lappiemum

From the National Institute of Neourological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) - US information source http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebel...egeneration.htm What is Cerebellar Degeneration? Cerebellar degeneration is a disease process in which neurons in the cerebellum - the area of the brain that controls muscle coordination and balance - deteriorate and die. Diseases that cause cerebellar degeneration can also involve areas of the brain that connect the cerebellum to the spinal cord, such as the medulla oblongata, the cerebral cortex, and the brain stem. Cerebellar degeneration is most often the result of inherited genetic mutations that alter the normal production of specific proteins that are necessary for the survival of neurons. Associated diseases: Diseases that are specific to the brain, as well as diseases that occur in other parts of the body, can cause neurons to die in the cerebellum. Neurological diseases that feature cerebellar degeneration include: acute and hemorrhagic stroke, when there is lack of blood flow or oxygen to the cerebellum cerebellar cortical atrophy, multisystem atrophy and olivopontocerebellar degeneration, progressive degenerative disorders in which cerebellar degeneration is a key feature Friedreich’s ataxia, and other spinocerebellar ataxias, which are caused by inherited genetic mutations that progressively kill neurons in the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (such as "Mad Cow Disease" and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) in which abnormal proteins cause inflammation in the brain, particularly in the cerebellum multiple sclerosis, in which damage to the insulating membrane (myelin) that wraps around and protects nerve cells can involve the cerebellum Other diseases that can cause cerebellar degeneration include: endocrine diseases that involve the thyroid or the pituitary gland chronic alcohol abuse that leads to temporary or permanent cerebellar damage paraneoplastic disorders in which tumors in other parts of the body produce substances that cause immune system cells to attack neurons in the cerebellum Symptoms: The most characteristic symptom of cerebellar degeneration is a wide-legged, unsteady, lurching walk, usually accompanied by a back and forth tremor in the trunk of the body. Other symptoms include slow, unsteady and jerky movement of the arms or legs, slowed and slurred speech, and nystagmus -- rapid, small movements of the eyes. What research is being done? The NINDS funds research to find the genes involved in diseases that cause cerebellar degeneration. Discovering these genes, identifying their mutations, and understanding how the abnormal proteins they produce cause cerebellar degeneration, will eventually help scientists find ways to prevent, treat, and even cure the diseases that involve cerebellar degeneration. NIH Patient Recruitment for Cerebellar Degeneration Clinical Trials At NIH Clinical Center Throughout the U.S. and Worldwide Organizations National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) 2600 Fernbrook Lane North Suite 119 Minneapolis, MN 55447-4752 [email protected] http://www.ataxia.org Tel: 763-553-0020 Fax: 763-553-0167 Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) P.O. Box 1537 Springfield, VA 22151 [email protected] http://www.CureFA.org Tel: (703) 426-1576 Fax: (703) 425-0643 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 733 Third Avenue 3rd Floor New York, NY 10017-3288 [email protected] http://www.nationalmssociety.org Tel: 212-986-3240 800-344-4867 (FIGHTMS) Fax: 212-986-7981

Reports are that Sunday has more entries, but this is my first time so I can't say.

From what I can remember the Expo has never really had big numbers. Many won't go as the don't like the venue as it's small and full of public people wandering around. I love it and was dissapointed when the stopped it! The shopping was always amazing, I always went home broke!! Ditto!!! The Pet Expo 2005 was my 2nd ever show LOL (and my first champ show :D ), and have been ever year since barring last year when it was not on. Would have entered this year if it weren't for pups. However hoping to come down for a wander (and to empty my bank account ). I always had a great time and picked up heaps of bargains!! Oh SP - you better come and say hello!! :D

I'll be over for Lappie cuddles Cool! :D

We will be there on both days And yes, the notice in the VicDogs was for a 9am start both days - thank dog!!!!LOL

any deals on compact walls?

I'd suggest a greyhound, but probably not offlead They are very smoochy babies though.

I'd suggest a lappie (yes, I know you are in NT, but we have lappies doing nicely in Townsville) - but the offlead you would need to work on - mind you, that is the case with any dog. They tend to be too friendly, and want to say hello to everyone. Otherwise, they would tick your boxes.

Have been using it with my girl as preparation. Will hopefully let you know how it all goes in a few months!LOL

Actually, I'm going to go against the OP here, and say that I love it when I have dogs barking in the street and acting like nuts behind their fences. The reason? Excellent training opportunities for my dogs to learn that even when you have a silly thing going off behind its fence, you ignore it. Thats what top dogs do So we go looking for streets like that! However, even when just walking our local streed I have had occassions where dogs have rushed out, which is different, only because I am not sure 100% how the other dog will react. A couple of weeks ago a SWF got away from its owner and came tearing up to me when I walking my boy. To his credit, Bear sat when I told him too, even with this nutty thing going off, and we waited for the owner to recover it. We didn't move as I know that some dogs like to circle behind and have a go from there, and I'm pretty sure my teenage boy would probably take that on as an insult to his doghood....! So dogs out from behind fences, without their owners, is not one of my fav things - its the reason we don't do dog parks anymore! (except Kepala - the lappie babies all love *that* dog park!)

I'm not an expert in the breed standards, but I reckon you should get extra points for sheer cuteness.....

Oh, I get to post this time around.... This is Sohvi, also known as Watersedge Little Black Dress and her first go in the ring.... (best baby of breed)

dogs bark cats purr bird tweet councils come up with dumb rules

Lappiemum, in WA we have a lot less shows than Vic, and yet we generally have more Lappies being shown except at the really big shows (although that may be changing with more Vic Lappy owners now showing)! Reason is that we show regardless of the size of the show (and everyone keeps saying it is too far to come to WA to show ) so if it is show with over or under 750 we are likely to have the same numbers which is between 4 and 6 dogs depending on how many I am stupid enough to enter (other person showing has two dogs, we have 4). Oh, and since we are friends we are generally either both entered or neither unless one of us has another commitment and the other still wants to show dogs for some reason. Both my breeds have the same number of dogs entered regardless of size of shows, or maybe one or two dogs difference at the very most. But then there are only 2 show kelpies in WA (soon to be 3 ) and 8 Lappies that are able to be shown of which only 6 are. I'll come to WA for a show...may have to leave a week beforehand though...! Seriously, I understand the arguments for and against. Yes, there are lots of shows in Vic, but I still think it would be interesting to look at overall participation rates against the eligible membership, and number of shows available. But thats the research nerd in me talking there.....

You would have to know the actively showing membership of each state, and then calculate average attendance rates. Not sure if those figures are around, let along available....

That is true, but from my experience there are a lot more entries overall at the Vic shows. So if you win, thats great, but a lot of the time, you don't....!

I have finnish lapphunds and we use a Rogz beach bum limited check collar - see the link below: http://www.ozpetshop.com.au/product_info.p...roducts_id/1890 They come in all sorts of funky colours and a great to walk the lappies on - I only wish I could use them in the ring!

Not sure who is sillier - PETA or the President of the GroundHog Club that can apparently speak "groundhogese"... I tell you what though, must be tough being a kid in Pennsylvania when a ground hog has a more luxurious lifestyle.... PETA calls for robotic groundhog Posted 1 hour 14 minutes ago Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2 each year to see whether or not Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow. (Reuters: Jason Cohn, file photo) Organisers of America's annual Groundhog Day celebration have dismissed calls to replace the famous ground-dwelling squirrel with a robot. According to folklore, if the groundhog, which hibernates over winter, sees its shadow when it emerges from its burrow it will retreat back inside and winter will continue for another six weeks. Groundhog Day, made famous by the movie of the same name, is a holiday celebrated on February 2 each year to see whether or not Punxsutawney Phil, who appeared in the movie, emerges from his burrow. But now animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for a robot to spare Phil the glare of the spotlight. Groundhog Club president Bill Deeley describes PETA's request as "very ridiculous". But PETA says the dawn ceremony, which is attended by as many as 40,000 people in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, can be traumatising for the groundhog. "Groundhogs are typically shy animals and are likely to feel fear and stress when they are out of their burrows," PETA said in a statement. "Each year on February 2, Punxsutawney Phil is trotted out to face human handling and hundreds of noisy people, flashing lights and cameras." But Mr Deeley disagreed, saying groundhogs may be done hibernating and starting to emerge from their burrows to begin the mating season. He also defended the club against charges of mistreating Phil, saying he gets an annual medical check-up and lives in a zoo enclosure that is air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. "He's treated better than the average child in Pennsylvania," Mr Deeley said. A robotic groundhog would also not be able to communicate its prognostication to the president of the club, who claims to be the only person in the world to speak "groundhogese". "I couldn't talk to a robot," Mr Deeley said. "And the robot couldn't talk groundhogese." For groundhog lovers who are unwilling to spend a cold night waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to emerge, organisers this year are for the first time offering to text the prognostication to people's cell phones. More than 15,000 people have signed up to receive the alert.

If you don't know the answer (and really a lot of it is common sense!) then ask your breed mentor, or whoever is supporting you. In Vic you can even ring them up and speak with someone, or go to the library at KCC...

Seriously, do people actually fail??? Um, its open book.....

Makes you wonder what was said...regardless, proof again that the problem is usually the owner, not the dog! Pit bull owner attacks at St Kilda THOMAS HUNTER January 28, 2010 - 10:01AM A man who asked the owner of a pit bull terrier puppy about his dog while strolling along St Kilda beach was savagely attacked from behind just moments later, leaving him with a fractured skull and questions about what sparked the beating. The 35-year-old Airport West man was assaulted while walking on St Kilda dog beach at about 2pm on December 30. Police said he made a friendly, non-threatening comment to the man about his young dog, but the man responded by threatening to ‘‘sick the dog onto him’’. Detective Senior Constable Eliza Simpson said the altercation, which was overheard by other beach-goers, was only verbal at that stage. ‘‘Then he has continued toward the water and has heard ‘oi!’ and turned around and he’s just been whacked. He didn’t see who by,’’ she said. ‘‘Witnesses saw the attacker push him down in the water and kick him in the head. ‘‘There was one attacker, two of his mates, and a female. There is also mention of another dog, a fully-grown pit bull terrier.’’ Detective Senior Constable Simpson said the group then picked up the dogs and walked away. Although there were ‘‘hundreds of people on the beach that day’’, Detective Senior Constable Simpson said very few came forward to tell police what they saw. The victim had his skull fractured above his right ear and has ongoing hearing problems as a result. He also suffered a black eye and abrasions and spent three days recovering in The Alfred Hospital. The offender is thought to be about 19 years old, lightly built and wearing shorts and a singlet. Police are appealing to anyone who saw the attack to come forward to help identify the offender. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au

The thing I find most concerning about this is that you can breed a carrier, sell it on limited register as a pet, provide full disclosure to the buyer, and a couple of years later, they get the s#$ts with you, and complain. Buyers, in my experience are flat out remembering what was in the diet sheet you gave them, never mind some complicated explanation about a hereditary disease where their dog has the genes but not the symptoms. So, off they go and complain. If I was in Vic, I would make everyone who bought a pup sign a waiver to say that they did know the dog was a carrier, did not want to breed, and accepted that,. Then, when pushed, they say they were "only a pet owner" and could not be expected to know or understand that. They bought the dog in good faith, they decided to breed with it, and you are in the you know what. Just the hassle of some official turning up to find out what you did and didn't do puts me off. check through your records (if they don't seize them) find the buyer and the litter, find the signed agreement, find it isn't done properly, even though you thought it was. And things like this do happen. I've been breeding long enough to know they do. Greyshaft is only one of many people like him who want their pound of flesh. And the laws are incredibly convolvulted and difficult to understand,. Despite the Gov and RSPCA saying those laws are for puppy farmers, that is not spelled out, so if you have been breeding for 30 years, whelp a perfectly normal litter, the bitch is perfectly normal, but you don' t take her to the vet for a post whelping check, you are in breach of the laws, and liable to a large fine - and again, the RSPCA can seize the bitch and pups. It's not about doing the crime for me. I am a very law abiding person - it's about the RSPCA seizing my dogs. Poodlefan If a byb can't test because there is no test developed, they are in the clear. And they are impossible to find anyhow. And it may not have been a competitor who reported them - as with Judy Gard it may have been some misguided animal rights vet. It seems obvious that they are out to collar people. It will be interesting to discover the full story behind this. Jed Oh, dear, I think that has to be the freudian slip of the year. This is quite a contentious issue, Jed. I fall on the side that if you breed a carrier litter, you should have the progeny tested gentically. You can have the result registered with the genetic company, provide disclosure to the puppy person in writing (as is required) and that way everyone is covered. The other danger in not testing a litter is that while breeders try to screen everyone who wants a puppy from their breed, there is still the distinct possibility that one day there will be unregistered litters for sale from back yarders, who have managed to get into the breed though "pet" purchases. Registration and health checks will have no meaning for them, only $$. however, eithout knowing the genetic status of the parents, you could end up with affected litters without ever knowing it.

Any short coated breed is of course easier to manage... Plus if you're in a high tick area (I don't know what the tick status is like up there) I would go the short coated breeds. The problem with the lapphunds is they are a spitz breed, so of course they have an independent streak and are more challenging to train than say a kelpie. I disagree with that - having had both, I would say that it depends on the personality of the dog. My kelpie girl was far more stubborn than my lappies, would never walk beside me on the lead unless she was completely buggered. I'd say both breeds were easy to train, but my kelpie had a lot more drive. I like the longer coat too, as I'm not constantly picking up dog hair - just the twice of year coat blow. A 10min - 20min brush once a week is usually all I need for my lappies. If they are blowing coat, I wash them and then blow it all out/rack it out.

Would also recommend a Lappie, if you want something that is great at agility and easy to train, but not as drivey as a kelpie. and yes, I have owned both

yes but that includes carriers and my understanding is you can be the most ethical breeder ever born but if you breed a carrier to a clear, no matter that all pups are then DNA tested, carrier pups either desexed or kept by the breeder, you are breaking the law. Which means a whole lot of good dogs are out of the breeding program, even though they and any pups they might produce will not be affected by the disease. But the BYBer's can still carry on. it depends on the heritable disease. Late onset PRA is in my breed, and some breeders are breeding carrier to clears, which is legal. I know for a fact one of these breeders has not tested the progeny from the last carrier litter, and this is perfectly fine with the legislation, that only states a breeder should test all the litter, not must. The breeding program for the Vic Breed club states that in terms of carrier to clear matings, only dogs and bitches intended for breeding need to be tested for PRA status, so there is nothing to compell the testing of carrier to clear litters - its up to the breeder.