Heart of the American Pit Bull Terrier Health V

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Breeding the dog or the pedigree All dogs carry defective genes. These defective genes are usually "recessive"-that is, their expression can be covered up by the presence of a normal gene for that function. It is estimated that the average dog carries 4 to 7 defective genes in it's DNA. (The human estimate is 10 to 12). Since genes are always carried in pairs, most of these abnormal genes are carried in a only single dose, so that their presence is completely concealed by the other, normal gene. What is a gene? A useful analogy is that a gene is like a set of instructions given to a particular workman doing a small job on a very big construction site. Each workman gets two sets of plans. If one set is damaged, he still has one good set, and the job can proceed. But if both sets are damaged, the job will not be finished, or it will be done wrong. A gene is a large molecule, a long double strand of DNA, composed of a backbone of two long sugar molecules linked by pairs of smaller molecules called "bases" or "nucleotides". It is the sequence of these nucleotides that encodes the information contained in the gene. How does a gene become defective? During normal cell division, an exact copy is made of each and every gene in the cell, and then it divides into two daughter cells which are each an exact copy of the original cell. Defective genes are caused by a "mutation". If something happens to disrupt the exact replication of the DNA during cell division, a defective gene results. Only a few changes in the base sequence can render the information in that gene useless. The process of aging is undoubtedly the effect of accumulated random defects of this sort, as are most types of cancer. In the formation of egg and sperm, a special type of division takes place. Instead replicating the genetic material, so that both the daughter cells have a full complement of genes (two genes of each type), the genetic material is divided, so that each reproductive cell has only one gene of each type. When sperm and egg finally meet, the full complement of genes is restored, and a new individual, carrying half of its mother's genes and half of its father's genes is created. Selective breeding. Nearly all breeding of domestic animals is selective as opposed to random. Years ago, before the era of scientific genetics, breeding was done more by phenotype than by pedigree. Race horses tended to be bred by the stopwatch. That was where the money was. Dairy cattle were bred by the volume and quality of their milk, meat animals, by the speed of maturation and ratio of feed to meat, and so on. Later, it was recognized that breeding together closely related animals tended to speed up the process of "fixing" the desired traits within a few generations. Breeding by pedigree is the type of selective breeding most often practiced today. It nearly always involves some degree of inbreeding. The logic is simple. We know that an animal's traits are genetically controlled. We can even calculate the percentage of a particular animal's genes residing in the cells of one of its descendants. When we mate closely related animals whose family shows (has the phenotype of) the desired trait, we are reasonably sure it will appear in the offspring. Some breeders have carried this practice to remarkable extremes, failing to realize there is a "catch" to the pedigree method. What about those defective genes? The ones you can't see because they are covered up" by intact ones. When we breed closely related animals, (let us say because they have super rears), we can see the desired trait. This trait is genetically controlled, like all traits. These two closely related animals share the genes for their super rears as a result of their close genetic relationship. What we can't see is the PRA gene or the kidney disease gene that these two animals also share as a result of their close genetic relationship. When we double up on the good rears we are also doubling up on the particular hidden defects they share. We can see the results of this type of concentration of mutations in some human populations which have been relatively inbred by reason of isolation due to status, geography, or religion. Some examples that come to mind are Tay-Sachs disease in eastern European Jews, and hemophilia in some royal families. Phenotype breeding has been largely neglected in recent years. It has fallen into undeserved disrepute as the more popular inbreeding has produced faster and more dramatic changes. I say undeservedly, because it has much to recommend it, and voids some of the serious pitfalls of inbreeding. Again, we look at the phenotype of two relatively unrelated animals. They both have good rears, which we want. Why do they share this trait? For the same reason that he two related ones did: they both have the set of genes which produce good rears. But what about hidden, bad genes? Since these animals could not have been selected for unseen characteristics, (after all, if you can't see it you can't consciously select for it), they probably do not share many of these defective genes. To be sure, they still carry their load of defects in their own private collections, but they most likely each carry a different set. This being the case, it is very unlikely that any one offspring will inherit two copies of the same defective gene. It is very likely, however, that they will all have good rears. Phenotype breeding is still selective breeding. We are selecting those animals which show the desired traits, while minimizing the probability of doubling up on hidden, undesired ones. Inbreeding and linebreeding, on the other hand, select for both the phenotypic and genotypic traits, and dramatically increases the probability of producing animals homozygous for defects. The lesson in all of this is that we should pay less attention to pedigrees, particularly in terms of looking for similarities on paper when we breed, and more attention to the dogs themselves. All too many breeders make their breeding decisions on paper, and not in the flesh. We need to consider the pedigrees as they relate to the qualities of the parent animal - did his mom and dad have good rears - rather than to insist he be related to our prospective brood b#tch. We can get the results we want by breeding unrelated "like to like", without the tragic by products of inbreeding. Dr. Catherine Marley
Dog's Pyometra Disease Dog's Pyometra Disease Forword: I am writing this article since I have had a fellow breeder with a 3 1/2 year old apbt female with this problem. She was bred for the first time at that age, believed she was pregnant since her stomach was increasing in size, though her milk bags were not. Later, thinking she needed a c-section and with x rays, she was diagosed to have the Pyometra disease. The female was spayed and given away as a pet. Perhaps if he had information about this disease prior to her event, she could have been saved for breeding instead of lost. Please keep in mind that just from the mere fact of a puss discharge from the private area does not necessarily mean she has Pyometra, but could infact mean she has an infection of some sort and you should seek Veternarian help. Pyometra Disease is a serious disease that can be simply defined as an infection in the uterus. However, most cases of pyometra are much more difficult to manage than a routine infection. There are many situations that cause changes in the Uterus. During those changes, bacteria can easily enter during the estrus (heat or season) of the dog. There are signs of Pyometra2 and can be diagnosed and treated. Yet, surgery is not the only answer to this common disease. The Pyometra infection in the lining of the uterus is establishe7200d as a result of female hormonal influences that decrease the normal resistance to infection. Following estrus (heat or season), progesterone levels from the ovaries remain elevated for 6-8 weeks after and thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur for several estrus cycles, the lining continues to build and increase in thickness until cysts form within it. The thickened, cystic lining secretes pussy fluids that create an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow. Once bacteria has envolved inside, the female will not take pregnancy. Thus, causing the next cycle to arrive with more bacteria present, thus, the disease worsens. Additionally, high progesterone levels inhibit the ability of the muscles in the wall of the uterus to contract. Therefore, the exterier private area of the female will be enlarged and draining when not in estus (heat or season). Pyometra often occurs in middle-aged or older females that have never had puppies, younger dogs are sometimes affected if not been bred. In conclusion, after years of estrus cycles without pregnancy, the uterine wall undergoes the changes that promote this disease. Yet, it does not mean that if you do not breed your dog, she will have this disease. Pyometra is found in 1 out of 100 dogs. Yet, consider how many 1,000's born monthly. The typical time for pyometra disease to mature is about 1-2 months following the estrus cycle containing bacteria. The use of progesterone-based drugs can also cause changes in the uterus leading to the pyometra disease. In addition, estrogen from the ovaries will increase the effects of progesterone on the uterus. Drugs containing both hormones are used to treat certain conditions of the reproductive system. At the same time, they can back fire and make the case much worse than it orginaly was. The cervix is the gateway for bacteria to enter the uterus. It remains tightly closed except during estrus cycle. When it is open, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus rather easily. If the uterus is normal, the environment is adverse to bacterial survival; however, when the uterine wall is thickened and cystic, perfect conditions exist for bacterial growth. In addition, when these abnormal conditions exist, the muscles of the uterus cannot contract properly. This means that bacteria that enter the uterus cannot be expelled. The clinical signs of pyometra depend on whether or not the cervix is open. If it is open, pus will drain from the uterus through the vagina to the outside. It is often noted on the skin or hair under the tail or on bedding and furniture where the dog has laid. Fever, lethargy, anorexia, and depression may or may not be present. If the cervix is closed, pus that forms is not able to drain to the outside. It collects in the uterus causing distention of the abdomen. The bacteria release toxins which are absorbed into circulation These dogs often become severely ill very rapidly. They are anorectic, very listless, and very depressed. Vomiting or diarrhea may be present. Poisonous toxins from the bacteria affect the kidney’s ability to retain fluid since it is an almost constant excretion to "flow out" the bacteria. Increased urine production occurs and the dog drinks an excess of water. Loss of appetite and weight loss is common, but, masked by the enlarging abdomen. These conditions occur in both open- and closed-cervix pyometra. Dogs that are seen early in the disease may have a slight vaginal discharge and show no other signs of illness. Therefore, when in doubt, see your local veternarian. However, most dogs with pyometra are not seen until later in the illness when more signs show. A very ill female dog that is drinking an increased amount of water and has not been spayed is always suspected of having pyometra. This is especially true if there is a vaginal discharge or an enlarged abdomen. Yet, there are tests available to properly determine the disease. Dogs with pyometra have a marked elevation of the white blood cell count and often have an elevation of globulins (a type of protein produced by the immune system) in the blood to help counter act the fight against bacteria. The specific gravity of the urine is very low due to the toxic effects of the bacteria on the kidneys. Meaning, the urination is under slow pressure-slow out flow. However, all of these abnormalities may be present in any dog with a major bacterial infection whether or not it is pyometra. Blood tests are useful in both diagnosing the condition and monitoring the response to treatment. If the cervix is closed, radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen will often identify the enlarged uterus. If the cervix is open, there will often be such minimal uterine enlargement that the radiograph will not be conclusive. An ultrasound examination can also be helpful in identifying an enlarged uterus and differentiating that from a normal pregnancy. Medical and surgical treatments are available, but surgical treatment is more common. The preferred veternarian treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries. This is called an ovariohysterectomy ("spay"). Dogs diagnosed in the early stage of the disease are very good surgical candidates and sometimes can be solved by medications with out surgery. The surgery is only slightly more complicated than a routine spay. However, most dogs are diagnosed when they are quite ill so the surgery is not as routine as the same surgery in a healthy dog. Intravenous fluids are often needed before and after surgery. Antibiotics are given for 1-2 weeks. There is a medical approach to treating pyometra with out surgery. Prostaglandins are a group of hormones that reduce the blood level of progesterone, relax and open the cervix, and contract the uterus to expel bacteria and pus. Strong Antibiotics are also issued to help in fight the bacteria. Special diets for kidney failure (sold over the counter at your local vet) are also given with occasional sub-Q fluids depending on the vomiting ratio. They can be used successfully to treat this disease, but they are not always successful and they have some important limitations. 1. They cause side-effects of restlessness, panting, vomiting, defecation, salivation, and abdominal pain. The side-effects occur within about 15 minutes of an injection and last for a few hours. They become progressively milder with each successive treatment and may be lessened by walking the dog for about 30 minutes following an injection. 2. There is no clinical improvement for about 48 hours so dogs that are severely ill are poor candidates. 3. Because they contract the uterus, it is possible for the uterus to rupture and spill infection into the abdominal cavity. This is most likely to happen when the cervix is closed and has not opened from the Prostaglandin hormones that were endused by drugs. There are some important statistics that the Veternarian quoted that should know about this form of disease: 1. The success rate for treating open-cervix pyometra is 75-90%. 2. The success rate for treating closed-cervix pyometra is 25-40%. 3. The rate of recurrence of the disease is 50-75%. 4. The chances of subsequent successful breeding is 50-75%. The chance of successful treatment without surgery or prostaglandin treatment is extremely low. If treatment is not performed quickly, the toxic effects from the bacteria will be fatal. If the cervix is closed, it is also possible for the uterus to rupture, spilling the infection into the abdominal cavity. This will also be fatal. In conclusion, if the female is not worth paying to perform surgery or medication, perhaps putting her down is the most dignified way to end. South Block
In the corner with Dr. Dim In The Corner With Doctor Dim Among the more popular supplements currently being used by individuals searching for a "magic lift" are androstenedione, chromium, and creatine. This article reviews each of these "hot" supplements and addresses the following questions: * What is it and how is it used? * How is it supposed to work? * Does it work? * Are there any health risks associated with its use? * Does sufficient evidence exist to recommend its use? Androstenedione Androstenedione is a male sex hormone produced naturally by the body that can be converted to testosterone. It is also marketed and sold as a natural supplement under various trade names (all of which have some form of the word "andro" in them). Androstenedione is believed to have first been used by East German sports scientists to enhance the performance capabilities of their Olympic athletes. The popularity of androstenedione skyrocketed in 1998 after it was revealed that the record-setting slugger Mark McGuire used the supplement. Marketers and manufacturers of "andro" (as it is popularly called) claim that a 100-mg dose of andro can increase plasma concentrations of testosterone by a factor of four within 90 minutes. Additional claims include increases in muscle size, strength, energy, immune function, libido (sex drive) and general well-being. Many experts believe that, as with other steroids, andro improves the body's ability to rapidly recover from strenuous physical activity, allowing users to train more frequently at higher intensity levels. Presumably, the result of such training would be a substantial increase in muscle size and strength. Dr. Charles Yesalis, a leading expert on the topic of anabolic steroids, contends that andro should be placed on the list of substances covered by the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, and its use should be controlled until its long-term health effects are determined. Given its close link to testosterone, it seems logical that androstenedione has the potential to bring about the same harmful side-effects associated with anabolic steroid use. Potential users should keep in mind that even though andro is sold legally over the counter, it has been banned by such organizations as the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the International Olympic Committee and the National Football League. Chromium Chromium is an essential trace mineral in the body that aids insulin in the transfer of glucose, amino acids and fat from the bloodstream into the cells. Chromium can be found in many unrefined foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, prunes and mushrooms. The estimated safe range of chromium intake for adults is 50 to 200 micrograms per day. With a typical American diet, two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of chromium is consumed. Chromium supplementation became popular after it was found that exercise increases chromium loss, raising the concern that chromium deficiency may be common among physically active individuals. Despite little evidence existing to suggest that chromium deficiency is a widespread problem, chromium picolinate (a supplemental form of chromium) has gained popularity recently as a potent stimulus for simultaneous muscular development and fat loss. The few research studies conducted on chromium supplementation have not found it to have a beneficial effect on levels of either lean muscle mass or body fat. In 1996, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) forced three of the leading marketers of chromium picolinate to stop making undocumented claims, including that the pills promote weight loss, burn fat, build muscle, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugars, and treat or prevent diabetes. The FTC concluded that these health claims had not been substantiated by scientific studies, and that no reliable evidence existed that most Americans do not consume enough chromium. In a recent position paper, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) concluded that, "based on available evidence, chromium supplementation is not necessary." ACSM recommends that individuals consume a diet high in unrefined foods and include a wide variety of foods to obtain adequate amounts of chromium. Creatine Creatine is one of the "hottest" supplements among fitness enthusiasts. Part of the reason for its popularity is the growing evidence suggesting that taking creatine supplements may improve the ability to perform short-term, intense exercise. The effect of creatine on short-term, intense exercise is hardly surprising, given the relationship between creatine and skeletal muscle. All skeletal muscle tissue contains creatine, and dietary creatine is found in both meat and fish. In its phosphorylated form, creatine plays a key role in the formation of ATP (the body's energy source) and, during exercise; a portion of the muscle's creatine is depleted. Without sufficient amounts of creatine, which is manufactured in the liver and the kidneys and stored in the skeletal muscles, the cycle that creates this energy is unable to produce enough ATP to meet the demand of short bursts of high-intensity exercise. Creatine supplements have been shown to increase the total creatine content (creatine and creatine phosphate) of muscle on an average of 20 to 30 percent. Several studies suggest that ingestion of 20 to 25 grams of creatine monohydrate per day for five to six days improves muscular performance during activities that require short periods of high-intensity power and strength (weightlifting, sprinting). Sufficient evidence exists to state that, under certain conditions, creatine supplementation can enhance performance in these activities. If individuals can train at higher intensity levels, they may be able to add strength and power at accelerated rates over a period of time. Creatine can also lead to weight gain, but the mechanism responsible for the added weight has not been adequately investigated. Before individuals start buying and taking creatine supplements, however, they should consider the following: * Approximately 20 grams per day (four doses of 5 grams each, consumed over the course of the day) should increase muscle creatine levels within five to seven days. To encourage the storage of creatine in the muscles, 90 grams of carbohydrates should be consumed with each 5-gram dose. A more gradual technique would be to consume 3 grams of creatine a day for approximately one month. Two grams of creatine supplementation per day will maintain muscle creatine levels once these levels are full. The long-term effects of taking creatine have not been studied. The majority of studies have examined the short- term (30 days or less) effects. All of the studies conducted have involved adults only. Creatine's effects on children are unknown. Consuming large quantities of creatine (greater than 30 grams per month) may encourage fat to accumulate in the liver. Stomach cramping and diarrhea have been cited as adverse side effects of creatine supplementation. Creatine supplementation is not recommended for individuals involved in aerobic endurance activities, since any resultant increase in body-mass levels could impair performance. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the following statement regarding creatine use: "Much remains unknown about whether creatine is absolutely safe for long-term use at levels currently being recommended. Both current and potential users should consult their physicians to identify any potential health problems." Truth in advertising ? Many nutritional supplements are marketed using deceptive, misleading or downright dishonest claims. Although many of their claims are unsubstantiated, such substances can be marketed without the FDA review of safety and effectiveness. Another problem with these "magic pills, powders and potions" is that the concentration of active ingredients can greatly differ from product to product due to the lack of regulatory control. Although some supplements may confer beneficial effects, most are associated with various adverse side-effects. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes should remain skeptical when considering nutritional supplement use. As the old saying goes, "Caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware." The Antioxidants A healthy cell has a mortal enemy, which is called a "free radical." Free radicals constantly seek out healthy cells and attack their vulnerable outer membranes eventually causing cellular degeneration and death. Free radicals, scientists know today, carry out the actual destructive work in disease, in infection, in stress and in aging. Additionally, free radicals can negatively affect athletic performance by slowing or halting muscle growth and by lowering aerobic capacity. Further, free radicals are known to cause defects in normal RNA as well as in life perpetuating DNA, the genetic material of the cells. Normal molecules in the body have two (a paired group) electrons in their outer shell. A molecule with a single electron (unpaired) in its outer shell is called a free radical. Free radicals occur naturally when oxygen in the bloodstream combine with any of a diverse group of chemicals including those commonly found in polluted air, in primary and/or second hand cigarette smoke, in known chemical toxins; as well as, in food additives and in re-heated cooking oil. Additionally, free radical production and damage is accelerated by the normal radiation found in sunlight and by increasing exercise, especially running and other aerobic activities. This is easy to understand in that aerobic exercise can increase oxygen consumption ten to twenty times normal values. With more oxygen available in the bloodstream; free radical production soars. Worse, the direct muscle destroying activities of the free radicals continue many hours after exercise stops. The destructive effects of free radicals can be prevented with the addition of anti-oxidants in the diet or by anti-oxidant supplements. A good anti-oxidant complex supplement actually has advantages over diet sources in that the complex has many different specific types of anti-oxidants, which seek out and destroy free radicals at many various cellular sites. A single anti-oxidant, for example Vitamin E, only protects the outer fatty layers of the cell. It will not stabilize DNA which, for example, is one the main effects of the anti-oxidant Vitamin C. The process by which different anti-oxidants disperse through the bloodstream to protect the cells at different sites is referred to in science as "anti-oxidant synergy." When a specific anti-oxidant meets a free radical in the bloodstream at it's appropriate activity site, it naturally combines with it and coverts the free radical to harmless water and oxygen. As a result, as anti-oxidant increases due to the supplementation of higher amounts of a greater variety of anti-oxidants, cellular damage lessens and performance and health improves. In fact, aside from the numerous Scientifically compelling studies addressing the varied health benefits of anti-oxidant supplementation, there have been studies completed demonstrating a dramatic decrease in injuries in athletic training with the simple addition of a good anti-oxidant complex supplement. A good anti-oxidant complex should have a variety of powerful individual anti-oxidants including Vitamins A, C and E, the minerals Zinc and Selenium, the amino acid N-Acetyl-Cysteine and natural plant extracts of Grape Skin, Bilberry and Green Tea. Green Tea and Grape Skin are especially powerful anti-oxidants, providing twenty to thirty times the biological activity of other individual anti-oxidants. When to Feed your Bulldog Anabolism is when your DOG is in a state of positive nitrogen balance hence muscle-forming. If you don't constantly supply his body with nutrients on a regular basis, you may throw off his nitrogen balance and go into catabolism. Catabolism is a condition in which the body uses his lean muscle as fuel and spares the food they've consumed. You can ensure that he remains anabolic by eating when he is most likely to be catabolic. These times are when he first wakes up, after his workout, and in the middle of the night. By feeding him as soon as he gets up and immediately after his workout, you ensure him a state of anabolism during these times. I even set my alarm for the middle of the night to feed them a small nutritious meal to keep them in an anabolic state. Their post-workout meal is the most important in keeping you anabolic. If they don't eat immediately (within 30-45 minutes) after training, their body looks to burn their lean muscle as fuel. Yes, you actually will make them lose muscle by working out! You need to replace all the lost glycogen in their muscles, and help them recover. Give them to take in around 150-200 grams of carbs and 30-50 grams of protein as well as a lot of water. This is one time when eating high glycemic carbs is beneficial because of the quick insulin release they induce. Then, the next most important meal is the pre-workout meal, which should be consumed about at least 2 hours before training. This meal safeguards their body from using muscle as the fuel for your workouts. Feeding them a small meal right before sleep is a good idea also because their body assimilates food well during night sleep. This meal should be lower in carbs and higher in fat and protein. This is because carbs tend to be stored as fat faster late at night than fat and protein.
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