The Anti-Docking Alliance 

The Campaign Against the Docking of Dogs' Tails

EYE TESTING - remember to take your KC Registation Cetificate of dog to be tested
February 8 Hampshire & Sussex Cocker Spaniel Club + Optigen & FN blood testing Ian Mason Contact Sharon Adams tel 01489 691450 for info
February 22 2009 Northern Schnauzer Club Mr Habbin £23 per dog Contact Mrs McGrann 01526 860087
February 22 Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club at their Open Show at Hasland Village Hall John Goodyear All breeds tel Mrs J Tutton 01633 858899 to book
February 28 Highfield Vet Surgery Broxbourne Herts Prof Bedford Bring KC registration tel 1992 629233 8.30-11.00am or 3-6pm Mon-Fri or email millgreengold@aol.com
Every Wednesday Lorna Newman 59 Main Street, Frodsham Cheshire WA6 7 DF tel 01928 734040 email peter@eye-vet.co.uk
Haddenham Evening Eye Testing Sessions 2009 Feb and June 2009 5pm to 9pm at the Village Hall, Bucks with Prof Peter Bedford (Bucks/Berks/Oxon borders) between Thame and Aylesbury A418 Details Polly 01844 299508 or after 6.30pm only John 01494 446967
Every Wednesday Vet Surgery Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7DF Tek 01928 734040 Fax 01928 739955  email peter@eye-vet.co.uk

2002 HIP SCORES – USA  & BVA
An informal appraisal of the comparative hip scores from O.F.A. (Orthopaedic
Foundation for Animals (USA)   and BVA (British Veterinary Association: as
assessed by Dr. G. Keller , Chief of Veterinary Services at OFA:-

Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says : Breed not yet numerically strong so information kn inherited or possible inherited defects are not yet available. EYES: Occasional cases of ectropion and entropion, inheritance unclear. Can be surgically treated. SKELETAL: Elbow dysplasia especially fragmented coronoid process (FCP) type tends to be polygenically in herited with relatively high heritability (over 40%). Breeders should continue to place emphasis on hip scores.OTHER PROBLEMS: Hypothyroidism is sometimes seen and can lead to the destruction of the thyroid gland due to the dog's own immune system attacking the gland. Leads to rough scaly skin hair loss and weight gain. Mode of inheritance uncertain but may be recessive trait. Liver problems caused by portosystemic shunt tends to intrahepatic type (blood vessels in the liver are abberrant causing abnormal blood circulation and impaired metabolism) Mode of inheritance uncertain. Cerebellar ataxia has been reported and leads to loss of Purkinje's cells of the cerebellum and to abnormal movement and head shaking. Usually lethal and thought to be caused by autosomal recessive trait through genetic cause.

** = Guide to Hereditary and Congenital Diseases in Dogs - The Assoc. of Veterinarians
for Animal Rights - California
**Eclampsia; entropion.

KC Accredited breeders should hip score

POINTER GERMAN LONG-HAIRED (GUN DOG GROUP)
KC Registrations 2007=40; 2008=5;
TAIL STANDARD 2007 Well feathered, slightly scimitar shaped, moderately long, not reaching below hocks.  Strong at root, becoming gradually thinner.  Carried horizontally or just below line of back.  Previously docking of tip was optional.

Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says HIPS : Nearly 300 have been tested through the BVA scheme and the average score is 11 which means the breed is in the best half of scores but there is no need for complacency and alldo dogs to be considered for breeding should be tested prior to mating. GASTRIC DILATAION VOLVULUS – gdv (Bloat) is caused by the accumulation of food, fluid or gas in the intestines and the abdomen becomes distended. The abdomen can twist on itself and the food cannot be passed through. This is referred to as torsion and can become fatal very quickly. This is something often seen in large deep chested breeds (and Dachshunds). Von Willebrands Disease: - VWD. There are 3 forms in which there is a deficiency in the blood of the VW factor leading to something simlar to haemophilia. In some instances it is a dominant condition and others a recessive one. Puppies should only be bought from lines that have been tested DNA clear of VWD. EYE: Opacity of the eye indicative of cataracts which can be inherited or secondary to another disease. However little is known on this but parent dogs should have been eye tested before mating takes place. OTHER CONDITIONS: Temperament problems seem to be cropping up in the breed so puppy buyers should meet as many of the puppy's family members as possible especially the dam and if not seen enquire about the sire's temperament. If older dogs seem snappy or nervy avoid purchasing. EPILEPSY : This seems to be cropping up and the breed clubs are trying to track down the lines where inheritance may be involved . It is occurring in several prominent lines so always ask the breeder to show on pedigree dogs that have been affected and get them to explain the measures they have taken to avoid it in their breeding programme. Visit http://www.ourdogalfie.com to learn of one GWP's owner's experience.

The GWP Club is currently conducting a health survey see this link http://www.gwpclub.co.uk/ The response so far has been poor!! If you have a GWP DO take part. All information is treated confidentially.

Canine Epilepsy Support Group – Mrs. Anne Morley, Helpline 08707 469 329
KC Accredited breeders should eye test including gonioscopy  In 2007 DNA test PRA

Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says that being a numerically small breed (French) there are not many animals in the UK in which to study problems. Umbilical and inguinal hernias may be found and the former is inherited. He suggests that small hernias be left alone and operations and breeding decisions should be confined to larger hernias. Cryptorcchidism (undescended testicles) possibly in 1-2%. Hypothyroidism (thyroid ddamaged by dog's own immune system) will sometimes occur. Entropion will be seen occasionally as will overshot bites and missing teeth. Mode of inheritance in any of these is unclear. Heart and circulatory systems Haemophilia A is known in breed and is inherited as a sex link recessive trait found on x chromosome, therefore rarely seen in females although they can be carriers and appear normal. When it does occur is usually due to a mating between normal male to a carrier female whose status was unknown. The end result would be half males would be normal and half would have haemophilia although values could alter in litters. An affected male if bred from will have 100% normal males and 100% carrier females. Males could be used without risk but females who could lead normal lives should not be bred from. The condition varies from mild to severe bleeding resulting in death. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This is a heart condition where the blood vessels between the aorta and pulmonary artery fail to close properly after birth. These vessels are normal in the unborn but if they persist after birth they can cause heart murmurs and can lead to sudden death. PDA is believed inherited and to be polygenic.
Skeletal - can be affected by hip dysplasia. In Uk 14th worst breed and is only just better than the German Shepherd. Those scoring less than 15 should present no problem to the dog but all dogs should be hip scored. Hip dysplasia is a polygenic trait with inheritance of between 25 and 45 per cent depending on the breed. The inheritance in the Brittany has not yet been defined. Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) is part of the elbow dysplasia syndrome and is known in Brittanys and is a polygenic trait with slighly higher inheritance than Hip Dysplasia. Patella Luxation has been known in the Brittany (kneecap rotates - usually inwards) because the kneecap is not securely in place. Usually a feature of smallish breeds and likely to be polygenic in origin. Eyes - PRA inherited as an autosomal recessive so for it to occur both parents must be carriers. DNA testing for this exists in other breeds but not yet for the Brittany. Lens luxation (lens slips to one side cuasing considerable pain) has been reported in the breed and is recessive trait. Mode of inheritance not established and until established consider as simple recessive. Cataracts and Glaucoma are known in breed but inheritance uncertain. Glaucoma can be primary but in some breeds is merely a symptom of some other problem in the dog. Neurological diseases - Epilepsy is known in the Brittany. Males more likely affected than females and usually starts between 15 nd 42 months. American research is suggesting that a major recessive gene linked to some sex effect may be the primary cause of idiopathic epliepsy. Fitting dogs should not be bred from. Cerebella degeneration where the Purkinjes cells of the cerebellum in the brain degenerate and is known in several breeds. Usuall onset is early in life and is seen as lack of coordination (ataxia) and paralysis. Possible autosomal recessive gene and possible later onset in Brittany. Usually fatal. Muscular degeneration (atrophy) of the spine is known in variety of breeds and a form of it has been reported in the Brittany. Can occur in puppyhood resulting in muscle wastage on legs and weakness on all four legs. Thought to be due to degeneration of the neurons of the spinal cord. Inheritance uncertain.
Other defects: Portosystemic shunts of 2 kinds. One in which the animal is born with extra blood vessels, which allows blood to bypass the liver. In the second there are abnormal blood vessels inside the liver which cause abnormal circulation of blood and incorrect functioning of liver. Brittany reported as having former which usually necessitates corrective surgery. Mode of inheritance unclear but constitutes a congenital defect since it is present from birth. Reports of 2 skin disorder in the Brittany. One is a deficiency in the immune system rendering the dog more susciptible to skin disease. The other is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus which results in scaly skin, pigment loss on the nose, crusting and ulceration. Also seen in some GSDs albeit rarely and may have a genetic basis.
** = Guide to Hereditary and Congenital Diseases in Dogs – The Assoc. of Veterinarians
for Animal Rights - California
**Cataract; cleft palate; complement deficiency; distichiasis; Factor VIII deficiency or haemophilia A;
Haemophilia A; hereditary nephritis (Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy); lens luxation;
osteochondritis dissecans; osteochondrosis;  progressive retinal atrophy; retinal dysplasia
KC Accredited breeder should hip score

SPANIELS - COCKERS  Litters available
Breeders lists also available contact A.D.A.

SPANIEL - ENGLISH SPRINGER (GUN DOG GROUP)
KC registrations: 1993=11148; 94=11904; 95=12768; 96=14099; 97=13869; 98=12741; 99=12409; 2000=12599; 01=11892= 02=12431; 03=13884; 04=14765; 05=15,180; 06=15,133; 07=14702; 08=14899;
HD Average 14 Parents and pups should be eye tested   Check for temperaments
2008 Kennel Club Accredited breeders must now eye test. Hip scoring with a DNA test for fucosidosis and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (cord 1) are now recommended This breed will now be ceertified for the condition of goniodysgenesis/primary glaucoma
Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says not particularly affected by serious health problems or hereditary disease EYES: GPRA (gereralised progressive retinal atrophy) resulting in blindness. Late onset 4-5 yrs sometimes 2 yrs can be identified by regular screening under the BVA scheme (see testing sites on this page) DNA test for PRA (cord 1 mutation) now available with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) http://www.aht.org.uk/ With central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA) complete blindness is unusual. Thie can be detected between 12-18 months with BVA tests. Multifocal retinal dysplasia is type of retinal malformation. Can cause blindness but rarely in the ESS. BVA tsting at six weeks or under can identify. Entropion (eyelid lashes roll inwards against eye – usually identifiable at 6 weeks of age. Ectropion is opposite and eyelid rolls outwards exposing eye to foreign bodies and dirt increasing infection. Treatment by a Vet of both these conditions is likely to be required. Primary glaucoma (goniodysgenesis) fluid pressure inside eye increases, eye becomes painful and inflamed. Blindness follows. A test under the BVA eye schemes is available and this will detect likelihood of dog getting glaucoma. Likely inherited but still being investigated. STORAGE DISEASE: Affecting young adults between 18 months and 4 yrs, Fucosidosis can be inherited through autosomal recessive trait and is usally fatal. Symptoms include incoordination and ataxia (loss of control of movement) change of temperament, loss of learned behaviour, loss of balance, apparent deafness, visual impairment, varying degrees of depression. Affected dogs loe weight and may have swallowing problems with food regurgitation. A DNA blood test is now available through the AHT email Nigel.holmes@aht.org.uk or contact the ESS Breed Clubs' health co-ordinators Lesley Bloomfield 01923 823579 or Louise Scott 0208 427 3396 Yvonne Billows 01606 888303 for advice

HIP DYSPLASIA Malformation of one or both hip joints The average score of 14 is sufficient for concern but is lower than the Welsh (but more Welsh are hip scored) Recommended that all ESS inteneded for breeding are hip scored

** = Guide to Hereditary and Congenital Diseases in Dogs – The Assoc. of Veterinarians for Animal Rights - California
**Addisons disease; allergies; anasarca; apocrine tunour; basal cell tumour; behavioural
abnormalities; cataract; cataract with microphthalmia; cleft lip; cleft palate; coloboma;
corneal dystrophy; cranioschisis; cutaneous asthenia; distichiasis; ectropion;
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; elbow dysplasia; entropion; epidermoid cyst; epilepsy;
Factor VIII deficiency/haemophilia A; Fact X deficiency; Factor XI deficiency;
glaucoma; haemolytic anaemia; haemophilia A; haemophilia B; hp dysplasia;
hydrocephalus; hypoadrenocorticism; hypomyelinogenesis; hypothyroidism;
inguinal hernia; intervertebral disc disease; lipfold dermatitis; lysomal storage disease;
melanoma; narcolepsy; optic nerve hypoplasia; osteochondritis dissecans; osteo chondrosis; otitis externa; overshot jaw; patellar luxation; patent ductus arteriosis; perianal gland tumour; persistent pupillary membrane; phosphofructokinase deficiency; primary peripheral retinal deficiency; progressive retinal atrophy; rage syndrome; renal
cortical hypoplasia; retinal dysplasia; sebaceous gland tumour; seborrhoea;
skin neoplasms; tail abnormalities; umbilical hernia; undershot jaw; ununited
anconeal process; Von Willebrand's disease.

Canine Epilepsy Support Group – Mrs. Anne Morley, Helpline 08707 469 329
A gene for a form of inherited canine epilepsy has been discovered.  Research is
progressing on a test for breeders to use to detect the gene
in their stock.  http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk/Research/gene.htm

2008 New DNA Testing Scheme for GPRA cord 1 . The test is offered by the Animal Health Trust . for details email info@aht.org.uk