Cystinuria is an inherited disorder caused by a defect in the transport of cystine, an amino acid, in the kidney tubules. Normally, cystine that is filtered in the kidney is reabsorbed within the tubules, resulting in little cystine in the urine. Dogs with cystinuria do not properly reabsorb cystine (and a few other amino acids) in the kidney tubules, causing the urine to contain abnormally high levels of cystine. Cystine is insoluble in neutral pH or acidic urine, so excess urinary cystine results in formation of cystine crystals, which in turn can lead to formation of cystine calculi (stones) in the kidney and/or bladder. Because males have long, narrow urethras compared to females, irritation and blockage by calculi is much more common in the male. Males with cystinuria suffer repeated inflammations of the urinary tract and are at risk for urinary blockage, which can, if not treated promptly, lead to kidney failure, bladder rupture, and death. Fortunately, thanks to the work of veterinary researcher Dr. Paula Henthorn at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, there is now a DNA test available which can determine the genetic status of individual Newfoundlands. This DNA test, requiring only a small blood sample, will be invaluable in helping Newfoundland breeders make educated decisions on breeding dogs, and it will hopefully reduce the number of Newfoundlands produced with this severe, potentially life-threatening condition.
Hip dysplasia is a common developmental disease of the hip. As a puppy grows the soft tissue support for the hip may become loose (lax) and this can allow the head of the femur (the ball of the ball and socket joint) to slip in and out of the acetabulum (socket). This abnormal laxity of the hip can damage the tissues of the joint leading to osteoarthritis. The cause of hip dysplasia is not fully understood. Certainly there is a complex genetic basis and it is likely that several different genes are involved. It is also likely that environmental factors (exercise, growth rate, nutrition) play a role and obesity will worsen the condition. The treatment of hip dysplasia in young dogs is controversial. Certainly only those dogs that have disability should be treated - many dogs with hip dysplasia never need treatment. Conservative treatment involves exercise restriction and possibly pain-relieving medication and can be very effective. As an affected dog matures the pain associated with hip dysplasia can subside although the hip will be prone to osteoarthritis which may cause stiffness and pain in later life. In older dogs where the osteoarthritis of the hip is causing intractable pain that does not respond to medical treatment and weight loss, one might consider a total hip replacement. This operation is similar to that performed in people and can relieve pain and provide excellent function. Careful specialist evaluation of the dog is required prior to such a surgery.
There are two cruciate ligaments in the knee joint, the cranial (or anterior) cruciate ligament and the caudal (or posterior) cruciate ligament. The cranial cruciate ligament is very commonly injured in dogs and this causes instability of the knee and may lead to other problems such as meniscal (cartilage) injury and osteoarthritis. It is rare for the caudal cruciate ligament to be injured. Rupture of the cruciate ligament may occur suddenly or gradually and this can be reflected in the appearance of the signs of the condition which include lameness and stiffness of the knee. Full rupture of the cruciate ligament causes instability of the knee and this may lead to joint swelling and wasting (atrophy) of the muscles of the hindlimb, particularly the quardiceps muscle group. Dogs with cruciate ligament rupture often prefer to sit with the affected limb straightened out in front of them rather than tucked up; this is because they do not like to flex the knee. If causing persistent problems, and especially in larger dogs, the condition is best treated with surgery to stabilise the knee. There are many different surgical techniques for treating the condition and even specialty surgeons disagree regarding the best option. There is a lack of good scientific data to guide the surgeon and pet owner and surgeon preference for a particular technique is an important factor. Some of the common surgical techniques used to treat the condition include:
Stenosis means narrowing: subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a term that refers to a narrowing of the area just below the aortic valve, usually due to the presence of an abnormal fibrous band of tissue. This fibrous band can be present from birth (congenital) or develop early in the postnatal period. The narrowing causes pressure overload in the left ventricle. Other types of aortic stenosis exist, but SAS is by far the most common and represents more than 95% of the cases. Studies have confirmed that SAS is inherited in the Newfoundland, and it is likely that SAS is inherited in other breeds that have a high prevalence. SAS patients are often identified when a heart murmur is detected at the left heart base during a routine physical examination of an otherwise healthy puppy. In severe cases, the arterial pulse quality may be weak, but generally puppies appear bright, alert, and happy. Some breeders screen their puppies for murmurs at an early age. Dogs can be cleared of SAS for breeding after 12 months of age. If no murmur is detected, SAS can be ruled out. In older animals, clinical signs such as exercise intolerance, general fatigue, and syncope (fainting) may be noted. In the most unfortunate cases, dogs with SAS can die suddenly following development of severe ventricular arrhythmias. Definitive diagnosis is made using echocardiography to measure the pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta. In dogs with SAS, the pressure gradient is abnormally increased and correlates with the severity of the stenosis. Surgical excision of abnormal subaortic tissue is the procedure of choice in children; however, this procedure is rarely performed in veterinary medicine because there have been no studies proving surgery resulted in prolonged survival. Balloon dilation can be successful in reducing pressure gradients, especially in severe SAS, but, unfortunately, improvement is often not long lasting.
Why Do It? Spaying and neutering should be the natural choice for all pet owners. Apart from population control, there is clear evidence that early neutering is better for the health of the individual animal. When to Do It? The latest recommendations from surgical staff at UCD are that neutering should be carried out at an earlier age than has previously been suggested. It is now recommended that: Both male and female dogs should be neutered / spayed at 5-6 months of age. What is the Evidence for Health Benefits of Early Neutering?
Statistics showing the percentage risk of mammary tumours developing in the spayed bitch compared to the intact bitch:
Therefore, if a bitch is neutered before her first season, she is 2,000 times less likely to develop mammary cancer than if she is left entire until she is three years of age. Urinary Incontinence Urinary incontinence is more likely to occur in bitches that are spayed at any age compared to bitches that are not spayed. However, the majority of cases respond well to simple treatment, and most people agree that this risk is much less serious than the alternative risk of malignant mammary cancer. Much research has been carried out on the effect of the timing of spaying on urinary incontinence and there are conflicting results. Some reports suggest that incontinence is less likely if bitches are spayed before their first season, while others suggest that the opposite is true. Male Dogs Testicular neoplasia is the second most common tumour in the male dog. As well as preventing this, early neutering also prevents prostatic disease (benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis/prostatic abscesses, prostatic cysts and Para prostatic cysts). Prostatic hyperplasia starts at 1-2 years of age with 95% of dogs affected by 9 years of age. Information provided by Spay Week Ireland. Their website is http://www.spayweekireland.ie/ The origin of the Newfoundland will always remain a matter of speculation. There are several theories to explain the appearance of the large, black dog on their native island of Newfoundland. It is interesting to note, however, that they are one of the few breeds indigenous to Canada. No matter what the origin, English settlers on the island of Newfoundland were impressed with the native dogs’ great size and strength, their natural swimming ability and their gentle dispositions. Traders brought the dogs back to England where they were bred with the large estate dogs. The breed was first given its name about 1775. At first the breed evolved by natural selection and later by selective breeding. In the mid 19th century, the white and black Newfoundland became very popular as a result of a painting by Sir Edwin Landseer and these white and black newfs took their name from him. Newfs were used for draft purposes and as ship dogs. Few ships in the 18th and 19th centuries set sail without a Newf on board. Their reputation for heroic water rescues was unparalleled. Legends abound of Newfoundlands saving drowning victims by carrying lifelines to sinking ships. The dogs were kept in the “dog walk’ on early sailing ships. If the sea was too choppy when land was sighted, the dog carried a line to land. In 1919, a Newf was credited with saving the entire crew of the “Ethie” which was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia. The ship’s dog carried a line through the treacherous sea and rocks to shore and the line, secured by those on shore, enabled the crew to make its way to safety. This is but one of countless stories of heroism performed by the Newfoundland Dog. In the late 1800’s, breeding kennels were active in England but the breed was near extinction in its native land due to a law passed in 1780 in Newfoundland forbidding the ownership of more than one dog. Due largely to the efforts of the Honourable Harold MacPherson (Westerland Kennels), the breed survived in Newfoundland. The hallmark of the breed is his sweet and gentle temperament. This combined with his devotion and eagerness to please his owner make the Newfoundland the best of the giant breeds. A Newfoundland is known for its sweet disposition and natural lifesaving abilities. They are friendly, loving and generally good natured dogs who love to be around their family members. They are more alert when they sense danger and will protect those they love when they need to. Usually, the dog will not bark or growl to protect their owner but rather put themselves in front of their owner for protection. When in the presence of water, these dogs are on guard and always looking out for someone who can't swim. The instinct they have is so strong that they can often be found circling a pool just in case anything should happen. If a child is near water and they are unsure of their abilities, they will always place themselves between the water and the child. Extremely intelligent and dignified, this breed learns quickly how to please his owner and will go above and beyond what is expected of him. These dogs form such a bond with their family that they usually can't ever bond to others like they have to their first family. The Newfoundland has a large head with dark brown, deep set eyes, small and heavy ears with rounded tips and face free of wrinkles. Their tail follows the natural line of their back and full of flowing fur. It may hang down straight when relaxed or curl up when excited. Their legs are sturdy and strong and sit atop the large, circular paws with webbed toes. Their backs of the legs also contain well flowing fur which separates them from most dogs. The Newfoundland has a water resistant double coat that protects it in the cold ocean water. The outer coat is somewhat coarse and may either be straight or wavy. The undercoat is soft and is less prominent in the warmer months of the year. Fur on the face and muzzle is soft and smooth. The coat of comes in several colors both solid and Landseer. Solid colors include black, brown, white may be seen on their chin, chest, toes, or tip of the tail. Landseer Newfoundland's have a white base coat with black markings. Indicative Breed Standard General Appearance Characteristics Temperament Head and Skull Eyes Ears Mouth Neck Forequarters Body Hindquarters Feet Tail Gait/Movement Coat Colour Size |