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Hereditary Orthopedic Diseases in Dogs
Do you ever read about a dog breed and discover that a particular breed can be prone to a number of diseases - most of which you can't understand? Are you in the process of choosing a dog and you want to know which breed-specific hereditary disease that the breeder should have screened out in the breeding stock?
Most breeders spend a lot of time and resources trying to get
rid of genetic diseases in their lines. However, some amateur
breeders and puppy mills are breeding dogs without screening the
parents and perpetuating poor genetic health.
This article is not exhaustive but will attempt to describe some
common hereditary musculoskeletal diseases and indicate some of
the dog breeds that have shown a tendency to inherit these
diseases in the past. Since so many dogs have inherited
orthopedic problems, these disorders are extremely well
researched and studied. If you want to check on a particular dog
breed you can go to dog breed facts and search on a particular
breed for its health issues.
There are a number of common inherited diseases for which
reputable breeders screen their breeding stock. The Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals (OFA) has specialists evaluate X-rays,
DNA, thyroid, cardiac and other tests and register the results.
A prospective pure-bred puppy buyer should ask to see the OFA
results for the dog's sire and dam.
Chondrodysplasia or dwarfism in the legs is a disease that
causes malformation of the carpal and radius bones of the front
legs resulting in a stunted and bowed look. Puppies born with
this disease do not show any signs until they grow older. The
disease can be painful and often the only choice is to euthanize
the dog. This disease is most common in the Alaskan malamute and
the Beagle.
Elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease in which the elbow
joints of the front legs are malformed. Lameness usually makes
its appearance around 7 to 10 months of age and is treated by
anti-inflammatories and also surgery. All breeds are susceptible
to the disease but it is most common in large male breeds. These
breeds include the: Basset hound, Bernese mountain dog,
Bloodhound, Bouvier des Flandres, Chow Chow, German shepherd,
Golden retriever, Great Pyrenees, Irish wolfhound, Labrador
retriever, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and Weimaraner.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that results when there is a loose
fit of the 'ball and socket' hip joint and the ball may
continuously slide part way out of the socket. Over time this
will cause osteoarthritis in the joint and the dog will become
lame and weak in the hind end. Some relief can be found with the
use of nutriceuticals such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and
anti-inflammatories. Some cases are so bad that the dog must
have surgery or be euthanized. Ensuring that your dog isn't
overfed and overweight can delay the onset of hip dysplasia.
Larger breeds that grow fastest during the first four months
seem to be more prone to this disease. Hip dysplasia is the most
common inherited orthopedic disease in large and giant breeds
and many medium-sized breeds as well.
Legg-Calve-Perthes is a disease of the hip joint where the ball
or head of the femur deteriorates and causes pain and lameness
in the hind leg. This disease usually affects young small dogs
aged from 4 to 12 months. This condition is successfully treated
by surgery. This disorder can affect all terriers, Chihuahuas,
Dachshunds, Miniature pinscher, Miniature poodles, Pugs and Toy
poodles.
Panosteitis or 'pano' is a common condition which suddenly
causes lameness in a growing puppy or adolescent dog. The
lameness is a result of inflammation of the long bones of the
front and hind legs and can be mild to severe. A veterinarian
will probably prescribe pain medication and ask you to restrict
exercise. Affected puppies usually grow out of the condition as
they mature. It is most common in male medium- to giant-sized
dog breeds which include the: Afghan Hound, Basset hound,
Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees,
Labrador retriever and Rottweiler.
Luxating Patella (Patellar luxation) or slipped stifle is a
hereditary condition where the knee cap slips out of its groove.
In some cases, the kneecap will slip back into place while in
other cases; a veterinarian may need to put it back in place. If
it is not corrected through surgery, then osteoarthritis will
usually result. The condition is quite prevalent in toy breeds.
It is commonly seen in the Affenpinscher, Australian terrier,
Basset hound, Boston terrier, Chihuahua, Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese,
Pomeranian, Poodle (miniature and toy) and Lhasa Apso.
There are many more
href="http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/articles/hereditary-diseases
.html">hereditary diseases that are prevalent in a number of
dog breeds. Contact your breed's national breed club for a list
of the most common inherited genetic diseases.
About the author:
Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular
dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com. He provides
informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds,
href="http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/dog-health.html">dog
health,
href="http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/dog-grooming.html">dog
grooming and more.
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