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August 2017 Newsletter |
If your dog has had any illnesses or ailments, you can tell us about them at any time without having to complete the rest of the questionnaire. Simply login to your dog's profile by visiting www.dogslife.ac.uk and click on the link underneath your dog's graph.
Canine Inspired Exercise Classes!
Canine Chiari-like Malformation
DNA testing is a science trend that is expanding for both humans and our canine friends. More and more laboratories are offering this service to help us identify genetic predispositions to diseases, as well as unlocking the mystery of our genomes and providing information on our ancestry and that of our dogs.
For many tests, it is as simple as providing a sample of your dog's blood or saliva and posting it to the lab to be profiled. The tests work by assessing the genetic information which exists in each sample with references taken from other dogs known to have the faulty gene or not. DNA testing can identify conditions that are associated with recessive or dominant inheritance. For autosomal recessive conditions, the presence of a mutated gene is needed from both the dam and sire for the condition to affect the puppy. For autosomal dominant conditions, only one copy of the mutated gene is required for the condition to affect the puppy and it will most likely be seen in one or other parent. Knowing the DNA profile of both the dam and sire, and whether they are affected, carriers or clear of a disease allows, with some accuracy, to predict disease status of the puppies (i.e. the likelihood with which they may carry the mutated gene or develop the disease). For more information see here: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-breeders/dna-testing-simple-inherited-disorders/.
A number of DNA tests already exists for diseases which affect Labrador Retrievers (see: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/health.aspx?id=2048). These complement the eye testing, elbow and hip scoring schemes for diseases which do not have genetic tests yet. The Kennel Club, as part of their ‘Mate Select’ service, publish the results of health tests when testing is done through a Kennel Club official testing scheme making finding a suitable mate much easier.
More complex tests, such as those identifying the underlying breed make-up of cross breed dogs evaluate more than one gene, in that they look at large numbers of genetic changes to calculate the composition of the tested dog. Gradually more and more tests are becoming available (for example, the test for the appetite associated mutation Dogslife helped to identify last year) as new discoveries are made. However, we are still awaiting tests for more complex health conditions (caused by more than one genetic mutation) such as hip dysplasia, but the progress in this area means that they may well become available in the future.
Canine Inspired Exercise Classes!
It appears it’s not only our human population who are in need of doing a little more exercise, in fact as more and more pets are turning up in rehoming centres with behavioural needs stemming from lack of exercise and boredom, the charity Blue Cross for Pets have developed their own fitness classes for humans to raise awareness of the exercise needs of their dogs. Titled ‘Work out like a dog’ these 45 minute classes are inspired by dogs and their favourite exercises designed to tone, improve cardiovascular fitness and give us more energy! Read more here https://www.bluecross.org.uk/work-out-dog
They have also included some tips for successful exercise for your dog, our favourites are:
• Swot up! Different breeds enjoy different activities. Labradors love to retrieve so fetch is perfect - do your homework to ensure your dog gets the most from its walks, and try different games to see what they enjoy doing most.
• How fit is your dog already? If they aren’t used to vigorous exercise, they’ll need to work up to it. Older dogs may have less stamina and be more prone to injury. If in doubt, ask your vet.
• Play safe. Only ever leave your dog off the lead in large open spaces, away from roads, and if you are confident it will come when called. Stay conscious of other dogs nearby.To see the full list of tips visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/work-out-dog
Stuck for inspiration? The Blue Cross have lots of game ideas too! https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
For more information about adult and children’s exercise recommendations, why not have a look at Change4life.
Canine Chiari-like Malformation
Chiari-like malformation is a condition which affects dogs where there is a miss match between the size of the brain and the size of the skull. The skull is relatively too small which can result in the back of the brain (called the cerebellum) protruding through the opening at the back of the skull where the spinal cord comes out. In turn, this causes the spinal cord to be compressed which can result in fluid accumulation within it (called syringomyelia). Combinations of these changes can result in dramatic clinical signs, including pain, weakness and uncoordinated gaits, although many dogs can be asymptomatic (where there are no signs). The condition requires an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis in dogs with clinical signs.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the breed most commonly affected by Chiari-like malformations, and the condition has a strong genetic background. At present there is a screening scheme for dogs which assesses MRI scans of dogs to evaluate them for both Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia, to provide information for owners considering breeding from their dog.
There is no universally successful treatment for dogs affected by Chiari-like malformation. Milder cases may be managed with pain relief to alleviate the clinical signs of the disease. More severely affected dogs can be treated surgically, with the aim of most surgical procedures being to alleviate the compression of the spinal cord and brain. The success of surgical procedures varies, with cases often relapsing. Unfortunately in some cases euthanasia may be required.
The image on the right shows an MRI image of a dog with Chiari-like malformation resulting in the back of the brain herniating out of the skull (white arrow).
We are excited to reveal that Dogslife will be getting a new website in the autumn. The new website will be compatible with tablets and smartphones which should make it a lot easier for our members to update their dog’s profile and pictures. We will of course inform you all when we are ready to launch!
Is your dog special? Why not put them forward to become a Featured Dog? Look out for the link next time you log in!
