Anti-Docking Alliance 

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 WIRE-HAIRED 

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.
** = Guide to Hereditary and Congenital Diseases in Dogs – The Assoc. of Veterinarians
for Animal Rights - California
**Cataract; entropion; hip dysplasia; osteochondritis dissecans; osteochondrosis; retinal dysplasia; subcutaneous cysts; Von Willebrands disease
KC accredited breeders should hip score

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

SPANIEL  -  SUSSEX

Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says: WSS do not have many reported defects as the ESS but possibly because it has lesser numbers. EPILEPSY: most serious is primary epilepsy which can be caused by a variety of things (disease, tumours, nutritional imbalances, certain poisons, even teething in pups) but primary or idiopathic epilepsy is an inherited trait also found in other breeds such as GSDs, Belgian Shepherd, Labs, Retrievers etc.Usually more common in males and
usually between 12 months and three and a half years although can occur
outside that range. Possibly a major gene is implicated. If fitting is caused by
some externall influence (poison) then if removed or treated, the fitting should disappear. In idiopathic or primary epilepsy the animal cannot be cured though drugs can help reduce severity. EYES: Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed from early life and inherited as simple recessive trait.Testing can identify those affected but does not identify carriers though they can be traced through pedigrees. Angle closure glaucoma - thought to be a dominant trait but can be
very late onset. Pressure build-up in eye can lead to blindness and if a dog is a carrier it will eventually show it although not obvious in youth. OTHER PROBLEMS "Show defects" such as faulty bites, missing teeth, unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism (retained testicles) Atopic dermatitis where there is an adverse reaction to various allergens such as insects or pollen which can involve the immune system. SKELETAL: This is a bred tht should be routinely hip scored. The fact that a dog appears sound may not indicate freedom from Hip dysplasia.

** = Guide to Hereditary and Congenital Diseases in Dogs – The Assoc. of Veterinarians
for Animal Rights - California
** cataract; glaucoma; hip dysplasia; persistent pupillary membrane;
progressive retinal atrophy.

Canine Epilepsy Support Group – Mrs. Anne Morley, Helpline 08707 469 329
KC Accredited breeders should hip score and eye test including gonioscopy

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

Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says:- Hip scores range from 0-68 in Vizslas with 1000+ hipscored average is 12.35. Genetic ocular problems. PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) although not confirmed is likely to be autosomal recessive usually occurring by 3 days of age. Cataracts and inheritance suspected but unproven. Glaucoma can be secondary to some other problem but primary glaucomea can been seen and probably inberited. Entropion (inturned eyelids) probably inherited
as polygenic trait - in the Vizsla usually lower lids. Immune mediated thrombocytopaenia - blood contains platelets or thrombocytes concerned with blood clotting and with this condition the numbers are reduced. Thought to be common in the Vizsla (familial possibly and probably inherited and more common in females than males). Sebaceous Adenitis - inflammation of sebaceous skin glands which can result in loss of hair.
KC Accredited breeders should hip score

** =Guide to Hereditary and Congenital Diseases in Dogs – The Assoc. of
Veterinarians for Animal Rights - California
**Cataract; craniomandibular osteopathy; demodicosis; entropion; epilepsy; facial nerve paralysis; Factor XIII deficiency/Haemophilia A; granulomatous sebaceous adenitis; haemangiosarcoma; haemophilia A; hip dysplasia; hypo pigmentation, lips and nose; hypothyroidism; lymphosarcoma; osteochondritis dissecans; osteochondrosis;
progressive retinal atrophy; sebaceous adenitis; spinal dysraphism; sterile pyogranuloma syndrome; syringomyelia; umbilical hernia; undershot jaw; vasculitis

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

Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says:- Hip scores range from 0-68 in Vizslas with 1000+ hipscored average is 12.35. Genetic ocular problems. PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) although not confirmed is likely to be autosomal recessive usually occurring by 3 days of age. Cataracts and inheritance suspected but unproven. Glaucoma can be secondary to some other problem but primary glaucomea can been seen and probably inberited. Entropion (inturned eyelids) probably inherited
as polygenic trait - in the Vizsla usually lower lids. Immune mediated thrombocytopaenia - blood contains platelets or thrombocytes concerned with blood clotting and with this condition the numbers are reduced. Thought to be common in the Vizsla (familial possibly and probably inherited and more
common in females than males). Sebaceous Adenitis - inflammation of
sebaceous skin glands which can result in loss of hair.

WEIMARANER - LONG_HAIRED (GUNDOG GROUP)
distichiasis -  other health problems associated with the short-haired Weimaraner
    Check for temperaments
Janet Drewery - Our Dogs 8/05 :-'I am not sure what the attraction is, whether it's their
natural aptitude for work, their effortless gait, the way the sun catches their coats or just
their downish looks, it just gives them that edge for me.  I have owned 7 long-haired
Weimaraners over 4 generations all of which have been natural hunters and swimmers ,
facing all types of cover and terrain in the worst type of weathers, struggling only in
extreme heat.  Over the years of viewing mixed haired litters, I have never observed one
where the different coats were apparent before 3 days as long-haired
pups are stripy too.  The first obvious difference being the way the coat lies, often
easier under infra red light.  Regarding their development it is often the long-haired
pups which are first to gain their independence and successfully escape the
whelping box    Initially they seem to grow at a more rapid rate than their
short-haired litter siblings (ADA - possibly as the long-haired are not currently being
docked!)yet are a lot slower maturing both mentally and physically not getting their
full coat until 2-3 years old.  Grooming of the coat is minimal as it has a silky texture
most grass seed and thorn will fall out as the coat dries.  The only trimming required
is between their toes and around their paws. 
They moult twice a year often leaving a dark eel stripe down their backs, the bitch loses
most of her coat after havinga litter of  pups.  The long-hairs natural working ability is their
forte.  Observing the head carriage of long haired I find they have a more hound like attitude
not normally carrying it as high and therefore not appearing quite so"flashy" whilst working.
  As for breeding long to short, the only certainty is long to long produces long. 
I have never known of that combination producing either a mixed or short haired litter.
Weimaraner Forum   http:// www.weimaraner.tv