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Re: Necessary health tests before breeding
Weimaraner:
Hip Scoring (breed average 12 an improvement of 1 point in recent years)
Desirable:
BVA Eye Test
Lond Hair Coat Test DNA
Heart Testing (blood test)
These are the known issues of the Weimaraner some are very rare. The eye conditions can be removed by testing breeding stock although the breed does not fall under the BVA scheme. Heart testing is now mandatory for members of the Dutch Club, thyroid panels are carried out in the states.
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GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS (GDV, Commonly known as ‘BLOAT')
This is a life-threatening condition, which requires emergency treatment and there is an incidence of it in this breed. Ask your vet to tell you how to recognise it. The WCGB recommend that you feed your dog, when adult, twice a day in order not to overload the stomach. Pre-soak dry food before feeding. Don't feed immediately before or after exercising. Don't allow your dog to drink large quantities of water just before, during or just after exercising (small quantities are OK).
HIP DYSPLASIA
Ill fitting hip joints, not life threatening but causes extreme discomfort in affected dogs. The WCGB encourages members to X-ray breeding stock and submit plates to BVA/KC scheme to obtain a hip score.
EPILEPSY
Convulsions or fits are not common in this breed and can be controlled with medication.
A consortium of researchers from the Universities of Missouri, Minnesota, the Ohio State University and the Animal Health Trust in Great Britain are working together to discover the mutations responsible for hereditary epilespy in many breeds
INTERSEXUALITY
This is where both sets of sexual organs are present in the same animal. The condition is rare in this breed but cases have been noted. Requires corrective operation.
PANCREATIC INSUFFICENCY
This is caused by the lack of enzymes normally produced by the pancreas. Not common in the Weimaraner but a low incidence has been reported. Can be treated with medication.
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
A condition affecting the heart muscle. Not common but a low incidence reported. Supportive treatment only.
SYRINGOMYELIA
This is a chronic progressive disease affecting the spinal cord. Rare in this breed but cases have been noted. No known treatment.
ECTROPIAN
Lower eyelid turns outwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary.
ENTROPIAN
Eyelids turn inwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary.
DISTRICHIASIS
Extra eyelashes growing inwards. Should be removed. Low incidence noted.
JUVENILE PYODERMA
Pustular skin condition with associated lymphadentis seen in puppies & young adults. Not common in the Weimaraner but cases noted. Requires treatment with medication.
___________Taken from the WCGB Website Health Page__________________
In addition I would add the following to that list:
Mast Cell Tumors
A form of cancer seen commonly in some breeds of dog. Diagnosis made by analysis of asperated cells. Early detection is advisable as these can spread.
Meningitis
Very rare but some cases noted. Usually occurs in pups from 6mths of age. Very Important that you seek medical treatment ASAP a this can result in death. Diagnosis is gained through analysis of spinal fluid treatment using a long term course of steroids. Not all types of Meningitis are treatable - Steroid Responsive is the most common noted. Signs include stiff neck that can resemble slipped disc.
Cushings Disease
Over production of cortisol can be the result of tumors in the adrenal or petuitary systems. Common signs are: pot bellied, significant hair loss, frequent urination (sometimes incontinant), ravenous appetite, lethargy, muscle wastage, excessive panting. Diagnosis by repeated blood tests (ACTH stimulation test & low-dose dexamethasone suppression test).
Uniquely in the Weimaraner it is worth noting that the grey coat turns orange and is very dry and course to the touch. Prostate issues can also have an effect on coat colour.
Prostate Tumors
Seen rarely but noted usually in dogs of 5yrs +. Signs include difficulty urinating, behavioural changes. As a pet owner if you trace the line of the shaft you will feel an uneven raise/lump in the skin the majority of this tumor is usually a little like an iceberg so more beneath the surface than can be seen on top. Check regularly. Easily resolved by operation to remove it.
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These are my own personal views and opinions they do not represent the WCGB.
Last edited by nfp20; 03-07-2010 at 07:01 PM..
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