HD: Hip Displasia
HD: is an anomaly in the rear hip joint's whereby the hip socket does not properly enclose the head of the thigh bone.This can cause infection and bone tumors that are extremly painfull. All our dog's have been xrayed and are free of this condition.
PHPV/PHTVL
This abreviation stands for Persistant Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous/ Persistant Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis. It is a rare congenital eye abnormality caused by a disturbance in development whereby remnants of the embryonic blood vessel coat of the lense that feed's the eye with nutrients during the bitches pregnacy. Both parents should be tested and found free from this disease pryor to mating but 2 free dog's can still have offspring with this condition. All our dog's have been tested and are free from this disease
VWD: Von Willebrand's disease
VWD: is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. Although dogs of any breed even mixed breeds can have VWD, certain breeds are more prone to it than others, including the Dobermann.
Excessive bleeding is the main symptom. Bleeding generally occurs after a wound or surgery. In these cases, the blood simply does not clot in the normal time, and bleeding is extensive. Dog's with Von Willebrand's disease may also develop nosebleeds, or bleeding from the gums. Bleeding may also occur in the stomach or intestine in which case the stool may either have blood in it, or be black and tarry. Some dogs will have blood in their urine. Bleeding into the joints also occurs, which can cause symptoms similar to those of arthritis.There is no cure for Von Willebrand's disease. Prevention through eliminating affected individuals from any breeding program is the goal of veterinary medicine today. Tests are available to determine which dogs may have this trait. All individuals with a history of this disorder in their backgrounds should be tested.All our dog's are clear of this disease either via DNA testing or parentage, we only breed clear puppy's at Bilclarie.
DCM: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
DCM defines a condition where the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes very thin and is unable to contract normally. Since the myocardium cannot work effectively to pump blood out of the heart, the heart becomes enlarged. Subsequent back up of blood into the left atrium and ultimately into the lungs occurs commonly. This back up of blood into the lungs results in pulmonary edema and is a sign of congestive heart failure. While there have been many theories as to the cause of DCM, the exact mechanism is still not entirely understood. It is believed that the majority of cases have a familial or genetic component. One reason for this theory is the preponderance of the disease in specific breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher, specific genetic evidence is still lacking. The signs of DCM can vary widely and may depend on the breed of dog. Coughing, labored breathing, episodic weakness or fainting are signs often seen in Dobermans. Unfortunately sudden death may also occur in patients with this problem. Respiratory signs are seen due to pulmonary edema and/or heart enlargement. Other large breed dogs may have fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) or in the chest cavity (pleural effusion). Other signs may include loss of appetite, pale gums, elevated heart rate or lethargy. Unfortunately DCM is not reversible however; there are certain medications that may help for a period of time. Some of the more commonly used drugs are diuretics; drugs that may help increase the contractile ability of the heart; drugs that may decrease the heart rate or drugs that decrease the work that the heart has to do to function. Drug choices often depend on your pets' signs and health status so your veterinarian will help tailor a treatment plan that is most appropriate for each case.
Spondylolisthesis (wobblers)
Wobblers syndrome is caused by a narrowing or malformation of the spinal cervical (neck) vertebrae which causes pressure on the spinal cord by the lower cervical (neck) vertebrae due to either a malformation of the vertebra or a malocclusion (when the vertebrae do not come together properly). This causes anywhere from a mild, to a severe affect in the dogs gait.. Other conditions can mimic the symptoms. The only definitive diagnosis of Wobblers Syndrome or Spondololithesis, is a mylogram where dye is injected into the spinal column and then the neck is flexed and x-rayed. The cause of Wobblers Syndrome is unknown, although a link to fast growth and genetics is suspected.Symptoms usually appear first in the rear legs as a mild uncoordination in gait (ataxia) and can escalate to involvement of the forelegs as well. The severely affected dog moves like a drunk and the uncoordination shows up most when the dog is walked and then moved sharply into a turn. An unsuspecting owner might simply conclude that his older puppy was just clumsy. Treatment of Wobblers Syndrome can include the use of corticosteroids, a neck brace and surgery. The surgery fuses the 2 unstable vertebrae which relieves the pressure on the spinal cord. Unfortunately this also puts further stress on adjoining vertebrae which can cause instability to recur in them. Many Wobblers can live a long and pain free life with little or no treatment. Others deteriorate quickly and euthanasia then becomes the only kind choice.
HOD: Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy causes lameness & extreme pain in young growing dogs, usually of a large breed.eg Dobermanns, Great Danes, Mastiff for example that may be affected by this condition. It appears to occur as a vaccine reaction.
In this case it usually occurs a few days after Vaccination and may appear to be worse than the "average" case on radiograph.
HOD usually shows up as an acute lameness, often seeming to affect all four legs simultaneously. Affected dogs may stand in a " hunched up" stance or refuse to stand up at all. They may have a fever, but this is not consistently present. They usually have painful swellings around the lower joints on the legs. Some puppies will die from this disease, some suffer permanent disability, but many recover later. The disease is so painful that many owners elect to euthanize the puppy rather than watch it suffer, despite the reasonable good chance of recovery, long term affected dogs may be so ill they refuse to eat. X-rays confirm the diagnosis in most cases. There are typical x-ray changes although it can look a little like bone infection from a septic condition. There is some evidence at this point that viral or bacterial infections may underlie some cases of HOD as canine distemper virus has been found in the affected areas in some dogs. There can be high white blood cell counts and the alkaline phosphatase level in the blood stream is often elevated. "There is also a theory that this condition may occur with excessive dietary levels of calcium or protein".
Treatment normally consists of analgesic medications such as aspirin or Rimadyl. Since a viral or bacterial agent may be involved in this problem the use of corticosteroids is questionable. Many people try switching to a diet that is lower in calcium ( large breed puppy food is a good choice, before these were available people fed adult food, but these didnt always result in lower total calcium in the diet). Even more potent pain relief medications may be indicated in some puppies. Hydrocodone & aspirin may be a more effective combination than either one alone. Antibiotics are often given with this condition. There is a persistent rumour that Vitamin C supplementation is beneficial in dogs with HOD, this appears to be a false rumour & there is some evidence that Vitamin C may actually promote abnormal calcification in these puppies. It is not a good idea to supplement with Vitamin C.
If you think your recently vacinated puppy is suffering from this pain full disease please seek veterinary advice ASAP.
