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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
For more information about any of these conditions and appropriate
testing please visit the following sites:
http://www.ofa.org/index.html
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/
