Use of CBD to Treat Canine Seizures

The AKC Canine Health Foundation published a study in March 2024 titled "Evidence for the Use of CBD to Treat Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy."

I am glad to see that CBD, oftentimes hailed as a 'miracle drug,' is getting the much-deserved attention it merits. As many who know me or have read my articles are aware that I have been using CBD on my Wolfhounds for more than a decade to treat seizures in two bitches that we determined were caused by Neospora Caninum with latent, chronic infections resulting in multifocal brain lesions and or inflammation of the CNS (Central Nervous System) Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME). Technically, without an MRI or a post-mortem to confirm, we would still be obligated to classify these as idiopathic in nature.

I won't delve into the details of Neospora here, as I've already published several posts and articles on my website that thoroughly discuss the serious nature of this parasitic disease. You can click here to learn more about Canine Neospora and the subsequent Update on Neospora. However, it's important to note that this disease is more concerning than Lyme Disease, particularly as it cannot be eradicated from the body. This is especially true if the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFA) shows a high titer level in the blood (for instance, 1:200 or 1:800), indicating an active infection. Typically, a titer of 1:50 or above is considered positive for prior exposure.

Antibiotics (such as Clindamycin) can effectively treat the disease. Still, I am convinced that it can go dormant and reactivate later. The same is true for Lyme disease, and I stand firm in this belief. Again, I regard Neospora to be far more serious. Having experienced its symptoms firsthand, I never want to face this disease in my hounds again, as I believe it is a terminal condition.

Let's return to the topic of CBD. My experience with CBD and seizures, though limited to two female hounds, spans well over a decade. Still, I can confidentially state that the CDB had miraculous effects in treating and minimizing their seizures. Cinneide lived to be 11 years old, and though Kellyanne lived to be 10, she ultimately succumbed to her illness as her body could no longer withstand it. It's important to note that the dosage and quality of CBD play a crucial role.

I use R&R Medicinals' Unflavored 5,000 mg Multifunctional CBD Tincture. The necessary amount of CBD corresponds to the hound's weight and severity of the seizures; for instance, Kellyanne weighed 150 pounds, and, towards the end, she was receiving 95mg—about half a dropper—twice a day. I typically administer it around 30 minutes before meals.

If you're introducing CBD to your Irish Wolfhound to help manage seizures, it's advisable to start with a lower dosage tailored to their weight and the severity of the seizures. As a starting point, consider using one-quarter of a dropper, which is approximately 48mg, taken twice daily for about five days. After that, you can increase the dosage to half a dropper, which is about 95mg.

For a larger male Wolfhound weighing around 175 lbs with seizures, I recommend starting with at least 75mg twice daily, then gradually increasing to three-quarters of a dropper, or approximately 142mg each time. If you notice that the seizures occur less frequently and with reduced intensity, you can maintain that dosage. However, if there's no improvement, feel free to raise it to a full dropper twice daily. If you don't see any positive changes after using CBD for at least a month, it would undoubtedly come as a surprise.

In the end, both Kellyanne and Cinneide experienced a remarkable transformation in their seizure patterns. They shifted from having Grand Mal seizures almost daily, often in clusters, to seeing them occur only once every two to three months. Additionally, the severity and intensity of their seizures were significantly reduced; they no longer experienced Grand Mal episodes.

From my experience, I firmly believe that CBD is a life-saving remedy for dogs with seizures. It has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for our beloved pets, offering hope and comfort to dog owners facing this very challenging and demanding condition.

Mammary Tumors

I make it a point to regularly check the undersides of my older female wolfhounds’ abdomens and teats for any signs of mammary tumors. In my lineage, I've noticed a pattern with certain bitches appearing more prone to developing these tumors. Detected early, I have them surgically removed and biopsied, usually revealing benign or mixed cell types. I ensure these tumors are taken out, and thanks to this proactive approach, my bitches typically live to around 10 years without any cancer issues.

Make it a routine to check your females every month to catch any nodules early! If you notice a nodule that feels hard between your fingers, even if it's smaller than a marble, it's important to schedule an appointment with the Veterinarian. They will examine it, confirm its presence, and may schedule your female hound for minor surgery if needed. However, I usually do not sit and wait to see if it gets larger. I have it removed.

Ballyhara Kellyanne

On this surgery topic, it's crucial to first check out my insights on anesthesia for Wolfhounds. Many veterinarians who aren't familiar with Sighthounds mistakenly believe there’s no difference in how to sedate or anesthetize them compared to typical breeds. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. With Sighthounds, the saying, “I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” is so applicable. It means that the veterinarian must step out of their usual comfort zone and into a different realm of diagnostics and care altogether.

As a devoted owner, you must stand up for your Wolfhound, as they are unable to advocate for themselves. Being informed is essential. You must familiarize yourself with specific medications and understand their sensitivities to sedation and anesthesia. This knowledge is crucial. Read more about all of this on my anesthesia webpage here on Ballyharairishwolfhounds.com.

For example, in any major surgery on a Wolfhound, unless you have tested for and have knowledge that your Wolfhound does not carry the Delayed Post-Operative (DEPOH) gene then the Veterinarian should administer either Aminocaproic Acid (Amicar®) or Tranexamic Acid, (Lysteda®) one hour before surgery via IV and then the Owner administers it orally every 8 hours afterward for five days. Many veterinarians are unaware of this issue and mistakenly believe that a pre-surgical coagulation panel, consisting of a combination of PT, PTT, and possibly von Willebrand factor testing, is sufficient. Again, they would be very wrong — instead, this could be a life-threatening mistake.

Many veterinarians typically administer Torbugesic as a pre-anesthetic to ease the anesthesia process. However, I do not permit this for my Wolfhounds due to their adverse reactions to opioid medications. They often experience respiratory depression, and one of my females even had a severe anaphylactic reaction that raised concerns about her tongue swelling and potentially choking her. As a result, all my Wolfhound records at the veterinary clinic are clearly marked with a "DO NOT ADMINISTER OPIODS" directive.

We administer propofol to induce sedation directly, and the hound is monitored constantly with EKG, PaO2, SpO2, and blood pressure. Even though propofol is a fast-acting agent with rapid recovery for most breeds -- it can be prolonged in Sighthounds. Mine can take a minimum of 30 minutes, even after minimal propofol induction, for a simple surgery such as removing a nodule. I also decline the typical pain relievers during the surgery and for the hound afterward.

Instead, depending on the surgical procedure (not to include a C-section), I have used Tramadol and Gabapentin in the past with good success, as well as Deramaxx as a pain reliever. An interesting side note about Tramadol is that if your hound has Kennel Cough, also known as Adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), then Tramadol is prescribed to relieve the coughing.

Years ago, I had one or more hounds who tolerated Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, without any issues. However, everything changed with Ballyhara Kellyanne, who produced two litters for me. She had a shocking and severe reaction to Meloxicam. Since then, I’ve stopped using it in my bloodlines entirely, as her response panicked us, and her offspring could have inherited the same sensitivity. Similarly, I avoid using Rimadyl or Carprofen; I am aware that, in certain breeds, their side effects can include seizures, vomiting, black tarry stools, and jaundice.

If you notice a nodule on your hound, don’t hesitate to address it right away. It’s common for female dogs to develop several nodules on their mammary glands, so don’t be too alarmed if you find more than one. For the latest information on mammary tumors, be sure to check out the resources available from the AKC Canine Health Foundation, New Treatment Strategies for Canine Mammary Tumors.

How Accurate Are Those Pet DNA Tests?

How accurate are those pet DNA tests really? Boston's CBS WBZ Investigative Team decided to put dog breed tests to the test, and they got pretty surprising results. 

According to Elinor Karlsson, a geneticist with the Broad Institute and UMass Chan Medical School, and who runs a lab called Darwin's Ark, where she digs into pet DNA science states, "I personally do have concerns about the fact that, from a consumer standpoint, you don't always know what you're getting when you work with those companies. There's not a lot of rules in this space." 

So last year, the WBZ I-Team checked up on commercial DNA testing companies by sending a sample from a New Hampshire pet owner's human cheek to a company called DNA My Dog. The results showed she was part bulldog! 

When the company was contacted, the DNA My Dog service director responded that those results would not be possible on a human sample. So, the WBZ I-Team decided to check it out again. Reporter Christina Hager swabbed her cheek and sent her samples to three companies. 

One company, Orivet, reported that the sample "...failed to provide the data necessary to perform the breed ID analysis." Another Wisdom Panel sent a message saying the sample "... didn't provide...enough DNA to produce a reliable result." 

However, the previously used DNA My Dog company linked the reporter's DNA sample to dog breeds for the second time! The company reported that Christina Hager was 40% Alaskan Malamute, 35% Shar-Pei, and 25% Labrador. When the Boston WBZ I-Team contacted the Toronto-based company again, DNA My Dog did not respond despite repeated attempts. 

At the risk of sounding incredibly sarcastic, what a surprise! It is outlandish that these DNA companies cannot decipher human DNA from canine DNA. Yet, are we supposed to "trust" their results after paying them $80 for a DNA canine test?

All of the above makes me even more skeptical of this DNA market based on one or more results I know about. For example, a rescue dog that appeared to be a miniature Wolfhound had DNA returned as 50% Standard Poodle, 46% Dutch Shepherd, and 4% American bulldog. From the results, it had no Irish wolfhound DNA. 

Why am I distrustful of these particular results? It may have had no Wolfhound in it, but I find it hard to believe the results because of the 46% Dutch Shepherd DNA, which is highly unlikely. The Dutch Shepherd is a rare breed in the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) stages of recognition within the AKC and is in the Miscellaneous Group. It is so rare that there are approximately 11,000 in the world. Of course, it is possible that this commercial "Doodle" puppy mill obtained one Dutch Shepherd specimen and combined it into its substandard crossbreeding operation, but I find that improbable. How do I know it was a commercial puppy ill operation? Because the dog had paint on its back, the color of which identified who it was bred to. 

The point is that you would require more than one Dutch Shepherd breed specimen to consistently reproduce subsequent generations. Yes, it is far-fetched but still possible to obtain numerous Dutch Shepherds, mainly if they were imported from Europe, which segues into an even more critical discussion about European Breeders indiscriminately shipping puppies to the United States, willy-nilly. I deviate here but will tell my European counterparts that dogs are not livestock. Even more, we no longer are in the golden ages of yesteryear when conscientious, ethical, private American breeders throughout the U.S. were interested only in whatever breed's welfare, adhering to the custodial principle. Sigh, an article that will have to wait for another day. 

In closing, I am dubious to the point of simply not believing in these Canine DNA testing company results. One pet owner received results that included as many as 14 breeds, including Chihuahua, in her medium-to-large-breed rescue. Dr. Lisa Moses, a veterinarian and bioethicist at Harvard Medical School, believes the science needs to be more precise because there are no official definitions for breeds. She says there are no exact genetic codes to match them. "There isn't necessarily a gold standard answer for what your dog is... A breed is something that we've decided, which is based upon essentially the way a dog looks," said Dr. Moses. "But that doesn't necessarily mean that we're going to know what their genes look like."

I find it all to be nonsense. I believe in the DNA Health research into genetics to identify canine cancer and other health risks. The above bogus science can only do harm in the public's mind. 

Read the entire short DNA article here on CBSNews.com.

Canine Heart Health and Genetic Testing

The following article published by the AKC is the newest article on Heart Health and is essential for many purposes. Many companion owners need to be aware of the warnings and advice of a breed's Parent Club; in this case, it would be the Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA.)

Unfortunately, the IWCA is noticeably absent from this article in providing valuable and critical guidance to Wolfhound owners, as cardiac disease is one of the leading causes of death in Wolfhounds. In my opinion, based on the number of emails and requests I receive, it is the leading cause of death as, sadly, countless breeders do not educate their IW owners about Atrial Fibrillation and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), as well, Ventricular Premature Complexes (VPC). Many wolfhounds die needless early deaths because they were not properly and annually tested.

My policy has always been to inform Wolfhound owners that heart testing is imperative and mandatory beginning at age two and annually after that. Any advanced cardiac testing MUST include Auscultation, EKG and Echocardiograms.

The IWCA website states: It is important to remember that testing is important for all Irish Wolfhounds, not just those who are used for breeding. Early detection of changes in health often leads to a better quality of life for your dog. All Irish Wolfhounds may benefit when your dog participates in a health study that increases our knowledge…Cardiac screening in IWs should always be performed by a Board-certified veterinary cardiologist.

Canine Heart Health and Genetic Testing

By Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM

Published: Feb 22, 2024

Canine genetic tests are important and must be interpreted together. Phenotype refers to a dog’s observable traits, whereas genotype refers to a dog’s genetic constitution. Phenotypic tests are typically performed by a veterinarian or board-certified cardiologist. DNA tests can be used to determine a dog’s genotype for specific genetic variants, but phenotype tests are required to obtain a diagnosis of heart disease.

The heart is a complex organ that can manifest disease in multiple ways. Some heart diseases are present at birth (congenital), whereas others develop as the dog ages. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance, fainting, and even sudden death if left untreated. Some common heart diseases seen in dogs include:

1. Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD)

This middle to old age disease is the most common of all canine heart diseases. One of the heart valves, the mitral valve, becomes thickened and damaged as the dog ages. The valve can leak blood and cause heart enlargement that can progress to congestive heart failure (CHF). Although small breed dogs are more prone to developing this disease, any dog can be affected. At the time of writing this article, no genetic tests are available to help predict the occurrence of this disease.

2. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

With DCM, the second most common form of heart disease in dogs, the heart chambers become enlarged (dilated) and the walls become thin. DCM can have multiple causes, including inherited and nutritional. Multiple genetic variants have been identified that are associated with DCM that are typically breed-specific tests. Although some of these variants are inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion, others are complex and represent risk factors. Age of onset can vary from breed to breed. For example, Portuguese Water Dogs can develop an inherited, juvenile form that typically manifests before 6 months of age, called Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Phenotypic tests are crucial for evaluating the current function of the heart. Some common tests include:

1. Auscultation: Auscultation involves listening to the heart sounds using a stethoscope. Abnormalities such as murmurs, irregular rhythms, or gallops can indicate underlying cardiac issues.

2. Echocardiography: Echocardiography, or cardiac ultrasound, provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It helps assess chamber sizes, valve function, and overall cardiac performance.

3. Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, helping identify arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities.

4. Chest radiographs: Radiographs offer valuable insights into the size and shape of the heart, as well as detecting signs of congestive heart failure, such as pulmonary edema or pleural effusion.

5. Holter Monitoring: Holter monitoring involves continuous ECG recording over 24-48 hours, allowing for the detection of intermittent arrhythmias.

The American Boxer Club, Inc., for example, recommends routine Holter monitoring annually for breeding to help decrease the incidence of Boxer Cardiomyopathy.

Genetic testing related to canine cardiac health is most important for informing breeding practices when selecting breeding pairs. The AKC DNA Program is about to launch genetic testing in the coming months, and several genetic variants for heart health are included in this panel.

Parent Club Recommended DNA Cardiac Health Tests:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Schnauzer Type) This specific genetic variant investigates a deletion in the RBM20 gene.

Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Portuguese Water Dogs (Available only through PennGen) This genetic variant investigates a locus on canine chromosome 8.

Other AKC DNA + Health Heart Tests:

Cardiomyopathy and Juvenile Mortality. This genetic variant is associated with severe heart disease that can cause death from heart failure by 8 weeks of age.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Doberman Pinscher Type Risk Factor, Variant 1)

This specific genetic variant investigates a deletion in the PDK4 gene and is associated with disease in Doberman Pinschers, and its association with DCM in other breeds is not clear. This genetic variant is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance. In other words, not every dog with this genetic variant goes on to develop the disease DCM.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Doberman Pinscher Type Risk Factor, Variant 2)

This specific genetic variant investigates a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TTN gene and is associated with disease in Doberman Pinschers.

Canine genetic testing for heart disease represents a valuable tool in the arsenal against decreasing the risk of producing cardiac conditions in dogs. By leveraging the power of genetics, veterinarians and dog owners can work together to identify at-risk individuals, implement preventive measures, and provide personalized care to improve the overall cardiac health and well-being of our beloved canine companions. Each known genetic variant for DCM will be discussed in more detail in the coming months. As research continues to advance, genetic testing holds the promise of further enhancing our understanding and management of canine heart disease.

Citations:

1. Werner P, Raducha MG, Prociuk U, Sleeper MM, Van Winkle TJ, Henthorn PS. A novel

locus for dilated cardiomyopathy maps to canine chromosome 8. Genomics. 2008

Jun;91(6):517-21.

1. Harmon MW, Leach SB, Lamb KE. Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Standard Schnauzers:

Retrospective Study of 15 Cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2017 Jan/Feb;53(1):38-44.

3. Gurtner C, Hug P, Kleiter M, Köhler K, Dietschi E, Jagannathan V, Leeb

T. YARS2 Missense Variant in Belgian Shepherd Dogs with Cardiomyopathy and

Juvenile Mortality. Genes (Basel). 2020 Mar 14;11(3):313. PubMed: 32183361

4. Meurs KM, Lahmers S, Keene BW, White SN, Oyama MA, Mauceli E, Lindblad-Toh K. A

splice site mutation in a gene encoding for PDK4, a mitochondrial protein, is associated

with the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman pinscher. Hum

Genet. 2012 Aug; 131(8):1319-25.

5. Owczarek-Lipska M, Mausberg TB, Stephenson H, Dukes-McEwan J, Wess G, Leeb T. A

16-bp deletion in the canine PDK4 gene is not associated with dilated cardiomyopathy

in a European cohort of Doberman Pinschers. Anim Genet. 2013 Apr;44(2):239.

6. Meurs KM, Friedenberg SG, Kolb J, Saripalli C, Tonino P, Woodruff K, Olby NJ, Keene

BW, Adin DB, Yost OL, DeFrancesco TC, Lahmers S, Tou S, Shelton GD, Granzier HG. A

missense variant in the titin gene in Doberman pinscher dogs with familial dilated

cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. Hum Genet. 2019 May;138(5):515-524.

Warning to All Dog Show Travelers Staying in Hotels

It may not have happened to you yet, but it does not mean it will not happen down the road. Heed these warnings and advice.

If you read my previous Facebook post from August 18, 2023, about the hotel phony charges scheme, you will know that these plots occur when someone travels for business or pleasure. Now, complicate the matter more by having show dogs in the room, and the door has now been opened for every fraudster hotel operator looking for money to line their coffers.

Today, there are more complaints about unscrupulous hotel operators charging guests for post-stay falsified damage or smoke odors in a hotel room than ever before. That some hotel employees are surfing through hotel manifests looking for an unsuspecting guest or, better yet, "victim" is not far-fetched. Many of these surprise hotel charges are applied to the credit card days after the guest has left the property — typically with no warning.

I learned the hard way as I became one of these targets while traveling solo, without dogs, volunteering my time for a Specialty Dog Club. What the crooked hotel staff did not count on when they chose me as their victim was that I am a real estate broker accustomed to documenting almost everything. Including a non-operational LED TV display. From this point onward, I will proceed with additional precautions when I stay in a hotel or Airbnb, as advised by ConsumerRescue.org.

But traveling with dogs escalates the likelihood of falling prey to an unscrupulous hotel operator looking to steal your money with false damages claims. You should take the same strict precautions as if you were renting a car. Do the following before bringing your dogs into a hotel room or Airbnb. 

Inspect your hotel room first! Just like you do when renting a car. 

Using the Smartphone, gather what I dub entry and exit snapshots in time by photographing and video recording your hotel room(s) and bath. Always make sure that your Smartphone has location, time, and date enabled on all your pictures and videos. You will need these if a hotel alleges damages. 

While doing so, it is essential to take inventory of the room's contents. How many clocks, floor lamps, coffee makers, glassware, extra pillows or blankets, etc.? Look around to ensure no prior damage exists, including carpet stains or frays. If you notice deterioration on the furniture, drapery, or damaged bath & lighting fixtures, zoom in and document these areas. Some hotel properties will falsely charge guests for worn-out items when it's time for a replacement. If an electronic, such as a TV, does not work correctly, do not ignore the issue. Alert the front desk immediately about any discrepancies or if the room has any odor, especially smoke, and remember to request the desk clerk's name; you will need to keep that for future reference. 

For those dog show people who rearrange the furniture in hotel rooms to accommodate several dogs, be extra vigilant. Carefully assess that coffee table or chair you just moved to ensure there are no scratches, broken legs, or nicks in the wood or material. Otherwise, you may be buying it at a highly inflated price.

When you are ready to leave and after you have documented your room's condition with exit photos and video, have the front desk clerk or manager come down to the room. Have them verify that the room has no damage or cigarette smoke. You may have to pre-arrange this at check-in so that they have an employee available. Doing so does not guarantee the hotel will not pursue a damage claim once housekeeping is complete. Still, it is another protection layer you could have when you dispute any post-stay charges after leaving with a pet(s). Of course, nearly every hotel has a "pet fee" charge for supposed comprehensive cleaning, anywhere from $25 to $100 per day, which guests agree to when they check-in, but damage claims are entirely different. 

Save all these records because ConsumerRescue.org reported post-stay charges appearing on credit cards three to even 14 days after check-out. It can be a week or even longer when the consumer catches these charges. 

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Yes, these precautions sound extreme. However, ConsumerRescue.org reports that after plowing through hundreds of complaints involving phony hotel charges, they always recommend you err on the side of caution. In various cases, hotel employees have planted false evidence, such as cigarette butts and ashes or light bulb glass scattered around the carpet. They then photographed such manufactured evidence and claimed damages to the room. Yes, you read that correctly. The hotel planted false evidence after the guest checked out. Believe it yourself by reading some of ConsumerRescue.org's outrageous cases. 

Remember, falsified damages can range from minor to significant. Alleged damages accusing your perfectly coiffed and exquisitely behaved show dog could be substantial. This consumer advocacy group has documented post-stay charges against guests for as much as $1,400.00. Corrupt hotel operators and Airbnb hosts are trying to get away with highway robbery! 

Here is the AKC Emergency Preparedness Plan

For the Readers convenience I am posting the AKC Emergency or Disaster Preparedness Plan.

Kennel Emergency & Disaster Planning – Keeping Your Dogs & Facility Safe

Here is a good article from AKC “Kennel Emergency & Disaster Planning - Keeping Your Dogs & Facility Safe” on the basics behind prepping for emergencies and disasters. Perhaps you already have a plan in place but read on in case you may have missed something!

By Stacy Mason

Once again, April showers have brought May and June flowers along with severe weather across the United States. All over the weather channels and news stations, I am seeing very vivid reminders of severe weather and natural disasters that have unfortunately damaged millions of dollars’ worth of property and taken far too many lives.

What defines an “emergency” or a “disaster?”  Oxford dictionary says an “emergency” is a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. It continues by saying “Your quick response in an emergency could be a lifesaver.”  Oxford also says a “disaster” is a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life.

Both are particularly good definitions of an “emergency” and of a “disaster,” however, neither definition says it is exclusive to people.  Have you ever thought about all the things that could be an “emergency” or a “disaster” around your home and/or kennel? These events don’t have to involve wind, rain, sleet, snow, or tornados.

In this article, lets focus on what could be an “emergency” or a “disaster” for you and/or your dog(s) or other animals. Most of my emergencies happen after business hours, in the evenings, on the weekends or over the holidays. This leads to my next questions, which hopefully will help you plan for when an emergency or disaster happens.

Question:  Who is helping you or taking care of your dogs and animals if:

1. You go on vacation?

2. You become incapacitated and end up in the hospital?

3. You are unexpectedly detained, arrested, or unable to return to your home/kennel?

4. There is a train derailment or a traffic accident and you are evacuated or prohibitedfrom coming back to your home/kennel or neighborhood?

5. There is an explosion or gas leak which causes a hazardous or toxic waste spill or fumes near your home/kennel?

6. Your home/kennel has a fire?

7. You are killed in a traffic or other transportation incident?

8. You suddenly die of natural causes?

9. You have an animal disease outbreak?

10. An unknown person turns your dogs loose from the yard/kennel/primary enclosure/crates?

The 10 things listed above are much more likely to happen to you and your animals, than your home/kennel being struck by a natural disaster, like a hurricane, tornado, wildfire, or earthquake.

Create Plan of Action & Detailed Contact List: Do you have a written plan of action for your dog sitter should one of your dogs get hurt while you are away on vacation? What if a dog has a challenging time whelping in the middle of the night on a long holiday weekend? Do you have your first, second and third choice veterinarian telephone numbers posted in an obvious place?

What happens should the power or the air conditioning go out on a sizzling hot summer day?  Do you have the telephone number posted for your electrician, plumber and heat and air repair persons? If you have a well, do not forget to list a contact number for that repair if needed!

Do you have a list of fellow dog friends and their telephone numbers posted to help you in an emergency or a disaster? Could your friends help you round up dogs if a “animal extremist” turned all your animals loose?

The greatest emergency or disaster risk any dog/kennel owner will face is the threat of a disease outbreak. This will be devastating to your animals, and you will have a loss of life, if not acted upon quickly, efficiently and with a plan of action before it happens. With the number of cases of Canine Influenza on the rise across the United States, you CANNOT wait to make a disaster preparedness plan for this scenario.

Think about the 10 items above. Chances are you will be able to think of more scenarios that may be a potential risk for an “emergency or a disaster” in your home. A disaster preparedness plan should be unique to you and your animals. There are no right or wrong answers. Just remember the most important rule is “Health and human safety first!”  Call 9-1-1 if necessary, and then set your written plan into action. If you do not have a written plan that you have outlined and practiced, you will lose valuable time, time that can save lives. Make a difference in your dogs lives and the people’s lives they touch.  Make your plan today!

For more information on developing an emergency/disaster plan go to: Developing an Emergency or Disaster Preparedness Plan

Stacy Mason is an AKC Senior Breeder Relations Field Representative.

Discoveries: Advances in Canine Bone Cancer Research

AKC Canine Health Foundation Discoveries

By Sharon Albright, DVM, CCRT
Manager of Communications & Veterinary Outreach, AKC Canine Health Foundation

New treatments are needed for canine bone cancer. Current treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor and chemotherapy to treat metastatic disease (cancer spread to distant parts of the body). Unfortunately, surgery can have complications, not all dogs are good candidates for surgery due to other health problems, and many affected dogs develop metastatic disease and only survive for one year or less after diagnosis.

Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and its donors have invested more than $3 million in 42 studies to improve outcomes for dogs with bone cancer. Since canine bone cancer is similar to human adolescent bone cancer, what we learn about dogs could also help children affected by this devastating disease. There is exciting progress toward that goal.

A recent study conducted by 2016 CHF Clinician-Scientist Fellow Dr. Shirley Chu found that genetic mutations in canine bone cancer cells were similar even in different locations within a patient. However, the mutations were unique to each individual dog studied. Additional research could explore if these mutation differences indicate subtypes of bone cancer that should be studied to offer more targeted and effective treatments and a more accurate prognosis for affected dogs.

Cudama Santa at Ballyhara

Another study showed that a unique form of bone cancer that strikes Irish Wolfhounds at a young age (less than 5 years old) is highly heritable with 65% of disease development attributed to genetic factors. Future studies will explore the specific genetic mutations that contribute to this form of cancer.

Investigators at Tufts University described the DNA of canine bone cancer cell cultures, confirming that these cultured cells adequately represent natural disease. This means that scientists can study these cell cultures to see which chemical pathways are disrupted by cancerous mutations and could be targeted by new treatments.

Finally, an exciting line of study at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is concentrating on a treatment protocol for canine bone cancer using the technology known as histotripsy. This focused ultrasound treatment mechanically disintegrates tumor tissue without affecting surrounding muscle or nerve cells. The treatment was first tested on bone cancer tissue samples removed from donor dogs. After this successful study, histotripsy was used to treat five client-owned dogs with suspected bone cancer. These clinical trial participants received standard limb amputation surgery 1-2 days after the histotripsy treatment. They showed no significant adverse effects from the treatment and microscopic examination showed that histotripsy effectively disintegrated the tumor tissue while sparing surrounding normal tissues.

Exploration of histotripsy as a new treatment for bone cancer continues, as CHF funding is helping scientists determine the best way to monitor response to treatment and how it impacts the immune system. Other newly awarded grants
will examine interactions between bone cancer and immune system cells – exploring how immune cells gain access to important regions within bone tumors and if and how they are manipulated to help the tumor grow. Study also continues on the genetic mutations found in bone cancer cells and how we can use them to develop better tests and treatments. And the exciting prospect of a blood test for early detection of canine bone cancer is under development at the University of Minnesota.

Canine bone cancer is a devastating diagnosis for dogs and their families. But thanks to the dedication of CHF’s donors and funded investigators, there is hope. Hope for better diagnostic tests. Hope for more successful and less invasive treatment options. And hope for longer, healthier lives for the dogs we love. Learn more about CHF-funded bone cancer research, including how you can help, at akcchf.org/osteosarcomaRPA.

Balancing Calcium & Phosphorus For Dogs, Repost By Dr. Jean Dodds

The following is a repost of Hemopet’s discussion on Calcium and Phosphorus ratios. The article is for the advanced student who is well informed with Natural Rearing. I would not recommend a novice simply winging it when feeding their dog a “homemade diet.” Another source that is quite good is Dr. Pitcairn’s, “Complete Guide for Natural Health for Dogs & Cats.” The link to the book is on my Diet & Nutrition page.

Balancing Calcium and Phosphorus for Dogs

February 19, 2021 / Nutrition / By Hemopet

Dr. Dodds and Hemopet advocate for the advantages of properly-balanced and prepared homemade meals for companion pets. Indeed, these include the fact that companion pet parents can control and choose ingredients, customize for age and health, and modify according to any food sensitivities and intolerances.

Yet, we understand why some veterinary professionals are concerned about homemade diets for their pet companion. And, yes, we agree with their concerns. That is why we encourage companion pet parents to work with reputable and experienced veterinary/animal nutritionists.

With that being said…what is their concern? For many, it can be the very complex mineral assessment that veterinary nutritionists need to consider for our pets, namely: The Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio.

The essential minerals of calcium and phosphorus need to be delicately and accurately balanced relative to each other. Both calcium and phosphorus are provided through foods, but an excess or a deficiency of one or the other can lead to deleterious effects on the body and health.

Vitamins D2 and its active form, D3, compound this issue of mineral balance. Their role is to enable proper absorption and uptake of calcium and phosphorus, as well as assist with other calcium and phosphorus functions in the body.

Compounding the issue even further is how the two vitamin Ds are given. Vitamin D3 (calcitriol) is not nutritionally accessible and must be added as a supplement. It is available only through sunlight, which is often insufficient these days with depletion of the ozone layer and pollution, and by supplementation. Vitamin D2 (calcidiol) needs can be achieved through dietary means.

Further, the function of vitamin D is complicated by the nature of its absorptive aid properties. Vitamin D aids the intestinal absorption of calcium, and helps ionized phosphorus (i.e. phosphate) be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream from the small intestine and kidneys.

The parathyroid gland and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) also play important roles.

Indeed, the interactions of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D can result in a variety of metabolic, biochemical and physiological outcomes.

Yes; it surely is confusing and complicated.

The optimal dietary calcium to phosphorus ratio in dogs should be 1.2:1 to 1.3:1. The ratio appears small, but it is significant. So, we thought we would give you two easily digestible conditions (pun intended) that illustrate the effects an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus can cause.

Calcium Excess

An easy example of excessive calcium intake is rickets-like signs in puppies or young dogs. Puppies will experience:

• Bone deformation or bowed limbs

• Bone pain and swelling

• Fractures

• Stiff gait or limp

Typically, we see rickets-like conditions with dogs fed only all-meat diets.

The remedy? Rickets-like symptoms in dogs can be reversible if caught early enough. Basically, a companion pet parent needs to balance the calcium to the phosphorus intake and add a vitamin D supplement.

Excess Phosphorus

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is an excess of phosphorus compared to calcium in the diet. When phosphate levels are maintained at untenable levels in the blood or are unmatched by sufficient calcium intake, calcium in the blood drops causing hypocalcemia. Low serum calcium, in turn, signals the parathyroid to call upon the calcium in bones to replenish what is missing in the blood. The demineralization of bones cause weakness, possible fractures and neurological dysfunction.

Again, the cause can be attributable to dogs fed only all-meat diets.

The Takeaway

Bear in mind that the two examples provided here are simple. There could be more complex and underlying conditions causing excessive or insufficient levels of calcium or phosphorus. These examples demonstrate the importance of dietary balances (particularly of minerals like calcium and phosphorus), and how easily dietary imbalances can result in health conditions.

References

Barber, Penney. “Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.” Vetlexicon, Vetstream, www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/diseases/nutritional-secondary-hyperparathyroidism.

Brooks, Wendy. “Calcium Phosphorus Balance in Dogs and Cats .” Veterinary Partner, VIN, 5 June 2019, https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952674.

Grünberg, Walter. Disorders Associated with Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual, Mar. 2018, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-associated-with-calcium,-phosphorus,-and-vitamin-d-in-dogs.

Moe, Sharon M. “Disorders involving calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.” Primary Care vol. 35,2 (2008): 215-37, v-vi. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2008.01.007, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2486454/.

Schaefer, Carmenn, and Richard E Goldstein. “Canine primary hyperparathyroidism.” Compendium (Yardley, PA) vol. 31,8 (2009): 382-89, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19866445/.

Shaker JL, Deftos L. Calcium and Phosphate Homeostasis. [Updated 2018 Jan 19]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279023/.

Stillion, Jenefer R, and Michelle G Ritt. “Renal secondary hyperparathyroidism in dogs.” Compendium (Yardley, PA) vol. 31,6 (2009): E8, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19746344/.

The Pandemic Dog Numbers Are Through The Roof!

The Marketplace is the AKC's shopping center for AKC registered puppies, which has recently reported that during the pandemic, visits were up 82%! For July 2020 alone, there were more than 2 million visits to the AKC Marketplace. Wow, that is a lot of people searching for a puppy.

These numbers are astonishing but do they bode well for dogs? The AKC September 2020 Delegate Meeting Minutes have disseminated the following stats: 

For the eight months ending August 31, 2020, in comparison to the same period in 2019, year-to-date litter registrations are almost 186,000. Moreover, the month of August 2020 was 14% better than August 2019 and is AKC's best month since 2009. 

According to the AKC Board Meeting Minutes for August 2019, there were approximately 131,500 total litters processed to date. So, it appears that we currently have an increase of 54,500 purebred dogs compared to the same time in August of last year. 

My concern is what goes up must come down, and I am worried about the fallout. What happens when a portion of the increased dog population results in increased animal shelter populations? 

We can only hope that reputable AKC breeders educate the public about their breed and are carefully vetting homes because undeniably, there are countless dog brokers, profiteers, and unscrupulous individuals who are not doing so. But soon, we all will have to deal with the consequences of this explosion. It could be disastrous with record numbers of dogs being abandoned at shelters or pounds, providing added fuel for the Animal Rights Activists and more legislation.

For decades, I have maintained that the general public should be held accountable for most animal shelter populations and not Breeders. We live in a throw-away society, a disposable society that initially demands instant gratification, and time and again, the general public obtains a dog on impulse. When was the last time you read that a Breeder abandoned a litter of puppies at the shelter? Instead, you may have read that a careless dog owner had an accidental mating and dumped the whole lot at the pound. I maintain that our culture is to blame.  

Look what is happening now. Impulsive adoptions from nonprofit rescues and shelters, along with purebred puppy buyers, are flooding the US market. I know this all too well as I have fielded at least 130-150 puppy inquiries from March 1, 2020, to October 1, 2020. Great? No. Of these inquiries, 95 percent could not provide the ideal home for my giant, athletic, galloping Sighthound breed. Yet, these prospective puppy buyers exclaimed that they had done the research and knew all they needed to know about the breed. After answering several questions, it quickly became apparent that they had done no such thing, nor could they provide necessary fenced acreage. Then there is always the small but concerning segment of people who blatantly lie. 

But, back to shelters and an ominous future. Once these "pandemic dogs" obtained on a fanciful notion are regarded as a hassle, maybe requiring special care, training, or have grown too big, they will then be abandoned at a shelter. When we slowly return to a normal lifestyle again, how long do you think the stressed-out soccer, tennis, baseball, taxi Mom with three kids under the age of 10 will tolerate the families large, mixed-breed dog they obtained during the pandemic surfing the kitchen counters and romping through the dining, living room? Even more dramatic, how long will she endure if the dog becomes ill and has nasty bouts of diarrhea, for example? How patient will she be if it is on the kid's toys, at the foot of her bed, all the while trying to get the kids out the door to school and herself to work?

It is widely reported by nonprofit rescues, shelters that they have not been able to satisfy the enormous surge in adoptions. And the numbers speak for themselves about the purebred marketplace. Be afraid, be very afraid of what may be coming soon. 

Saving Sighthounds from Anesthetic Drug Death

This article is important for Sighthound owners and most certainly applies to Wolfhounds. The original article can be found here.

The locomotion of the long, lean muscles of running Greyhounds is simultaneously elegant and breathtaking. Like other ancient sighthound breeds hardwired to pursue prey by speed and sight, the Greyhound has idiosyncrasies that include having a potentially life-threatening, slow recovery from anesthetic drugs.

Identifying gene mutations responsible for breaking down, or metabolizing, commonly used drugs in Greyhounds and other sighthound breeds is the focus of research underway at Washington State University. Lead investigator Michael Court, BVSc, PhD, professor and the William R. Jones Endowed Chair, says the goal is to develop a drug sensitivity test from saliva, urine or blood that will identify dogs with a slow drug metabolism of certain drugs.

“This would allow a veterinarian to make dose adjustments or select an alternative drug for optimal drug treatment,” he says. “A personalized or individual approach to drug selection would be the ideal outcome for affected dogs.”

A veterinary anesthesiologist who has worked in research since 1983, Dr. Court is revolutionizing a cocktail drug phenotyping approach to use in dogs that will enable several drugs to be tested at the same time to determine their metabolism ratio in the body. The test would produce results classifying a dog as a slow, normal or fast metabolizer for a specific group of drugs.

“The original problem drug in sighthounds was a barbiturate, thiopental, which is used to induce anesthesia,” Dr. Court says. “Greyhound owners in Australia and the U.S. reported that it took their dogs 48 hours to stand unassisted after having thiopental anesthesia. Although thiopental is no longer used in the U.S., its use continues in most of the world. The replacement drug in the U.S. is propofol, though even with this drug, recovery in Greyhounds can be double what is normal, taking 40 minutes instead of 20 minutes.”

Since all of the problem anesthetic drugs are highly fat-soluble, the sensitivity of Greyhounds and other lean-bodied sighthounds to these drugs was originally thought to result from a reduced ability of their tissues to “soak up” the drug, keeping it away from the brain. However, more recent work has implicated a reduced ability of the dog’s liver to break down and remove the drug from the body. Specifically, there appears to be deficiency of an important drug metabolism enzyme, called cytochrome P450 (CYP).

“Using a candidate gene approach to identify gene mutations in Greyhounds that decrease anesthetic drug metabolism, we found two mutations that may explain the slow metabolism,” says Dr. Court. “One is a mutation in one of the CYP (CYP2B11) genes, and the other is in a gene for an enzyme needed for CYP to work efficiently, called P450 oxidoreductase (POR). Together, these drug-metabolizing enzymes make the drugs more water soluble, so they can be easily flushed out through the kidneys.

“Both mutations are found primarily in Greyhounds and some sighthound breeds. Rarely in non-sighthound breeds.”

Developing A Novel Drug Sensitivity Test

The sighthound adverse drug reaction research, now in phase two, focuses on developing a cocktail drug phenotyping test. Funding of $172,765 for the two-year study that began in June 2018 is provided by the AKC (American Kennel Club) Canine Health Foundation. Phase one of the research, which ran from 2016 to 2018, received funding of $150,000 from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. This work involved functional studies of the mutations in the laboratory.

“The AKC Canine Health Foundation is committed to advancing a future for personalized medicine for canine patients,” says Dr. Diane Brown, CEO of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. “We consider Dr. Court’s work in this area as an important series of first steps toward that future, and have dedicated funding to these efforts since 2016.”

Although the adverse drug reactions in sighthounds is similar to the MDR1 gene mutation in herding breeds that causes a neurotoxic reaction to ivermectin and other drugs (see below), there are differences. While the mutations in sight­hounds dramatically reduce the function of the enzymes, they do not wipe them out, as occurs with dysfunction of the P-gp transporter protein in herding breeds.

“These are two different processes with the same goal, essentially trying to limit the amount of a drug that gets into the body,” Dr. Court explains. “P-gp keeps drugs out of the body, and especially the brain, by pumping the drug out. Drug-metabolizing enzymes like CYP2B11 make drugs in the body water soluble, so they can be easily flushed out, usually through the kidneys. The slow metabolism also changes the drugs chemically so they often lose their effect.”

Stephanie Martinez, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the Veterinary Clinical Pharmacogenetics Laboratory at Washington State University, is working with Dr. Court on the sighthound research. “In the first two-year study, we saw a significant loss of enzyme function from the mutations when we tested them in the lab,” she says.

In May 2018, Dr. Martinez adopted two retired Greyhound racers, “Seamus” and “Otis.” As a new Greyhound owner, she relates to concerns about having her dogs anesthetized for even a dental cleaning procedure. “To be honest, I am a little nervous to put them under anesthesia,” she says. “I had them genotyped right away. Both are heterozygous for one of the anesthesia adverse reaction mutations, which means they have one copy of the mutated allele, though I do not know how significantly they are affected.

“In addition to the delayed anesthesia recovery issues, some sighthound breeds like Scottish Deerhounds and Greyhounds experience bleeding issues that occur 24 to 72 hours after surgical procedures. We think it is caused by a genetic mutation that causes the blood clot to break down prematurely. Otis is homozygous for a candidate gene we’re currently investigating, which means he may experience postoperative bleeding problems.”

A separate study of delayed postoperative bleeding, funded in part by the Scottish Deerhound Club of America, is underway in conjunction with the anesthesia research. The team is seeking DNA samples from sighthounds that experienced delayed bleeding 24 to 72 hours after surgery, as well as DNA from littermates of dogs that died from this condition.

The cocktail drug phenotyping research involves testing 12 dogs with three drugs to evaluate their rate of metabolism. “The drug cocktail includes an antidepressant, which we believe will be metabolized slowly in dogs with the mutation, because it is only metabolized by CYP2B11,” Dr. Court explains. “The other drugs are an over-the-counter acid reducer and a cough suppressor. These latter two should be metabolized normally in dogs with the mutation because they are metabolized via other CYP enzymes.” 

Currently, the research team is working to ensure that the three drugs can be safely given at low doses together without interfering with one another. They also want to be sure the saliva concentrations of the drugs and metabolites match the blood and urine concentrations so that saliva can be used for the test.

“The power of this approach is that we can readily test hundreds of dogs,” says Dr. Court. “Once we have this cocktail phenotyping test worked out, then we plan to use it in dogs with and without the mutations to show that the metabolism of the CYP2B11 enzyme is slow, but metabolism of the other CYP probes is normal.

“Ultimately, owners could perform a saliva test at home that would determine the ability of individual dogs to handle drugs that could be affected by rare mutations, even those not yet discovered,” he says. “The impact of non-genetic factors, such as age, disease, diet, and environment, on drug metabolism would also be detectable by this novel drug sensitivity test.”

“I hope that owners of sighthounds will not have to worry when their dogs need to undergo necessary medical procedures,” Dr. Martinez says. “The potential of being able to proactively customize drugs used for anesthesia for individual dogs to reduce the risk of slow recovery or identify a dog that is prone to a fatal bleeding problem and ensure they get lifesaving drugs is exciting.”  n

Sighthound Owners Can Contribute to Research

Researchers at the Program in Individualized Medicine (PrIMe) at Washington State University are seeking DNA samples from sighthounds for two separate ongoing studies. One study is examining adverse drug reactions to anesthesia, and the other is investigating delayed postoperative bleeding. For information, go to https://prime.vetmed.wsu.edu or send an email to courtlab@vetmed.wsu.edu.

To read the abstract of the adverse drug reaction grant that is funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, go to: https://bit.ly/2FG1vjh. You also may donate to this research via the link.

MDR1 GENE MUTATION IN HERDING BREEDS TIED TO ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

The discovery in 2001 of a mutation in the MDR1 (multidrug resistance) gene in Collies and other herding breeds that causes a neurotoxic reaction to ivermectin, a parasitic preventive, provided insights into treating affected dogs. It also initiated the use of pharmacogenetics to determine how an individual dog’s genetic makeup impacts its response to drugs.

Katrina Mealey, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, professor and the Richard L. Ott Endowed Chair in Small Animal Medicine and Research at Washington State University, identified a 4-base pair deletion mutation in the MDR1 gene that causes a stop codon prematurely terminating P-glycoprotein (P-gp) synthesis.

“The MDR1 gene encodes the P-gp transmembrane protein that functions in a protective capacity by transporting a variety of drugs from the blood-brain barrier into the body,” explains Dr. Mealey. “Dogs with the MDR1 mutation do not have this protective barrier. Thus, drugs like ivermectin can cause toxic reactions that result in debilitating illness and even death.”

In the affected dogs, high concentrations of ivermectin accumulated in their brain tissue after a single dose of the drug. Since ivermectin is processed from the brain through P-gp into the body, Dr. Mealey hypothesized that ivermectin-sensitive collies had altered MDR1 gene expression.

Her research led to the MDR1 gene mutation discovery and development of a genetic test that is available through the Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at Washington State University (www.vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu). A DNA cheek swab test that identifies a dog’s phenotype for the mutation can be ordered and processed for $60.

The autosomal dominant gene mutation impacts homozygous and heterozygous affected dogs. Dogs that are homozygous inherit two copies of the mutant allele and pass one copy of the defective gene to their offspring. Homozygous dogs are more likely to have severe, life-threatening drug reactions.

Affected dogs that are heterozygous have one copy of the mutant allele and one copy of the normal allele, meaning they have a 50 percent chance of passing the defective gene to their offspring. These dogs have less severe adverse drug reactions compared with those that are homozygous.

The MDR1 mutation primarily occurs in herding breeds. Affected dogs are thought to be descendants of a single dog that lived in Great Britain in the early 1800s before breeds were selectively bred. The mutation also occurs in two sighthound breeds, the Longhaired Whippet and Silken Windhound, believed to share a collie ancestry. Mixed breeds — any dog with a herding breed in its ancestry — may be at risk for drug toxicity.

“As a pharmacologist, the most fascinating aspect of the MDR1 gene mutation is the sheer number of drugs that are affected by a single gene mutation,” Dr. Mealey says. “Not all drugs must be avoided in dogs with altered P-glycoprotein function. Many drugs can be used safely with no need to alter the dose.”

However, adverse drug reactions involve over a dozen different drugs. The most serious adverse drug reactions involve antiparasitic preventives, such as ivermectin and milbemycin, the antidiarrheal medication loperamide (Imodium®), and several anticancer drugs, including vincristine and doxorubicin.

Since the genetic test was first offered in 2004, there has been a reduction of the mutation in some breeds via selective breeding. Importantly, identifying dogs with the P-gp dysfunction allows veterinarians to decrease the drug dose or consider alternate drugs to avoid a potentially fatal drug reaction.

Breed Frequency of MDR1 Gene Mutations1

Breed                                                        Approximate Frequency

Collie (Rough- & Smooth-Coated)           70 Percent

Longhaired Whippet                                 65 Percent

Australian Shepherd                                 50 Percent

Miniature Australian Shepherd                 50 Percent

McNab Shepherd                                     30 Percent

Silken Windhound                                    30 Percent

English Shepherd                                     15 Percent

Shetland Sheepdog                                  15 Percent

German Shepherd Dog                            10 Percent

Herding Breed Cross                                10 Percent

Mixed Breed                                             5 Percent

Old English Sheepdog                              5 Percent

Border Collie                                             <5%

1Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at Washington State University (www.vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu)

Drugs Affected by the MDR1 Gene Mutation1

Drug Category                       Drug

Analgesic/Sedative                Acepromazine

                                              Butorphanol

Antibacterial                          Erythromycin

Antiparasitic*                         Doramectin

                                              Ivermectin

                                              Milbemycin

                                              Moxidectin

                                              Selamectin

Chemotherapeutic                 Doxorubicin

                                              Vinblastine

                                              Vincristine

                                              Vinorelbine

                                              Paclitaxel

Antidiarrheal                          Loperamide (Imodium®)

*Note that giving dogs FDA-approved heartworm preventive products according to the recommended doses is safe, even in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. 

1Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at Washington State University (www.vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu)

Meloxicam, Proceed with Caution

The veterinarian drug, Deramaxx, is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory for canines to control pain and to relieve inflammation. However, the drug has experienced fluctuations in both availability and pricing. For example, at the time of this writing, 100mg tablets of Deramaxx is quite expensive. When dosing giant breeds, the usual dose of Deramaxx is 1.4-1.8mg/lb of body weight. An average weight of 150-pounds requiring relief from postoperative pain or inflammation would require almost three tablets daily. Currently, 30 tablets for a 10-day supply is $100-$150.00. If a dog requires long-term usage, 90 tablets, for a 30-day supply can cost $300-$355.00. Either amount is not spare change.

As a substitute, the human drug Meloxicam has been routinely prescribed as an off-label drug for the same purposes. Still, it is not without serious side-effects. Further, two of my Veterinarians over the years were extremely cautious utilizing the drug, and I'd go so far as to say they were reluctant to use it. I have experience using Meloxicam for at least 13 years now on our Irish Wolfhounds; however, recently, one of my Wolfhounds endured the real and severe side effects of Meloxicam. The potential side effects that both of my Veterinarians feared, and admittedly, they were very frightening. 

As a preface, I do not allow the use of Opiates, such as Buprenorphine, during surgery as several years before I had a Wolfhound who suffered a severe reaction with life-threatening complications from the opiate. It may be that my Wolfhounds and, therefore, my bloodlines are susceptive to opiates. As a precautionary measure, my veterinarians do not use Buprenorphine on any of my hounds. For more information on my Wolfhound’s specific adverse reaction, please visit my Irish Wolfhound Health Concerns webpage, and scroll down to Drug Interactions. Alternatively, before surgery, we administer Gabapentin, which is a human drug that is used off-label for dogs with chronic pain relief or cancer pain. Postoperative care, we use Deramaxx and Gabapentin for pain relief and inflammation.

Again, it bears repeating that I have been using Meloxicam for 12 or more years without any incident. However, there is always a first time for everything. Kellyanne, our 5-year-old Wolfhound, had undergone surgery recently, and we agreed that she would take Meloxicam for only 4 days post-surgery to relieve inflammation. All went well while she was taking the drug, or so it seemed. Approximately one hour after eating her dinner on the 7th day, Kellyanne was resting when she began to vomit an enormous amount of bright red blood with small debris that appeared to fine in appearance, almost like coffee grinds. Her gums were pale pink, her abdomen was swelling and retaining fluid, and she was somewhat sluggish but no temperature. She then immediately developed black tarry, liquid stools, along with a lack of appetite and general weakness. The black tar stools were the fluid from her abdomen and blood from the ulcerations. Since she had ceased vomiting, the blood was absorbed and eliminated through the intestines. 

As for the bloody vomit, well, I have been around a long time, and I must say that I had never seen anything quite like it. It was a frightening scene to see such excessive amounts of fresh blood pouring out of my hound's throat! SEE BELOW PHOTOS

Kellyanne was administered 2 grams twice daily of Sucralfate, which is an oral anti-ulcer drug used to coat ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract to protect them from stomach acid and allow them to heal, which were caused by the Meloxicam. Though she did not continue to vomit, it took Kellyanne five long days for her stomach to improve, her tarry black stools to disappear, and nearly seven days for the abdomen's swelling to dissipate completely. 16 days after surgery, she still is eating somewhat sparingly compared to her once normal, healthy appetite despite my medley of wonderful concoctions and treats. 

I cannot stress enough to my Readers to proceed with great caution and understand the risks of using Meloxicam. Despite my long experience with the anti-inflammatory and having no previous issues, I repeat there is always a first time for everything. Kellyanne (150lbs) prescribed dose was one and a half tablets (30mg) once daily for the first two days and then one 20mg tablet once daily for the last two days, all of which wreaked havoc on her. 

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Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease in the Irish Wolfhound

Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease

Notably, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), Atrial Fibrillation, and Ventricular Premature Complexes or Contractions (VPC).

Most novice and current owners do not realize that advanced annual cardiac screenings, to include Electrocardiograms (ECG) AND Echocardiograms (Echo) are paramount in the care and maintenance of your Irish Wolfhound. Typically, these screenings are performed during the adult stages of growth (beginning at two years) and onward throughout their senior years. However, regular electrocardiograms (ECG) are recommended earlier on to monitor any conditions that may develop. I implore all Irish Wolfhound owners to please read my DogMusings Blog Post title, "Irish Wolfhound Heart Health" for a brief but important explanation on necessary, annual, full-scale heart evaluations. Afterwards, please read the "Holter ECG Ambulatory Monitor" article for more details.

OFA Required Annual Testing

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) breed testing information effective April 1, 2016, states that the OFA in consultation with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), has instituted the Advanced Cardiac Database (ACA) which has become the new standard for cardiac exams and replaced the previous OFA Congenital Cardiac Database. Moreover, all exams for the new Advanced Cardiac Database are limited to boarded veterinary cardiologists with Diplomate status in either the ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/Cardiology subspecialty) or the ECVIM (European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/Cardiology). No general practitioners or other specialists can submit examination findings. 

Adult congenital clearance only remains valid for one year from the time of the exam. This is because congenital heart disease can affect our breed from early, mid to late onset ages and is why I am explicit and direct when I urge that each and every Wolfhound over the age of two should have annual, advanced heart evaluations. 

Advanced heart evaluations performed by BOARD CERTIFIED Veterinary Cardiologists include: 

1—An EKG, ECG or Electrocardiogram which shows electrical currents of the heart and will reveal, but not always, arrhythmia’s or abnormal rhythms.

2—An Echocardiogram (Echo) shows the physical condition and structure of the heart. One of the devastating and leading causes of death in our breed is Dilated Cardiomyopathy which essentially is the diminishment of the heart’s ability to serve as a pump. DCM is diagnosed by Echocardiography, which demonstrates the chamber dilation of the ventricles and wall thinning, and indicates, if any, decreased pump function through the heart. During an Echo the heart is evaluated in real-time, live action. This cannot be done by any other procedure. During the procedure, the Diplomate takes measurements which, in turn, they cross-reference with standard measurements for the breed to determine if they perceive a thinning of the walls, enlargement of the ventricles. If so, then the Wolfhound may be in the early stages of DCM. 

ANNUAL Echocardiograms are required for the Advanced Cardiac Database and “is viewed as a critical component by the ACVIM/Cardiology group in order to even consider diagnosing dogs as normal when many cardiac diseases of concern to breeders can develop at any time in the dog’s life.” 

Clinical signs of DCM occur secondary to either decreased delivery of oxygenated blood to the body (lethargy, weakness, weight loss, collapse), or to congestion of blood in the lungs (coughing, increased respiratory rate and/or effort, abdominal distention) or both. Cardiac dilation, decreased oxygen supply, and increased oxygen demand secondary to elevated heart rate and ventricular wall stress may predispose to the development of cardiac arrhythmia’s arising in either the atria (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia) or in the ventricles (ventricular premature complexes, ventricular tachycardia). Arrhythmia’s may predispose affected dogs to sudden death.

Unfortunately there are far too many IW owners who think they know-it-all and assert that their local veterinarian listened via auscultation (Stethoscope) to the hounds heart and no arrhythmia’s were detected. Even worse, there are general veterinarian practitioners who believe that EKG’s will suffice and that the odds of an Echo or further, a Holter monitor diagnosing any arrhythmia without an irregular EKG is essential lay impossible and therefore contraindicated. Straightforwardly, no Diplomate would agree with this notion. Simply because an EKG does not reveal aberrations does not clear the hound of arrhythemia’s, DCM, abnormalities of the pericardium, possible tumors, blood clots, etc.. ONLY an Echocardiogram can do so.

Negligent treatment by unknowledgeable general Veterinarians are risking the well-being of many companion wolfhounds and I implore the owners to be their Wolfhound’s health advocates. Ask questions, disagree, schedule the annual Advanced Cardiac Assessments yourself with a Board Certified Cardiologist. If you have to drive several hours each way — so be it! Trust me when I tell you that doing so may SAVE your IW’s life in the future as well as a world of heartbreak.

If the Board Certified Specialty Practice requires referrals then advise them that you do not have one as you disagree with your general veterinarian about the advanced cardiac screenings your HIGH RISK BREED requires. Repeat what I have stated above and inform them that the Advanced Cardiac Database (ACA) has become the new standard for cardiac exams and that all exams for the new Advanced Cardiac Database are limited to boarded veterinary cardiologists with Diplomate status in either the ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/Cardiology subspecialty) or the ECVIM (European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/Cardiology). Keep in mind that you are not required to submit any findings to OFA.

Lastly, consider that as part of the Advanced Cardiac Database both the Boxer and Doberman breeds are required to submit Holter Event Monitor results (24-hour ambulatory EKG) in addition to Echo & EKG. If the annual gold standard for Boxers and Dobermans includes Holter Monitor results then it should be the gold standard for Irish Wolfhounds as well.

It is my considered opinion that annual heart testing on all adult Wolfhounds, from two years onward, should include an annual Holter ECG Monitoring which is a 24-hour recording to monitor for irregular heart rhythms. Undiagnosed or unknown malignant VPC's can result in feinting, collapse (syncope) or worse, sudden cardiac arrest.

I will be straightforward, if you desire this breed then you must be prepared for the expenses that come with them, and at the risk of sounding crass, you need a fat wallet. Yearly cardiac evaluations can cost, depending on your region, $400-$750 per a Wolfhound. If your Irish Wolfhound is diagnosed with cardiac disease, pharmaceutical expenses for their heart health management can be costly as drugs regularly increase in cost. The annual costs for cardiac drugs will outweigh any annual cardiac screenings with a Board Certified Cardiologist. Parenthetically, the drugs used for treating heart conditions are the same ones used for humans. See my Expenses page.

As a disclosure, I must state though that I do not concur with the statement set forth on the Irish Wolfhound Foundation website suggesting that we have experienced a decrease in overall heart conditions in our breed. I especially disagree with the suggestion that VPC arrhythmia's are mostly benign in Irish Wolfhounds. In my considered opinion, numerous hounds have or develop malignant ventricular arrhythmia's and these can be diagnosed by comprehensive annual heart health exams and controlled early on with life-saving, and life-prolonging drugs. I have received too many inquiries and calls from people looking for a puppy or advice who had lost an IW to heart disease or who have an IW diagnosed with such and the hound is faring poorly. I always inquire as to when the heart condition was diagnosed and 100 percent of the time the owners informed me that it was recently diagnosed and all said they had NOT had ANY advanced annual heart screenings performed on the wolfhound prior. Not one. The reality is that people do not take responsibility and educate themselves about the breed of dog that they have and are then heartbroken when a chronic, manageable disease is diagnosed at too late a stage.

The Wolfhound cannot be his own Health Advocate!

Amicar and Post-Operative Bleeding in Irish Wolfhounds

Within the Ballyharaiws.com website, I have an entire section dedicated to  Irish Wolfhound Health Concerns along with Spay Neuter Concerns, in which both contain essential recommendations and precautions all Wolfhound owners should take BEFORE any elective surgery on their Sighthounds. You will find reports about the Greyhound and Scottish Deerhound authored by John Dillberger, DVM on the dangers of Post-Operative bleeding in Sighthounds and the drug that should be administered immediately following any surgery.

In the late 2000s, disproportionate cases of postoperative bleeding were taking place in Greyhounds one or two days after surgery in which affected dogs formed normal blood clots but then dissolved too quickly resulting in early deaths. Foremost, in the Greyhound studies, Blood Clotting Function was tested before surgery, and results were normal as were their Serum Chemistry Profiles and Complete Blood Cell Counts.

Aminocaproic Acid (Amicar) is a drug vital to Sighthounds most often when you least expect it such as after routine spay neuter surgery or more complicated operations in areas prone to more profuse bleeding. The drug prevents or treats delayed postoperative bleeding usually given every 8 hours for five days. Without having taken Amicar, I know of at least two Wolfhounds who, after surgery, one or two-days later "bled out" and died and their blood clotting tests, CBC, etc. were also normal.

According to the report, Gazehounds with high-performance circulatory systems have thick blood moving at high speed and under high pressure. Consequently, they have more frequent blood vessel damage and micro-clot formation. As a consequence these Gazehounds almost certainly have fibrinolysis systems that are hyperactive, putting them at risk for delayed
postoperative bleeding. The clots form but begin to dissolve far too early leaving the hound in jeopardy. Typically, the hound goes home with the owner, but complications begin approximately 24-36 hours later, and hounds have been found dead having bled-out.

The Board Certified veterinarian I spoke with explained that they believe it is a recessive genetic mutation which you CANNOT possibly know exists, regardless if "You have never had it before." Remember, each of your hounds do not inherit the same genes as the other another from each Parent. It is possible that one littermate may inherit such mutation associated with high-performance circulatory systems and another does not but one thing is certain, you can never be sure. Do not risk not using Amicar, otherwise, you could wake up one day to find your beloved companion has died.

Keep foremost in mind that Amicar is a SPECIALTY drug that most veterinary practices do not usually have in stock unless they are a specialty clinic. As such, Amicar MUST be ordered in advance and kept on hand at your local facility in case of an emergency such as Bloat surgery, and it is 3:00 in the morning.

ShowSight Presents The Irish Wolfhound

If you missed the ShowSight March 2018 "The Irish Wolfhound" Breed Issue then, fret not as I am including both the ShowSight Breed feature link, https://www.showsightmagazine.com/breed-magazines but also my specific article I wrote for the feature.