1992 American Whippet Club Whippet Annual
Pages 26 through 50
Merlin was shown to his Championship owner-handled. He has multiple Best of Breeds at very limited showing. This young male, 22 inch, fawn brindle and white, is the sire of pointed get. Watch for him with his owner in Breed and the Field in 1993.
OWNERS
Marie G. and George H. Hand • 7301 Paddock Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613 • (919)596-1940
CO-OWNER & BREEDER: Connie L. Alexander
AMERICAN WHIPPET CLUB
REGISTER OF MERIT
1992 UPDATE
At the 1992 AWC National Specialty, Register of Merit certificates were granted to the following sires and dams:
REGISTER OF MERIT - EXCELLENT
ROMX sire: Ch. Greenbrae Barn Dance, imp. UK (retroactive)
ROMX dams: Greyfriar Phoenix, CD, LCM Wistwind's Morning GLory, CD, LCM
REGISTER OF MERIT
ROM sires: |
Ch. Bo-Bett's Wild Waylon Lyth Jasper, ARM, F.Ch. Ch. Morshor's Majestic Prince Whippoorwill Moonstone Am. Can. Ch. Marial's King Arthur, Am. Can. CD |
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Ch. Carbeth Jersey Girl Ch. Hill's Harvest Moon Dance (retroactive) Ch. Morshor Cross the Water Ch. Norika's Wild Flower Ch. Renpark's Very Merry (retroactive) Ch. Selbrook Highlight, imp. UK (retroactive) Am. Can. Ch. Surrey Hill's Savannah |
REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY
The American Whippet Club initiated the Register of Merit for influential sires and dams in 1988. Upon application, AWC will grant the designation "Register of Merit" (ROM, to be used after the dog's registered name) to any Whippet sire, living or deceased, whose offspring have earned a minimum of 15 AKC champion, ARM, CDX and/ or LCM titles, and for any Whippet dam whose offspring has earned at least 7 of these titles.
Furthermore, the "Register of Merit - Excellent" (ROMX) can be granted to any Whippet sire whose offspring have earned a minimum of 25 AKC champion, ARM, CDX and/or LCM titles, and for any Whippet dam whose offspring have earned a minimum of 10 of these titles.
The ROM awards are granted by application. The application need not come from the owner of the dog. A certificate of merit will be presented to the owner of a ROM sire or dam during the awards banquet at the annual AWC National Specialty, with the certificate being mailed to those who cannot attend.
Please note that one offspring may contribute more than once to a sire's or dam's ROM by qualifying for more than one of the titles listed above.
For an application form, please send a self-addressed envelope to Bo Bengtson, P.O. Box 30430, Santa Barbara, CA 93130.
(Ch. Folquin Avocet, FCh x Tumbleweed's Silver Streak, LCM)
Cody finished his L.C.M. one month shy of his 8th birthday. He won his all-breed Best In Show from the Open Dog Class for his second major! He is the sire of AKC Champions (including a multiple group placer and winner), Field Champions, and has one daughter and a grandson close to their L.C.M.'s. Cody is co-owned by Ann Billups.
SOME THOROUGHBREDS GET BETTER WITH AGE !
Mike and Sue Cowie • P.O. Box 478 • Jarrell, Texas 76537 • (512) 746-2836
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CH. BOB'N TRACER PROMISES KEPT (Ch. Hardknott Maestro of Bohem Carmen was our quickest ever finish here at Tracer - 5 shows, with 4 majors. She has been wintering in California with Ann, and is expecting a litter sired by AmMexCh. Bob'n the Candy Man. We look forward to presenting these linebred youngsters, as this pedigree doubles up on the incomparable Specialty-winning "Emma". Carmen is co-owned by Ann Billups. |
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BOB'N TRACER PRINCESS AMANI (Ch. Spectre Major Motion Our up-and-coming is this cute little gal, Amani. She is pictured being awarded Best in Sweeps at the Astrohall Series of Dog Shows by judge Denise Tatro. She is a hoot to show - if I could only train her not to jump on my shoulders in the ring! Amani is owned by James & Beth Morrison and co-owned by Tracer. Living at home with Amani is her buddy, Bob'n Tracer Ashli Too, who was major-pointed at her first show from the puppy class! Ashli is also co-owned by Tracer. She is out of Tracer's Lady Ashley, FCh by Ch. Bob'n Just a Gigolo, CD, SC. |
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Mike and Sue Cowie • P.O. Box 478 • Jarrell, Texas 76537 • (512) 746-2836
Cody and his daughter Rachel (Ch. Tracer's Centennial, FCh), who as a brace have won several Best in Shows, were recently requested to perform with the Austin Ballet in their performance of "Giselle". They had a marvelous time, and received more attention from the dancers than they could handle! Cody had been fighting an enlarged lymph gland, which although unsightly, did not seen to affect his performance. Photo by Bill Records, Austin, Texas.
May be anticipating her first litter of puppies this spring by Ch. High Flyer Mach One
AKA 'Yaeger' (Florie's sire)
| TOM and ELLEN HAMMATT 28571 Pleasant Avenue Silverado, CA 92676 (714) 649-2286 |
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BREEDER / OWNER HANDLED LITTERMATES
ARBITRAGE, our Bred-By bitch, finished with a Best of Breed over Specials (one a BIS winner) and 3 majors (under Isabell Stoffers, Glenn Fancy and Dr. Greathouse). She will take a well deserved rest and be bred in late 1993 to our Ch. Andauer Razzle Dazzle (see Pedigree Section). PUTS 'N' CALLS, our Open entry, also won a Best of Breed over a BIS Special and received her majors under Eugene Blake and Dr. Asa Mays. She will be bred this spring to her grandfather (see pedigree opposite page). ANDAUER LEVERAGED BUYOUT, CD is expecting a January 1993 litter by Razzle Dazzle. If you like correct shoulder construction and beautiful movement, please inquire about either litter!
GOOD LUCK TO ANDAUER KEENCROFT PROMISSORY NOTE -
SHE JUST NEEDS A MAJOR TO FINISH!
* pending AKC approval
| (Ch. Starline's Reign On x Folquin Lady's Secret) | (Ch. Oxford's Cartier at Chelsea x Ch. Chelsea Paloma of Oxford) |
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JULIE has been owner-handled (in California) to 9 of her 10 points, including BOW (4 points)
at Lompoc Valley KC under Mrs. Keke Kahn.
TREVOR is still maturing and has been shown on a very limited basis, he is almost always in the ribbons.
"SHOW DOGS, YES ! BUT MORE IMPORTANT, LOVING COMPANIONS"
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Thank you to the breeders: Julie: Dick & Oliva Jensen Betty Wolkonsky, co-owner Trevor: Diane Bowen, co-owner Lee & Deanne Christianson |
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HEALTH CARE AND MANAGEMENT
OF THE GERIATRIC WHIPPET
by Nancy A. Rich, D.V.M.
Relatively speaking, aside from extrapolated research done on rats, mice, and man, little information has been gathered on the aging canine. The general public, however, not only considers the bond between man and companion more significant but also is more cognizant of health and aging in people. There are now expectations that our companion animals should enjoy longer, happier lives as we do. Such expectations have prompted the veterinary research community to explore more thoroughly the effects of aging on the canine. The gradual deterioration that many of us witness as our robust four-footed friends enter the latter years of their lives may seem natural, but the time has come that we avoid seeing this as an inevitable decline. Granted, true aging changes, such as decreased flexibility and thickening of the lens of the eye, are progressive and irreversible, but it is also true that the factors that contribute to hastening the progressive loss of function may be manipulated. Remember that aging is not a disease in itself but is a natural process. This process can be affected by many factors, including genetics, nutrition, and environment. If it could not, would we not all die the same way, from the same thing? We as breeders, owners, and clinicians need to learn more about aging if we are to attempt to minimize the progressive deterioration of aging and thereby elevate the quality and longevity of life of Whippets and canines in general.
How one goes about caring for the geriatric depends upon one's perspective. As a veterinarian, I evaluate the relationship between the owner and the animal, listen to any problems the owner may be noticing, and then evaluate the pet from nose to tail, keeping in mind the age, breed, and personality of the dog. How old is a geriatric Whippet? In general, medium dogs ranging from 21 to 50 pounds start to have diseases associated with aging at 10.19 +/- 1.56 years. It is important that every owner as well as every veterinarian fine tune their role in the aged Whippet's care. Subtle changes that an owner may notice at home can be crucial to the early detection of disease processes. Early detection leads to early intervention, which may alter the progression of disease(s) which would otherwise hasten the aging process.
It has been recommended that annual to biannual physical examinations be performed on the geriatric, more often if a particular condition warrants it. In addition to the history and physical exam, procedures such as complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, chest and/or abdominal X-rays, electrocardiogram (EKG), and eye pressures should be performed. Can the risk to the patient and the cost of this proposed workup be justified by the information that might be gained? There is little or no risk to the geriatric to perform such tests. If early detection via this workup can improve or prolong the Whippet's life, then it is justified.
In regard to genetics, the breeder and veterinarian are crucial in the cooperative detection and elimination of certain diseases specific to a breed. CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certifications are examples of such cooperative efforts. At this time Whippets are generally not noted for predilection toward specific disorders that might be seen in the aged animal. Remember, if we do not look, we will not find. The more we investigate the possibility of inheritable disorders in the aged, the more likely we are to find something and therefore eliminate it if possible from the genetic pool.
Proper nutrition is vital to the aged Whippet. This concern should start in the growth phase. It is well established that obesity decreases longevity. If a Whippet becomes obese in youth, greater numbers of fat cells will form. This will make it more difficult to control obesity as this Whippet ages since the capability to store fat is greater than if the pet had been lean in youth. An easy way to determine whether your geriatric Whippet is too plump for his or her own good is to assess the fat overlying the ribs. If you can easily visualize the ribs, the pet is too thin. If the ribs are not easily visible but by placing your hands on the rib cage you can easily feel them through a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, this is ideal. If, however, the ribs cannot easily be felt, then your pet requires weight reduction. There are five possible approaches to weight management: psychological support, exercise, diet, drugs, and surgery. The latter two are not advised. Psychological support means you do not succumb to those puppydog eyes staring at your bratwurst. It has been shown that dogs fed an unbalanced ration of table foods live shorter lives than those on commercially prepared canine diets. A diet to treat uncomplicated obesity should contain reduced fat, higher fiber, and fewer calories. The fat content should be slightly reduced for geriatrics in general, but the fat present should be of high quality, that is, it should have ample essential fatty acid ratios, and be of high digestibility. Fiber aids calorie restriction by satisfying hunger, and it aids intestinal function in the geriatric. Large amounts are contraindicated unless fiber-responsive conditions are present, e.g., constipation, colitis, or diabetes. Feeding less of the maintenance diet may work if you are overfeeding, but in general it will result in increased begging due to hunger. Weight reduction should be closely monitored, and goals for progress should be outlined from the start. Elimination of excess fat will improve the aged Whippet's overall appearance and increase his or her enjoyment and length of life.
The area of diet manipulation that has received the most attention and remains the most controversial is dietary protein. The question is, how much and what quality of protein does the geriatric need? Growing and working dogs need high-protein diets due to the demands of growth or work stresses (e.g., show circuit and obedience trials). In contrast, the geriatric's metabolic needs are less and their ability to metabolize and excrete excess dietary protein waste is decreased. The kidney, unfortunately, is one of the most vulnerable organs to age-related changes. It undergoes both structural and functional progressive loss. Excess dietary protein waste must be excreted by the kidney. It has been postulated that this extra work load on the kidney contributes to or can cause kidney failure. Most recent evidence does not support kidney failure as a sequela to high dietary protein. However, when in kidney failure, the kidneys from dogs fed high-protein diets had more damage than those fed restricted protein diets. Protein restriction in a geriatric with "normal" kidneys may not alter the course of renal aging, but it may be helpful to the geriatric with sub clinical kidney damage and can benefit those diagnosed with kidney failure. Practically speaking, how do you detect the geriatric with clinically undetectable kidney damage?
Typically, bloodwork and an analysis of the urine aid in evaluating kidney function. However, the ability of the kidney to compensate can result in up to 75 percent loss of function before bloodwork parameters elevate. Clearly, further work must be done to find a reliable, sensitive, and specific test for quantifying renal aging. In the meantime, the best we can do is to evaluate the above frequently in the hope of early detection. The cause of the development of kidney failure, acute or chronic, in the geriatric is multifactorial. Injuries and insults such as urinary tract infections, dehydration, stress, poor nutrition, and drug therapy may hasten the progression toward kidney failure in the geriatric due to an increased susceptibility to these risks as a result of age-related changes. Management of these factors combined with early detection should be our goal. In regard to dietary protein, then, it is generally recommended that geriatrics receive diets moderately restricted in dietary protein (e.g., Hill's Science Diet Senior). The protein should be of high biological value and digestibility. (Biological value means per cent of nutrient absorbed and therefore not excreted. The better the quality, the less quantity needed and the less excreted by the kidney.) It is important that adequate nonprotein (i.e., carbohydrate and fat) calories be present to satisfy the dog's energy requirement to prevent break down and use of their own body proteins (e.g., muscle). Further restriction of dietary protein (Hill's Prescription Diets G/D, K/D, and U/D) may be helpful when the geriatric is in kidney failure. Other nutritional factors that may benefit the geriatric with kidney failure include a decrease of both phosphorus and sodium and supplementation of water-soluble vitamins. Be wary of pet food labels. Although they are required by law to include a guaranteed analysis, this is usually presented as maximums and minimums. The actual analysis may substan tially differ. When possible, compare diets on a percent of dry matter basis. Most companies will volunteer this information, if available, upon request. Consulting your veterinarian in regard to nutrition may be helpful since some food companies disclose information to veterinarians that may not be public knowledge.
It was briefly mentioned above that age-related changes increase the aged Whippet's susceptibility to stresses. Some environmental stresses are within our grasp to control, and by minimizing them we can improve the quality and longevity of our aged Whippets' lives. Personal experience with a few Whippet patients has alerted me to the tendency toward separation anxiety and depression when they are away from their owner and/or home environment. Abrupt changes in location, food, or activity level can be detrimental to the geriatric Whippet and emphasize the need to consider environmental stresses in their overall management.
GERIATRIC DISEASES AND PREVENTATIVE CARE
I have briefly mentioned in prior paragraphs some diseases that are more typically seen in geriatrics. I would like to conclude this discussion with a brief overview of some specific diseases and their recognition and management.
Subtle changes in your geriatric Whippet can be clues to the presence of an underlying problem. Consider changes in appetite, water consumption and/or excretion, mental attitude, activity level, and routine habits as possibly significant and worth mentioning to your veterinarian.
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth
A cloudy appearance to the normally dark part of the eye (the pupil) in aged animals is a common age-related changed called nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a thickening of the lens which does not substantially de crease vision unless accompanied by senile or age- related cataracts, which also appear as a cloudy appearance to the pupil and do impair vision. Your veterinarian can determine which may be present in your Whippet by examining the eyes with an ophthalmoscope. Since age- related cataracts progress gradually, most dogs adapt to their surroundings and do quite well provided you do not move the furniture around. If the blindness caused by cataracts is unacceptable to you and your Whippet, you can have them surgically removed. Provided the cost is not an issue and your Whippet is healthy in other respects and has no evidence of other eye problems, such as retinal degeneration, that would preclude the cataract removal, surgery to remove one lens would restore sight, and in many cases, improve the dog's attitude. Other eye problems seen frequently in the older dog are retinal detachment, retinal degeneration, and glaucoma. The most common cause of retinal detachment is high blood pressure, and the blindness that ensues can be sudden or gradual, partial or complete, depending upon the degree and rate of detachment. Retinal degeneration usually results in a gradual vision loss. Glaucoma, an increase in the pressure within the eye, can be seen at any age, but its incidence increases with age. As with people, it is important to measure eye pressure (10P) frequently in our older pets in order to detect this devastating disease before it is too late.
Normal age-related changes result in a gradual progressive loss of your Whippet's senses of smell and hearing. We can accommodate the older dog with a poor sense of smell by warming foods and preventing common nasal diseases, such as "colds" and infections. If an infection does occur, it should be treated by your veteri narian promptly. Chronic ear infections, specifically those affecting the inner/middle ear, and use of drugs that may cause ear damage can exacerbate hearing loss. Once loss is evident, hearing aids may improve what little function remains. These are costly, however, and the rate of adaptation failure is high.
If your older Whippet has trouble eating, refuses dry food, paws at the mouth, drools excessively, or has bad breath or a slight decrease in appetite, then the first place to look for a cause is the mouth. The aged Whippet is often plagued by varying stages of dental disease, such as halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis (inflamed, red gums), periodontal disease (gum inflammation and loss of the structural integrity between teeth, gums and bone), plaque/ calculus formation, and tooth loss. Frequent evaluations of the mouth by veterinarian and owner can identify mouth disease in early stages when intervention can modify or reverse the conditions. Anesthetic dental cleaning should be performed once to twice a year, depending on the individual animal. Antibiotics should be started prior to the anesthetic dental in most cases, since the procedure will dislodge bacteria from the mouth into the bloodstream and lungs. In addition, home dental care, which included brushing and/or flushing the mouth can greatly reduce both calculus and periodontal disease.
Heart and Lungs
Typical signs of heart and/or lung disease in the aged Whippet include coughing, decreased activity level, fainting, and restlessness at night. Chronic valvular disease, or endocardiosis, is the most common heart disease in the canine geriatric population. Affected valves, most commonly the left atrioventricular, or mitral, valve, appear gnarled and distorted. As you can imagine, these valves work inefficiently, allowing blood to leak back (from the ventricle) into the chamber (the atrium) from which it had just been pumped. This leakage is commonly referred to as regurgitation. Regurgitation may be a prime cause of heart failure and cough in older dogs. It is important to note that bacteria that escape from the mouth have been implicated as one of the factors involved in the formation of the abnormal valves. This further emphasizes the need for good oral hygiene and appropriate use of antibiotics during teeth cleaning.
Heart attacks commonly occur in elderly people and are usually caused by atherosclerosis, or plaque formation, within arterial walls. Fortunately, older dogs are not similarly affected. We do share in common arteriosclerosis, which is a hardening and loss of elasticity of the arteries. In dogs, it usually affects tiny blood vessels called arterioles within the heart muscle and can result in scarring. This may contribute to the development of heart failure, since scarred muscle will not work as effectively.
Systemic hypertension, or high blood pressure, is relatively common among people and is emerging as a disease among geriatric dogs that may be of primary importance. Measuring blood pressure in dogs is not routine, but is available at most referral institutions. The equipment and normal values still require refinement. However, it is an important consideration when dealing with heart disease, retinal bleeds, or retinal detachment.
Tracheal collapse and bronchitis/fibrosis/emphysema are the most common lung problems in the geriatric. A dry honking cough is typical of tracheal collapse, and obesity compounds the problem. Bronchitis/fibrosis/emphysema are usually seen together and are responsible for the increased airway resistance that older dogs experience.
All in all, there are four areas that can be modified to help the aged dog avoid or live with heart and/or lung disease. The diet can be modified to avoid obesity and to decrease salt (sodium), which will decrease both blood pressure and workload on the heart. Routine dental care will decrease the risk of valvular disease by reducing the spread of blood-borne bacteria from the mouth. The level of activity should be restricted for the Whippet with heart and/or lung disease in order to reduce the workload on the heart and/or lungs. If mitral regurgitation is a problem, its effects on the performance of the heart can be modi fied by judicious use of medication. Remember that early detection of a problem via examination, x-rays, electro cardiogram, and possibly ultrasound of the heart play an integral part in the management of geriatric heart and lung disease.
Reproductive and Urinary Systems
Kidney failure has been previously mentioned as a common urinary problem in the geriatric. Acquired geriatric incontinence, which generally results from incompetence of the urethral sphincter, is also very common among aged dogs. The most common complaint by an owner is that the pet urinates unconsciously where it lays. A culture and/or urinalysis is performed to rule out an infectious-induced or polyuria-induced incontinence (polyuria: urinates large quantities). Most incompetent sphincters can be managed with drug therapy, hormonal (diethlystilbestrol for females, testosterone for males) or nonhormonal (phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine).
The reproductive tract suffers considerably due to aging. Unlike human elderly women, bitches continue to cycle into the geriatric years. However, both males' and females' performance decreases with age. It is generally accepted that overall, neutered dogs live longer than unneutered dogs. I generally recommend that any dog that is not going to be used for breeding purposes undergo surgery for neutering. Intact aging males are at risk of developing prostatic disease, such as hypertrophy, cysts, infections, and cancer, and of developing testicular tumors. Intact aged females are at risk of developing pyometra, which is a pus-filled uterus, mammary cancer, and ovarian, uterine, and vaginal cancer. Incidence of mammary tumor development is significantly decreased if the neutering is performed early in life (less than 2 1/2 years). The treatment of choice for pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus; however, prostaglandin therapy has been successful if rebreeding is necessary. Breeders may want to consider neutering their retired breeding animals while they are healthy, before the development of any of the above.
Neurological System
Have you noticed any change in the mental alertness of your older Whippet? What about a loss of house training? These are the first signs of senility in the aging pet. Most aged pets sleep more and become forgetful in familiar environments and situations. Some become more irritable when disturbed, are slow to obey commands, or may have problems with orientation and learned behavior. Before concluding that your pet is senile, a thorough neurological workup should be performed, including basic bloodwork to rule out other organ damage or presence of infection, a neurological exam, and possibly x-rays, a myelogram, and a CAT scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The latter two are somewhat expensive, but not prohibitive, and usually are performed at referral institutions. Those suspected of senile degeneration need good nursing care in order to maximize their quality of life.
Other neurological problems seen in the aged pet include brain and spinal cord tumors, seizures, neuropathies of undetermined cause (idiopathic neuropathies) such as vestibular syndrome, laryngeal paralysis, and, rarely, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Brain and spinal cord tumors, some of which may be managed by surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, usually present as a slowly progressive history of dysfunction, for example, circling, head pressing, altered mentation, seizures, and changed gait. Eighty percent of reported seizure activity in the aged population is secondary to a disorder other than epilepsy, such as tumors, diabetes, or liver failure. Idiopathic vestibular syndrome is the most common neuropathy seen in the aged pet. Historically, a pet would suddenly lose their sense of balance and start circling or tilting their head, and some would be unable to stand. Signs may progress, but usually stabilize in a few days. Slow improvement will occur within a few days to weeks. Drug therapy does not alter the course of the disease, and antinausea drugs may actually delay recovery. Some pets with these signs may actually have an inner ear infection. X-rays of the skull and an ear exam will rule this out. Many dogs in the past were euthanized because the syndrome was misdiagnosed as a cerebrovascular (CV) accident, which is either a clot to or a rupture of a vessel serving the brain. Fortunately, unlike in people, CV accidents are extremely rare in dogs, except for those involving the spinal cord. When CV accidents do occur, they are likely secondary to damage elsewhere in the body, such as heart valve disease or heartworm disease.
Miscellaneous: Cancer, Surgery, and Anesthesia
Cancer, unfortunately, tends to be one of the most common aged problems found in all of the above systems. This is a result of a decline in the body's ability to recognize and/or eliminate mistakes of cell turnover and of years of exposure to carcinogens (things in our environment that may contribute to the likelihood of cancer development) of which we may not be aware. Cancer can be benign, meaning it grows locally, or malignant, meaning it can easily spread throughout the body. Early detection of tumors can improve the outcome. Knowledge of the tumor type via biopsy shapes the course of possible therapy and probable outcome. For example, lymphosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the lymphoid tissue and is very responsive to many chemotherapy protocols. Melanomas of the mouth, on the other hand, are highly malignant, and the outcome is rarely significantly altered with therapy. The word cancer can conjure up a basketful of emotions. One must keep in mind that there are some cancers that we can treat without risk of recurrence or spread (metastasize), some that we can treat and extend the quality of life, and some that carry a very poor outcome despite therapy. The decision to treat must take into account the tumor type, its usual course with or without therapy, and whether therapy will significantly alter the tumor so that our pet may still enjoy quality time with us without the therapy itself being prohibitive due to its effects on our pet. Whippets, from my experience, are a sensitive breed. I strongly believe their personality must be taken into consideration when a treatment modality is being chosen.
Surgery and anesthesia are not prohibitive in the aged Whippet. As I have mentioned before, age itself is not a disease. Therefore, if anesthesia is required on an older Whippet, for example, for teeth cleaning, if the Whippet is healthy and bloodwork does not indicate any problems, then by all means, perform the dental. What needs to be considered is the stress that anesthesia and surgery can place on the older Whippet and what can be done to avoid or minimize it. First, within reason, minimize hospitalization. My experience with Whippets has taught me that their depression form separation from their owner can be detrimental to their speedy recovery. Second, maintain adequate kidney blood flow via intravenous fluid administration before, during, and after surgery/anesthesia. This will compensate for the decreased blood pressure that occurs with most anesthetics. The length of fluid therapy depends on whether other health conditions are presents. Third, the advent of newer inhalant (gas) anesthetics lessens the risk of anesthesia for the older patient. Isoflurane gas anesthetic is generally my anesthesia of choice in the aged. It has minimal depressant effects on heart function, and only 0.2% is degraded and excreted by the body. The majority is exhaled when the gas is turned off. This anesthetic allows most aged pets to have a rapid recovery. Its only drawback is that it has little if any painkilling properties, unlike older gas anesthetics. Therefore, if a procedure is likely to be associated with a lot of pain, like a knee surgery, then narcotic pain killers are advised and are given just prior to recovery. Fourth, keep the patient warm during and after surgery.
Conclusion
As you can tell, there are many things to consider with an aged Whippet. Nutrition and environment play important roles in their quality of life and their longevity. There are many more disease considerations that result as our pets age, some of which we can manipulate, reverse, or manage in order to continue to provide quality to their lives. Cancer is one of the most common problems we see in the aged. Surgery and anesthesia are no longer taboo for the aged Whippet, but special needs must be considered. Caring for our aged four-footed friends can be rewarding but demanding. Usually, the time we are able to share with them, and their undying devotion to us, motivates us to see that they get the best care we can provide.
References
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Beard, B.B.; Beard, D.M. Geriatric dentistry. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.; 1988; 19(1): 49-74.
Breitschwerdt, E.B. Renal Disease in the Geriatric Animal. In: Small Animal Geriatrics: Viewpoints in Veterinary Medicine. Proceedings of a Symposium, Eastern States Conference; January 17, 1989: 19-22.
Fischer , C.A. Geriatric ophthalmology. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.; 1988; 19(1): 103-123.
Hamlin, R.L. Identifying the cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases that affect older dogs. Vet. Med.; 1990; 85(5): 483-497.
Johnson , C.A. Problems of the Reproductive Tract in the Aging Dog and Cat. In:Small Animal Geriatrics: Viewpoints in Veterinary Medicine. Proceedings of a Symposium, Eastern States Conference; January 17, 1989: 14-18.
Krawiec, D.R. Urologic disorders of the geriatric dog. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.; 1988; 19(1): 75-85.
Luttgen, P.L. Diseases of the Nervous System in Older Dogs. Part II. Peripheral Nervous System. Compend. Cont. Ed. Pract. Vet.; 1990; 12(8): 1077-1081.
Luttgen, P.L. Diseases of the Nervous System in Older Dogs. Part I. Central Nervous System. Compend. Cont. Ed. Pract. Vet.; 1990; 12(8): 1077-1081.
Maher, E.R., Jr.; Rush, J.E. Cardiovascular changes in the geriatric dog. Compend. Cont. Ed. Pract. Vet.; 1990; 12(7): 921-931.
Markham, R.W.; Hodgkins, E.M. Geriatric nutrition. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.; 1988; 19(1): 165-185.
Miller, M.S.; Tilley, L.P.; Smith, F.W., Jr. Cardiopulmonary disease in the geriatric dog and cat. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.; 1988; 19(1):87-102.
Mosier, J.E. Caring for the aging dog in today's practice. Vet. Med.; 1990; 85(5): 460-471.
Mosier, J.E. Effect of aging on body systems of the dog. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.; 1988; 19(1): 1-12.
Polzin, D.J. The effects of aging on the canine urinary tract. Vet. Med.; 1990; 85(5): 472-482.
Rosenthal, R.C. Oncologic Therapeutic Considerations in the Geriatric Patient. In: Small Animal Geriatrics: Viewpoints in Veterinary Medicine. Proceedings of a Symposium, Eastern States Conference; January 17, 1989: 1-5.
Ross, L.A. Pathophysiologic Changes of Aging. In: Small Animal Geriatrics: Viewpoints in Veterinary Medicine. Proceedings of a Symposium, Eastern States Conference; January 17, 1989: 1013.
Sorgonen , D.C. Neurologic and otologic disorders of geriatric patients. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract.; 1988; 19(1): 125-135.
(Am.Can.Ch. Misty Moor's Chalmondoley, ROMX x Azalea Hill's Charisma)
| DAM OF: | (by Am.Can.Ch. Surrey Hill's Houston, F.Ch., ROMX) whelped 10/14/89 (by Am.Can.Ch. Sporting Fields Kinsman) whelped 3/7/92 |
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| GRANDDAM OF: | (Can.Ch. Windance Double Trouble x Am.Ch. Windsome' Majic Melody) whelped 3/23/91 WINDSOME'S DOUBLE AGENT - co-owned with Marty Williams WINDSOME'S DOUBLE STUFF - co-owned with John Svelzle BONVIVANT'S DOUBLE TIME - owned by Tom and Marge Miller WINDSOME'S DOUBLE TAKE - owned by Gail A. Nichols WINDSOME'S DOUBLE ENTENDRE - owned by Iraida and Oscar Calleja |
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Most of the above are AKC pointed - many with BOB and BOS over specials - some nearly finished. Their superior temperaments make them wonderful dogs to live with. Additionally, they are keen on the lure. Thank you "Honey", worlds best bed warmer.
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GAIL A. NICHOLS We feed Science Diet exclusively ! |
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In a year with so many truly lovely examples of the breed being campaigned nationwide, we are proud that "Brie" looks to finish 1992 as #1 Whippet Bitch, #2 Whippet overall, and one of the top Hounds in the country.
Multiple All-Breed B.I.S. and Specialty B.I.S. Winner
ch. starline's claim to fame
| Breeders: Carey & Lori Lawrence "Starline" |
Owner: Joan Damon Pebble Beach, CA (408) 624-8343 |
Handler: Mary Dukes "Delacreme" |
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MARILYN WILLIAMS
CDR PAUL SCHNITTGER, SC, USN
1412 Hunningdon Woods Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320-8218 (804) 436-7417
Distributors for #1 All Systems and Dynamite Products
(Ch. Sporting Fields Man in Paris x Ch. Gold Dust's Let's Parti, SC, FCh)
Maia is our first whippet. She was purchased as a pet, the tiniest puppy in her litter. That little puppy grew into a full-sized whippet of tremendous quality! This year, Maia finished her championship very easily, with a 4 point major from Dr. Asa Mays, and 5 points from Iva Kimmelman. Many people have complimented Maia on her lovely outline and flowing movement. We're proud to be the owners of this beautiful girl!
Maia was handled to her championship by Barbara Heckerman of Swanton, Ohio.
Maia's biggest fan, and my assistant and junior handler, is my daughter, Mireille Downen.
Owned and Loved by:
Leila Downen
DIABLESSE WHIPPETS
50 Woodlawn Drive, Morris Township., NJ 07960 (201)984-7484
Bred by: Sharon R. Sakson, Paris Whippets
(Ch. Beautiful Dreamer du Sac a Malices x Ch. Gold Dust's Let's Parti, SC, FCh.)
Charlotte has always been the perfect whippet - sweet, well-behaved, gorgeous to look at, fun to show. By December of 1992, Charlotte had 10 points, including a major won at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia under judge Carlos de Bango, all of them owner-handled. I have to give Charlotte my thanks - she is so beautiful and shows so well, she makes me look good!
Owned and Loved by:
Leila Downen
DIABLESSE WHIPPETS
50 Woodlawn Drive, Morris Township., NJ 07960 (201)984-7484
Bred by: Sharon R. Sakson, Paris Whippets
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