What does it all mean?
The standard poodle is a very sturdy dog, with the average life span being 10-14 years. All purebred dogs have their share of inheritable health problems; this article will look into those problems and explain their meanings.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
In CHD the head of the femur fits improperly into the hip socket (joint). This causes pain and sometimes lameness depending on the severity. Pain killers can be used to decrease the pain. Surgery can be done to repair the hip socket.
The test for CHD consists of an X-ray taken by a Vet. There are two methods of evaluating X-rays for CHD. The first and most common method is evaluation by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). X-rays can be taken by most Vets of a dog’s hip joint after it’s second birthday. These X-rays are then sent to be evaluated by three veterinary orthopedists at the OFA. PennHIP X-rays must be taken by a Vet trained in this technique. PennHIP X-rays are taken on a dog after age six months. In both methods either an OFA or a PennHIP certificate is given showing a rating for the dog.
In the standard poodle, both the sire and dam of a litter should have either a PennHIP or OFA rating. Please visit the OFA or PennHIP sites to learn the meanings of these ratings.
Canine Hip Dysplasia Resources
X-rays of hip dysplasia,bloat,fractures,bladder stones,esophageal achalasia and
The Orthropedic Foundation for Animals, Inc
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
In PRA light cells in the retina of the eye are damaged due to insufficient blood supply. As these cells die the dog will gradually lose it’s eyesight. Blindness will eventually occur and there is no cure. PRA can begin as late as 6 years in age.
Yearly examinations should be done on breeding dogs by a veterinary opthalmologist. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) maintains a registry. In the standard poodle the sire and dam of a litter should either have a CERF certificate or a signed report by a veterinary opthalmologist showing both eyes are clear at the time of the exam.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)
In vWD a dog has a tendency to bleed easily. This is caused by the deficiency in the von Willebrand factor, which is a protein found in the blood plasma. VWD can be life threatening if a major trauma occurs or surgery is required.
Poodles can be DNA tested for vWD by a simple cheek swab anytime after birth. Once these swabs are tested, certification is given to whether the dog is clear of vWD, a carrier, or affected.
In the standard poodle both the sire and the dam of a litter should have a certificate stating their vWD status, clear being optimal.
VetGen - Purebred Animal Genetic (DNA)Disease Testing and Profiling
OPTIGEN - diagnostic lab service and information for genetic diseases in purebr
Sebaceous Adentitis (SA)
In SA the sebaceous glands are either abnormal or absent. This causes a chronic skin disorder. Symptoms include; hair loss, scaly skin flakes, secondary skin infections with an offensive odor. There is no cure for SA although therapeutic baths can help in some instances. Antibiotics can be given for secondary skin infections.
The test for SA consists of skin biopsies. Two skin punches are taken from the neck/shoulder area of the dog, after their second birthday and then annually. Most Vets can take these biopsies which are then sent to a certified veterinary dermopathologist. Theses biopsies show whether the dog is affected or clear at the time the biopsy was taken.
In the standard poodle both the sire and the dam of a litter should have documentation of biopsy results stating the dog was free from SA.
Sebaceous Adenitis Survey Results
Thyroid Malfunction
Hypothyroidism (malfunctioning thyroid) is caused by an inadequate production of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms include; skin conditions, obesity, excessive hunger, irregular heat cycles, excessive coarse coat texture, inability to stay warm, and lethargy. Treatment of hypothyroidism is the use of an inexpensive drug given daily.
Testing for thyroid malfunction is obtained by taking a blood sample. Females should be tested after sexual maturity and the blood tested between heat cycles.
Most laboratories can do T-3 and T-4 screening. Breeding stock should also have thyroid antibody panels done by the University of Michigan or by Dr. Jean Dobbs.
In the standard poodle both the sire and the dam of a litter should have documentation of a complete thyroid and blood panel.