(As noted in Control of Canine Genetic Diseases by Dr. George A. Padgett unless otherwise stated; Wilcox is Dr. Bonnie Wilcox, DVM, author of Successful Dog Breeding and herself a GSP breeder; Canine Inherited Diseases Database is a joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)
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Mode of Inheritance
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Age of Onset
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Alimentary Diseases:
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat and Gastric Torsion): Distension & twisting of the stomach, resulting in discomfort, vomiting & ineffectual retching. Death is common. Seen in large, giant, deep-chested breeds.
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Undetermined
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Under 7 years
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Endocrine Diseases:
Hypothyroidism (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s Disease, Lymphocytic Thyroiditis): Destruction of the thyroid gland due to an attack from the animal’s own immune system. Causes rough, scaly skin; hair loss and weight gain.
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Undetermined
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Under 2 years
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Primary Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease): Clinically, dogs show poor appetite, vomiting & lethargy. There may be shaking, weight loss and diarrhea. This disorder tends to come and go. Hypothermia, weakness and collapse may occur.
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Undetermined
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Under 5 years
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Hematopoietic and Lymphatic Diseases:
Factor XI Deficiency: A missing component in the blood causing mild bleeding, which can be severe after trauma or surgery and can cause death, but usually doesn’t.
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Incomplete Dominance
Autosomal Dominant; incomplete penetrance (Wilcox)
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Under 3 months
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Factor XII Deficiency (Hageman’s Disease): There is no bleeding tendency with this trait, individuals may show a higher than normal tendency for thrombosis and infection.
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Undetermined
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birth
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Hemophilia A: Absence of factor VIII in the blood causing prolonged and excessive bleeding due to failure to form a clot. Affected dogs may die.
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Sex-linked recessive
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Birth
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Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease): Absence of factor IX in the blood causing prolonged & excessive bleeding due to failure to form a clot. Affected dogs may die.
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Sex-linked Recessive
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Birth
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Lymphedema: A pitting edema of the extremities and ventral trunk, effusions of the abdominal or pleural cavities may occur.
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Autosomal Dominant
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Under 1 Year
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Thrombopathia: Abnormality in the structure of blood platelets (giant platelets), causing clotting problems and minor bleeding.
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Incomplete Dominant
Autosomal dominant; incomplete expression (Wilcox)
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Under 3 Months
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Von Willebrand’s Disease: Reduced factor VIII in the blood, resulting in a prolonged bleeding time, may be mild, moderate or severe and can cause death. GSPs are effected by Type II which is not defined by DNA profiling.
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Incomplete Dominant
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Under 1 Year
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Heart and Vascular Diseases:
Subaortic Stenosis: A narrowing at the base of the aorta as a result of a fibrous band, causing murmurs, weakness and sudden death. (Interesting to note that Malcolm Willis referred to this in his book, Genetics of the Dog, published in 1989 by referring to a study where it was first noted in 1973.)
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Polygenic
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Under 1 Year
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Immune System Diseases:
Atopic Dermatitis: Roughened, itchy, oozing skin caused by immune reactions to various allergens, such as fleas or pollen.
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Undetermined
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Under 1 year
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Demodicosis: A localied Demodex infection that usually results in a mild erythema and may develop into some form of alopecia. Pruritus may or may not be present. These are most commonly seen on the face, and usually there is spontaneous recovery within 6-8 weeks. This is not considered to be hereditary. A generalized demodicosis usually develops as a chronic dermatitis with crusting, scaling and hyperpigmentation. There may be intense pruritus and a secondary pyoderma. Folliculitis, cellulites, furunculosis and seborrhoea may occur. A susceptibility and predisposition to Demodex canis is thought to be based on a T-cell disturbance. Generalized demodicosis is considered to be inherited.
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Undetermined
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Under 1 Year
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Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): Typically, a benign skin disorder with no general involvement. Changes include scaling, erythema & loss of pigment of the nose. Erosions, ulceration and crusting may occur. Lesions may also develop in the eye and ear area.
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Undetermined
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Varies
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Polygenicarteritis Nodosa (Beagle Pain Syndrome, Meningitis-Vasculitis, Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis, SRMA): Immune mediated vascular leasions in the meningeal and coronary arteries lead to typical neurologic and cardiac signs, such as chronic fever, anorexia, stiff neck and para- or tetraplegia.
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Undetermined
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Under 2 Years
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Integumentary Diseases:
Acne (Muzzle Folliculitis and Furunculosis): Follicular papules of various sizes, which are generally hairless. Papules may ulcerate and produce a purulent exudates.
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Undetermined
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Under 1 Year
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Acral Mutilation Syndrome (Idiopathic Self-Mutilation, Psychogenic Alopecia and Dermatitis): If the dog is left alone too often and has no positive energy outlet, it may lead to the dog obsessively licking and/or chewing the skin of the distal extremities.
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Undetermined
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Varies
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Alopecic Syndromes: Clinically, hair tends to thin and be lost with little or no scaling or any inflammatory changes. Distribution of loss varies. Hyperpigmentation may occur. GSPs are effected with Follicular Dysplasia.
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Undetermined
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Varies
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Epidermolysis Bullosa The term epidermolysis bullosa refers to a group of hereditary skin diseases that occur in people, and rarely in dogs. In all forms there is blistering of the skin in response to mild trauma. The 3 major forms are epidermolysis bullosa simplex, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, classified based on the location of the structural defects (and associated blisters) within the different layers of the skin. Severely affected pups develop blisters and crusted erosive ulcers on the footpads, face, genital region and ears, and in the mouth. Mildly affected dogs develop occasional blisters in these areas, especially if there is friction or trauma to the skin. (Canine Inherited Diseases Database)
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Autosomal recessive
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Lupoid dermatosis?
- This is a recently recognized disorder in young German shorthaired pointers. Inflammation in the skin results in scaling and crusting on the head, the lower legs, and on the scrotum. The areas affected gradually spread and are commonly painful or itchy. There may be an immune component to this condition.
- How is lupoid dermatosis inherited?
- unknown
- What breeds are affected by lupoid dermatosis?
- German shorthaired pointer The disorder has been seen in the United States and Europe.
- For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
- What does lupoid dermatosis mean to your dog & you?
- Skin changes are usually noticed at about 6 months of age. The skin on the head, lower legs, and scrotum is affected first, becoming thickened and crusty. The lesions are painful or itchy, and commonly spread, or may wax and wane. The nails may fall out and some dogs develop a fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- How is lupoid dermatosis diagnosed?
- The diagnosis is made through a skin biopsy. This is a simple procedure done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's skin for examination by a veterinary pathologist. The biopsy will show inflammatory changes in the skin, consistent with this condition.
- For the veterinarian: Occasional dogs with this disorder show proteinuria and a positive antinuclear antibody titer.
- How is lupoid dermatosis treated?
- No consistently effective treatment has been found as yet.
- For the veterinarian: Some treatments that have been tried with varying success are anti-seborrheic baths, retinoids, immunosuppressive corticosteroids, and fatty acid supplements.
- Breeding advice
- Affected dogs, their siblings, and parents should not be bred. In this way, this new condition may be eliminated before it becomes established in the breed.
- FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
- Resources
- Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Griffin, C.E. 1995. Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. p. 765 W.B. Saunders Co., Toronto.
- Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 30, 2001.
- This database is funded jointly by the ~Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the ~Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the ~Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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Undetermined
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Intertrigo: A frictional dermatitis caused by excessive and pronounced skin folding. Inflammatory lesions occur when sebum, moisture and glandular secretions appear in these folds. Folds can occur on the body, head or face.
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Undetermined
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Varies
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Primary lymphedema: Caused by abnormal development of the lymph vessels or nodes resulting in the skin having a thickened spongy feel, which will leave dents if pressed upon by fingers; hind legs are most commonly affected, although front legs, abdomen, tail and ears can be affected too. The skin looks normal but has a thickened spongy feel, and if you press it, your fingers will leave dents. Skin that is swollen due to lymphedema is susceptible to bacterial infection and delayed healing after injury, but otherwise your dog will be generally healthy.
(Canine Inherited Diseases Database)
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Undetermined
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Umbilical Hernia: An outpouching of the skin over the “belly button.” It may contain abdominal viscera and sometimes regresses spontaneously.
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Recessive or polygenic
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Under 6 Months
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Vitiligo: patchy loss of pigment in the skin (leukoderma), particularly in the facial area. There may be whitening (leukotrichia) or graying (poliosis) of the hair. It may be that the immune system targets the melanocytes - the cells that produce pigment. Vitiligo may be inherited or it may be acquired, secondary to an injury for example. (Canine Inherited Diseases Database)
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Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis: Rough, cracking and oozing skin caused by the inability to metabolize zinc. This disorder can be corrected by zinc supplementation.
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Undetermined
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Under 6 Weeks
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Neurologic Diseases:
Gangliosidosis (Storage Diseases): Ataxia, head tremors, blindness and generalized seizures involving all four limbs may occur. Dogs can become paraplegic or tetraplegic. Born normal; retarded and blind by 1 year; symptoms range from staggering to seizures; caused by congenital lack of necessary brain enzymes. GSPs are effected by GM2 (Hexamininidase A+B Deficiency). Other names: amaurotic idiocy, Tay-Sachs disease, Norman-landing disease, Derry’s disease, Sandhoff’s disease
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Recessive
Autosomal recessive (Wilcox)
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Under 6 months
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Sensory Neuropathy: Brain degeneration that decreases pain sensation; you may see self-mutilation or trauma without apparent pain, particularly of the paws.
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Undetermined
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Over 6 months
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Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, also known as Juvenile Amaurotic idiocy; Batten disease; neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Symptoms include visual impairment, ataxia, personality changes, seizures and/or paresis; due to lack of brain enzyme. (Wilcox)
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Autosomal recessive
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Under 2 years
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Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures; some epilepsy is not hereditary (caused by trauma or chemicals). (Wilcox)
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Complex; recessive
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1 to 3 years
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Ocular Diseases:
Cataracts: Vary by breed and age of onset. As a generality, any lens opacity that obscures vision and may cause blindness is considered a cataract. GSPs are effected with bilateral cataracts, known as triangular subcapsular cataracts and sometimes called juvenile cataracts.
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Undetermined
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Autosomal Dominant (Incomplete Penetrance) according to Dr. Wilcox, DVM
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Varies
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Usually over 2 years
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Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA): An optical defect due to retinal pigment degeneration, resulting in secondary degeneration of the rods and cones. Central vision loss, but peripheral vision may last to old age. Some dogs may not lose vision. Undetermined mode of inheritance/<2 years
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Undetermined
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Under 2 Years
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Corneal Dystrophy: Clinically, a corneal opacity without inflammation (gray to white) that interferes with vision. Usually starts with lipid deposits in the corneal stroma. Onset varies by breed.
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Undetermined
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Varies
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Eyelash Abnormalities: Distichiasis in which extra eyelashes grow from abnormal follicles located on the inside edge of the eyelid. They may be singular or multiple. (Canine Inherited Diseases Database)
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Entropion: Turning in of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to rub the eyeball.
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Undetermined
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Under 1 year
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Eversion of the Nicitating Membrane (Eversion of the Third Eyelid): the cartilage in the third eyelid is abnormal, causing the third eyelid to roll away from or towards the globe.
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Two types: the first is caused by a recessive gene and the second by an undetermined mode of inheritance
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Under 3 months
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Heterochromia Iridis (Wall Eye): Odd or different colors of the iris or a portion of the iris.
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Undetermined
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Birth
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Imperforate Lacrimal Punctum (Epiphora): Failure of development of the nasolacrimal drainage system, causing tears to spill onto the face.
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Undetermined
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Under 1 year
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Pannus: Blood vessels and pigment migrate over cornea; can lead to blindness; usual form starts laterally and moves inward; “atypical” form begins on inside and moves outward. (Wilcox)
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Undetermined
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Degeneration of the retinal vision cells, which progresses to blindness.
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Undetermined
Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Autosomal recessive (Wilcox)
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Varies
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Divergent Strabismus (Exotropia): An outward turning of the eyes (the opposite of cross-eye).
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Undetermined
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birth
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Reproductive Diseases:
Cryptorchidism: An absence of testicles due to retention in the abdomen or inguinal region; can be one- or both-sided, or may slide in and out of the scrotum.
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Recessive; threshold
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Under 3 months
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Pseudohermaphrodite (Male, Female): The male has male organs with some female characteristics and the female has female organs with some male characteristics. Also known as Chimera. Usually appears as a female externally, with enlarged clitoris; both ovaries and testes. In the male, has testes, but internal and external genitalia appear like those of a female chromosomal anomaly.
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XX/XXY
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birth
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Skeletal Diseases:
Crooked Tails: Abnormal bend or crook in the tail.
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Undetermined
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Under 3 months
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Hemivertebra: Abnormal formation of the body of the vertebrae, which can cause posterior ataxia and paralysis. Causes twisted tail in the screw-tailed breeds.
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Recessive
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Under 1 year
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Hip Dysplasia: Abnormal formation of the hip socket; causes rear-limb lameness.
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Polygenic
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Under 2 years
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Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy: There is a variable presentation, from mild to severe lameness. There may be depression, fever, dehydration and anorexia.
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Undetermined
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Under 8 months
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Luxation of the Patella: Poor development of the structures holding the kneecap in place. The patella usually rotates medially (inward) in small breeds.
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Polygenic
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Under 1 year
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Missing Teeth: One or more teeth are absent in breeds with normal dentition.
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Undetermined
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Under 5 months
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Osteochrondritis Dissecans (OCD): Aseptic necrosis of bone under joint cartilage; causes lameness. Involves the Shoulder joint in GSPS
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Undetermined (Padgett)
Polygenic, plus nutritional factors (Wilcox)
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Under 1 year
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Overshot: Upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw.
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Recessive
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Under 1 year
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Panosteitis (Enostosis, Eosinophilic Panosteitis): Usually, sudden onset of a mild, shifting lameness. Fever, anorexia and lethargy may be present. The disease may be serioius enough that the animal may not bear weight on the affected limb. This disease is self-limiting.
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Undetermined
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Under 18 months
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Spina Bifida: Clinical signs may include rear-limb weakness, urinary and fecal incontinence and perineal analgesia. There may be missing skin, muscle and dorsal spinal processes generally in the lumbosacral area.
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Undetermined
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birth
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Undershot: Lower jaw extends beyond upper jaw.
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Polygenic
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Under 1 year
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OTHERS:
Deafness: born unable to hear in either one or both ears; often associated with white color, expecially white heads and ears (Wilcox)
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Autosomal recessive
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Birth
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Diabetes Insipidus (water diabetes): extreme polydipsia/polyuria (abnormal thirst and urination); origin form either kidneys or pituitary gland (Wilcox)
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Undetermined
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