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
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
EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY EPI-
Is seen a lot in GSDs. This disorder of the digestive system can be life threatening but it
can be helped if treated with medication.
For more information on this disease please visit
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1580&articleid=331
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE - GSDs can often suffer from degenerative disc disease. Dogs
with this disease should NEVER be used for breeding. GSDs can also in latter life develop degenerative myelopathy which
is the immune system attacking the spinal cord. It usually manifests itself in the hind legs and gradually weakens the
body.
For more information please visit
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1828&articleid=418
SUB-AORTIC STENOSIS (SAS)-
This congenital birth defect can be found in GSDs. It is a malformation the heart
and the and blood vessels which surround it. It usually results in overworking and weakening of one chamber of the heart
as the heart works to compensate.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1610&articleid=838
Von Willebrand's 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.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1614&articleid=488
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.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1828&articleid=433
BLOAT (GDV)-
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.
