OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are genetic diseases that cause various degrees of arthritis. The development of arthritis starts by the deterioration of cartilage lining the joint due to the inherited bad biomechanics of an abnormally developed hip or elbow joint. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia can eventually lead to pain and debilitation.
OFA Hip and Elbow Evaluations are done at 2 years of age and older when bones and joints are fully developed.
OFA Hip and Elbow Evaluations are done at 2 years of age and older when bones and joints are fully developed.
CERF :Canine Eye Registration Foundation
Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD)
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal Atrophy, progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRA-prcd) occurs as a result of degeneration of both rod and cone type photoreceptor cells of the retina. The affected dogs will have vision deficits in dim light (night blindness) and loss of peripheral vision, which eventually progresses to complete blindness in most dogs.
Evidence of retinal disease in affected dogs start around 1.5 years of age, but most affected dogs will not show signs of vision loss until 3 to 5 years of age or later.
Genetic testing of the PRCD gene will determine whether a dog is a genetic carrier of PRA-prcd. Dogs must receive two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease.
Each pup that is born to this pairing has a 25% chance of inheriting the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier of the PRCD gene mutation.
Because symptoms do not appear until adulthood, genetic testing should be performed before breeding.
Example of Normal Vs. PRA effected Retina
MDR1
MDR1 is the abbreviated name of a gene called Multi-Drug Resistance 1. A mutation of this gene causes sensitivity to Ivermectin and a number of other drugs. Whether a dog reacts depends on the dosage of the drug. A dog may not react to very low doses, as with the amount of Ivermectin found in heart worm products.
Typical doses of a variety of medications will cause reactions in dogs with two copies of the mutation, but some drugs – most notably several chemotherapy agents – can cause reactions in dogs with only one. Dogs with this mutation have a transport defect—the drug goes in to their brains, fails to be transported out, and builds up to toxic levels. This causes serious neurological problems including seizures and sometimes death.
Typical doses of a variety of medications will cause reactions in dogs with two copies of the mutation, but some drugs – most notably several chemotherapy agents – can cause reactions in dogs with only one. Dogs with this mutation have a transport defect—the drug goes in to their brains, fails to be transported out, and builds up to toxic levels. This causes serious neurological problems including seizures and sometimes death.
Which drugs cause MDR1 reactions?
Ivermectin was the first drug recognized to cause a reaction, but it is far from the only one. Ivermectin at low dosage, as found in heartworm medications, will not cause a reaction. The larger doses needed for worming will.
Other commonly administered drugs on the list include acepromazine and Imodium. Fortunately, there are alternative medications available if your dog requires treatment.
Ivermectin was the first drug recognized to cause a reaction, but it is far from the only one. Ivermectin at low dosage, as found in heartworm medications, will not cause a reaction. The larger doses needed for worming will.
Other commonly administered drugs on the list include acepromazine and Imodium. Fortunately, there are alternative medications available if your dog requires treatment.
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