HEART-HEALTHY

      In this modern age of ever-improving cardio-care, no doctor or scientist can dispute the advantages of owning a dog to lower a person’s risk of heart disease. Studies have proven that petting a dog, walking a dog and grooming a dog all show positive results toward lowering your blood pressure. The simple routine of exercising your dog—going outside with the dog and walking, jogging or playing catch—is heart-healthy in and of itself. If you are normally less active than your physician thinks you should be, adopting a dog may be a smart option to improve your own quality of life as well as that of another creature.

      Nonetheless, to be forewarned is to be forearmed, so the following section of this chapter is not intended to put fear into those who are considering becoming Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America recommends health screening for PLE, PLN, RD and Addison’s disease. Here’s some basic information about these and other inherited diseases.

      PLE AND PLN

      The SCWT has an inherited predisposition for diseases that cause protein loss. PLE stands for protein-losing enteropathy, involving loss from the intestine; PLN stands for protein-losing nephropathy, involving loss from the kidneys. Most researchers believe that the two conditions are related, and sometimes PLN and PLE are found in the same dog.

      Often there is no sign of illness until middle age, by which time a dog may have been bred from, and presently there are no tests to determine which dogs may become ill later in their lives. Research is currently underway, for the mode of inheritance is not yet proven, and environmental factors may play a part.

      PLN is difficult to diagnose. In consequence, the initial signs can be mistaken for liver, glandular or other enteric or kidney diseases. Indeed clinical signs vary, but can include listlessness and depression, decreased appetite, weight loss and vomiting. These can be severe and can lead to death. Tissue biopsies frequently show inflammatory bowel disease, and it has been demonstrated that the disease is associated with food allergies.

      PLE is most frequently caused by an inflammatory bowel disease, with a stimulation of the immune system in the bowel wall. Among the common signs of PLE are vomiting, diarrhea and loss of weight.

      RENAL DYSPLASIA

      Renal dysplasia (RD) has appeared as a problem in the SCWT and, again, research is being carried out on this disease. It involves congenital malformation or abnormal development of the kidneys, and is generally apparent before two years of age.

      The first clinical symptom usually observed in affected dogs is an increase in the production of urine, coupled with excessive thirst. When the urine is checked, it is found to be extremely dilute, this being indicative of kidney disease. Later a dog may lose appetite and have muscular weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and foul-smelling breath.

       HEALTHY DOGS

      In 1991 an interesting health survey of SCWTs was carried out by an American university. Of those surveyed, 93% of owners reported that their dog’s overall health was good. Of the 35% seen by vets for non-routine healthcare, the most common causes were in the following order: diarrhea, skin problems, cancer, teeth and throat problems and musculoskeletal problems.

       SCWTs bred for the show ring must be flawless inside and out—healthy and handsome.

      Although there is no cure, initially the clinical symptoms can often be reduced by feeding a low-protein diet, usually one that has been specially prescribed.

      ADDISON’S DISEASE

      Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, has been cited in the SCWT. This disease of the adrenal gland cortex is characterized by the insufficient production and secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocor-ticoids. Among the symptoms recognized are listlessness, depression, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting and other signs that can be attributed to many other medical problems. Screening tests are available, which include biochemical profile, complete blood count and urinalysis. Eye clearances must be certified by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) board ophthalmologist. Records are kept by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). All breeders are expected to test their dogs before mating.

      PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY

      Progressive retinal atrophy, usually referred to as PRA, is a complex of inherited eye disorders, not usually discovered until adulthood, in which a dog progressively goes blind. This is often first noticed by night-blindness, but total blindness is unfortunately the inevitable end result. Thankfully, there is no pain.

      Breeders have to use their carefully considered knowledge of hereditary factors to avoid, if possible, doubling up on the gene that carries this inherited disease.

      HIP DYSPLASIA

      Hip dysplasia is a problem involving the malformation of the ball and socket joint at the hip, a developmental condition caused by the interaction of many genes. This results in looseness of the hip joints and, although not always painful, it can cause lameness and can impair typical movement.

      Although a dog’s environment does not actually cause hip dysplasia, it may have some bearing on how unstable the hip joint eventually becomes. Osteoarthritis can eventually develop as a result of the instability.

      Tests for hip dysplasia are available and are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for clearance. All dogs certified as clear are assigned a certification number, which should appear on their pedigrees. Both hips are tested and scored individually; the lower the score, the less the degree of dysplasia. Clearly, dogs with evidence of dysplasia should not be incorporated into breeding programs.

      SKIN PROBLEMS

      A small percentage of SCWTs suffer from skin problems. These can be due to allergies, which are often difficult to determine, though allergy testing is available through one’s vet. Correct diet can also help in keeping skin problems under control.

       DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIP DYSPLASIA?

       X-ray of a dog with “Good” hips.

       X-ray of a dog with “Moderate” dysplastic hips.

      Hip dysplasia is a fairly common condition found

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