|
Please note, these are just brief descriptions of some of the health issues listed on the Hereditary Issues page.
Epilepsy/Canine Seizure Disorder - Hip Dysplasia -
Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Denegeration (PRA/PRD) - Temperaments
- Allergies - Legg-Calves Perthe
- Luxating Patellas - Hypothyroidism
- Chryptochordism - Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Abnormal development or growth in the hip joint. Has both hereditary and environmental factors.
Polygenetic trait with no genetic test as of now (however, there are screenings to help determine if breeding dogs are affected and to what severity). May or may not be apparent in younger dogs. Dogs can get a preliminary hip reading but cannot be given a certification until at least 24 months of age. Once thought to be a large dog problem but has since been diagnosed in just about every breed regardless of size. All dogs regardless of breed should be cleared through the OFA or PennHip prior to breeding.
return to top
Progressive retinal atrophy/degeneration
Hereditary blinding disorder that has been identified in almost every breed of dog. the retina basically degenerates and leads to blindness over time.
It is a simple recessive trait. It may or may not be apparent in puppies. Some dogs do not show symptoms until they are adults. It can be diagnosed with an opthalmascopic exam. Since this is a progressive problem with no genetic test as of now, just the screening, breeding dogs must be checked annually and the test results registered with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) through Perdue University.
return to top
Epilepsy
Seizures can be brought on by many things and can also be genetic.
Until more is known about how it is inherited, relatives of affected dogs should have extreme caution used when considering for breeding. There are several types of seizures: RES (Reactive Epileptic Seizure) is in response to a stress; SES (Secondary) is a result of a brain abnormality; PES (primary) seem to be idiopathic (no known cause) and are considered hereditary. Onset of seizures is generally between one and five years of age. There is no test for CES.
return to top
Poor temperaments
Temperament is a combination of heredity and what you do with it. Dogs with a history of unsound temperaments may increase the chance of producing puppies with unsound temperaments. Final temperament also has
influences in the nurturing given to the puppy as it grows. As with health issues, breeding for sound temperament in vital.
return to top
allergies
Yes, allergies can have a hereditary predisposition.
Allergies can run in families of dogs just as they can in humans. A good breeder will have an idea if there is a predisposition to allergies in their lines. Some allergies can be pretty benign while others could be fatal (like to vaccines or anesthesia).
return to top
Legg-Calve-Perthes
Legg Calves Perthes Disease is a disease where the femoral head begins to die.
It is unknown how the disease happens or mode of inheritance. It is most often seen in smaller breeds such as Toy and Miniature Poodles,Westies, etc. However, it can also occur in larger breeds. One or both legs may be affected. This is most commonly seen in younger dogs that are still growing.
return to top
luxating patellas
Basically, the knee is not kept in proper position and can slip out.
This was commonly thought to be a small dog issues but has been seen in larger dogs as well. This can be hereditary and depending on the severity, may require surgery to correct.
return to top
hypothyroidism
Low thyroid levels and can be hereditary in nature. Low thyroid can lead to various other issues. There are multiple symptoms associated with hypothyroid and this problem can be detected with a blood
test. Some dogs may screen fine when younger but develop it later in life.
return to top
cryptochordism
This is undescended testicles (can be single - monorchid).
This can have a hereditary basis and if left untreated can lead to health issues down the road for the male. Dogs that have a single undescended testicle may still be fertile but the problem can be passed on. Again, if the testicles are left in the body, they can lead to complications. Dogs with this condition should be neutered and breeding lines evaluated.
return to top
gastric torsion/bloat
This very serious issue can also have a hereditary predisposition.
Bloat is a catchall term for a few conditions where for one reason or another (blockage, twist, etc.) gas cannot be expelled from the abdomen and the stomach and intestinal tissue can die causing serious complications and death. This is not just a large or deep chested breed problem as commonly thought. And it has been thought that there are hereditary predisposition in some dogs to this.
return to top
|
