CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA

 

Hip dysplasia is a condition that primarily affects large and giant breed dogs.  It is associated with abnormal joint structure and a laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and the ligaments that would normally support the joint.  As the laxity develops, the articular surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other.   This causes pain which in turn causes the affected animal to limp. The result is osteoarthritis.

 

Overweight dogs are more prone to the condition.  Rapid growth in puppies from 3 - 10 months can also have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia.  Exercise can also be a risk factor with over-exercised puppies showing increased incidence.

  

There is a strong genetic link between parents that have hip dysplasia and the incidence in their offspring.  For this reason the best way to prevent hip dysplasia is through selective breeding and careful monitoring of diet and exercise.

 

Only low scoring dogs and bitches should be used for breeding. 

 

See the comparison table below:-

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Canine Elbow Dysplasia

 

Elbow dysplasia is a generic term meaning arthritis in the elbow joint.  Elbow dysplasia can cause lameness in young large-breed dogs and is commonly found in both elbows. There are four developmental causes of elbow arthritis in dogs:

 

o    osteochondritis dessicans

 

o    ununited anconeal process

 

o    fragmented coronoid process

 

o    elbow incongruency

 

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

OCD is a condition in which a piece of cartilage becomes partially or fully detached from the surface of the elbow joint.  This results in inflammation of the lining of the joint and pain. This can  communally be caused through trauma. See further information below.

 

Fragmented medial coronoid process

Fragmented medial coronoid process is a condition in which a small piece of bone on the inner side of the joint has broken off of the ulna bone. This piece of bone irritates the lining of the joint and grinds off the cartilage of the adjacent humerus (similar to having a pebble in your shoe).

 

Ununited anconeal process 

Ununited anconeal process is a condition in which a fragment of bone on the back side of the joint has failed to unite with the ulna bone during growth.  Normally this bony process fuses with the ulna bone by 20 weeks of age.

 

Elbow incongruency

Elbow incongruency is a condition in which the joint does not have perfect conformation, and the cartilage of the joint wears out rapidly.  In simple terms the joint does not fit together well and the final result is progressive arthritis. 

 

For elbow evaluations, there are no grades for a radiographically normal elbow  The only grades involved are for abnormal elbows with radiographic changes associated with secondary degenerative joint disease.

 

ED - 0 (Free)

 

ED - 1 (Grade I Elbow Dysplasia)

Minimal bone change along anconeal process of ulna (less than 3mm).

 

ED - 2 (Grade II Elbow Dysplasia)

Additional bone proliferation along anconeal process (3-5 mm) and subchondral bone changes (trochlear notch sclerosis).

 

ED - 3 (Grade III Elbow Dysplasia)

Well developed degenerative joint disease with bone proliferation along anconeal process being greater than 5 mm.

 

 

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

 

Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects cartilage formation; the cartilage, due to an abnormal thickening, is unable to receive a normal supply of nutrients from the joint fluid, causing it to become weaker and more susceptible to damage.  Cartilage provides a protective gliding layer between the bones in a joint, and when it is injured and lesions form, the dog will experience pain, lameness, and arthritis.  Lesions may occur on one or both sides of the body.

 

In all animals, osteochondrosis can affect many different joints, but in the dog, the most common sites of disease are the shoulder, elbow, stifle or knee joint, and tarsus or hock. Generally, osteochondrosis occurs in young, large to giant breeds, although it is also seen in mixed breeds.

 

Clinical Signs:

 

• Lameness

• Pain 

• Swelling of the affected joint(s).

 

Description:

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Osteochondrosis, or OCD, is a disease of cartilage formation that results in weakened cartilage.  Because cartilage is the contact layer between bones forming a joint, joint pain, lameness, and progressive arthritis result when the cartilage is damaged.  A form of the disease called osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) occurs when a weakened layer of cartilage forms a flap that becomes elevated because of joint fluid dissecting between it and the surrounding cartilage and bone.  Mineralization can occur when the flap breaks off and floats around in the joint.  This complication, called a joint mouse, can result in a "pebble-in-the-shoe" feeling of irritation for the dog, as well as intermittent or persistent lameness.

 

Osteochondrosis can affect any joint, but generally, there are four commonly affected joints in the dog:

 

• Shoulder osteochondrosis, or shoulder OCD, causes a lesion to develop on the head of the humerus, which is the bone in the upper front leg.  Although this condition occurs while the dog is growing, some animals will not show signs of disease until they have matured fully and more advanced disease is present.  However, the majority of animals show lameness early on, between the ages of five and 10 months. generally, both shoulders are affected.  The lameness is usually one-sided and tends to improve with rest.  With exercise, though, the lameness recurs.  Pain is seen on extension of the shoulder.  The amount of arthritis present depends on the size and duration of the lesion.  Because osteochondrosis is often bilateral, it is necessary to take x-rays of both shoulders to evaluate the extent of the disease.

 

• Primarily occurring in large to giant breed dogs, elbow osteochondrosis is one of three diseases that are grouped under the term elbow dysplasia.  (See separate heading for Elbow Dysplasia).   With elbow osteochondrosis, the lesion is usually seen on the inside of the humerus.  Most dogs with elbow osteochondrosis are presented for lameness at less than one year of age.  As with the shoulder form of the disease, some animals may not be seen until they are much older, after the onset of significant arthritis.  The lameness may be intermittent or persistent, tending to improve with rest and worsen with activity.  Because it can be difficult to differentiate between elbow and shoulder osteochondrosis, x-rays of both joints may need to be taken.  Even with x-rays, though, it can be difficult to detect a lesion in the elbow.  Exploratory surgery may be needed in some cases before arrival at a definitive diagnosis.

 

• Stifle osteochondrosis, which occurs in the knee joint, affects the same breeds and types of dogs that develop shoulder and elbow osteochondrosis, but it is much less common.  Dogs with this disease usually show a slow onset of lameness that worsens with activity.  The lesion will occur on the femur, the large bone in the thigh usually on the outer part of the bone.  The degree of arthritis depends on the size and duration of the lesion.

 

• Tarsal or hock osteochondrosis occurs in large dogs.  Hind-limb lameness and a straight-hocked stance are the most common signs.  The joint will appear thick and will be painful on manipulation.  With this form of the disease, arthritis tends to develop more rapidly and become more severe.

 

Cause 

 

The cause of osteochondrosis is unknown, but because the disease is primarily seen in large and giant breed dogs, a genetic component is suspected.  Other factors, such as a high calorie diet, and diets that promote rapid growth, are also thought to be significant.  Trauma can also be attributed, especially if present after a known injury and only one limb is affected.

 

Prevention

 

Prevention generally includes avoiding calorie-dense diets in large to giant breed dogs. Puppies should be fed adult diets or giant breed growth formulations, and vitamin over-supplementation should be avoided.  Maintaining a lean body condition also seems to decrease the risk of osteochondrosis.  Exercise should also be moderated during the growth stages. 

 

 

Epilepsy

 

Canine Epilepsy is a growing problem amongst many breeds of dog. At present there is no test for idiopathic (primary) epilepsy. This can be an extremely devastating illness, although many sufferers can, with medication, lead nearly normal lives.

 

Epilepsy simply refers to repeated seizures. Seizures may occur as a one off event in an animal from a variety of causes, but only if the seizures repeat again and again over a period of time do we call it epilepsy.  Anything which damages the brain in the right area can cause epilepsy. If we can identify the cause of the seizures, say a brain tumor or a stroke, then we say the pet has symptomatic (secondary) epilepsy. That is, the seizures are a symptom of a disease process we've been able to identify. If we've looked and can't find the cause, then we call it idiopathic (or primary) epilepsy. The term idiopathic simply means that we don't know the cause. Many of the idiopathic epileptics have inherited epilepsy: epilepsy caused by a mutation in a specific gene which they inherited from their parents. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy frequently begin seizing at between one and three years of age, and certain breeds are predisposed to develop epilepsy. A few breeds have proven hereditary epilepsy, while in most it is just a strong suspicion.

  

Any dog or bitch suffering from idiopathic epilepsy should not be used for breeding and any littermates/offspring should be monitored carefully and also not bred from.   

No one can guarantee that a puppy will not get epilepsy but every care must be taken to ensure that there is the least possible chance.  

 

Click here to read a synopsis of an Epliepsy seminar held April 2015...

 

 

Eye Diseases

 

Cataracts are one of the most common problems affecting the eyes of the dog. There are many different forms and causes of cataract formation. They affect all breeds and ages of dogs, but certain types show up more commonly in certain breeds.   The only current treatment option is surgery, but with correct patient selection the outcome is very good.

 

Congenital Cataracts: These are cataracts that are present at birth. These cataracts usually occur in both eyes. Despite the fact that the animal is born with them, they are not necessarily inherited. Infections or toxins may cause the formation of these cataracts while the puppies are still in utero.

 

Developmental (Early Onset) Cataract: Developmental cataracts are those that develop early on in life.  As with congenital cataracts, they may be inherited or caused by outside sources such as trauma, diabetes mellitus, infection, or toxicity.

 

Senile (Late Onset) Cataracts: The cataracts that occur in dogs over six years of age are called senile cataracts. They occur much less frequently in dogs than in humans. Nuclear sclerosis, which is not considered to be a medical problem, is often confused with cataracts at this age.

 

Inherited cataracts:  Inherited cataracts in the dog may occur independently or in association with other ocular disease. If a dog is diagnosed with inherited cataracts, the dog should obviously not be used for breeding because of the likelihood of perpetuating the disease in the offspring.

 

Distichiasis is an eye disease in the dog where extra eyelashes or hairs cause irritation to the surface of the eye. Treatment involves removing the offending eyelashes/hairs.  In the case of distichiasis, eyelashes are found growing on the margin of the eyelid and these abnormally placed eyelashes can cause irritation to the eye itself, resulting in corneal ulcers or abrasions and/or conjunctivitis.   It can cause symptoms ranging from minor to quite severe and can be extremely painful for the affected dog.  Distichiasis is hereditary, therefore, dogs diagnosed with this condition should not be bred from because of the likelihood of passing the eye problem on to the progeny.

 

Entropion is an eye disease of the dog which is frequently confused with distichiasis.  However, whereas distichiasis is the result of extra eyelashes, entropion results when there is extra skin around the eye which allows the eyelid to roll inward toward the eye.  Entropion results in conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers or abrasions due to the irritation of the eyelashes or normal hair contacting the surface of the eye, which does not occur in dogs with healthy eyes.  Dogs with inherited entropion should not be bred, as they can pass the trait on to their offspring. 

 

 

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) or Canine Bloat

 

Canine bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is the number-one cause of death for several large and giant breeds.  If this painful disorder is not treated within one to two hours, it is life-threatening.

 

Twenty-five percent of bloat cases are caused by gastric dilation.  The stomach fills with gas.  The increased pressure compresses both ends of the stomach, preventing the gas from escaping.  But most cases -75 percent - are due to gastric volvulus, where the stomach actually twists, crimping and cutting off the inflow and outflow from the stomach.  When the stomach gases cannot get out, they expand.

 

Affected dogs drool saliva because they cannot swallow.  Also, they cannot belch or vomit, which would help relieve the mounting pressure from the stomach gases.  The pressure causes the abdomen to become distended.  When tapped, the abdomen can sound like a drum.

 

Deep chested breeds are the highest at risk of this life threatening condition.  A slightly higher percentage of males than females develope bloat.

 

If you suspect bloat seek veterinary help immediately. 

 

Cancer

 

Cancer in dogs is more common than you think.  It is the number one natural cause of death in geriatric dogs and accounts for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year.

 

Commons signs of cancer for owners to watch for include:

 

• Unexplained bleeding or discharge

• Loss of appetite

• Oral odor

• Abnormal swellings or swollen lymph nodes

• Drooling or difficulty eating or swallowing

• Changes in exercise or stamina level

• Lameness

• A sore that does not heal

• Chronic weight loss

• Change in bowel or bladder habits

If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary advice. 

 

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The Swissy Lick

 

This is an entirely unscientific term to describe the sudden onset of frantic licking of anything in range such as carpet, bare floor, walls etc. and the indiscriminate eating of anything that can be swallowed such as grass, leaves, fibre from carpets etc. and gobbling up of air.  It is obvious that the behaviour is due to severe gastrointestinal discomfort.  It sometimes can be alleviated with medications such as Gas-X or other gas and acid reducing remedies.  Often the dog will go outside and eat some grass to induce vomiting and this normally helps.  What exactly causes the "Swissy Lick" is a matter of discussion among Swissy owners but there seems to be no single or definite factor responsible for this condition.  A number of theories have been offered, from excessive gas pressure to acid reflux to allergic reaction to a food substance.  Some believe that it is a precursor to GDV but this cannot be clearly substantiated either as many Swissies who have had these licking episodes never went on to develop GDV.  While the condition appears to affect primarily young dogs, it has also been reported in older Swissies.  Often, young dogs eventually will outgrow the condition.

 

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Splenic Torsion

 

The spleen exists as a filter to destroy excess red blood cells, and as a reservoir for blood. It is a main support to the immune system. Splenic torsion, or twisting of the spleen, may occur by itself, or in association with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome, when a dog's air-filled stomach expands and twists on itself. It can occur suddenly, or it can gradually twist over a period of time.  Dogs are rarely affected by an abnormality such as splenic torsion. When it does occur, however, it most commonly seen in large-breed, deep-chested dogs, like German shepherds, standard poodles, and great Danes.

Symptoms and Types

 

• Intermittent lack of appetite

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Red to brown coloured urine

• Abdominal pain

• Pale gums

• Increased heart rate

• Abdominal mass that can be felt

 

Causes

 

• Appearance of genetic relation: large-breed and deep-chested dogs are most commonly affected

• Prior gastric dilatation, and volvulus (abnormal expansion, and twisting of the intestinal or gastric organs)

• Excessive exercise, rolling, and retching may contribute

• Nervousness and anxiety have been associated with an increased risk of GDV

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P2Y12, Bleeding issues and the current research

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Occasional bleeding issues have been noted in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed for years, but despite significant research the cause of this has not yet been determined.  Some of the bleeding issues have been post surgical, some have been after illness/injury and some have been spontaneous.  There have been a few reports of multiple affected dogs in a litter.  A case study report was published by researchers at Auburn University in 2011 which seemed to point to a platelet receptor deficiency on the gene P2Y12.  This article will explain an overview of blood clotting as well as an update from the research our club supported through Cornell University.

Blood clotting, or hemostasis is vital to life because the body needs to be able to respond to injuries.  Primary phase hemostasis involves platelets (small blood particles) adhering to the injured blood vessel, aggregating together and releasing substances that constrict the blood vessel and activate the platelets further to form a plug.  That fragile plug is then reinforced by activation of the clotting cascade and proteins in the body that form a fibrin plug.

The clotting process is broken down in to multiple steps and is affected by many different protein factors.  This means that there are many different places things can go wrong.  There are two different pathways of factors (clotting cascade) that trigger each other and both of those must also come together in to one path.  For instance, blood thinner medications like warfarin (and rat poison) bind vitamin K which affects factor VII in the extrinsic pathway, but that is needed to trigger the rest of the cascade so even though the other factors are still functioning, the blood cannot clot and the animal can bleed to death.

Over clotting is not as much of an issue in dogs as humans but occasionally the body does not break down the fibrin properly after the clotting process is activated which can lead to blood clots forming in the body.

Issues with primary hemostasis (platelets) usually show up as tiny bruises on the skin or gums, bleeding in to the stool (black bowel movements) or urine and sometimes nose bleeds.  Issues with secondary hemostasis usually show up as sudden severe bleeding in to the chest, abdomen, or from a body orifice.  Sometimes dogs with inherited deficits have issues from minor trauma at a young age but many times these issues do not show up until a patient has surgery for some reason.  This is how hemophilia typically shows up, although it is a deficiency of one of the clotting factors.

Inherited platelet issues are not uncommon, von Willebrand’s disease being the most common.  This causes a deficiency in a protein needed to link platelets together and is present in multiple dog breeds with an easy DNA test available.  P2RY12 is a gene that is responsible for platelet aggregation receptors, so the thought was that since the dog in the case study had the affected type, this was the cause of her bleeding.  The gene is present as wild type (normal) AA, carrier Aa and homozygous (though to be affected/abnormal) aa.

Cornell University research was supported by GSMDCA as well as many of you who submitted dog blood samples to the study- a total of 44 GSMD were tested, 6 of which were clinically affected by bleeding episodes.  Unfortunately there was no link to bleeding dogs and P2RY12- there were 2 clinically affected dogs out of the 21 that tested normal (AA) for the gene, 3 out of the 16 that tested carrier Aa and 2 out of the 7 that tested aa.  That means that there were 5 clinically unaffected dogs that tested “abnormal” for this gene.  Although these dogs had slightly longer platelet reactivity index values (and the carrier dogs having intermediate), it did not seem to cause an elevation in any of the normal clotting blood tests or cause clinical symptoms.  This study did develop an effective way of evaluating platelet response factors and proteins and may help lay the groundwork for further research.  There are also DNA samples banked from 45 affected dogs.  But the important take home message is that P2Y12 gene abnormality does not predict bleeding events.  It is probably not in the best interest of the GSMD breed to continue to test for this.

If you are concerned your dog may have a clotting issue (they have any unexplained bleeding event, or they act suddenly weak or have pale gums), they should be evaluated by a veterinarian ASAP.  Make sure that the vet clinic has clotting tests and blood products available if needed (you may need to go to an emergency or specialty practice.)  There are several common tests that can be done on blood samples such as platelet count, PT and PTT to determine the likely cause of the bleeding issue.  Tests such as setting a blood tube on the counter to see how long it takes to clot are not accurate and although mucosal bleeding tests have their place, they should probably not be used in the initial phases.

It is important to note the most common cause of clotting issues especially in older Swissies is internal bleeding from a splenic tumor.  If the spleen tumor ruptures and the dog starts bleeding internally, the platelets and the clotting factors can quickly get used up and the dog continues to bleed.  They can go into a state called disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC.  The clotting factors start acting errantly and small clots form in the blood stream as well as bleeding out of many small blood vessels.  This quickly leads to death, many times even if it is treated aggressively.  For example, this is what happens as a result of heat stroke as well as more severe cases of bloat and other illnesses, and is why many recently deceased animals have blood in their abdomen and lungs.

Other common blood clotting issues are from rat poison (less common as the types have changed recently), tick borne diseases, autoimmune issues affecting platelets, and cancers.

Blood clotting issues are often treated with a transfusion of fresh frozen plasma.  While this does not contain platelets, it contains all of the clotting factors and proteins.  If the blood clotting issue is caused by a lack of platelets, some dogs can get platelet transfusions but these are often not as effective as we would like.  If the clotting factors are still present and the underlying disease can be treated most dogs will not bleed to death even with hardly any platelets.  Dogs that have lost significant amounts of blood may also need red blood cell transfusions.

Dogs do have blood types, and although all Swissies tested so far have been DEA 1.1 Positive, getting a negative transfusion should not be a problem.

I would encourage breeders to have puppy homes notice and notify them of any bleeding events and have their vet be cautious before spay/neuter surgery.  Unfortunately by waiting until our dogs are mature to do alteration surgery, we make the surgery much more difficult in these giant dogs.  Veterinary surgeons need to be prepared for that.  Swissies have giant blood vessels corresponding to their giant size and if these are not perfectly tied off and all bleeding is stopped they can continue to bleed as the dog wakes up and their blood pressure improves.  A small skin bleeder from a neuter incision in a tiny dog is likely to stop while in a giant dog it may continue to get worse.  It is important to note that spays are major surgeries, especially if puppies have been allowed to get fat.  A vet clinic that has access to blood products and nighttime care if needed is ideal.  It is likely that some of the unexplained bleeding events in young Swissies after surgery could have been prevented with better techniques.

There are also many medications including NSAIDs like Carprofen, aspirin, and even fish oil that can cause prolonged clotting times and you should notify your vet of medications used.  There are certain times when blood thinner and platelet aggregation prevention medications should be used to prevent clots in dogs with auto immune, kidney and some other illnesses.

All in all, while the P2Y12 research may not have indicated the cause of the bleeding issues, it is important research and we know more than we did before.   Thank you for your participation and please continue to support the health initiatives to make our breed as healthy as possible.

 

Reproduced by kind permission from the GSMD Club of America'. 

 

Sue Brailey

Springhaze Swissies