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Health
Issues:
There are no lines clear of any genetic diseases that affect the
Newfoundland breed and there is no guarantee that obtaining a puppy from
clear parents will provide you with a sound disease free puppy. Breeding
cleared stock decreases the chances of hereditary disease, but again does
not guarantee disease free puppies.
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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 be affecting only one hip or both hips. Hip Dysplasia can
vary in severity from a mild/borderline case to a complete subluxation of
the ball and socket. Hip Dysplasia is influenced by genetics and
environmental and nutritional factors.
Treatment of hip dysplasia varies with how severe the condition is. For
elderly and hip dysplastic dogs glucosamine supplements can be added to
diet. Sometimes even pain killers must be given to the dog, depending on how
severe the case is. Hip Dysplasia can be operated, but it will renew.
Containing various links to
health articles, including hip dysplasia, nutrition and radiography, etc.
Animated differences in normal and dysplasic gait
The Importance of good positioning
on canine hip X-rays
If you are
interested in more detailed sites on hip grading, visit:
Hip dysplasia in South
Africa
Hip rating comparisons
between different countries
Orthopedic Foundation For
Animals: Hip Grades
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
is a general term that is used to describe a developmental degenerative
disease of the elbow joint.
Treatment of osteochondritis of the elbow varies with what distinct
abnormalities are present.
Dogs with clinical ED typically develop foreleg lameness between the ages of
5 and 12 months of age, however, in some cases the lameness may not be
apparent until as late as 5-7 years of age. The lameness may be variable
and
periodic.
Dogs may demonstrate soreness after rest, improve slightly with activity,
but then worsen with increased activity. Jumping and sharp fast turns
usually exaggerate the lameness. Pain can be elicited by overextending the
elbow, and there may be a slight to moderate swelling noticeable when
carefully feeling the elbow joint.
Heart Diseases
The congenital heart defect known as aortic stenosis consists of a narrowed,
malformed aortic valve. This is the valve that leads from the main pumping
chamber of the heart to the main artery to the body. In aortic stenosis,
there is narrowing and partial blockage of blood flow from the heart to the
body. The blockage may involve thicked, abnormal valve flaps or webs of
tissue just above the valve or just below the valve, within the ventricle.
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart problem that can
occur in any breed. Even breeding stock that has been cleared for SAS can
still produce it. 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 of any age. 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.
Cystinuria
In dogs with cystinuria, the kidney transporter for cystine, an amino acid,
is defective. In acid urine, cystine precipitates to create crystals, which
may further precipitate to form stones in the kidney and bladder. Cystinuric
dogs often show signs of a recurrent urinary tract disorder. Because male
dogs have a narrower urethra than female dogs, male dogs are more likely to
become completely blocked. Without appropriate and immediate care can lead
to death.
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.
Entropion, Ectropion, and Cherry Eye are conditions that also effect the
health of a Newf's eye.
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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
complicated, but is primarily due to the massive size of the Newfs head
which commonly has larger eye sockets. 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. This condition can be operated.
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Ectropion
is an outward turning of the lower eyelid. Typically a dog that has a
massive head, will also have extra skin that can accommodate their
growing skulls. These dogs will often have more elasticity also which
allows their skin to stretch over the head. These issues can lead to
ectropion, which leaves the eye exposed to irritation and/or infection.
Surgery can be performed to correct it.
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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.
Thyroid
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid levels, is caused by an underactive thyroid
gland. Testing for hypothyroidism is available.
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:
-Raise your dogs food bows off the ground
-Feed smaller more frequent meals
-Never exercise your dog before or after meals
Skin Problems
Some Newfoundlands have allergies such as food- and pollen allergies. Some
Newfoundlands are prone to skin problems such as
hot spots.
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