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Oh... The Things That Irritate! Data Transmission!!!

7/30/2018

Holter update!

All was going well. The Holter unit working as expected, the dogs cooperating for the most part, and a 24 hour uninterrupted time span of vest wearing complete. Then came the transmission glitch.
I stopped just short of getting to the point of the character on the left! Historically I've never gotten quite "there" but I've been close. Fortunately my computer and the Holter monitor are still intact. But it seems the two are not communicating well together! Or maybe it's me that's not communicating with one or the other components...
More than likely that!

Friday evening, was a nightmare with frustration building every step of the way as I continued "doing" in an attempt to get a report transmitted. I began cursing my equipment and then myself for not being more technologically savvy. That didn't help at all so I went back to "doing". Now I'm thinking that may have been a mistake. After completing Skye's study, I proceeded to insert the SD card removed from the unit into the appropriate slot on my computer. Following, I finally located a file by the name of "No Name" on my system. Clicking on it opened up something called ?.dat that I assumed, based on directions provided, was the file I was supposed to transmit. Sounded simple enough. Drag the file to the drop box provided by a link from the company. And it appeared to be working -but midstream I received a transmission error report. I thought maybe it was a problem with slow connection speed or something so I decided to try again. I once again found the "No Name" file but this time clicking on it left me with an empty box... no .dat file there. Assuming I had done something wrong, I reinserted the SD card back into the Holter with intent to re-record. Just a short segment as a trial assuming, with some regret, I would have to re-do Skye once I got the mechanisms figured out. More frustration for her. And then more frustration for me when I inserted the card into the Holter and received message telling me "no card present". With that I was at the head in hands, pulling hair stage... Frustration was maxed out and I knew I was nearing the point of 1.) The character in the photo or 2.) Quitting before I got there! I opted for quit!!!

Saturday afternoon, after the blood had a chance to simmer down I inserted a new card in hopes of getting Remedy's study underway. Like Skye's, that process and the study itself seemed to flow without a hitch.

Since I've been unable to locate said data "flash.dat" since Friday anywhere on my Mac and now have reason to believe all Skye's data is likely destroyed in my fiddlings it was definitely time for Tech support. I spoke with John from Alba this morning as I held two SD cards in my hand. One with Skye's supposed reading on it that I'd fiddled around with per direction and then some. And one with Remedy's data that I had planned to upload under direct supervision while on the phone with support. Problem is they know their equipment but not every computer make, model and operating system. He confirmed others with Mac's have reported the file appearing as "No Name" and that I was in deed looking for a .dat file. After a brief discussion though and a fear that Skye's information may be gone since I've not been able to locate said "flash.dat" data since Friday and the card is no longer recognized in the Holter, it would probably be best to mail the SD cards and allow them to retrieve Remedy's recordings and hope to gain access to Skye's. I've read and re-read I was not to erase card via the computer so I was sure not to do that. And since the card wasn't recognized by the Holter the second time around it was never erased there either. So maybe, just maybe Skye's information is still there. So disappointing though when stuff doesn't work the way it's intended. I liked the idea of the digital unit over the older cassette version both for it's newer technology and option of online transmission. Having to rely now on snail mail is frustrating but a route that's been tried and is true. They're sending me enough cards to complete my studies and for now I guess snail mail it will be. Once the studies are done I'll fiddle with a dog, some short recordings and again attempt online transmission. For now I just want results. The rest nothing more than an irritant.

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Round Two.... My Sweet Remedy

7/28/2018

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Holter Monitoring And Cardiac Health...

7/27/2018

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While it's poorly understood how much heredity plays a factor in cardiac disease in general within the breed, there is an understanding that it plays a role. Unfortunately, regarding true DCM the genetic testing available thus far for Dobermans is not panning out as far as identifying dogs who will develop the disease vs those who will go on to live long healthy lives. As a result these tests, the genetic markers, are all but worthless. It has to do with variable penetrance which is complicated to understand and even more complicated for geneticists when trying to shed light on the disease. Fortunately for the breed research is ongoing and I think being taken seriously. But for now, we who love our Dobermans are basically playing Russian Roulette regarding true DCM, described by owners of dogs who are generally middle aged to older who suddenly develop a cough which all too often leads to the dreaded diagnosis of DCM. These dogs without any other prior symptoms are generally given poor prognosis even with every medication known to man thrown at them.

Regarding heart disease in the breed it seems to me, based on the many studies, articles and observations available, there are two distinct types. As a cardiac nurse of 30 years I have a fairly good grasp on the basics of cardiac health. I've also had, on occasion, the opportunity to discuss heart health pertaining to dogs, not my dogs specifically but dogs in general, with cardiologists (of humans) at work. I honestly don't see the correlation between true DCM 'ie dilated cardiomyopathy and early onset lethal arrhythmias. Generally speaking, it's fairly common for people to have electrical rhythm disturbances in otherwise healthy hearts thereby warranting either a pacemaker for those who's hearts beat dangerously low or defibrillators for those with a propensity toward ventricular tachycardia. Prior to implanting a defibrillator medications are sometimes tried depending on symptoms, or more accurately lack of symptoms, and frequency and character of those PVC's. To my knowledge there has been no talk of implantable devices for canines at this point in time. And if there were I'm sure they would be cost prohibitive for nearly all. Holter monitors though can identify dogs who, in my opinion, should be removed from breeding programs based on abnormal results assuming the trait is one that could potentially be passed to offspring. Dogs lost to "sudden death" are the dogs described as robust, happy, healthy and sometimes very young dogs who drop to their knees without warning while playing fetch with their owners. These dogs are dying from arrhythmias not DCM. Is there a genetic component to this... I'm not sure but it seems likely there would be.

After a great deal of research that's been ongoing and simmering away, I've come to the conclusion that doing yearly Holter monitoring on my breeding dogs, is a prudent decision and well worth the cost if by doing so I'm able to help to prevent the spread of Dobermans suffering from sudden death related to abnormal and lethal ventricular arrhythmias. While Holters are just a 24 hour snapshot of the electrical activity of the heart and offer no guarantees, they are the best method of attempting to identify those dogs with rhythm disturbances.

The photo of Skye above shows her tolerant and accepting of the equipment used for the study. I must confess, I had some concern I'd wake up to a dog without vest and a vest a heap on the floor but Skye did well. Not perfect but well. My sewing abilities were put to the test by one small tear at the shoulder. It seems though, on the tech end of things, on my end, there are some glitches that still need to be worked through. Skye did her part and wore the vest and monitor for the required 24 hour period. Unfortunately though I wasn't able to transmit her report online per the instructions provided by the company. And... as luck would have it the guy from tech support at Alba took the option to take Friday for a three day weekend. Hopefully, all is not lost and Monday I'll have success with transmission. The lack of my ability to transmit was very disappointing as I had planned to transmit and move right along with Holtering my next in line. Instead I continued trying to the point of total frustration. It'll be more disappointing and frustrating if I find the time and compliance afforded by Skye on Friday will have to be repeated. Hopefully her report and those of the rest of the crew will be forthcoming soon. When available they will be logged under the Pedigree and Health Docs tab for each.

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A great time to re-visit and update!

7/22/2018

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On yet another rainy day! This summer has been one of those. Rain, rain and more rain. As a friend wrote today, "I feel like I'm living in a rain forest"! That pretty well describes the scenario around here. Sounds like I'm living in a rainforest too. Sounds of nature that I love. Who knew frogs and Cicada's could create such a racket!

Now for the news. Or maybe in some respects lack of news. A couple weeks after successfully getting my most recent litter placed in homes where they're spoiled and adored I once again find myself recovered, refreshed and things back to a semblance of normal... what ever normal is.

As for lack of news, unfortunately I had a missed breeding between Getka and Serious and had the unpleasant task of placing some disappointing phone calls to those waiting for pups. The dogs sometimes have minds of their own it seems. Serious was eager enough to become a dad once again but Getka apparently not ready for motherhood. I really hate making those calls. I've been on the receiving end of one myself so understand the disappointment. As far as Serious and Getka's litter is concerned, a couple deposits were refunded, some will wait for my next litter and some will wait specifically for a pup expected from Getka next spring.

On the home front, a break between litters means I've got some additional time to complete a few more things that have been sitting on the back burner and maybe contemplate a new project or two. Painting the interior remains at the top of the to do list and I think I've finally got my colors chosen... Color is always hard for me! I know what I like when I see it but trying to replicate it from memory and available paint swatches or chips is not my forte. Had actually hoped to be finished or at least well on my way to a freshly painted interior by now but plans shifted a bit as I ended up re-vamping the well used and abused mud room/pup room. The project ran into a couple snags but the now nearly finished project is turning out fabulous! New lighting, a closet to hide the washer and hot water heater, walls that are easy to clean and a counter top with utility sink large enough to wash even the largest pups are in. It's great to have a user friendly spot to bathe and otherwise prepare pups for their ear crops and new homes. Photos of the finished project, some before and some after, will be forthcoming as soon as a few finishing touches are complete. With that project behind me I'll move into the body of the house with paint can and brush in hand. Soon.

With all the rain we've had this year and the shade created by the trees I guess the exterior could use some attention too. Pressure washing at the least.

The weather this summer when I think about it hasn't done anything around here much good. With the exception of the grass and pasture of course. Those have improved immensely. My newly acquired dog houses highlighted a couple posts ago though have suffered. But honestly, I'm not surprised. I guess I wasn't expecting much from them. While they looked pretty good from a distance sitting in the back of my truck, the craftsmanship simply isn't there. I knew it when I purchased them and they served their purpose. The one I built shortly after moving here eight years ago, on the other hand, I'm proud to say is still holding strong. Even after surviving, unscathed, hurricane Irma! My momma taught me well! Even so, I've decided to switch gears on shelter plans. Tractor Supply had a great deal on the Petmate Indigo's so I picked up a couple of those. They've always intrigued me. The dogs seem to like them, they have great reviews, they're essentially maintenance free and seem sturdy. And again, ready now. That part I especially like. Hopefully their longevity will pan out.

As far as the dogs themselves go, things have settled down greatly. I'm still keeping the girls separate for the most part and the half doors have helped tremendously to that end. I think, at least for the dogs, they were the most needed and appreciated improvement here. Majestic, along with a C-section to deliver her last litter received her spay concurrently and I'm hoping a decrease in raging hormones, even if slight will continue the trend toward regaining harmony within the pack. At least we're on the right track.

A continuation of the to do list includes creating Galtero's page and updating the puppy pages of past with a slew of photos sent to me or that I've collected from the various litter pages etc. There are many!

But for now, a slide show of my most recent accomplishment and the one I'm most passionate about. Another beautiful, well socialized, happy healthy Doberman litter. Majestic's last. What an incredibly good mom she's been! And from her, she has brought happiness to many. Her position now- Queen of our castle. I'm more than happy to give her that and accept title of master of castle for myself.

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