Health

Why is it important?

Health testing is very important, it allows us to look at the dogs health and see if fit for breeding. It protects the long term health of the breed and allow us to produce puppies that will less likely develop theses issues that cut theirs lives so short. Just because a dog “looks” healthy does not mean they are. Many genetic diseases develop in later life, and it is likely if they are breeding from a younger animal.

The future implications for puppies are vast, from compromised quality of life to behavioral issues. There are many many thousands of instances where young dogs and puppies are affected by arthritis, blindness, heart problems, hearing problems. These are life limiting issues for dogs and many of them are preventable. No one wants to breed dogs that are at risk of living in pain, so that's why we test our dogs.

There is no regulation for health testing dogs for breeding and registering with the UK Kennel Club. KC registration is not an indicator of the health or quality of a dog as even puppy farmers can still KC register pups. However, most show and work breeders, and those who are linked to them, all health test to what the breed calls for. In Rottweilers the tests suggested are the LEMP, JLPP, XLMTM, NAD, DM Exon 2, Hips and Elbows.

What is LEMP? Its a neurological disorder, called leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP). LEMP is a recessively inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects the white matter of the central nervous system (CNS). Canine LEMP is characterized by slowly worsening gait abnormalities, especially spontaneous knuckling, dragging of the paws and hypermetria of the thoracic limbs, and a characteristic pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Affected dogs show corresponding gross lesions in the cervical spinal cord white matter that may extend to the thoracic spinal cord, as well as to the brain; peripheral nerve and muscle biopsies are unremarkable. Canine LEMP often shows a juvenile onset and is characterized by a generalized progressive ataxia. Spinal reflexes of affected dogs are mostly normal. In the progressive clinical course of the disease, affected dogs may become increasingly immobile within a few months. Like many diseases of the CNS, there is no effective treatment for LEMP. Since in most cases the dog is not in pain, but is strongly restricted in its quality of life, owners are encouraged to ask a veterinarian for advice. The way this is prevented is by testing and making sure the carriers do not breed to other carriers or affected dogs, as there is no cure.

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Clear to Carrier, breeding is Safe, no affected puppies will be produced. However, some or all puppies will be carriers. Accordingly, it is recommended that carrier dogs which are desirable for breeding, be bred with clear dogs in the future, which will produce 50% carrier dogs, and 50% clear animals, to further reduced the disease gene frequency. These offspring should be tested for this defective gene, and if appropriate (alongside other considerations), only the clear animals in this generation should be used.

Carrier to Affected, this is a high Risk Breeding. Some puppies may be carriers, and some puppies may affected. Although there may be some clear puppies when breeding carrier to carrier, this type of breeding is strongly not recommended.

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Here are some links to learn more about this condition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWaVcXpfypE , https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/lemp , https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/dna-testing/dna-test-lemp/ ,

What is Hip Dysplasia (HD)? The hip joint has evolved to be a perfect ball and socket joint, allowing the femur (the upper bone of the leg) to rotate easily in the socket provided by the pelvis (hip bones), without popping out of joint. Nowadays, however, this “perfect joint” is only commonly seen in wolves – where the ability to run and keep on running is essential! In hip dysplasia, the “socket” is too shallow for the “ball”, usually with abnormally sloping sides and a very small rim. This results in abnormal movement of the ball, leading to pain, arthritis and sometimes even dislocation of the joint. Unfortunately, except in the most severe cases, dogs can appear absolutely fine until early middle age, when progressive arthritis becomes obvious.

What is Elbow Dysplasia (ED) ? This is a much more complex condition, comprising a number of different problems – but once again, it is a genetic developmental condition. The most common primary disorders include osteochondrosis (OCD), fragmentation of the coronoid process (a bony spur which breaks up when loaded, FCP) and ununited anconeal process (another bony spur that fails to fuse properly to the rest of the ulnar or elbow bone, UAP). These primary lesions appear relatively early in life – usually well before the puppy is fully grown – resulting in early onset arthritis and lameness. However, like in Hip Dysplasia, some dogs do not show clinical symptoms until much later in life.

Both conditions are linked to 2 factors, environmental and genetics, however due to the lack of research done its hard to pinpoint exactly where it starts or came from. This is why its crucial that the breeder you choose tests. And as an owner the way you keep your puppy will affect the hips/elbows with 'wear and tear'. In the Rottweiler breed the average hip score in the UK is stated by the BVA to be 13. The BVA advise that breeders wishing to try to control HD should breed only from animals with hip scores below the breed mean score. So, if the parents of your puppy have scores below 13, then that would be an indication that your puppy should have sound hips. If the parents had a score of 0:0 then that would be perfect scores! You should look for scores as even as possible e.g. you don’t want an uneven number such as 1:12, as this could indicate a problem in one hip. The recommendation is to breed from the lowest hip scores, the Rottweiler Club Code of Ethics for members states that the highest score which can be bred from is 16, with no more than 8 on either hip this would be written as 8/8. The lower the score the better. The disease is progressive and very disheartening to see, there is some treatment for this however to cure.

The scoring system is totally different from the hip scoring system, and can be quite baffling. The grades for each elbow are not added together as they are for the two hips in the hip dysplasia scheme. Two x-rays are taken of each elbow and the grading system is simple:

Grade Description
0 Normal
1 Mild ED
2 Moderate ED or a primary lesion
3 Severe ED

The overall grade given for both elbows is the grade that was given to the elbow with the highest score. The lower the grade the less the degree of elbow dysplasia evident on the x-ray. It is recommended by the BVA [British Veterinary Association] that those who score 2 and over are not used for breeding. Another source advises that dogs who produce the condition should not be used for breeding again.

THE ONLY WAY TO DETERMINE HIP and ELBOW STATUS IS BY X-RAY. When people say my dog doesn't suffer or has this issue as it 'runs perfectly fine' or doesn't show symptoms DOES NOT MEAN IT IS CLEAR FOT THE CONDITION, if a breeder says they have tested ask them to send you proof over either through the kennel club website or paperwork. As Rottweilers are quite heavy, they hide this quite well and by the time you have found out it is too late, majority are put down young. The treatments for these conditions are hydrotherapy, medication, hip replacement, elbow replacement and other forms of therapy however none guarantee the dog will ever fully be able too live pain free. Links to learn more are : http://www.therottweilerclub.co.uk/health.html , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh55B48aKPE , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMc3uEgon20 , https://www.mvsvets.co.uk/pet-owners/elbow-dysplasia/ , https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/hip-scheme/

3aba3b_87ee2d4a8b3a4dcdb87fb2fcddaa3a78~mv2.webp

Hip scoring system all over the world

Elbow scoring system all over the world

What is JLPP? This is Juvenile laryngeal paralysis & Polyneuropathy, a disease that causes deterioration of the nervous system. The longest nerve which controls the muscles of the larynx (voice box) is affected first. This leads to muscle weakness and obstruction of air flow into the lungs after exercise or when the dog is hot. Clinical signs include noisy breathing, choking and regurgitation of food and water. Signs also include a wobbly gait due to affected nerves that control the hind leg muscles. Other signs include eye development abnormalities. Clinical signs usually start at a few weeks of age. Due to atrophy of the laryngeal muscles the barking is changed. The first symptoms appear around 3 months of age. Due to the progression of the symptoms the affected dogs must be in most cases euthanized by 6 months of age. The way this is prevented is by testing and making sure the carriers do not breed to other carriers or affected dogs, as there is no cure. This is a distressing video however it shows the real consequences of this condition on a dog https://fb.watch/nF0Hpi521H/ (trigger warning)

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Here are some links to learn more about this condition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsZKoE1jpYQ , https://www.purinaproclub.com/resources/dog-articles/breed-updates/jlpp-rottweilers , https://www.nationalrottweilercouncil.com/understanding-jlpp.pdf

What is XLMTM? This is X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) it is an inherited muscle disease that affects Rottweilers. The disease is caused by a defect in the myotubularin protein, a component of muscle cell membranes, which ultimately inhibits their ability to contract. Puppies appear clinically normal at birth but muscle atrophy is often apparent by 7 weeks of age. Affected puppies often appear noticeably smaller than littermates and may have problems with coordination and mobility. Within weeks, affected puppies may have difficulty in holding their head up and may an exhibit an inability to stand or may collapse after exertion. The disease is severe and progressive with most affected dogs being euthanized before 6 months of age. The way this is prevented is by testing and making sure the carriers do not breed to other carriers or affected dogs, as there is no cure.

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Here are some links to learn more about this condition: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/xlmtm-rottweiler , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25664165/

What is NAD? This is Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) in Rottweiler dogs is a degenerative neurological disease. Nerve fibers, also called axons, are long thread-like projections of nerve cells (neurons). The neuron’s axons normally send impulse transmissions to other nerve cells, muscles and gland cells. In NAD, the progressive degeneration of nerve cells causes spheroids to form on the nerve endings. The nerve cells are no longer able to normally transmit to each other. Abnormal nerve conduction causes the loss of coordination. Canine newborns with NAD can be born with respiratory failure, scoliosis, and joint contractures (arthrogryposis). Additionally, they can be born with cerebellar hypoplasia (not completely mature); the cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls fine motor skills and coordination. There are dogs that do not show symptoms until they are into their adult life majority are put down before the age of 1 . The way this is prevented is by testing and making sure the carriers do not breed to other carriers or affected dogs, as there is no cure.

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Here are some links to learn more about this condition: https://wagwalking.com/condition/neuroaxonal-dystrophy , https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/dna-testing/dna-test-nad/

What is DM Exon 2? This is Canine degenerative myelopathy (also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 7 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. Degenerative myelopathy initially affects the back legs and causes muscle weakness and loss, and lack of coordination. These cause a staggering effect that may appear to be arthritis. The dog may drag one or both rear paws when it walks. This dragging can cause the nails of one foot to be worn down. The condition may lead to extensive paralysis of the back legs. As the disease progresses, the animal may display symptoms such as incontinence and has considerable difficulties with both balance and walking. If allowed to progress, the animal will show front limb involvement and extensive muscle atrophy. Eventually cranial nerve or respiratory muscle involvement necessitates euthanasia. Progression of the disease is generally slow but highly variable. The animal could be crippled within a few months, or may survive up to three years The way this is prevented is by testing and making sure the carriers do not breed to other carriers or affected dogs, as there is no cure.

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Here are some links to learn more about this condition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp_6_siQyvE , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Y3UbM_nFI ,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxxt5LIokWE , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTKrZnN1XPs

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Hip scoring system all over the world

Elbow scoring system all over the world

We test and score with the BVA (British Veterinary Association) and the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council)

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Here are some links to learn more about this condition: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/xlmtm-rottweiler , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25664165/

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Clear to Clear this is the ideal Breeding Pair, puppies will not have the disease gene either as carrier or affected

Affected to Affected, this breeding not recommended. All puppies will be genetically affected.

Here are some links to learn more about this condition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp_6_siQyvE , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Y3UbM_nFI ,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxxt5LIokWE , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTKrZnN1XPs