HEALTH
The results of the Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee’s health survey for ALL breeds, is published on the Kennel Club website - http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
The top three causes of death listed are:
1. Cancer
2. Old Age
3. Cardiac
Health issues most commonly affecting the Dobermann
are:
PHPV (Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous)
There is a testing scheme and in the UK the result will be clear or affected. We would recommend only breeding from a clear result and buying puppies from clear parents.
DNA testing for vWD (von Willebrands Disease)
There are three possible results - Clear, Carrier or Affected. The Dobermann Owner and Breeder should view vWD as a significant health risk.
Clear - This indicates that the gene is not present in the dog.
When used for breeding, a Clear will not pass on the disease.
Carrier - This indicates that one copy of the disease gene is
present in the dog but that it will not exhibit disease symptoms. Carriers will
not have medical problems as a result. Dogs with Carrier status will pass on the
gene 50% of the time.
Affected - This indicates that two copies of the disease gene is
present in the dog. Unfortunately, the disease will medically affect the
dog.
Ideal Mating: Clear to Clear
The DNA testing kit consists of a cheek swab and is available from www.vetgen.com. This is the most common bleeding disorder in the world in all species.
Hip Dysplasia Scheme
This means an x-ray and the scoring of the resulting plates to discover the status of the dogs hips.
DCM (Dilated CardioMyopathy)
There is no definitive test for DCM. As I write there are geneticists all over the world looking for a genetic marker for
DCM.
Thyroid - Over or Under Active
The Vet will blood test for this.
BUYING A PUPPY
As you can see, there are tests for most things so please, whoever is the breeder of your puppy, make sure the breeder
of your puppy has the parents tested BEFORE breeding and ask to see the certificates. If they tell you there is not a problem in Dobermann – don’t believe them.
There are people out there who do not care about our breed and only want your money.
Rome wasn’t built in a day but we are in for the long haul to improve the health of our beloved breed, using all health tests available, breeding only from healthy animals and not just breeding for money.
The top three causes of death listed are:
1. Cancer
2. Old Age
3. Cardiac
Health issues most commonly affecting the Dobermann
are:
PHPV (Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous)
There is a testing scheme and in the UK the result will be clear or affected. We would recommend only breeding from a clear result and buying puppies from clear parents.
DNA testing for vWD (von Willebrands Disease)
There are three possible results - Clear, Carrier or Affected. The Dobermann Owner and Breeder should view vWD as a significant health risk.
Clear - This indicates that the gene is not present in the dog.
When used for breeding, a Clear will not pass on the disease.
Carrier - This indicates that one copy of the disease gene is
present in the dog but that it will not exhibit disease symptoms. Carriers will
not have medical problems as a result. Dogs with Carrier status will pass on the
gene 50% of the time.
Affected - This indicates that two copies of the disease gene is
present in the dog. Unfortunately, the disease will medically affect the
dog.
Ideal Mating: Clear to Clear
The DNA testing kit consists of a cheek swab and is available from www.vetgen.com. This is the most common bleeding disorder in the world in all species.
Hip Dysplasia Scheme
This means an x-ray and the scoring of the resulting plates to discover the status of the dogs hips.
DCM (Dilated CardioMyopathy)
There is no definitive test for DCM. As I write there are geneticists all over the world looking for a genetic marker for
DCM.
Thyroid - Over or Under Active
The Vet will blood test for this.
BUYING A PUPPY
As you can see, there are tests for most things so please, whoever is the breeder of your puppy, make sure the breeder
of your puppy has the parents tested BEFORE breeding and ask to see the certificates. If they tell you there is not a problem in Dobermann – don’t believe them.
There are people out there who do not care about our breed and only want your money.
Rome wasn’t built in a day but we are in for the long haul to improve the health of our beloved breed, using all health tests available, breeding only from healthy animals and not just breeding for money.