Inbreeding coefficient
Inbreeding occurs when puppies are produced from two related dogs, i.e. dogs with relatives in common. High levels of inbreeding can affect the health of these puppies, although it is difficult to know the exact impact it can have. In general, we do know that the higher the degree of inbreeding, the higher the risk is of the puppies developing both known and unknown inherited disorders. Inbreeding can also have an impact on the breed as a whole, e.g. reducing litter sizes and fertility.
DOG BLOAT/GASTRIC TORSION(GDV)
What is Gastric Dilation Torsion (GDV)?
Gastric torsion, or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) Syndrome, means twisting of the stomach, which usually occurs because the stomach has become filled with gas. It mainly occurs in deep-chested breeds .
What causes gastric torsion?
The cause of the condition is seen as a bit of a mystery. It is thought that if there is enough room in the abdomen for gas-filled organs to move then occasionally they will. This is why the condition is most common in deep chested dogs. So why do the organs become gas-filled in the first place?
There are two likely triggers.
The first is anxiety. Animals (including humans) usually swallow more air when they are anxious. This is known as aerophagia (literally "eating air") and it is usually seen in stressed, kennelled dogs. The constant intake of air causes the stomach to balloon in size, which changes the abdomen's normal organ layout.
The second suspect is diet. If dogs are moved onto very fermentable foodstuffs that produce gas at abnormal rates, the stomach can struggle and not deal with the gas efficiently by burping or passing it into the intestines.
Either way the dog is now bloated, which is an emergency in itself even if not one requiring surgery. If this inflated stomach twists however, the situation rapidly changes from serious to catastrophic.
How can I tell if my dog has GDV?
As with any emergency with your dog, if you suspect something is wrong, speak to a vet immediately, as time is crucial.
Signs to look out for:
- Anxiety - Pacing around or trying to vomit, without success, may be warning signs
- Too much air intake - Animals often take in excessive air when anxious - common in kennelled dogs
- Saliva - Watch out for dribble or saliva from your dog's mouth
- Gut bloating - If you notice a distended stomach, seek advice fast.
How are dogs diagnosed with GDV?
The secret to saving a dog affected by GDV is early detection. Good owners will always know when something's wrong but signs vary from an obviously painful enlarged abdomen to pacing around and 'trying to throw-up but can't', to shock and collapse. A GDV victim will commonly dribble a small river of saliva from its mouth, denied its normal flow through the body by the obstructing twist. Another common effect is restricted breathing as the expanded and twisted stomach pushes the diaphragm. This accelerates problems, causing more discomfort, anxiety, and even panic.
What is it?
CDRM is best described as a degenerative disease leading to muscle wasting of the hind limbs. It usually (but not exclusively) affects the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever breeds. The classic symptoms are a painless, slowly progressive rear limb weakness or paralysis caused by neurological degeneration.
Over a period of time a dog suffering with CDRM will become progressively weaker. The rear limbs begin to lack co-ordination and may start to shuffle along. Classic early symptoms are wear and tear on the claws of either or both hind paws and knuckling of the paws. In the final stages full paralysis is likely to occur coupled with incontinence.
However, in recent years, there have been advances in the treatment and care of dogs with CDRM and as a result they are living longer and more comfortable lives. Exercise is one of the main factors in managing a dog with CDRM.
Regular exercise is extremely important in maintaining the well-being of the affected dog, maximising muscle tone and maintaining good circulation. This is best achieved by regular exercise on alternate days, in conjunction with days of rest. Consistent, controlled building of muscle tone through exercise can help delay the progression of the symptoms of CDRM.
EOAD - EARLY ONSET OF ADULT DEAFNESS
An inherited deafness clinically documented among purebred dogs of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. Affected dogs appear to show normal hearing early in post-natal development, but ultimately these dogs lose their hearing, often with complete loss by 1 year of age. Research in Dr. Neff’s lab has established that the genetic mode of transmission from parent to offspring follows a simple Mendelian autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. This means that any sire or dam that has previously produced affected progeny must be a carrier of the causal mutation.
Elbow dysplasia
The elbow joint joins the humerus, the upper arm bone, to the radius and ulna. All of these bone ends are covered with a smooth form of cartilage that lets the bones glide easily on each other, so the dog can flex and extend his elbow like a well-made hinge. As the joint develops problems in the cartilage or bone arise, this means the joint is unable to articulate or move normally. A knock on effect of elbow dysplasia is secondary osteoarthritis as the joint is unable to move normally wear and tear on the joint starts to occur early on. In some forms of elbow dysplasia the cartilage is forced to wear away causing the dog pain and discomfort which usually manifests as lameness. Elbow dysplasia is more painful and restricting than hip dysplasia and is usually bilateral (in both elbows). There are also usually arthritic changes.
Causes of elbow dysplasia
Is a multi-factorial disease, which means that a number of factors can influence the occurrence of the condition
Genetics - Simply because the parents of the animal did not ever develop hip dysplasia, it does not mean that the animal cannot develop elbow dysplasia. It can result from genetic mutations or simply from masked of hidden genes that can skip one or more generations.
Growth rate – large breeds that have fast growth rates
Diet - Feeding a very high-calorie diet to growing dogs can exacerbate a predisposition to elbow dysplasia, because the rapid weight gain places increased stress on the elbows (elbow bear 60% of a dogs weight). A diet with an imbalance of calcium and phosphorous is also bad for bone development
Exercise - People over-exercise young puppies, or give them the wrong type of exercise. The wrong type of exercise can include forced running for any distance and too much exercise on tarmac or other hard surfaces. Games that involve jumping and very rough play should be avoided, and your puppy should be allowed to rest as soon as he has had enough and must not "over-do" it.
Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia is a degenerative, painful condition where the hip joints have developed abnormally. The head of the thigh bone (femur) does not fit properly into the hip socket (acetabulum). These “ball and socket” joints become malformed and unstable, causing inflammation and weakness.
Depending upon the severity of the problem, hip dysplasia can lead to painful and sometimes crippling arthritis. Older dogs with mild hip dysplasia may be treated successfully with pain relieving medication and a gentle, structured exercise programme and swimming.
Younger dogs with hip dysplasia have a much greater risk of developing arthritis. Following a structured exercise program and lead walking only together with hydrotherapy can prevent the dysplasia worsening due to laxity in the supporting ligaments and muscles.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Is a disease of the cartilage that can affect various joints in a dog. In any joint in the body, two bones come together and movement is allowed between them. Where the two bones meet an exceptionally smooth area of cartilage covers their surfaces. This acts as a cushion and protects the underlying bone. If anything disrupts this smooth cartilage surface, movement of the joint becomes painful. In a dog with OCD, this cartilage is damaged or grows abnormally. OCD is a common, painful disease in dogs. It is characterised by an abnormality in the cartilage-to-bone transformation. As a result, cartilage and bone fragments may break off into the joint space. Osteochondrosis is not a form of arthritis however, it often leads to arthritis. Larger breeds of dog have a genetic predisposition towards the condition, which results from rapid growth.
OCD generally occurs early in the dog's life as opposed to the "wear and tear" arthritis that many dogs experience later in life. Males are at a higher risk of OCD than females and the age of onset is usually 4-12 months.
Areas most commonly affected include the shoulder, elbow, knee (stifle) and ankle (hock) in young dogs. This can occur on both sides (bilateral) and may involve several joints, but is rarely seen in the spinal column.
How you rear your puppy and feed is very important.
XYLITOL POISONING(Chewing Gum)
Is a sugar alternative present in SUGAR FREE chewing gum, some sweets,mints and some baked goods. Although a healthy option for us it is extremely toxic to dogs and if ingested can be fatal.
CHOCOLATE AND COCOA BEAN MULCH POISONING
Chocolate contains THEOBROMINE which is toxic to dogs. Toxic doses can vary according to size of dog and the cocoa content. Cocoa bean mulch is a by-product of chocolate made from cocoa bean shells and a favourite with gardeners. Dogs are attracted to it's sweet smell but again ingested can be fatal.
