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Vol. XIII, Week 8 Feb 27, 2023

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About Retriever Results

Retriever Results continues to grow! There are now more than 30 years of results for field trials in the US and Canada and 15 for hunt tests in the US.

  • 106,000 dogs
  • Nearly 18,000 photos of competitive dogs (if we don't have yours send them in here)
  • 52,000 people (owners, trainers, breeders), about half of whom handle dogs

Health

Here's a roundup of some of the nasty things that can do real damage to our dogs.

Pythiosis
The Whole Dog Journal has a good summary of this "scary and emerging disease." Caused by an algae-like organism found in ponds, swamps, bayous and moist soil, the disease has been found primarily in the south but also as far north as Wisconsin and as far west as California.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The disease can be either external or internal, and treatment can be challenging. You can learn more here.

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine has a study underway. If your dog has pythiosis and you are interested in enrolling your dog, find more information here.

Choking
Dogs experience much of the world through their mouth and sometimes that practice can get them into trouble.

1. Place the dog on their back. Brace the back against the floor. Straddle the dog while adjusting yourself based on the size of the dog. Position the head in “in-line position” with the airway parallel to the floor.
2. Make an open diamond shape with your hands. Place your thumbs on either side of the trachea below the ball or object. Grip the “V” of the jaw using lip/cheek to protect fingers.
3. Push with a J-stroke down and out against the ball until it ejects from the mouth.
Both this method and the Heimlich method has been proven to work in these scenarios so don't hesitate to save your dog.
 
Blastomycosis
The Purina Pro Club website has a useful description of this disease.
Caused by a fungal mold, blasto is "associated with moist, slightly acidic soil and decomposing organic matter." The spores enter a dog's lungs and transform into a yeast that can spread throughout the body. The disease is most prevalent in river valleys of the central US, with Wisconsin being a hot spot. Shores of beaver ponds are also likely sources of infection. 
Once again, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. You can read more here.
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