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1994 American Whippet Club Whippet Annual Pages 51 through 75
(SBIS CanCh. Swiftsure Happy Daze, ARM, AmCanFCh. X SBIS CanAmCh. Surrey Hills Savannah, ROM) We are very proud of the acccomplishments of our beautiful brindle boy. Our special thanks to the many breeder-judges who have appreciated and commented on his gorgeous front, depth, underline and sound, effortless movement. Watch for his puppies in 1995. CANADA: Number One Whippet 1990, breeder-owner-handled U.S.A.: Hound Group winner, multi-group placer
(Ch. MorShor's Phar Lap, FCh. x Ch. MorShor's Majestic Ball OFire, FCh) Pictured with Jerry Watson Winning the race by a neck WINNERS BITCH and SELECT at the AWC Southern Specialty under breeder-judge Carol R. Curry Handled by Davin H. McAteer DIANNE T. BLEECKER, SCOTT THOMSON & BETTIE CRAWFORD 15605 West Highway 329 Reddick, Florida 32686 904/591-3074
(Ch. MorShor’s Majestic Prince, JC, ROMX x Ch. Hamrya’s Moon Scape V. Tyobi) Pictured above under Mrs. George Wanner Consistently in the Winners Circle DIANNE T. BLEECKER 15605 West Highway 329 • Reddick, Florida 32686 • 904/591-3074
Majestic Prince Son ‘—‘ Majestic Dell Daughter
AWC Southern Specialty MorShor!s Snow Princess Keencroft Licorice N Frost DIANNE T. BLEECKER
Chase is pointed towards his AKC Field Championship and LCM. Look for him in the show and obedience rings this year. He continues to volunteer at Akron Children's Hospital.
(CH. ELYSIAN A-FEW PERRIER, LCM x CH. PAWS N OAKS BABALINA) Rosie, at 8 months, was awarded Best of Breed by Mrs. Elaine Rigden and Group 3 by Mrs. Muriel S. Newhauser at the Kings Kennel Club Show on September 5, 1994. On October 14, 1994, Rosie, at 9 months, was awarded Best of Winners at the Chico Dog Fanciers Assn. Show. Owned and Bred by Frank E. and Earl E. Mclnnis
SPINAL CORD DISEASE The soft spinal cord is composed of nerve cell bodies (gray matter) and tracts (white matter) protected by a spinal column composed of individual bony segments called vertebrae. Each whippet has 7 cervical (neck), 13 thoracic (chest) and 7 lumbar vertebrae. These are followed by the sacrum and coccygeal (tail) vertebrae. Intervertebral discs are the cushioning pads between each vertebrae except C(cervical)1-C(cervical)2 and sacrum (composed of three fused vertebrae). These discs absorb the concussive forces applied to both your and your whippet’s spinal column. This disc is composed of an outer fibrous layer and an inner gelatinous core. As whippets age, the gelatinous core undergoes a slow degeneration which makes it less elastic. This fact will be important later in our discussion. If your whippet’s spinal cord does become damaged, recovery is often based on location of the damage, whether the damage was acute or chronic, and the severity of the neurologic dysfunction that ensues. Localizing the spinal cord lesion can determine the need for diagnostics beyond the physical exam and neurologic exam, provide a list of differential diagnoses, facilitate management and treatment, and formulate a prognosis. Depending upon the location of injury, your whippet will present with clinical signs typical for that area. For instance, a SEVERE lumbosacral cord trauma (injury to cord between L4-S3 region or to the lumbosacral nerve roots) will present with some degree of paralysis to the rear limbs, decreased to absent pelvic limb reflexes (such as the knee jerk <patella> reflex), decreased to absent muscle tone to rear legs, anal area and bladder, decreased to absent pain perception, and urinary and fecal incontinence are usually present. Because most spinal trauma is initiated on the underside of the cord, the long motor pathways and the large ventral cell bodies of the gray matter are the first to go. Therefore, when injury occurs, the first loss is superficial sensation to the affected areas (your whippet may not recognize a light touch or abnormal limb position in the affected leg). Next to go is motor skills. Your whippet may walk as if he/she is drunk. The last fibers affected are those that transmit deep pain perception (usually elicited by a firm toe pinch). Usually the longer an animal remains untreated, especially with no deep pain perception, the poorer the prognosis. The presence or absence of deep pain remains one of the best prognostic indicators that veterinarians have in assessing immediate injury and subsequent recovery. When recovery of neurologic function does occur, it occurs in reverse order that it was lost. Once your whippet is initially evaluated, further tests may or may not be needed. Radiographs, especially in the cases of HBC’s, are essential. When the radiograph doesn’t explain the neurologic deficit, then a myelogram is usually performed. This highlights the cord and generally can show any compressive lesion, whether it is outside or inside the cord. The advent of newer myelographic agents has reduced the risks of post myelographic seizures or meningitis. If available in your area, and you have the financial means, CT and MRI capabilities improve the chances of detecting the full extent of the cord injury. Once the injury has been located, management by your veterinarian or referral veterinarian begins. Utilization of glucocorticoids is fairly standard but the dose recommendations and type of steroid varies. Current thinking leans towards high doses for short duration, keeping in mind that cord damage occurs within 48 hours of initial insult. Other drugs have been proposed in experimental settings (e.g. DMSO, Ca+ channel blockers, etc.) but clinical usefulness, dosage and recommendations are still pending. Since glucocorticoids presently used (sodium prednisolone succinate, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone), have potential deleterious side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration, gastrointestinal protectants are usually added to the regimen of treatment. The advent of a new nonglucocorticoid drug called 21 -aminosteroid compound U74006F has shown to be superior to glucocorticoids without deleterious side effects. It will eventually become standard protocol for treatment of spinal injuries.
Once your whippet is returned to your care from your veterinarian, home rehabilitation begins. If your whippet is recumbent, you need to provide him/her with sufficient bedding to prevent sores. You also needs to prevent urine scald by cleansing frequently and using petroleum jelly on the skin. Daily massages and passive movements of affected muscle groups aid in recovery. Swimming and whirlpool bathes are also excellent if available. What happens to your whippet if the injury to the cord is irreversible and permanent paralysis exists, but the dog is otherwise OK? Until now, your options were limited. You could humanely put your beloved companion to sleep or you could maintain your pet at home, as is, with the help of dog carts to assist ambulation and frequent veterinary visits to evaluate for complications (e.g. bladder infection, sores, etc.). Hopefully, the drugs that researchers have been experimenting with to intervene in the cascade of damaging effects on the cord will someday be available for clinical use. Timing is still critical though. Two new hopes on the horizon stem from research at the Center for Paralysis Research (CPR) at Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine. One study involves evaluation of a drug called 4-aminopyridine and its ability to restore neurologic function in the paraplegic or paraparetic. The other study involves the application of a weak electrical field across the damage in the spinal cord. Both of the studies are ongoing and will hopeful provide future help for paralyzed whippets and humans. Illustrations from: The Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice Diseases of the Spine References 1. Blight, A. R.; Toombs, J.P.; Bauer, M. S.; Widmer, W.R.: The effects of 4-aminopyridine on neurological deficits in chronic cases of traumatic spinal cord injury in dogs: A phase I clinical trial. J Neurotrauma, 1991 Summer; 8(2): 103-119. 2. Borgens, R.B.; Blight, A.R.; McGinnis, M.E.: Functional recovery after spinal cord hemisection in guinea pigs: the effects of applied electric fields. J. Comp. Neurol. 1990 June 22; 296(4): 634-653. 3. Moore, M.P.: Approach to the patient with spinal disease. Vet. Clin. of N.A. Small Animal Practice. 1992, 22:4, 75 1-780. 4. Luttgen, P.J.: Spinal neoplasia: diagnosis and treatment. Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery - Small Animal. 1990, 5:4, 246-252. 5. Roush, J.K.; Douglass, J.P.; Hertzke, D.; Kennedy, G.A.: Traumatic dural laceration in a racing greyhound. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound. 1992, 33:1, 22-24. 6. Braund, K.G.; Shores, A.; Brawner, W.R. Jr. The etiology, pathology and pathophysiology of acute spinal cord trauma. Veterinary Medicine. 1990, 85:7, 684-69 1. 7. Braund, K.G.; Shores, A.; Brawner, W.R. Jr.: Localizing spinal cord lesions through recognition of neurologic syndromes. Veterinary Medicine. 1990, 85:7, 692-702. 8. Braund, K.G.; Shores, A.; Brawner, W.R. Jr,: Management of acute spinal cord trauma. Veterinary Medicine. 1990, 85:7, 724-739. 9. Braund, K.G.; Shores, A.; Brawner, W.R. Jr.: Recovering from spinal cord trauma: the rehabilitative steps, complications, and prognosis. Veterinary Medicine. 1990, 85:7, 740-744. 10. Penwick, R.C.: Fibrocartilagenous embolism and ischemic myelopathy. Compend. Contin. Educ. Prac. Vet. 1989, 3, 287-298. 11. Colter, S.; Rucker, N.C.: Acute injury to the central nervous system. Vet. Clin. N.A.: Sm. Anim. Prac. 1988, 18:3, 545-563. 12. Shores, A.: Spinal trauma. Pathophysiology and management of traumatic spinal injuries. Vet. Clin. N.A.: Sm. Anim. Prac. 1992, July; 22(4): 859-888. 13. Janssens, L.A.A.: Theraputic aspects of acute spinal cord trauma. J. Sm. Anim. Prac.. 1991, 32:12, 620-626. 14. Janssens, L.A.A.: Mechanical and pathophysiological aspects of acute spinal cord trauma. J. Sm. Anim. Prac.. 1991, 32:11, 572-578.
(Plumcreek Hollowell Genesis x Plumcreek Flirtation Walk, CS) Tightly linebred on Ch. Plumcreek Chimney Swift, ROM,
Whippets residing at Fortune have eyes certified and are tested for VWD and thyroid prior to being bred; copies of results always available.
Merlin finished his Championship entirely owner-handled, with multiple Best of Breeds over Specials. Merlin has his AKC Senior Courser degree and is presenting having fun chasing the bunny and is ASFA Field pointed.
Thank you Karen, for sharing these young ladies with us. They are a valuable addition to our home and breeding program.
Marie and George Hand 7301 Paddock Drive
(Elysian Night Moves x Elysian Rejoice) 1979 - 1994 Glorya won many Best of Breeds, including two AWC Supported Entry shows, and was a Hound Group First winner. She produced 6 Champions and several other pointed and Breed winners - through them and her Champion grandchildren, she appears in current bloodlines across the country. Glorya was a loved house dog, first at A-Few during her show career and her early breeding career, and then at Elysian for her last litter and for the remaining years of her long and healthy life. Both Frances and I credit her with many successes our breeding programs have enjoyed. Elysian and A-Few
In 6 weekends shown in 1994 - SPECIALTY BEST IN SHOW #4 Also, BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX, Judge Alan Odom FIRST AWARD OF MERIT, Judge Carol Curry and TWO HOUND GROUP FIRSTS! bred by Frances Hembree, Owned by James R. Gray, MD and Chris Durance Hatcher
(Ch. Plumcreek Walk on Water, ROMX x Ch. A-Few Marthasville) We present April’s yearly picture representing her wins in Ohio - 1994 American Whippet Club Midwest Regional Specialty: FIRST, VETERAN BITCH and FIRST, BROOD BITCH Her three new Champion daughters by Ch. Morshor’s Majestic Prince are presented next page. April also became a grandmother this year, with the arrival of 3 youngsters from Ch. Elysian May Flowers, sired by Elysian Heart to Heart. These pups are currently known as June, July and August. James R. Gray, MD Elysian
James R. Gray, MD Elysian
Members of the SWCA promote the whippet in all aspects of the breed. For Additional Information, Contact:
• Thank You Doug Arthur for this special day!! Carl’s daughter, CanCh. Skyline’s Rainstorm, “Laura”, is off to a great start. Laura was Best Puppy in Show under Doug Arthur and Reserve Winners Bitch at Lower Mainland Whippet Association Specialty. In August, Laura won the 12-15 month Sweepstakes Class at the Western Washington Whippet Association Specialty under Linda Buchholz. Watch for Laura in 1995 in the States.
Rico embodies the characteristics of beauty, athleticism and personality for which we all love this breed. 1994 has been a lot of fun with many nice wins in the ring and on the field. (And he's a good babysitter, too.) We'll be back in 95!
(Ch. BoBetts Wild Tobiano x SBIS AmCan.Ch. Allereis Aint Misbehavin, FCh.) Co-owned by: James & Jeanette Vad and Al “Beep” Lee, Jr. Bred by: Carolyn J. Bowers / R.H. & J.M. Simonsen Handled by: Al “Beep” Lee, Jr. |
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