Greater Milwaukee Samoyed Fanciers

Volume 2013 Issue January

Upcoming Meeting Details: Thunder Bay Restaurant

This Months Spotlight is on Debbie Myrechuck. Debbie is a club board member and has served as our treasurer in past years. How long have you owned Samoyeds? Tell us about how you got started, your journey in Sams. I bought my first female Samoyed puppy in 1991 from Pat Backhaus. But after having this one at home for awhile we knew we needed another so we went back to Pat and bought a sister to the first one. So now we had 2 dogs. The first one we bought CH Persnickety's Miss Ellie turned into a champion very quickly. She was in the top 10 bitches in the country for awhile in 1993. The other female we had gotten was a very nice pet and became a registered therapy dog. Her name was Persnickety's Winky. We now live with 3 Samoyeds, 2 males and 1 female. The female is Mystical's Candy Kiss and is pointed but is not finished and

is now 10 years old so has become a SATURDAY- FEBRUARY couch potato. The 9TH @ 2:00 males are just pets and think they are lap See Meeting Minutes dogs. I do take them (pg 7) for details!! all to visit at the nursing home where my mother is and they get lots of attention there. Do you have pets other than Samoyeds? No What is your most memorable dog show / dog competition moment? When Ellie got a Group 2 at the Fond du Lac KC show If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? I would like to live in the southwest United States where it is warmer.

(across from Waukesha Expo Center)

Knowing the Signs of Eclampsia Can Save a Dams Life

Rarely, canine hypocalcemia will happen late in gestation. When it does, the bitch has a hard time giving Eclampsia has many names: you may know it as milk birth, Casal says, because the uterine muscle has diffever, but in the veterinary field, its referred to as ficulty contracting. However, she warns repeatedly puerperal hypocalcemia, and in later stages, as that supplementing with calcium during gestation is puerperal tetany. not an option. Thats a really bad thing, she says. In fact, it can actually lead to eclampsia, according to Mostly seen in dams weighing 25 pounds or less, the Merck, because excessive calcium intake during potentially fatal condition can, however, occur in any pregnancy causes down-regulation of the calcium nursing canine, according to Margret L. Casal, regulatory system and subsequent clinical hypocalceD.V.M., Ph.D., an associate professor at the Univermia when calcium demand is high. In laymans sity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, terms, giving calcium supplements can trigger the who specializes in veterinary genetics, pediatrics and body to stop making the supply of calcium it norreproduction. While its more common in small mally would, and later, when it is most needed, there breeds, it can happen in any breed of dog, with any isnt enough in the system. This can lead to eclampsize litter, and at any time during lactation, according sia. to the Merck Veterinary Manual. By Susan Chaney Hypocalcemia is most often seen three to five weeks after whelping, Casal says, at the peak of lactation. It typically occurs because the dam loses too much calcium through her milk, due to a larger-than-normal litter or unusually big puppies. Inadequate nutrition prior to or after whelping can also cause hypocalcemia. When this happens, the dams body will do everything it can to produce milk with enough calcium for the puppies. Theres a lot of calcium in milk, and there has to be, Casal says. Normally it comes from the diet. If theres not enough, it comes from the bones. At some point, calcium will come from the bloodstream, where it is a naturally occurring mineral. If the calcium drops in the serum [blood], things like muscles dont work properly. Not just large muscles, like those in the legs, are affected. Any muscle, including the heart, as well as nerve conduction, can suffer, Casal says. She points out that eclampsia in humans is the other way around. Women usually get it before birth or right around the birth because calcium demand is larger in humans before birth. In dogs its after birth.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Jahnke

Signs of Trouble In the early stages of hypocalcemia post-whelping, the dam will appear nervous and restless. She will pant and seem stiff in her movements. Dogs realize somethings wrong, but they dont know what it is, Casal says. They just dont feel right. Calcium is so important for so many things. It might even change how the brain functions. Continued on Pg 4
This months article is submitted by Pat Kreif, published by Best in Show Daily July 19, 2012

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Deb Myrechuck
How do you spend your free time? Like to take walks with the dogs. I also like to read. I also like to go shopping. What is your motto in life? Live everyday to the fullest. Are there any Sammy adventures you have not tried yet, but would like to? Maybe weight pull with the right dog.

Stars at Elite Samoyeds!

CH Persnickety's Miss Ellie Persnickety's Winky Mystical's Candy Kiss

Reserve Winners Bitch Mystical's Candy Kiss on 7/23/2004 at the GMSF Combined Specialty show held in Waukesha, WI.

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Knowing the Signs of Eclampsia Can Save a Dams Life

The dog may provide some behavioral cues that all is not well, such as aggression, whining, salivation and pacing. She may be hypersensitive to stimuli and seem disoriented. You need to treat right away when you see those kinds of things, Casal says. Testing for a Diagnosis

As long as the dogs veterinarian is experienced in caring for postpartum bitches, he or she will know how to test for hypocalcemia. It is not, however, as simple as measuring the calcium in the blood. The If a dogs breeder hasnt yet recognized a potential concentration of free calcium ions, or ionized calproblem, the next clinical sign, twitching, should say, cium, will determine whether a dog is actually hypoGet me to the emergency clinic! calcemic. Normal serum calcium concentration that Casal explains: Calcium is required for stabilizing the of calcium bound to phosphates cannot be used to interplay between judge whether a dog other molecules that has hypocalcemia. sit at the junctions In addition, the equibetween muscle and librium between ionthe nerve cells. If ized calcium and you remove the calprotein-bound calcium, these cells lose cium is affected by their stabilization, pH, according to and the nerves are Merck. Acidosis able to fire over and increases the ionized over and over again. fraction, whereas Thats what causes alkalosis decreases those muscle ionized calcium; totwitches. The nerves tal calcium concenkeep firing, telling tration is not affected the muscles to conby changes in pH. tract without provoSo, an animal with cation. an acidic chemistry can have no clinical Tremors are very signs of hypocalcePhoto courtesy of Kathy Filicetti fine fine, fine mia, despite having a muscle movements that dont make the dog fall over lower-than-normal ionized calcium level. A dog with or anything like that, Casal says. You have to really an alkaline chemistry may have clinical signs of hylook at the animal to see that. Its a very quick shake. pocalcemia, but have a normal ionized calcium test Spasms are more violent and last longer, but are not result. as extreme as convulsions or seizures. Another consideration in testing for hypocalcemia is At this point, some breeders might consider administhe level of albumin in the blood. A water soluble tering corticosteroids because of the apparent nervous protein, albumin aids in the transport of molecules of system involvement. Thats a bad idea, Casal says. calcium and other elements through the bloodstream. That can make it a lot worse. Corticosteroids are Mild hypocalcemia, in conjunction with low albumin, contraindicated, she says, because they lower serum usually does not indicate a disorder of calcium mecalcium. They may interfere with intestinal calcium tabolism, according to Merck. transport and increase urinary loss of calcium. Continued on Pg. 9
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Meeting Minutes
GMSF MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8TH, 2013 GENERAL MEETING
The Meeting: called to order by President Deb Jahnke at 1:50 pm. at the Delta Restaurant in Oshkosh, WI. Members Present: Barb Barkhaus, Rob Barkhaus, Kathy Carr, Laura England, Kathy Filicetti, Deb Jahnke, Dave Jahnke, Frank Kreif, Pat Kreif, Deb Myrechuck, Eugene Ney, Jeanne Nonhof, Karin Nyhuis and Laurie Olsson. Guests Present: Paul DeMerath, Marta DeMerath, Joanne Hilbelink, Ann Marie Schroeder, Trista Schroeder and Heidi Brown. Minutes of the Last Meeting: Motion by Eugene N., 2nd by Barb B. to except the minutes as emailed. Passed. Secretarys Report: Pat K. reported she has received the new code number for the year to update club info. to AKC. She also received a premium list for the Waukesha KC BOB match held on Feb. 9th offering eye, cardiac, rabies shots, heartworm tests, and microchip clinics. Treasurers Report: Kathy F. reported an opening balance of $3,882.25 and a closing balance of $3,687.35 for the month of December. Kathy has also acquired the clubs EIN# and will pass that info. to Pat K. to keep on file. Motion by Jeanne N., 2nd by Karin N. to except the Treasurers report. Passed Membership Applications: The second reading of Ann Marie Schroeders Application was done. (voting into membership will be at the Feb. meeting). The first reading of the applications for Marta & Paul DeMerath and Heidi & Katherine (Katie) Brown were done. Committee Reports: Sunshine: Kathy F. reported she will be asking members for their birthdates so she has a current list to send out birthday cards. Combined Specialty: Rob B. reported there was not much going on right now. Web Site: Deb J. reported she is updating the info. about the Tournament.
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Coming Up:
Club Packerland Kennel Club, Inc. Packerland Kennel Club, Inc. Fond du Lac County Kennel Club Fond du Lac County Kennel Club Greater Milwaukee Samoyed Fanciers, Inc. Samoyed Association of Madison, Inc. Badger Kennel Club Janesville-Beloit Kennel Club Badger Kennel Club Indianhead Kennel Club Indianhead Kennel Club Oshkosh Kennel Club, Inc. Winnegamie Dog Club, Inc. City Show Date Breed Judge Manitowoc 3/30/13 Arley D Hussin Manitowoc 3/31/13 Mr. Jay Richardson Fond du Lac 4/20/13 Mrs. Maredith C Reggie Fond du Lac 4/21/13 Mr. John L Ronald Fond du Lac 4/27/13 Mrs. Lesli R Valiunas Fond du Lac Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Eau Claire Eau Claire Oshkosh Oshkosh 4/28/13 5/3/13 5/4/13 5/5/13 5/11/13 5/12/13 5/18/13 5/19/13 Mrs. Doris Cozart Mrs. Pat A Mowbray-Morgan Ms. Denise Dean Ms. F. Susan Godek Peter J Machen Mrs. Cindy Meyer Mr. Houston Clark Mr. Tomas Gomez

Meeting Minutes: Continued

Double Exposure 4/27/2013: Deb M. reported the contract with Cindy OHare has been signed. She is still working on getting a photographer. Deb J, Rob B. and Marta DeMerath will give her a hand with securing one. Deb also reported that she has not yet received AKC approval on the 4-6 mo. class *( this was since received on the 15th ). If anyone has silent auction items, please contact Eve Rittburg. Deb J. reported she is still collecting trophies. Weight Pull 4/27/2013: Deb J. reported that everything is in order and she is trying to set the time so there is no conflict with the banquet. Summer Show 2012: Deb J. reported she is still waiting for one trophy donation so we can close out the show report. Summer Show 6/28/2013: Deb J. reported she too is looking for a photographer. Tournament 6/28/2013: Eugene N. reported he is contacting judges. 9-AKC Judges, 5-Handler Judges, 6-Breeder Judges. Sweeps 6/30/2013 @KMKC Shows: Deb J. took a pole of the membership and majority decided to ask Cindy Urayner to Judge. KMKC 2013 Shows: Deb J. suggested we again support the 2 day show with trophies for BOB, BO, BW @ $6.00 ea. The membership approved. DFOW: Rob B. reported there was nothing going on right now with legislation. Rob B. reported about the Great Lakes Pet Expo being held on Feb. 2nd.

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Meeting Minutes: Continued

Nominations: Deb J. reported the results of the nominating committee are: Pres: Deb J. / V. Pres.: Barb B. / Sect: Pat K. / Tres: Kathy F. / Board: Jeanne N., Stephen H., Eugene N., Eve R., John N. Fall Weight Pull 2013: Motion by Jeanne N., 2nd by Laura E. to table. Passed Hand out of Pens: Pat K. handed out a few more pens to family members. We still have pens to hand out to the remaining members . One per family Unfinished Business: Laurie O. reported about the box of supplies and gift cards sent including the $200.00 donation sent to Merrilee DAntonio. She said it was greatly appreciated and it brought tears to Merrilees eyes. A big thank you to Laurie for putting this all together. New Business: The Great Pet Expo. Feb. 2nd / After a round of discussion it was decided GMSF should take part in the event. Those interested in helping were: Frank K, Pat K., Barb B., Rob. B. Karin N., Laura E., Kathy F., John F., Laurie O. The paperwork indicated that 3 passes would be issued with a $25.00 fee. Motion by Jeanne N., 2nd by Laura E. to pay for the passes needed. Passed. Rob B. and Pat K. will work together to finalize the details and let helpers know of the outcome and time schedule. Door Prize: won by Lourie O. ( She will provide the door prize for February ).

NEXT MEETING: SATURDAY- FEBRUARY 9TH, 2013 @ THUNDERBAY RESTAURANT @ 2:00 N14W24130 Tower Pl. The restaurant is right across the road from the Waukesha County Exposition Center Waukesha, Wisconsin
Motion to Adjourn: Motion by Jeanne N., 2nd by Laura E. to adjourn at 3:40 pm. Passed Respectfully submitted, Patricia A. Kreif
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Closing in February
Club Doberman Pinscher Club of Greater Milwaukee Doberman Pinscher Club of Greater Milwaukee K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls Badger Kennel Club Badger Kennel Club Competition Type City AGILITY AGILITY AKC RALLY OBEDIENCE OBEDIENCE AKC RALLY AKC RALLY OBEDIENCE Oshkosh Oshkosh Menomonee Falls Menomonee Falls Menomonee Falls Menomonee Falls DeForest DeForest Show Date February 23 2013 February 24 2013 March 09 2013 March 09 2013 March 10 2013 March 10 2013 March 16 2013 March 17 2013 Closing Date February 08 2013 February 08 2013 February 20 2013 February 20 2013 February 20 2013 February 20 2013 February 27 2013 February 27 2013

Tri-State Alaskan Malamute Club February 2, 2013 Christmas Mountain, Wisconsin Dells www.TSAMC.org Alaskan Malamute Club of WI February 9, 2013 Grafton ,WI February 17, 2013 Cedarburg, WI February 23, 2013 Janesvialle, WI www.amcw.org Minnesota Mixed Breed Club March 16 & 17, 2013; May 4 & 5, 2013 Shakopee, MN www.mnmixedbreedclub.org

Submit your Events!

All event information, articles, tips, and other contributions may be submitted to Amanda VerBruggen, Howls & Growls Editor, at editor.howlsngrowls@hotmail.com
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Knowing the Signs of Eclampsia Can Save a Dams Life

Its best, of course, to find this out before a dog enters the subsequent stages of hypocalcemia, with these progressive clinical signs: poor muscle coordination, inability to stand, fever, convulsions in which the dog is conscious, seizures in which the dog is not conscious, then death. Dogs may also have tachycardia, a fast heart rate; polyuria, large production of urine; polydipsia, excessive thirst; and vomiting. smaller dog with a litter of puppies at home, showing clinical signs of hypocalcemia, would be enough for her to begin treating the dog. Time to Drip the Calcium Treatment consists of 10 percent calcium gluconate given intravenously, about 0.5 to 1.5 milliliters per kilogram of body weight over 10 to 30 minutes, then repeated for a total dose of 5 to 20 milliliters. This depends on the size of the dog and her response to the treatment, Casal says.

Ultimately, the heart can be affected, because nerves innervate the heart and tell it to beat, Casal explains. Once the first nerve pulse comes in, there are nerves in the heart that have to be very concordant when they release their electricity to make the heart beat in a con- During treatment, the dog should be hooked up to an cordant fashion. With EKG monitor or her heart rate low calcium, electrical listened to carefully, Casal signals can go through says. Too much calcium given to the heart before too quickly can cause tachycartheyre supposed to. dia; bradycardia, a slow heart rate; or arrhythmias, irregular Veterinarians use nuheartbeats. Monitoring is paramerous tools to diagnose mount to the dogs survival. hypocalcemia, particuYou can kill the dog because larly if the dam is in the its heart will stop, Casal says. early stages. The first is known as signalment, If any cardiac effect develops the dogs age, breed and during the treatment, it will be sex. Again, Casal stopped until the heart rate and stresses that this condirhythm return to normal. At Photo courtesy of Robinette Dunahugh-Ralston tion can develop in any resumption of treatment, addog, regardless of breed ministration is at half the origior size. Obviously, clinical signs reported by the nal rate. breeder or observed under veterinary examination are key. So is the dams history: how many puppies are in Introduction of the calcium gluconate usually results the litter, how much they weigh, what kind of diet she in rapid clinical improvement within 15 minutes, ate prior to whelping and her current diet, Casal says. Casal says. Muscle relaxation should be immediate. Its very fast. Its one of those things where they A blood test, revealing an ionized calcium level under come in with a dog that cant even stand anymore, 7 milligrams per one-tenth liter, contributes to the diand its got all these twitches. You give it the calagnosis. A veterinarian will also order a serum chem- cium, and you see very rapid improvement. istry profile to rule out hypoglycemia and other elecThe associate professor says the most effective and trolyte imbalances, which the dam may also have. least dangerous treatment is calcium gluconate. Other However, Casal says she wouldnt necessarily wait for forms of calcium, such as calcium chloride, cannot the calcium test results to start treatment. The arrival replicate the results demonstrated with the gluconate at the universitys Ryan Veterinary Hospital of a version.
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Knowing the Signs of Eclampsia Can Save a Dams Life

When the dam is stabilized with an ionized calcium level of at least 7 milligrams per one-tenth liter, we send them home as soon as possible, Casal says, usually within a few hours. If the hearts been seriously affected, we might keep them longer. If theyre really bad, well have them bring the puppies in to stay with the dam. Any cerebral edema swelling of brain tissue from excess water or hypoglycemia low blood sugar resulting from the bout with hypocalcemia will be treated as well. Merck advises breeders not to let puppies nurse for 12 to 24 hours after the dams stabilization. The puppies can be fed a milk substitute during this period, or, if reasonable, they can be weaned. If hypocalcemia reoccurs while the litters still nursing, Merck recommends removing the pups from the dam and hand-raising them or weaning them as appropriate based on their age. Once the dam goes home, Casal prescribes an oral calcium supplement with vitamin D for a total daily dosage of 25 to 50 milligrams. Its best to maintain the dam at an ionized calcium level of 8 to 9.5 milliliters per one-tenth liter. Toward the end of the nursing period, the dog is weaned off the calcium. Again, Casal stresses that long-term calcium supplementation is discouraged as it can predispose the bitch to hypocalcemia with subsequent litters. However, simply because a dog has had hypocalcemia does not mean she will necessarily have it again, Casal says. This is especially true if the next litter is smaller. If the bitch has another large litter, consider supplementing the puppies with milk replacer. Casal also recommends supplementing the bitchs regular food with puppy food toward the second half of gestation. And, she says, dont feed a homemade diet to breeding bitches. High quality nutrition is very important, she says. Stay away from the raw foods if possible. You never know what the calcium levels are. However, with proper nutrition, the dam can be expected to nurse the next litter without a recurrence. Casal says there may also be an as-yet-unproven heVolume 2013

reditary component to puerperal hypocalcemia. In the meantime, breeders who know the clinical signs can get affected dams to the vet in plenty of time to treat them with little or no aftereffect.

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Member Info
Member Name
Pat & Vilas Backhaus Robin & Barb Barkhaus Louise Bozek Kathy Carr Sylvia Druzynski Laura England Kathy Filicetti Joe Kost Sharon Hoyer Stephen Hoyer Debby Jahnke Dave Jahnke Maria Kirylo Frank Kreif Pat Kreif Gene LoProto Heather LoProto Debbie Myrechuck John Myrechuck Eugene Ney Jeanne Nonhof John Nyhuis Karin Nyhuis Sandy Patterson Cherie Rankin Al Rittberg Eve Rittberg Judy & Ron Schold Debbie Seder Amanda VerBruggen
Volume 2013

Officers
E-mail
pbackhaus@wi.rr.com dreamqst@netwurx.net louisembozek@hotmail.com hartwood4@aol.com sdruzyns@execpc.com england@uwosh.edu kjkathy@wi.rr.com sdruzyns@execpc.com sewhoyer@msn.com mil_man@yahoo.com stardansams@yahoo.com stardansams@yahoo.com samrescue@execpc.com fpkreif@hnet.net fpkreif@hnet.net hloproto@comcast.net hloproto@comcast.net dmelite@hotmail.com dmelite@hotmail.com eugeneney@yahoo.com moonlighter3@frontier.com knyhuis43@hotmail.com knyhuis43@hotmail.com clednsams@yahoo.com wibblet66@gmail.com alever@frontier.com alever@frontier.com jschold@wi.rr.com dseder@wi.rr.com photo51pets@hotmail.com Snowy Lakes Snowy Lakes Stardan Stardan Bright Angel West Free West Free Supernova Supernova Elite Elite Kamodan Moonlighter Bramblewood Bramblewood Classic Edition Fionntan Alever Alever Mystical Wind Chaser Photo 51
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Kennel Name
Persnickety Dreamquest Hartwood

President:
Debbie Jahnke

Vice President:
Jeanne Nonhof

Secretary:
Pat Krief

Treasurer:
Kathy Filicetti
Board Members:
Deb Myrechuck Amanda VerBruggen Barb Barkhaus John Nyhuis Eve Rittburg