Page 338 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

338 C ARE AND TR AINING

INHERITED DISORDERS

DISEASE DESCRIPTION CAN IT BE MANAGING THE TYPES OF DOG
SCREENED FOR? DISEASE AFFECTED
Intervertebral disk Similar to a prolapsed No. The genetics of the Can be managed with Achondroplastic (dwarf)
disease (“slipped”) disk in humans; condition are not fully rest and anti-inflammatory breeds that originated
can cause intense pain and understood. drugs; surgery may be from a genetic mutation
even paralysis. necessary in severe cases. for short limbs.

Hip dysplasia A condition in which the hip Yes. An X-ray can Careful management Heavy-bodied breeds, such
joint develops incorrectly. be analyzed and then and pain relief is normally as the mastiffs.
measured against the sufficient; surgery is
breed average. available but relatively
uncommon.
Elbow dysplasia Abnormal development Yes. X-rays of each elbow Affected dogs often benefit Large breeds. More
of the elbow joint. are analyzed and given a from exercise management prevalent in males than
numeric score. The overall and pain relief. females. Rapid growth and
grade is the higher of the weight gain exacerbate the
two figures. symptoms.

Luxating patella A congenital condition in No. Affected dogs should Controlled exercise Most prevalent in toy
which the patella (kneecap) not be used for breeding. and diet are the main breeds.
slips out of its groove. treatments, with pain relief
if necessary; surgery is
indicated only in younger
dogs or those with extreme
mobility difficulties.
Aortic stenosis A congenital disorder in No. Affected dogs should Exercise management may Most prevalent in large
which narrowing of the not be used for breeding. help dogs that become breeds.
aortic valve reduces blood breathless on exertion.
flow from the heart.
Symptoms include
breathlessness.
Von Willebrand The most common Yes. By blood and DNA Lifestyle adjustments and Not breed or group specific.
disease inherited bleeding disorder tests. the use of blood-clotting
in dogs. Varies in severity drugs.
but can be lethal.
Progressive retinal Deterioration of the retina, Yes. A simple test Lifestyle management. Occurs in most breeds, but
atrophy (PRA) leading to blindness. categorizes dogs as inheritance of the condition
affected, carriers, or differs. Genes may be
unaffected. dominant or recessive.
Symptoms usually apparent
by 3 years of age.
Cataracts Clouding of the lens Yes. For some breeds, there Cataracts are removed Not breed or group specific
of the eye, causing is a DNA test. Affected surgically; the operation and may occur at any age.
impaired vision. dogs should not be used is relatively simple.
for breeding.
Entropion Inward turning of the No. Affected dogs should Can be corrected surgically. Common in brachycephalic
eyelids, causing damage to not be used for breeding. breeds (flat-faced with
the surface of the eyeball. short muzzle) and breeds
with heavy, folded skin on
the head.

Ectropion Outward turning of the No. Affected dogs should Can be corrected surgically. Most prevalent in breeds
lower eyelid; may lead to not be used for breeding. with loose facial skin, as
dry eyes and infection. seen in spaniels and some
breeds of hound.

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