Delmarva Unleashed Fall 2014

Vol. 6 Issue 5 - Fall 2014

Unleashed Delmarva

Pooch Palooza Event Schedule

Choosing A Pet Resort Ear Infections A Coat of Many Colors

The Legends of the

Black Dog 1

Photography by Next Wave Studios Delmarva Unleashed

Fall 2014

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Vol. 6 Issue 5 Fall 2014

Jinx

The Black Dog Study, A Pictorial

Delmarva Unleashed 5 Bark of the Town 6 Pooch Palooza Event Schedule 8 The Legends of the Black Dog 14 The Black Dog Study 20 Choosing a Pet Resort 24 When Is The Right Time To Say Goodbye?

26 Eek! 30 A Coat of Many Colors 36 Ear Infections 38 Doggie Socials

Publisher Sandy Phillips Creative Farin Phillips grandlivingmag@verizon.net Contributing Writers Polly Elliott Brandon Phillips Farin Phillips John Maniatty, V.M.D. Jaclyn Wolinski, D.M.V.

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Cover: Vader, companion of Jack Gadson of Baltimore.

Delmarva Unleashed is published six times a year; Winter, Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, and Holiday. It is circulated throughout Delaware, Marylands Eastern Shore and onto Virginia’s Eastern Shore and is published by Grand Living Magazine, LLC. Delmarva Unleashed is protected under trademark registration. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2014 Š, Grand Living Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Content in Delmarva Unleashed is intended to provide information only, and is in no way meant to treat or diagnose. Always consult with a speciality professional to address your own personal needs. The company makes every effort to ensure that all information presented is correct. However, we do not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information, and reliance on information provided is solely at your own risk.

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DU Cover Model Search Contestant

contents

Bark of the Town

Dog Bites On The Decline

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Learn about cat and dog mascots who survived ice storms, torpedo attacks, can capture at sea. Marvel at carrier pigeons and sled dogs who saved lives and carried out important military missions. Journals, diaries and other historic materials relate many endearing and courageous acts performed by maritime pets.

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A newly released study by the National Canine Research Council suggests that dog bites are on the decline since 2006. “Dog bites now account for only 1/10 of 1% of emergency room visits and are comparable in incidence, but less severe, than accidents involving many common household objects,” the review continues.

The council reports that “Scientists are finding that the dog who is integrated into the family, whose daily life includes opportunities for positive interactions with people, is simply safer than one who is kept as mearly a resident and largely isolated on the property.” This makes for an even better case for fido joining you in the house, traveling on family outings and in general being a “real” family member. The dog that is kept in the pen, on a regular basis, does not have the human interaction to master body language. This can make them feel more threatened and quick to react to unfamiliar movements and stressful situations.

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Time 8:30 9:00 10:00 10:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 4:00 5:00

Event Gates Open Speed Retrieve Photo Booth Opens Alternative Therapies Big Air Wave 1 Costume Contest Pie Eating Contest Big Air Wave II Cover Model Search Canine Fitness Health Tips & Tricks Photo Booth Closes Big Air Wave III Rabies Fact & Fiction Model Search Closes Big Air Finals Pooch Palooza Closes

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From the Hounds of the Baskerville, U.S. Public Domain

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I was alone on a dark path one warm fall night, I saw a flash of lightening up ahead and suddenly there was a huge black dog with gleaming red eyes. The dog was larger than any I had ever seen and I was struck with fear. There was another flash of light and again his eyes shown a red glow. His coat was shaggy yet his stance powerful. I was overwhelmed by the scene, somehow knowing the dog was not of this world, yet I felt truly no mean-spiritedness in the dog’s demeanor. Slowly the image faded into the darkness and I continued on my way.

The Legends of the Black Dog

A

by Sandy & Brandon Phillips

lthough the story above is fiction, foreboding legends have often made reference to large black dogs, such as the Grim, the Hell Hounds, the Barguest, the Hounds of the Baskerville and more. The first recorded story of ominous black coated dogs dates to 1127 in the “Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.”

The paper talks about a group of huntsmen who traveled by night, they rode large black horses and were accompanied by large black dogs with red glowing eyes. Doom or trouble seemed to befall every town where they were spotted and so the negative association with the black dogs began.

These stories that portray our canine friends as very ominous and threatening, most often originate in old England, and are a part of Celtic and German legends. Tales that have been passed down for generations lend to the mystery surrounding black coated dogs.

Did you know that subconsciously black dogs are more feared by most people? It’s the number one reason people choosing guard dogs, choose a black coated dog.

Many shelters report that black dogs are often over looked, according to USA Today. Is it because of such stories? Ironically the Labrador remains the most popular dog in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club, but they offer no information with regards to color. Of course Labs come in chocolate and yellow, but the Eastern Shore is home to many, many black Labs. Are we the exception to the standard? Is it a standard?

To share a few of the tales that may have given rise to what is now termed “black dog syndrome,” or the fear of black coated dogs, we have compiled a dozen of the beliefs surrounding these dark ideals that have given rise to the “legends of the black dog.”

In old England, dogs in particular those with seven toes, are supposed to be able to see ghosts. Others legends say that all dogs are aware of the presence of ghosts, if they are near them, and that their barking, whimpering or howling is often the first warning of a supernatural occurrence. It is said that when a dog is staring intently, for no apparent reason, if you look between the dog’s ears you’ll see a ghost.

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Packs of ghostly hounds have been recorded all over Britain, often heard howling as they pass by on stormy nights. These hounds are told to foretell death or disaster. If seen the proper action is to drop face down on the ground, as to avoid spotting them. In contrast, three white dogs seen together are considered lucky, in some areas of Europe, especially if they cross a traveler’s path, follow someone home or refuse to be driven off.

In Wales, only black dogs could see the death-bringing hounds of Annwn, a character of Welsh Mythology.

Centuries ago dogs were once feared as possible carriers of rabies, sometimes even healthy dogs were killed after biting a human for fear of the disease. It was believed that even if the dog developed rabies years later, the person that was previously bit would contract the disease. Remedies for the bite of a mad dog often included the patient being forced to eat part of the dog in question, such as its fur or a piece of cooked liver.

It’s also good to know that not all European superstitions are negative toward the dogs, in Scotland; a stranger dog coming to the house means a new friendship regardless of the color.

In England, to meet a spotted or black and white dog on your way to a business appointment is lucky.

The Greeks thought dogs could foresee evil and that black dogs were aware of Hecate, the ancient Greek goddess of witchcraft, whose presence often foretold death.

Howling compromised of a single howl, or three howls, and falling silent is said to mark a death that just occurred. Perhaps a howling dog at night 10

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means bad luck or that somebody close to you will become very ill.

Centuries ago in old Europe, black dogs were also used to cure illnesses.

One old charm, which was often used to supposedly cure a child’s illness, was to take the patients hair between slices of bread and butter and feed the sandwich to the dog as to pass the ailment along to the canine.

Probably the most interesting story to come out of Old England is that of the Black Shuck, sometimes called the Barguest or Padfoot. The Barguest of northern England was most commonly portrayed as a huge black dog with large eyes and feet which left no paw prints. Sightings had been reported in almost every county in England. The dog was said to be huge and very ominous. Legend of course says the dog was sent to Earth by the Devil himself, a true demon hound.

On the morning of August 4th 1577 a violent storm struck the town of East Anglia. It is said that a demon

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From the Hounds of the Baskerville, U.S. Public Domain

dog materialized in the parish church and rampaged causing the steeple to topple, and that the dog smashed the baptismal into tiny pieces. The hound is told to have killed three of the parishioners and scorched people as it passed by them. There were to have been marks of its huge claws on the door where it fled. Sightings of the dog continued after that, around cemeteries, old bridges, riverbanks and lonely lanes where the dog was said to haunt. People who told of encounters with the dog said they felt an icy chill on the back of their necks as the dog passed by. No matter the encounter, each person described the dog the very same; huge, black, ruff coated and with large glowing red eyes. Is this the same dog that gave rise to the superstitions of black dogs which are said to haunt lanes, bridges, crossroads, footpaths, and gates, particularly in 12

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Suffolk, England? The Barguest has a fearsome reputation in North Suffolk, yet in Essex it is said to protect those traveling by night creating even more mystery and controversy around the legend.

With all of the stories describing the mysterious black dog, the most interesting part of this tale is that archaeologists working in the ruins of Leiston Abbey in East Anglia have excavated the skeleton of a huge dog that would have weighed around 200 lbs and stood at least seven feet tall.

This massive beast was buried in a shallow grave in the Abbey and scientist think it would have been placed there around the same time as the most famous phantom black dog story was reported to have occurred, that of the Barguest.

Sir Author Conan Doyle’s Hounds of the Baskerville, is a literary creation of a group of black dogs that terrorized the Baskerville family around their home in the countryside of Devon. It took the genius of Sherlock Holmes to solve the case and stop the murders.

Perhaps Doyle took inspiration from local legend?

While mysterious legends are fun to share at Halloween, the office of Delmarva Unleashed has many black dogs. Maybe it’s an Eastern Shore thing, but we think they are simply beautiful! There is one additional legend we found in old Europe; it says that because the black coated dogs are supposed to have a connection to the supernatural, they offer outstanding protection from it.

Psst…they are often discounted at shelters this time of year. It’s a great time to adopt a black dog!

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The Black Dog Study

by Next Wave Studios

Grander

Jax 14

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Marla Delmarva Unleashed

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Gidget 16

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Abby

Max17

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all of these dogs are

mixed breed dogs c a n yo u g u e s s t h e m i x o f b r e e d s ?

Each of thEsE dogs was givEn a blood-basEd dna tEst* to dEtErminE mix of brEEds only two arE mixEd with labrador rEtriEvEr

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

*Tested with Mars Wisdom Panel™ MX by their owners: www.wisdompanel.com Significant 50% or more, Some 25%-49%, Distant 12.5%-24% 1. some Shetland Sheepdog 2. significant amount of Labrador Retriever, some Siberian Husky, distant traces of Silky Terrier 3. significant amount of Beagle and English Springer Spaniel 4. some American Staffordshire Terrier and Great Pyrenees, distant traces of Dalmatian and Alaskan Malamute 5. some Labrador Retriever and Chinese Crested, distant traces of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 6. some Australian Cattle Dog and Rottweiler, distant traces of Afghan Hound 7. significant amount of Chesapeake Bay Retriever with some Chihuahua 8. significant amount of Rottweiler and also includes distant traces of English Springer Spaniel 9. significant amount of Golden Retriever with some Chihuahua and Chow Chow

www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com

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Would you have ever guessed?

The black dogs, so called “Lab Mixes,” pictured to the left were tested with the Mars Wisdom Panel ™ MX by their owners: www.wisdompanel. com. Think anyone was surprised with the results?

Legend: Significant 50% or more, Some 25%-49%, Distant 12.5%-24% 1. Some Shetland Sheepdog 2. Significant amount of Labrador Retriever, some Siberian Husky, distant traces of Silky Terrier 3. Significant amount of Beagle and English Springer Spaniel 4. Some American Staffordshire Terrier and Great Pyrenees, distant traces of Dalmatian and Alaskan Malamute 5. Some Labrador Retriever and Chinese Crested, distant traces of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 6. Some Australian Cattle Dog and Rottweiler, distant traces of Afghan Hound 7. Significant amount of Chesapeake Bay Retriever with some Chihuahua 8. Significant amount of Rottweiler and also includes distant traces of English Springer Spaniel 9. Significant amount of Golden Retriever with some Chihuahua and Chow Chow

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Choosing a Pet Resort

by Sandy Phillips

C

hoosing your pet’s home away from home, while you are on holiday, is one of the more important choices you can make for them. If you haven’t boarded in a while, you should take the time to see what’s new in pet lodging. Many of us, who consider our pets to be family members and experience the “guilt” of leaving them behind, tend to consider a “pet resort” for many reasons.

Like a human resort, a pet resort typically offers more amenities than a traditional kennel. From supervised play groups, or doggie daycare, to spa treatments, your fury friend can enjoy a getaway that will rival your own.

Although the confinement is often a standard link pen, the amenities of the quarters takes lodging to the next level. Many have “toddler” beds or other luxury embellishments to get your pet up off the cold cement floor. Even in a heated facility, a concrete floor can be chilling to an older animal.

Maryland Shore Pet Resort in Vienna, even boasts a radiant heated floor 20

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for winter warmth. Those same units offer misters that lower the outside temperature of the unit 20 degrees, in the heat of summer. Some resorts offer painted walls that mimic the home atmosphere; others go even further offering the familiar sights and sounds of the television within view of, or in the confinement area. There are also resorts that offer private no-stress VIP rooms complete with furniture creating the K-9 version of a hotel room.

Not to forget kitty, the “Cat Condos” of Maryland Shore Pet Resort will have your cat in heaven. Each unit here offers three floors (cat-size floors) for play, hiding, and a full glass window spanning each floor for outdoor enjoyment. The only thing missing is the oceanfront view. Kitty will let that go when she spends time exploring the feline lounge.

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to allow web cams to transmit directly to your smartphone, so you can check in on the daily events.

South Paw Pet Resort, in Willards sends image text that will be a must for the vacation scrap book. Treasured photos of your dog enjoying their facility will make you feel much less guilty for dropping them off. Just check your cell when you have service to view the fun.

Sound expensive? It’s a competitive industry. Basic packages are simple and offer traditional options in the upgraded atmosphere. The confinement will have the “resort” components coupled with daily outdoor playtime and interaction like a traditional kennel.

The price only increases when you add “options” to your pets stay.

Maybe you will add a spa treatment, like bathing, massage or a pawdicure.

Perhaps you want your pet to have extra or one-on-one play time. Private walks at South Paw Pet Resort can include a visit to their on-site pond.

What retriever wouldn’t love fetching a few balls from the water on that special outing? There are often options for “yappy hour” where your pet can indulge in gourmet treats, sometimes baked right on the premises. Perhaps there is a pool for the dogs or maybe fido will participate in some schooling classes with a trained professional while on holiday. Frivolous add on’s?

That depends on your perspective.

Most likely all worth the extra charge to be sure your dog looks forward to going back to the resort. It’s so much easier to leave them when they run in the door to see what’s happening!

One must consider add on, is the use of the limousine service. Many resorts

will come to your door and pick up your fury family member. It’s a huge time saver when you’re pressed for time to get to the airport. When you return, you can relax knowing the limo will return the fur-kids home once confirming your arrival.

Be sure to ask about the food service. Check to see what brand is provided and if you have the option to bring your pet’s own food. Some animals will always find a degree of separation stress, in even the best environments, and you don’t want the loss of a familiar necessity to add to the load.

Ask about bringing your pets toys or other familiar extras. Most will permit “comfort items” so be sure to pack a few for the trip.

An unannounced visit is also a good idea. It’s nice to know what happens and how clean the facility is when they aren’t expecting an arrival or departure. If the resort manager is welcoming and invites you to tour the facility unannounced, it’s a sure sign they have nothing to hide. See if the confined animals seem happy and enthusiastic in the environment. Ask to see the room where the meals are prepared and inspect the food storage methods.

However you comprise your pets stay, they will be anything but board at a real pet resort.

by Jaclyn Wolinski, DVM

When Is The Right Time To Say Goodbye?

O

ver the years, animals have become more like family than mere property. Our pets have filled roles as friends, companions, confidants, guardians and even surrogate children.

Most of us don’t like to think about the end of our pet’s life and many of us don’t know how to start that discussion, but we owe it to them to plan ahead for the day when it’s time to say goodbye.

Wikipedia defines euthanasia as “the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering.”

Euthanasia should never be used for convenience, but should be viewed as the final gift you can give your pet who has a diminished quality of life due to advanced disease, complications from aging, or both. But how do you define quality of life?

Everyone has a different opinion of what makes their pet happy and, therefore, the decision of when, or if, to euthanize is a very personal one. If 24

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your pet is sick, then you are likely interacting with your veterinarian on a regular basis and he/she will make recommendations as they deem necessary, but what signs can you watch for at home?

Many pets with failing health will refuse to eat or will only nibble at treats. While this is a very obvious sign of a problem, not all dogs will stop eating. Some dogs will maintain a strong appetite, but will suffer from immobility, either from weakness or pain. This situation can be managed depending on the household and the caregiver’s ability, as long as the pet is comfortable and still happy interacting with its environment.

Some people might argue that an animal could not possibly be happy in such circumstances, but most dogs’ happiness is not defined by their mobility. Dogs find happiness from their interactions with their family and favorite things. If you have a dock dog

competitor or a Frisbee dog who can no longer compete, then their quality of life may be very poor, but if you have a couch potato whose favorite activity is snuggling with a stuffed animal, then immobility might be an easier transition for them.

Most pet owners/guardians have a close enough relationship with their pet that they know when they’re happy and content, or not. As difficult as it is, that makes you the best person to decide when is the right time. Try not to worry too much about getting the exact right moment; there is often a “window” of time that is right. When your pet stops seeking out your interaction or loses that “sparkle” in his/her eye, then it might be time.

When the time comes, there are a few more decisions to make. Will you take your pet to your vet’s office for that final visit or would you rather the pro-

cedure be done in the comfort of your home? If your vet does not provide home euthanasia services, then they may be able to refer you to a veterinarian who does. Will you be able to stay in the room with your pet to comfort them through the experience or will you choose not to be present? When the procedure is complete, do you have a place for burial or would you prefer cremation? There are many options for private cremation that ensure your pet’s ashes are returned to you and many funeral homes offer small urns for purchase.

Whenever you decide and however you choose to proceed, it’s important to remember the positive aspect of euthanasia. It is a gift of rest and a release from pain. Try not to dwell on the loss, but try to focus on the many happy memories you made with your pet. Think of them and smile.

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Eek!

by Brandon Phillips

T

he stings of bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and the bites of ants all cause painful swelling and redness at the site of the sting, usually on a hairless area such as the nose or feet of your dog.

The swelling may include the face and neck, even if the dog was not stung on the face. If the dog is stung many times, he could go into shock as a result of absorbed toxins. Occasionally, anaphylactic shock develops in a dog who has been stung in the past.

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The bites of black widow and brown recluse spiders are toxic to animals.

The first sign is sharp pain at the site of the bite. Later the dog develops intense excitability, fever, weakness, and muscle and joint pains. Seizures, shock, and death can occur, especially with the bite of the black widow. An antivenom is available to treat these bites, head to your vet right away if you find yourself in this situation.

Treatment: 1. Identify the insect.

2. If the stinger is found (a small black sac), remove it by scraping it out with your fingernail or a credit card.

Do not squeeze or use tweezers, as this can inject more venom. (Note that only bees leave their stingers behind.)

3. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the sting.

4. Apply an ice pack to relieve the pain and swelling.

5. Apply calamine lotion to relieve the itching.

6. Your veterinarian may prescribe an antihistamine.

Multiple stings can be dangerous.

Most of the time, an insect sting is just painful and irritating for your dog. Getting stung several times, or stung inside the mouth can be a more serious concern and requires a trip to the veterinarian. Bee and wasp stings are poisons and are the most common types of stinging insects. It’s not the small puncture wound that causes the sting's pain, but the small amount of poison that is injected.

• A bee’s stinger is barbed and designed to lodge in the skin, killing the bee when the stinger detaches from the body.

• Wasp stingers are not barbed but are more painful, and if provoked these insects can sting multiple times, compounding the threat to your dog.

A sting on your dog’s sensitive nose is particularly painful. Some dogs may even get stung on the tongue, mouth or throat if they try to bite or catch an insect. Again, these stings can be dangerous. The subsequent swelling can close your dog’s throat and block

its airway. Watch for allergic reactions.

Signs can include: • General weakness • Difficulty breathing • A large amount of swelling extending away from the sting site If your dog is having a severe reaction, you need to take the dog to a vet immediately.

Maintain a watchful eye on your dog. Observe your dog closely after the sting incident to ensure an allergic reaction doesn’t develop. If several days pass and the swelling does not go down, notify your veterinarian.

Keep all of these treatment methods in mind and stay calm when following these steps so you don’t cause additional stress for your dog. Remember that unlike humans, dogs explore the world mainly through smell and taste.

This attribute makes them prone to such bites and stings on their fleshy nose which happens to be one of the most sensitive areas on their body. Be wary and monitor the seasons; realizing that most of these toxic animals are active in the warmer months will help heighten your awareness and make you more likely to catch a sting or bite early. This quick diagnosis will help facilitate the healing of your animal and keep them in as little pain as possible. Remember if you don’t feel comfortable with any of the steps listed here, have your veterinarian see your dog and make his/her own judgment call as pertained to the situation at hand.

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6th Annual

WAG -nWALK

& 5K Run

Saturday,October 25 Glasgow Park, Newark, DE Register online: PAWSforPeople.org 5K Run/Walk 1-Mile Doggie Walk PAWS Party & Food Registration 8:00 am Doggie Contests Begin 10:45

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New guest receive 20% off base lodging!

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4556 Ocean Gateway, Vienna MdShorePetResort.com 410.376.2107

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Saturday Oct. 4th www.PoochPalooza.com

Jaclyn Wolinski, DVM

Chiropractic Acupuncture Full Service House Calls

By Appointment Only 410-726-4145 www.drwvet.com

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302-581-0046 Delmarva Unleashed

Fall 2014

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A Coat Of Many Colors

by Farin Phillips

Grubbs

T

esting your mixed dog’s DNA to determine what breeds he really is comprised of seems to be all the rage these days. You go to your local Humane Society and you adopt a dog that they believe is a “Labrador mix,” but is it really? The shelter staff are going on basic physical characteristics but the overall appearance of the package can be very deceiving based on tests conducted by the National Canine Research Council. In today’s world, solving the mystery can be very simple. Simply swab the inside of our dog’s mouth, and send it away for DNA analysis.

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Now the big question...Does it really matter? What is the point of paying for this test? It is believed that a dog’s ancestry can have a large effect on their life overall. It all goes back to how the domestic dog has evolved over the years. Today’s dog is thought to be a descendent from the gray wolf, and depending on the region and the work that the dogs were used for, there were differences in their evolutionary paths. Many of the pure-bred breeds that we are familiar with today are the result of selective breeding for specific attributes; including hunting, guarding, and herding, along with differ-

ent physical traits such as coat, size, and shape. A dog’s ancestry can have a big effect on a dog in other ways besides the obvious physical traits.

If you know that you have a dog that is breed for herding, you will have a better understanding of the dog’s natural tendencies. You will be able to create a tailored training, exercise, and nutrition program that fits your dog’s specific needs. Some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions and being aware of the potential can help you make better choices regarding your pet’s overall health.

That being said, determining what breed of dog your have is not all black and white. They could have multiple different breed ancestors. For example, the Cockapoo is created by breeding a purebred Cocker Spaniel and a purebred Miniature Poodle. Now

Ocean City Animal Hospital

if that Cockapoo is mixed with a different breed of dog, and then that offspring is bred with a different breed, you end up with an outbred dog. This new dog has many different ancestral lines and can exhibit a variety of physical characters. As the generations continue to change it can become increasing difficult to see the original traits of their purebred ancestors.

A great example are the photos that accompany this article. At first glance, most people would agree that most of the dogs pictured had some amount of Pitbull in their bloodlines. Each one of those dogs had their DNA analyzed, and the results are actually quite surprising. See if you can guess the different breed of these dogs, before you read the legend. From this example it is very clear that you can’t judge the book by its cover, seeing that not a

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Delmarva Unleashed

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single one of those dogs has a trace of Pit Bull in their heritage.

So, how is it that some of those dogs look textbook Pit Bull without a trace of the breed in their bloodlines?

Your dog’s appearance is determined by their DNA, which is why DNA breed identification tests are more reliable than a simple visual assessment. The physical traits that we see are controlled by approximately 50 of the aloms 20,000 genes that your dog possesses. Sometimes certain breeds exhibit certain physical traits because they have a specific gene that encodes for the trait.

Having a DNA test done will show the recessive traits that your dog has.

When genes are inherited from the parent dogs, the will inherit part of their traits from their dam and part from their sire. If the offspring inherits the dominant trait from both of the parents then that is the characteristic that the dog will exhibit, no questions asked; same if they both pass along a recessive gene. If one of the parents has the dominant and one has the recessive, the recessive genes are masked by the dominant gene. So there is a lot of information that can be obtained from the recessive genes that you are unable to see within your pet.

The tests on the market do not asses every one of the 20,000 genes that your dog possess. The regions of the genome that is assessed takes into account a lot more information than a simple visual observation, including the pattern of genetic variation that can occur at many different regions across the canine genome. Therefore, the genetic evidence that is discovered may not always agree with the 32

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outward appearance of the dog. The results do however go along with the scientific information that has been discovered over more than two decades of studying and sequencing the canine genome.

Delmarva Unleashed spoke with readers who have used the MARS test to learn more about their own mixed breed/shelter dogs. It’s not surprising that there were lots of hidden surprises awaiting them in the test results. Dee Williams tells DU that she was a little disappointed in the results that showed that her dog, Grubbs, had a low percentage of Golden Retriever given the fact that her mother was a purebred Golden. Dee was told that Mom was visited in the night by a mysterious stranger and “oops.” Apparently the mystery male had very dominant genes! It’s also interesting that Grubbs litter mate, Yanda, has a very different outward appearance. It simply supports the fact that everyone is different even from the same family.

Lila Goodman’s dog Valentine hides her ancestry very well. According to her test results, she is part Bulldog, which was not a surprise, part Dalmatian and surprisingly part Irish Setter, St. Bernard and Japanese chin, with a bit of American Staffordshire Terrier thrown in. See her photo here and ponder that one.

Lucy, the outwardly appearing Labrador pictured here with Talia Grover, is truly part Lab, but also Border Collie, German Shepard and Irish Setter.

According to Lucy’s mom, Colleen Hylson-Smith, the DNA report indicates that there are several possibilities for “detection threshold” or likelihood.

“In Lucy’s case, there is a very high

potential for Border Collie mixed with Irish Setter and a slighter possibility for Lowchen, Scottish Deerhound and American Foxhound to be in her mix,” In short they now know that three of Lucy’s grandparents were purebred dogs and one was a mix with many possible ancestries! Colleen has another dog, Allie, which has had a DNA analysis completed after being rescued from a shelter. “Everyone assumed she was a German Shepherd mix, from the family vet to strangers. After completing the Wisdom Panel 2.0 (MARS) we discovered she is not German Shepard at all! She is Collie, German Shorthaired Pointer, Chow Chow & Siberian Husky. The test went back to her grandparents, who were each purebred dogs. According to the test, one of her parents was a Chow Collie mix and the other was a GSHP Husky mix. The test is very helpful as it is helping us understand some of her behavior patterns. For instance, Allie loves to stalk birds, now we know why! The test also gives us an idea of how big she will end up as well as any potential health issues each breed may have passed along.”

It’s truly amazing the insight technology can now provide us with regarding our furry friends. Each of the dog Mom’s we spoke with seemed excited to share the results about their pups and that the overall experience helps them better understand their dogs. “Sometime I would just look at Roxy and wonder, said Kym Gailey, and now I know.”

Allie

Roxy Valentine

Lucy

Yanda & Grubbs Delmarva Unleashed

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Legend: Significant 50% or more, Some 25%-49%, Distant 12.5%-24%

Ares

More From the National Canine Research Council Call the insurance company! You may not really have a Pit Bull mix!

Check out what these DNA test show about this group. Can you pick out the real Pit mix before reading the legend?

Psst...it’s a trick question.

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1. Significant Boxer with some Bulldog 2. Distant traces of Smooth Fox Terrier 3. Significant Chihuahua with some Cocker Spaniel 4. Some Rottweiler and Boston Terrier 5. Some German Shepherd and distant traces of Affenpinscher 6. Some Chinese Shar-Pei and distant traces of Rottweiler 7. Some American Staffordshire Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog 8. Distant traces of Basset Hound, Dalmatian and Pug 9. Significant American Staffordshire Terrier and distant traces of Boxer 10. Some German Shepherd Dog and distant traces of Basset Hound, Norwegian Elkhound and Samoyed 11. Distant traces of Basset Hound, Dalmatian, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier 12. Some Rottweiler and distant traces of Clumber Spaniel, German Wirehaired Pointer and Newfoundland 13. Some Boston Terrier and distant traces of Bulldog 14. Distant traces of Borzoi, Brussels Griffon, Dachshund, English Cocker Spaniel and Samoyed 15. Some Boxer and distant traces of Bernese Mountain Dog, Briard, Dalmatian and Welsh Springer Spaniel 16. Distant traces of Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Dalmatian, Mastiff and Whippet

all of these dogs are

mixed breed dogs c a n yo u g u e s s t h e m i x o f b r e e d s ?

Each of thEsE dogs was givEn a blood-basEd dna tEst* to dEtErminE mix of brEEds only thrEE of thEsE dogs arE “pit bull” mixEs

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

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15

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*Tested with Mars Wisdom Panel™ MX by their owners: www.wisdompanel.com Significant 50% or more, Some 25%-49%, Distant 12.5%-24% 1. significant Boxer with some Bulldog 2. distant traces of Smooth Fox Terrier 3. significant Chihuahua with some Cocker Spaniel 4. some Rottweiler and Boston Terrier 5. some German Shepherd Dog and distant traces of Affenpinscher 6. some Chinese Shar-Pei and distant traces of Rottweiler 7. some American Staffordshire Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog 8. distant traces of Basset Hound, Dalmatian and Pug 9. significant American Staffordshire Terrier and distant traces of Boxer 10. some German Shepherd Dog and distant traces of Basset Hound, Norwegian Elkhound and Samoyed 11. distant traces of Basset Hound, Dalmatian, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier 12. some Rottweiler and distant traces of Clumber Spaniel, German Wirehaired Pointer and Newfoundland 13. some Boston Terrier and distant traces of Bulldog 14. distant traces of Borzoi, Brussels Griffon, Dachshund, English Cocker Spaniel and Samoyed 15. some Boxer and distant traces of Bernese Mountain Dog, Briard, Dalmatian and Welsh Springer Spaniel 16. distant traces of Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Dalmatian, Mastiff and Whippet

www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com

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Ear Infections:

Common Problem With Not So Simple Answers.

by John Maniatty, V.M.D.

I

n 2012, Veterinary Pet Insurance published a list of the 10 most common health problems in dogs.

Ear infections were second on the list behind skin allergies. Ear problems arise from poor conformation (shape of the ear canal), hair growing in the canal, foreign debris clogging the canal, parasites, and allergies leading to excessive oils secretion.

A dog and cat’s ear canal starts with the Pinna (ear flap) that connects to an opening that goes downward called the vertical canal. This makes an almost 90 degree turn and becomes the horizontal canal which ends at the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Lining this is skin. From there the middle ear starts with the ossicles. They sit up top spanning the bullae, a hollow boney chamber, that forms the middle ear. Ossicles carry vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the cochlea of the inner ear. Off the bullae is the Eustachian tube, which connects it to the nasopharynx. This helps to allow drainage from the bullae and maintain air pressure in the middle ear. The cochlea serves two purposes. It converts sounds from vibrations to electrical impulses and helps to control balance.

The conformation can have an effect in all three areas.

Conformation deals with diameter and tortuousness (twists and turns).

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These both can effect airflow through the canal that allows for evaporation of oils from the skin. If the oil does not evaporate it turns to wax and allows for yeast and bacteria to overgrow. This leads to infection that in turn irritates the skin causing more oil secretion. This usually starts in the horizontal canal and works it’s way up. Clinical signs we see are shaking the head, scratching at ears, rubbing against furniture, holding ears back.

With repeated ear infections the skin builds up fibrous tissue shrinking the diameter of the canal and making it more tortuous. Tortuousness deals more with the flow of air into and through the canals. Ears that “hang” block the opening to the canal. The angle at the junction of the vertical and horizontal canal can be less then 90 degrees and disrupt airflow. Some canals can have a dip similar to a drain catch on the pipes of a sink. All these can lead to chronic wax build up and infection. Over time this may require surgery to correct.

Hair growing in the canals and foreign material can block airflow.

Certain breeds, such as the schnauzers and poodles; tend to have excessive hair in their ears. This does not guarantee a problem will occur and each dog needs to be evaluated individually.

Those that it creates a problem for

will require the ears to be plucked on a regular basis. A groomer can do this but sometimes it requires the Veterinarian. Removal of certain foreign bodies such as plant material, require sedation too.

Parasites, specifically ear mites, live in the ear canal feeding on wax and oil. They pierce the skin while feeding and the irritation stimulates excessive wax production. The mites complete life cycle, egg to adult, takes 18-28 days. They live in the wax. It is important to clean the wax out before treatment so the medicine can get to the mites. Treatment is 7 days on then off 7 days then repeat another 7 days and recheck at end of 21 days.

Allergies will cause over secretion of oils from the glands. This leads to wax build up despite good airflow. Besides the ears being oily the coat may be too. An odor is usually associated with it. The allergies can be from inhalant or food. Sometimes by changing diet we can help clear a chronic infection.

Treatment depends on how severe the wax build up is and how tender the ear canal. The first step is to take a sample and look under the microscope to see if it is normal wax or if there is an overgrowth of bacteria and/ or yeast. Sometimes if it is a chronic problem, having been treated repeatedly, we will culture to determine exactly which bacteria it is and what antibiotic it is sensitive too. Cleaning

can be done awake or sedated depending how painful the ear is. We will use a prescription ear flush that has antibiotic and antifungal properties.

This cleaning facilitates the physical removal of debris containing bacteria along with the medicinal destruction of bacteria. Once the wax is out we can then place drops or instill a more viscous material that may last up to 2 weeks to topically treat. If it’s a severe infection oral antibiotic, oral antifungal and steroids can be added in.

Antibiotics and antifungals help fight the infection from the inside out where the topicals treat from the outside in.

Steroids help decrease oil production and take down inflammation opening up the ear canal making it easier to clean and improve airflow. Once we get the ear infection under control then cleaning every two to four weeks is recommended. For dogs that swim a lot, cleaning at the end of the day is advised.

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Doggie Socials Celebrating our readers dogs, out and about on the shore.

Nannette

Kiya & Dixie

Lucy enjoying “Starbucks� with her human Maci.

Ellee

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Jacob Sassafrass

Cruiser Detty - German Sheppard Loyal to and Loved by Sherie, Jared & Diana 2001-2014

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4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day Saturday, October 4 7:30 -3:00 pm Join us as we raise awareness and support for breast cancer research.

Raffles with all proceeds being donated to

Women Supporting Women

Fun Food Prizes & SALES!

Salisbury, MD

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Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00

Sat. 7:30-3:00

302-846-9500

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