2019-2020 Board Of Directors

Officers:Brian Kruse President14 401 Westgate RdCampbell River BC V9W 1R7brian@krusekennels.com

Vickie Boechler Vice President13 Brookwood PlaceSpruce Grove, AB T7X 1H4vickie.boechler@shaw.ca

Marija Kuncic TreasurerBox73, Site 1, RR6Calgary AB. T2M 4L5mapherna@outlook.com

Kate McMillan SecretaryBox 579,Delisle, SK S0L 0P0katewerk@sasktel.net

Directors:Elaine Allen BC DirectorLynda Berar Prairies DirectorTracy Hiuser Ontario DirectorCaroline Lachance Quebec DirectorBarbara Bell Director at LargeTracey Brown Director at LargeSandi Malcolm Director at Large

2019 Spring NewsletterNewsletter Editor - Kate McMillan

Box 579, Delisle Sk S0L 0P0

Please send submissions to

katewerk@sasktel.net

SSttaarrtt mmaakkiinngg ppllaannss!!22001199 NNaattiioonnaall SSppeecciiaallttyy

Friday, August 23, 2019in conjuction with the

Stormont, Dundas & GlengarryDog Ass'n

Long Sault, Ontario (Outdoors).

All Schnauzers Invited!

Nanaimo Kennel Club is hosting a

Meet the BreedSaturday, June 15th

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

See the Minutes for details.

Contact Sandi Malcolmmimicker@shaw.ca

GROOMING CLINICThe MSCC will be hosting a "Mini" Seminar after the NationalSpecialty, presented by Kate McMillan of Minuteman Miniature

Schnauzers. This seminar will include a brief discussion ofMiniature Schnauzer breed type and construction, followed by

a demonstration of trimming pattern and techniques,as well as show ring preparation.

Exhibitors, handlers and judges of Miniature Schnauzersare all welcome to attend. A light supper will be served.

(Proceeds to the MSCC).

For information about the grooming seminar or

the National Specialty, please contact

Andrea Walli walli@sympatico.ca

Top Ten Miniature Schnauzers 2018(Dogs in Canada system)

Facebook Meetings Page

The MSCC is now holding regular meetings on our privateMSCC Meetings grou pon Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSCCmeetings/

The MSCC email list has been closed due to lack of activity and the fact that it had becomeredundant.

Newsletter By Download

Getting your newsletter by download provides a significant cost savings to the club and yournewsletter is in colour!

Brag Guidelines

Any achievement is welcome new titles, notable wins at home and around the world. Please keepbrags factual and brief. All submissions subject to editing. Photos should be scanned at 300 dpi andemailed.

Advertising

Half page ($15) and full page ($25) Promote products, services, stud dogs, upcoming litters, etc.

EEddiittoorr''ss CCoorrnneerr

PPrreessiiddeenntt''ss NNootteessHello Everyone!

I hope you have all had an excellent spring, andare looking forward to an enjoyable summer.

I don’t have much to say this issue as I have beenon the run pretty much from the last meeting untilnow with school, dog shows, and an enjoyable(and needed) vacation.

I went down to Schnauzapalooza in St. Louis thisspring, and was delighted to see so many friends,and make new ones on a most enjoyable trip. Ihowever was not very pleased to see the qualityof dogs. There were a few dogs that I was verytaken with but on a whole the quality of dogs waslacking.

I think it is very important that each of us read over the breed standards and refresh ourselves onwhat we are striving towards. I understand that there are no perfect dogs, but breeding towardsfads that win ribbons does the breed a disservice. I’m sure I’ll catch some cross words for mycomments here, but it is something that we cannot stick our heads into the sand over.

I hope all plans for the national are going well and that they will have a good turn out of dogs.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable summer.

Brian Kruse

Miniature Schnauzer Club of Canada - March Regular Meeting

A Regular Meeting of the Miniature Schnauzer Club of Canada was called to order on the MSCCFacebook Meetings page on March 24, 2019.

1). Identification Of Members And Guests

Brian Kruse (President), Barbara Bell, Joanne Robidas, Donna Ralph, Krystal Mason, Sharleen Gale,Michele Cadieux, Karon Niggli, Kay Deveyrac, Tracey Brown, Kate McMillan, Rhoda Dease, TracyHiuser, Lynda Berar, Dawn Adams, Nancy Bartok, Hollie Benyosef, Heather Payne, Sandi Malcolm,Marija Kuncic, Heather Dangelmaier, Vicki Stephens, Elaine Allen, Colin Graham, Vickie Boechler,Shannon Taylor, Andrea Walli, Ken Allen, Marcia Mackay, Caroline Lachance

2) Reading of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 2018

It was noted that Vickie Boechler’s name had been omitted from those listed as present, and theminutes were corrected.

Motion #01 03 2019: Vicki Stephens moved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 2018 beaccepted as published. Barbara Bell seconded. Carried.

3) Correspondence The Secretary reported there was no correspondence of significance to report.

4) Financial Report – Marija Kuncic

MMiinnuutteess

Miniature Schnauzer Club of CanadaSTATEMENT OF OPERATIONSNov 1, 2018 to Feb 18, 2019

ReceiptsAssociate Membership 40.00Entry Fees National Specialty 0.00Information Booklet 30.00Joint Regular Membership 175.00Regular Membership 750.00Trophy Fund 150.002019 Membership Credits 0.00 Subtotal 1,145.00

DisbursementsClub Insurance 404.00IT Related Webhosting 0.00National Speciality 0.00Office Supplies 88.01RBC monthly fee / processing charges 30.40RBC Paper Statement charge 18.00CKC Club renewal 78.75 Disbursements Subtotal 619.16

Net Income Nov 1, 2018 to Feb 18, 2019 425.84

Plus: bank opening balance 7,652.38Accurals 0.00Cash on hand reconciled with general ledger 8,078.22

In supplement to the Financial Report, the Secretary notified the meeting that; "On November 27,2018, the Board voted informally to approve reinvestment of the Club's GIC investment."

Motion #02 03 2019: Kate McMillan moved the Financial Report be accepted as presented. ElaineAllen second. Carried.

Motion #03 03 2019: Kate M. moved that the MSCC approve a float of $1000 for the 2019 NationalSpecialty. Dawn Adams seconded. Carried.

5) Reports of Directors and Committees

Breed Education Booklet Andrea Walli & Tracy Hiuser

After some discussion, it was decided that Brian Kruse would finish the revisions to the healthsections of the booklet, which completes the project. Barbara Bell volunteered to continuemanaging the printing and distribution. The current price has been set at $10.

By laws Update – Kate McMillan, Vicki Stephens

Kate informed the meeting that Bruce Fraser sent notice that due to the cessation of their breedingprogram, he would not be renewing his membership, so is no longer a member of the Committee.The matter was tabled until Kate and Vicki can finish the job of incorporating the updated sectionsBruce provided into the By laws.

2019 National Specialty – Andrea Walli

Report for 2019 specialty: to be held Friday, August 23 at 3 pm(ish) S,D &G. Closes July 30, 2019

Prizes are bought. Awaiting an inventory of rosettes on hand (no hurry)

Many thanks to Kate for “donating” her time for the grooming seminar. Cost as yet to bedetermined, but will cover the cost of the “light supper”.

Will advertise in AMSCOPE as well once approval is finalized.

Need to know how much of a budget for the Specialty.

RegularJudge: Laurent Pichard (there has been a 3 month delay in CKC approval)Sweeps: Leslie Marshall (Marwyn Miniature Schnauzers)

CLASSES Divided by Sex Regular Classes: Junior (6 9), Senior (9 12), (12 18), Canadian Bred,Bred By Exhibitor, Open, Specials Only, & Veteran, Non Regular Classes: Baby Puppy andExhibition only

Trophies and/or Rosettes and/or Prizes for Best Of Breed, Best Of Opposite Sex, Best Puppy InBreed, Best Of Winners, Winners Dog, Winners Bitch, Select Dog, Select Bitch.

A prize and Rosette will be awarded to the Highest Qualifying Miniature Schnauzer in each ofAgility, Obedience and Rally Obedience trials on the day of the Specialty.

Veteran Sweepstakes classes: (Divided by Sex), 7 years +.

Prizes for Sweepstakes & Veteran Sweepstakes MSCC will retain 25% of each entry ree rorexpenses. 1st place in each class will divide the remaining 75%. Best in Sweepstakes Prize andRosette. Best of Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes Prize and Rosette

The MSCC will be hosting a "Mini" Seminar after the Specialty, presented by Kate McMillan ofMinuteman Miniature Schnauzers. This seminar will include a brief discussion of MiniatureSchnauzer breed type and construction, followed by a demonstration of trimming pattern andtechniques, as well as show ring preparation. Exhibitors, handlers and judges of MiniaturesSchnauzers are all welcome to attend. A light supper will be served.

For more information about the grooming seminar or the National Specialty, please contactAndrea Walli walli@sympatico.ca

2018 Awards Certificates – Andrea Walli

Obedience#1 TerrierCh. Terrawyn’s Rant N Roar CGN, RM, CDX, RAE2Owner: Shirley Sarvas

Rally#8 All Breed, #1 Terrier, #1 SchnauzerCh. Terrawyn’s Rant N Roar CGN, RM, CDX, RAE2Owner: Shirley Sarvas

Agility#1 SchnazerSensations Timbits AgI, AgIJOwner: Arlene Lehmann

Conformation#8 Terrier, #1 Miniature SchnauzerGCh. Obsession Mad Queen JuanaOwner: Murray Clark

2020 National Specialty – Kate McMillan

Status remains pending, still in exploratory stages.

6) Unfinished Business None.

7) New Business

One of our longest serving members, Dorothy Griggs, decided not to renew her membership thisyear as her breeding program has wound down. Dorothy and her late mother Joanna had beenMSCC members for at least fifty years.

Motion #04 03 2019: Kate moved that the Club send Dorothy a thank you card and small gift inacknowledgement of her long service to the club, and that we continue sending her the Clubnewsletter as an unofficial honourary member. Andrea Walli seconded. Carried.

Meet The Breeds Announcement – Sandi Malcolm

Nanaimo Kennel Club is hosting a Meet the Breeds at our show on Saturday June 15th from 5:00 pm to7:00 pm inside our huge venue. We are doing a Westminster Kennel Club style presentation, big centerring, breeds entering the ring one at a time, with dialogue about the breed. I am working on a spotlightand music too. All breeds and breed clubs are invited to set up a table prior to and after the event andtalk to the public about the good and bad parts of their dogs. Lots of room for any signage, posters,whatever a breeder or club may want to display. There is no charge to participate. Advertising hasstarted and a lot more will happen before June to get maximum exposure to the general public.

For the Love of Purebred Dogs has been invited to participate. CKC, BC All Terrier Club, and about adozen (so far) breed clubs have been invited. It will be up to each individual person or club to man theirtable and provide volunteers to talk to people. Handouts are encouraged.

For any Schnauzers attending the show we welcome you to participate in this together, and they do nothave to be part of the MSCC. If the MSCC wants to put up some information about the club andSchnauzers you are welcome to do so. This is not specifically to promote any individual clubs, but topromote purebred dogs.

Sandi Malcolm is the contact person for more information and details. Email is mimicker@shaw.ca.

8) Memberships

As no objections were received, Joanne Robidas’ application for Regular Membership wasapproved.

Welcome to the MSCC, Joanne!

10) Date and place of next meeting

Tentatively scheduled for June, exact dates to be announced.

11) Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 11am CST on March 26th, 2018.

Reminder: Any regular member who is absent from threeconsecutive meetings of the MSCC may be removed from the

MSCC website breeder listing. (Motion #04 10 2017)

Homemade Chicken Liver BitesIngredients:

1 cup rolled oats1 cup all purpose flour1/2 pound chicken livers, rinsed and trimmed2 eggs1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or more as needed

Instructions:1) Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch square baking dish

and line with parchment paper.2) Add oats to the bowl of a food processor; pulse for 10 to 15 seconds until finely chopped.

Pour into a large bowl and add flour. Add liver to the food processor and process until smooth,10 to 15 seconds. Add eggs and blend until well combined, about 10 seconds. Add oil for alittle flavor and process.

3) Add liver mixture to oat and flour mixture and stir until well blended. Spoon into preparedbaking dish.

4) Bake in the preheated oven until firm to the touch but not hard and crispy, 30 to 40minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Cut into doggy bite sized pieces.

BBrraaggss !!Ch. Minuteman Barracuda,FD, FDX, FDCH, NJC, NAC, WV,CSHD, CSDDX, CSHDCH,CSHDM, CSHDMX, CSHDMXS,CSHDMXG, CSHDGMCH.(Am.Can.Ch. Kaydees When YurHot Yur Hot ex Can.Ch. Rho D'sSomething Fishy)

"Cuda" has added another title toher name Canadian ScentHurdle Dog Master Champion!

She excels at whatever sport wetake part in but scent hurdle is herfavorite. Thanks Cathy for lettingme have this girl.

Kay Deveyrac

Am.Can.ChScandalsN'BowsersFamily Feudventured out as aspecial in May, andon his first weekendat Kelowna KennelClub scored threegroup 1st wins and agroup 2nd!

Judge: Mr. MikeJackman

"Steve" is ownerhandled by HeatherDangelmaier, andwas bred by GailWilford

My black boy "Rave" Glojan’s Quote the Raven v Darkside, RA, JTS,got his CD at the Calgary Kennel and Obedience Club on May 10 and 11th. He wasHigh in Class all three trials with scores of 191 1/2, 195 1/2 and 184. On May 25and 26th, he got his CARO Novice Title with scores of 193, 194 and 198! Next up isNovice Agility and Rally Excellent (CKC)

Silvercastle has set a newrecord for itself!

Since having our first litter on theground in 1991, we currently haveour largest litter size ever (2019)consisting of seven pups.Silvercastle is making history rightnow! Lovely sex split of 4 boys, 3girls.

In this photo, the pups are arranged in an almost perfect pinwheel showcasing our"Trees" (Oak, Maple, Birch, Willow, Pine, Ash & Spruce). Stephanie & Carter haveoutdone themselves with this production of our "Trees" now we'll watch our "Trees"grow and develop!

Tracey Brown

"Raider" GCH Villam’sRaider V Darkside, RI, JTS(my salt and pepper boy) also gothis CARO Novice Title withscores of 184, 172 and 188.Next for Raider is Novice Agilityand Rally Advanced (CKC)

So proud of both my boys!!!

Sharleen Gale

NewAm.Can.Ch.MinutemanLife Is Sweet(Am.Ch.Tomar's CaptainKirk ex Am.Ch.MinutemanSweet Justice)

Pictured completing her AKCtitle in April in Sacramento,followed a month later by anew CKC title at the ReginaK&OC.

"Diva" is co owned byVickie Boechler and KateMcMillan.

For the second consecutive year, AmGChS.CanCh.Minuteman Up With TheBirds RATN was named the top producing sire in the US, with 9 new AKCChampions recorded in 2018. ("Pilot" is pictured en route his RATN title).

As Pilot was dominating the sire ranks, his litter brother AmGCHP.Destineez WildBlue Yonder (George) emerged at years end as the #1 winning Miniature Schnauzer,duplicating the 2017 success of their older brother "Justified". "George" was handledby his owner and co breeder Terrie Houck.

While bred and born at Minuteman, the real credit for Pilot's success is due to theefforts Krystal Mason, who has "co piloted" throughout his show and "racing" career.Thank you, Krystal!

Kate McMillan

Discussing Tail Docking In Dogs K. Kyle L. Lawrence

Recently the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association voted to stop performing what they consider"unnecessary" surgical procedures on dogs, including tail docking. Frankly, this is absolutelyridiculous and stupid.

The choice to dock (or not to dock) a dog's tail should rest firmly in the hands of the peoplebreeding traditionally docked breeds. Yes, there are many breeds that should be docked, and withgood reason! Tail injuries are a very real thing. This is especially true of hunting dogs who will be atrisk of tail injury both while working in the field and at home.

I'm a dog groomer, and I witnessed firsthand a catastrophic tail injury in the salon I worked at. Thedog was in for a de shedding treatment and afterwards his beautiful white coat literally sparkled. AsI was walking him to the front entrance so his owners could take him home, he whacked hishappily wagging tail on the leg of a grooming table.

And knocked off nearly two inches off the tip of his tail. Flesh, bone, and all.

It was horrifying. He just kept wagging his tail, his owners were trying to hold him still, and I wasdesperately trying to hold onto his tail to wrap it to stop the bleeding. Blood sprayed absolutelyeverywhere...fellow groomers grabbed dogs off their tables and ran to keep from getting splattered.Afterwards I had to wash the blood off the floors, the walls, the window, and the ceiling. Iapologized profusely to his owners, but they reassured me it was okay. They told me this wasn'tthe first time he'd knocked a chunk off the end of his tail.

The absolute grossest part was after they left and I was cleaning up, and I had to pick up thebloody chunk of dog tail meat. Bone in it and everything. It was absolutely horrifying.

Worse yet, it kept happening. Every so often they'd cancel a grooming appointment because theywere on their way to the veterinarian again, due to yet another tail injury.

Eventually that poor dog had a tail injury that got infected and was affecting his spine. The vet hadto amputate the whole tail to save him, to the tune of several thousands of dollars. Since the wholetail had to be taken off right at the pelvis, he was also at risk of incontinence due to peri analmuscular damage.

Every time people complain about tail docking I think of that poor dog. He endured years of pain,roughly a dozen emergency vet visits due to tail injuries, nearly died because of an infected tailinjury, and then had to endure the pain of complete surgical amputation. All that pain, all those vetbills, all of that could have easily been saved if his breeder had just docked his tail as a puppy.

I grew up with bird dogs and our dogs were always docked. But I've seen other hunters have dogsinjured in the field from so called "natural" tails. Until you've experienced it, you can't imagine howawful it is.

Some breeds of dog have thick, muscular, well attached tails. Some breeds have thin, delicate,whippy tails that are very easily damaged. You can't compare the tail of a German Shorthair to thatof a Labrador...the German Shorthair's tail is very delicate while the Lab's tail is very solid,appropriately otter like.

Tail docking on puppies is usually performed within the first week of life, and is performed by eitherligature, or surgically cutting it with sterile scissors or a scalpel. When I raised concerns about it(yes, a while back I briefly bought into the idea it was a terrible thing to do to a puppy...heypropaganda can be very compelling!), I was invited to watch a breeder dock a whole litter ofpuppies...these pups happened to be working terriers. It wasn't the bloody nightmare I hadimagined or been led to believe by the anti docking crowd, in fact there was almost no blood at all,even though they were being docked with a scalpel. More importantly, about half the litter basicallyslept through the procedure. I was amazed. It must not have been painful since it didn't even rousesome of them from slumber! The puppies were three days old and not at all sedated, most gaveone tiny yip when picked up (before the docking even happened) and the puppies were returnedimmediately to their mother to nurse. I've since also watched videos of ligature/banding of tails, andit is similarly pretty painless.

A quick, nearly painless procedure within days of birth, compared to the agony I've seen fromsevere tail injuries. And now Alberta veterinarians want to ban docking as "unnecessary?"Absolutely unacceptable.

Back in 2007, Scotland unilaterally banned tail docking. Well meaning people thought it wasunnecessary and cruel, and enough public support helped push it through even though mosthunters opposed the ban. So, for nearly a decade, no hunting dogs were docked in Scotland. As aresult, tail injuries skyrocketed, with some studies reporting more than 50% increase in injuries totails of breeds that used to be docked as puppies. It became so common for working field dogs tohave tail injuries (some very severe) that the ban was actually lifted in 2017, though only for dogsexpected to be working/hunting dogs.

That is still pretty absurd, since tail injuries on thin, delicate tails can happen anywhere. Thegruesome tail injury I experienced in the salon? Was on a dog of a hunting breed who shouldtraditionally be docked, and it happened in the salon. That dog was a pet who never set one foot inthe field. Plus you cannot look at a whole litter of puppies and know within the week of their birthwhich will have a career as a hunter, and which will have a life purely as a pet.

While I am unashamedly pro docking, I don't have a problem with a breeder who opposes dockingand leaves their dogs with full length tails. I would never purchase from such a breeder, but norwould I judge them or look down on them. Every ethical breeder must choose for themselves whatis right for the puppies they breed. I have a huge problem with that choice being taken away!

Before anyone chimes in about "natural tails," let me remind you that nothing about the domesticdog is natural. We have selectively bred these glorious creatures so far away from their wolfancestors, that to claim that anything about them is natural is hilarious. Wearing collars or beingmicro chipped is wholly unnatural, yet they are both responsible and undeniably beneficial to ourcanine companions. Trimming nails is unnatural, after all nobody goes around trimming wolf nails,and yet to neglect this most basic dog maintenance task is literally cruel, as long nails can harm adog and deform the foot. There is no such thing as a natural tail in domestic dogs.

If docking is unnatural, what about naturally bob tailed dogs, like some Pembroke Corgis orAustralian Shepherds? What about dogs with curly tails, like the Pug? Or tails that curl over theirback like a Siberian Husky? None of those tails are natural either. One could argue if it's cruel todock a dog's tail, it's cruel to breed a Basenji who's tail curls in an unnatural shape. The fact is, itisn't cruel at all to dock a tail, if done properly.

While I'm on the subject of what isn't natural, let me point out that most anti docking persons aretotally fine with spaying and neutering, often supporting even pediatric alteration. Properly done,tail docking has no negative lasting effects on a dog, but ripping out hormone producing gonadsthrough fairly invasive surgery sure does! The gonads of a dog affect the growth plates when the

dog reaches sexual maturity, and dogs who've been spayed or neutered before this occurs are at amuch higher risk of joint problems such as hip dysplasia. Here in North America we've beeninundated with propaganda that pushes the notion that the only way to be a responsible dog owneris to have our dog's gonads chopped out as early as possible. The anti docking people claim thatshortening the tail is harmful, yet they are silent on the issue of pediatric spay/neuter, which is farmore invasive, painful, and harmful over the course of a dog's life.

I've also read that some people believe that tail docking damages a dog's ability to communicatewith other dogs. This is laughable at best! First off, I've always had docked tails on every dog I'veever owned except my Chihuahua mutt, and none of those docked dogs ever had an issuesocializing with other dogs! Secondly, if someone opposes tail docking due to the myth that itharms their social communication, why aren't anti docking people in favor of ear cropping? Droopyears are, by that logic, just as likely to cause communication defects. Sounds absurd, right? Thereality is that dogs aren't only communicating with their ears or tail, they use their whole body.Really, people need to give their dogs some credit! Dogs adapt socially all the time to different tailtypes. Furthermore, all research on the subject of docked dogs and communication deficits havebeen criticized for being inherently flawed and biased. There is zero real, peer reviewed, empiricalresearch to actually support this "docked tail equals bad communication" theory.

Others have theorized that the tail is necessary for balance, and that dogs without tails can'tbalance properly. This is just blatantly wrong. I feel like anyone who says this has never met asingle Australian Shepherd in their life, which is a very agile, athletic breed! My own experiences asI've said are with docked tailed bird dogs, and they are superbly agile and have excellent balance.To be perfectly honest I have many clumsy dog groom clients with full length tails; just last week Ihad a four year old Golden I was picking up from his home who couldn't figure out how to jump intothe passenger side of my car without assistance. Poor thing is extremely clumsy and has terriblebalance! He needs to be lifted onto the grooming table because he can't jump up on his ownwithout losing his balance and toppling over. This isn't uncommon, either! Compare that to ourdocked Brittany, who can run at the vehicle at a full gallop and leap directly into his small travelcrate situated five feet off the ground in the back of the truck without touching one foot to the truckitself! He can spin on a dime at top speed and leap over any obstacles in the field. I've never seenhim lose his balance once! His docked tail hasn't affected his balance at all.

The reality is that people who oppose tail docking just aren't informed about the procedure, it's lackof long term effects if done properly, or the risks of tail injury in some breeds who've beentraditionally docked.

Some people claim it's all about aesthetics. I always ask them...so what? It's a pretty harmlessprocedure that has no long term effects. So what if people who love docked tails appreciate theaesthetics as well as appreciating the benefits it can have? I love the look of a cute, nubby tail! Ilove how fast they wag, and I love the way a short tail looks when a docked dog is beautifullystacked. Why is it a bad thing to want my dogs to look their best, especially if it isn't harmful tothem?

At the end of the day I support the right to choose. I believe it's unethical and unacceptable to takethis choice away from breeders and dog owners.

source: https://dogopinionshere.blogspot.com/2019/03/discussing tail docking in dogs.html(submitted by Sandi Malcolm)

HHeeaalltthh NNeewwssEditor's Note: In follow up to the announcement publishedin 2018 of a test for Type B PRA (Optigen), this notice isprovided as an update. In summary, the writers havenotified the CHF that they have identified a causitive genefor PRA in Miniature Schnauzers, and that they dispute thefindings of the research underpinning the Type B PRA test.

Prospective randomised blinded clinical trialassessing effectiveness of three dental plaquecontrol methods in dogs

R. M. AllanV. J. AdamsN. W. JohnstonFirst published: 21 December 2018https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12964

To assess the effectiveness of three commonly used methods of controlling dental plaque accumulation withina general practice setting.

Materials and Methods

A blinded study, block randomising dogs at recruitment to receive one of three treatments to start after aroutine scale and polish procedure: once daily tooth brushing using a toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste,once daily administration of a single dental hygiene chew or a prescription dental diet. Blinded scoring ofplaque accumulation, both coverage and thickness, was performed at the end of the 6 week study.

Results

A total of 22 dogs completed the study, which simultaneously assessed the effectiveness of the three meansof plaque control. Daily tooth brushing was shown to be more than three times as effective at controllingplaque accumulation compared to using a daily dental chew or dental diet. The dental plaque scores for thediet and dental chews were not significantly different from one another and there was much greater variabilityin the mouth scores for these two groups of dogs compared to the tooth brushing group.

Clinical Significance

The study design has been shown to be an effective means of assessing plaque accumulation over a 6 weekperiod using a clean mouth model. Secondly, this study adds to the evidence which shows that dailytooth brushing is the most effective single method of reducing plaque accumulation and optimisingdogs’ oral health.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.12964

Association of serum calprotectin (S100A8/A9) concentrations andidiopathic hyperlipidemia in Miniature Schnauzers

Romy M. HeilmannPanagiotis G. XenoulisKatrin MüllerEva M. StavroulakiJan S. SuchodolskiJörg M. Steiner

First published: 20 February 2019full paper online at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jvim.15460

Objective

Evaluation of the inflammatory markers serum calprotectin and S100A12 in MS with IH and in responseto dietary intervention for IH management.

Animals

One hundred fifty clinically healthy MS.

Methods

Serum triglyceride, cholesterol, calprotectin, and S100A12 concentrations were measured before andafter placing the dogs on an ultra low fat diet.

Results

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTGL, P<.001) and hypercholesterolemia (HCHOL, P=.01) were independentlyassociated with increased serum calprotectin but not S100A12 concentrations. Compared tonormolipidemic MS, serum calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in MS with HTGL(P<.001) or combined hyperlipidemia (P=.02), but not those with isolated HCHOL (P=1.0000). Presence(P=.005) and severity (P=.003) of HTGL and serum cholesterol concentrations (P=.04) decreased in MSwith IH within 14 26 weeks after being placed on the ultra low fat diet, but neither serum calprotectin norS100A12 concentrations changed significantly with this dietary intervention.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Subclinical (low grade) inflammation appears to be present in some MS with IH, and an ultra low fat dietdoes not decrease serum concentrations of inflammatory proteins in those dogs. Whether this presumedinflammatory phenotype in MS with IH is associated with the development of IH complications (eg, insulinresistance) requires further research.

Help promote the MSCC by sharing copies ofour newsletter with friends and clients!

HHyyppeerrlliippiiddeemmiiaa SSttuuddyy

RReeggiisstteerr ooff MMeerriittThis form has been provided to assist members to make application to the MSCC Register ofMerit. ROM's are awarded at the Annual General Meeting, but applications may be submitted tothe Secretary at any time. The names of current ROM dogs, along with the applicationrequirements are available at http://www.mscc.ca/registerofmerit.html

Application to the MSCC REGISTER OF MERIT is hereby made on behalf of

Name ________________________________________________________

CKC# ____________________________________________ Sex ________

Owner(s) _____________________________________________________

Is this dog a Canadian Champion of Record? ______Was this dog born in Canada? ______

Please detail poings earned in the space below. A minimum of 10 points are required:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I, ____________________________________________, certify that the information provided istrue and factual, and acknolwedge that admission of this dog to the Register of Merit is subjectto an

Does your Mini Schnauzer qualify for theMSCC Versatility Award?

Contact the Secretary for information and forms.