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2000 American Whippet Club Whippet Annual

Pages 1 through 5

Multi-BIF Group Winning DC Warburton Duke Whittington MC, CD, LCM, CGC, TN, CAV
Multi-BIF DC Whippletrees Gold Nugget SC, CD, NA, DPC, TRP, CR, CGC, TT, CAVX

Striving for Versatility.......

SIMON

	Simon made us proud with many special wins on the road to his championship. We were especially excited to have him finish by going WD for a 5-point major at the AWC Western Sighthound Specialty under Mrs. Anne Rogers Clark.

Am.Can.Ch. Onyxx Silence Is Golden

	2000-2001 Officers J. Randall Tincher, President Lura Chacon, Treasurer Maurice Woulfe, Vice President Marge Ruppel, Secretary Board of Directors: Karin Buck Becki Lansford Katherine Sheare

A busy year for MAWA members!

MAWA Supported Entries

Douglasville Kennel Club

Finished in 2000 (in Fine Style!) . . . . . . . .

BIS Ch Riverchase Just Do It

Zach finished with a Group 1 from the Puppy Class – then went Best in Show the next day! Zach’s first litter is on the ground (see the following pages) and another linebred litter is due in February 2001, out of Ch Harmony’s Shameless, JC, owned by Steve and Kathy Young, Edwardsville, Kansas.

. . . . . . . . . . Our Hopes for 2001. . . . . . . .

Andauer Somewhere In Time

Zoe took time off for a litter by the incomparable Reign. She’ll be back in 2001, looking for her last major, showing with her kids: Andauer Tag You’re It, Andauer Peek-A-Boo, and Andauer Full of Posies.

Andauer

Karen and Mike Gibson
andauerwhp@aol.com

. . . And Our Hopes for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DC Merci Isle Light The Way, FCh

Thanks to Iva Kimmelman for allowing this fabulous dog to come to Andauer.

Torch will be bred to Ch. Andauer Star Struck (see 1998 WNAnnual, pg 75) in early 2001.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Future

Andauer

Karen and Mike Gibson
918-299-1114

Sun Run
where preservation of breed type is paramount

JP & Sally deBeque Smith
250 Weld County Road 3
Erie, Colorado 80516 • 303-666-9614
email: barkave@aol.com

Sun Run’s Tailpipes

(Am.Can. BIS DC Sporting Field’s Jazz Fest, FCh. x Am.Can.Ch. Sun Run’s Tailights)

Rex and Sue Hartwig
11574 Kling Street, Valley Village, CA 91602
818-753-9244
email: rexedog@aol.com

Sun Run’s
Tiger By The Tail

(Am.Can. BIS DC Sporting Field’s Jazz Fest, FCh. x Am.Can.Ch. Sun Run’s Tailights)

Sun Run
250 Weld County Road 3, Erie, Colorado 80516 • 303-666-9614

Ch.* Wynmor Chez Suave JC

(Ch. Wheatland Rico Suave, SC x Ch. Wynmor A Hot Wire)

Chez completed her breed title with a major during the Crown Classic in Cleveland, Ohio. A thank you goes to breeder-judge Mr. Anthony Gutilla, who awarded Chez WB and BOW at the AWC Supported Entry December 15, 2000, during the Medina Kennel Club show.

Am I happy? You bet! Winning with a breeder-judge is always special. Thanks to the others who also pointed her along the way. And to top it off, all points were from the bred-by-exhibitor class.

	Wynmor Whippets at Pastime Farm Carola K. Beranek – breeder/owner/handler 8345 Branch Road, Medina, Ohio 43256-8983 330-667-8983 • email: cberanek@bright.net co-breeder – Douglas Moore * pending AKC confirmation

Whippet Health Foundation, Inc.
Report

by Mary Beth Arthur

he Whippet Health Foundation (WHF). As of April 1, 2001 the checking and savings account balance is $47,042.41. Some of that money will be put into a CD or some other safe interest bearing account. One of our missions is to provide support for medical research to benefit the health and quality of life of the Whippet. Research is costly, but we have a great start and have begun consideration of potential projects. Leading candidates for study would be the top five health concerns tallied from the Whippet Health Survey. However, more discussion is needed by the board before funding decisions are made.

The new Whippet Health Foundation Helping Hand logo was approved. It was truly a joint effort. Cora Miller, Susan Bolduc and Anna Anderson are responsible for the gradual progression of the artwork. The actual artwork and jewelry design was by Anna Anderson of Black Feather Creations. Lydia Driscoll of Thiel Design, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then used the artwork to design the logo.

The beautiful new helping hand pin is now available. Donors of $100 - $1000 will receive a sterling silver pin, donors of $1001 - $3000 will receive a gold pin, and donors of $3001 or more will receive a gold pin with a diamond. Donation amounts are cumulative and when a donor reaches the premium amount, they will receive a pin.

Health survey completed and results published. 219 surveys were returned. Please feel free to reprint or forward results to interested individuals. Eventually a survey will be available on a website.

The WHF is trying to be proactive in health issues. The eye clinic conducted at the 2001 National in Dallas, Texas had 84 dogs. Unfortunately the BAER clinic was canceled for the second year in a row. We encourage people to take advantage of these clinics.

The WHF Board voted to fund clinics held in conjunction with National Specialties. In the past, the cost has come from AWC Specialty funds.

A grant application has been approved for researchers, individuals and universities to request funding for projects that may fall under the mission of the Whippet Health Foundation.

A website and open registry are being considered for the future.

The Whippet Health Foundation was established in 1998 with specific goals to further the understanding of Whippet health, support research, establish a data base of health and scientific educational and resource materials, and develop and make available information about the care, breeding, health and development of Whippets. We want this mission to be international in scope. It is not about people, it is not about egos. It is about the Whippet and what is best for the breed’s longevity, health and well being. Your participation will help achieve those goals. We want to know what you feel is important. Please feel free to contact us about concerns or questions you may have.

Whippet Health Survey Results
Submitted by Connie Austin and Mary Beth Arthur

The number of surveys returned in 2000 was 219, down from 278 in 1994. Of these 219 surveys returned, six countries were represented, including the U.S. (158), Canada (23), England or Scotland (5), Australia or New Zealand (4) and unknown (29). Thirty states were represented in the U.S. The five states in the U.S. with the highest return rate included California (20), Illinois (14), Washington (11), Ohio (10) and Wisconsin (10). A total of 651 living Whippets were represented in the results compared with 860 in 1994.

Respondents participated in the following activities with their Whippets: conformation (151, 71%), obedience (107, 50%), lure coursing (147, 69%), agility (68, 32%), racing (77, 36%), therapy work (38, 18%), flyball (16, 7%), and tracking (10, 5%). This follows the trend of the 1994 survey with many respondents active in performance events. Six percent were strictly pet owners.

Over half of owners reported doing at least one CERF exam on Whippets they owned and almost 40% reported doing thyroid blood tests.

Most Whippets reported in the survey were obtained from breeders. The average age at time of this survey was six years. There were slightly more female Whippets (375, 58%) reported on than male Whippets (276, 42%). 97% of Whippets had dewclaws removed. Health problems reported by owners (not necessarily confirmed by a veterinarian) in these 651 living Whippets included:

• Temperament problems reported by owners included nervousness (63, 10%), separation anxiety (73, 11%), dog aggression (45, 7%), dominance aggression (32, 5%), aggression to people (8, 1%), fear biting (8, 1%) and submissive urination (4, 0.6%).

• Sensory organ problems included old age cataracts (28, 4%), eye trauma (17, 3%), vitreous degeneration (14, 2%), deafness (8, 1%), lens luxation (4, 0.6%), persistent retinal atrophy (1, 0.2%), glaucoma (1, 0.2%), and hereditary cataracts (1, 0.2%).

• Endocrine system disorders included: hypothyroid (34, 5%), hyperthyroid (3, 0.5%) and a small number with Addisons (2, 0.3%). It may be that some individuals should have listed hypothyroidism rather than hyperthyroidism. Low blood sugar was reported in six dogs (0.9%); 4 of these dogs had low blood sugar following exercise. No Cushing’s disease or diabetes was reported.

• In both males and females, kidney problems were reported in 6 (0.9%) at a mean age of 6 (range: 1-13 years). Genitourinary tract problems in females were: trouble whelping (21, 6%), c-section (16, 5%), infertility (9, 3%), urinary tract infections (9, 3%), pyometra (6, 2%), spontaneous abortion (4, 1%) and eclampsia (1, 0.3%). Males had the following problems: retained testicles (36, 13%), urinary tract infection (20, 3%), infertility (4, 2%) and prostate (3, 1%). Nine of the 36 had bilateral retained testicles.

• Autoimmune problems were reported in 2 (0.3%) of Whippets. Allergies were reported in 17 (3%) of Whippets

• Dermatologic problems included skin injuries (228, 35%), hair loss (78, 12%), skin tumors (56, 9%), localized demodex (54, 8%), generalized demodex (4, 0.6%). Localized demodex occurred at a median of 6 months of age (range: 3 to 72 months). Generalized demodex occurred at a median age of 15 months (range: 3 to 36 months). The sloughing of foot pads question was misinterpreted by many as foot pad injuries while racing or coursing, so this is not reported here. The main two causes of skin injuries were fights and running injuries.

• Cardiovascular/blood system findings were reported as follows: murmurs (42, 6%) and heart valve problems (12, 2%), and small numbers of congenital heart problems (4, 0.6%), cardiomyopathy (3, 0.5%), Von Willebrand’s disease (1, 0.2%), low platelets (1, 0.2%), chronic anemia (1, 0.2%), pulmonic stenosis (1, 0.2%) and congestive heart failure (1, 0.2%). Murmurs were identified at a mean of 6 years of age.

• The gastrointestinal tract problems reported were giardia (38, 6%), teeth problems (36, 6%), mainly broken teeth (16 of the 36), chronic diarrhea (17, 3%), lack of appetite (35, 5%), inability to gain weight (29, 4%), retained teeth (18, 3%), inflammatory bowel disease (7, 1%), bloat (1, 0.2%) and megaesophagus (1, 0.2%).

• Muscles/skeletal problems included toe injuries (144, 22%), fractures (64, 10%), muscle/tendon/ligament (55, 8%), torn muscles (34, 5%), muscle cramps (21, 3%), cruciate ligaments (16, 2%), panosteitis (8, 1%) and tying up (7, 1%). Fractures were mainly to toes and tails at a median age of 2 years. Almost three-quarters of the toe injuries were front toes, most occurring while coursing (50), racing (17), and 20 not specified so could have been while running freely, racing or coursing. Almost 90% recovered from their toe injury. No hip dysplasia was reported.

• Neurologic injuries included seizuring in 11 (2%) of Whippets at a median age of 2 years. Hereditary seizures often start at that age in dogs. Twelve or 2% were reported with disk disease. Slipped disks were reported in 12 (2%). Seven (1 %) were reported with paralysis and spinal embolism (2, 0.3%).

• Respiratory conditions reported were kennel cough (98, 15%), respiratory trauma (6, 0.9%), pneumonia (3, 0.5%) and nasal tumors (1, 0.2%).

• Infectious diseases, not mentioned before, were heartworm (4, 0.6%), Lyme (4, 0.6%), parvovirus (3, 0.5%) and distemper (1, 0.2%)

• Cancers other than the ones mentioned above were reported in 9 or 1% of dogs.

Eighty-one (37%) of the 219 respondents had bred 200 litters from 1994 through 1999. Nine of 200 (4%) of bitches were bred using AI (artificial insemination) and 20 (10%) of bitches having a litter required a C-section. Sixty-three of the total 1275 puppies (5%) were stillborn. Eighty-nine percent were weaned. Twenty-eight of the persons who had bred a litter reported at least one birth defect. The two most commonly reported defects were cleft palate reported by 9 persons and body wall defects (intestines outside body) reported by six persons. Nineteen percent of the male puppies had retained testicles as compared to 18% in the 1994 survey. A quarter of breeders reported they had previously had bitches which did not conceive.

Causes of death
Eighty-four respondents reported on the deaths of 150 Whippets (76 females, 73 males). Of the 149 deaths, 115 dogs were euthanized, 18 were natural deaths, 14 were accidental and 3 were unknown type. The top ten causes of death reported were: cancer (27), old age (25), neurologic (20), trauma (19), heart problems (10), kidney (9), multiple causes (8), autoimmune (6), back problems (6) and temperament (5).

• Of the trauma related deaths almost a third were from hit-by-cars and a third from running injuries, which could have been sustained during free play running not racing or coursing.

• Of the cancer deaths, 4 were liver cancer, 3 were hemangiosarcoma, 3 were lymphoma/lymphosarcoma and 2 were brain cancer. Some were unknown types and other types of cancers were reported less commonly.

• The two most common causes of the deaths due to neurologic causes were stroke(8) and seizures (4).

• Four of the 6 autoimmune deaths were due to autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Respondents were asked to list what they felt to be the top five health related issues. The top ten issues arising from this list included eye problems (53), retained testicles (41), heart (36), temperament (36), deafness (31), endocrine, mainly thyroid (29), autoimmune (24), cancer (19), athletic injuries (16), and accidents/injuries (12).

Conclusions
We appreciate all the effort individuals took to return the survey, which probably took each person about an hour to complete, especially if they had multiple dogs. The results give us valuable basic information such as age at first heat, longevity of the breed and average number of puppies per litter. Based on the 219 surveys returned, the Whippet is a relatively healthy breed. Prevalent problems in other breeds, such as hip dysplasia, were not reported here. However, because these results are based on a small number of Whippets, we are not certain how generalizable they are to the whole Whippet population. A prevalent problem we know to be present is retained testicles, 19% of male puppies have retained testicles. Nine male Whippets had bilateral retained testicles which would render them infertile. If the number of males with bilaterally retained testicles increases, the number of fertile males decrease, which is problematic. Temperament problems also seem to be way too common, with many Whippets reported as nervous. Also, many skin injuries are due to fighting/biting indicating we must be careful about how we manage multiple Whippets. Hypothyroid problems are reported in 5% of Whippets. When placing Whippets, the number of Whippets dying from hit-by-cars and running accidents show it is important to remind new owners about these risks from fast moving dogs. Toe injuries are extremely common in Whippets. Fractures are not uncommon especially in toes and those long Whippet tails, perhaps another thing to warn new owners about. Other problems which may be starting to appear in the breed and which need to be followed with concern include deafness and seizures occurring at young ages. Pulmonic stenosis, a congenital heart problem was reported as well as Addisons Disease. These are worrisome conditions to see appearing in the breed. However it was encouraging to see that half of owners had CERF’d at least one dog.

Hopefully, the value of this information will inspire more people to respond in the next survey. Although it takes time to fill out the survey, the health of our breed should be of prime importance to all of us. The information about individual respondents is maintained as confidential and is only summarized in aggregate form.

If you would like to comment on the results, please contact Dr. Connie Austin, 4517 Sage Road, Rochester, IL 62563 e-mail curace@earthlink.com.

2000 CERF Report
Connie Brunkow, DVM
As has happened in the past, the 2000 CERF numbers don’t accurately reflect the actual numbers since there is a delay at CERF in both receiving and inputting the exam forms. As a result, I will discuss the 1999 final numbers, as well as indicating the 2000 numbers to date.

In 1999, 589 Whippets received a CERF exam (this number, as I understand it, doesn’t include dogs which were examined and then rechecked during the same year.) Of these, 311 were bitches, 268 were males, and 1 had no gender indicated. There were 257 normal bitches, 229 normal males and 9 normal with no gender indicated.

Of the 94 abnormal Whippets, I have noticed that the number of different problems identified has definitely increased over the 12 years I have been tracking this data, though by no means are all those problems likely to lead to significant eye disease. I wonder if it reflects an increased awareness on the parts of the examiners as to abnormalities of the canine eye? (Not just Whippets, but all dogs.) However, we have seen a slight increase in some serious problems. In 1999, 3 whippets were diagnosed with some kind of retinal atrophy which caused them to be rejected from CERF (i.e. not passing and being issued a number.) While, as always, I try to counsel caution in assuming too much from one exam, it is of concern to me that this finding has shown up in just the last couple of years. I think it’s really important to follow up on these animals and hopefully their parents and siblings to be sure we aren’t getting into a problem which could be very devastating to the breed.

Of problems previously known in the breed, cataracts are still with us, but not to a large extent - 12 Whippets were found to have cataracts which were suspicious or definitely thought to be inherited. Four of those were in the 10+ year category, so are considered senile, though they will not pass CERF.
Vitreal degeneration still ranks as the most diagnosed problem, with 41 Whippets (24 bitches and 17 males) diagnosed with the condition. Most of those were affected bilaterally (i.e. in both eyes); 7 showed the condition in one eye. Four of those with vitreal degeneration (V.D.) were over 10 years old, 2 of each gender. At this time a diagnosis of vitreal degeneration will still pass CERF and be assigned a number, and are considered OK for breeding. Prudence would suggest that an affected animal should be bred to a clear one, just in case the condition should be determined to affect sight. But the good news about V.D. is that, so far, Dr. Schoster’s study hasn’t turned up any significant problems in dogs with the condition. The study is in it’s fourth year, and he hopes to continue for 6 more years and follow as many animals as possible into old age. As you may recall, when we first became aware of the condition, there was concern that affected dogs might eventually develop luxating lenses (lenses that pop into the front chamber of the eye) and could develop secondary glaucoma and blindness. There was a Whippet bitch so affected - you might remember “Babs” from a number of years ago. (See Whippet News Annual 1994, p 45.) I know that there have been some AWC members who questioned the use of AKC/AWC funds for a study which has so far generated data which indicates that the condition doesn’t seem to be serious, but my feeling is that that’s the best outcome we could want, especially since initially the sequel to the condition seemed pretty awful. More information on the study is available through Dr. Schoster’s web site:

HTTP://SCHOSTER.VETMED.WISC.EDU/VD

Looking at the preliminary 2000 numbers, about 350 Whippets have been entered into the data base, 270 of which were normal. Of some concern to me is the fact that there are 4 Whippets with some kind of retinal degeneration, and at least 2 of those appear to be different from the 3 diagnosed in 1999. I’m making that assumption based on the ages and genders of the Whippets listed. I think this will bear watching carefully for the next few years to be sure this doesn’t turn out to be any sort of PRA.

I want to commend all those folks who have committed to helping ensure the health of our wonderful breed - just to offer some perspective, when I started publishing this analysis in 1989, only 47 Whippets were in the CERF data base, compared to the 589 entered in 1999. I’m proud to be associated with such caring dog people!

Carry-On Introduces...

Carry-On The Arch•Angel
(SBIS Ch. Starline’s Masterpiece x Ch. Carry-On Heart of the South, JC)

Michael was Reserve to a 5-point major
from the 6-9 class his first weekend out in Boston,
under breeder-judge Barbara Smith, handled by Karen Roberson.

This will be one to watch!

Sharon L. Marquis • Phone/Fax 860-429-6166 • Ruth Gilpin

(Ch. Summit Cassanova, JC x Ch. Fire-x Cardamon of Elida, JC)

Teddy and Summer had a wonderful day, going both WD & WB for majors.
We are very proud of these two. Both are specialty winners as puppies.
Their dam, Cardi, is planning a spring fling with Redford,
Ch. Chelsea Made You Look of Sage, JC.

Queenie’s Mister Earthquake
SRA, CRXIII, ARX, FCH

– Richter –

(Queenie’s Mister Contender, ARM, ORC x Wheatland Prairie Queen, FCh)

• Ranked #1 in the CWA for the second year in a row
• Obtained SRA in just 15 CWA Race Meets
• 7 top 10 Race meet placements in the WRA
• 12th Place finish at the WRA Nationals
• Earned 7.5 more WRCH points for a total of 13.83
• 5th Place finish at the Jersey Rag Racers Versatility Weekend

Once again we would like to thank Cheri and Ron Boutelle for their friendship and, of course, for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful dog, friend, and family member. Richter dedicates his 2000 season to all of his family and friends.

( CH Wheatland Cab Calloway RCH x Wheatland Frankie Sue SRCH, SORC, ARM )

Next to runnin’,
I love sunnin’.

Owned and loved by:
Lynne & Leon McGowan
461 Thorntown Road
Middletown, DE 19709
302-834-7866
pwmako@mindspring.com

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