HEALTH

DVD is a neurological disorder causing deafness and balance/coordination issues, commonly referred to as DINGS, is associated with variants in two different genes. One appears to result in deafness in one ear while the other shows deafness in both ears. In affected dogs this may present as deafness in one or both ears often accompanied by a loss of balance, head “bobble” and tilt. 

DM is an inherited neurological disorder characterized by gradual muscle wasting and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs. Dogs begin to show clinical signs of the disease in adulthood with gradual muscle wasting and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs. Disease progression continues until the dog is unable to walk. 

DCM is a condition in which the heart has a decreased ability to pump blood. Two mutations associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in Dobermann Pinschers have been identified. DCM is a heart condition in which the muscles degenerate, causing the walls of the heart to become thin, which can lead to congestive heart failure. 

Narcolepsy is a disorder of the nervous system characterized by periods of sleepiness. Narcolepsy in Dobermann Pinschers is characterized by the inability to remain awake or active for extended periods of time, especially after stimulation. Affected dogs may not completely fall asleep but may just be unalert 

  vWD is an inherited bleeding disorder, results from a lack or reduced level of a normal blood clotting protein and is characterized by spontaneous hemorrhaging and prolonged bleeding. Hemorrhaging and prolonged bleeding after injury, surgery, or giving birth, can result in death.   

Many diseases now have genetic markers that may reveal if your dog will develop health problems in the future. Genetic problems have multiple factors that influence whether a gene will ultimately be expressed. Testing can help with planned litters to minimize risks of illness. It  can also alert people to potential health risks that their dog may develop so they can take steps to modify their dog’s lifestyle.   

Hip Dysplasia is a condition that begins in dogs as they grow and results in instability or a loose fit of the hip joint. Hip joint laxity is responsible for potential clinical signs of hip pain and limb dysfunction and progressive joint changes. Dogs may show symptoms at any stage of the disease’s development, although many dogs do not have any obvious symptoms. 

Elbow Dysplasia is a painful condition that causes one or both elbows to  develop abnormally while a puppy is growing. There are three main areas  inside the elbow joint that can be affected. Some dogs will have just one  problem area, while others suffer with a combination. Most dogs start showing symptoms between 5-18 months old. However, dogs may not show signs until later in life, once they have developed arthritis in their elbows. 

LTV is a congenital condition in dogs that affects the vertebrae at the end of the spinal cord, causing hind leg paralysis or increasing pain. This can lead to Cauda Equina Syndrome, which is a disabling disease. LTV is common in medium and large breed dogs, it is hereditary, but it's not known how it's passed down. 

AIT is a disease in dogs that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The disease has variable onset, but tends to clinically manifest itself at 2 to 5 years of age. It's the leading cause of hypothyroidism in adult dogs. Hypothyroidism causes a wide variety of symptoms, but is often suspected in dogs that have trouble with weight gain or obesity and suffer from hair loss and skin problems. 

The purpose of eye examinations is to provide breeders with information regarding canine eye diseases so that they may make informed breeding decisions in an effort to produce healthier dogs. There are eye diseases in dogs for which there is evidence of a genetic or heritable cause. Breeding advice will be offered based on guidelines established for that particular breed. There are currently ten disorders for which there is an unequivocal recommendation against breeding in all breeds.   

Before starting a breeding program, veterinarians can perform a variety of tests and exams to ensure dogs are in good health and suitable for breeding. These routine exams check the dog's overall health, including their eyes, coat, lungs, and heart, as well as blood and urine tests. Hip and elbow scoring is a screening test that evaluates the health of a dog's hip and elbow joints.