Jan and Lisa Jan and Lisa presentpresent

INDIANAINDIANAvomvom

WILDSTEIGER LANDWILDSTEIGER LAND

This is a true story…This is a true story…

offered to you by Jantie & offered to you by Jantie & daughter Lisa Demeyeredaughter Lisa Demeyere

8570 Vichte, Belgium8570 Vichte, Belgium

It’s the story of a German It’s the story of a German Shepherd Dog, who lived a Shepherd Dog, who lived a happy life, but not for long.happy life, but not for long.

The Story of...The Story of...

Indiana vom Wildsteiger LandIndiana vom Wildsteiger Land

Is the Story Is the Story of...of...

Canine Hip Canine Hip DysplasiaDysplasia

Indiana was bornIndiana was bornJuly 7th 2003July 7th 2003

A very promising young pupA very promising young pup

Indiana was born in a litter of Indiana was born in a litter of 7 pups (4,3).7 pups (4,3).

His parents were: His parents were:Nanda vom Wildsteiger Land Nanda vom Wildsteiger Land and Xenos vom Wildsteiger and Xenos vom Wildsteiger

LandLand

Meet the Meet the parents!parents!

XenosXenos

NandaNanda

Xenos’ Parents:Xenos’ Parents:

Wallace aus Wallace aus AgrigentoAgrigento

Ulrika vom Ulrika vom Wildsteiger LandWildsteiger Land

Nanda’s Parents:Nanda’s Parents:

Yanke v. Yanke v. Wildsteiger LandWildsteiger Land

Nils v. Nils v. Wildsteiger LandWildsteiger Land

His littermates were:His littermates were:

Ice, Inko & Isaak (males)Ice, Inko & Isaak (males)

Iduna, Idda & Ingana (females)Iduna, Idda & Ingana (females)

Littermates playing...Littermates playing...

Littermates feeding...Littermates feeding...

Littermates napping.Littermates napping.

Indiana was tattooed and left Indiana was tattooed and left for Belgium August 29thfor Belgium August 29th

His arrival had been His arrival had been anticipated anxiously...anticipated anxiously...

With a playful beginning, full of With a playful beginning, full of joy and fun to build up trust,joy and fun to build up trust,

training and socializing started training and socializing started at the earliest of ages.at the earliest of ages.

““This leash is fun!”This leash is fun!”

““Let’s go for a walk!”Let’s go for a walk!”

““Stay!”Stay!”

First visits to the training field,First visits to the training field,

with so much to see,with so much to see,

so much to try out,so much to try out,

a lot of toys,a lot of toys,

to chew and bite on,to chew and bite on,

a lot of strange creatures,a lot of strange creatures,

a whole world to discover,a whole world to discover,

And a lot of rest...And a lot of rest...

And rest...And rest...

And rest...And rest...

And rest, to digest all those And rest, to digest all those new experiences.new experiences.

The ears grow bigger…The ears grow bigger…

And biggerAnd biggerstill!still!

Trips to the seaside,Trips to the seaside,

Trips to the lake,Trips to the lake,

And many trips to the park.And many trips to the park.

Growing up slowly...Growing up slowly...

But steady!But steady!

Fall 2003Fall 2003

Indiana was introduced in the Indiana was introduced in the local GSD-breeding club of local GSD-breeding club of KG08 Groeninghe WaregemKG08 Groeninghe Waregem

Twice a week, Indy and his Twice a week, Indy and his owners are trained to become owners are trained to become knowledgeable handlers.knowledgeable handlers.

Indiana has been spotted in Indiana has been spotted in city centers and train stations,city centers and train stations,

getting used to crowds, traffic, getting used to crowds, traffic, and a lot of noises!and a lot of noises!

And he enjoyed tracking in the And he enjoyed tracking in the fields.fields.

An Indian-a Summer...An Indian-a Summer...

Indiana was kept in perfect Indiana was kept in perfect condition,condition,

dewormed regularly,dewormed regularly, got all of his shots and was got all of his shots and was

spoiled rotten.spoiled rotten.

It could of course not be It could of course not be prevented, that he also got sick prevented, that he also got sick once in a while.once in a while.

In November he suffered from a In November he suffered from a never stopping diarrhoea, which never stopping diarrhoea, which led us to the vet,led us to the vet,

later to the Pets Clinic, he was later to the Pets Clinic, he was almost completely dehydrated.almost completely dehydrated.

Thanks to the professionalism of Thanks to the professionalism of the entire crew of the Pets Clinic of the entire crew of the Pets Clinic of the Ghent University in Merelbeke, the Ghent University in Merelbeke,

Indiana recovered very well, but Indiana recovered very well, but was diagnosed with Endocrine was diagnosed with Endocrine

Pancreas Insufficiency.Pancreas Insufficiency.

He was immediately put on a diet!He was immediately put on a diet!

Winter 2003/2004Winter 2003/2004

The first winter comes around...The first winter comes around...

Snow is falling...Snow is falling...

Indiana just loves it!Indiana just loves it!

What a great time!What a great time!

Fooling around in the snow...Fooling around in the snow...

Then comes the Then comes the SpringtimeSpringtime

Indiana achieves VV1 twice Indiana achieves VV1 twice (vielversprechend = very (vielversprechend = very

promising), in the promising), in the Puppyclass of International Puppyclass of International

Dogshows.Dogshows.

(1 non-SV-Judge, 1 SV-Judge: John Thys)(1 non-SV-Judge, 1 SV-Judge: John Thys)

Indiana on WUSV-Indiana on WUSV-Selection posterSelection poster

April 3rd 2004, at a April 3rd 2004, at a Judgement Day for GSDs, Judgement Day for GSDs,

Indiana receives an excellent Indiana receives an excellent written report by SV-Judge written report by SV-Judge

Roland Dierendonck.Roland Dierendonck.

And then, the first ZuchtschauAnd then, the first Zuchtschau

And another…And another…((Pinkstertrofee SG5 SV-Judge H.P. Fetten)Pinkstertrofee SG5 SV-Judge H.P. Fetten)

And finally, the Belgian Siegerschau!And finally, the Belgian Siegerschau!(SV-Judge L. Schweikert)(SV-Judge L. Schweikert)

SG5 Belgische Siegerschau 2004,SG5 Belgische Siegerschau 2004,Month of August Month of August (13 months of age)(13 months of age)

Lisa and I were very pleased Lisa and I were very pleased with the results of our with the results of our

buddy, we continued our buddy, we continued our training for the BH and training for the BH and started Schutzdienst.started Schutzdienst.

In the meantime Indiana had In the meantime Indiana had already celebrated his first already celebrated his first birthday, so we needed to birthday, so we needed to

have his hips checked!have his hips checked!

September 7th 2004, aged 14 September 7th 2004, aged 14 months, Indiana was x-rayed.months, Indiana was x-rayed.

The outcome was a huge The outcome was a huge schock!schock!

Indiana’s left hip looked like a Indiana’s left hip looked like a Greek ruine.Greek ruine.

The vets suggested the final The vets suggested the final shot!shot!

I was completely devastated!I was completely devastated!Lisa needed to be consulted, Lisa needed to be consulted,

being a co-owner.being a co-owner. I took Indiana back home.I took Indiana back home.

Unilateral Hip DysplasiaUnilateral Hip Dysplasia

The left hip looks very bad indeed.The left hip looks very bad indeed. We informed the breeder, got no We informed the breeder, got no

reaction.reaction. Through the Internet we were being Through the Internet we were being

informed about Indiana’s littermate informed about Indiana’s littermate Ice.Ice.

He seemed to be affected by Hip He seemed to be affected by Hip Dysplasia also, was diagnosed HD-Dysplasia also, was diagnosed HD-5, (HD-E) = severe Hip Dysplasia.5, (HD-E) = severe Hip Dysplasia.

Indiana’s brother IceIndiana’s brother Ice

Meanwhile Indiana was immediately Meanwhile Indiana was immediately banned from dogsport (including banned from dogsport (including Schutzdienst) and heavy duty.Schutzdienst) and heavy duty.

His x-rays were sent to different His x-rays were sent to different internationally renowned experts.internationally renowned experts.

The Belgian HD/ED-Commission The Belgian HD/ED-Commission diagnosed: HD-D = HD-4.diagnosed: HD-D = HD-4.

Other experts confirmed this result.Other experts confirmed this result.

FCI-Diagnosis: HD-DFCI-Diagnosis: HD-D

Medical Follow-up:Medical Follow-up:

7.09.2004 – 17.09.2004 – 1stst radiographs radiographs Aged 14 months – first x-raysAged 14 months – first x-rays Dr. Koen VandendriesscheDr. Koen Vandendriessche Dierenkliniek Causus, Westkerkestraat Dierenkliniek Causus, Westkerkestraat

20, B-8460 Oudenburg20, B-8460 Oudenburg Radiographs were sent to the breeder. Radiographs were sent to the breeder.

They were never returned.They were never returned.

Complete DENIAL!!Complete DENIAL!!

Breeder criticized the quality of the Breeder criticized the quality of the images,images,

proposed to x-ray again at his own proposed to x-ray again at his own Vets. (WHY?)Vets. (WHY?)

Dr. Vandendriessche was appalled Dr. Vandendriessche was appalled and raised objections in writing to and raised objections in writing to breeder.breeder.

Medical Follow-up:Medical Follow-up: 23.11.2004 – 223.11.2004 – 2ndnd radiographs radiographs Aged: 16 months – new x-rays were Aged: 16 months – new x-rays were

needed for HD/ED-Commissionneeded for HD/ED-Commission Dr. F. Coopman / Dr. H. Van BreeDr. F. Coopman / Dr. H. Van Bree Universiteit Gent – Faculteit Universiteit Gent – Faculteit

DierengeneeskundeDierengeneeskunde Arthrosis unmistakably increased,Arthrosis unmistakably increased, X-rays were submitted to the HD/ED-X-rays were submitted to the HD/ED-

Commission:Commission: Findings: HD-D = HD-4 = a4 Diagnosis.Findings: HD-D = HD-4 = a4 Diagnosis.

Department of Medical Imaging (Veterinary Faculty Department of Medical Imaging (Veterinary Faculty Ghent University) sent the images to different Ghent University) sent the images to different colleagues. Among others to:colleagues. Among others to:

1. ECVDI = European College of Veterinary 1. ECVDI = European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, University of Giessen, Diagnostic Imaging, University of Giessen, Dr. Bernd Tellhelm, Member of the Scientific Dr. Bernd Tellhelm, Member of the Scientific Council of the SV. Council of the SV.

2. ECVS = European College of Veterinary 2. ECVS = European College of Veterinary Surgeons, Vetsuisse Faculty University in Zürich, Surgeons, Vetsuisse Faculty University in Zürich, Prof. Mark Flückiger, Member of the Scientific Prof. Mark Flückiger, Member of the Scientific Council of the SV.Council of the SV.

Some recommended HD-E (HD-5), overall result Some recommended HD-E (HD-5), overall result HD-D (HD-4).HD-D (HD-4).

WUFF-Magazine 12/06-01/07:WUFF-Magazine 12/06-01/07:“Indiana’s last Winter:“Indiana’s last Winter:Anatomy of a Tragedy”Anatomy of a Tragedy”

Indiana in the Press: Part 1Indiana in the Press: Part 1

The Indiana TrialThe Indiana Trial

The breeder kept waving all responsability, The breeder kept waving all responsability, although he had promised “a show quality although he had promised “a show quality pup”, fit for breeding!pup”, fit for breeding!

The story of how and why I went to court The story of how and why I went to court was published by Dr. Hans Mosser in the was published by Dr. Hans Mosser in the german language dogmagazine: WUFFgerman language dogmagazine: WUFF

www.WUFF.de

Indy in WUFF-Magazine 02/07:Indy in WUFF-Magazine 02/07:“The Trial”“The Trial”

Indiana in the Press: Part 2Indiana in the Press: Part 2

What about Indy?What about Indy?

In order to evaluate Indiana’s In order to evaluate Indiana’s condition, he was regularly checked.condition, he was regularly checked.

Although obviously handicapped, he Although obviously handicapped, he kept his spirits up.kept his spirits up.

We tried to make the best of his life.We tried to make the best of his life.

Medical Follow-up:Medical Follow-up:

1.09.2005 – 31.09.2005 – 3rdrd radiographs radiographs Aged: 26 months – Status controlAged: 26 months – Status control Follow-up x-rays by Dr. CoopmanFollow-up x-rays by Dr. Coopman University of GhentUniversity of Ghent Arthrosis had increased further.Arthrosis had increased further.

Medical Follow-up:Medical Follow-up:

18.05.2006 – 418.05.2006 – 4thth radiographs radiographs Aged: 34 months – Status controlAged: 34 months – Status control Final radiographs Dr. CoopmanFinal radiographs Dr. Coopman University of GhentUniversity of Ghent Arthrosis increased even more,Arthrosis increased even more, Indiana was put to sleep after the Indiana was put to sleep after the

examination.examination.

Medical Follow-up:Medical Follow-up:

19.05.2006 - Autopsy19.05.2006 - Autopsy Laboratorium Pathologie vd Laboratorium Pathologie vd

HuisdierenHuisdieren Prof. Dr. R. DucatelleProf. Dr. R. Ducatelle University of GhentUniversity of Ghent Findings: please see report of post-Findings: please see report of post-

mortem examination.mortem examination.

After the first diagnosis Indiana was After the first diagnosis Indiana was immediately banned from heavy dutyimmediately banned from heavy duty

No more dogsport, no more SchutzdienstNo more dogsport, no more Schutzdienst No inline-skating, no bike ridesNo inline-skating, no bike rides No extensive walks, no more trips to No extensive walks, no more trips to

seaside or lake, no more trackingseaside or lake, no more tracking No more preparations for Zuchtschau, we No more preparations for Zuchtschau, we

even skipped his BHeven skipped his BH Instead, Indiana was treated like a disabled Instead, Indiana was treated like a disabled

From now on, Indiana takes it easy!From now on, Indiana takes it easy!

Flashback to first diagnoseFlashback to first diagnose

No more runningNo more runningor jumping!or jumping!

At the club, Indiana is now a At the club, Indiana is now a spectator, he stays at the side!spectator, he stays at the side!

While daddy risks his life!While daddy risks his life!

No more dogsport for IndyNo more dogsport for Indyand me...and me...

gives me some time to study the gives me some time to study the magnitude of Canine HD.magnitude of Canine HD.

The SV promotes a healthy German The SV promotes a healthy German Shepherd Dog.Shepherd Dog.

In the In the SV-Genetics DatabaseSV-Genetics Database the the Kennel Club documents 57,24% of Kennel Club documents 57,24% of all x-rayed GSDs have perfect hips, all x-rayed GSDs have perfect hips, only 4,90% would be dysplastic!?only 4,90% would be dysplastic!?

Let’s have a look at SV-charts!Let’s have a look at SV-charts!

X-rayed pop.: 33,23% = >X-rayed pop.: 33,23% = >

HD-1: 57,24% & HD-4+5: 4,90%!?HD-1: 57,24% & HD-4+5: 4,90%!?

I have taken the liberty of taking into account I have taken the liberty of taking into account some of the diagnoses that never find their way some of the diagnoses that never find their way into the database.into the database.

All Insiders know that many results are held All Insiders know that many results are held back, and many pups are prescreened.back, and many pups are prescreened.

For this simulation, a correction of the amount For this simulation, a correction of the amount of x-rayed dogs of merely 10% was made, but of x-rayed dogs of merely 10% was made, but already the result leaves one speechless.already the result leaves one speechless.

Less than half of the GSDs would give proof of Less than half of the GSDs would give proof of anatomically perfect and sound hips.anatomically perfect and sound hips.

Now, what’s the REAL picture?Now, what’s the REAL picture?

Most people have no idea Most people have no idea whatsoever, how many GSDs are whatsoever, how many GSDs are

affected by Hip Dysplasia.affected by Hip Dysplasia.

I am glad to be able to offer some I am glad to be able to offer some graphics on the subject to all graphics on the subject to all

whom it may concern.whom it may concern.

Correction! / Simulation:Correction! / Simulation:

Simulation X-rayed pop.: 43,23% = >Simulation X-rayed pop.: 43,23% = >

HD-1: 44,01% & HD-4+5: 26,90%!!HD-1: 44,01% & HD-4+5: 26,90%!!

Less than half of the GSDs Less than half of the GSDs have sound hips!have sound hips!

The simulation shows that with a The simulation shows that with a tiny correction, the amount of a1 tiny correction, the amount of a1 (HD-1) results drops from 57% to (HD-1) results drops from 57% to merely 44%!merely 44%!

The amount of severely dysplastic The amount of severely dysplastic dogs (HD-4 & HD-5) increases from dogs (HD-4 & HD-5) increases from 4,90% to an alarming 26,90%!!4,90% to an alarming 26,90%!!

So DO be careful when numbers are presented to document the phenomenon of

Hip Dysplasia.They might NOT be accurate. Withheld x-rays need to be taken into account, when searching for "the whole picture". A mere 10% of non-registered bad diagnoses was used in the simulation to have an idea of

Hip Dysplasia’s REAL frequency.I hope GSD-enthusiasts and -breeders will do all that is in their power to improve the

situation.

1986-2003: No changes!!1986-2003: No changes!!

Figures indicate no major improvement since 1986 Figures indicate no major improvement since 1986

Further information about the real Further information about the real magnitude of Canine Hip magnitude of Canine Hip

Dysplasia and other studies and Dysplasia and other studies and statistics can be found on our statistics can be found on our

website:website:

www.bloggen.be/hdwww.bloggen.be/hd

In the meantime, Indy had a quiet life, In the meantime, Indy had a quiet life, nevertheless he seemed to become nevertheless he seemed to become

less and less mobile by the day. less and less mobile by the day.

An operation would carry An operation would carry many risks. We did not want many risks. We did not want

Indy to suffer maybe even Indy to suffer maybe even more than he already had. more than he already had.

Together, Lisa and I made the Together, Lisa and I made the final decision to have him put final decision to have him put

to sleep.to sleep.

In the last weeks of his life, all of his In the last weeks of his life, all of his friends came to say their Goodbyes...friends came to say their Goodbyes...

All members of All members of my family, and my family, and the people Indy the people Indy met during his met during his daily walks...daily walks...

Not to mention Not to mention the ones who the ones who

were nuts were nuts about him!about him!

Like Yentl...Like Yentl...

And… Claudia!And… Claudia!

Finally, I brought Indy to the Finally, I brought Indy to the University of Ghent for an ultimate University of Ghent for an ultimate evaluation after which we put him evaluation after which we put him

to sleep.to sleep.

An “In Memoriam” was put on our An “In Memoriam” was put on our website: website: www.bloggen.be/hdwww.bloggen.be/hd

Revelation of the post-mortem Revelation of the post-mortem

In order to evaluate if "the final decision" was indeed the right one, a post-mortem examination took place.

We found our personal impressions of his pain (of which we had no proof) confirmed by the images of the autopsy.

As the expert said: “The circular ligaments inside the hip bowl were destroyed (partially torn apart) and the cartilage was completely battered.”

It was a great relief reading the It was a great relief reading the medical confirmation that indeed this medical confirmation that indeed this

hip was ruined to a degree that hip was ruined to a degree that euthanasia was the only way for us to euthanasia was the only way for us to

immediately stop his pain.immediately stop his pain.

(We found out later that Indiana’s (We found out later that Indiana’s brother Ice had already been put to brother Ice had already been put to sleep, after many months of pain.)sleep, after many months of pain.)

I quote an expert:I quote an expert:

"That is a severely dysplastic femur "That is a severely dysplastic femur head and socket. It looks like it could head and socket. It looks like it could easily dislocate because the socket is easily dislocate because the socket is

so open and the femur head is so open and the femur head is deformed and arthritic from what I can deformed and arthritic from what I can see. One side looks pretty good, and see. One side looks pretty good, and

even though the positioning is not even though the positioning is not ideal, still the dysplastic hip joint is ideal, still the dysplastic hip joint is

very evident...very evident...

… … They would have to replace the They would have to replace the socket and femur head to give socket and femur head to give

Indiana any kind of painfree life. Indiana any kind of painfree life. That surgery is very painful and That surgery is very painful and

requires a long time for requires a long time for recuperation which is difficult for a recuperation which is difficult for a

large breed dog to remain quiet large breed dog to remain quiet enough physically for it to heal.enough physically for it to heal.

......

Often a very powerful hindquarter Often a very powerful hindquarter musculature and ligamentation will hold musculature and ligamentation will hold the leg in position, but with that socket, the leg in position, but with that socket, sooner or later, I would think, one false sooner or later, I would think, one false

step by that dog and it could dislocate and step by that dog and it could dislocate and the pain would be excruciating!!the pain would be excruciating!!

I think Jantie did the right thing, I think Jantie did the right thing, personally, from what I can see of the x-personally, from what I can see of the x-ray, this dog was in serious trouble, with ray, this dog was in serious trouble, with

no good outlook for the future."no good outlook for the future."

Lisa and I are now at rest, Indiana will Lisa and I are now at rest, Indiana will not have to suffer anymore.not have to suffer anymore.

We believe we took the right decision. We believe we took the right decision.

Now we need to see to it, that less Now we need to see to it, that less GSDs must suffer like he did. We GSDs must suffer like he did. We

hope you will help us in this hope you will help us in this endeavour.endeavour.

EpilogueEpilogue

This is certainly not a “unique” story. Many This is certainly not a “unique” story. Many thousands of dogs are affected by CHD every thousands of dogs are affected by CHD every year. year. I call upon all scientific personnel and I call upon all scientific personnel and dog fans to strive for a healthier GSD.dog fans to strive for a healthier GSD.

Calling upon the German Kennel Club SV has Calling upon the German Kennel Club SV has proved to be unsuccessful. The association proved to be unsuccessful. The association and its breeders wave all responsibility when it and its breeders wave all responsibility when it comes to HD and disregard the latest scientific comes to HD and disregard the latest scientific findings.findings.

Breeding regulations need to be adjusted, so Breeding regulations need to be adjusted, so that less dogs must suffer. I’m convinced that less dogs must suffer. I’m convinced public awareness will increase the pressure on public awareness will increase the pressure on the SV and the breeders, and you can help to the SV and the breeders, and you can help to spread the word.spread the word.

Lisa and I hope you will try and do just that. Lisa and I hope you will try and do just that. The lives of Ice and Indiana should not have The lives of Ice and Indiana should not have been in vain.been in vain.

May God bless you and all GSDs!May God bless you and all GSDs!

This presentation was made as a This presentation was made as a small contribution to the breed, in small contribution to the breed, in

order to change something that could order to change something that could lead to a healthier GSD.lead to a healthier GSD.

“Ut aliquid fiat!”,“Ut aliquid fiat!”,as the Romans say.as the Romans say.

So that something changes!So that something changes!Damit etwas geschehe!Damit etwas geschehe!

Rest in PeaceRest in Peace now Indiana! now Indiana!

We love you!We love you!

Thank you for your time.Thank you for your time.

I hope you will learn from this I hope you will learn from this experience.experience.

The EndThe End

Music featured:Music featured:

Niccoló Paganini, “Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. Niccoló Paganini, “Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6”: Rondo, by Viktoria Mullova & Academy of 6”: Rondo, by Viktoria Mullova & Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville MarrinerNeville Marriner

Giuseppe Verdi, Macbeth, “Patria oppressa!”, Giuseppe Verdi, Macbeth, “Patria oppressa!”, by Dresden State Opera Chorus & Dresden by Dresden State Opera Chorus & Dresden State Orchestra, conducted by Silvio VarvisoState Orchestra, conducted by Silvio Varviso

Antonio Vivaldi, “Le quattro Stagioni”: Antonio Vivaldi, “Le quattro Stagioni”: L’ autunno, l’ inverno, la primavera, by L’ autunno, l’ inverno, la primavera, by Viktoria Mullova & Chamber Orchestra of Viktoria Mullova & Chamber Orchestra of Europe, conducted by Claudio AbadoEurope, conducted by Claudio Abado

Conrado García, “Valle del Alto”, by Alborada Conrado García, “Valle del Alto”, by Alborada de Ocobamba (dedicado a todo los niños del de Ocobamba (dedicado a todo los niños del mundo)mundo)

More Music:More Music:

www.bloggen.be/hdwww.bloggen.be/hd

Jantie DemeyereJantie Demeyere

8570 Vichte8570 Vichte

BelgiumBelgium