B. A. C. K. C. S. C.

Bay Area Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

July 2000

President's Message

NEW BREEDING PROTOCOL IN SWEDEN

The Swedish Kennel Club is inaugurating a new breeding protocol for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which is slated to become effective January 1, 2001. Designed with input from the Swedish Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, the SKC's new breeding requirements represent an attempt to reduce mitral valve disease in Cavaliers.Many of us know mitral valve disease in Cavaliers all too well; your own dog may have an MVD murmur, or a dog of yours may be taking medication for heart disease, or one may have succumbed to MVD. Cavalier fanciers are aware that this is the most serious and significant health concern in the breed.

MVD affects many other breeds of dogs (and humans), but Cavaliers have an earlier onset and a greater incidence of MVD than other breeds. One study stated that 50% of Cavaliers have a murmur by the age of 5 and almost all have one by 10 years. Once a murmur is diagnosed, it may or may not progress quickly. Sometimes the dog lives a quite normal life for many years, while others have much more rapidly progressing MVD, often with fatal results. Many Cavaliers receive medication to help control the condition. There is no cure.

This propensity for mitral valve disease is believed to have a genetic connection, but it is not a simple one. Most authorities believe that it is polygenic (caused by multiple genes) - because of this, breeding out the tendency to develop MVD is very difficult. The best advice for breeding away from this disease is to breed only Cavaliers who have clear hearts - most breeders check their dogs annually and remove dogs from their breeding programs if an MVD murmur is diagnosed. Part of the problem is that a dog may have been bred several times before its murmur appears. However, waiting to breed till a dog is five or older is very impractical.

Recommendations several years ago suggested that no Cavalier be bred before it is at least 2-1/2 with a clear heart, and that its parents be at least 5 with clear hearts. Many breeders around the globe adhere to this plan; many do not.

The new Swedish protocol goes beyond simple recommendations. Heart clearances will now be a requirement of the SKC.

Swedish Cavalier fancier Nina Lindstršm wrote this description of the new protocol (reprinted here, with permission of Nina and the Swedish Cavalier Club, from a post on one of the CKCS lists):

"BREEDING RULES FOR CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL:

"a.. A dog or bitch must be at least 24 months of age before being used for breeding.

"b.. A dog or bitch must have a clear Heart certificate. The certificate must have been issued within 8 months prior to the date of mating. The minimum age at which an official Heart certificate can be issued is 24 months. All heart testing of younger stock shall be regarded as unofficial and the results registered as preliminary.

"c.. A dog or bitch must not be used for breeding where its Sire or Dam has developed a murmur before the age of 4 years Where one or both parents do not have a clear Heart certificate at a minimum age of 4 years, the progeny must be at least 4 years of age and have a clear Heart certificate before being used for breeding.

DEFINITIONS:

"a.. An application for exemption can be made to the SKC where the Sire or Dam of a bitch does not hold a clear Heart certificate at the age of 4 years. The progeny of a bitch granted such exemption, are prohibited from breeding until the bitch is at least 4 years of age and has a clear Heart certificate.

"b.. All progeny of a dog or bitch that has developed a murmur before the age of 4 years are prohibited from breeding. Where a dog or bitch receives a clear Heart certificate after being diagnosed with a murmur, the progeny may then be used for breeding. The change of diagnosis, procedure must comply with SKC rules.

"c.. Litters bred contrary to SCKCS/SKC rules, will be registered by the SKC but are prohibited from breeding.

"d.. Continuous evaluation and monitoring will be carried out by the SKC and SCKCS. All Heart certificates must be issued by a registered Cardiologist in accordance with a procedure approved by the SKC.

"e.. Before being used for breeding, a dog or bitch must also have a clear Eye-certificate and a clear Patella-certificate. These certificates are recommended by the SCKCS. SCKCS also recommends that all stock used for breeding, continue to be heart tested annually until the age of 7 years, even if they no longer are bred from."

At first glance, this protocol may seem less restrictive than the first one - 2 years/4 years vs. the previous 2-1/2 years/5 years - but in reality it is much stricter. No longer simply recommendations, the 2yrs/4yrs protocol is required in Sweden, and puppies from litters bred out of compliance will be prohibited from breeding by the SKC.

Many people have wondered what the Swedish Cavalier breeders think of this. Nina's comment was, "I just wanted to tell you all that I don't know of any Swedish breeders who seem upset about this new protocol. They all seem very positive to it. I think most of us over here see it as a good thing for the breed, and not as a problem for our own breeding."

Will this system work to reduce mitral valve disease? No one knows. The SKC and Swedish Cavalier breeders are hopeful that it will, but no conclusions can be drawn for years, until enough MVD statistics are available for puppies born under this protocol. In the meantime, Cavalier fanciers around the world will be watching and waiting to see if progress can be made.

Joanne Nash, BACKCSC President

 
Fun Day 2000

Over 57 attendees plus Cavalier attendees: Graham, Brighton, Mardie, Fred, Ginger, Wallis, Bertie II, Byron, Alec, Dimples, Misty, Chaps, Sir, Hughie, Archie, Julie, Chauncy, Vinny, Cyril, Molly, Kismet, Sassie, Lazali, Cordelia, Caramia, Abby, Dr. Zeus, Dawson, Darby, Dannon, Raleigh, Carlos, Erin, Spencer, Rocky, Sasha, Dina, Casey, Shamrock, Tara, Jezebel, Rowley, Gwyneth, Rex, Sabrina, Morgan, Penny, Chelsea, Weber, Lily, Laddie, Teddy, Keith Richards, Nigel, Sunny, Given, Ben, Rex, Madison, Duncan, Reese and a few that forgot to paw in or print was not legible!!!

Contributed by Jo Anne Mittelman

 

New Additions

Welcome to new club member Gini Campbell of Santa Clara. Gini has English Setters and Cavaliers.

 

Also, three members reported new arrivals of the four legged type:

Donna Brock e-mailed me to say "Sabrina had BABIES!!!!!!! I bred her to Alec. 1 blenheim girl, 1 blk/tan girl, 1 ruby girl and 1 tri-color boy. All four colors I am so EXCITED."

 

 

 

 

 

Next, Jo Anne Mittelman and Kumar Subramanian dropped a line that they have a charming 3 month old tricolor boy Pinecrest Fiddler on the Roof of Loch Lomond aka "Fletcher".

Lastly, Lyn and I had our first litter. Leighla and Guido brought us two wonderful blenheim girls on April 12th. We also had the good fortune to receive a call from a friend in England that a young boy was available that matched our lines so we also have Sheerer Lad, a 11 mo. old blenheim.

 

 

Tom Lams' Workshop

BACKCSC is, again, sponsoring Tom and Kay Lams' very popular and extremely successful "Sensitivity to Balance" conformation handling seminar.

We all want to present our Cavaliers to their best advantage (i.e. moving freely and happily) in the show ring. Tom and Kay's approach to training is so well suited to the Cavalier's temperament because their emphasis is on communication with your dog, NOT intimidation. As a result, the dogs move in a natural, balanced way keeping their happy temperament. Words can't quite describe this learning experience, so give yourself AND your lucky Cavalier a real treat! Mark Sunday, October 8th (8:30 - 5:00) on your calendar, and plan to participate in this special BACKCSC event!

This seminar is limited to 18 participants.

More information will be forthcoming, but if you know you are interested in attending, please contact Jo Anne Mittelman at 925 484-9030 to insure a space.

 
Upcoming Activities

 

Mark your calendar so you can join us for the following BACKCSC activities:

Aug 27 - Meeting and Nutritionist from UC Davis

Oct 1 - Meeting and Agility Workshop, Gilroy

Oct 8 - Tom Lams Handling with Sensitivity Workshop, Sunol

Oct 20/21 - National Cavalier Specialty, Pleasanton Fairgrounds

Nov 5 - Meeting, Election of Officers and CERF Eye Clinic

Dec 10 - Holiday Social

N. CA Shows

July 15 & 16 - Del Monte Kennel Club, Carmel.

July 22 & 23 - Coyote Hills Kennel Club, Hayward.

Aug 5 - Oakland Kennel Club, Vallejo.

Aug 6 - Richmond Dog Fanciers Club, Vallejo.

Aug 12 & 13 - Salinas Valley Kennel Club, Salinas.

Aug. 19 & 20 - Santa Cruz KC, Santa Cruz

Sept. 9 & 10 - Redwood Empire KC, Petaluma

Sept 16 & 17 - Sir Francis Drake KC, San Rafael

Sept 23 & 24 - Gavilian KC, Gilroy

Oct 13, 14 & 15 - Yuba City

 

 

   Cavalier Quilt

Sherry Nagel has graciously volunteered to create a Cavalier Quilt for the October Specialty Raffle.

Anyone who was at the Napa meeting got a chance to see how Sherry created a fabulous Cavalier pillow by a process in which she prints color photographs directly onto fabric. She then sews the photocloth into the piece. She needs a selection of irresistible Cavalier photographs to make photocloths for the quilt. She can accept digital photos by email or color prints by mail (contact info is in the roster or call any club officer). Please put a label on the back of any photos sent so they can be returned. Photo preference would be Cavaliers without people or other breeds unless care giving or a real special pose. Please send ASAP because time is needed to sew the quilt after creating the photocloth.

Health Corner

During its first few hours of life, your puppy receives natural immunity against most diseases from its mother's first milk, the colostrum. But eventually your pup or kitten's immune system will have to fend for itself. Vaccinations provide your pup good protection against life-threatening diseases. Here's an explanation about what vaccines you need and what ones you may want to consider, according to veterinarians at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana.

Distemper----Distemper can be fatal for puppies. It involves gastrointestinal, nervous system, and respiratory complications. The vaccine for this world-wide disease, which is related to measles, was developed in the 1960s. Your puppy can get distemper via airborne distemper particles from exposure to wildlife and other distemper-infected pets. Get your pup's first vaccination for this disease and others at 9 weeks. Your veterinarian may recommend earlier vaccinations, especially if your pup did not receive colostrum. Two more shots 2 weeks apart are needed to protect your pup. The last shot should occur after 15 weeks. Yearly boosters are recommended.

Adenovirus----Adenovirus is sometimes called dog hepatitis because it targets the liver, but it also affects the kidneys, eyes, and vasculature. Humans can live with the hepatitis viruses for a long time, but many dogs with an acute onset of Adenovirus have a very poor prognosis and could die within hours. Dogs who survive secrete Adenovirus for 6 to 9 months in their urine and could infect non-vaccinated pups. Don't worry; dog hepatitis is not transmissible to humans and vice versa. This vaccination also occurs at the same time as distemper.

Leptospirosis----The bacterium Leptospirosis----found in infected mammal's urine or urine-contaminated bodies of water----can penetrate skin or mucous membranes and invade your or your pet's bloodstream. Its effects range from diarrhea to abortion to chronic renal failure. The current vaccine can be given at the same time as distemper and adenovirus, but some pets are allergic to the lepto vaccine, so lepto is available separately.

Unfortunately, the lepto vaccine doesn't protect against all strains of leptospirosis, and it lasts only 6 to 8 months. If you have a high-risk dog----a dog that is exposed to marshy areas, ponds, or heavily irrigated pastures----your veterinarian may recommend a twice-a-year schedule. Remember, even though your dog is protected against some of the common strains of lepto via the vaccine, it could still become infected with a different form.

Parvovirus----Parvo can devastate any pup, but rottweilers, Dobermans, and springer spaniels are especially susceptible. Parvo causes bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and anorexia, which is often fatal in puppies. Anywhere dogs congregate----parks, pet shows, kennels----are risk areas for parvo exposure. The parvo vaccination protocol is determined on the basis of your puppy's risk. It is often recommended that parvo vaccinations be given every 3 to 4 weeks from 3 to 20 weeks of age, depending on your pet's level of risk. Annual revaccinations are recommended.

Coronavirus----Most older dogs recover from a corona virus infection, but in younger pups it may cause death. Corona virus has an incidence in kennels up to 30 percent. It often occurs at the same time as parvovirus. Discuss with your veterinarian whether the corona vaccine is necessary for your puppy. Your pup is ready for this vaccine at 6 weeks, with boosters every 2 to 3 weeks until dogs are 12 weeks of age.

Rabies----Most of us associate rabies with the mad dog frothing at the mouth, eager to bite anything near it. Although this is a common presentation in countries where there is a very high population of unvaccinated stray dogs, in the United States rabies usually appears in wild animals. By law you must vaccinate your dog for rabies; your pet is ready for this shot at 12 weeks. After this first shot, you need to get periodic vaccinations, according to your state's regulations. Your veterinarian may recommend a shot that lasts one year or three years. All warm-blooded animals----including you----can get rabies. The prognosis is fatal.

Lyme----If you live in an area where Lyme disease is endemic, consider this vaccine. Lyme is the most common tick-transmitted disease in the world, but with proper tick repellent the vaccine isn't always necessary. Your local veterinarian or public health authority will know if your area is endemic for Lyme disease.

Bordetella----Bordetella vaccines prevent a very contagious disease called kennel cough. To be effective, this vaccine needs to be given at least once a year----more frequently if your pet is boarded or habitually exposed to areas where many dogs are concentrated. If you decide to board your dog in a kennel or even in a veterinary clinic, you should consider this vaccine 7 to 10 days before exposure to the other boarding dogs.

Most puppies do not have a reaction to vaccines, but there is always a chance. The leptospirosis vaccine most commonly is the problem. Even without an allergic reaction, vaccination day is probably not the time to take Skipper on a long run because he may feel a bit sluggish.

Your local veterinarian can provide more information about vaccinations for your pet; what is given often depends on the risk of specific diseases in your geographic area, your pet's life-style, and whether your pet received its mom's first milk its first hours of life. Protect your companion animals and yourself by paying a visit to your local veterinarian and following the suggested vaccination protocol.

CEPS/Veterinary Extension
2938 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg.
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907

By Sarah Probst
Information Specialist

 Rescue

 Glenn and Carol Karcher sent the club this nice thank you. Glenn and Carol adopted Mardie from BACKCSC rescue.

"Safe to say, we are in love! Mardie is the sweetest thing to come into our lives -- she made quite an impact on the Belmont Arts & Wine Fair (where she out-cuted the yorkies and a papillon) with folks stopping us continually, on a lady in our neighborhood who sprinted across the street to ask us if she was a Cavalier (she has one, too), and on just about everyone else. She is the delight of our lives. Mike got an important booster in his cheering section, Carol got a dolly, and Glenn got a daughter-poppet.

Mardie sleeps in a pen in Mike's room, waking him for those all-important school days. Glenn has a soft fuzzy head to stroke, and loving eyes to gaze at his every move (especially when said movements involve transferring food from plate to mouth - she doesn't get any, well maybe a very small morsel here or there..), and she loves to go walkies, walkies, walkies, and of course car rides.

We've found where the teenagers drop the Jelly Bellies that they don't want, the light standard where all of the boy dogs go (so to speak), and the juniper bush of 1000 smells. She gums the tops of plants we pass, and has a grand time digging up kitty poopies (we catch her before she eats them) She's oblivious to other dogs, and we saw and watched a duck! The lovable thump, thump, thump of that tail is a fresh breeze on our lives... It's obvious that we are the ones who have been rescued.

Please extend our thanks to all who are involved in Cavalier rescue, and especially to those who know Mardie. She is truly a jewel.

 Glenn & Carol Karcher

 







 

Sharing

I thought I would share a little special habit that George one of my tri-colours has.

George likes to come to the kitchen table when I am having a cup of tea and a little treat such as a biscuit. He sits patiently for a while watching. Then he starts to tap my arm to let me know he is there. Then he adds a little more pressure by tapping my arm, and when I look at him he moves his eyes to look at my tasty treat. If I continue to refuse his longing looks and keep eating my treat, he disappears. He then reappears, taps my arm again and when I look he has brought me a bone, or chew stick. He wiggles excitedly and drops his offering on my lap, looks at my treat, looks at his offering and back to my treat. If he still does not get a piece of my treat he disappears again and returns with another bone which he then offers to me and looks at my treat. If I bend towards him to speak to him, he almost shoves his bone in my mouth, still with an eye on my treat. If he gets a piece of my treat he leaves me his bone and goes off happy. Now, I call that a cute little trader. This is not a taught action, he started this all on his own. He obviously believes we should share everything. He is one fair minded Cavalier.

Marian Mynott - Honeybet Cavaliers, Cambridge UK

 
Snoodles

What is a Snoodle? It's a Snood specially made for a Cavalier (you know, that cloth headband that protects the ears).

Member Carol Hooper has started stitching these clever little items and says "Here's a solution to keeping your Cavalier's ears dry when they have been groomed and your Cavalier needs one more drink before going in the ring, getting that important photo taken, or whenever it's important to look great!" Carols' Snoodles come in cotton or fancy fabrics, machine washable and dryable on a cool setting (did you see them at the Fun Day?) For information call Carol at 408-996-1656 or e-mail at jimhooper@aol.com. Carol is donating $1 of each Snoodle to the BACKCSC general fund.

 

A Rescue Thank You

Once I was a lonely dog, Just looking for a home.
I had no place to go, No one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.
I ate what ever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat, Or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me, was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice, So gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me, And took me off my feet.
"No one again will hurt you", Was whispered in my ear.
"You'll have a home to call your own, where you will know no fear."
"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat
And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."
I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let, A human come so near.
And as she tended to my wounds, And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me 'bout the rescue group, And what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends.
And in the center there is you, protected by new friends."
"And all around you are, the ones that check the pounds,
And those that share their home, after you've been found."
"And all the other folk, are searching near and far.
To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."
She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see."
"And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."
I waited very patiently, The days they came and went.
Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think, It wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there, just gazing down at me.
I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting, for a special dog like you."
Now every night I say a prayer, to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live, and all you've given me.
But most of all protect the dogs, in the pound and on the street.
And send a Rescue Person, to lift them off their feet."

Arlene Pace ( September 18, 1998 )

 
New Doggie Definitions

Flower bed = toilet
Great big green lawn = not a toilet
Newspaper = something to go potty next too Tulip = delicacy (yes it really is true)
Dirt clod = see tulip
Chickens = self propelled toys
Compost Pile = smorgasbord
Rabbits = litter mates
Small children = also litter mates (it's even better when they try to run away)
Crying baby = someone to sing a duet with Safety gates = bad, very bad
Leash = see safety gate
Puppy Toys = not as fun as baby toys

Contributed by Sheila Cassin

 

 Cavaliers in Cyberspace

 Cavalier info can be found throughout the Internet.

 

BACKCSC Web Site is 'on line' at www.SaveI.net/BACKCSC

www.Petswelcome.com - 25,000 listings including campgrounds, state parks and beaches that allow pets plus information on boarding, veterinarians and more for where you travel.

 
www.cavaliersofpugetsound.org - The Puget Sound Cavalier club site. This new site lists upcoming events and contact information with more to come.

 
Cavalier Quarters free monthly Cavalier e-zine.
The URL to the CQ Homepage is
http://www.angelfire.com/wy/cavquar/index.html
and you can always access the current issue from there. Subscribers are notified of the new monthly issues by email; Cavalier Quarters is promptly
delivered each month.

 
The March "Dog Fancy" had a great article, including links, for dog parks, games, vacation spots, day trips, etc. http://www.Dog-Play.com has the most information. http://www.Dogpark.com lists many across the states.

Contributed by Sheila Cassin

 

Dog Roles

Hi, Here are just some of the jobs my Cavaliers hold. Do your Cavaliers hold other ones??? comforter, dishwasher, floor sweeper, loofah mop, hot water bottle, food tester, pillow, eyeball washer, ear cleaner, court jester, hat/head warmer, a live fur stole.

Contributed by Sheila Cassin

 

First Aid Kit

Pet First Aid by Bobbie Mammato of The Humane Society of the United States and The American National Red Cross, advises:

In this section you find a list of items every pet owner should have at hand for their pet first aid kit. The kit itself can be stored in a waterproof pouch if kept on a boat and in a small tool box or other kind of box in the house. A small version can even be kept in your car trunk. Medications and medical supplies should be kept safely out of the reach of children. Since some of the items in your kit will carry expiration dates, check your kit periodically, discard outdated medications and supplies and make sure you have all the supplies you need. If your pet has any special conditions or needs, ask your veterinarian what additional items you may need for your first aid kit.

Your pet first aid kit should include the following:

Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs

The Humane Society of the United States and The American National Red Cross Bobbie Mammat, DVM, MPH, pgs 51-52, ISBN 1-57857-000-X, 1997


 Contacts

Your club directors and officers are:

President     Joanne Nash
jnash@telis.org
650 964-0181

Vice President     Dale Martin
murphymartin@earthlink.net
510 272-0605

Recording Secretary     Jo Anne Mittelman
lochlomond@mail.com
925 484-9030

Corresponding Secretary     Mary Wissenbach
wissenba@pacbell.net
510 658-3602

Treasurer     Kim Murphy
murphy.kim@worldnet.att.net
510 272-0605

Director     Janis Fox
650 968-1032

Director     Kathy Tegg
cavalierX4@hotmail.com
510 724-9533

Director     Connie Ricker
ricker@cruzio.com
408 429-5973

Director     Bob Jones
bjones@freemail.savei.net
510 483-8376