YTCA Board Meeting Held Via Teleconference Call Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Transcription

1 YTCA Board Meeting Held Via Teleconference Call Tuesday, August 22, 2017 President Leslie Stolfi called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. EST with the following Board members in attendance: Leslie Stolfi (President), Robbe Lyon (Vice President), Matina E. Johnson (Secretary), Robert Franzoni (Treasurer), Directors Ken Lambert, Pam Langstein, Georgina Miller and Helen Scott. Absent: Director Wendy Doss. MINUTES of the PREVIOUS MEETING: President Leslie Stolfi reported that the minutes of the July 18, 2017 meeting were approved by hard copy vote. REPORT of the SECRETARY: Secretary Matina E. Johnson reported that The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, Inc. granted permission for the following clubs to hold Specialty Shows on the following dates: Yorkshire Terrier Club of Greater New York, one (1) Sweepstakes and one (1) Specialty Show, as well as special attractions, on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel in New York, NY. Yorkshire Terrier Club of Hawaii, one (1) Designated Specialty Show on Saturday, April 7, 2018 and one (1) Designated Specialty Show on Sunday, April 8, 2018 in Honolulu, HI in conjunction with the Tropical Toy Dog Fanciers of Hawaii Group Shows. Secretary Matina E. Johnson reported that she had been contacted by the Bluebonnet Yorkshire Terrier Club requesting that the club be granted permission to hold a Specialty on a new date from previous years in order to participate in the Dallas Fort Worth Toy Club Events associated with the Lone Star State Classic on July 5, 2018 at Dallas Market Hall in Dallas, TX. Secretary Johnson noted that this would be a positive change, as it would allow the Central Florida shows and the Bluebonnet shows to no longer be in conflict in regards to the corresponding date table s 37 th week, which has occurred for many years due to the shows they must respectively go in with in order to hold a Specialty. Director Ken Lambert made a motion that the Bluebonnet YTC be granted permission to move to July 5 th in order to go in with the Dallas Fort worth Toy Club s events at Dallas Market Hall in Dallas, TX. Director Helen Scott seconded the motion. Voting Yes: Stolfi, Lyon, Johnson, Franzoni, Lambert, Langstein, Miller and Scott. Voting No: None. Abstaining: None. Absent: Doss. Motion passed by Majority. Secretary Matina E. Johnson reported that she received a box of C/P Award Rosettes in the mail from Robin Hutson. Thank you, Robin! They were shipped to Ken Lambert and will be inventoried and organized before our upcoming National.

2 We would like to remind any Committee Chairs who would like to meet with the Board in person at our Upcoming National Roving in Williamsburg, VA that the deadline for submission of reports is October 1 st. Secretary Matina E. Johnson reported that she received the dues information and documentation from Treasurer Robert Franzoni the first week of August and that the rosters have been compiled, cross-checked and are now at the printer. Treasurer Franzoni pointed out that since we received so many dues during the reinstatement period this year, it was necessary to wait until the closing of the dues reinstatement period (July 31 st ) to begin work on the roster in order for it to be correct, comprehensive and contain all of our members. Secretary Johnson pointed out that, in cases like this year, if we were to publish the roster with vast amounts of the members left out (those who renewed during the two month reinstatement period) it may be very confusing for posterity s sake and for the general membership as many members would not have seamless continuity in the roster. Additionally, when spending club funds on printing, it is much preferable to have a document that is correct, rather than one which does not include all of our actual members. We would like to encourage members to please get their dues in on time next year, and do not delay and be caught in the reinstatement period which ultimately delays this publication. REPORT of the TREASURER: Treasurer Robert Franzoni reported the following: YTCA Treasurer s Report - August 22, 2017 Current Balance: Checking account 62, Money Market account 60, Total 122, Balance from last report 126, Receipts: Membership Dues Membership Reinstatement Fees Williamsburg Roving Income Items: Reserved Grooming Reserved Seating Dinners 1, Logo Wear Doggie Logo Wear - Patrizia Casadei Tour With Guide Interest Earned 6.14 Total Received 2, Payments: GMR Web Team - recurring monthly fee Intuit Quick Books - recurring monthly fee

3 USPS - renew PO Box for 1 year Williamsburg Roving - refund cancelled vendor Wyndham New Yorker Hotel - NY 2018 initial ballroom deposit -2, Wyndham New Yorker Hotel - NY 2018 refundable cleaning fee Faye Mitchell - reimburse for awards expenses AKC - electric fee for December Meet The Breeds in Orlando Delaware Valley YTC - catalog ad expense Ship dues renewal binder to secretary Holiday Inn Wilmington, OH - initial ballroom deposit for Ohio 2018 roving show -1, Quik Print - print & mail Summer Express hard copies Robbe Lyon - reimb YTCA share of attending CHF conference Total Paid -5, Current Balance 122, Dues renewals for closed July 31, There are currently 383 members. The 2018 Ohio Roving contract has been signed with the Roberts Centre. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: HEALTH COMMITTEE: Secretary and Health Committee Chair Matina E. Johnson reported that we have had several members sign up for the upcoming Health Clinic in October, but we still need more participants in order to meet our quota by the deadline. We allowed any breeds at the very successful clinic in Louisville which topped over 100 participants. We would like to do that again! We had mostly yorkies in Louisville, but a few other breeds participated as well which helped us with our quota. This YTCA OFA Eye Clinic in Williamsburg, VA is open to All Breeds also. The links with the sign-up sheet have been posted on the YTCA website, on the YTCA Facebook page and in the electronic Planning Book. Please feel free to share, copy/paste onto your own timelines, or however you would like to get the word out. Details for the clinic are as follows: YTCA OFA Eye Clinic Thursday, October 26, 2017, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 50 Kingsmill Road Williamsburg, VA dog minimum/ $25 per dog

4 The cutoff date for registration is Sunday, October 1st. If we do not have 50 participants by October 1st, we will not be able to hold the clinic. No-shows will be billed $25 provided we meet the quota. We know many have requested this testing and we are excited to offer this opportunity by contracting with a Board Certified Ophthalmologist at our National. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Yorkie Revolution in Williamsburg, VA! In addition, Paw Print Genetics will have a booth in Williamsburg all weekend during the Specialties to help you with testing and answer any questions you may have. Secretary and Health Committee Chair Matina E. Johnson reported that CHIC reports have been compiled for the next quarter, and she will continue to do that quarterly for the E Express. The balance of The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America s AKC /CHF Donor Advised Fund total is $11, as of 6/30/17. We would like to continue to encourage members to donate to the upcoming YT-PLE project. This project will be aimed towards developing a genetic marker-based risk test specifically for Yorkshire Terriers, allowing breeders the ability to make informed decisions with a view to eventually eliminate PLE in Yorkies altogether. Research is already underway at Cornell University under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Simpson, thanks to an initial ACORN grant from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. ROVING NATIONAL WILLIAMSBURG, VA: Director and Roving National Show Chair Pam Langstein reported that the Premium List is in proofing and trophies are in process. YTCA Treasurer and YTC of Nation s Capital Show Chair Robert Franzoni reported that Royal Canin will be sponsoring our hospitality bags and we are working with their marketing department to include the 2017 Roving National logo by Patrizia Casadei. The hotel already has 107 registered guests, and since many exhibitors share a room, we are starting with an order of 200 bags. The original hotel contract was for 180 room nights. We increased it with an addendum to 225 room nights. Currently booked are 259 room nights, so we are already getting a sense that this Specialty will be well attended. We have sold 21 reserved grooming spots and have 31 remaining. We have sold 13 reserved seating spots and have 37 remaining. Just a reminder that the cut-off for reserved grooming and reserved seating reservations is September 15, Additionally, we have sold 24 dinner tickets already and 3 Williamsburg tour tickets. Treasurer Rob Franzoni has signed the contract with the photographer - In Focus by Miguel. ROVING NATIONAL 2018 Wilmington, OH: Director Ken Lambert reported that we have officially signed a contact with the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. The contract is excellent for us financially, as well as for participating clubs. The Roberts Centre will provide all ring equipment, including all agility, rally, obedience and

5 conformation tables. If any members would like to be a part of the 2018 Roving National Show Committee, please contact a Board Member. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: RECOGNITION OF REGIONAL CLUB MILESTONES: President Leslie Stolfi reported that we received a request from one of the Regional Clubs asking the Board to consider adopting a policy to recognize Regional Club milestones. Vice President Robbe Lyon made a motion that we award $500 to the Delaware Valley YTC to commemorate their 50 th AKC Sanctioned Specialty Show. Voting Yes: Stolfi, Lyon, Johnson and Franzoni. Voting No: None. Abstaining: Lambert, Langstein, Miller and Scott. Absent: Doss. Motion failed. The Board was unable to reach a consensus at this time, but will continue to investigate developing a formal policy to recognize Regional club milestones and achievements. NEW BUSINESS: CHF CONFERENCE REPORT: Vice President Robbe Lyon attended the 2017 Canine Health Foundation Conference in St. Louis, MO and his comprehensive report is as follows: 2017 Canine Health Foundation Conference Report August 11-13, 2017 Robbe Lyon The 2017 health conference focused on three of the CHF Initiatives (Cancer, Epilepsy, and Tick-Borne Diseases) and Reproductive Issues. In addition, there were two presentations on Infectious Diseases (not tick-borne), one on Canine Cognition, one on Rehabilitation of Leg Injuries and one on Harmonization of DNA Testing. As expected, there was much emphasis on technology to develop testing (especially DNA screening tests) and for data analysis. They also explored the effects of nutrition (i.e. diet; probiotics) and demonstrated that bacteria are not only involved in infectious diseases, but play a critical role in the development of many disease states. I will start by expanding on this last point. Dr. Karen Munana (North Carolina State University) presented a talk entitled Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiome on Epilepsy. The term gut-brain axis is used to describe the complex bidirectional signaling that occurs between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system. Oral administration of Lactobacillus microbes produced beneficial therapeutic effects in experimental models of neurological disease and in clinical trials on humans with depression and anxiety disorders. Various studies have demonstrated that intestinal microbiota influence gut-brain immune responses during the progression of diverse autoimmune diseases. There is increasing evidence that the pathological mechanisms of

6 autoimmunity might also play an important role in epilepsy. Dr. Murana s study to determine the effect of Lactobacillus on seizures in dogs is in progress. Dr. Rowena Packer (Royal Veterinary College, University of London) presented a talk entitled Epilepsy and Nutrition. This study showed that providing a ketogenic diet based on medium chain triglycerides (MCT) to supplement antiepileptic treatment completely prevented seizures in 14% of the study dogs and reduced the seizure frequency by more than 50% in half of the study dogs. MCT are known for their antimicrobial properties, can reduce pathogen transmission and restore the gut to a healthy microbiome balance. Several human studies have shown that dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) in the microflora is associated with inflammatory disorders and various cancer types throughout the body. The dysbiosis resulting from oral chemotherapy would be expected to be counterproductive. Dr. Korin Saker (North Carolina State University) presented a study showing the benefits of oral probiotic supplementation in dogs receiving doxorubicin chemotherapy by mitigating the adverse manifestations of GI toxicity. Dr. Urs Giger (University of Pennsylvania) presented work entitled Genetic Predisposition to Infections. Immunodeficiency is a state in which the immune system s ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised. The molecular defects for several primary (inherited) immunodeficiencies have been elucidated allowing for DNA screening. DNA testing has nearly led to the elimination of XSCID (x-chromosomal severe combined immunodeficiency) in Welsh Corgies and Basett Hounds and CLAD (canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency) in Red & White Setters. Dr. Goger s study characterized the molecular basis of the genetic predisposition to avian tuberculosis (MAC) and developed a DNA test for MAC predisposition in Miniature Schnauzers. This lab is now developing a DNA test for Basset Hounds. There were five studies on infectious diseases, starting with Canine Lyme Disease by Dr. Jason Stull (Ohio State University). Only about 5% of dogs infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (positive blood test) show clinical signs of Lyme disease (fever, lethargy, lameness, loss of appetite, lymph node swelling). About 1-2% of those develop the renal disease, protein losing nephropathy. The ticks that transmit these bacteria are prevalent in the northeastern coastal states and the upper Midwest of the US and the eastern provinces of Canada. The Lyme vaccine appears to prevent infection in 60-86% of canines immunized. The vaccine only lasts about 6 months and produces more unfavorable responses within 3 days than other vaccines. The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt (NC State University), presented his work on Bartonellosis in Dogs. Bartonellosis, a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, is caused by an increaseing number (38+) of different Bartonella species. Bartonella are transmitted to canines and humans by ticks, fleas, lice, mites, and sand flies. Dr. Breitschwerdt s laboratory demonstrated the first evidence for Bartonella infections in dogs in Bartonella species have been associated with an expanding spectrum of important disease manifestations including anemia, endocarditis, hepatitis, lymphadenitis, myocarditis, thrombocytopenia and vascular tumor-like lesions. This study developed a DNA test (Bartonella epcr) for bartonellosis in dogs. Blood samples were enriched by incubation for one week in a patented enrichment media called BAPGM (Bartonella

7 Alpha Proteobacteria Growth Medium), which increases the bacterial load in patient samples up to detectable levels for PCR testing. Dr. Ann Avery (Colorado State University) presented a study on Ehrlichia canis infection. E. canis is a rickettsia that is transmitted by the brown dog tick. It infects canine monocytes and causes a variety of acute (fever, thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphocytosis) and chronic (hyperglobulinemia, bone marrow failure) clinical and hematologic signs. E. canis infection can mimic lymphoma/leukemia, confounding a clinical diagnosis. This study developed a DNA test combined with flow cytometry to differentiate lymphoma T-cells (characterized by a single surface receptor) from E. canis infected T-cells (characterized by multiple surface receptors). Dr. Angela Arenas (Texas A&M) presented an update on canine Brucellosis, a contagious disease with zoonotic potential caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. New evidence suggests a reemergence of canine Brucellosis in the US, possibly due to the lack of protective vaccines and the difficulty diagnosing infected animals. Detection requires slow culture tests, as serological tests are not effective for dogs and DNA screening is not available. This group has developed a canine vaccine candidate that is in testing phase for safety. Dr. Marco A Coutinho da Silva (Ohio State University) provided an overview of canine pyometra and discussed finding that could lead to new therapeutics. Pyometra is a potentially life-threatening infection of the canine uterus by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli. In humans with recurrent infections, E. coli produces biofilm, a layer of polysaccharide that protects the organism from the host immune system as well as antibiotic agents, decreasing treatment efficacy. In this study, it was demonstrated that clinically relevant strains of E. coli produced biofilm in dogs. This could lead to future treatments that target the disruption of biofilm in the uterus resulting in improved therapies for canine pyometra. This study was partially funded by the YTCA Foundation. Dr. Brenda Bonnett (CEO, International Partnership for Dogs, IPFD) in collaboration with Dr. Diane Brown (CEO, Canine Health Foundation) presented an initiative to address quality DNA testing, resulting in improved standardization of, and access to, robust genetic testing to support better canine health entitled Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs. The ever-increasing number of canine DNA tests and testing laboratories has made choosing quality DNA testing providers and the right DNA tests for health and breeding decisions challenging for dog owners, breeders and veterinarians. With no existing national or international standards of genetic testing for laboratory accreditation, or a standardization oversight group, there is a growing need for a reliable third party a neutral organization that can provide guidance about test reliability and laboratory quality assurance. This initiative will provide practical support to address the challenges associated with the often confusing world of canine DNA testing. It will also strive to support consumer confidence in DNA testing, educate consumers in the use of these tests as tools to reduce the incidence of inherited disease, and reduce redundant international efforts. Ultimately, the initiative s aim is to create an open access, searchable and sustainable online resource for the international dog world, including breeders, dog owners and veterinarians that will:

8 Catalog information provided voluntarily from commercial test providers for genetic testing in dogs; Describe expertise, quality assurance, activities and resources of the laboratories/test providers; Host expert panel reviews of genetic tests, their reliability, and applicability; Coordinate a program for standardized proficiency testing, and peer review; Link to and share existing and new resources for genetic counseling and education. The initiative s initial phase is already underway: the development of a working prototype of the online resource. You are encouraged to visit DogWellNet.com. Jeffery N. Bryan (University of Missouri) presented a talk entitled Canine Lymphoma and Epigenetics. Lymphoma strikes 1 in 8 Golden Retrievers. Epigenetics is a means of controlling genes by turning them on or off. This study focused on chemical modification (methylation) of DNA that underlies the development of lymphoma in humans, but has been evaluated minimally in dogs. This research group identified DNA methylation changes in lymphoma cells not present in normal cells to develop biomarkers of each class of lymphoma and identify new therapy targets for affected Goldens. More significantly, because DNA methylation changes occur so early in the process of cancer formation, they hypothesized that they could serve as biomarkers of risk, allowing medicine or diet to prevent lymphoma in Goldens before it develops. Dr. Anne Avery (Colorado State University) presented methods for canine lymphoma classification. This group assessed flow cytometric characteristics, histologic features when available, and clinical outcomes to determine that flow cytometry could be used to subclassify specific T-cell lymphomas from Golden Retrievers. This should be of value for determining prognosis and choosing appropriate treatment for the many different forms of lymphomas. Over the past decade, Dr. Matthew Breen (North Carolina State University) has been using genomics to evaluate tumor tissues and blood samples from thousands of dogs presenting a variety of cancers. This has lead to identification of genetic signatures from genome regions and genes associated with canine cancer. This lab has developed the following DNA tests for canine cancer. 1) BRAF mutation detection assay that provides a method for early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of canine bladder and prostate cancer also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or urothelial carcinoma (UC); 2) a genetic test that aids distinction between histiocytic malignancies (HM) and other round cell neoplasms (e.g. lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma) that may share similar symptoms and histologic appearance; 3) a genetic test to predict how long a dog with lymphoma will remain in remission when treated with chemotherapy. Dr. Gary Johnson (University of Missouri) has conducted studies to identify genetic risk factors for canine epilepsy. This group has evaluated samples in the DNA repository from over 2000 epileptic dogs. Two genes have been associated with canine idiopathic epilepsy to date: LGI2 in benign juvenile epilepsy in Lagotto Romagnolos and the ADAM23 risk locus in the Belgian Shepherd. Finding a DNA marker for epilepsy has proved to be quite difficult. This group has a study in progress using whole genome

9 sequencing and will incorporate new analytical technologies (e.g. MassArray mass spectroscopy). Dr. Wendy Baltzer (Oregon State University) completed a double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial which followed dogs after cruciate ligament surgery for 6 months. Dogs fed a protein-rich (31%), omega-3-fatty acid rich diet had reduced lameness, reduced inflammation in the operated joint and reduced progression of arthritis compared to dogs fed a commercial adult dog food (21% protein) from the same manufacturer. Dogs that had rehabilitation exercise with both home and underwater treadmill treatments were more physically active, even 3 months after treatment than dogs that did not have postoperative exercise therapy. Dr. Bill Milgram (CanCog Technologies) has developed a battery of neuropsychological test protocols to study the effects of age and various interventions on cognitive abilities in dogs. His research has demonstrated that canine cognitive abilities decline in a domain specific manner. For example, episodic memory, which relates to the ability to learn a complex task declines with age, while working memory, which refers to short term recall and the use of information remains relatively intact. In a dietary intervention study, this group examined the cognitive effects of supplementation with 5.5 percent medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) over eight months on healthy aged dogs. MCTs provide an alternative energy source to the brain as ketones vs. glucose. This study found significantly improved performance in the group receiving the MCT supplement on agerelated cognitive function. JUDGES EDUCATION MENTOR APPLICATION: President Leslie Stolfi reported that we received a Judges Education Mentor Applicaton from AKC approved Judge Dorothy Anne Waters. Pam Langstein made a motion that we approve the Judges Education Mentor Applicaton for Dorothy Anne Waters. Vice President Robbe Lyon seconded the motion. Voting Yes: Stolfi, Lyon, Johnson, Franzoni, Lambert, Langstein, Miller and Scott. Voting No: None. Abstaining: None. Absent: Doss. Motion passed by majority. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: President Leslie Stolfi reminded the Board that a new Nominating Committee must be in place by November 1 st. The positions up for election this cycle are President, Treasurer and two Board positions. The next meeting of the Board will be Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. EST via teleconference. This concluded the business of the meeting. Treasurer Robert Franzoni made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Director Georgina Miller seconded the motion. Voting Yes: Stolfi, Lyon, Johnson, Franzoni, Lambert, Langstein, Miller and Scott. Voting No: None. Abstaining: None. Absent: Doss. Motion passed by majority. Meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m. EST. Respectfully Submitted,

10 Matina E. Johnson Secretary Y.T.C.A., Inc. Hard Copy Vote July 21, 2017 I Georgina Miller, would like to make a motion to provide our Public Education committee with the following budget, to participate in the Meet the Breed event held in Orlando on December 16 th & 17 th. Pay to the AKC a fee of $ for electric power supplied to the booth, and a total sum of no more than $ to cover supplies, decorations & handouts. A total amount of THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ($360.00) is being requested at this time. Treasurer Rob Franzoni seconded the motion. Voting Yes: Stolfi, Lyon, Johnson, Franzoni, Doss, Lambert, Langstein, Miller and Scott. Voting No: None. Abstaining: None. Absent: None. Motion passed unanimously.