Health FAQ's
I’m looking for a pet. Why do I need health-tested dogs or show dogs? Dog shows are for the elite and cater to snobs.
Showing dogs is not about elitism, but rather about maintaining high standards that benefit all dogs of the breed, including those intended as pets. It is a way for conscientious breeders to demonstrate their commitment to the health, temperament, and overall quality of the dogs they produce. Consider these following points:
- Evaluation process: Dog shows serve as a rigorous assessment of dogs against breed standards, which include important elements like soundness, type, gait, and temperament.
- Health and well-being: The focus on soundness ensures that dogs are physically and mentally healthy, which is crucial for any pet owner.
- Breed characteristics: Breeders who show their dogs are committed to preserving the positive traits that make each breed unique and desirable as companions.
- Quality assurance: Even puppies not destined for the show ring benefit from this dedication to breed standards, as they still embody the essential qualities of the breed.
- Commitment to excellence: Choosing a breeder who shows their dogs reflects their commitment to producing well-rounded, healthy companions that exemplify the breed’s best traits.
- Foundation for success: This approach ensures that all puppies start life with the best possible foundation for becoming excellent family pets regardless of their show potential.
- Breed preservation: It is about respecting and maintaining the qualities that make each breed special, ensuring that future generations of dogs continue to possess these desirable traits.
What is CHIC? How does it apply to Bostons?
The Canine Health Information Center, also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). CHIC, working with participating parent clubs, provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds.
AKC Canine Health Foundation | Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). (n.d.). https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/alliances/canine-health-information.html
CHIC certification for Boston Terriers requires passing three exams:
1. OFA Patella examination: Performed by a regular veterinarian at 12 months or older. Involves physically manipulating the knee joint to check for dislocation.
2. CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye clearance: Annual exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist to check for hereditary eye diseases.
3. BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) exam: One-time test by a veterinary neurologist, possible from 8 weeks of age, to assess hearing ability.
CHIC-credentialed parents increase the likelihood of producing healthy offspring, though it’s not a guarantee. Many reputable breeders prioritize breeding with CHIC-certified dogs to make informed breeding decisions.
What are Hemivertebrae?
Hemivertebrae are abnormally shaped spine bones that don’t align properly with neighboring bones. This can cause:
– Spinal instability and deformity
– Damage to the spinal cord or nerves
– Severe pain
– Wobbliness (ataxia) in hind legs
– Loss of hind leg function
– Incontinence
Cause:
The condition is linked to the breed’s characteristic screw (curly) tail. While the tail shape is due to abnormal tail bones, this can affect other parts of the spine too.
Prevalence:
Exact numbers are unknown, but it’s considered common in Boston Terriers and other short-nosed, screw-tailed breeds.
Diagnosis:
Made through physical examination and x-rays.
Genetics:
– The exact genetics are still unclear
– Boston Terriers are predisposed due to the screw-tail trait
– Genes causing tail deformity may affect the entire spine
Identifying affected animals:
– All Boston Terriers are prone due to the screw-tail trait
– X-rays are needed to confirm the absence of hemivertebrae
Eliminating the problem:
– Difficult while the breed standard includes a screw-tail
– Possible solution: Out-breeding with straight-tailed dogs and selecting for straight tails
What is JHC? Is it hereditary?
Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (JHC) causes a clouding of the eye due to a breakdown of tissue. This condition generally results in an inability to see clearly and can cause total blindness. In canines, cataracts are often familial and can be inherited; this is known as hereditary cataracts.
A mutation in the HSF4 gene (a gene that regulates the protein that binds and protects DNA under high temperatures and stress) causes this type of cataracts in several breeds of dogs. In this case, the dog is typically affected in both eyes. The cataracts associated with HSF4 occur in the back of the lens. They usually start small and grow progressively, though the speed of growth is highly variable. Some cataracts will grow so slowly that the dog’s vision remains relatively clear. Others will grow in such a way that the dog will quickly go blind. Corrective surgery is possible, though it is costly and is not always effective.
One HSF4 mutation causes the recessive form of Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (JHC) in Boston Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and French Bulldogs. Because it is a recessive disorder, a dog must have two copies (one from each parent) of this mutation to experience this form of cataracts. This mutation is only responsible for early-onset hereditary cataracts. Early-onset hereditary cataracts typically occur between 12 months and 3 years of age in Staffordshires, and between 2-3 years in Boston Terriers. Boston Terriers can also be afflicted by late-onset hereditary cataracts. However, the HSF4 gene mutation is not responsible for late-onset hereditary cataracts. The causative gene for late-onset hereditary cataracts in Boston Terriers has not been determined at this time.
It should also be noted that not all cataracts are hereditary. Cataracts can also be caused by old age or injury. Also, cataracts can occur in different regions of the lens and are also familial. However, this form of cataracts is not attributed to the HSF4 gene mutation.
Possible Results
| Genotype | Description |
|---|---|
| JHC/JHC | Affected: Dog has two copies of the Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts mutation. Dog is more likely to develop bilateral posterior cataracts and will always pass the mutation to offspring. |
| n/JHC | Carrier: Dog has one copy of the Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts mutuation. Dog will not be affected but may pass the mutation to offspring. |
| n/n | Clear: Dog is negative for the mutation associated with Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts. Reference : Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (JHC) – Animal Genetics https://animalgenetics.com/dog-tests/canine-disorder-tests/40-jhc/ |
What is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR) ?
CMR is an autosomal recessive eye disorder. Autosomal recessive disorders are disorders that can be passed from either parent and require two copies of the gene to show symptoms.
The mutation causes raised lesions to form on the retina of the eye. These lesions can alter the appearance of the eye but usually do not affect sight. The lesions may disappear or may result in minor folds on the retina. Symptoms of the mutation usually appear when a puppy is only a few months old, and generally do not worsen over time.
Because CMR1 is a recessive disorder, a dog must have two copies of the mutation in order for the disease to manifest. This means that a dog can have one copy of the mutation and not experience any signs or symptoms of CMR1. This dog would be known as a carrier. The carrier can then pass on either the normal gene or the mutated gene to any offspring. If two carriers are bred, there is a 25% per puppy that they will develop symptoms of CMR1. Additionally, since retinal defects can be caused by other conditions, testing can verify that a dog actually has CMR rather than some other eye condition.
Possible Results
| Genotype | Description |
|---|---|
| CMR1/CMR1 | Affected: Dog has two copies of the CMR1 mutation and may develop symptoms of the disorder. The dog will always pass on the mutation to all offspring. |
| n/CMR1 | Carrier: Dog has one copy of the Canine Multifocal Retinopathy Type 1 mutation. The dog is not affected by CMR1 but may pass the mutation to offspring. |
| n/n | Clear: Dog is negative for the mutation associated with CMR1. |
What is Hyperuricosuria (HUU)?
Dogs with Hyperuricosuria (HUU) metabolize waste products as uric acid in their urine. The uric acid forms into hard stones in the bladder, causing pain and inflammation as the stone moves through the urinary tract. HUU is an autosomal recessive mutation. An autosomal recessive mutation is a mutation that can be passed from either parent and requires two copies of the gene to show symptoms.
A dog that has difficulty urinating or appears to have an inflamed bladder may have HUU. Other signs can include blood in the urine and frequent urination. If the dog is unable to pass the stones without medical intervention, surgery may be required to remove them. If the urinary tract becomes blocked, the condition can be life threatening. Even in the best case scenario, HUU is uncomfortable and painful for the dog.
Because HUU is a recessive disorder, a dog must have two copies of the mutation in order for the disease to manifest. This means that a dog can have one copy of the mutation and not experience any signs or symptoms of HUU. This dog would be known as a carrier. The carrier can then pass on either the normal gene or the mutated gene to any offspring. If two carriers are bred, there is a 25% per puppy that they will develop symptoms of HUU.
Possible Results
| Genotype | Description |
|---|---|
| HUU/HUU | Affected: Dog has two copies of the Hyperuricosuria mutation and is likely to develop symptoms of the disorder. The mutation will be passed to every offspring. |
| n/HUU | Carrier: Dog has one copy of the Hyperuricosuria mutation. The dog is not affected by HUU but may pass the gene to offspring. |
| n/n | Clear: Dog is negative for the mutation associated with Hyperuricosuria. Reference: https://animalgenetics.com/dog-tests/canine-disorder-tests/36-huu/ |
How do I check for genetic disorders?
We have collaborated with Animal Genetics for several years, consistently receiving excellent service and prompt results. While numerous laboratories worldwide offer animal genetic testing, we have found Animal Genetics to be particularly reliable and user-friendly. Their efficiency and ease of collaboration have made them our preferred choice in this field.