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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
• Winner of SEVEN Specialties under sighthound breeder-judges from Canada, the U.S. and England
• Two All-Breed Best-in-Shows, one under breeder-judge
• Select Award at Canada's First National Specialty Show

U.S.A.:

• Hound Group winner, multi-group placer
• Specialty Select Winner at WWWA Specialty in 1993 (entry 100+)
• Top Breed winner in the Northwest for 1993 (Washington-Oregon)
• Multi A WC Supported Best of Breeds

Swiftsure

Steve & Linda Buchholz
(604) 856-5660

26767 - 13th Avenue RR 5
Aldergrove, BC V4W 2S4

* co-owned and co-bred by Karen Bowers


Our pretty puppy grew into her promise of success.

Introducing our newest champion.

Int.& S&N. Ch. Play A While At Perperone
--CH. KIPIN KAPIN AUTUMN MINT PATTY
SF.Ch. Autumn Terra Bella Cedar

Autumns Teddy Bear

Teddy is an exceptionally nice teenager with 13 points and 2 Broken Majors "BOO HOO”!

Teddy was bred to Patty for
December puppies.

Teddy is looking for majors;
if you see any let him know.

Have movement will travel

Ch. Chelsea Drakkar of Oxford
AUTUMNS TEDDY BEAR
Ch. Atutumns Terra Bella Teak

 


(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
winning a highly competitive breed.

Consistently in the Winners Circle
Handled by Davin H. McAteer

DIANNE T. BLEECKER

15605 West Highway 329 • Reddick, Florida 32686 • 904/591-3074


Majestic Prince Son ‘—‘ Majestic Dell Daughter

 

AWC Southern Specialty
Sweepstakes Winners, 6-9 Puppy Classes
under judge Al Miniero

MorShor!s Snow Princess
BEST IN SWEEPSTAKES

Keencroft Licorice N Frost
BEST OF OPPOSITE

DIANNE T. BLEECKER
15605 West Highway 329 • Reddick, Florida 32686 • 904/591-3074


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.
Rosie is maturing nicely and her future looks very promising.

Owned and Bred by Frank E. and Earl E. Mclnnis
107 Laguna Place, Salinas, CA 93908 - (408) 373-7189



SPINAL CORD DISEASE
Nancy Rich, DVM

How many of you know how it feels to “strain” your back? How many of you have had whippets that injure their backs by running into glass doors or cars or another dog? Straining your back is painful enough but is by far mild in comparison to the above whippet injuries. Some of these injuries are amendable to current treatment modalities, some are not and leave our pets with some degree of permanent damage such as paralysis. It is my goal here to introduce you to your whippets’ delicate spinal cord, how trauma affects it, your role in assuring recovery, and current advances in spinal cord research.

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.

The spinal cord itself extends from the base of the brain and ends at L(lumbar)5/L(lumbar)6. Only nerve roots (called cauda equina) extend past this point. Nerve roots also arise from the cord and exit between each vertebra on both sides of the column. These nerve roots branch out to innervate the body’s many muscles, skin, etc.
The spinal cord , like other tissues of our bodies, responds to insult or injury in a limited number of ways. Whether it has incurred a traumatic external evident such as hit by car (HBC), gunshot wound, big dog/little dog encounters or trauma secondary to breed related work or an internal trauma such as . .vascular disease or disc disease or congenital deformities (none reported in whippets). . .the end result is a primary concussionlcompressionllaceration of the spinal cord.
Within minutes after the initial unalterable injury, a cascade of autodestructive events including ischemia (loss of blood supply), hemorrhage and edema occur over the next 48 hours and can lead to cord destruction and neurologic impairment. It is crucial that medical and/or surgical manipulations occur in a timely fashion to intervene with these secondary changes and improve the chances of survival of affected nervous tissue. Thus knowing the cause of trauma, the duration, and how the cord responds to injury, enables you and your veterinarian to intervene with appropriate assessment and treatment.

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.

Your role in recovery of your neurologically impaired whippet is critical. First of all, when the injury occurs, take immediate action to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian. Neurologic disease is an emergency. If the injury occurred as a result of external forces, such as HBCs, minimize movement of your whippet by strapping him/her to a homemade stretcher, in the case of a fractured back. Due to the pain, muzzling may be needed. Your veterinarian will assess your whippet for life-threatening problems first and will then follow up with a neurologic exam. If no external trauma occurred and your whippet ‘yipes for no reason and then walks (if he can) stilted or drunken, this again warrants veterinary evaluation immediately. Spinal cord injury from cancer, IVD (Intervertebral Disc ) Disease or FCE (Fibrocartilaginous Embolism) can occur suddenly or chronically and immediate evaluation of the problem will aid in diagnosis and management. In the case of IVD disease, pain occurs and persists. In the case of FCE, where a small quantity of disc cartilage blocks part of the cord’s blood supply, there may or may not be a history of initial pain, and, if present, it does not persist.

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.

Management continues by addressing the specific injury. For example, if there are fractures of vertebra(e), are they stable or unstable? Stable fractures can be managed with conservative treatment (cage rest or brace) , whereas, unstable fractures require internal stabilization to prevent further cord injury. Perhaps your whippet ruptured a disc in his neck. Intervertebral disc disease generally implies either extrusion of the gelatinous core or a bulging of the outer fiber and some core material into the spinal canal. This can result in compression of the cord and! or nerve roots that exit the spinal column. This com­pression of the nervous tissue will result iii variable degree of pain and neurologic dysfunction depending upon the location within the cord, whether the disc slowly or quickly entered the canal, and the quantity of disc extruded. If upon presentation to your veterinar­ian, your whippet exhibited neck pain, no fever, mild if any neurologic deficits, and survey radiographs indicated a mild narrowing of C3-C4 consistent with mild loss of disc material, then conservative treatment would be appropriate. This includes STRICT cage rest, administration of anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone if pain persisted or the pet seemed too uncomfortable to rest or eat. You, as a responsible owner, must understand that cage rest is a mandatory part of the recovery. If your whippet decides he/she feels a little better and isn't restricted, he/she can easily re-injure the cord and possibly lead to worsen­ing of neurologic signs (e.g. paralysis). If your whippet's neurological function declines, then he/she is a candidate for surgical manipulation. Unlike medical therapy, where we treat the symptoms until the body has an opportunity to clean up and repair the mild damage, surgical manipulation regarding ruptured discs involves gaining access to the cord via removal of some portion of the bony spinal column, in order to relieve the cord compression and remove the offending disc material. As an owner, you are also usually asked to refrain from use of aspirin products to decrease pain (whether there is surgical intervention or not). Some degree of pain will induce restriction of activity. Aspirin also can contribute to bleeding within the cord or canal due to its property to decrease platelet func­tion.

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”
Michael P Moore, DVM, MS, Guest Editor
1992

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,
“Fannie” is a tribute to her remarkable heritage.
Fannie will be bred to Ch. High Flyer Mach One in 1995.
Fannie is always perfectly presented by Debbie Davenport (Kamada).
pending AKC approval

Fannie is owned & loved by:
Fortune
Sharon and Bill McCollum
213 DeLeon St., Ottawa, IL 61350
815/433-3478
Co-owner:
Diane Laratta
(HoloweIl Whippets

and Standard Poodles)

Co-breeders:
Diane Laratta
and Linda Larson
(Plumcreek)

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.

OWNERS:
HAND’S WHIPPETS
Marie and George Hand
7301 Paddock Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613
919 / 596-1940

BREEDER:
Connie L. Alexander

 


Cert #WP 338/94-23

Sire:
AmCanCh Surrey Hills My Man Godfrey, JC
Dam:
CanCh Surrey Hills Safety Last, FCh, SC

 

Splash is well on her way to her Championship with multiple Best of Breeds over Specials from the classes owner-handled.

OWNERS:
Marie G. Hand & George H. Hand

BREEDER: Karen L. Bowers

 

Thank you Karen, for sharing these young ladies with us. They are a valuable addition to our home and breeding program.

Cert #WP 339/94-15

Sire: Ch Patrics Jammin Drarig
Dam: Ch Surrey Hills Dawn Treader, FCh, SC

Bonnie is pictured being awarded her first points from the puppy classes and Best of Breed. She is always handled by her owner. Bonnie completed her Junior Courser degree in one weekend.

OWNERS:
Marie G. Hand & Karen Bowers

BREEDERS: Karen L. Bowers, Carolyn J. Bowers & Bob Strom

Marie and George Hand

7301 Paddock Drive
Raleigh, North Carolina 27613
919/596-1940


(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
Metropolitan Atlanta Whippet Association
First Specialty Show
Judge Mr. Douglas Arthur

Also, BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX, Judge Alan Odom
AWC MIDWEST REGIONAL SPECIALTY
Best of Breed next day, Judge Shelley Hennessy

FIRST AWARD OF MERIT, Judge Carol Curry
AWC SOUTHERN REGIONAL SPECIALTY

and

TWO HOUND GROUP FIRSTS!

bred by Frances Hembree, Owned by James R. Gray, MD and Chris Durance Hatcher
Presented by Jan Margaret Swayze


(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
P.O. Box 1332, Winder, Georgia 30680
404 / 867-2978


James R. Gray, MD

Elysian
P.O. Box 1332, Winder, Georgia 30680
404 / 867-2978




Members of the SWCA promote the whippet in all aspects of the breed.

For Additional Information, Contact:
Tom Hammatt, Secretary
28571 Pleasant Avenut
Silverado, CA 92676
(714) 649-2286


• Thank You Doug Arthur for this special day!!
• Carl finished at an American Whippet Club Supported Show
• Finished with 4 Majors under breeder-judges
• Watch for Carl in the Open ring and the agility field in 1995!!

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.
Also watch for our newest baby - Swiftsure’s The Lion King, ‘Simba”, (MSBIS MBIS CanCh. Swiftsure’s Out Of Africa x CanCh. Mimbre’s Frosta Frolic) in the puppy classes in 1995.


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!

Breeder
Kim Otero

Owner/Handler
Becky Dunn
2314 Roxboro Road , Cleveland Hts , OH 44106
216 / 371-3594

Co-owner
Susan Harwell-Harris


(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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