Golden Retriever and Cramp: Difference between pages

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{{two other uses|muscular pain|the band|the Cramps|the tool|Clamp (tool)}}

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The '''Golden Retriever''' is a very popular [[dog breed|breed]] of [[dog]]. It was developed as a [[retriever|retrieving dog]] to use while hunting wild [[fowl]]. Today it is one of the most common family dogs as it is easy to handle, very tolerant and does not require very much from the owner(s), other than regular exercise, food and veterinary check-ups. It is often affectionately known as a '''Yellow Retriever''' or a '''Golden'''. Golden Retrievers are usually compatible with people and other dogs. It will bark when startled but other than that it makes a poor [[Guard dog|watchdog]] due to its friendly nature. Golden Retrievers are particularly valued for their high level of sociability towards people.

'''Cramps''' are unpleasant, often painful sensations caused by contraction or over shortening, usually of [[muscles]]. Cramps can be caused by cold or overexertion. Illness or poisoning can also cause cramps, particularly in the [[stomach]], which is referred to as [[colic]] if it fits particular characteristics. '''See also''' [[Delayed onset muscle soreness]].

==Appearance==

The Golden should be athletic, well balanced, and symmetrical. Its appearance should reflect its merry and outgoing temperament, and it should never look sulky or aggressive. This is a large breed very similar in appearance to the yellow [[Labrador Retriever]], especially when young. The most obvious difference is the Golden Retriever's luxuriant coat, which is usually goldish yellow.

===CoatCauses and color=treatment==

[[Image:GoldenRetrDark4_wb.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Color ranges from nearly blonde to this dark golden coat.]]

The coat should be dense and waterproof, and may be straight or moderately wavy. It should not be silky, hard, or wooly. It must lie flat against the body. The [[American Kennel Club|AKC]] standard states that the coat is a "rich, lustrous golden of various shades", disallowing coats that are extremely light or extremely dark. This leaves the outer ranges of coat color up to a judge's discretion when competing in [[conformation show]]s. Judges may also disallow goldens with brown or pink noses, though these are very rare. The Golden's coat can also be what people call a 'mahogany' color, or what people see as 'redheads' in people. As a golden grows older their coats can become darker shades or lighter tints of brown, along with or excluding a noticeable whitening of the fur on and around the face.

{{unreferenced|date=March 2007}}

===Size===

Golden Retrievers reach their full height around one year of age and full weight around age two, though many owners comment that their dogs retain their puppyish nature for life. They are 56 - 61 cm (22-24 ins) at the [[withers]] for males, and 51 - 56 cm (20-22 ins) for females.They weigh 29 - 34 kg (65-75 lb) for males, and 27-32 kg (60-70 lb) for females. These weights and sizes are standards and determine whether dogs can compete in sanctioned [[dog show]]s or not. Many individual Goldens are larger or smaller, but may not compete.

There are three basic causes of cramping. One is when you overflex the calf muscle. One is inadequate [[oxygenation]] of muscle, where excess lactic acid, produced by [[anaerobic respiration]], builds up and puts stress on the muscle. The other is lack of [[water]] or [[salt]]. Cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing, as well as stretching the muscle. Cramps from lack of salt and water can be treated by stretching the muscle, and of course drinking water and increasing salt intake. Pounding on the muscle can increase soreness.

==Temperament==

[[Image:GoldenRetriver agility tunnel wb.jpg|thumb|Most Goldens enjoy active entertainment, such as [[dog agility]].]]

Typically, Goldens are fairly unruly as puppies. However, once they reach maturity, Goldens remain active and fun-loving while developing an exceptionally patient demeanor, as befits a dog bred to sit quietly for hours in a [[hunting blind]]. Other characteristics related to their hunting heritage are a size suited for scrambling in and out of boats and an inordinate love for cool water.

Athletes are at greatest risk for muscle cramps, as excessive exercise can produce poor oxygenation.

They are noted for their affection for people, and their tolerance of children. They are natural [[clown]]s, which characterizes them as great [[therapy dog]]s to use in hospitals or retirement homes. Most Goldens require lots of companionship to be happy. Due to their intelligence, they do well in [[obedience trial]]s and make excellent [[assistance dogs]].

While they might not do quite as well in [[field trial]]s as [[Labrador Retriever]]s, they are excellent hunters that are famous for their outstanding scenting abilities. However, many Golden Retrievers will not express their desire to "fetch" until adulthood.

Muscle cramps can be treated by applying a soft massage on the cramped muscle, stretching the muscle and applying heat or cold. Heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than applying ice.

The Golden Retriever loves to retrieve. Retrieving a thrown stick, [[tennis ball]], or [[flying disc]] can keep a Golden occupied and entertained for hours, particularly if there is also water involved.

[[Electrolyte]] disturbance may cause cramping and [[tetany]] of muscles, particularly [[hypokalemia]] (a low level of [[potassium]]) and [[hypocalcemia]] (a low level of [[calcium in biology|calcium]]). This problem can be solved by drinking electrolyte enhanced fluids, after strenuous muscle activity, and supplementing one's daily diet with a multi-vitamin, which contains potassium and calcium.

Today's Golden Retrievers fall into two groups: [[show dogs]] and field dogs. The Goldens in the show group are generally bigger boned, longer, and heavier. The champagne color and long flowing coat are highly prized in the show ring. On the other hand, field Goldens tend to be smaller, longer legged, and be a more reddish shade. These two strains derive from famous goldens from the 1960s. Gold Rush Charlie moved the show Goldens toward their present characteristics, while Holway Barty greatly affected the field group. Presently, many breeders are attempting to unite these two strains into the all-purpose Golden Retriever.

Muscle cramps may be a symptom of [[hypothyroidism]].

==History==

The breed was originally developed in [[Scotland]], at "Guisachan", near Glen Affric, the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks (pronounced "Marchbanks"), later [[Lord Tweedmouth]]. For many years, there was controversy over which breeds were originally crossed; especially popular was a romantic story concerning the purchase of a whole troupe of Russian [[sheepdog]]s from a visiting [[circus]]. In 1952, the publication of Majoribanks' breeding records from 1835 to 1890 removed all doubt.

Eating foods high in [[potassium]], such as [[Banana|bananas]], [[Potato|potatoes]], and [[Prune (fruit)|prunes]], can help prevent muscle cramps.<ref name="test1">[http://extension.osu.edu/~news/story.php?id=2470 Ohio State University Extension: News] Chow Line: Potassium-rich foods deter muscle cramps</ref>

[[Image:Golden Retriever puppy.jpg|thumb|A young Golden Retriever showing the breed's broad face and wide muzzle.]]

{{sectstub}}

The original cross was of a yellow-coloured dog, ''Nous'', with a [[Tweed Water Spaniel]] bitch, ''Belle''. The Tweed Water Spaniel is now extinct but was then common in the border country. Majoribanks had purchased Nous in 1865 from an unregistered litter of otherwise black wavy-coated [[Retriever]] pups. In 1868, this cross produced a litter that included four bitch pups. These four became the basis of a breeding program which included [[Red Setter]], sandy-coloured [[Bloodhound]], [[St. John's Water Dog]] of Newfoundland, [[Springer Spaniel]], and two more wavy-coated black Retrievers. The bloodline was also inbred and selected for trueness to Majoribanks' idea of the ultimate [[hunting dog]]. This vision included a more vigorous and powerful dog than previous retrievers but that would still be exceptionally good with people and thus gentle and trainable. Russian sheepdogs are not mentioned in these records, nor are any other [[working dog]] breeds. The ancestry of the Golden Retriever is all [[sporting dog]]s, in line with Majoribanks' goals.

[[Image:Spicegoldenretriever.jpg|thumb|left|A light-coated Golden Retriever]]

==Menstruation==

Golden Retrievers were first accepted for registration by the [[The Kennel Club]] of [[England]] in 1903, as '''Flat Coats - Golden'''. They were first exhibited in 1908, and in 1911 were recognised as a breed described as '''Retriever (Golden and Yellow)'''. In 1913, the Golden Retriever Club was founded. The breed name was officially changed to '''Golden Retriever''' in 1920.

{{Main|Dysmenorrhea}}

[[Menstrual cycle|Menstruation]] is also highly likely to cause cramps of varying severity in the [[abdomen]] that may radiate to the lower back and thighs. Menstrual cramps can be treated with [[ibuprofen]], stretching exercises or the application of heat through such means as warm baths or heating pads. Menstrual cramps that do not respond to self-treatment can be a symptom of [[endometriosis]] or other health problems. This kind of cramp cannot occur in male humans.

==Nocturnal leg cramps==

The Hon. Archie Majoribanks took a Golden Retriever to [[Canada]] in 1881, and registered ''Lady'' with the [[American Kennel Club]] (AKC) in 1894. These are the first records of the breed in these two countries. The breed was first registered in Canada in 1927, and the Golden Retriever Club of [[Ontario]], now the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, was formed in 1958.

[[Nocturnal]] leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the [[Calf_muscle|calves]], [[soles]] of the [[feet]] or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is highly variable with cramps sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends. These cramps are more common in older populations but may happen to anyone. They can happen quite frequently in teenagers and in some cases while exercising at night. Nocturnal leg cramps can be very painful especially if dehydrated.

The AKC recognized the breed in 1932, and in 1938 the Golden Retriever Club of America was formed.

The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include low levels of certain minerals ([[magnesium]], [[potassium]], [[calcium ]] and [[sodium]]), [[dehydration]] and prolonged sitting. Less common causes include more serious conditions or use of drugs.

==Health==

[[Image:CPGoldenface.JPG|right|thumb|A three year old.]]

Goldens can be very profitable to breeders, including [[puppy mill]]s and [[backyard breeder]]s. As a result of careless breeding for profit they are prone to many diseases, both [[Genetic disorder|genetic]] and otherwise. [[Hip dysplasia]] is very common in the breed, and when buying a puppy make sure its parents have healthy hips and have been examined by either the [[Orthopedic Foundation for Animals|OFA]] or [[PennHIP]]. The diseases common in the breed include:

People report that quickly standing up and walking a few steps may shorten the duration of a cramp.

*[[Hip dysplasia]]

*[[von Willebrand's disease]]

*[[Cataract]]s

*[[Epilepsy]]

*[[Allergy|Allergies]] particularly skin allergies

*Various [[congenital heart defect]]s, including [[Subvalvular aortic stenosis]], and [[Cardiomyopathy]]

*[[Progressive retinal atrophy]]

*[[Entropion]]

*[[Ectropion]]

*[[Trichiasis]]

*[[Distichiasis]]

*[[Hypothyroidism]]

*[[Bloat]]

*[[Arthritis]]

*Various forms of [[Cancer]]

An unrelated condition is [[restless legs syndrome]], an unpleasant sensation that is relieved by moving the leg, but which rarely includes cramping or pain.

==Rescue efforts==

[[Image:IMG_4150.JPG|left|thumb|A ten-month-old field variety Golden Retriever.]]

The breed's prominence and prevalence has produced high demand for purebred Golden Retrievers. As an unfortunate consequence, many Goldens are abandoned each year by owners who can no longer care for them. These dogs, many of which are old or in need of medical support, arrive in [[animal shelter]]s. [[Puppy mills]], large-scale commercial breeding operations sometimes shut down for their notoriously poor conditions, are another source of orphan Golden Retrievers.

==Smooth muscle==

In response, many volunteer organizations work to rescue, care for, and adopt abandoned Golden Retrievers. These [[rescue group]]s usually accept dogs from owners and establish agreements with local animal shelters to ensure that dogs will be transferred to their care rather than euthanized. Once rescued, Golden Retrievers are placed in [[foster home]]s until a permanent home is found. It is common for rescue groups to screen prospective adopters to ensure that they are capable of providing a good home for the dog.

[[Smooth muscle]] contractions lie at the heart of the cramping (or colicky) pain of internal organs. These include the [[intestine]], [[uterus]], ureter (in [[kidney stone]] pain) and various others.

==Skeletal muscle==

Golden retriever rescue groups have relied heavily on the world wide web to raise funds and advertise rescued goldens to adopters. In 1996, breed enthusiast and rescue pioneer Helen Redlus founded [http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.golden-retriever.com Golden Retrievers in Cyberspace], a website that sold merchandise to fund rescue operations. Many local groups continue in this tradition, and rescue organizations can be found throughout the world.

[[Skeletal muscle]]s are muscles that can be voluntarily controlled. Of the skeletal muscles, those which cramp the most often are the [[Calf_muscle|calves]], [[thighs]], and [[arches of the foot]].

==Famous Golden Retrievers==

[[Image:4831012.jpg||thumb|A five month old Golden Retriever.]]

==See also==

*Rowdy (J.D. and Turk's stuffed dog) from [[Scrubs]]

*[[Trigger points]]

*Alex from [[Stroh Brewery Company]] ads

*[[AirSide BudStitch]]

*Marley, pet of [[Trey Anastasio]]

==References==

*Brandon, companion of [[Punky Brewster]]

{{reflist}}

*Klaus Von Puppy - Jack Mcfarland's puppy in the sitcom [[Will & Grace]]

*Charlie the Wonderdog from the Australian television series [[The Late Show (Australian TV series)|The Late Show]]

==Gallery==

<gallery>

Image:GRetriever2mnth.JPG|A young 2 month old male Golden Retriever

Image:tail_as_chew_toy.jpg|A Golden puppy chasing its tail

</gallery>

==External links==

* [http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/what-are-cramps.shtml What are Cramps?]

{{Commons|Golden Retriever}}

* [http://www.grcapatient.orgco.uk/showdoc/40000075 Golden RetrieverCramps Clubat ofPatient AmericaUK]

* [http://www.grccdigitalnaturopath.net Goldencom/cond/C466089.html RetrieverLeg Clubcramps ofat Canadanight]

*[http://www.goldenretrievers.co.uk/ UK Golden Retriever Breed Council]

*[http://www.grcwa.org.au/ Golden Retriever Club of Western Australia]

*[http://www.grcnsw.org.au/ Golden Retriever Club of New South Wales]

*[http://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/ Golden Retriever Foundation] - A foundation started by the GRCA to help in the understanding and treatment of diseases, genetic defects, injuries and other ailments that afflict Golden Retrievers.

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