Web Site Excerpts from the Quarterly Newsletter

May 2000 - Issue 18

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Tick Borne Diseases by Marion Coffman
Brush With Fame by Janet Veit DVM & Brian Schumacher
The Prez Sez by Joy Sonsalla
AKC DNA Sire Program by Becky Smith
Member Interview:  Dave Thomas & Conformation by Susan Prim
Federal Funds go to PETA by Wanda Berner
Vizscellaneous
National Exposure by Nancy Schmitt
VCA-Sponsored Field Trial by Dean Nelson
Ottawa Update by Penny Honetor
Closing of Public Lands to Dog Trials
Health Updates (Rimadyl, Anesthesia, Revolution, Baytril)
Heatstroke Warning
Clean Heist by Sandi Moore

Tick Borne Diseases

Brush With Fame

by Janet Veit DVM & Brian Schumacher On February 12th, we had the opportunity to meet one of the most famous veterinarians in the country. Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, veterinarian at Alameda East Veterinary Clinic in Denver, and star of the television program “Emergency Vets” on the Animal Planet, was the guest of honor at my veterinary clinic’s open house. Hillside Animal Hospital in LaCrosse, Wisconsin was celebrating the completion of a new addition/remodeling project, and was looking for a fun way to celebrate the day. Dr. Laura Johnson, another one of the veterinarians at Hillside, had gone to veterinary school with Dr. Fitzgerald, and he graciously accepted her offer of being the guest of honor at our open house. Brian and I were among the group of people waiting to meet him at the airport when he flew in. He had just completed a full day of work having seen over 70 patients that day, but still seemed genuinely excited to be in La Crosse with us. The day of the open house, he signed autographs and pictures for about 3 hours, taking time to get to know each person he talked to. Brian had a great time that day being his “personal assistant” during the open house, spending most of the afternoon schmoozing with him. He even signed our copy of an 8x10 glossy with the phrase “Vizslas Rule”. Dr. Fitzgerald is a well-known comedian, having opened for Sinbad, Bob Hope, and Betty White. Previously a bouncer for the Rolling Stones and joke writer for Jay Leno, he went back to school and got his Ph.D. in Endocrinology, then off to vet school for his DVM. He also lectures at the Vet School in Denver. That evening, he was the guest speaker at the Coulee Region Humane Society’s annual banquet, entertaining the crowd with his stand-up routine which he performs 200 nights a year. Following the banquet, we were able have some after-dinner drinks with him at a local bar, where he continued with his jokes and great animal stories. Brian and I certainly enjoyed our brush with fame - Dr. Fitzgerald seemed just as nice and caring in person as he does on “Emergency Vets”.

The Prez Sez

by Joy Sonsalla It will soon be time to pass the baton. As we change officers, we will bring new ideas and new enthusiasm to continue to fuel our club's growth and development. The Vizsla, not a common breed, tends to draw people together in a way that many popular breeds will never have a chance to know. Our club benefits from the devotion Vizsla owners around the state and surrounding areas feel toward their dogs and dedication to teach, share and enjoy the versatility of our breed. I feel very proud to have been such an integral part of our club's growth in recent years. I know that the new officers coming in will face many challenges to continue and further the work done by many. But it isn't just the club's officers and board of directors that are key to our club but rather every one of our members. We look to the officers for direction but, in order for success, it takes the hands and efforts of many. It is to all of you that I thank from the bottom of my heart for being there to do all these tasks with pride. I encourage those who volunteer to continue. I encourage those who want to try something new, to show courage and come forward. I advise the new officers to look to the past for advice, look to the future for ideas and look to all of the members for support. Thank you for allowing me to help lead the CWVC for these past 3 years as President. Also, I want to say a special thank you to my husband Bill for standing behind me in all that I do out of my love for our Vizlsas. Looking forward to a new millenium of opportunities to share with the CWVC.

AKC's New "Frequently-Used Sires Program" Requires DNA Certification for Litter Registration

by Becky Smith The Board of Directors redefined the American Kennel Club's leadership role in the world of purebred dogs by being the first all breed registry to require DNA profiles for stud dogs routinely siring litters. Effective 7/1/00, every sire producing 7 or more litters in a lifetime or producing more than 3 litters in a calendar year must be 'AKC DNA Certified.' These DNA profiles will be used for genetic identity and for parentage verification, and, thus, will be used to advance issues relating to the integrity of the registry. Dogs with DNA profiles from the voluntary DNA Certification Program or from the Parent Breed Club DNA Program have already met this requirement. What breeders/owners need to do if they own a sire that is subject to the Program: 1. Obtain a free DNA test kit from the AKC: EMail: orderdesk@akc.org ; fax: 919-233-3627; phone: 919-233-9767; mail: AKC Fulfillment, 5580 Centerview Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606-3390. 2. Send the DNA cheek swab sample, the required paperwork, and the $40 fee to the AKC in the envelope provided in the DNA test kit. To eliminate delays in processing litter applications, the completed test kits should be submitted in advance of the litter application. Breeders/owners fulfill the requirement when the DNA test kit arrives at DNA Operations in Raleigh, even though an additional 4-6 weeks are required to obtain the actual DNA profile. The parentage verification policies of all current DNA programs will be applied to the Frequently Used Sires Program, as will the discipline policies of the Compliance Audit Program. Any excess revenue over expenses from this Program will be placed in a special reserve, which will be used to fund future registration integrity programs. Questions and/or inquiries may be addressed to DNA Operations - dna@akc.org - in Raleigh, NC. AKC Web Site:  http://www.akc.org/registration/dna/frequently_used_sires.cfm

Member Interview: Dave Thomas & Conformation

by Susan Prim I met up with neighbor and fellow CWVC Member Dave Thomas, owner-handler of BISS CH Shawnric Castleglen Code Red CD MH VC CGC – aka “Cody” – owner-handled to #4 Vizsla in the country in 1996. BISS CH Shawnric Castleglen Code Red CD MH VC CGC – aka “Cody” BIS BISS CH Russet Leather War Cloud JH CGC x CH Shawnric Tequila Sunrise How & why did you get started showing dogs? Dave: My wife, Karen, and I started showing dogs as teenagers with a mixed breed that we trained in an obedience class. We won our first trophy and we were hooked! Soon after we acquired our first purebred dog, a Gordon Setter, which we started taking to conformation classes. We did show, obedience and field trials with her. We got our first Vizsla in 1973, Thomas’ Tag of Timarka CD, and have had Vizslas and Gordons ever since. Did you get Cody specifically as a show dog? Dave: Yes, we got Cody to show in the breed ring, we knew he was very special as a young puppy, but I also planned on hunting with him. As an owner/handler, how did you feel when competing against professional handlers? Dave: I was never really intimidated by the professional handlers, I’ve been showing dogs for 27 years, so I’ve gotten used to going up against them.  I’m also confident going into the ring if I have a good dog. It's quite and accomplishment for an owner/handler to get a dog into the Top Ten.  Comments? Dave: I’ve been very proud when our dogs do well, especially since they are owner-handled. We had a Gordon Setter Bitch, CH Calderwood Castle, that I handled into the Top Ten, which at that time was difficult for a bitch to do. She beat some of the top male Gordons, handled by some of the top handlers of the time. We are also very proud of all Cody’s accomplishments, all owner-handled. What is your most memorable show event? Dave: That would have to be the 1993 Vizsla Nationals. Cody had just turned 9 months old and had finished his show championship the week before. The judge really seemed to like him and he survived several cuts. The judge even placed him in the front of the line of specials, he ended up with an Award of Merit, which was a thrill. What is your most memorable event spanning all your dogs and events? Dave: Finishing Cody’s Master Hunt title was another memorable moment.  And all the group placements in the show ring with any of our dogs was always a thrill as well.  Since you have experience with other breeds, any advice specific to showing Vizslas? Dave: Karen and I have trained many different breeds of dogs over the years, and there isn't really any specific difference in training Vizslas, they've always been very willing to please and easy to train. Any advice for owners new to conformation? Dave: The best advice we can give new owners is to take their puppy to conformation classes so they can learn to handle the dog. Then work with their puppy at home a little every day, standing and gaiting, but keeping it fun for the puppy. What do you like best about showing dogs? Dave: I like the competitive aspect of showing and just the thrill of handling a beautiful dog. We've also met and made many friends over the years. Cody's Accomplishments: CH (Breed Championship) – October 1993  ● Finished in two months at 8 months of age ● Numerous BOB and BOS from the Puppy Class over specials ● Award of Merit at 1993 Vizsla Nationals at 9 months of age & first time out as a Champion CD (Companion Dog) – May 1994 JH (Junior Hunter) – October 1994 CGC (Canine Good Citizen) – April 1995 SH (Senior Hunter) – September 1995 VC (Versatility Certificate) – September 1995 1996 – Ranked #4 Vizsla in the Nation  Four Group 2, four Group 3 and two Group 4 Placements BISS (Best in Specialty Show): ● BOB Twin Cities Vizsla Club Specialty – 1996 ● BOB Vizsla Club of Illinois Specialty – 1996 ● BOS Central Wisconsin Vizsla Club Specialty – 1996 ● BOB Central Wisconsin Vizsla Club Specialty – 1999 MH (Master Hunter) – April 1998 Sired 2 Champions: ● CH Priden Joy Rhode House Blues NA NAJ ● CH Priden Joy Golden Buffet

Federal Funds go to PETA

by Wanda Berner Local talk show host, Charlie Sykes, at WTMJ in Milwaukee alerted his listeners to a letter that the station received from FEMA(Federal Emergency Management Agency). It asked that a public service notice be broadcast announcing an alliance between FEMA and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The public was asked to contact PETA and ask for their help during an emergency with pets such as evacuations, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Mr. Sykes felt that it was a gross misuse of federal funds to support a group that advocates not owning animals of any kind. I agreed with him and sent several versions of the following letter to my legislators: I have recently learned that FEMA is recommending that all US citizens contact PETA for help with emergencies with pets! I am outraged that our government is joining with one of the most wacky animal rights groups and recommending them to people. These are the people that recommend that our children drink beer instead of milk! These are the people that go around letting dogs loose at dog shows so that they get run over, because they believe it is cruel to crate a dog! These are the people that go to mink farms and release the animals to starve in the wild and destroy someone's livelihood! Please look into this absurdity. I will not see my tax dollars used in anyway to help this insane group. Sincerely, Wanda Berner I received several "received your letter" responses, but from Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner, I received the following: Dear Mrs. Berner: Thank you for contacting me about the relationship between the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA). I appreciate you taking the time to contact me. I share your concern over government agencies using taxpayer dollars to promote private organizations such a PETA. In what PETA's own website calls a "groundbreaking move," FEMA joined into an agreement with PETA to alert the public to the importance of making arrangements for animals in the event of a natural disaster. As part of the agreement, FEMA even sent out a letter to thousands of radio and TV stations urging them to air PETA's public service announcements AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE. While I certainly agree that animals should be protected during a disaster, I find this use of taxpayer funds to endorse the actions of a private organization as controversial as PETA to be highly questionable. I will be sure to keep this action in mind when considering legislation that provides funding for FEMA. Thanks again for sharing you concerns with me. Sincerely,  F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Member of Congress I feel that members of the dog community would do well to continue to monitor this kind of action by the government. PETA has been looking for all the footholds they can find to gain power to stop us from owning animals and enjoying the sport of dogs. We must be aware of their movements.

Parliamentary Cornerstone

by Ginger Tierney Taking the Mystery out of Motions - Part 2 The last issue talked about the key motions needed to hold a meeting. Today's discussion covers incidental motions. Incidental motions concern questions of procedure related to the pending business. These motions are not ranked because they are taken up immediately when the motion is made. WARNING: Use the following motions with great care. Several of the motions below are used to change motions previously voted on. Debates along these lines can seriously hurt a clubs ability to work as a team. Still, as a democratic body, we need to be aware of the proper way to restate prior decisions. Definitions: Point of Order Purpose: To correct a breach in the rules when the presiding officer does not correct the issue, or when the presiding officer make a breach of rules. ● Point of Order can take place at any time during the meeting ● No second is necessary - Chair recognizes the member by "Please state your point" ● Member clearly states the infraction ● Chair may elect to agree or disagree and proceed with the meeting ● Any member can appeal the chair's decision Appeal or Appeal the Decision of the Chair Purpose: To disagree with the chair's ruling and let the members decide by taking a vote. ● Requires a second ● Must be made at the immediate time of the ruling ● Is not amendable ● Is debatable ● Requires a majority to adopt ● Can be reconsidered Result: If adopted, it upholds the chair's ruling on the Point of Order. "Parliamentary Inquiry" or "Point of Information" Purpose: To have to obtain information regarding the proper course of action in the meeting. ● Member raises the "Parliamentary Inquiry" ● Chair acknowledges member ● Member asks the questions ● Chair gives an opinion  Result: Member can act with another motion based on the chairs opinion or elect to ignore it and sit down. Request for Permission to Withdraw or Modify a Motion This is a motion that can get quite confusing. It pertains to the main motion just made. The member making the motion owns the motion. The member making the "second" owns the "second". These members own it until the chair restates the motion to call for a discussion. At that time, the entire body owns the motion and a vote must be taken; or the maker of the motion may ask the assembly for permission to withdraw the motion. The person seconding a motion may withdraw the second, and another member may then second. Object to Consideration of a Question Purpose: To prevent the main motion from even being considered.  ● No second is required ● Not debatable  ● Requires a two-thirds vote in the negative, not to consider.  ● Only a negative vote may be reconsidered. Result: If two-thirds of the members vote in the negative, then the motion can not be considered during the present meeting. I can be proposed in a future meeting. Division of Assemby Purpose: To doubt or challenge the result of the vote ● This motion must be made immediately after the vote is taken, before another motion is made. ● No second is needed ● Not amendable or debatable. Result: The vote is immediately retaken. Suspend the Rules Purpose: To set aside a rule of the assembly (except for the club bylaws) ● Requires a second ● Not amendable or debatable ● Takes a two-thirds vote ● Cannot be reconsidered Result: Rules are set aside so that members can do something contrary to the rules. To Take from the Table Purpose: To take a motion that was previously "laid on the table" and bring it before the group for consideration ● Needs a second ● Not debatable ● Needs a majority to adopted ● Cannot be reconsidered Result: The subject motion becomes the current "business at hand". Reconsider Once a motion is defeated, it cannot be brought up again in the same meeting unless the wording of the motion is substantially changed or the motion is "reconsidered". Purpose: To reconsider the vote on a motion. ● Only a member who voted on the "prevailing side" of the vote may make a motion to reconsider ● Anyone can second, a second is required. ● Debatable if the motion being reconsidered is debatable ● Requires a majority vote to adopt. ● Cannot be reconsidered Result: If adopted, the motion is brought before the group as if it had not been voted on. Rescind or Amend Something Previously Adopted This motion is very similar in structure to "Reconsider", but it acts on a motion that was adopted. Purpose: To change something previously adopted either by striking out the entire motion or changing part of it. ● Requires a second ● Is debatable. ● Requires a majority vote of the group present is needed to adopt, if the membership has been given previous notice that this issue would arise. ● Two-thirds vote of the group present, or a majority vote of the entire membership, in the event that the members were not notified in advance. ● Only a negative vote to the "rescind" can be reconsidered. Result: If this motion is adopted, the previously adopted motion is reverse or changed. Discharge a Committee Purpose: To take a matter out of the hands of a committee before its report is given so that the assembly can decide ● Requires a second. ● Is amendable ● Is debatable. ● Requires a two-thirds vote of the entire membership if not previous notice has been given, or a majority of the membership if notice was sent prior to the meeting. Result: If adopted, the motion which was referred to committee for review, immediately becomes before the assembly.  This brings to an end the four-part column on parliamentary procedure. I do not plan any more scheduled columns of "Parliamentary Cornerstone". However, I reserve the right to reaffirm the democratic process within CWVC from time to time.

Vizscellaneous

This is a new column featuring "misc"ellaneous information about CWVC Members and friends. Things you can share include special trips, human or canine new family additions (not litter announcements) and losses, or anything you would like to share with the club. New Arrivals to CWVC Members! John & Mary Seyer are the proud parents of a new baby girl, Kathleen Mary, who arrived on April 6 and weighed in at 7 pounds 12 ounces. Kim and Brian Hesgard (and Sam too!) welcome the family addition of a new baby girl, Dana Vivian, born on April 18 who weighed in at 9 pounds even. Can't Stop at Just One? Tracey and Kyle Shimek have a new addition to the family. Our 9-week-old little "boy" (born February 20) is named Quarry Lakes Rising Phoenix-Phoenix for short. We will bring him on the 20th of May to the CWVC Hunt Test for older brother Virgil's big debut! CWVC Member No Longer Vizsla-less! After much waiting, Kim Barker will be bringing home her V-Puppy on April 27. Yes, she will really be a Vizsla owner! The puppy's name will be Poquito's El Gusto de Vida (the zest of life) from Poquito Vizslas. Kim also will be attending the Fun Day at Judy Richey's house (Cypress, TX) on April 16th. Judy Richey owns Gusto's sire Chance. New Embroidered Vizsla Available Kathy Harmer has a new Vizsla available to be embroidered on clothing. It can be seen on the web site and is a side body profile of a standing male. For those of you at the January meeting, you saw it on the T-Shirt Kathy donated to the raffle (won by Kathy Ruhland). For new members, Kathy owns a sporting goods store and has the CWVC Logo in addition to several other Vizsla emblems available to be embroidered on clothing you either buy from the store or supply yourself. If anyone is interested in the club arranging to have a larger CWVC Logo digitized for sewing onto e.g. the back of a jacket or sweatshirt front, contact Penny Honetor by May 31, 2000. Photos of all available Vizslas and ordering information is available on the CWVC web site or contact the store: Tom Harmer Athletic Equipment, 6550 E. Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 Phone 815-877-8079. Shifter Takes the Rainbow Bridge Kathy Harmer's Vizsla, Shifter, passed away on January 13, 2000 at 13½ years old. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Several CWVC members and friends attended the Westminster Dog Show held in New York City. Westminster is only open to dogs having attained their AKC Championship and a random draw of 2500 is made from all entries received. The Group and Best of Breed rounds were televised live on the USA Network in February. In attendance were Erin Gimbut (Junior Showmanship - second year in a row!), the Engelsmans, Nancy Schmitt and the Misiaks. Louisville Cluster Several CWVC members attended the Louisville Cluster (KY) in March. I had planned on going but had the misfortune of BOTH girls coming into season. So the great time I missed was attended by Sue Prim (conformation & agility), Joy Sonsalla (ditto), and Debbie Taylor (agility).

National Exposure

by Nancy Schmitt Penny's Two Cents: The March 2000 issue of the AKC Gazette, which featured a Dalmation on the cover, contained a 6-page article entitled "The Versatile Vizsla". As I read the article and turned to page 50, I was so excited to see a photo of Nancy Schmitt with Rookie in a beautiful "Come to Front" position! I asked her to share her story… I was showing Rookie, CH Starr's New Recruit CDX JH NA, in the Obedience Open class at the Elkhorn show on a very hot Monday. It was probably was two years ago. A photographer had taken several pictures of us and asked me to sign a release because they might use them in an upcoming book about Vizslas. They did in fact use a picture of us in the book. I don't know the name of the book, though (I really should get a copy!) Imagine my surprise to see the picture crop up in the AKC Gazette too!

VCA-Sponsored Field Trial

VCA-Sponsored Field Trial at Pine Island, April 1 & 2, 2000 By Dean Nelson Due to the absence of a local spring trial, several active field trialers came together to offer a trial sponsored by the VCA. The motivating presence was John Seyer, who initiated the idea and followed through by volunteering to chair the event. Dean Nelson agreed to secretary the event, and Wanda Berner, Brian & Kim Hesgard, and Randy & Sue Boggs provided their experience and assistance to help to make this initial offering a success. This was the first time that many of us on the committee had to deal with the VCA on an official basis. Randy Boggs did an excellent job as our contact to the VCA and the AKC. He effectively dealt with the red-tape encountered in both organizations, especially given the tight timelines we were working under. The committee extends a big thanks to Randy. Thanks to judges Chris Conner, Gary Philstrom, and Dan Voss and QOL judge Beth Speich. The trial drew 62 entries with 56 coming to the line. The weather was fantastic for the entire weekend, although conditions seemed to be a bit on the dry side on Saturday morning making scenting conditions tough. Results: Amateur Gun Dog 1. Snow Ridge Time Trekker, "Trekker", Randy Boggs 2-4 Withheld Open Derby 1.Yahara Ridge Renegade, "Gator", Brian Hesgard 2. Berry's Doubleshot Shotgun, "Jake", Dean Nelson 3. Edzacklyright, "Eddie", Paul Howard 4. Ch JNEK's One Tough Lady, "Annabell", Kathy and Jeff Engelsman Open Limited Gun Dog 1. FC/AFC Buster Brown Zak, "Zak", Paul Howard 2. Berry's Singleshot Shotgun, "Stryker", Dean Nelson 3. Saginaw Dandy Sue, "Sue", Mark Johnson 4. Snow Ridge Time Trekker, "Trekker", Randy Boggs Open Gun Dog 1. Saginaw Dandy Sue, "Sue", Mark Johnson 2. Snow Ridge Time Trekker, "Trekker", Randy Boggs 3-4 Withheld Open Puppy 1. Doc City Chester Good, "Chester", Chris Connor 2. Red Oak's Kelsey, "Kelsey", Randy Boggs 3. Morning Sky Butch Cassidy, "Butch", Jerry DuTemple 4. Doc CIty's Matt Dillon, "Dillon", Chris Connor Amateur Limited Gun Dog 1. FC/AFC Buster Brown Zak, "Zak", Paul Howard 2. Ch Maximum Strider, SH, "Max", Wanda Berner 3. Snow Ridge Sassy, "Sassy", Randy Boggs 4. Withheld

Ottawa Update

by Penny Honetor Following are my unofficial notes from the Ottawa Field Trial Grounds Association meeting held at the Kettle Moraine Inn in Eagle, WI on April 18, 2000. Electricity was fixed (removed Ground Fault circuit). Burn was not done by the DNR this spring. Mike Kindler told Jim Rieser he finally got in touch with the well driller and they are booked solid with drilling for new development. We're low priority, and will have to wait until they have other work in this area. Feel free to pursue other drillers if anyone else is interested. Plantings will be done later this spring. Sam got about ½-day of cutting before the ASV broke. Will have the DNR Seminar again - I will call Rick Kloster to ensure the KMPDC will give up the last Saturday in August (Editor's Update: The KMPDC will let us use August 27 for the Seminar). Work Day is July 8. Need to fix a gate, fix fencing, install new fencing, chip. Next meeting is June 13. Mike K. saw some surveyors at Ottawa and when he asked who they represented, they said they were not at liberty to give him that information. Sam will follow up. Discussion about reserving dates, priorities, calendar used. I created and brought a DRAFT document from which we can start to put in place written guidelines since the grounds are becoming more popular and conflicts become more inevitable. Will discuss at next meeting. Sam said Mike Chilbert has not yet moved to Appleton and he will have to check with Mike personally before considering the VP post Vacant. Mark Reed suggested planting a low non-spreading evergreen "hedgerow" about 50-100 yards on the east part of the grounds for cover to plant birds. Others suggested also planting a few low-growing bushes in the bowl - may be beneficial.

Closing of Public Lands to Dog Trials

Throughout the United States (Michigan, Illinois and Virginia to name a few states), the USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service) has banned Dog Trials from being held on certain public grounds. This issue has been addressed in publications such as American Field (01/29/2000), Pointing Dog Journal, Field Trial Magazine, and other hunting dog publications. For more information, see the link on the CWVC Web Site.

Health Updates

The following are some condensed health-related submissions and Emails that I received either via mail or Internet. All dogs may not have the same reactions to drugs, and risks and benefits must be weighed. As with all information (or many times, misinformation), always verify or discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Rimadyl for Arthritis Condensed from "Drug Bites Man", Wall Street Journal, 03/13/00 Submitted by Judy Zimmermann An arthritis medicine, Rimadyl, was tested on people in 1988 and dogs later and was found to cause unusual liver function readings. It was put on the market for dogs anyway beginning in 1997, without any health warnings. In 1997, reports of canine deaths from the drug numbered 1000, bad reactions 7000, events which the FDA says are significantly underreported. The number of deaths rose to over 3000 in 1998. The article shared case studies from a few owners whose dogs died after being treated with Rimadyl. Symptoms included loss of appetite, going limp, inability to walk, vomiting, seizures, with cause of death liver damage associated with a bad drug reaction. Anesthesia Condensed Emails from the CWVC List: From Wanda Berner: While hunting with Max, suddenly I saw a red spot on his leg. He tore a 2-inch gash in his front leg. It was not bleeding, but needed stitches. I took him into the emergency vet. The first thing I said was no anaesthetic to which they would not agree. I told them about the last time he had it and nearly didn't come out of it alive. She said she could cut the dose in half to relax him and then give him more if he needed it. Within minutes he was out like a light, breathing very shallowly. He never moved while we shaved him and stitched him up. She gave him the shot to wake him up and it took longer than normal. The first sign I had that he would wake up at all was when I said "Dead bird, Fetch it in" and his tail thumped once. She thought that he would be fine in 2 or 3 hours. Six hours later he was still wobbly. The clinic was glad that I had told them ahead of time about Max's reaction. The vet wrote down the dosage she used and made notes about his response time. I am putting it in my doggy first aid kit I carry all the time for my next vet visit. From Linda Kelly, CRNA: I am a nurse anesthestist. I also have owned and bred Vizslas for nearly thirty years. It is true that certain breeds have been identified as having problems with anesthesia, particularly specific categories of drugs. While individual dogs can have altered effects, or a prolonged recovery from an anesthetic, I would caution you to not lump ALL Vizslas into a category of a breed that has anesthetic difficulties (I have never encountered this with any of my dogs). Certainly if your dog HAS had a problem, do as Wanda has done; keep records and bring this to the attention of any veterinarian caring for your Vizsla. There are several "newer" and shorter-acting anesthetics on the market today. Also, after your Vizsla has been administered an anesthetic - even though the animal is "awake" enough to be discharged to home, he or she should be kept quiet (perhaps crated) and allowed to fully recover which may take a day. From Janet Veit, DVM: As a veterinarian and owner of 3 Vizslas, I support what Linda Kelly stated that Vizslas as a breed ARE NOT pre-disposed to anesthetic problems. Any individual dog of any breed may have a problem with a certain anesthetic drug, and certainly some drugs may be more problematic than other drugs. For example, acepromazine, a commonly used sedative, should typically be used only in young, healthy animals; it may pose quite a risk in other animals.  Please don't be overly concerned the next time one of your dogs undergoes anesthesia. The vast majority of Vizslas, and the vast majority of all dogs, do fine. Let your vet know your concerns, though and they should be able to explain to you which medications they are using and why. Revolution Condensed Email from the Afghan Hound List:  On 3/15/00 I asked my vet for a Heart-worm preventive for my 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, Sage. They recommended Revolution. It was applied on 3/15/00. On 3/23/00 Sage was put down, having progressed through the following symptoms: coughing; inactivity; trouble opening her left eye; pain when jumping from the couch; bruising on her body; blood in the whites of her eyes; bad platelet, WBC & Hct counts; falling over; bleeding from her nose; vomiting blood; seizures; inability to breathe (put on a ventilator); then she died. Incorrect diagnosis' from the trips to vet clinics, ER clinics and Specialists included rat poisoning, blow to the head, infection and tick born diseases. Repeated questioning by the owner of Revolution as a cause were dismissed each time. An autopsy revealed cause of death as low platelets and intracrannial hemorrhage from a toxin. Another dog in the same veterinary clinic died of the same symptons, and had also recently been treated with Revolution. Sage's vet called the Revolution people and they are paying for both dogs' autopsies. Baytril Condensed Email from the Field Spaniel List: "Stanley" had a minor bout of gastric upset, which the vet treated with the antibiotic "Baytril," a Bayer product. Within 5 days of starting the course of Baytril, Stanley was found to be suddenly and completely BLIND. Bayer was contacted by the attending Vet, who was told that Bayer was aware of a problem with the Baytril in "certain small breeds" causing irreparable blindness. Two different Veterinary Opthamalogists both confirmed that Stanley is 100% blind, his retinas both complete destroyed and no evidence of other trauma, illness, or hereditary reason for this sudden onset of blindness except the use of Baytril. Bayer has issued a warning to veterinarians on the link between Baytril and sudden onset blindness. Apparently they knew of this problem for nearly a year. Stanley's vet has found reference to Baytril and blindness on the internet and at a recent Veterinary Opthamology conference.

Heatstroke Warning

WARNING: Leaving your Pet in a Parked Car can be a Deadly Mistake HSUS Publication On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 160ºF in a matter of minutes, even with partially opened windows. With only hot air to breathe, your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke. Signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, dizziness, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue. If your pet gets overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately! ● Get her into shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body. ● Apply ice packs or cold towels only to head, neck and chest. ● Let her drink small amounts of cool water, or lick ice cubes or ice cream. ● Get your pet to a veterinarian right away - it could save her life! On hot days, your pet is safer at home!

Clean Heist

by Sandi Moore Smitty, our resident Vizsla comedian, and her "evil twin" Smoky the Weimaraner have joined forces again. Bill & I had a box of Perkins muffins on the kitchen counter, placed way back and out of reach - or so we thought-on the morning of Smitty's first birthday. As Bill showered, and I slept in, the kanine kids got the box, took out one big muffin each, and proceeded to chow down. I guess they decided they each deserved some kind of "birthday cake" to honor the event. The weird part is the box showed no damage, it almost looks like they opened it, took out the muffins, and closed it to cover their tracks. Had I not walked out into the kitchen as they were devouring the end of their treat, I never would have known!

End May 2000 "The Paw's Print" excerpts

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