2 strain were present at recent dog shows in Perry, Georgia or Deland, Florida or were exposed to dogs who were present at these shows. This is the same strain responsible for the severe outbreak of canine influenza in Chicago in 2015.

4 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 4 Veterinarians in central and north Florida are treating many dogs that are suspected to have dog flu. All dogs being treated are in stable condition. Common symptoms of dog flu include sneezing, nasal discharge and frequent coughing. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, please call your pet s veterinarian before taking your pet in for treatment. There is no evidence that H3N2 canine influenza virus infects humans. Bloat The Killer Source: Canine Bloat Awareness group on Facebook and info@safedog.co.uk If you experience a combination of the following Your dog retches from the throat but nothing is produced, other than a small amount of frothy mucus Your dog tries to defaecate unsuccessfully Your dog adopts the Sphinx position Your dogs tummy goes hard and / or swells up like a balloon and is as taut as drumskin Your dog is trying to bite, or worry, the abdomen Your dog is unsettled Contact your Vet immediately. Bloat is a true emergency- be prepared to drive to the surgery straightaway. The chance of survival decreases alarmingly if you delay getting the dog to the surgery more than minutes after the first signs. So whether you re about to catch a plane, serve a meal, or go to bed - DON T. Take your dog to the vet It could save your dog s life Happy ending for Silas I had to go out of town for an urgent family crisis. I got to KS, in the late afternoon and received a call from my dog s caretakers. Silas, my 8 year old male was dry wrenching and foaming, and panting heavily. This was happening late at night, all vet offices closed. I was fortunate enough to be able to call Jeff Speicher DVM and asked his opinion for options. I am sure I was hard to understand as I was crying: emergencies and long distances are a bad combo. Silas was transported to an emergency clinic, and was diagnosed with gastric bloat. He had surgery. I waited up all night and next morning got a call he made it through surgery, but he needed close supervision. He was in a fib.(atrial fibrillation). Silas was taken to AVS in Maitland. An additional abdominal exploratory surgery was performed and his cardiac condition monitored 24/7 Silas had excellent care at AVS and recovered. Happy ending for Silas. My learning curve was have trusted caretakers, and friends who can give you advice when you need it the most. Dea Jaffey

5 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 5 By Karen Becker copyright Dr. Joseph Mercola Submitted by Katy Postrozny Pyometra is a uterine disease that occurs most often in intact female dogs six years or older that have never been pregnant. Pyometra is a hormonal abnormality with or without the presence of a secondary bacterial infection. An excessive amount of progesterone, or hypersensitivity of the uterus to progesterone, is what causes the condition. Left untreated, pyometra can be life-threatening. Pyometra is triggered by a heat cycle that doesn t end in egg fertilization. Cysts develop in the lining of the uterus and release large amounts of fluid into the uterus. The accumulated fluid can spark a secondary bacterial infection. There are two types of pyometra, open and closed. In open pyometra, the cervix allows accumulated fluid and debris in the uterus to flow out of the body through the vagina. At some point, however, the cervix closes (closed pyometra), trapping all the excess fluid and white blood cells in the uterus. The flow of fluid into the uterus continues, causing the organ to enlarge. The uterus can eventually rupture and empty all its contents into the abdominal cavity, causing death within about 48 hours. Treatment of the condition includes spaying. If the owner wants to breed the animal, obviously other options are available, but they present a higher risk to the dog. Pyometra occurs most commonly in intact female dogs that have not been pregnant. But it is also seen in unspayed cats, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, and rabbits. The problem can occur at any age, but is usually seen in dogs who are six years of age or older. More Than a Uterine Infection It was once thought pyometra was just a uterine infection. But the condition is now recognized as a hormonal abnormality with or without the presence of a secondary bacterial infection. It can be lifethreatening if it s left untreated. Pyometra is triggered by a heat cycle that doesn t end in egg fertilization. Dogs typically start showing signs of the disease within two to four months after the heat cycle. Either an excessive amount of progesterone or hypersensitivity of the uterus to progesterone is what causes the condition. Cysts develop in the lining of the uterus and release large amounts of fluid into the uterus. The accumulated fluid can spark a secondary bacterial infection

6 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 6 Open and Closed Pyometra A normal uterus in an average-sized dog weighs just a few ounces. But when pyometra is present, the organ can weigh up to four pounds due to the accumulation of fluid and diseased tissue. The fluid accumulation in the uterus starts leaking out through the vagina. The dog s natural response is to lick the area clean. Excessive licking can introduce still more bacteria through the cervix and into the uterus. The body s response to the secondary infection is to increase fluid production and white blood cells to the uterus, which continues to flow out of the vagina. This is called an open pyometra, because the cervix is open, allowing fluid and accumulated debris to be flushed from the body through the vagina. At some point, the cervix closes and the fluid can no longer flow out of the uterus. Meanwhile, the body continues to produce more and more fluid and white blood cells. The result is an enlarged uterus. This condition is called closed pyometra, because the cervix does not allow the accumulated material to exit through the vagina. In worst-case scenarios, the uterus can rupture and empty all of its contents into the abdominal cavity. When this happens, the animal usually dies of septic peritonitis and/or acute kidney failure from uremic poisoning within about 48 hours, even with very aggressive medical intervention. Obviously, the goal is to catch this condition long before it becomes this serious. Catching symptoms early on is very important in treating pyometra successfully Symptoms Symptoms of pyometra can include lethargy, depression, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, a distended abdomen (due to the enlarging uterus), vaginal discharge and excessive licking at the area, as well as weakness in the rear limbs due to the enlarged uterus. Remember: these symptoms will be noted after a heat cycle. If your female dog has recently concluded a heat cycle and you begin to see some of these symptoms, you should seek care immediately. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pyometra Pyometra is diagnosed with an examination of the cervix and vaginal discharge, plus X-rays and/or an ultrasound to evaluate the size of the uterus and to rule out pregnancy. Toxicity can develop rapidly in a dog with pyometra, so prompt treatment is really a very important part of successful treatment, especially if the cervix has closed. The preferred traditional treatment for pyometra is spaying. If the owner wants to breed the animal, obviously other options are available, but they present a higher risk to the dog. IV fluids are usually administered for several days, along with antibiotics to treat the potentially life-threatening infection. The uterus and surrounding areas will be irrigated to flush away pus and fluids, and to speed healing. In cases of open pyometra, prostaglandins are sometimes administered to control cell growth, regulate hormone production, and cause contraction of the uterus to help expel accumulated fluid.

7 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 7 Veterans Birthdays Veterans have a special place in our hearts and so we celebrate their birthdays. If you have a dog 7 years old or older, please let our Sunshine Chair, Cheryl Mellon know. Your veteran will receive a Birthday Card by and we will also send an announcement to the membership on our Google list. Birthday Dog "Call" name Registered Name Dog Owner 6/19/2007 Gidget GCH Suncoast A Merry Mischief Maker RN CGC Joyce Leonard 6/30/2007 Houdini Ch Blackgamin Houdini CS JH RA CGC WCX Wendy Jones & Andy Leinoff 7/13/2007 Andy Gold GCH Destiny As Good As It Gets CDX JH WCX CGC HOF Liz Mound 7/20/2009 Zeva Free Running Zeva BN CD CGCA Dea Jaffey 7/20/2005 Bess CH Quillquest One of the Best MH WCX CAN WCX HOF Gillian Impey Cheryl Mellon, Sunshine Chair tpacheryl@hotmail.com Field Report Welcome Back members who attended the National Specialty in May and CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who came home with beautiful field ribbons. All your training paid off! Summer is difficult time for field training here in Florida due to the heat. There are a few members who try to meet on a regular basis in the Groveland area. If you are interested in training (any level) this summer contact Kelli at Flatcoat89@yahoo.com for training schedule. We usually meet early and finish early to try and beat the heat. The CFHRC is hosting a water-transition workshop this summer starting in July. This workshop is a 6 week course and will be held on Sundays at Golden Oaks Ranch in Montverde. You must be able to commit to 5 of the 6 classes to be eligible. If you are also a member of the CFHRC and interested in this workshop contact club secretary to sign up. Cost for the class is $75/dog. Once again, we will be planning an organized training group starting up in the Fall. We will focus on WC/WCX concepts since our club will be hosting a WC/WCX test in the Spring of We are in desperate need of various training grounds throughout the state with safe water. Please let Kelli know if you know of any good training property that will be available. Remember, your flat-coat loves to work and to have a purpose. Working your dog in the field will make him/her a very happy pup. Stay tuned for further details regarding upcoming training classes. Submitted by Kelli Riggs SSFCRC Field Chair

8 B SSFCRC Newsletter Page 8 Wink and I had a great National Specialty! Here's our (her) brags: Obedience: Q'd in Beginner Novice (3rd Q for her BN title). Agility: 3rd place in Novice JWW Preferred Rally: Q's in Rally Novice B and 3rd in Team Rally (with her sister Windy, daddy Tucker, and cousin Quin) Hat Trick award recipient. Proud of my 19 month old baby! Kelly Bryant Rucker finished his AKC Championship in Deland on May 21st. He is now CH Northwood's Wagon Wheel. Bred by Patti More & Morgan Brooks and the second pup in his litter to finish his championship. He is owned and loved by Elizabeth & Larry Mound. Madison - CH Northwood's One Hellof An Amen at the FCRSC specialty took 4th in a very large Bred By Class. In addition at the Canadian shows she won WB, BOW and BOS over two specials and 15 bitches total for a 5 point Canadian major. She also took RWB to a 4 point major the following morning. Patti More CH Ronevorg Deal or No Deal BN, RA, NJP, WC, JH, CGCA, RATM know to you all as Monty earned his Barn Hunt Master Title at the Deland trial on 19th March 2017, that is five passes under two different judges, including three first places, he has two legs toward his RATCH We don't have a picture with his ribbons but I am including a picture of him during a BH Elizabeth & Monty Morgan & Madison

9 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 9 The Cape SandFlats crew had a great time at the 2017 FCRSA National Specialty, and we thank the organizing committee, the judges and all of the volunteers without whom this would not have been possible. Jett, age 11 and the matriarch of our pack, took 2 nd place in her class in agility and, trying rally for the first time, got her first leg. She pranced around the Ring of Honor, paying tribute to her other mother, Paulette Swartzendruber. Most exciting was her induction into the FCRSA Hall of Fame (thanks go out to Mary Smith and Claire Koshar for their support in getting us there). The Specialty was granddaughter Morgan s first time competing. She made us all proud, scoring both her first Junior Hunter leg and a WC title. Onyx and Hunter didn t come home with any ribbons, but they sure had fun nonetheless Susan Klein Kaotic's Wanton Fluke SH WC WCX CDX MX MXJ DJ DS CGC CGN VFCR1 VFCR2 HOF... aka "Fluke" was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Flatcoated Retriever National Specialty in May, 2017 in New York. So proud of this sweet little girl who has always poured out her heart for me in everything she does. Thanks, Bonnie Joyce

10 SSFCRC Newsletter Page 10 JUBILEE Kennel CONGRATULATIONS Again! CH Jubilee s Everyone s Hero JH RA NAJ DJ WC EBBETT This handsome boy amazes me! He earned his RA in straight, back to back trials! Ebbett also titled in Jumpers (JWW) agility earning a final and first placement just a few weeks prior in Perry, GA.! This boy is so much fun and so talented with awesome work ethic and personality.getting along with everyone and every dog! Thank you Cathy N (CA) for trusting me back in 1998 and allowing me to reproduce your little girl, who became my foundation (Wyndham x Shorebound). Such a beautiful working line! Next, his GCH Another Hunting title for the JUBILEE kennel Congratulations Windsor! CH Jubilee Freedom Furr ALL JH NAJ Owner bred, owner trained, owner handled! Four legs in a row!!! Photos by Ken Goss

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