|
|
Joyso Golden Retrievers |
|
|
|
Health
From the GRCA Health & Genetics Committee Updated August, 2010 Findings from a research study published late last year (2009) have raised questions about the underlying nature of pigmentary uveitis (PU). This disease previously had been believed to include inflammation as a consistent feature, and indeed, even the suffix "itis" in the name refers to inflammation. This new study closely examined the enucleated (surgically removed) eyes from dogs with advanced disease, and found minimal to moderate inflammation in eight eyes, but no evidence of cellular inflammation in the remaining seven. However, three features present in all of the eyes were; cysts; abnormal pigment; and changes in the structure that drains fluid from inside the eye (which in turn frequently lead to the development of glaucoma, as it did in these eyes). Because of the consistent presence of cysts, pigment, and structural changes that often result in glaucoma – and the inconsistent presence of inflammation – the study authors suggested renaming the disease "Pigmentary and Cystic Glaucoma of Golden Retrievers." This research reinforces an important message for breeders: do not take this disease lightly! This new information should help to remind breeders that pigmentary uveitis is not yet well understood, and among the questions that are not fully answered is exactly what role inflammation plays. Affected dogs are often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but despite the best treatment available, the disease frequently progress to glaucoma and blindness. It appears that some breeders have been under the impression that PU is a generally manageable disease that may not progress providing treatment is begun early, but that is clearly not the case. Pigmentary uveitis is a serious disease that usually results in significantly diminished quality of life, and because of that it ranks among the most important heritable diseases in Golden Retrievers. Another study that GRCA members and other dedicated Golden owners have supported by providing blood samples from affected dogs was conducted by Dr Wendy Townsend, previously at Some very good news for the breed is that Dr Townsend is also beginning work to identify the gene responsible for PU, so that a DNA test can be developed. She continues to need blood samples and pedigrees from affected dogs and their close relatives. Although it would be a very unfortunate accidental breeding, she most needs samples from families in which both parents have been subsequently diagnosed with PU. While many breeders do not talk openly about this disease, the scary reality is that the breed incidence of PU now appears to be high enough that some of these accidental breedings are in fact occurring. Dr. Richard F. Quinn, DVM, DVSc, DACVO Dr Melanie Williams, Diplomate ACVO Alliston, Ontario, L9R 1V2 Phone: 705-434-4000 Dr. Sue West, Diplomate AVCO Veterinary Opthalmologist 705-526-6411 Dr. David Tinsley, DVM, I personally have had my dogs examined by both i) Dr. Richard Quinn (London & S-W Ontario area) ii) Dr. Melanie Williams ( Both are very knowledgeable & well respected in the field of canine ophthalmology. ================================================ The second health issue I will cover is cancer in golden retrievers CANCER IN GOLDEN
RETRIEVERS Frequently,
families seeking information about my Goldens have lost a Golden to a tragic
early cancer. Rightly so, they inquire if I have experienced this problem in my
bloodlines. Unfortunately the answer is yes. Because I believe in the
importance of honesty and how it will ultimately better the Joyso breeding
program, I would like to provide visitors to my website with information
regarding this problem in the breed. Through
scrupulous medical testing, careful selection of animals for planned crosses,
and elimination of dogs with inherited diseases from the breeding pool, we as
professional breeders have been able to reduce the incidence of
many genetically-transmitted diseases that have traditionally been
associated with Goldens, including heart and eye diseases and joint dysplasia.
However, it has become clear that early cancer in Goldens (as well as in many
other breeds) has become a more common and devastating problem in recent years. Although
many of my dogs still live well into their teens, I have no clear answers as to
why my bloodlines are no longer immune to the occasional early cancer, be it
lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, or osteosarcoma. There is no
known genetic ‘marker’ for cancer risk at present that can be used as a
screening tool in a selective breeding program, nor is there any hard evidence
that changes in diet or vaccination approaches can reliably decrease the
incidence of cancers in Goldens. The years I have spent in the breed and the
depth of my experience shows me that, unfortunately, there does not appear to
be a “clear bloodline” in any of the mainstream breeding programs. I communicate
with Golden breeders across the country and can report that everyone has been
affected by this problem at one point or another. As I have
previously explained, no known bloodlines (including my own) have been immune
to the occasional early death from cancer. I never repeat a breeding that has
produced an early cancer. What makes the problem even more perplexing is the
fact that often a dog that has succumbed to early cancer will have parents and
siblings that live long and healthy lives. It appears there is no rhyme or
reason to which dogs will be affected. I make an
effort to prioritize health and longevity, but I also desire to breed Goldens
that are true to the breed Standard -- most importantly, preserving the Breed’s
incredible temperament. I don’t believe I have cornered the market on great
Golden temperament and trainability, but because I have developed and
maintained a bloodline for many years, temperament and trainability are things
for which I now have a high degree of predictability. It is one thing I feel I can virtually guarantee: our experience has shown that a Joyso Golden will
be highly trainable, athletic, loving, sweet, and trustworthy. I wish we could
guarantee everything else...longevity, health, etc., but it is simply not
possible to do so until better scientific tools become available. I do
believe in routinely enriching the genetic diversity of my bloodline by doing
carefully selected crosses with outstanding Goldens with strong bloodlines and
excellent breed characteristics. ================================================ The third issue I will cover is Vaccinations: how much is too much / how much is too little |
|
