AWMA Magazine

Hello all,

Once again, I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to write articles and who has sent in pictures. This past October we had our 3rd annual AWMA Nationals. We are lucky enough to have a story about the competition written by Tami Stephenson. This issue was a difficult one for me to put together given my own recent relocation into the COLD state of Maine! But with the help of our website coordinator, Jona, it is finally ready.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season,

Desiree’ Shaw
dezireeshaw@yahoo.com

By Brett Simon

Our journey began in April of this year in Denver, Indiana at Vohne Liche Kennels. I arrived later than the other handlers and they were all out in the field training for the day. Bobby one of the trainers for Vohne Liche took me to one of the kennel buildings to introduce to the dog I would be taking to Iraq. I knew very little about the dog, just what we talked about while we were walking to get him out of his kennel.

Out came Mido, a mali, he did not look like your typical mali. He did not look athletic and was a little round about the middle to say it nicely. Bobby told me don’t worry he is an excellent dog. So off we went for a walk while we were waiting for a ride to meet up with the other handlers. Mido just seemed to walk around aimlessly like he was on a walk in the park. I took him to the ob course and he did a few of the obstacles in the same manner like he was bored. I began to think to myself what is going on here with this mali. Were is the malinut that I am so used to, that being my retired dog Ulani van Joefarm aka Nitro.

Our ride showed up and we were taken to the training area where everyone was working their dogs. Mido took it all in stride and never seemed real interested in anything. Our team leader came over and said he was going to lay a track for us and for me to put the harness on Mido. Well here finally came the malinois breed I fell in love with. The harness went on and I had a different dog in my hands. He was pulling, jumping, and barking as I was getting him ready. I was relieved to see that he was ready to go. Mido tracked like he was made to do it, hunting like his life depended on it. We finished the track in record time and he got his reward. I took the harness off of Mido to walk back to the car, it was like a switch he went right back to just walking like nothing was going on. Our first explosives detection problem was next. I got Mido out of the crate to give him a short break, he just looked a few times at the other dogs that were barking and being busy and just went on about his business. We sat off to the side waiting for our turn to go. They called us to come out and I looked at Mido who was just laying there. I put his flat collar on that we use for detection work and the switch was turned on again. He about pulled my arm off going out to the problem area. I was just amazed at this little dog and how he could turn himself off and on. He worked the problem like a true mal, 100 mph and gave a 100 percent.

We finished our detection work and headed back to the kennel, where I was met by Bobby. He knew that I was not too sure about Mido when I left. He walked over to me with this big smile on his face and said I told you. I just smiled back and walked away with Mido.

Oh I forgot the bite work phase, same as before Mido just sat and watched the guy walk out onto the field like he watching the sun set. I gave him his apprehension command and that was all she wrote folks. Mido became a monster and took the guy all the way to the ground.

Here comes the sad part of the story, Mido was taken from me and given to another handler. It seemed that they matched up better for each other and they had a new dog for me. I was some what depressed at the proposition but if it was for the good of the mission then I was okay with it. I know this is a malinois magazine and the article is supposed to be about working a malinois in Iraq but they gave me a german shepherd for my new dog. I did not know what to do; I had been working a mal for over 6 years and fell in love with the breed. My heart sank at first but I knew that the trainers knew what they were doing.

So here comes Hugo, a big beautiful bi-color gsd, he walked around like he owned the place. One of the handlers in the group had worked him for a few days but things did not work out. I took Hugo for a walk to get to know each other. It was obvious from the start that this dog had been hanging around malinois to much because he thought he was one. A ton of energy, a ton of drive, and all business.

Hugo and I finished our training in Indiana and got on the plane for the long ride to Iraq where we would be assisting the army in finding explosives, weapons and track anyone that ran from them.

Once we arrived in Baghdad, it was obvious from the start that we had a lot of work to do with the dogs. The environment was like nothing they had been exposed to. All of the dogs took it in stride and made the transition to their new home fairly quickly. Our first few weeks of training were very short. The dogs were working in 120 degree weather, and tracking on hard desert ground. Now back in Indy Hugo was a tracking machine, defiantly an FH candidate with little work. I could hardly get him to track 20 yards with his nose to the ground. The scent was just gone so fast in the heat and Hugo was not acclimated to the heat yet. It took about 2-3 weeks to get him tracking again. Once he caught on in the new environment we were back to running long hard tracks and he worked them like a champion tracking dog. Hugo became our demo dog for any of the army personnel that came to see how we were doing before being deployed. It was such a nice feeling to just put the harness on and tell him to track knowing that he would do the job.

We were finally deployed to Mosul, Iraq the third largest city in the country with 1.6 million people living in the city and surrounding areas. Mosul is in the northern part of Iraq and was a completely different place than Baghdad. The first thing I noticed was there were trees and grass in Mosul unlike the very harsh desert conditions of Baghdad. I was relieved; thinking let someone run across that big green grass field that I saw near our base. I knew they would not have a chance to get away.

Our first day we were introduced to the commanders and they all immediately fell in love with this big goofy gsd at my side. I was told that we would be working with all three infantry companies on the base. Our main transportation would be a stryker, which is very similar to a tank. Our first mission was to take place the next day.

We loaded up on the stryker not knowing what to expect. Hugo became a lap dog, he kept leaning against me and pushing my hand with his head. He was not sure about all the people, the noises, the smells and just about everything. He just sat on top of me looking at me like what are you doing to me. Since neither of us had been out in the city we did not know what the environment would be like to work in. Once we arrived at our target the army did their thing and then the call came for Hugo and me. We jumped off the stryker and I got my first glimpse at our new working environment. It was not a pretty site; it is just like the pictures you see on the news. People were every where, garbage and sewage in the streets and trash lots bordered a lot of the streets. I thought how is Hugo going to work in this environment. There was no way to train for this before our arrival. I guess the thought never crossed Hugo’s mind because he went right to work. The first object we searched was a large wooden container inside of a house. Hugo not knowing that he is a gsd and having hung out too long with all the mals just ran up to it and jumped right on top of the container and began searching even though he knew better than to have done that. He just looked at me like “hey we are working what is the problem.”

Well that was the beginning of the end. We have been here now for almost 6 months going out 2 sometimes 3 times a day and working Hugo very hard out in the city and desert. Searching houses, buildings, farms, caves, and vehicles, I have lost count of how many searches we have been on since our first day. Hugo never gives up even when we have been out for hours on end. He is always ready to go, he might not be happy about all gunfire and explosions going off while we are working but he puts that aside and works with all his heart. Hugo has done a lot of good work in Iraq and has made many weapons and explosive finds for the army that the insurgents have hidden. We have not had a chance to track anyone yet but he will be up to it if the opportunity comes up.

At the end of the day Hugo enjoys all the attention he gets from the soldiers we work with. As I sit and write this article Hugo keeps bringing me his toy and sets in my lap and waits patiently for me to throw it over and over again. Even though Hugo is a german shepherd and I am a malinois person forever, I was lucky enough to get a german shepherd with the heart and attitude of a great malinois.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus)

What is bloat?

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is also known as “bloat,” “stomach torsion,” or “twisted stomach.” GDV is an extremely serious condition, and should be considered a life-threatening emergency when it occurs. Dogs can die of bloat within several hours. Even with treatment, as many as 25-33% of dogs with GDV die.

WHAT TYPES OF BLOAT ARE THERE?

GASTRIC DILATATION… is simply the expansion of the stomach due to the buildup of gas or material in the stomach.
GASTRIC VOLVULUS (TORSION)… is the condition where the stomach rotates (flips on its long axis) and thereby twists the esophagus and small intestine closed so there is no passage of stomach contents or gas in or out of the stomach.

The gastric dilatation is one part of the condition and the volvulus or torsion is the second part. In bloat, due to a number of different and sometimes unknown reasons, the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. This makes it difficult for the dog to breathe, and compresses large veins in the abdomen, thus preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off the blood supply. Once this rotation (volvulus) occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal’s condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly. Not all dogs that have a gas buildup and resultant dilatation develop the more serious and life threatening volvulus. However, almost all dogs that have a volvulus develop it as a result of a dilatation. GDV is a very serious and life threatening condition. Understanding the signs, prevention, and need for prompt treatment will help reduce the risk of mortality if your dog develops this problem.

Genetics
In addition to breed predilection, there appears to be a genetic link to this disease. The incidence is closely correlated to the depth and width of the dog’s chest. Several different genes from the parents determine these traits. If both parents have particularly deep and narrow chests, then it is highly likely that their offspring will have deep and narrow chests and the resulting problems that may go with it. This is why in particular breeds we see a higher incidence in certain lines, most likely because of that line’s particular chest conformation.

Age
Dogs over 7 years of age are more than twice as likely to develop gastric dilatation and volvulus as those who are 2-4 years of age.

Gender
Male dogs are twice as likely to develop gastric dilatation and volvulus as females. Neutering does not appear to have an effect on the risk of GDV.

Eating habits
Dogs fed once a day are twice as likely to develop GDV as those fed twice a day. It appears that dogs that eat rapidly or exercise soon after a meal may also be at increased risk.

Temperament
Dogs that tend to be more nervous, anxious, or fearful appear to be at an increased risk of developing GDV.

What causes gastric dilatation and volvulus?

There is not one particular activity that leads to the development of GDV. It appears that it occurs as a combination of events. Studies of the stomach gas that occurs in dilatation have shown that it is similar to the composition of normal room air suggesting that the dilatation occurs as a result of swallowing air. All dogs, and people for that matter, swallow air, but normally we eructate (burp) and release this air and it is not a problem. For some reason that scientists have not yet determined, these dogs that develop bloat do not release this swallowed gas. There is currently several studies looking into what happens physiologically in these dogs that develop GDV.

What are the signs?

The most obvious signs are abdominal distention (swollen belly) and nonproductive vomiting (animal appears to be vomiting, but nothing comes up) and retching. Other signs include restlessness, abdominal pain, and rapid shallow breathing. Profuse salivation may indicate severe pain. If the dog’s condition continues to deteriorate, especially if volvulus has occurred, the dog may go into shock and become pale, have a weak pulse, a rapid heart rate, and eventually collapse. A dog with gastric dilatation without volvulus can show all of these signs, but the more severe signs are likely to occur in dogs with both dilatation and volvulus.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below. Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog. Know your dog and know when it’s not acting right.

Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-20 minutes
This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the “hallmark symptom”

Doesn’t act like usual self
Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs

Significant anxiety and restlessness
One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical

“Hunched up” or “roached up” appearance
This seems to occur fairly frequently

Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum)
Despite the term “bloat,” many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent

Pale or off-color gums
Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages

Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy
Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog’s tummy

Coughing

Unproductive gagging

Heavy salivating or drooling

Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous

Unproductive attempts to defecate

Whining

Pacing

Licking the air

Seeking a hiding place

Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort

May refuse to lie down or even sit down

May stand spread-legged

May attempt to eat small stones and twigs

Drinking excessively

Heavy or rapid panting

Shallow breathing

Cold mouth membranes

Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance
Especially in advanced stage

Accelerated heartbeat
Heart rate increases as bloating progresses

Weak pulse

Collapse

How is gastric dilatation and volvulus treated?

When the dog is presented to the hospital his condition is assessed. Blood samples are generally taken and tested to help determine the dog’s status. Usually the animal is in shock, or predisposed to it, so intravenous catheters are placed and fluids are administered. Antibiotics and pain relievers may be given.

The stomach is decompressed either by passing a stomach tube or inserting a large needle into the stomach and releasing the gas. After the animal is stabilized, x-rays are taken to help determine whether or not a volvulus is present.

Some dogs with GDV develop a bleeding disorder called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), in which small clots start to develop within the dog’s blood vessels. To prevent or treat this condition, heparin is given, if indicated.

The heart rate and rhythm are closely monitored. Some dogs with GDV develop heart arrhythmias, and this is a common cause of death in dogs with GDV. Dogs that already have a heart disease or are prone to heart arrythmias are generally treated with medication.

Once the dog is stabilized, surgery is performed to accomplish three things:

•Assess the health of the stomach and surrounding organs. If areas of the stomach or spleen have been irreversibly damaged, they are removed. In such a case, the chances for recovery are very poor, and euthanasia may be an alternative.

•Properly reposition the stomach

•Suture the stomach in a way to prevent it from twisting again (a procedure called gastropexy). If gastropexy is not performed, 75-80% of dogs will develop GDV again.

After surgery, the dog is closely monitored for several days for signs of infection, heart abnormalities, DIC, stomach ulceration or perforation, and damage to the pancreas or liver. Antibiotics and additional medications may need to be given.

How is gastric dilatation and volvulus prevented?

Despite adopting all of the recommendations listed below, a dog may still develop GDV. Because of the genetic link involved with this disease, prospective pet owners should question if there is a history of GDV in the lineage of any puppy that is from a breed listed as high risk. In addition, the following recommendations should be followed:

•Large dogs should be fed two or three times daily, rather than once a day.

•Owners of susceptible breeds should be aware of the early signs of bloat.

•Owners of susceptible breeds should develop a good working relationship with a local veterinarian in case emergency care is needed.

•Water should be available at all times, but should be limited immediately after feeding.

•Vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress should be avoided one hour before and two hours after meals.

•Some veterinarians recommend the use of elevated feeders for dogs susceptible to bloat.

•Diet changes should be made gradually over a period of three to five days.

•Susceptible dogs should be fed individually and, if possible in a quiet location.

•Dogs that have survived bloat are at an increased risk for future episodes; therefore prophylaxis in the form of preventive surgery or medical management should be discussed with the veterinarian.

Summary

Bloat is a life threatening condition that most commonly affects large-breed, deep-chested dogs over two years of age. Owners of susceptible breeds should be knowledgeable about the signs of the disease, since early and prompt treatment can greatly improve the outcome. By following the preventive measures recommended, pet owners can further reduce the likelihood of their pet developing this devastating problem.

References and Further Reading

Ellison, GW. Gastric dilatation volvulus: An update. Presented at the Western Veterinary Conference, Las Vegas NV, 2004.

Glickman, LT; Glickman, NW; Shellenburg, DB; et al. Multiple risk factors for the GDV syndrome in dogs: A paractitioner/owner case control study. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 1997, 33: 197-204.

Monnett, E. Gastric dilatation volvulus. Presented at the Western Veterinary Conference, Las Vegas NV, 2002.

Simpson, KW. Diseases of the stomach. In Ettinger, SJ; Feldman, EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 2005: 1319-1321.

(Majority of the information was taken from an article written by Holly Nash, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.)

In light of the terrible hurricane seasons that we have had these past two years I wanted to post some suggestions from animal shelters on how to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster. No matter what area you live in it is always a good idea to be prepared.

Before ANY weather emergency PLAN AHEAD!

Disaster Preparedness Animal Supplies Checklist

•Food: Keep at least one week’s supply stored in airtight containers. Include a can opener and extra bowl

•Water: Keep at least two week’s supply stored in air tight containers

•Identification: Animals should always wear a collar with and ID tag. Identify your animal with a permanent microchip. Keep current photos of your animal, include yourself in some photos as proof of ownership

•Paperwork: A copy of any important papers for your pet should be kept in a waterproof bag.

•First Aid/Medication: Prepare or buy a basic animal first aid kit and book. Include at least one week’s supply of any long-term medication. Create a collar tag indicating medication needs

•Cleaning Supplies: Prepare a small container of dish soap and disinfectant. Include several rolls of paper towels and plastic bags

Information from E.A.R.S. (Emergency Animal Rescue Service)