Health Concerns:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited deformity of the hip structure. The acetabulum
is a depression in the pelvic bone into which the head of the femur
rests, forming a ball-and-socket joint. Ligaments attach the bone structures
to the muscle mass. Proper hip movement depends on these structures
working together. Hip dysplasia is the condition in which either the
acetabulum is too shallow to adequately hold the femoral head in place
or the femoral head does not fit properly into the acetabulum. Varying
degrees of severity may be seen from mild, asymptomatic dogs to severely
dysplastic dogs with complete dislocation of the hip joint. The degree
to which the dog exhibits symptoms is influenced by many factors such
as the strength of the muscle and ligament attachments which help to
hold the joint in place. Other factors include rapid growth and weight
increase which stresses the joint. Studies have proven that dysplastic
puppies whose diet is controlled to slow growth and weight gain may
exhibit no outward appearance of disease and remain functional despite
severe dysplasia. This approach allows the muscles and ligaments to
develop enough to compensate for the bony failings. However, this does
not alter the dogs genetic ability to pass on the defect to its offspring.
The exact mode of inheritance has not been identified although it is
certainly polygenic, or influenced by several genes and modifiers working
in combination. Affected dogs bred to affected dogs produce dysplastic
puppies with some consistency, and the more severely affected the parents
are the more likely they are to produce affected offspring. However,
unaffected dogs bred to unaffected dogs can also produce dysplasia.
To avoid producing dysplastic dogs only those with above average hip
conformation should be bred. Further, breeding should be withheld until
evaluation has been done. There is no way to predict the soundness of
the hip structure based on movement or palpation alone. Many dysplastic
dogs have developed compensatory mechanisms that allow them to move
well and remain active. Quality of movement does not accurately reflect
the presence or absence of dysplasia. The x-ray has been proven to be
the most accurate means of diagnosis.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals was formed in 1966 and has been
instrumental in diagnosing and controlling the disease in the United
States. Originally dogs were x-rayed at 12 months of age, however the
accuracy of diagnosis was significantly improved when, in 1974, OFA
increased the minimum age to 24 months. A single x-ray of the hip is
taken by a veterinarian and sent to the Orthopedic Foundation. Once
there, the films are read by a panel of three Veterinary Radiologists
who evaluated the laxity or looseness of both hip joints. Hips are then
rated "Excellent" (superior hip conformation), "Good"
(well formed hip conformation) or "Fair" (minor irregularities)
as compared to other dogs of the same age and breed. Currently, OFA
reports a 95% accuracy rate in diagnosing hip dysplasia. Many breeders
will have preliminary x-rays evaluated on their potential breeding dogs
before a great deal of time and effort is invested in showing and campaigning
the dog. This is not required, but can save a lot of grief later if
the dog is found to be dysplastic. Preliminary x-ray evaluations are
performed by OFA between 12 and 24 months; the accuracy however varies
from 100% accurate when rated Excellent, 98% when rated Good and 77%
accurate for Fair ratings. 90% of dogs who are found to be dysplastic
prior to 24 months will be dysplastic in later evaluations. One must
remember however that final diagnosis of the disease cannot be made
until the joint is fully formed at maturity. This is because hip dysplasia,
while unarguably genetic in predisposition is also affected by such
environmental factors as nutrition and level of activity.
Other techniques have been developed over the years for identifying
hip dysplasia in dogs in addition to the OFA method. The Laxity Distance
Method was developed in 1977 to predict hip dysplasia in puppies 8-9
weeks old by palpating and manipulating the joint. To date, this method
remains subject to the skills of the examiner and has a distressingly
high rate of error when confirmed by radiography.
Then Penn-Hip method of radiography and hip evaluation was developed
by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in 1983 and offered
as a service in 1993. Currently, Penn-Hip evaluation is controlled by
Symbiotics Corp. as the database and ability to manage the program outgrew
the University's resources. Penn-Hip requires three x-rays with the
hip in various positions. Each hips laxity or looseness is then measured
mathematically. A "passing" measurement is based on the average
for the breed. While more expensive, the advantages of the Penn-Hip
evaluation are in it's objectivity and accuracy at ages as young as
16 weeks.
Treatment options for dysplastic dogs varies based on the degree of
dysplasia seen and severity of symptoms. Mild disease can often be managed
with weight control, moderate exercise and drugs such as Rimadyl, Esogesic
and/or chondroitin sulfate/glucosamine (Cosequin). If these therapies
are unsuccessful your vet may suggest surgery to remove the femoral
head (excision arthroplasty). Other surgical options include pelvic
rotation to move the hip socket outward to provide more coverage for
the head of the femur, or total hip replacement. Most dogs may lead
a normal and moderately active life with these improved therapies and
treatments.
Hip dysplasia incidence can be controlled. Reputable breeders should
always have breeding dogs evaluated and puppy buyers should insist upon
seeing the paperwork. By carefully screening out affected dogs from
breeding, we can eliminate this heritable disease in the North American
Miniature Australian Shepherd.
Statistics From The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals 1999 These are
the combined figures for dogs evaluated as North American Miniature
Australian Shepherds and Miniature Australian Shepherds.
Orthopedic Foundation For Animals:
Univ. of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program:
Genetic Disease Control
Copyright 2000, Janet Boursier. No portion of this
material may be reproduced or used
by any individual or organization without the express written consent
of the owner.
Hereditary Eye Defects -
Corneal Dystrophy is a condition in which grayish or silver opacities
develop around the center of the cornea. The opacities are almost always
symmetrical in each eye. This is a painless condition that does not
progress to blindness. Some types of Corneal Dystrophy have been associated
with Collie Eye Anomaly, though not all. The mode of inheritance is
unknown, therefore affected dogs should not be bred. Generally it is
acceptable to continue to include parents and unaffected littermates
in breeding programs unless a pattern of the disorder continually appears
in the line.
Distichiasis - In this condition of the eyelid, one
or several eyelashes may be found growing on the lower eyelid, which
is typically without lashes. Trichiasis is a similar condition referring
to lashes growing in an abnormal direction. This is a hereditary defect
that can cause chronic corneal irritation through constant contact of
the lash with the cornea. The only treatment is removal of the errant
hairs through surgical excision or a local freezing procedure known
as cryosurgery. Distichiasis and Trichiasis are thought to be a dominantly
inherited condition but large scale studies are lacking.
Ectopic Cilia - These errant eyelashes were first
reported in the 1970's and defines lashes found growing on the inside
or outside of the eyelid. Occasionally ectopic cilia has been reported
growing from the conjunctiva itself. This condition produces constant
severe corneal irritation, pain, squinting and tearing. Treatment and
mode of inheritance is the same as that for Distichiasis.
Glaucoma - This condition results from inability of
aqueous humor, which is constantly being produced, to exit from the
eye. This causes a buildup of pressure within the eye which can lead
to blindness. The affected eye appears to bulge while the cornea appears
hazy. Most often glaucoma is seen as symptoms of some other condition
and is rarely a primary disease. There is, however, some evidence of
a familial tendency for primary glaucoma and it is best to assume a
genetic mode of inheritance until proven otherwise. Temporary treatment
can be obtained through draining of the excess the fluid. Unless the
underlying condition is sought and treated reoccurrence is likely.
Retinal Dysplasia - This term is used to describe
a condition in which the retina develops abnormally at birth and may
become detached at birth or shortly afterwards, leading to total blindness.
Cases of retinal dysplasia (also sometimes called retinal detachment)
have been reported rarely in Australian Shepherds. It is commonly thought
to be an autosomal recessive defect, in which both parents are carriers
of the recessive gene. Because of the severity of the effects of the
disorder which has also been associated with mental retardation, parents
and siblings of affected pups should be removed from breeding programs
Iris Coloboma - This is probably the most common eye
defect found in Miniature Australian Shepherds. Iris Coloboma is a condition
in which the iris is incompletely formed leaving a "hole"
in the iris that permits light to enter through. IC's may vary in size
from undetectable except by ophthalmologic exam to large and easily
seen with the naked eye. Due to the increase in light transmission,
most affected dogs will squint and have impaired vision in bright sunlight.
Mode of inheritance is not understood but does appear to be familial.
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) vets currently
recommend that affected dogs not be bred, however it is acceptable to
include parents and siblings of affected dogs in breeding programs.
Collie Eye Anomaly - This disorder is extremely common
in Rough and Smooth Coated Collies who are thought to be one of the
many breeds the Australian Shepherd originated from. CEA is known to
occur with a fair amount of frequency in the Australian Shepherd, and
while there are few, if any reported cases in the North American Miniature
Australian Shepherd, chances of this disorder appearing in the breed
is high without the vigilance of breeders.
CEA is an autosomal recessive disorder that results in the absence
of the tapetum (reflective and colorful upper portion of the eyeball
interior that aids in night vision and the broad area of heavy pigmentation
in the lower half that protects the retina from overhead glare in daylight),
absence of pigment in the lower retina and abnormal formation and distribution
of blood vessels in the choroid. Severe cases may also involve retinal
detachment and optic disk colobomas. CEA is considered a serious hereditary
defect due to the ever increasing numbers of dogs affected and the potential
for sudden and permanent blindness. Affected dogs should not be bred
and parents and siblings should be carefully and selectively bred only
to known non-carrier dogs.
Microphthalmia - Microphthalmia is a condition of
abnormally small eyes. In Australian and North American Miniature Australian
Shepherds microphthalmia is seen in merled dogs and represents an effect
of the merle gene (the merle gene causes a change in gene expression
in the eye). Affected dogs should not be used for breeding.
Persistent Pupillary Membrane - A pupillary membrane
covers the anterior (forward facing) surface of the eye during fetal
development. The membrane normally atrophies and disappears before birth.
In PPM small strands of the membrane remain and those that are attached
to the lens or to the cornea are known to cause cataracts or corneal
opacities. If blindness due to cataract formation is imminent, the strands
may be surgically removed. There are conflicting reports on the heritability
of this disorder, but its presence in only certain breeds lends credence
to that belief.
Cataracts - A cataract is an opacity of the lens,
usually white, and may be of varying sizes. Early developing cataracts
(juvenile cataracts) are considered genetic while others are known to
be caused by any number of metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus.
Cataracts can be successfully removed, however dogs with genetically
acquired cataracts should not be used for breeding.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Miniature Australian
Shepherds may be affected by one of two forms, Centralized or Generalized.
Both are hereditary disorders of the retina. Generalized PRA affects
the photoreceptor area and initially only affects the dogs ability to
see at night. Many owners report such signs as refusing to go out in
the yard at night or staying close by a lighted doorway. As vision worsens
the dog becomes "velcroed" to the owners side. Centralized
PRA is a disorder of the deepest layer of the retina which causes a
loss of central vision. Peripheral vision is often intact. There is
no treatment or cure for PRA which eventually progresses to complete
blindness. It is accepted that both forms of PRA are inherited by a
simple recessive gene carried by each parent. This defect is generally
detectable by six weeks of age. There is some debate on whether to continue
breeding the sire or dam of affected puppies. If puppies are affected
then both sire and dam must be carriers. Continuing to breed the parents
ensures that more and more carriers of the disease are added to the
gene pool. In the MAS, the incidence of PRA is very small. To avoid
escalating this disorder to worrisome proportions, parents and littermates
of affected dogs should not be bred. The alternative to culling from
breeding all siblings and half siblings of an affected dog would be
to perform test matings to an affected dog. If the breeder wishes to
breed an outstanding sibling of an affected dog, he would mate the outstanding
sibling to a dog known to have or carry the recessive gene for PRA.
If no affected puppies were produced in the litters the dog is known
to not be a carrier and could be safely included in breeding. If any
puppies are affected then dog is known to be a carrier and should not
continue to be bred.
References: Willis, M.B., Genetics of the Dog, 1989.
Siegal, M., editor, U.C. Davis, Book of Dogs, 1995
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