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This page last modified on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Health Overview; From The Common To The Not So Common...
The text herein shows the most common and not so common health conditions, known to be found in Dobermans. For breeders, it is important to us know the status of each test, before a breeding ever takes place. Dogs exhibiting symptoms (clinically affected dogs) for any of these conditions should NOT be bred. Doing so only diminishes our lines further, as the ideal thing in breeding, is to breed away from these health issues as much as possible.
**NOTE** The compiled list below is intended to be used as an aid to those individuals seeking health information on their Doberman. This should NOT be used for those individuals to form a diagnosis, in lue of regular Veterinary care, attention and or advice. Please consult with your own Veterinarian before forming an opinion and be sure to always contact your own Veterinarian if you feel your dog is in need of medical attention and or care. NEVER use the internet (i.e. Blogs and Forums etc.) to diagnose and or treat your pet, doing so could lead to misdiagnoses and even death of your pet!!
Located in Northeast Ohio
Located in Northeast Ohio
*Can be identified through testing*...
HYPOTHYROIDISM - is probably inherited and means that the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones to adequately maintain the dog's metabolism. It is easily treated with thyroid replacement pills on a daily basis (these pills can range from a few cents a day up to a dollar, depending on how much is needed). Thyroid testing (T3, T4, TSH and autoantibodies) should be performed on an annual schedule. Finding autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (T4 autoantibodies) is an indication that the dog has "Hashimoto's Disease". Low thyroid dogs, manifested by a high TSH and a low T4, should be treated and monitored on a regular basis.
vWd (VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE) - is an autosomal (not sex linked) inherited bleeding disorder with a prolonged bleeding time and a mild to severe factor IX deficiency. Von Willebrand's factor antigens of 70% 180% are considered to be within the normal range for Dobermans. There are two tests that can be performed to determine vWD status, 1. The Elisa test and 2. DNA. The Elisa test is a blood draw at your Veterinarian�s office and sent into a lab. The DNA is a cheek swab test done at home and sent into Vetgen. Dogs that are tested through the Elisa assay blood test for vWD, are tested for carrier status only NOT the disease. It is believed that carrier status tests (Elisa assay) are inaccurate if a dog is ill, received any medication or vaccination within fourteen (14) days of testing, pregnancy, bitches in heat or lactation. Stress conditions (infections, parasites, hormonal changes, trauma, surgery, emotional upset, etc.) may also have an effect on the outcome of the vWD blood test and might be a contributing factor for bleeding tendencies. Thus this being the reason most Breeders will not and do not perform the Elisa test any longer and will only do DNA. vWD carrier status is quite common in Dobermans. A Dogs that are tested through the DNA test for vWD are given a status of - genetically: clear, carrier (inherited one disease gene), affected (inherited two disease genes) - results are not effected by any conditions.
PRA (PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY) - is an inherited condition in Dobermans. Clinically, visual acuity is diminished, first at dusk, later in daylight. The disease progresses over months or years, to complete blindness. A screening test is available and can be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) will certify eyes for 12 months from the date of evaluation.
*Can NOT be identified through testing*...
WOBBLER'S SYNDROME - is suspected to be an inherited condition in Dobermans. Dogs suffer from spinal cord compression caused by cervical vertebral instability or from a malformed spinal canal. Extreme symptoms are paralysis of the limbs (front, hind or all 4). Neck pain with extension and flexion may or may not be present. Surgical therapy is hotly debated and in some surgically treated cases, clinical recurrence has been identified.
KNUCKLING OVER - A form of bowing of the legs (NOT common, but can happen) - Linda Arndt ~ Canine Nutritional Consultant ~ Explains this in a way no other can, click here to understand this condition and why it happens (with pictures).
ALBINISM - "white coated" and "white factored" Dobermans should NOT be bred. These dogs are *TYROSINASE POSITIVE ALBINOS*. In 1996, the AKC established a tracking system (the letter "Z" will be part of the registration number) allowing breeders to identify the normal colored Dobermans which may carry the albinistic gene. A list with all dogs tracing back to Shebah's (the first Albino Doberman registered) parents is available here. All breeders should require an AKC certified pedigree with colors to check that "white coated" and "white factored" dogs are not present in the pedigree of the dog or bitch to be bred.