Dogs Victoria Magazine - March 2020

magazine dogs victoria MARCH 2020

Volume 88 No. 3 March 2020

INSIDE Show Results Conformation Corner Royal Canin Knowledge Hub Gazette Book Reviews

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march 2020 Show Results

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______________ FROM PRESIDENT (Acting) Lynne Harwood

Conformation Corner Page 6

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I would like to take this opportunity to firstly acknowledge the contribution of Wayne Fleming. Wayne contributed greatly to the work of our organisation and on behalf of my fellow management committee members, the staff and membership I would like to extend my thanks.

We continue to work through change and are pleased with the progress of implementing our processing timeframe commitment. The strategic pillars and plan has now been finalised and endorsed by the management committee and we are working with the Chief Executive on the implementation of this exciting strategy.

I would like to reassure members that exciting times ahead; a United Management Committee; committed and skilled staff here to support you our members, and as your president (acting) I encourage you to reach out and connect.

I thank you for your patience during our period of change. Our focus is ensuring you are represented and supported as our members.

Lynne Harwood PRESIDENT (Acting)

DOGS VICTORIA

Victorian Canine Association Inc. Trading as Dogs Victoria ABN: 97 452 215 878

Business hours are as follows: office open 8.30 am - 5 pm (Monday to Friday) t: 9788 2500 f: 9788 2599 655 Westernport Hwy, Skye 3977 e: office@dogsvictoria.org.au w: www.dogsvictoria.org.au

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show results

Photographer: Sally Stasytis 03 9730 1603 sstasyti@bigpond.net.au

Australia Day International Dog Club Inc.

General Specials Judge: Ms L. Finne (Finland)

Championship Show 26 January 2020 Group 1

Judge: Mr F Arniella (Puerto Rico)

Best in Group:

Ms C Jones’ Griffon Bruxellois Campionecani Vincenzo Liscia

Group 3

Miss P Trotter’s Pug: Ch Lecarne Stepping Out In Style

Judge: Mr J Rosa (Puerto Rico)

Best in Group:

Mrs D Anderson’s Irish Setter: Aust Ch Eirean In To My Arms(AI)

Group 5

Best in Group:

Runner-up in Group:

Runner-up in Group, Australian Bred in Group: Miss L Weekes’ Cocker Spaniel: Aust Ch Glenayden Effervesant

Judge: Ms L Finne (Finland)

Ellagant Kennels’ Australian Shepherd: Am Gr.Aust Sup Ch Copperridge’s Under Surveillance (Imp USA)

Runner-up in Group:

Ms Lauren Mills’ Finnish Lapphund: Orical Mikael Of Mikkeli (AI)

Whippet

Group 2

Judge: Ms J McFarlane (South Africa)

Best in Group:

Ms S Sullivan’s Scottish Terrier: Aust Ch Shortblak Tank Man

Group 4

Runner-up in Group:

Mr R Eddy’s American Staffordshire Terrier: Party Breakers Arya Stark (Imp SRB)

Judge: Mr O Toyokawa (Japan)

Best in group, runner up in show:

Runner-up in Group:

Mr T Kyman, Mrs N Lawton & Mr A Wishart’s Saluki: Aust Ch Crisnick Whiskey on Ice(AI)

Group 6

Judge: Mr D Wang (China)

Best in Group:

Runner-up in Group:

Ms Y Chen’s Samoyed: Aust Sup Ch. Am GCH Smiling Luminous Pandora (Imp USA)

Group 7

Mrs R Wallis & Mr R Wallis’ Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Rokeena Christmas Carols

Mrs J Hovell’s Doberman: Aust Ch Copperdobe Pitcha Perfect (AI) (Imp NZ)

Judge: Mrs I Ko (Tiawan)

Did you Know?

Whippets blend muscle with elegance and grace, producing a quick, gentle dog.

SOURCE: Royal Canin/ permission to publish

page 4

Best in Group:

Mr S Arunachalam’s French Bulldog: Senarabull Academy Award:

Runner-up in Group:

Wyowna Kennels’ Lhasa Apso: Aust Ch Chic Choix Party Trouble At Elshamara

show results

Photographer: Sally Stasytis 03 9730 1603 sstasyti@bigpond.net.au

Australia Day International Dog Club Inc.

Championship Show 27 January 2020 Group 1

Judge: Ms J McFarlane(South Africa)

Best in Group:

Ms L Walton, Mr P Cutler & Mrs P Cutler’s Maltese: Aust Ch Merimalt Living The Dream

Group 3

Mr D Smith’s Havanese: Aust Sup Ch Hashki Dangerous Liasons

Judge: Mr D Wang (China)

Best in Group:

Jan Waite’s English Springer Spaniel: Cardhu Mate Of Mine(AI)

Group 5

Runner-up in Group:

Runner-up in Group:

Mr R Barratt & Mr V McPhee’s: English Springer Spaniel: Kinsheran Jon Snow

Judge: Mr O Toyokawa (Japan)

Best in Group:

Mrs E Lasry’s Shetland Sheepdog: Aust Ch Inneslake Orlando

Group 7

Runner-up in Group: Mr R Valore, Mr R Barker & Mr D Hughes’ Puli: Aust Sup Ch Rustufarion If You Don’t Mind

Judge: Ms L Finne (Finland)

General Specials Judge: Mr J Rosa (Puerto Rico)

Group 2

Judge: Mrs I Ko (Tiawan)

Best in Group:

Mr J Mouratidis, Mrs M Mouratidis & Ms J McKay’s American Staffordshire Terrier: Aust Gr Ch Dinamyte Whos The Boss

Group 4

Judge: Mr F Arniella (Puerto Rico)

Best in Group,

Mrs R Wallis, Mrs S Marshall & Dr G Huikeshoven’s Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen: Multi Ch Frosty Snowman (Imp NTL)

Group 6

Runner-up in Group:

Mr J Bam’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Int Ch Sup CH(ZAF) Kelev Morning Start (Imp ZAF)

Runner-up in Group:

Khayoz Kennels’ Whippet: Aust Ch Khayoz Dancing In The Rain

Judge: Mr J Rosa (Puerto Rico)

Best in Group, Best in Show: Ms Y Chen’s Samoyed: Aust Sup Ch. Am GCH Smiling Luminous Pandora (Imp USA)

Runner-up in Group,

Mrs M Edwards’ Bull Mastiff: Aust Sup Ch Nightquest Magic Affair

St. Bernard

Did you Know?

Best in Group:

Ms W Talintyre & Mrs J Turnley’s Poodle (Standard): Poshnoir Reilly Ace Of Spades

Runner-up in Group:

Mr S Arunachalam’s French Bulldog: Senarabull Academy Award

St. Bernards have their own museum in Switzerland, close to the hospice at the Great St. Bernard Pass, where one dog, Barry (1800 – 1814), reportedly saved 40 lives.

SOURCE: Royal Canin/ permission to publish

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Conformation Corner Welcome to another edition of the Conformation Corner! March is another busy month of dog shows, with plenty of options on the table. As always there are plenty of shows on offer both at KCC park and in regional Victoria.

I strongly encourage all my fellow exhibitors to try to support some of these country shows during this month. The country circuits need our support they’re the livelihood of our dog shows being so fun.

Open Show Success in Ballarat On Sunday 2nd February, the VCA Open Show Committee conducted their first ever regional Open Show, held in conjunction with the Ballarat Dog Club. By all accounts I hear it was a roaring success, with approximately 222 entries. On top of that, it was great to see the Champ Show held by the Ballarat Dog Club receive over 600 entries (with a full local panel of judges).

Congratulations to Pauline Grutzner and Jill McDonald on working together to conduct this event. Thank you to all the exhibitors, judges, stewards, mentors and committee members on making this happen. Open Shows are vital for trainee judges and new exhibitors. Hopefully this can be a new initiative that can grow amongst more country clubs in the future.

Rise & Fall of Dog Clubs Although, in not so good news, it is sad to hear that the Noorat-Camperdown circuit on the March long weekend is no longer operating. I don’t know the exact reasons why these once popular shows are not running in 2020, I do understand that whilst these decisions aren’t taken lightly I want to congratulate all the previous committee members who worked diligently to keep these shows running. Who knows, perhaps in the future, they may make a return to our events calendar.

However, on the flip side, it is exciting to see a new All Breeds club emerge in our state – the Yarram & District Kennel Club Inc, which is holding its inaugural shows on 7th & 8th March. I wish everyone who is involved the best of luck and every success on the day.

Entry Numbers at Shows I know this is regularly debated constantly, but I have noticed over the last 12 months that overall entry numbers at shows across the board are down.

Whilst I don’t have the silver bullet on how this can be turned around. I do feel that by continually adding more dog shows to our already strained calendar is not the answer. You can only go to the well so many times, and if we’re continually faced with 3-4 show weekends each weekend then it puts a strain on us all financially. Therefore exhibitors (I as an example) will pick and choose what shows I go to. Furthermore, if we continue to add more shows to our calendar, it also diminishes the judges pool, with some judges judging the same group every three months. Instead of loading up the calendar with shows, I do think we need take a step back and recalibrate, limit the amount of ‘circuit’ weekends to one a month and cap the amount of shows held in our metropolitan areas. I know not everyone will agree with me, but if we continue to add more shows to the calendar then I think our shows will only decrease in size, not increase.

Final Conformation Corner I just wanted to let all my loyal readers know, that I’ve decided to have a break from the Conformation Corner. Whilst I’ve enjoyed writing this column for the last five years, due to family and personal reasons I am unable to continue this commitment. I want to thank everyone for your continuous feedback and encouraging words. Whilst I won’t be writing my column, I am still more than happy to continue discussing all these issues in person at a dog show. Thanks for everything!

Until next time (whenever that will be), Jason Moore

AUSTRALIA AU WELCOMES

JANE MESSINEO LINDQUIST creatorwww.puppyculture.com of the Puppy Culture SEMINAR HOSTED BY DOGS VICTORIA Program is presenting in Australia.

Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 March 2020

8am Terriers – 5.30 pmsince 1982. She Jane has had Bull Room and husband,Calabria MarkBall Lindquist, breed Bull Dogs Victoria Exhibition Centre name. She Terriers under the Madcap kennel Uniting Lane Bulla, close to Melbourne airport is also an AKC conformation judge. Jane and Bookings essential Mark have scores of breed and performance https://www.easydogentries.com/au/shows/enter/4649 titles to their credit. They compete in Members Non members conformation and performance with all their 2 days 1 day $170 2(GCH days $340, day $185 dogs.

In $300, 2015, “Daphne” CH1 Madcap Lunch provided.

When In Rome ROM VA NAP NJP), the star On camping available as per Dogs the Victoria regulations. ofsite Puppy Culture, earned Bull Terrier ClubEnquiries of America’s Brood BitchSub Trophy for the - Dogs Victoria Education Committee margaret@saphyrsrun.com top producing brood bitch of the year. In office@dogsvictoria.org.au addition in 2015, one of Daphne’s daughters phone t: 03 9788 2500 became only the second Bull Terrier in history to earn the AKC Tracking Dog title.

“Puppy Culture” began as Jane’s quest for the science and wisdom which would lead to the best outcomes for her own litters, and (4 years later) wound up as a five hour film on puppy developmental periods and best practices for rearing. What started as a small project to organize Jane’s puppy rearing practices has turned into a worldwide movement to improve outcomes for puppies everywhere.

Jane is perhaps most proud of the positive social impact her work with puppies is having. The Puppy Culture motto is, “The Proof Is In The Puppies” and indeed the word is spreading rapidly as more and more Puppy Culture litters come out in the world.

Breeders, shelter workers, and trainers are coming together as a community around Puppy Culture to support each other, and puppies and their people everywhere are benefiting.

Jane is also an professional dog trainer and author. For years, she was the local contact for Bull Terrier rescue, and fostered and placed many dogs. Her book, “When Pigs Fly: Training Success With Impossible Dogs” is the bible for training breeds that are often seen as less biddable breeds. She’s also written articles for numerous magazines, most notably an article for Clean Run Magazine about training non-traditional breeds in agility. She’s fortunate enough to travel the world presenting seminars on dog breeding and puppy rearing, as well as dog behavior and training; with a focus on dogs who are more challenging to train.

Jane is visiting Australia to judge at the Bull Terrier Club of SA National Championship Show. Dogs Victoria is delighted she has agreed to present in Melbourne. There is already keen interest with the Bulla venue easy access for regional and interstate visitors.

For bookings and program content see the PDF on easydogentries.com Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 March 2020 8am – 5:30pm (both days) Dogs Victoria Exhibition Centre, Bulla.

Read more of Jane’s story and practices on www.shoppuppyculture.

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You can read more about Jane’s story and practices on

www.shoppuppyculture.com

______________ Sports, Snouts, and Extreme Weather: Workout Safety for Flat-Faced Dogs Who doesn’t love a dog with a smooshy face and layers of wrinkles? Add big, googly puppy dog eyes to this canine expression and few people can resist the urge to ooh and aah a flat-faced dog.

Brachycephalic breeds–those with wide skulls and flat faces, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers, shake down smiles wherever they go.

Brachycephalic comes from two Greek words that mean short and head.

Problem Panting Although it’s fun to show off short-snouted dogs outdoors, warm humid weather workouts require special care. A fast walk, a slow jog, or participation in canine sports may trigger breathing difficulties.

Flat-faced breeds include: Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon Bulldog Chow Chow French Bulldog Pekingese Pug Shih Tzu These brachycephalic breeds have smaller airways, narrow nostrils, multiple folds in their throats, and larger tongues than breeds with long-muzzles. The unique physiology of flatfaced dogs makes it more difficult for them to pant enough to cool off.

If the air is wet, or humid, and not particularly hot, the dog speeds up his panting, which flexes the throat muscles. “Humidity feels hotter to the dog and interferes with cooling off,” says vice-president of the American Boxer Club, Patricia Healy of Wiggins, Colorado.

This raises his body temperature and puts the dog at a higher risk of overheating and heatstroke. This happens quickly and can threaten the dog’s life within an hour.

“People who own these breeds need to take reasonable precautions when exercising outdoors in warm weather,” says Link Newcomb, president of the Bulldog Club of America. “Pay attention to the dog and if you see him panting more than he usually does and seems to be working harder to breathe, he needs cooling off.”

Royal Canin Knowledge Hub 2017 | Reproduction | Dr Emmanuel Fontaine

Cleft palates: One of the most common congenital defects seen in puppies and kittens

Fact #1: A cleft palate is a defect of the palate (the roof of the mouth) that can occur in newborn kittens and puppies. Part of the palate may only be affected, or the defect may extend the full length. The defect results in direct communication between the mouth and nasal cavity.

Fact #2: A cleft palate is due to a disturbance in the processes that form the face and jaw during embryonic development (Merck Veterinary Manual, 9th edition).

Fact #3: Cleft palate is generally a congenital malformation, which means it is present at birth.

Fact #4: Cleft palates vary in their degree of severity. The defect is usually easily detected, but a very small defect may be missed. After delivery, puppies and kittens should always be examined for the presence of a cleft palate. Should a cleft palate be identified or suspected, speak to your veterinarian.

Predisposition and risk factors Fact #5: Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed and most commonly affected.

Fact #6: Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Siamese cats also show an increased incidence.

Fact #7: In most cases, cleft palate is hereditary. The genetic determinism of the disorder is complex and varies from breed to breed. In most breeds, the genetic determinism remains unknown.

Fact #8: Certain drugs can disturb the normal development of the embryo or foetus; these are referred to as teratogenic drugs. Exposure of the bitch/ queen to teratogenic drugs during pregnancy can result in cleft palate development. Always speak to your veterinarian before administering any drugs to your pregnant animal.

Fact #9: Nutritional deficiencies have been implicated in the development of cleft palate. Folic acid is important for normal neural tube development in canine and feline embryos. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy may result in puppies or kittens being born with a cleft palate.

Fact #10: Chemical/toxin exposure, excessive Vitamin A intake and some viral infections during pregnancy have also been implicated.

Clinical signs and treatment Fact #11: Clinical signs will depend on the extent of the cleft, and may include sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. Milk may be observed to be dripping from the nostrils when attempting to suckle. Other signs may include difficulty in suckling, weight-loss or ill-thrift.

Fact #12: Patients with cleft palates are predisposed to chronic rhinitis, laryngotracheitis, and aspiration pneumonia. The latter may result in bronchopneumonia which can be life-threatening.

Fact #13: Surgical correction may be an option in some cases. The procedure is typically delayed until 8-24 weeks of age, when there is enough tissue to close the cleft and when the puppy/kitten anaesthesia is easier to manage.

Fact #14: Surgical correction can be challenging; the surgical technique used will depend on the location and severity of the cleft. In some cases, more than one surgical procedure may be required to achieve a complete repair.

Fact #15: Puppies and kittens with cleft palates require intensive supportive care, such as regular tube feeding, until surgical correction can be attempted. Tube-feeding is not without its risks including regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia.

SOURCE: AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB /

By Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz permission to publish

SOURCE: Royal Canin Permission to publish

page 7

did you know?

Dalmatians • •

• • •

•

• •

•

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page 8

The first depictions of a spotted dog were found in the Tombs in Egypt 2500BC The history of the name of the Dalmatian is mysterious.

Where did the name come from?

The Poet Jurij Dalmatin who wrote to a Bohemian Princess of a spotted dog in 1500’s ? or The region Dalmatia in Croatia, where spotted dogs were sighted after 1200AD? or Is the name from the Dalmantic (Priests Robes)?

Dalmatians are known as a Fire Dog and Carriage dog.

Dalmatians are born completely white.

Two famous Presidents of the USA owned Dalmatians; George Washington and Benjamin Franklin as well as famous painter Pablo Picasso.

The Dalmatian’s registered colours are Black & White and Liver & White, however they also can be Orange & White, Lemon & white and Tri-colours of the aforementioned.

Dalmatians also have spots on the roof of their mouth.

It is thought that the purpose of the spots is to differentiate the Dalmatian from other wild dogs whilst they protect the horses at night.

Contrary to popular opinion Dalmatians are actually a very smart breed, however they will do what they want when they want.

Even after decades of domestication, Dalmatians still have an incredible affinity with horses.

Dalmatians are a dynamic breed, they enjoy running for hours on end, or sleeping for days on the end of your bed, they will fit into your life however you want them to.

Jonathan Marshall

Another round of applause for the following for their hard work on the night: Committee Members Sandra Mashford (Chair) Colin Hamilton Helen Hamilton Margaret Barras Peter Frost Leigh Hearn Tayla Wright Julie Wright Officials Mathew Morse Anthony Price Maureen Gostelow Judy Oliver Draw Supervisors Meredith Clegg Anne Colyer Judges Liaison Andrew Burt The Canine Standard Live Streaming

Unit the next Night of Nights (which is rumored to be even more spectacular!), best of luck to all dogs and puppies competing throughout the year and thank you for making this year’s celebration one to remember.

Photos by Min bee Media

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Obedience, Tracking & Endurance

OTEC Notes March 2020 Taken by Stacey Murphy

This is a Special Edition of the OTEC Notes.

Some of our members were affected by the recent bushfires. Thankfully as far as I know at this stage, no one has lost their homes, dogs or, more importantly, lives. There have been some very stressful moments and some good news stories about our members’ support for each other.

In the North East, the Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club (WK&ODC) opened its doors to evacuees. The nearby North East Tracking Group supported each other and in East Gippsland, similar stories emerged. I will let our correspondents tell their stories.

From Kevin Felmingham, President of the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club Inc. whose members organised breakfast and animal welfare for the Bushfire Emergency Evacuees at Wangaratta Showgrounds.

Over a period of 13 days, the WK&ODC members have undertaken the mammoth task of catering a daily breakfast for the many families and emergency personnel located at the Wangaratta Showgrounds Emergency Evacuation Centre. Over 2,174 cooked breakfasts were prepared and served with care and compassion for the many families who had evacuated their homes in the Ovens and King Valleys. The Club also provided a cooked breakfast to the evacuated families camped at the Wangaratta Saleyards caring for their relocated stock and also at the equestrian centre.

Additionally, many family pet and working dogs were cared for and some puppies are in the care of our Club members until the human family members are well enough to take them home. We have a family of 4 poodle puppies and 4 adult poodles still in our care. With donated food and a dog friendly environment for them to relax in, it was comforting for all concerned.

In addition to the food donated and supplied to the Emergency Relief Centre, the great generosity of local businesses in donating bread, eggs and fruit to the Club for the breakfasts is acknowledged and we thank them all for their wonderful contribution.

While the Club members worked tirelessly over the 13 days, we were supported daily by many other volunteers. These volunteers came from local community families, teenage friends, Melbourne Sikh organisation, evacuees and Melbourne Tradies (4) who also donated food from their Melbourne associates.

The Club also acknowledges the Wangaratta Council staff for their support in providing food and infrastructure as required at short notice during these stressful days and the Wangaratta Deer Stalkers for their donated marquee which provided an impromptu community space for families to relax in and share their stories.

This unprecedented bushfire disaster across the many Victoria and NSW communities and here in the North East, has allowed the Club members to expand their normal dog training roles and become engaged in supporting the evacuated families and emergency personnel in their time of need with a friendly greeting, a smile, a hot breakfast, care and compassion.

Well done to everyone else involved at the Showgrounds Emergency Relief Centre. A great job, well done.

This was sent in by Sue Keane. When the recent fires erupted in Wodonga and surrounds, the North East Tracking Group in Albury Wodonga really showed what a close-knit group they are. Two separate lots of evacuees were housed with 10 Basenjis and 6 Golden Retrievers at Jude Lowe’s home. A home was found for another family and their menagerie - this included several breeds of dogs – big and small, cats, ducks, chickens and three humans. Instead of focusing on the current situation, the girls organized a working bee, cut out and sewed over 120 tracking flags, drank tea and ate goods made with home grown produce. Laughter replaced despair and everyone went home with renewed optimism and full tummies.

This story came from Judy Pillinger. We live to the north of Lakes Entrance, not too far from Colquhoun Regional Park. Our first warning came on 28th December, predicting high temperatures and strong north winds for the New Year. Lakes Entrance had over 30,000 tourists in town at the time. Our kids had been visiting for Christmas-New Year so we sent them home on

page 58

29th December. Fires had already been burning in the area north of Bruthen and Buchan but with the predicted north winds, Lakes Entrance and surrounds would have been at high risk.

With Trevor’s firefighting experience, we decided to stay and defend our property, but we did have a backup plan. Sunday 30th and Monday 31st were quite scary with very heavy smoke and glowing skies to the north.

We took it in turns to sleep or patrol for spot fires, but we were lucky that the winds did not eventuate. We only experienced hundreds of burnt leaves, ash and thick smoke. The nearest fire was 8km away, burning from Swan Reach towards the Colquhoun forest nearby, but the firefighters successfully dealt with that one.

Two further evacuation notices were issued over the following week. This time we decided to put our caravan down in the town on the foreshore, near the water, so we could at least have a sleep. Echo Beach caravan park invited us to stay, free of charge so we moved over there but insisted on paying for the power supply and safety. We spent daylight hours at our block protecting our home from spot fires. Our town was deserted even Maccas was closed but the supermarket stayed open. We had wonderful support from the Australian Islamic Centre who arrived with 4 truckloads of food and supplies. They ran a sausage sizzle in town then distributed the rest of the food to Echo Beach and relief centres nearby.

To my knowledge, no homes were lost in Lakes Entrance or nearby. Sarsfield and Bruthen were the worst affected areas with smaller fires also burning at Swan Reach, Nicholson and Nowa Nowa. However, many of our small businesses are suffering from the loss of tourism though business is slowly picking up again. We are fortunate to still have our home and inconvenienced only by a bit of cleaning up.

This story came from Lorna Piper, who lives in Nicholson: There was a fire ‘in them thar hills’ we knew it, we could smell it and on occasion see the smoke. There was really nothing to be done - it was in deep bushland.

The fire grew and grew, smoke and more smoke. After a run of over 26kms in one night - not possible people said - unfortunately no one had told the fire - on 29th December we received an emergency warning on the phone - sirens and alerts - all of East Gippsland should evacuate!!! We had already considered how I was to go anywhere with six dogs and three birds. The horse

Book Reviews we believed could stay after speaking to ‘those that know’. The best laid plans can go astray of course, there was little time to consider, I towed the little caravan into town. Driving home was absolutely crazy, there was a never-ending stream of cars heading towards Bairnsdale - unbelievable - it wasn’t until later I realised that 30,000 people were moving out!

The fire was moving towards us with acres of bushland on fire behind - so on a very hot 30th December with photos packed (who has so many photos?!), some special bits and pieces, dog paraphernalia, clothes, bird in the back under wet towels (no air con in my car), I left. The fire was an extraordinarily hot one, decided Morton (horse) had to leave too, there was lots of support to get him out. Daughter, Kerrie had come up and taken two dogs with her plus one bird and packed up my collie collection.

We were unbelievably lucky due to a wind change, twice through this fire, and once over 10 years ago. It is just so very awful to know that a wind change may save us but what about those it then runs to?

Couldn’t stay in Bairnsdale as was the plan, it too was under Watch and Act with ember warnings. Headed for Trafalgar with plan in mind to relay caravan down, got the van to Sale and Roz Buckley came and towed it to Trafalgar for me. I was towing the dog trailer, apparently I wasn’t allowed to be a road train. Got out of the car at Sale couldn’t stand up safely, I was discovering the power of dehydration - a new experience.

Moved into Kerrie’s place, was there for 6 or 7 days, interesting in a two bedroom suburban house with 10 collies, three kids, four adults and two birds - not sure Kerrie’s cat and guinea pigs thought it was a good idea.

The Conure (parrot) decided to add more pressure when somehow, he escaped from his cage on the front porch and decided to be a creature of the wild. Bop did have the decency to land on my shoulder before leaving. Certain residents of Trafalgar then potentially had the experience of seeing two people in pjs running down the street calling “BopBopBop”.

Silly bird didn’t reply at all, it was 6.15am. The saga continued - too long for here - but he did eventually return, found he could bend the cage bars and squeeze through!

Decided to move on to brother’s vacant house in Gisborne, - couldn’t let 6 dogs run around on beige carpet, it was drizzling rain, so I lived in the kitchen, a good place to live, however a two seater couch is a little small to sleep on even for someone height challenged like myself. Luckily, I was travelling with lots of spare sheets and towels for the dogs - so covered the floor and dragged in the futon mattress for bedtime.

CFA had been round near home telling people that fire was still burning in area behind us that there was no help available and those that remained should be on watch - all resources had been directed to Mallacoota where a far more dangerous situation was happening. Then the news came there were looters in the area.

I needed to be home, so packed up and headed back. My lovely and travel worn car made it to Trafalgar before throwing out all its coolant.

RACV doesn’t do repairs on cooling systems would only tow it, local mechanic not back from holidays - mum and dad to the rescue (still saving me after 60+ years) lent me one of their cars so I could get home.

Eventually got car towed to another mechanic 5 days later. Not a serious issue, thank heavens.

Morton and everyone back home, although areas still smouldering, saw a tree trunk smoking from the top, two days later it was a third less in height. Sarsfield and nearby areas, that I travel through to get home, were horrific, to see photos just doesn’t have the emotional impact that travelling through does, the beautiful bushland gone . . . homes gone . . . gut wrenching.

The number of fire response teams that travelled to the area - all leaving their homes to try to fight a monster unlike anything seen before - was amazing.

There is no possible way to thank those that have put their lives on the line and those that have offered support.

Why Dogs are Better Than Cats

by Bradley Trevor Greive You’ve probably been asked at some point in your life if you’re a dog person or a cat person. Some people love both animals. But if you had to live with only one, which would you choose?

There’s been a timeless debate between dog people and cat people. Now it’s time to face off just for fun.

Let’s face it. Owning a cat isn’t really that much different from not owning a cat. They’re haughty, they’re temperamental and most of the time they act like you don’t exist. On the other hand, dogs are loyal, cuddly, goofy and best of all, love you no matter what. This book gives you some very good reasons. Good read and now available in the library for borrowing

The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs Author Nick Trout An entertaining novel set in rural Eden Falls, Vermont.

Highly humorous, Dr Cyrus Mills is sent to revive a failing veterinary practice. He becomes entrenched in the local community which has many eccentric and endearing characters including a very pretty local waitress. The novel is a winsome tale and somewhat reminds you of the James Herriot books. Great reading for all ages, now available for loan in the library Heather Simpson

Meanwhile Lorna’s other daughter Stacey Murphy, who, with her husband owns Tambo Honey, was hard at work trying to save their bees. She wrote “our home, work shed, friends and community are right near that giant raging fire.... the devastation is absolutely heartbreaking..... our poor wildlife, bush, homes, lifestyle and towns... time to get behind each other and support each other as much as possible…….”

Hopefully by the time you read this, the fire season is drawing to a close.

Our doggy friends in Canberra and New South Wales were very badly affected and as I write, there is a new fire near Canberra.

Keep safe everyone

Dawn Howard

page 59

From The Vet Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Written by Dr Michael Bell What is this condition and how is it caused?

It is a syndrome that occurs through insufficient and lack of pancreatic cells capable of producing the enzymes or from chronic pancreatitis where the cells are damaged, hence causing a lack of pancreatic enzymes. It can also occur where there is an obstruction of the pancreatic tact (which carries the enzymes from the pancreas to the intestines) hence preventing the enzymes reaching the intestine.

What occurs in this condition?

Pancreatic enzymes are essential for the digestion of food. When more than 90 percent of the glandular pancreatic function is lost there is maldigestion of food in the intestine which leads to indigested food sitting in the intestine and eventually being passed into faeces. Because the food is not digested properly it cannot be absorbed properly hence causing weight loss in the dog.

What signs do affected dogs show?

Affected dogs can be subclinical and show no signs of being affected, but when the pancreas is severely affected the dogs commonly present with loose stools and weight loss. These dogs can have a dull coat and flatulence, and often have a ravenous appetite which can invite them to eat their faeces.

How are affected dogs treated?

External replacement of digestive enzymes is the main way of treating the condition. Pancreatic enzymes can be given in a variety of different formulations with the most common being in the form of dried pancreatic extract from beef or pork. Most dogs respond well to these supplements. But in cases where they don’t antacid therapy can be tried. Because a large part of the orally administered pancreatic before (in the sufficient) is destroyed by the low PH of the stomach, the antacid causes an increase in the stomach PH and hence reduces the lipase destruction. When record studies the best form of antacid is Omeprazole.

What are the chances of affected dogs responding?

EPI is a lifelong condition because pancreatic cells poorly regenerate. However most affected dogs can be managed successfully and live a normal quality of life and have a normal life expectancy. The only factor associated with a shorter survival time is when there is a vitamin B12 deficiency, hence it is strongly recommended that dogs with EPI can have their serum B12 levels tested and supplementation being provided where required.

How are affected dogs diagnosed?

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is detected by showing a lack of the pancreatic function. This is achieved using the serum canine longform like immunoassay (TLI) concentration test. This test measures the concentrations of the trypsin which is produced by the pancreas. In dogs with EPI the TLI concentration is severely decreased or undetectable.

Whippet

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(03) 9305 5855 page 60

Retrieving and Field Trials Dogs Victoria Retrieving Dogs Victoria Dog Of The Year Award Retrieving Trial Dates 2020 Jack Montasell Trophy 2019 After a tally of results for retrieving trials conducted in Victoria during 2019 the nineteenth annual Dogs Victoria Retrieving Trial Dog of the Year has been decided.

The Retrieving Trial Dog of the Year is based on the cumulative placings gained in all retrieving trials conducted in Victoria during the calendar year.

The higher the level of the stake or championship the more points a dog receives for winning or running a place.

A win in a Novice Stake is worth three points, second 2 points and third one point. Similarly, placings in Restricted Stakes are worth six, five and four points and placing in All Age Stakes are worthy nine, eight and seven points. In Championship Stakes placing are worth 12, 11 and 10 points The award for the year 2019 has gone to Russell and Sheree Whitechurch’s Labrador Retriever bitch “Maggie” Nat RT Ch Adderslot Maggie May DM. Maggie’s results for the year included five wins and five seconds in All Age and a second place in the Victorian Retrieving Trial Championship.

Second place went to “ Chief” Nat. RT Ch Adderslot Chief a Labrador Retriever bitch also owned by Russell and Sheree Whitechurch. Chief’s results comprised two wins, two seconds and five thirds in All Age. While it does not add to her points tally, Chief also won the National Retrieving Trial Championship conducted in Tasmania.

Third place went to Tony Palmer’s Beereegan Mountain Ash RRD a Labrador Retriever dog which had eleven wins and placing in Restricted Stakes.

Place

Points

January 25

German Shorthaired Pointer Club

January 26

German Shorthaired Pointer Club

February 22

German Shorthaired Pointer Club

February 23

Gippsland Retrieving Club

February 29

Victorian Gundog Club

March 1

Victorian Gundog Club

March 28

Central Highlands Working Gundog Club

March 29

Central Highlands Working Gundog Club

April 10

Gippsland Retrieving Club

April 11

Gippsland Retrieving Club

April 12

Gippsland Retrieving Club

May 2

Golden Retriever Club

May 3

Flatcoated Retriever Association

May 23

Labrador Retriever Club

May 24

Labrador Retriever Club

June 6

Gippsland Retrieving Club

June 7

Gippsland Retrieving Club

June 8

Gippsland Retrieving Club

July 4

Victorian Gundog Club

July 5

Victorian Gundog Club

July 18

Labrador Retriever Club

Owner

Dog

1

Russell & Sheree Whitechurch

Nat RT Ch Adderslot Maggie May

96

July 19

Flatcoated Retriever Association

2

Russell & Sheree Whitechurch

Nat & Gr RT Ch Adderslot Chief

69

August 22

South Australian Championship

3

Tony Palmer

Beereegan Mountain Ash RRD

54

August 23

South Australian Championship

4

Jim & Alison Hargreaves

RT Ch Ellishea Rips Chevrolet

52

=5

Russell & Sheree Whitechurch

RT Ch Adderslot Tuscanys Arrow

48

August 28

National Retrieving Trial Championship – South Australia

=5

Trevor Stow

RT Ch Adderslot Georgie Anna

48

August 29

National Retrieving Trial Championship – South Australia

August 30

National Retrieving Trial Championship – South Australia

RAFT members contact details Noel Eltringham

revlain@primus.com.au

September 19

Victorian Gundog Club

September 20

Golden Retriever Club

Darren Smith

badgerfield@bigpond.com

October 3

Dogs Victoria Championship

Diane McCann

dianejmc@bigpond.net.au

October 4

Dogs Victoria Championship

Greg Playdon

gundog@aussiebb.com.au

October 17

L’Epagneul Breton Club

David Blacker

willdavid.blacker@gmail.com

October 18

L’Epagneul Breton Club

Joe Camillieri

walteela@gmail.com

November 7

German Shorthaired Pointer Club

Russell Thomas

inka_line@bigpond.com.au

November 8

Golden Retriever Club

Golden Retriever

Did you Know?

Friendly and affectionate, the gentle Golden Retriever is one of the worlds most popular family dogs.

SOURCE: Royal Canin/permission to publish

page 61

esearch Foundation is a Public Charitable Trust to support research conducted at https://oz.dogs.net.au/crf/research-updates.asp iversities from funds generated via the levy on puppy registrations from the State raising functions, tax-deductible donations and bequests from the public. Up until 2019 hat was registered in Australia $2 was donated to the Canine Research Foundation. As (2) Towards eliminating canine hip-dysplasia: German Shepherd dogs as a model is a project led by ng to the CRF from puppy registrations is received only from Dogs Victoria. The CRF Professor Bill Ballard from the University of New South Wales in collaboration with vet Dr Robert Victoria for their continued support.

Zammitt. DNA samples from 500 German Shepherd dogs were compared to their radiography results determine if it wasfunding possible to research confidently predictat improving canine The Canine Research Foundation is a Public for Charitable Trust todirected support of theGrants Foundation is to provide ndation forto 2020 research conducted at Australian universities from funds generated OFA results from their DNA samples.

German ne health refers to into disease andBodies, disease processes, and/or the ndation is a Public Charitable Trust to support research conducted at the via the levy onresearch puppy registrations from State fundrelated raising om funds generated via the levy on puppy registrations from the and State bequests from the public. Up until functions, tax-deductible donations Shepherds are used as model for this research but ifgrants but are an important In the scheme of grants these are small fions, injury and/or disease. tax-deductible and bequests public. Up until 2019 2019donations each puppy thatfrom wasthe registered in Australia $2 was donated to the stered in Australia $2 was Research donated to the Canine Research Foundation.

As Canine Foundation.

As of 2019 funding to the CRF from puppy e that may assist researchers set up a protocol or do some early successful this technique RF from puppy registrations is received only from Dogs Victoria. Thewill CRF be applicable to other investigative work that will registrations is received only from Dogs Victoria. The CRF thanks Dogs heir continued support. nce that Victoria willbreeds support applications to larger funding suchisas the Australian Research for their continued where hipsupport. dysplasia occurs.

Thisbodies research is to provide funding for research directed at improving canine .dation ers to research into disease and disease related processes, the the pain associated with hip dysplasia, Theneeded purpose ofto theease Foundation isand/or to provide funding for research directed

Canine Research Foundation Grants for 2020

of grantscanine these are health. small grants but are an important or disease. In the atscheme improving Canine health refers to research into disease

ssist researchersand set up a protocol related or do someprocesses, early investigative work that improve the hips of breeding animalsofand disease and/or thewill prevention injurythat and/ service orts to funding improve canine health. supportresearch applications to larger bodies such as the Australian ResearchJust to be clear the CRF does not support research or disease. In the scheme of grants these are small grants but are an dogs are able to help their humans for as long model animals medical research projects. types ofassamples collected and used in importantfor funding source that may assist researchersThe set up a protocol to improve canine Just to be clear the CRF does not support research German Shepherds are used as model for this research but if or health. do some early investigative work that will provide evidence that possible. nvolve blood samples, tissue samples patients with will diseases and obtained during als for medical research projects.

The types oftosamples collected and bodies usedfrom in such successful this technique will be applicable to other breeds support applications larger funding as the Australian samples, tissue Research samples from patients with diseases and obtained during where hip dysplasia occurs.

Council (ARC). iagnostic processes involved with treating owner’s dogs, urine samples, DNA samples, ocesses involved with treating owner’s dogs, urine samples, DNA samples, Thedataresearch team have published theoccurrences, genome forfrequency the German Shepherd dog. nd MRI and demographic about occurrences, frequency of diseases and ding X-rays MRI and demographic data aboutJust of diseases and Theand CRF supports research to improve canine health. to be clear the This research is needed to ease the pain associated with CRF does not support research using dogs as model animals for medical bservations.

Canis lupus The familiaris (dog) genome assembly ASM864105v1 from Jamesimprove Cook the University hip dysplasia, hips of breeding animals and that research projects. types of samples collected and used in the projects the CRF has provided funding:

involve blood samples, tissue samples from patients with diseases and

service dogs are able to help their humans for as long as

A publication is [GCA_008641055.1 ] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/assembly/GCA_008641055.1) possible.

The research team have published the genome for the German owner’s dogs, urine samples, DNA samples, imaging including X-rays and projects that the CRF has provided funding: underview.

Shepherd dog.

MRI and demographic data about occurrences, frequency of diseases

offers hope. Dr Christopher Weir (Kolling Institute) uses a technique called obtained during the normal diagnostic processes involved with treating he patient’s own immune system is manipulated to help fight against their

and behavioural observations.

cer Vaccine offers hope. Dr Christopher Weir (Kolling Institute) usesCanis a technique called lupus familiaris (dog) genome assembly ASM864105v1 Examples of projects that the CRF has provided funding: from James Cook University [GCA_008641055.1 ] (https://www. apy where the patient’s own immune system is manipulated to help fight against their ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/assembly/GCA_008641055.1) A publication is (1) New Cancer Vaccine offers hope. Dr Christopher Weir (Kolling Institute) uses a technique called immunotherapy where the patient’s own immune system is underview.

The Canine Research Foundation manipulated to help fight against their cancer.

The Canine Research Foundation

CRF was founded by the VCA in 1992 and 130 research The CRF was founded by the VCA in 1992 and 130 researchThe grants have been awarded for projects grants have been awarded for projects through to those commencing Just under million distributed dollars of funding through to those commencing in 2020. Just under 1.4 million dollars inof2020. funding has1.4been has been distributed since 1992 for research projects. The isual Representation of the autologous vaccine production process. projects. The funding supports research that will improve canine health with since 1992 for research funding supports research that will improve canine health with a focus on projects that will be of benefit to dogs in general. a focus on projects that will be of benefit to dogs in general.

The CRF also supports research on The CRF also supports research on breed specific conditions theproblematic health issue is deemed to beoccurrence problematic and breed specific conditions where the health issue is deemedwhere to be and the is the occurrence is high. To mark the milestone of the first 25 years of high. To mark the milestone of the first 25 years of the CRF we have produced a booklet which can the CRF we have produced a booklet which can be viewed on our webpage (https://oz.dogs.net.au/crf/celebrating-25-years. be viewed on our webpage (https://oz.dogs.net.au/crf/celebrating-25-years.asp). asp).

Current trustees of the Canine Research Foundation are: Current trustees of the Canine Research Foundation are: Mr Roger Bridgford (President) – All Breeds Mr Roger Bridgford (President) – All Breeds Judge (Taumac Golden Retrievers), Ms Louise Brodie (Britebay Cocker Spaniels), Judge (Taumac Golden Retrievers), Ms Louise Brodie (Britebay Cocker Spaniels), Professor Brian Professor Brian Corbitt (All Breeds judge and Historian), Dr Steve Corbitt (All Breeds judge and Historian), Dr Steve HollowayHolloway (Veterinarian and Researcher), Associate (Veterinarian and Researcher), Associate Professor JanCardigan West (Lecturer in Biomedical Llandaff Cardigan Professor Jan West (Lecturer in Biomedical Science, Llandaff Corgis), and Science, Mr John Chapman Corgis), and Mr John Chapman (Lawyer, Tollerpoint Nova Figure 1: Visual Representation of the autologous vaccine production process.

Scotian Duck Tolling Retrievers). For the 2020 funding round Tollerpoint Nova Duck Tollingproduction Retrievers).

Figure 1: (Lawyer, Visual Representation of theScotian autologous vaccine process.

Cancer is an extremely common and devastating disease in many breeds of dogs. Traditionally cancer is treated with surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiation but the costs of treatment can be prohibitive for many owners. Further, cancer cells are unstable and can become resistant to many treatments with cancers regrowing in some patients. This study is investigating the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer and has emerged as other type of treatment.

From Weir, C, et al. 2018, ‘The Safety of an Adjuvanted Autologous Cancer Vaccine Platform in Canine Cancer Patients Veterinary Sciences. vol.5, no.4, pp.87 Read more: https://oz.dogs.net.au/crf/research-updates.asp (2) Towards eliminating canine hip-dysplasia: German Shepherd dogs as a model is a project led by Professor Bill Ballard from the University of New South Wales in collaboration with vet Dr Robert Zammitt. DNA samples from 500 German Shepherd dogs were compared to their radiography results to determine if it was possible to confidently predict OFA results from their DNA samples.

page 62

four grants were successful and summaries of the projects are outlined below.

Investigating drug resistance in Australian canine heartworm infections Professor Jan Slapeta University of Sydney ($14,500)

Currently, canine heartworm disease affects hundreds of dogs in Australia every year, predominantly in far north Queensland.

Thousands more dogs live with the threat of infection, with many owners using year-round preventatives to protect their dogs from acquiring this deadly disease. Spread by mosquitos, canine heartworm has a wide but poorly understood geographical distribution that appears to change over time.

Currently, central and northern Queensland are experiencing high rates of infection, however, less than 20 years ago dirofilariasis also caused heartache for owners in coastal NSW including Sydney. The use of preventatives to stop infection is widespread among dog owners, with the Macrocyclic Lactones (MLs) drug family the mainstay of prevention.

However, research from the USA is showing that drug resistance is emerging. The situation regarding drug resistance is currently unknown in Australia, although alleged cases of canine heartworm disease in dogs receiving preventatives suggest resistance might be present here. Our project aims to identify

Canine Research Foundation Grants for 2020

whether ndation Grants for 2020the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance are present in the canine heartworm population in Australia. ndation is a Public to support research conducted atfrom infected dogs, prior to and WeCharitable will do Trust this by collecting microfilaria om funds generated via the levy on puppy registrations from the State post-application of MLs to determine if circulating microfilariae are cleared tions, tax-deductible donations and bequests from the public.

Up until 2019 by the drugs. The information is essential, as the presence of resistance stered in Australia $2 was donated to the Canine Research Foundation. As will have a significant impact on our ability to protect dogs in the future.

RF from puppy registrations is received only from Dogs Victoria. The CRF will empower Australian veterinary profession with knowledge on their continued We support. drug resistance, to enable monitoring the spread of drug resistance and dation is to provide funding for research at improving canine disease re-emergence. identification of thedirected driving forces behind

no objective measurement of prostanoids in dog plasma. The current study proposes to develop a panel of lipid mediators of tissue damage, to objectively assess pain and inflammation following surgery in dogs and the response to analgesics. The developed analytical method for quantifying prostanoids can also aid in studying diagnosis and prognosis of other inflammatory disease conditions.

ers to research into disease and disease related processes, and/or the scheme of grants these areknown small grants but are an in important /or disease. In the CRF: Heartworm is a condition dogs in Australia. It is essential ssist researchers set up a protocol or do some early investigative work that will that we know if drug resistance to the current heartworm treatments is support applications to larger funding bodies such as the Australian Research

CRF: All dog owners know how stoic dogs can be when it comes to pain.

This project offers an opportunity for veterinarians to be able to accuracy predict pain levels in dogs other than from behavioural symptoms which will ultimately lead to better pain management during treatment and disease conditions.

h to improve canine health. Just to be clear the CRF does not support research als for medical research Thefor types of samples collected andStaphylococcus used in Phageprojects. therapy antibiotic-resistant pseudintermedius in samples, tissue samples from patients with diseases and obtained during canines ocesses involved with treating owner’s dogs, urine samples, DNA samples, Assoc Prof Karlaoccurrences, Helbig –frequency La Trobe University nd MRI and demographic data about of diseases and ($9,700)

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique used to quantify known materials and can identify unknown compounds in a sample.

In this study mass spectrometry will be used to determine prostonoid molecules in plasma (the liquid portion of the blood) which may be an indicator of inflammation or chronic disease which ultimately result in pain.

occurring. If drug resistance is occurring then this will determine how dogs are protected in the future.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the causative pathogen of canine

t the CRF has provided funding:the most common chronic skin infection seen within the pyoderma,

veterinary sector. Alongside this, S. pseudintermedius is also associated offers hope. Dr Christopher Weir (Kolling Institute) uses a technique called with severe infections occurring within the reproductive, respiratory and he patient’s own immune system is manipulated to help fight against their urinary tract of dogs. Previous studies have identified that up to 60% of dogs are infected with methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), which are able to survive applications of antibiotics, the current frontline medication used to treat all bacterial infections. With an evident increase in antibiotic resistance and a parallel decline in effective treatment options, there is an urgent requirement for novel therapeutics. To address the demand for treatment options for canine S. pseudintermedius infections, our project focuses on bacteriophages (phages), which are small viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria of interest. To date, we have isolated four novel phages that successfully lyse multiple strains of S. pseudintermedius isolated from the skin, ear, urinary, reproductive and respiratory tract from infected dogs. We have also developed and optimised an in vivo silkworm model for the rapid safety and isual Representation of the autologous vaccine production process. efficacy testing of our phages, prior to their use in animals. This study will further optimise the development of our novel phages able to kill S. pseudintermedius into creams to treat topical canine pyoderma infections, or intravenous solutions for the treatment of systemic infections in the urinary, reproductive and respiratory tract. Promising results from this study will facilitate clinical trials of phage therapy in dogs, to advance phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics.

CRF: Phage therapy is the use of bacteriophages (a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria) to treat bacterial infections and are used as an alternative to antibiotics. Phages have been reported to be more effective than antibiotics in treating certain infections in humans. With an increasing number of bacteria becoming drug resistant to current antibiotics this project has important implications for the future treatment of a range of bacterial infections.

Mass spectrometry based blood plasma prostanoids quantification in dogs Professor Paul Mills – University of Queensland ($10,663.10) Pain in dogs can be difficult to assess. Dogs can obscure pain or have a high tolerance to pain and may show no signs of pain despite suffering.

Objective methods to assess pain are therefore required. There are no biomarkers established to study pain and inflammation in dogs. The conventional methods of accessing pain and inflammation are by studying behavioural changes, measuring cortisol, acute phase proteins and prostaglandins using ELISAs or RIAs. But these assays are time consuming, antibody and species specific, so expensive and prone to false results. Specific biomarkers of pain and inflammation would permit better understanding of disease and response to therapeutics. In addition to biomarkers, measuring the responses of inflammatory mediators, particularly the prostanoids, would be useful, since they are the direct target of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen and carprofen. Inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and other prostanoids are released in to systemic circulation in clinical conditions osteoarthritis, cancer and muscular dystrophy. Measuring these mediators can be an option to study pain and inflammation, early detection of diseases, and also helps to study the efficacy of analgesics.

Modem mass spectrometry-based biomarker discovery is gaining popularity in veterinary medicine for being specific, sensitive and label free techniques. Studying inflammatory mediators have always proven to be an important diagnostic tool in testing the efficacy of NSAIDs, cancer biology and chronic inflammatory disease conditions. Currently, there are

Assessment of BH3 mimetics against canine haematological malignancies Professor Caroline Mansfield, The University of Melbourne (10,020) As the development of BH3 mimetics has revolutionised the treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in people and is being investigated in other cancers including NonHodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), acute leukemia and multiple myeloma. These drugs cause apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells by binding and inhibiting the antiapoptotic protein BCL2. Venetoclax is a BH3 mimetic that has recently been approved for the treatment of CLL and acute myeloid leukemia in people and has greatly improved survival times in these diseases, which are known to over express BCL2. Hematological cancers including CLL, NHL, multiple myeloma, and acute leukaemia are common in dogs, representing more than 25% of all cancers. Increased BCL2 concentrations occur in dogs with NHL and may also occur following exposure to chemotherapy and prednisolone.

Therefore, BH3 mimetics may be an option for treatment of this cancer. The expression of BCL2 has not been evaluated in other haematological malignancies in dogs and the effect of BH3 mimetics in treating cancer in dogs has not been evaluated from dog-derived case samples. Our primary aim is to assess the sensitivity of cancer cells from dogs with haematological malignancies to BH3 mimetics in vitro. Our second aim is to measure expression of apoptotic proteins in dogs with hematological cancers compared to normal dogs, and dogs with diseases other than cancer that are receiving prednisolone. This study will provide initial information in determining whether BH3 mimetics may be rational treatments for dogs with hematological cancers.

CRF: A potentially novel treatment for blood cancers in dogs.

Mimetics are a new class of targeted anti-cancer compounds that function by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. A hallmark of many cancers is resistance against apoptosis and this can contribute to tumour formation or proliferation of the disease. Cancers of the blood (Haematological cancers) represent 25% of all cancers diagnosed in dogs. This project has the potential to develop a new treatment for cancers in dogs.

Assoc Prof Jan West Deakin University Trustee of the Canine Research Foundation February 2020 Canine Research Foundation Website: https://oz.dogs.net.au/crf Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/AustralianCanineResearchFoundation

page 63

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