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The Swiss Mountain Dogs are generally strong, healthy dogs bred for working purposes. There are however a number of health issues of which prospective puppy buyers need to be aware. The EntlebucherA disease of the eye which causes the retina to degenerate causing complete blindness. It is an autosomal recessive disorder meaning that a puppy has to receive one copy of the defective gene from both parents to be affected. Dogs can also be "carriers" meaning that they have inherited only one defective gene from their parentage. In this case, they will never develop the disease but they will produce affected puppies if they are bred to another "carrier". Finally there are dogs that are clear of the disease altogether. Until recently this disease was difficult to eradicate since the gene remained "hidden" in dogs that were carriers and was subsequently passed down the generations. Fortunately there is now a genetic test to establish the PRA status of a dog prior to breeding, so avoiding undesirable matches from taking place that produce affected puppies. Nowadays, all responsible Entlebucher
breeders routinely undertake the genetic test on their breeding
stock to ensure that the correct matings ensue and there is no
incidence of the disease in their litters. Hip DysplasiaThis is a form of arthritis caused by a mismatch in the size or alignment of the thigh and pelvic bones (commonly called the ball and socket). It is seen in almost all the canine breeds particularly in large breeds. In essence it is a failure in the proper development of the hip joint. Symptoms can be mild where the dog will never experience physical discomfort or it may be more severe requiring surgical intervention. It is currently accepted that hip dysplasia is not purely genetic and other factors including a well balanced diet, weight control and muscle tone arising from exercise also play a contributory part in reducing the likelihood of developing the disease. In the UK the British Veterinary Association runs a hip scoring scheme based on the analysis of X- rays. The total range, commonly expressed as two numbers (one for each hip) is 0 (no dysplasia present) to 53 severely dysplasic. All breeding dogs need to be tested. Those with high scores should not be used for breeding thereby reducing the incidence of the disease in the breed. The Greater SwissHip DysplasiaSee Entlebucher section above. As a large and powerful breed, special considerations are required to minimize the risk of a puppy developing this disease. Excessively fast growth and weight gain should be avoided particularly in the first 18 months. Sensible feeding using a good quality dried kibble should ensure this. Exercise should also be moderate with mostly walking/ trotting and by avoiding high impact running and jumping. Swissies can also be affected by elbow
dysplasia which affects the normal development of the elbow
joint resulting in lameness. The recommendations on diet and
exercise outlined for hip dysplasia also apply for this. In
addition, dogs need to be X-rayed under the current B.V.A.
scheme with those of only low scores of 0 or 1 used for breeding
purposes. Osteochrondrosis (OCD)A disease seen in fast- growing, active dogs of medium and large breeds, characterized by gradual lameness caused by a defect in the cartiliage over-lying the head of one of the long bones.Usually developing in the shoulder in the Greater Swiss breed, this is a disease with a strong hereditory component. Dogs selected for breeding should ideally come from disease- free lines where there is no past history of OCD incidence. In addition, they should be X-rayed on both shoulders and the results analysized by an experienced orthopedic veterinary surgeon.
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