Health Issues
Here at Evalesco the good health of our dogs is extremely high on our list of priorities, as is the case with any responsible breeder. There are many different conditions that are present in the canine world that can greatly affect a dog's health, but those outlined below are the ones we consider to be the most detrimental. von Willebrand's Disease is the one test we give particular focus to as it is the only 'genetic' condition that we are able to produce a 100% accurate analysis for. To suggest that we, as breeders should only breed from stock tested 'CLEAR' would be highly impractical as this would narrow the gene pool significantly, and wether breeding for Genotype (line breeding) or Phenotype (physical appearance) the maintaining of genetic diversity is paramount. That said, the greatest of care when selecting the stock for breeding can make sure that this awful condition stays well within the parameters of 'Unaffected' status.
von Willebrand's Disease
Von Willebrand's Disease: An Overview
Von Willebrand's is an inherited bleeding disorder. In fact, it is the most common inherited bleeding disorder among dogs. The formation of a blood clot is a very complex and involved mechanism. A clot is formed by a cascade of reactions happening in a certain order. For a clot to form, all the factors involved in the cascade must be present and in working order. In Von Willebrand's the factor known as von Willebrand's Factor (vWF) either is not present or is defective. The condition is similar to hemophilia in humans. There are three classifications of Von Willebrand's disease; Type 1, type 2, and type 3. In type 1 von Willebrand's factor functions properly but is only present in low amounts. Type 1 is the most common of all three classifications. Type 2 is characterized by having vWF which does not function properly. In the type 3 classification of Von Willebrand's there is almost zero vWF present.
There are a number of breeds which are known to be at risk for having Von Willebrand's. A few of these are Dobermanns, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs, Basset Hounds, Scottish Terriers, Standard Poodles, and Manchester Terriers.
Causes of Von Willebrand's Disease
Von Willebrand's disease is inherited. This means that it is passed down from parents to offspring.
Symptoms of Von Willebrand's Disease
In Von Willebrand's disease prolonged or excessive bleeding is the major symptom. This can be seen when surgery is performed, with injuries, when a female is in heat, or when nails are clipped. In some cases spontaneous bleeding will occur from the gums or nose. As with most diseases symptoms can range from mild, with bleeding times only being extended slightly, to severe, where bleeding cannot be stopped.
Diagnosing Von Willebrand's Disease
Von Willebrand's disease can be diagnosed by an ELISA assay, which tests for plasma von Willebrand's factor, or by a buccal mucosal screening time. In many cases this condition is not confirmed until the dog experiences a bleeding episode. In breeds which are at a high risk of having Von Willebrand's testing can be done early in the dog's life to determine if they have the condition or not. Administered by VetGen Laboratories, as well as other companies, and up until recent Finnzymes, by way of the Kennel Club scheme, a genetic test is available which can tell owners if their dog is clear of the disease, a carrier of the disease, or affected by the disease before an episode occurs. Some breeds which this test is available for are Bernese Mountain Dogs, Dobermanns, German Pinschers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Papillions, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Poodles, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Pointers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Scottish Terriers.
Treating Von Willebrand's Disease
There is no cure for Von Willebrand's disease. If a dog is found to have this condition owners should take special precaution to make sure the dog does not injure themselves. If surgery must take place the drug DDAVP may be given a head of time. DDAVP can increase von Willebrand's factor for a short time allowing for surgery or similar procedure involving bleeding to be performed. With genetic tests now available to breeders, practices may be put in place to help eliminate this condition from dogs.
Care for Dogs with Von Willebrand's Disease
When caring for a dog with Von Willebrand's it is important to remember that even a minor injury may need special attention. Because Von Willebrand's disease affects blood clotting system, any injury can result in excessive blood loss. Owners should take great care when letting dogs with Von Willebrand's play. If an injury does occur your dog should be taken to the veterinarian who can help stop the bleeding.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHI)
What is Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)?
An autoimmune disease is the result of the dog’s own immune system turning against the body. The term ‘hemolytic’ is used for diseases that destroy the red blood cells. As a result of the red blood cell destruction, the dog will develop anemia In a dog suffering from autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), antibodies will stick to the red blood cells. This will cause the dog’s immune system to believe that the red blood cells are dangerous invaders, and it will destroy the red blood cells just like they would destroy a virus. The exact reason behind this error varies depending on the cause of AIHA, but it is often the result of a drug, toxin or parasite sticking to the surface of the red blood cells.
Symptoms of Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in dogs
The lack of oxygen in the blood causes weakness, lethargy and an increased heart rate in dogs suffering from AIHA. The dog will also breathe faster. The mucous membranes of the gums, ears and eyelids can turn pale. A build up of bilirubin can cause yellow colouring of the white parts of the eyes. Other symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in dogs are vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in urine and/or stool, and fever.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) medication for dogs
Since autoimmune hemolytic anemia can be caused by a wide range of reasons, the veterinarian will have to determine the original cause of the problem as well as treat the acute symptoms of anemia in the dog. Several different treatments are available for dogs with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and the treatment must be tailor made to fit your dog, the cause of the disease and the overall health status of the dog.
Prednisone medication is one of the most important treatments for autoimmune hemolytic anemia in dogs. Prednisone is a corticosteroid capable of suppressing the dog’s immune system. As the immune system becomes weaker, it will not be able to destroy as many red blood cells as before. The problem is of course that is dog with a weak immune system is susceptible for a wide range of other diseases. The veterinarian will normally give a dog with AIHA very high doses of Prednisone to begin with, in order to put a quick halt to the destruction of red blood cells. A normal dose during the initial stage is 1 mg of prednisone per pound of body weight each day, divided into two doses. In some cases, even higher doses will be necessary. You can expect your dog to show improvement within 5-7 days. The Prednisone dose can then be gradually lowered over the course of many months. examethasone is another corticosteroid drug that can be used in dogs with AIHA. This drug is 5-7 times more potent than Prednisone.
Cytotoxic drugs can be combined with corticosteroids. Some veterinarians will start giving them to the dog from day one, while others prefer to give corticosteroids only for 7 days before introducing cytotoxic drugs.
Danazol is another drug commonly combined with corticosteroids to treat dogs with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In some dogs, giving Danazol only will be enough once remission has been achieved.
In cases where the abovementioned treatment is not efficient enough, it can be necessary to add even stronger immunosuppressive medication. The veterinarian can for instance prescribed a drug containing Azathioprine, such as Imuran. Your dog might have to be given this drug for up to 6 weeks before you can notice any difference.
Drugs with Cyclophosphamide, e.g. Cytoxan, can be used to treat dogs where the autoimmune hemolytic anemia has lead to severe hemolysis and agglutination. Cyclophosphamide is normally administered daily for 4 days, followed by 3 days without Cyclophosphamide, and then 4 more days with Cyclophosphamide, and so on. Cyclosporine is commonly used to make organ transplantations possible, but its powerful immunosuppressant capacity can also be used to treat dogs with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The therapeutic range for cyclosporine starts at 300-500 ng/ml (nanogram/milliliter). Cyclosporine is available under several different brand names, such as Atopica, Gengraf, and Neoral.
Other possible Autoimmune hemolytic anemia treatments for dogs
A blood transfusion can be given in life threatening situations. Introducing blood from another dog (e.g. introducing foreign protein) is dangerous for dogs with AIHA and should only be done when absolutely necessary. Artificial blood, such as Oxyglobin, can also be used.
A splectonomy (removal of the spleen) can help dogs with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. It is normally only performed on dogs that have not responded to other forms of treatment.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated-Cardiomyopathy: An Overview
Cardiomyopathy is a serious disease in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed and doesn't work as it should. The term "cardiomyopathy" literally means "sick heart muscle." There are two types of cardiomyopathy in dogs: Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy, and Dilated Cardiomyopthy.
In Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) the chambers of the heart increase in size and the muscles that form the walls of the heart stretch thinner. Canine DCM is one of the causes of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and is the more common type of cardiomyopathy in dogs. DCM usually affects the left side of the heart. DCM in the right side of the heart can occur, but is much rarer. In some dogs DCM affect both sides of the heart.
Large and giant breeds are at greater rick of developing DCM, including Dobermann's, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Boxers, Afghan Hounds, Old English Sheepdogs, Great Danes, Dalmatians, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards. English and American Cocker Spaniels and Portuguese Water Dogs also develop DCM.
The average age of onset is 4 to 10 years, although Portuguese Water Dogs can acquire the disease at a very young age. DCM is very serious and the mortality rate, even of treated cases, is very high.
Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
The vast majority of cases of DCM are idiopathic (having no known cause,) but certain breeds appear to have an inherited predisposition. Other possible causes may include:
Deficiency of metabolic substrates (particularly taurine)
Myocarditis (inflammation of the myocardium)
Global myocardial ischemia (lack of blood supply to the heart)
Toxic injury to the heart muscle cells that can be caused by some drugs like doxorubicin or potassium iodide toxicity
Persistently abnormal heart rhythms such as sustained ventricular or supraventricular tachycardia
Chronic hypokalemia (low blood potassium)
Prevention of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
There is no way to prevent DCM; however, early screening of dogs of breeds that have a high incidence of DCM may help identify important changes prior to the onset of signs. Affected dogs should not be bred.
Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Early in the disease process there may be no clinical signs. However, there are signs you can look for:
Shortness of breath
Coughing, excess panting
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Abdominal distension
Lethargy
Reluctance to lie down or inability to rest comfortably
Loss of appetite
Any of these symptoms may mean your dog needs emergency care.
Diagnosing Dilated Cardiomyopathy
A cardiac exam by a veterinarian can detect abnormal heart sounds (when present) and many signs of heart failure. Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize Dilated Cardiomyopathy and exclude all other diseases.
Other tests to exclude other diseases include:
Thorough physical examination: Veterinarian would listen for heart murmurs, abnormal heart sounds, and irregular heart beat.
Complete blood count (CBC): This is used to identify anemia, infections or inflammations.
Serum biochemistry tests: This blood test is especially important if there is heart failure or complications in other organs.
Taurine concentration test (blood test): Deficiency may be a cause of heart failure.
Urinalysis: Used to evaluate kidney function.
Heartworm test: This test is given if prevention is not used
Radiographs: X-rays of the chest to see if there is an enlarged heart and/or fluid accumulation in the chest.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Results may be abnormal in cases of serious heart disease, but can be normal in other dogs with heart disease.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound examination of the heart, which can establish the diagnosis of DCM.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests to exclude or diagnose other conditions, including:
Congenital (at birth) heart disease
Chronic valve disease
Hypertensive heart disease (heart enlargement from high blood pressure)
Pericardial (lining of the heart) diseases
Mediastinal masses (tumors in the front part of the chest cavity)
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle, which is very difficult to diagnose)
Moderate to severe anemia
Heartworm disease
Fever (fever can result in a heart murmur)
In some cases, a heart murmur (usually soft), other abnormal heart sounds, and/or irregular heart rhythm may be heard on examination. This is more likely as the disease progresses.
Treating Dilated Cardiomyopathy
There is no cure for DCM. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and delaying the onset of heart failure. Dogs may be treated at home with a combination of the following medications:
Furosemide (Lasix): Maintenance dose of Lasix given orally promotes diuresis (urinating excess fluid). Excess fluid in the blood vessels may lead to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Kidney values should be monitored while on this medication.
ACE inhibitors (Enalapril): Helps delay the onset of heart failure by a number of mechanisms. Kidney values should also be monitored while on this medication.
Digoxin: May be used to help improve contractility of the heart, or to help control arrhythmias.
Calcium channel blockers and Beta blockers: These medications are used to help control cardiac arrhythmias.
Nutritional supplementation: Taurine, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q-10 may be beneficial; however, the effects of these supplements on canine DCM have not been proven.
Dogs that present to the veterinarian in heart failure are treated with oxygen therapy in addition to Furosemide. Therapy is always tailored to the needs of the dog. Since this disease is not reversible and heart failure tends to be progressive, the intensity of therapy (for example, the number of medicines and the dosages used) usually must be increased over time.
Caring for Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Administer prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian. Watch for difficulty in breathing, increase in coughing, lethargy or sudden inability to use one or more limbs. Observe the breathing rate when your pet is relaxing. Schedule regular veterinary visits to monitor your dog's condition
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
The hip joint is composed of the ball and the socket. The development of hip dysplasia is determined by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors, though there is a complicated pattern of inheritance for this disorder, with multiple genes involved. Hip dysplasia is the failure of the hip joints to develop normally (known as malformation), gradually deteriorating and leading to loss of function of the hip joints.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. Gender does not seem to be a factor, but some breeds are more likely to have the genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia than other breeds. Large and giant breeds are most commonly affected, including the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. Rarely, small breed dogs can also be affected, but are less likely to show clinical signs.
Hip dysplasia often begins while a dog is still young and physically immature. Early onset usually develops after four months of age. There are also cases of later onset, where hip dysplasia develops later due to osteoarthritis, a form of joint inflammation (arthritis) that is characterized by chronic deterioration, or degeneration of the joint cartilage.
Symptoms and Types
Symptoms depend on the degree of joint looseness or laxity, the degree of joint inflammation, and the duration of the disease.
Early disease: signs are related to joint looseness or laxity
Later disease: signs are related to joint degeneration and osteoarthritis
Decreased activity
Difficulty rising
Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs
Intermittent or persistent hind-limb lameness, often worse after exercise
“Bunny-hopping,” or swaying gait
Narrow stance in the hind limbs (back legs unnaturally close together)
Pain in hip joints
Joint looseness or laxity – characteristic of early disease; may not be seen in long-term hip dysplasia due to arthritic changes in the hip joint
Grating detected with joint movement
Decreased range of motion in the hip joints
Loss of muscle mass in thigh muscles
Enlargement of shoulder muscles due to more weight being exerted on front legs as dog tries to avoid weight on its hips, leading to extra work for the shoulder muscles and subsequent enlargement of these muscles
Causes
Influences on the development and progression of hip dysplasia are concurrent with both genetic and environmental factors:
Genetic susceptibility for hip looseness or laxity
Rapid weight gain and obesity
Nutritional factors
Pelvic-muscle mass
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your dog, including a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis. Inflammation due to joint disease may be noted in the complete blood count. As part of surveying the physical symptoms and fluid work-ups, your veterinarian will also need a thorough history of your dog's health, onset of symptoms, and any possible incidents or injuries that may have contributed to your dog's symptoms. Any information you have on your dog's parentage will be helpful as well, as there may be a genetic link.
X-rays are crucial for visualizing the signs of hip dysplasia. Some of the possible findings may be degenerative disease of the spinal cord, lumbar vertebral instability, bilateral stifle disease and other bone diseases.
Treatment
Your dog may be treated for hip dysplasia on an outpatient basis as long as it does not require surgery. The decision for whether your dog will undergo surgery will depend on your dog's size, age, and intended function (i.e., whether your dog is a working dog, as many large breeds tend to be). It will also depend on the severity of joint looseness, degree of osteoarthritis, your veterinarian's preference for treatment, and your own financial considerations. Physiotherapy (passive joint motion) can decrease joint stiffness and help maintain muscle integrity. Swimming is an excellent form of physical therapy, encouraging joint and muscle activity without increasing the severity of joint injury.
Weight control is an important aspect of recovery and is recommended to decrease the pressure applied to the painful joint as the dog moves. You and your veterinarian will need to work together to minimize any weight gain associated with reduced exercise during recovery. Special diets designed for rapidly growing large-breed dogs may decrease the severity of hip dysplasia.
The TPO surgery rotates the socket for dogs less than a year old. The juvenile pubic symphysiodesis surgery is performed on dogs that are younger than six months, fusing part of the pelvis together to improve hip joint stability. A total hip replacement is done in mature dogs that are not responding well to medical therapy and that are suffering from severe osteoarthritis. Most dogs will handle this type of surgery, with acceptable hip function after the recovery period. Excision arthroplasty is performed when hip replacement surgery is cost-prohibitive. In this surgery the ball of the hip joint is removed, leaving muscles to act as the joint. This surgery works best for dogs weighing less than 44 pounds, and for dogs with good hip musculature.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and inflammation, along with pain medications for lessening the severity of the pain.
Living and Management
Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor any changes in your dog's hip dysplasia. X-rays will be taken for comparison with previous x-rays. If your dog has undergone surgery, these x-rays will indicate the rate of post-surgical healing. If your dog is being treated as an outpatient only, the x-rays may indicate the rate of deterioration in the hip joint.
If your dog has been effectively diagnosed with hip dysplasia, it should not be bred out, and the dam and sire (the parents) of your pet should not be bred again, since this condition is often acquired genetically. Special diets designed for rapidly-growing large-breed dogs may decrease severity of hip dysplasia.
sources: AKC Canine Health Foundation, Comcast.Net, pet md.