Hip Dysplasia (HD)
Is a malformation of the hip socket. This means that the bone dose not fit in the socket properly causing wear and tear
on the bones. You will see lameness and horrible pain in this genetic (hereditary) disease. X-rays are take at age 2 or older
to evaluate breeding stock to see if this disease is present. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) then look at the
x-rays and assign the individual dogs a rating as to the quality of their hips. According to OFA guidelines the following
ratings are ok for breeding stock: Excellent, Good, and Fair. Anything below these ratings means that the dog is dysplastic.
Once a dog is given a rating that dog is put into their database for reference. A preliminary x-ray can be preformed at 1
year so as to get an idea of the condition of the hips. OFA will not put results of the hips into their database until the
dog is x-rayed at 2 yrs or older after the dog is finished growing.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.offa.org/hipinfo.html
or at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA)
Is the most comon congenital heart defect seen in dogs. The vessel that carries the blood in neonate puppies closes immediately
at birth. This disease happens when this vessel does not close at birth. This can cause an overlaod on the left side of the
heart which causes an enlargment of the left side of the heart. A bounding pulse and heart murmur are signs of this disease.
Dogs with this disease should NEVER be bred.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.stvetspecialists.com/PDA.htm
PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA)
It causes a breakdown of the tissues at the back of the retina causing blindness. This is a hereditary diesease. You may
see a cloudyness of the eyes resulting in cataracts. Dogs can be tested for this at local eye clinics by certified eye specialists.
Dogs with this Disease should NEVER be bred.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.netpets.com/dogs/healthspa/pra.html
or here at the CERF site
http://www.vmdb.org/history.html
or at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
VON WILLEBRANDS DISEASE (vWD) Is a bleeding disorder a lot like hemophilia and can be devastating to the dog and your
breeding program. There is a DNA test done to find out if your dog is clear or affected or if you dog is a carrier. If both
sire and dam are proved clear there is not way they can produce puppies with this disease.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Is caused by an upset of the Thyroid gland. The symptoms are vague and there may be coat changes such as hair loss, brittle
coat, dry thickened skin. There is usually a change in appetite. This disease if not caught early can be life-threatening.
Breeders test the dogs with a blood test. If the dog has this disease the dog will require medication for life. Usual onset
for this disease is 2-5 years of age.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.offa.org/thyinfo.html
or at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
SEBACEOUS ADENITIS (SA)
Is a skin disorder where the sebaceous glands do not function properly. This is displayed in a dog as loss of hair and
a silvery scaling on the back. This disease can be discovered by a skin punch test.
More information can be found at this site.
http://www.offa.org/sainfo.html
or at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
Addisons Disease
This disease is caused by the adrenal glands not producing enough cortisone
and aldosterone. Symptoms may include decreased appetite, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and weight loss.
The dog will require medication for the rest of its life. Dogs are tested for this disease by a simple blood test. This test
does not prove/disprove carrier status. The dog may test clear but could still develop the disease later in life and may produce
puppies with this disease.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
Please check out this site for great info on addison's disease.
Epilepsy
This is a serious disease that causes your dog to have convulsions.
Convulsions can be caused by many factors: injuries to the head, ingested poisons, or inherited genetic disease. Dogs with
this condition should NOT be bred, no ifs ands or buts. The treatment is anticonvulsant medication. There is no test available
for this disease.
This disease most commonly starts in dogs 2-3 years of age.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
Bloat
In this disease the stomach twists in on itself and causes air to be trapped. If this happens the blood supply
to the spleen and liver may be cut off. This is an emergency situation and requires immediate veterinarian intervention. Symptoms
include abdominal swelling, restlessness, vomiting and shock. There is no test for this disease. Bloat may have a genetic
component. Deep chested breeds are susceptible to bloat.
More information can be found at this site
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
