Energy Hacks for a Supercharged Body: Step 2 = Grounding

Energy Hacks for a Supercharged Body: Step 2 = Grounding

What if you could plug yourself (or your pet) into a battery to recharge your energy? Grounding does just that. Grounding describes techniques for drawing energy from the earth to reset and replenish your own personal energy stores.

A PubMed search reveals numerous articles on the effects of grounding. Chevalier and coworkers write in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health that “emerging scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. Modern lifestyle separates humans from such contact. The research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and unwellness. Reconnection with the Earth’s electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being. Earthing (or grounding) refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the Earth’s electrons from the ground into the body.”( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/)

We are constantly exposed to electromagnetic pollution from computers, wireless routers, cell phones and tablets, cell towers, and power lines. This electromagnetic pollution, which is electromagnetic frequencies that are much higher than the natural electromagnetic frequencies of the earth, interferes with the body’s normal electrical conduction, causing it to go out of tune and potentially malfunction. Biochemically, exposure to electromagnetic pollution causes the formation of free radicals, which, in excess, can damage tissues and cause chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is the basis for most disease. Grounding counters the formation of free radicals and therefore, is thought to reduce inflammation.

Grounding is one of 7 easy energy hacking strategies that can supercharge your body.  Energy hacking is optimizing your performance, health, and wellbeing with the help of technology and biological tools.

There are several easy ways to supercharge the body through grounding.

  • Walk barefoot on the grass or soil for at least 20 minutes every day.
  • Lie directly on the sand while at the beach – push aside the towel and the beach chair.
  • Swim in the ocean or mineral hot springs – water containing dissolved salts and minerals is an excellent conductor of the earth’s energy
  • Walk barefoot on concrete. Concrete that is not poured over a moisture barrier and is not painted or stained is an excellent transmitter of the earth’s energy.
  • Drink plenty of water. A hydrated body is a better conductor of the earth’s energy.
  • Use indoor grounding devices such as those from The Earthing Institute.

Try a few of these techniques and feel energized!

 
 
 

The Brain – Gut Connection

The Brain – Gut Connection

Earlier research demonstrated that a big part of our emotions is influenced by the nerves in our gut. A newly discovered connection between the immune system, the brain, and social behavior furthers the association between the gut and mental health.

Lymphatic vessels (a ‘highway’ of vessels that are part of the immune system and serve as a connection between cells and blood) have been discovered in the brain. Previously it was thought there was no lymphatic system in the brain and, therefore, no physical connection between the immune system and the brain. Moreover, it has been discovered that this connection allows the immune system (much of which is in the gut) to influence social behavior.

This research may help in finding treatments for a variety of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, autism, migraines, brain and spinal cord injuries, and even multiple sclerosis.

The relationship between the gut and the brain suggests we should pay more attention to gut health, including what we (and are pets) eat, the importance of pre- and probiotics, and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals and environmental exposures that affect gut health. The impact of the gut on mental health also explains why people and pets with chronic gastrointestinal conditions may be more prone to mental health issues.

For more information on this topic, visit these links.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v523/n7560/full/nature14432.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150601122445.htm

https://news.virginia.edu/content/shocking-new-role-found-immune-system-controlling-social-interactions

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073018/

 
 
 

Energy Hacks – Water

Energy Hacks – Water

 

Energy Hacks for a Supercharged Body: Step 1 – ‘Structured’ Water

Who isn’t tired? Good news – there are 7 easy strategies available to supercharge your body through something called ‘energy hacking’.  Energy hacking is optimizing your performance, health, and wellbeing with the help of technology and biological tools.

In a previous blog post we discussed things that drain our energy and 7 easy energy hacks to allow for abundant free-flowing energy required for optimal health and performance (http://abbeyrosefoundation.org/7-easy-energy-hacks-supercharged-body/). The first energy hack we’ll discuss is structured water.

We all learned that water or H2O is available as ice, liquid, or vapor. New research from Gerald Pollack, PhD, Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington shows that there is a fourth phase of water – a gel, which is referred to as EZ or structured water. In the lab, with increasing temperature, water moves from ice, to EZ, to liquid, to vapor. In the body, EZ water gel forms where water touches the surface of cells. EZ water lines all the cells of the body, turning them into batteries that fuel mitochondria (the cell’s energy generator) and turning the body into an energy grid. EZ water also stores and transmits information, much like a computer chip.

There are several easy ways to ‘charge’ water and supercharge the body.

  1. Consider the source – The earth naturally produces structured water through melting of ice and underground flow. Glacial, spring, volcanic, artesian, mineral, and sparkling waters are excellent sources of structured water. Water stored in glass retains it purity, but water stored in plastic does not.
  2. Drink chilled water – Water at about 39 degrees is closer to the EZ phase – the phase between ice and liquid,
  3. Create a vortex – the mechanical action of stirring creates a vortex and increases the formation of EZ water.
  4. Juice – Juicing puts pressure on plant cells, extracting their EZ water.
  5. Soak up the sun – Light increases water’s structure. Exposing the body to sunlight or infrared light increases the amount of structured water in the body. Exposing drinking water to sunlight increases the structure in the exposed water.
  6. Go negative – Structured water has a negative charge and exposure to negative charges enhances the amount of structured water in the body. The body is exposed to negative charges via the consumption of antioxidants (including antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables) and grounding (e.g., by walking barefoot on the earth).
  7. Add precise energetic information to water – NES infoceuticals (http://v2.neshealth.com/nes-products/infoceuticals.aspx ) deliver precise energetic information to cells to improve their performance.

To learn more about research on the fourth phase of water and its importance to your health, view Dr. Pollack’s YouTube video at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-T7tCMUDXU .  Skeptics might find the following essay of interest https://charleseisenstein.net/essays/the-waters-of-heterodoxy-g-pollacks-the-fourth-phase-of-water/ . For all the scientific details, Gerald Pollacks research is presented in his book The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid, Liquid, and Vapor ( https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Phase-Water-Beyond-Liquid-ebook/dp/B00N2ASKF2 ).

 
 
 

Gut Bacteria Predict Bowel Disease in Dogs

Gut Bacteria Predict Bowel Disease in Dogs

The type of bacteria found in a dog’s feces can accurately identify the presence of bowel disease in 90% of cases. It is not known if the type of bacteria found are a cause of the disease or a result of the disease. Irritable bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by digestive tract inflammation and includes diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Go to http://www.nature.com/articles/nmicrobiol2016177 to read the original research.

 
 
 

Case Study – Holistic Treatment of Adrenal Tumor

Case Study – Holistic Treatment of Adrenal Tumor

Holistic Treatment of Adrenal Tumor Leads to Complete Recovery     

Modalities: Reiki, Herbs

Rusty after his recovery

Rusty after his recovery

This case study reports on the successful use of Reiki and herbs to support a 10 ½ year old welsh terrier in his full recovery from an adrenal tumor without the use of conventional methods such as drugs or surgery. The initial diagnosis and ultimate recovery were both documented using a standard medical procedure called ultrasound imaging. Rusty’s story begins in mid 2013 when he became weak and hypertensive and was diagnosed with an adrenal tumor by his conventional veterinarian. His owners, James and Meredith, opted for holistic treatment instead of the recommended surgery. With the support of herbal remedies recommended by a naturopathic doctor and reiki provided by a Reiki Master, Rusty’s tumor dissolved! Rusty has just had his 13th birthday and is healthy, happy and active, without any evidence of an adrenal tumor.

Please read the following accounts by Rusty’s owners and Reiki Master to learn more about this case. As you review this material, please keep in mind that holistic treatments are highly personalized. For that reason, we cannot provide you with a specific combination of herbs for the treatment of adrenal tumors. Instead, we encourage you to seek the help of an holistic practitioner who can develop a program directed to the specific needs of your pet. The practitioners who contributed to this case were:

Eileen Alexander, RYT, RM

Life & Grief Coach, Reiki Master

Reiki, Yoga & Meditation Teacher

Eileen Alexander Therapeutic Services

450 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 2C

Wayne, NJ 07470

973-600-4030

info@eileenalexander.com

www.eileenalexander.com

 

Dr. Sandi Kuglics, ND (Doctor of Naturopathy)

Health Awareness Laser Therapy

336 College Ave

Beaver, PA 15009

724-774-8515

skuglicsnd@comcast.net

 

Mary Duafala, MS, BCPP

Bioenergetic Practitioner and

Executive Director, The Abbeyrose Foundation

mary@abbeyrosefoundation.org

 

RUSTYS AMAZING RECOVERY by James and Meredith, owners

Rusty is usually very excited to go on his walks, but on the afternoon of June 30, 2013 he was unable to walk down the stairs and refused his dinner. After touching his belly, we noticed that his stomach was distended and he was extremely guarded about his stomach. We knew there was something very wrong. He also gave us “the look”. He was telling us, “This isn’t good, guys!”

Rusty 1Photo: Chelsea (L) and Rusty (R) a few days before Rusty’s diagnosis

 

We immediately took him to the vet. Upon initial external evaluation, no diagnosis could be determined. So, we left him for about an hour and a half for further testing, including an x-ray. It was determined that Rusty had gastroenteritis and high blood pressure; neither of which Rusty had ever had before. It was then noted, on one of the x-rays, that Rusty had a darkening around his right adrenal gland, pointing to the possibility of a tumor. The doctor recommended that Rusty stay for about three days to be monitored for the gastroenteritis, receive IV fluids and medications, and to receive an ultrasound on the area of the adrenal gland. (Note: There are 2 adrenal glands, one sitting on top of each of the kidneys. These glands produce a variety of hormones, including adrenaline and steroids. Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to view inside the body to see organs and blood flow. This is a common imaging procedure used by veterinarians and medical doctors.)

 

We received the ultrasound result after his stay, and it was showed a right adrenal gland tumor. His blood pressure remained slightly elevated, and he was slightly more agitated, primarily around unfamiliar dogs, and his abdomen was still tender. Rusty was started on a blood pressure medication.

 

We scheduled a visit with a veterinary surgeon, to do a CAT scan and to determine Rusty’s eligibility for surgery. This CAT scan was to determine the true size and impact of the tumor, and to determine if the tumor was operable. The tumor was deemed operable and the surgeon stated that the quality of life following an operation like this is excellent. However, it was also noted that the survival rate is only 85%—death rate being 15% during this type of surgery. Because Rusty is a smaller dog, the survival rate is actually a bit lower. However, there was little data to suggest how much lower.

 

Making a decision about your pet’s health is a nerve-racking one, just as it is with your family. We did not want to delay. However, we did spend much time considering all of the objective data that we received from every doctor involved. We decided that surgery was not an option for us. Rusty, at the time, was ten and a half years old. We knew that the 15% death rate with this surgery was not going to be something we were interested in gambling on. Furthermore, according to the doctors with whom we spoke, and in doing additional personal research, we found that many dogs can live with adrenal tumors—and live a comfortable life.

 

After making this decision, we knew that our ultimate goal would be to make Rusty’s life comfortable and happy for however long he decided to stay on this earth. We began to research alternate approaches, including naturopathic remedies, as well as energy healing. As we embarked on this journey into using Eastern medicine as opposed to Western medicine, we learned a great deal from others. We utilized resources from the Abbeyrose Foundation, Mary Duafala, and Pam Allen.

 

We decided to contact the wonderful naturopathic doctor, Dr. Sandi Kuglics, ND. At the beginning of Rusty’s treatment, Dr. Sandi determined where Rusty’s body needed support and identified weaknesses in his immune system, in his circulatory system, in his nervous system, and in his digestive system. She recommended remedies that would heal all of these areas.

 

Additionally, we began treating Rusty with Reiki with our dear friend, Eileen Alexander. We began Reiki immediately after the initial diagnosis. Rusty initially received three Reiki sessions per week. Following each Reiki session, Eileen would report a shift in his energy. After a few months, we did not continue Reiki, as Rusty had made significant gains.

 

We did continue with his naturopathic remedies, for overall sustained health and to treat any mild issues that would arise. In early February, Dr. Sandi reported she did not believe Rusty still had his tumor.

 

During Rusty’s yearly veterinary visit, on July 12, 2014, we asked to have an ultrasound done to determine the status of Rusty’s adrenal gland. According to this new ultrasound, the adrenal tumor and right adrenal gland where the tumor had grown were necrotized (i.e., the tumor and gland had died and were dissolving) and his healthy left adrenal gland was enlarged. The tumor was gone! According to our veterinarian, the necrosis of the adrenal gland along with the adrenal tumor is expected when a tumor is treated using medical approaches, for example, chemotherapy and radiation. In addition, when an adrenal gland and tumor are removed surgically, the remaining adrenal gland often enlarges to compensate for the loss of the other adrenal gland. But, Rusty had had none of those procedures!

 

Rusty’s healing appears to be complete. He no longer has an adrenal tumor nor is he ill. At this point, Rusty has mild arthritis, but he is incredibly happy and healthy.

 

All of our experiences during this time with Rusty are of huge benefit to the animal and human communities, alike. It provides amazing hope and interest in using Eastern medicine along with, or in place of Western medicine to heal ourselves. Our bodies are meant to heal themselves, and by supporting our bodies at the cellular level, as we did with Rusty, we can combat chronic illness and disease.

 

RUSTY’S REIKI TREATMENT by Eileen Alexander, Reiki Master

Rusty is a welsh terrier and was 11 years old when he was diagnosed with a tumor on his right adrenal gland in July of 2013. Rusty’s parents immediately began to seek out holistic support in treating Rusty rather than opting for invasive treatment. I began treating Rusty with Reiki in August of 2013, in conjunction with remedies prescribed by another practitioner. Initially, Rusty was described by his parents as not being himself. He seemed somewhat lethargic, less playful and his spine was notably curved.

 

I treated Rusty over a period of approximately six months. Treatments took place weekly on an average, with several visits a week at some points and slightly larger gaps in frequency of treatment at other times. Each treatment lasted between 25 and 40 minutes. It should be noted that Rusty’s Dad became a Reiki Level 1 practitioner shortly after his diagnosis and treated Rusty himself in between my sessions.

 

Rusty was very receptive to Reiki. During the first treatments, it would take him a few minutes to settle in. I treated him in his own home, in a small enclosed sunroom that is used by his Dad as a meditation room and contained many healing crystals. His Dad joined us during the earlier sessions to calm him down. Rusty would run around the room while I sat still and sent Reiki to him, but then ultimately make his way to me and settled in for hands-on treatment.   Once he settled in, Rusty would lie still for long periods of time receiving treatment. At times he would change body position, guiding me to where he wanted my hands on his body. He would lie on the floor at times and crawl into my lap at other times. For a couple of months midway through treatment, during his sessions, his hind leg would often twitch and tremor.   This stopped toward the end of his treatment regimen. Much of Rusty’s Reiki treatment was targeted to his First (Root) Chakra and Third (Solar Plexus) Chakra. A bloodstone was used to support Rusty in calming and grounding him.

 

As treatment moved forward and Rusty became more and more “himself”, his energy centers balanced more quickly and the time that he sat for treatment in each session became shorter. Over time Rusty’s energy level increased significantly, his spine returned to normal and overall he began to look and act like a much younger dog.

 

In the last month or so of treatment Rusty had become more anxious due to the addition of an infant into the home. His parents had welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world in October, 2013. Rusty was very protective of her, causing him to go into fight or flight mode very often as he sensed any activity outside the house. There was concern that this anxiety would have an adverse effect on his physical well-being. Much of the treatment during this time was focused on calming Rusty’s anxiety. In a short period of time Rusty’s anxiety settled and his health continued to improve.

 

I was thrilled to hear from Rusty’s parents his tumor was gone and that Rusty was in good health overall.

 
 
 

Dogs in Cancer Research

Dogs in Cancer Research

Research in dogs and cats with cancer may also aid in understanding human cancers.

The Morris Animal Foundation announced the launch of its Golden Retriever Lifetime Study in which 3000 dogs have been enrolled. They will be followed for at least 15 years in an attempt to identify risk factors for cancer and other diseases. Cancer is estimated to affect 60% of Golden Retrievers, but there is little good information on why and how it occurs. Owners and veterinarians of participating dogs will complete periodic questionnaires about the diet, activity, and health of the dog and provide blood samples. This and other research in cats and dogs will be used in an attempt to better understand cancer in humans. To read more about this research, go to http://caninelifetimehealth.org/  and http://www.fierceanimalhealth.com/story/vets-and-pharma-execs-gather-dc-trade-notes-pets-cancer-research/2015-06-17?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

Golden Retriever and cancer

 
 
 

Why DNA Testing Won’t Necessarily Lead to Healthier Dogs

Why DNA Testing Won’t Necessarily Lead to Healthier Dogs

Breeders of purebred dogs are faced with a conundrum. By striving to produce dogs possessing consistent and reproducible physical characteristics through line-breeding, they may be losing genes important for the dog’s basic function and health. When the practice of line-breeding is combined with the practice of eliminating dogs from their breeding program based on the results of DNA testing, you have a formula for disaster.

In this post, Carol Beuchat, PhD, vertebrate biologist and founder of the Institute of Canine Biology, explains why the use of DNA testing when making breeding decisions won’t necessarily result in healthier dogs. This post builds on a previous Healthy Dog Blog post by Dr. Beuchat entitled Using Genetics to Breed Healthier Dogs.

While it is true that genetic testing can prevent producing offspring with specific genetic disorders, genetic testing is not the way to healthier dogs. All dogs have recessive mutations (and so do we), and these little genetic accidents cause no harm as long as an animal has a copy of the normal gene. So we can pass these harmless DNA errors on to offspring just like any other gene, usually with no consequences because any particular mutation should only occur in just a few animals in a large population. But if an animal should happen to get two copies of a mutated gene, the normal gene is absent and whatever that gene is supposed to do won’t happen -a step in development, the production of some enzyme for digestion, a fatty acid needed to form cell membranes, a hormone to start lactation – the mission of that gene is thwarted and the animal has a genetic disorder.DNA

Now, enter the breeder, who wants to breed for particular traits in their dogs. The easiest way to do this is to breed dogs that have those traits, and even better if the dogs are related so they have the same genes. This will make litters more uniform and increase the chances of getting the puppy you want with all the right traits. Inbreeding and line breeding are the tried and true ways to do this.But all dogs have mutations, and breeding to get the good genes from a relative will also give you the bad ones. Breeding to dogs with the same genes will produce puppies that are homozygous for those genes, whether they are good or bad. This is why genetic disorders in purebred dogs are increasing: as they become more inbred (more similar genetically), the chances of getting two copies of a mutation will increase. There’s no way around it; it’s just math.

So here’s the conundrum. Breeders should test their dogs for known mutations, so they can prevent producing puppies that will suffer from those disorders. But if after all testing is done, the breeder selects as a mate a closely related dog, they have eliminated the risk of one disorder that is known, and substituted a risk for a disorder that is unknown. Doing your DNA testing religiously then inbreeding is working at cross-purposes, and the closer the breeding the higher the probability you will get some problem that you really don’t want.

So the road to breed health is not genetic testing. DNA testing alone will not – cannot – make dogs healthier. Breeding practices that increase homozygosity – breeding to close relatives, will relentlessly, unavoidably, and inevitably destroy the health of the purebred dog. There’s no way around it; it’s just math.

Carol B ICBCarol Beuchat, PhD is Founder and Scientific Director, Institute of Canine Biology (www.instituteofcaninebiology.org ) and member of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley. To connect with Carol on facebook go to: www.facebook.com/#!/carol.beuchat.9?fref=ts

 
 
 

Rabies Vaccine – What are the Most Common Short-Term Adverse Events?

Rabies Vaccine – What are the Most Common Short-Term Adverse Events?

Adverse events to the rabies vaccine are probably more common than you think. An article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association summarized reported adverse events for rabies vaccine given to dogs between April 1 2004 and March 31, 2007.

A total of 217 adverse event reports were submitted during this time, but remember, these are just the adverse events that were reported and therefore only a fraction of those that actually occurred. All of the reported events appear to be short-term events, or those that occurred immediately after of within a day or so of vaccine administration. Long-term adverse events leading to chronic health conditions were not included in this review. The percentages reported in the paper are the number of each adverse event divided by the total number of adverse events and DO NOT reflect the incidence in all vaccinated dogs. So as not to be misleading, I will not report those numbers here. If you are interested in seeing them, they can be found in the original publication (https://admin.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_232_7_1000.pdf ). The only value of the percentage reported by the authors is to show the relative frequency of each type of event. The next time your dog receives the rabies vaccine, look for these types of reactions and report them to your vet if they occur. They should also be reported to federal agencies (eg, the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/banner/help?1dmy&urile=wcm%3Apath%3A/APHIS_Content_Library/SA_Our_Focus/SA_Animal_Health/SA_Vet_Biologics/SA-Adverse_Events ) and the vaccine manufacturer. If reported to the manufacturer only, the report may not be passed on to federal regulatory agencies.

The most commonly reported adverse event are shown here in decreasing order.

arf_HDB

Also of note, the article reported that 2 rabies vaccinated dogs developed confirmed rabies during this period. Other studies have also reported failure of the rabies vaccine, but the failure rate is unknown.

 
 
 

Companies to stop production of some pesticide-impregnated pet collars

Companies to stop production of some pesticide-impregnated pet collars

Companies agree to stop producing some pesticide-impregnated pet collars. In a voluntary agreement, Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, Inc, and Wellmark International have agreed to stop producing pet collars containing the pesticide propoxur. However, care must be taken, as these products will continue to be produced until April 1, 2015, continue to be distributed until April 1, 2016, and continue to be sold until supplies are gone.  The reason for this action is the risk of pesticide exposure to children. The risk of exposure to this chemical is greatest immediately after opening the container and putting the collar on your pet. Exposure can be through contact with the collar or the animal wearing the collar. For more information visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at http://www2.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/companies-agree-stop-selling-pet-collars-containing-pesticide-protect-children#1

 
 
 

Using Genetics to Breed Healthier Dogs

Using Genetics to Breed Healthier Dogs

Chromosomes with copyCarol Beuchat, PhD, vertebrate biologist and founder of the Institute of Canine Biology, is passionate about using information obtained through canine population genetics to breed healthier purebred dogs. Population genetics is defined as the study of allele frequency distribution and change as a result of evolutionary processes. In simpler terms, it is the study of changes in genetic diversity that occur both naturally over time and as a result of selective breeding. Carol is motivated by the increasing number of genetic disorders in dogs and is working with breeders to use population genetics to breed healthier dogs and to limit contraction of the gene pool of purebred dogs. Carol offers virtual classes on population genetics through facebook, so if you are interested, connect with her there. She recently summarized her thoughts on why an understanding of population genetics is so important.

1) All the useful genetic variation your breed will ever have was in the dogs that founded the breed. This genetic diversity is finite.

2) Every generation, alleles are lost by chance (genetic drift) and also by artificial selection by breeders who select for dogs with the traits they like and remove other dogs from the breeding population.

3) Because the stud book is closed, genes that are lost cannot be replaced.

4) So, from the moment a breed is founded and the stud book is closed, loss of genetic diversity over time is inevitable and relentless.

5) You cannot remove a single gene from a population. You must remove an entire dog, and all the genes it has.

6) You cannot select for or against a single gene, because genes tend to move in groups with other genes. If you select for (or against) one, you select for (or against) them all.

7) Breeding for homozygosity of some traits breeds for homozygosity of all traits. Homozygosity is the kiss of death to the immune system. And as genetic variability decreases, so does the ability of the breeder to improve a breed through selection, because selection requires variability.

8) The consequences of inbreeding (in all animals) are insidious but obvious if you look – decreased fertility, difficulty whelping, smaller litters, higher puppy mortality, puppies that don’t thrive, shorter lifespan, etc. Genetically healthy dogs should get pregnant if mated. They should have large litters of robust puppies, with low pup mortality. Animals that cannot produce viable offspring are removed by natural selection.

9) Mutations of dominant genes are removed from the population if they reduce fitness. Mutations of recessive alleles have no effect unless they are homozygous. So rare alleles are not removed, they are inherited from one generation to the next, and every animal has them. Lots of them.

10) If you create a bunch of puppies from your favorite sire, you are making dozens of copies of all of the bad alleles in that dog (which were never a problem before; see 9) and spewing them out into the population. Now, a (previously) rare mutation will be common, its frequency in the population increases, and the chances go up that some puppy will be produced that is homozygous (has two copies of that bad allele) and homozygous recessive alleles are no longer silent.

11) So, genetic disorders caused by recessive alleles don’t “suddenly appear” in a breed. The defective gene was probably there all along. Make a zillion copies, and you have a disease.

12) Using DNA testing to remove disease genes will not make dogs healthier (see 2, 5, and 6).

13) The breed will continue to lose genes (by chance or selection) until the gene pool no longer has the genes necessary to build a healthy dog.

14) At this point, the breed might look wonderful (because of selection for type), but will suffer from the ill effects of genetic impoverishment (inbreeding depression, diseases caused by recessive alleles, increased risk for cancer, etc).

15) The only way to improve the health of a breed is to manage the health of the breed’s gene pool.

16) The health of individual dogs cannot be improved without improving the genetic health of the population. Population genetics provides tools for the genetic management of populations, and breeders CAN improve the health of the dogs they breed if they understand and use them.

CAROL BCarol Beuchat, PhD is Founder and Scientific Director, Institute of Canine Biology (www.instituteofcaninebiology.org ) and member of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley. To connect with Carol on facebook go to:https://www.facebook.com/#!/carol.beuchat.9?fref=ts