Newfoundland Health
Health Issues...
The three most serious current health issues in the Newfoundland breed are
hip dysplasia, inherited heart problems and a relatively new issue by the
name of cystinuria.
HIP DYSPLASIA:
Hip dysplasia is a developmental disease of the hip joint whereas the femur
head moves in the socket and wears down the bone surfaces. Hip dysplasia
can vary in severity from a mild/borderline case to a complete subluxation
of the ball and socket.
When a dog is dysplastic, the femur head doesn't fit nicely into the socket.
The femur heads should appear for both hips while in the OFA-OVC required
position for x-ray evaluation.Hip Dysplasia can be either unilateral,
affecting only one hip; or bilateral, affecting both hips.
Hip Dysplasia is commonly thought of to be a genetic issue, but there is an
alarming amount of evidence that suggests that hip dysplasia can also be influenced by
environmental and nutritional factors.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, more commonly known as OFA and OVC,
offers x-ray evaluations & registries for hips & elbows.
Through selectively breeding, breeders have made outstanding strides toward
bettering our breeds hips. x-raying hips and elbows
HEART DISEASE:
Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a genetic and congenital heart condition of
dogs, meaning that it is present at birth and it can be inherited. Several
breeds can be affected . The condition is usually detected during puppy
vaccine visits to the veterinarian by hearing a heart murmur during physical
examination. A heart murmur is the abnormal sound of blood rushing through
one of the heart valves. Instead of just the heart beat, a whistle of blood
flow through a narrowed opening is heard. The puppy will most likely appear
normal in all other respects. There is a possibility that the murmur may
come and go, or it may develop slowly; therefore, it is important to check a
puppy's heart condition often during the first few months of age. This is a
very frustrating condition to be identified in your pet because the future
is bleak and the chance for long term survival is low. These dogs will
either go into heart failure or they will die suddenly, essentially from a
severe heart attack.
Please remember that even breeding stock that has been cleared for SAS can
still produce it. Through selective breeding, we hope the chances become
less likely in future generations
EYES:
Other health conditions to be aware of are inherited eye diseases, including
cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). While cataracts may
sometimes be corrected by surgery, PRA is not treatable and may cause
blindness by 4 to 5 years of age as PRA can actually disintegrate the
retina. Neither of these diseases is detectable in a young puppy. Adults
may not display eye problems, but may carry the disease and produce puppies
that will develop more severe problems.
Entropion, Ectropion, and Cherry Eye are conditions that also effect the
over all health of a Newf's eye.
Entropion is the turning in of the eyelid, allowing the eyelashes to rub on
the cornea and can cause complications. The direct cause of this is some
what complicated, but is primarily due to the massive size of the Newfs head
which commonly has larger eye sockets. While the actual eye ball can often
be of normal size, if the socket is too large, the eye balls seems to be
small but instead is just set back into the socket. Thus, it is common to
find the lower eyelid "hitting" the lower part of the eye ball instead of
gently rolling up and over to the middle of the eye to meet the upper eyelid
with each blink or squint. Not only can this cause irritation, but another
concern for this condition can occur when the dog reaches an older age.
Because the eye ball has a "fat" layer behind it, as the dog progressively
ages, the "fat" layer thins and can cause the eye to sink back even deeper.
When considering potential puppies, try to look at their parents eyes.
Although the standard calls for a smaller eyed Newf, it is important that
the eye not be set back into a large deep socket or problems may arise as
the dog ages. A nicely rounded eye like ours is ideal.
Ectropion is an outward turning of the lower eyelid, which is condition that
is mainly inherited due to the genetic make up of the more massive type
Newfoundland heads. Typically a dog that has a massive head, will also have
extra skin that can accommodate their growing skulls. Since the head type
is genetic, these dogs will often have more elasticity also which allows
their skin to stretch over the head. The combinations of these issues can
lead to ectropion, which leaves the eye exposed to irritation and/or
infection. Surgery can be performed to correct it. Again, when considering
potential puppies, try to evaluate their parents eyes yourself.
Cherry Eye is a mass of red tissue at the corner of the eye of the third
eyelid. It usually occurs in younger growing puppies/dogs, affecting one
eye first, but then typically the second within a few weeks. Surgical
removal of the entire gland is required, but if corrected, the dog can not
be shown.
THYROID:
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid levels, is caused by an underactive thyroid
gland. Testing for hypothyroidism is available and results can be recorded
with OFA's Thyroid Registry.
VON WILLEBRANDS DISEASE:
(VWD) is an inherited deficiency of the clotting factors in the blood. VWD
carriers may show no symptoms of the disease, but their offspring can have
severe bleeding problems. Dogs affected with VWD may have symptoms varying
from very mild to severe; in some dogs VWD is fatal.
Bleeding problems include prolonged bleeding from toenails clipped too
short, extensive hemorrhage from even mild surgical procedures, lameness,
hematomas, still births or early deaths of newborn puppies,
internal bleeding, and so on.
VWD can be detected with a simple blood test, and dogs not afflicted with
VWD will be issued certification stating that they are clear of the disease.
Information may be obtained from Dr. W. Jean Dodds, New York State
Department of Health, Division of Laboratories and Research, Albany, New
York 12201.
BLOAT:
Acute Gastric Dilation/Torsion, better known as bloat, is a condition when
the stomach suddenly becomes distended with gas and/or fluids. In severe
cases, twisting may occur and cause death. This condition occurs more
commonly in larger breeds with deep bodies. Some suggestions to help avoid
this condition. Feed smaller more frequent meals
Never exercise your dog before or after meals
But by all means, please consult with your vet & breeder to make sure that
your dog is receiving the proper amount of nutrition.Subvalvular Aortic
Stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart problem that can occur sporadically in
any breed. SAS is a defect in the heart valve that will ultimately be fatal
to the affected dog. No outward abnormalities are evident in a dog affected
with SAS. Through auscultation with an extremely sensitive stethoscope and
using ultrasound, a veterinarian specializing in cardiology can evaluate the
heart function in dogs in dogs of any age, but it is preferred that a puppy
be initially checked for severe cases around 9 weeks of age. Because SAS is
not present in puppies at birth and is a complicated defect that develops
primarily during the first six months but up to a year, it is important that
each Newf return to a board certified cardiologist as close to their 1st
birthday as possible for a final evaluation.
Responsible breeders should always test both the sire and dam for SAS before
breeding. Again, all cardiac evaluation for SAS should be done by a board
certified cardiologist .
Please remember that even breeding stock that has been cleared for SAS can
still produce it. Through selective breeding, we hope the chances become
less likely in future generations
CYSTINURIA:
Cystine, an amino acid, is one of the building blocks of proteins. Amino
acids are part of a normal canine diet and are absorbed through the gut.
Although they are filtered in the kidney, amino acids are normally
reabsorbed (nearly 100%) by special kidney transporters and are not lost in
the urine.
In dogs with cystinuria, the kidney transporter for cystine is defective. In
acid urine, cystine precipitates to create crystals, which may further
precipitate to form calculi (stones) in the kidney and bladder. These
calculi can cause serious illness. Although cystinuria affects many dog
breeds, the most severe form affects Newfoundland dogs.
Cystinuric dogs often show signs of a recurrent urinary tract disorder.
Clinical signs may start at almost any age. Affected dogs may have problems
with urination. They may produce blood-tinged urine and pass calculi, or
they may be unable to void urine despite numerous attempts. Because male
dogs have a narrower urethra than female dogs, male dogs are more likely to
become completely blocked. In this case, the bladder may distend grossly and
rupture if not properly managed. Urine may then back up into the kidneys,
and the resultant pressure on the kidney may cause cell necrosis and kidney
failure. Without appropriate and immediate care, such complications can lead
to death.
Because the testing for cystinuria is relatively new, stastics are limited.
However, of the 500 original samples that were sent in to PennGen, 30% of
all Newfoundland's were carriers.
Within just a few generations, breeders who selectively screen their
breeding stock will make great strides toward the realistic possibility of
eliminating cystinuria in the Newfoundland breed. Carriers should only be
bred to non-carriers, while affected dogs should be eliminated from breeding
programs. PennGen offers testing for cystinuria in Newfs. All breeders who
have screened their breeding stock for cystinuria should have recorded and
registered their results with OFA's cystinuria registry.
if you are considering a Newfie as part of your life, please try to find
breeders who, at minimum, screen against each of the three major and most
threatening health issues of our breed. Together, responsible breeders and
responsible pet owners can help pave the way for future Newf generations to
live longer, happier, and healthier lives
The three most serious current health issues in the Newfoundland breed are
hip dysplasia, inherited heart problems and a relatively new issue by the
name of cystinuria.
HIP DYSPLASIA:
Hip dysplasia is a developmental disease of the hip joint whereas the femur
head moves in the socket and wears down the bone surfaces. Hip dysplasia
can vary in severity from a mild/borderline case to a complete subluxation
of the ball and socket.
When a dog is dysplastic, the femur head doesn't fit nicely into the socket.
The femur heads should appear for both hips while in the OFA-OVC required
position for x-ray evaluation.Hip Dysplasia can be either unilateral,
affecting only one hip; or bilateral, affecting both hips.
Hip Dysplasia is commonly thought of to be a genetic issue, but there is an
alarming amount of evidence that suggests that hip dysplasia can also be influenced by
environmental and nutritional factors.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, more commonly known as OFA and OVC,
offers x-ray evaluations & registries for hips & elbows.
Through selectively breeding, breeders have made outstanding strides toward
bettering our breeds hips. x-raying hips and elbows
HEART DISEASE:
Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a genetic and congenital heart condition of
dogs, meaning that it is present at birth and it can be inherited. Several
breeds can be affected . The condition is usually detected during puppy
vaccine visits to the veterinarian by hearing a heart murmur during physical
examination. A heart murmur is the abnormal sound of blood rushing through
one of the heart valves. Instead of just the heart beat, a whistle of blood
flow through a narrowed opening is heard. The puppy will most likely appear
normal in all other respects. There is a possibility that the murmur may
come and go, or it may develop slowly; therefore, it is important to check a
puppy's heart condition often during the first few months of age. This is a
very frustrating condition to be identified in your pet because the future
is bleak and the chance for long term survival is low. These dogs will
either go into heart failure or they will die suddenly, essentially from a
severe heart attack.
Please remember that even breeding stock that has been cleared for SAS can
still produce it. Through selective breeding, we hope the chances become
less likely in future generations
EYES:
Other health conditions to be aware of are inherited eye diseases, including
cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). While cataracts may
sometimes be corrected by surgery, PRA is not treatable and may cause
blindness by 4 to 5 years of age as PRA can actually disintegrate the
retina. Neither of these diseases is detectable in a young puppy. Adults
may not display eye problems, but may carry the disease and produce puppies
that will develop more severe problems.
Entropion, Ectropion, and Cherry Eye are conditions that also effect the
over all health of a Newf's eye.
Entropion is the turning in of the eyelid, allowing the eyelashes to rub on
the cornea and can cause complications. The direct cause of this is some
what complicated, but is primarily due to the massive size of the Newfs head
which commonly has larger eye sockets. While the actual eye ball can often
be of normal size, if the socket is too large, the eye balls seems to be
small but instead is just set back into the socket. Thus, it is common to
find the lower eyelid "hitting" the lower part of the eye ball instead of
gently rolling up and over to the middle of the eye to meet the upper eyelid
with each blink or squint. Not only can this cause irritation, but another
concern for this condition can occur when the dog reaches an older age.
Because the eye ball has a "fat" layer behind it, as the dog progressively
ages, the "fat" layer thins and can cause the eye to sink back even deeper.
When considering potential puppies, try to look at their parents eyes.
Although the standard calls for a smaller eyed Newf, it is important that
the eye not be set back into a large deep socket or problems may arise as
the dog ages. A nicely rounded eye like ours is ideal.
Ectropion is an outward turning of the lower eyelid, which is condition that
is mainly inherited due to the genetic make up of the more massive type
Newfoundland heads. Typically a dog that has a massive head, will also have
extra skin that can accommodate their growing skulls. Since the head type
is genetic, these dogs will often have more elasticity also which allows
their skin to stretch over the head. The combinations of these issues can
lead to ectropion, which leaves the eye exposed to irritation and/or
infection. Surgery can be performed to correct it. Again, when considering
potential puppies, try to evaluate their parents eyes yourself.
Cherry Eye is a mass of red tissue at the corner of the eye of the third
eyelid. It usually occurs in younger growing puppies/dogs, affecting one
eye first, but then typically the second within a few weeks. Surgical
removal of the entire gland is required, but if corrected, the dog can not
be shown.
THYROID:
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid levels, is caused by an underactive thyroid
gland. Testing for hypothyroidism is available and results can be recorded
with OFA's Thyroid Registry.
VON WILLEBRANDS DISEASE:
(VWD) is an inherited deficiency of the clotting factors in the blood. VWD
carriers may show no symptoms of the disease, but their offspring can have
severe bleeding problems. Dogs affected with VWD may have symptoms varying
from very mild to severe; in some dogs VWD is fatal.
Bleeding problems include prolonged bleeding from toenails clipped too
short, extensive hemorrhage from even mild surgical procedures, lameness,
hematomas, still births or early deaths of newborn puppies,
internal bleeding, and so on.
VWD can be detected with a simple blood test, and dogs not afflicted with
VWD will be issued certification stating that they are clear of the disease.
Information may be obtained from Dr. W. Jean Dodds, New York State
Department of Health, Division of Laboratories and Research, Albany, New
York 12201.
BLOAT:
Acute Gastric Dilation/Torsion, better known as bloat, is a condition when
the stomach suddenly becomes distended with gas and/or fluids. In severe
cases, twisting may occur and cause death. This condition occurs more
commonly in larger breeds with deep bodies. Some suggestions to help avoid
this condition. Feed smaller more frequent meals
Never exercise your dog before or after meals
But by all means, please consult with your vet & breeder to make sure that
your dog is receiving the proper amount of nutrition.Subvalvular Aortic
Stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart problem that can occur sporadically in
any breed. SAS is a defect in the heart valve that will ultimately be fatal
to the affected dog. No outward abnormalities are evident in a dog affected
with SAS. Through auscultation with an extremely sensitive stethoscope and
using ultrasound, a veterinarian specializing in cardiology can evaluate the
heart function in dogs in dogs of any age, but it is preferred that a puppy
be initially checked for severe cases around 9 weeks of age. Because SAS is
not present in puppies at birth and is a complicated defect that develops
primarily during the first six months but up to a year, it is important that
each Newf return to a board certified cardiologist as close to their 1st
birthday as possible for a final evaluation.
Responsible breeders should always test both the sire and dam for SAS before
breeding. Again, all cardiac evaluation for SAS should be done by a board
certified cardiologist .
Please remember that even breeding stock that has been cleared for SAS can
still produce it. Through selective breeding, we hope the chances become
less likely in future generations
CYSTINURIA:
Cystine, an amino acid, is one of the building blocks of proteins. Amino
acids are part of a normal canine diet and are absorbed through the gut.
Although they are filtered in the kidney, amino acids are normally
reabsorbed (nearly 100%) by special kidney transporters and are not lost in
the urine.
In dogs with cystinuria, the kidney transporter for cystine is defective. In
acid urine, cystine precipitates to create crystals, which may further
precipitate to form calculi (stones) in the kidney and bladder. These
calculi can cause serious illness. Although cystinuria affects many dog
breeds, the most severe form affects Newfoundland dogs.
Cystinuric dogs often show signs of a recurrent urinary tract disorder.
Clinical signs may start at almost any age. Affected dogs may have problems
with urination. They may produce blood-tinged urine and pass calculi, or
they may be unable to void urine despite numerous attempts. Because male
dogs have a narrower urethra than female dogs, male dogs are more likely to
become completely blocked. In this case, the bladder may distend grossly and
rupture if not properly managed. Urine may then back up into the kidneys,
and the resultant pressure on the kidney may cause cell necrosis and kidney
failure. Without appropriate and immediate care, such complications can lead
to death.
Because the testing for cystinuria is relatively new, stastics are limited.
However, of the 500 original samples that were sent in to PennGen, 30% of
all Newfoundland's were carriers.
Within just a few generations, breeders who selectively screen their
breeding stock will make great strides toward the realistic possibility of
eliminating cystinuria in the Newfoundland breed. Carriers should only be
bred to non-carriers, while affected dogs should be eliminated from breeding
programs. PennGen offers testing for cystinuria in Newfs. All breeders who
have screened their breeding stock for cystinuria should have recorded and
registered their results with OFA's cystinuria registry.
if you are considering a Newfie as part of your life, please try to find
breeders who, at minimum, screen against each of the three major and most
threatening health issues of our breed. Together, responsible breeders and
responsible pet owners can help pave the way for future Newf generations to
live longer, happier, and healthier lives
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