Survey Results December 1999

Spinone Breed Health Committee The Spinone Club of America We would like to thank all who have participated in the breed health survey.  Your support of this project is one of the most important things you can do for our breed.  As the Parent Club for our breed’s entry into the AKC the collection of these data will become invaluable in monitoring the health of our breed into the new millennium.

Thank you all for taking the time to complete the health surveys.
The Breed Health Committee consists of
Kathy Kerr, MD (Chairperson), Lena Amirian, RN and John C. Kerr

A few words about the Breed Health Survey

The Spinone Club of America Breed Health Survey has been developed into its current format over the past 2 ½ years in response to the need for collecting, maintaining and evaluating information on the health of our breed. It has been designed to help identify potential hereditary problems in the breed, to access disease propensity in the breed and to educate breeders and owners in understanding screening and treatment modalities for identified or potential health problems in our breed.  The form has been designed to be scanned using computer optical hardware and software technology to help in the tabulation of data.  All information collected through this form by the Breed Health Committee is considered confidential.  Statistics based on the reported information will be provided annually in the Spinone Newsletter and will also be posted on the Spinone Club of America Web site at http://www.spinone.com.   No information will be reported on an individually identified dog, owner, breeder, or regional basis.  Information collected will be analyzed by age, sex, spay/neuter status, litter size, and health issue. 

 The Breed health committee urges you to complete a form for each spinone you own annually, or at any time there is a change in the health status of your dog.  Forms will be included with the Spinone Newsletter and additional forms can be acquired by requesting directly from the Spinone Club of America or by downloading and printing forms from the Spinone Club of America Web site.  You can also complete an internet version of the form on-line, which can be found in the health section of the Spinone Club of America’s Web site at:

http://www.spinone.com/frhealth.htm.

 You play the preeminent role in insuring the successfulness of this endeavor.   Your thorough, conscientious and accurate completion of the survey will represent an historic achievement for the betterment and health of our breed.

John C. Kerr

Summary

In general, the overall health of our breed fairs quite well relatively speaking, although we face continued problems with regard to hip dysplasia and the potential devastating effects of Cerebellar Ataxia.  The survey results in this report reflect your continued support of this project and we thank you for that.  As was the case previously, the Breed health committee continues to request that you continue to pay particular attention to the following health areas:

Hip and elbow dysplasia.  It is imperative that all dogs be evaluated for dysplasia.  Because of the polygenic nature of this disorder it is not enough to evaluate only the breeding animals; data not only on the sire and dam family history, but that of siblings will help in determining the best animals for use in breeding programs.  Of the current population of approximately 1600 spinoni in the United States, less than 300 have been evaluated for hip dysplasia, that represents less than 19% of the animals having been evaluated.  With regard to evaluation of elbows, the figures are much lower, only 17 animals have been registered as being evaluated.

Allergies.  An increase in the reports of allergies have been observed in the more recent surveys.  Whether this is a result of more thorough reporting or a true increase in the incident of this ailment can only be determined by your continued reporting efforts.

CERF.  We had previously requested that all breeding animals eyes be CERF certified.  We have not observed an increased effort in this behalf.  We therefore, reiterate and request a renewed effort in achieving this recommendation.

Finally, a few words about Cerebellar Ataxia in the Spinone.  We a awaiting information regarding the status of the development of a DNA marker for the identification of carriers of this devastating disease from Great Britain.  We expect to have information by the time of our national meeting at the end of April.  I would, however, like to reiterate the recommendations of the Breed health Committee with regard to the breeding of potential carriers of this gene. 

1) All proven carriers are to be withdrawn from breeding programs.

2) Since litters of affected puppies have an unacceptably high risk of being carriers, it is strongly recommended that they should not be bred, unless they have been proven clear, by a geneticist, on the basis of retrospective analysis of their past breeding records.

3) Since brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters, of proven carriers also have an unacceptably high risk of being carriers, it is recommended that they should not be bred unless they have been proven clear, by a geneticist, on the basis of retrospective analysis of their past breeding records (this requires details of purchasers of puppies.)

4) Recommendations for Bitches:
In later generations i.e. 2nd generation onwards, the following procedure is recommended, for bitches.

a) Breeders should note the levels of risk that still exist and avoid going back into affected lines, using selective out-crossing, if desired or proven clear lines.

Recommendations for Dogs:

b) For dogs, since a stud dog can inflict major damage upon the breed, should he be a carrier, and since the risk of him being detected as a carriers will be small with a policy of out-crossing, it is recommended that no dog who has a proven carrier within 2 generations should be used at stud unless he has been proven clear of CA, by a geneticist, on the basis of retrospective analysis of his past breeding records.

5) All owners of stud dogs, prior to accepting a bitch for mating, should

a) ask to inspect her pedigree to see that CA lines are not involved and

b) where CA lines are involved, satisfy themselves that the owner is complying with the above recommendations.

6) All new cases of CA are to be reported to the Health Sub-Committee with pedigrees and case histories.

The Survey DATA

General History:

A total of 206 initial surveys have been returned to the Breed Health Committee as of 12/31/99.  An additional 38 “Follow-Up” surveys have been returned.  Relative to the estimated total population of Spinoni in the United States of about 1600 this represents a return rate of approximately 13%.  Although this appears to be a little above the national return rate for canine health surveys (est. 7-9%) we can and must do better.  It is imperative for the health of our breed.

The total initial surveys were about ½ male (n=101) and ½ were female (n=104) with 1 survey unidentifiable as to sex.  The average age of dogs included in these surveys was 35.7 months ranging from 4.7months to 13.2 years of age.  The weights of animals ranged from 40lbs to 125lbs with the average weight of males; 80 lbs (n=75, mean age=44.3months) and females; 66 lbs (n=78, mean age=45.5 months).  Out of these initial surveys, 157 responded to the spay/neuter status of their dogs:  42 of 79 females and 34 of 78 males have been spayed/neutered.

The overall health of respondents was quite good. In response to the overall health, (Initial:n=168,/Follow-up:n=27) the results were(initial/Follow-up): Overall health excellent: 120/17; Good: 41/8; Fair5/2; Poor: 2/0.

A majority of respondent’s dogs are receiving some form of heart worm medication regularly, in addition to some type of flea/tick preventative (HeartGuard: 72, Sentinal: 6, Frontline: 47, Invermectine: 24, Advantage: 32, Interceptor: 33, Preventic: 6 and Program: 5)

Not surprisingly, nearly all respondents indicated compliance with routine vaccination for Rabies (161), DHLPP (109), Bordatella (70), Lyme (52); or Corona (25), Distemper (54), Lepto (41), Hepatitis (6), Parvo (60) and Parainfluenza (12).

Diet:

The vast majority of respondents are feeding their dogs prepared premium brand dry foods.  The break down by brand is as follows: Proplan:10, HiPro:1, Iams:10, Nutro:14, Neura:1, Science Diet:8, Eucanuba: 5, Purina Dog Chow:12.  Lamb and Rice is being fed to 24 respondents dogs and 10 receive Chicken and Rice.  Mention has been made by a few that diets may occasionally include fresh or frozen vegetables.  Few respondents have indicated special diets or supplements, only 4 reported supplementing a multivitamin, 7 give daily Vitamin C and 3 –Vitamin E.  Additional supplements included Skin Supplements (4), Glucosomine (5), Cottage Cheese (5), Yogurt (2) and Brewer’s Yeast (1).  Three (3) respondents indicate special, prescription diets related to allergies.

Skin:

Skin ailments including “hot spots” and dermatitis were reported in 25 instances in the initial surveys and 7 follow-up surveys.  Of these, 13 reported flea and 3 food related allergies.  Although 13 cases were reported as being mild, 8 report medium and 2 indicate severe conditions.  Two reports of medications for the condition included prednisone.  Three sebaceous cysts were reported that were tumor suspects.

Neurologic:

Seven (7) cases of seizures of varying degree and recurrence have been reported.  This includes 3 cases of idiopathic epilepsy, one of which was euthanized 2 months after onset.  The remaining 4 cases are non-recurring, being controlled or have remained undiagnosed. No know cases of Cerebellar Ataxia (CA) have been reported.  No known carriers of CA and two (2) CA carrier suspects were reported.

MusculoSkeletal:

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals indicate the spinone ranks 32nd out of 115 breeds for the risk of hip dysplasia.  These data were tabulated from 243 spinoni evaluated from January of 1974 through December 1998 in which 15.6% of the evaluated spinoni population were given a rating of excellent, whereas, 18.5 % received a dysplastic rating.  As of September 1999, 27 dogs have been evaluated using the PennHIP methodology.  The minimum Distraction Index (DI) was 0.23 and the Maximum DI was 0.81 with an mean DI of 0.54 and a median DI of 0.55.

From our surveys, 6 animals have had hip surgery, 4 which were related to hip/bone disease and 2 as a result of accidental hip injuries.  An additional 4 animals were reported as having moderate to severe hip dysplasia with no surgical intervention.  Recurring lameness and/or Panosteitis was reported in 3 dogs.  There was one reported case of possible elbow/shoulder dysplasia and 1 report of forequarter limping.

Eyes and Vision:

A total of 36 dogs were reported as having drooping eyelids, 7 of which were considered severe and may be classified as Ectropion (eversion of the eye-lid).  Eye infections were reported in 4 of these dogs and one case of “Cherry Eye” (an enlargement and protrusion of the tear gland) was noted.  Cataracts and glaucoma were reported in one 10 year old dog.  Only three surveys reported dogs having CERF evaluations.

Ears:

Recurring ear infections were reported in 12 of the 32 dogs with ear infections which ranged from mild (18) to severe (3) conditions.  Two (2) dogs had recurring and severe infections to the degree that surgical resection of the ear canal was required, bi-laterally in one dog and unilateral in the other.  Heavy wax and hair build up was reported by 8 respondents , 6 respondents implicated yeast and two (2) food allergies as the possible etiology of the infections.

Teeth / Dentition:

Few problems with teeth were reported.  Only 2 dogs having been reported as missing teeth (3 in one dog and 1 missing in the other).  Concern was express in a small number of young dog owners regarding the development of the lower jaw and the spatial positioning of the lower canines during growth.  In most instances, the lower jaw does appear to “catch up” and teeth and jaw become normally aligned.  It had been suggested that in one (1) animal an appliance be used to spread the lower canines.  Overshot bites were reported by 4, undershot by 3 and butt-bites by 3 respondents.

Endocrine:

Thyroid disease was reported in 3 dogs. (2 - hypothyroidism and 1- hyperthyroid).  Addison’s disease (adrenal gland disease) was reported in 1 dog which has subsequently been euthanized.

Digestive:

Recurrent vomiting and/or diarrhea was reported in 16 spinoni; of these 10 have indicated occurrences related to food (allergies or type of food), 2 due to inflammatory bowel disease, and the parasite Giardia was reported in 4 dogs.  The surgical repair of one (1) umbilical hernia was reported.  A porto-caval shunt was reported in one puppy which was an untreatable, congenital defect that resulted in euthanasia.

Four (4) cases of bloat requiring surgery have been reported. Another report of pyloric bowel obstruction from rawhide chew-toy ingestion required surgery to save the animal.  There was one report of recurring choking and gagging of possible neurologic origin.

Urinary:

Urinary tract infections in female dogs were reported by 7 respondents.  Incontinence in 3 females was reported to respond to hormonal estrogen therapy.  One reported case of kidney stones (controlled by diet) and one kidney infection were both in female dogs.  Only one un-neutered male dog was reported having seasonal penile sheath infections. 

Tumors:

Fifteen (15) dogs were reported as having benign tumors.  Of 8 dogs with reported Lipomas, 3 dogs had more than one tumor.  Breast tumors were reported in 3 dogs, of which one was identified as a cystic duct hyperplasia.  Benign growths were removed from the eyelid and lip of 2 dogs, respectively. 

Malignancies were reported in 3 dogs, one (1) high grade large cell lymphoma, one (1) Mast cell  tumor and one (1) recto-anal adenocarcinoma.

Reproduction:

A total of 35 respondents have females that were bred.  Twenty-nine (29) litters of puppies were reported with an average litter size of 8.8 puppies (range 4 to 11 puppies) and an average survival of 8.1 puppies.  Of the non-surviving puppies, anesthetic deaths accounted for 19 out of 23 puppies in 3 litters following births requiring C-sections and accidental environmental exposure accounted for 4 deaths in another litter of 7 puppies. In one litter of 7 puppies, two (2) puppies did not survive due to an over-anxious female stepping on them.  One pup was lost due to a hernia. 

No reports of artificial insemination were received.  Five (6) responders reported false pregnancies.  Other reproductive problems reported included 4 cases of mastitis and 1 report of spaying after whelping due to pyrometria.  There was one (1) case of cystic ovary.  In the case of one male, testicles were late to descend, but both did descend between 4-6 months of age.

Temperament and Habits

Stool eating (coprophagia) was reported by 44 responders.  Other annoyances reported were Digging (4), Chewing (7) and Barking (9).  Overall temperament ratings for friendliness were: Family (172), Friends (167), Strangers (134) and Other Dogs (149).  General temperament evaluations to the “My dog is usually” questions were as follows (we requested that only one answer be selected from each of the two groups of possibilities):

A)    My dog is usually - Calm (146), Anxious (2), Fearful (1), Aggressive (2)

B)     My dog is usually – Outgoing (26), Cautious (1), Shy (2), Fearful (0) and Aggressive (0).

Activities – Field, Hunting, Obedience and Show Ring.

Not all of our dogs are couch potatoes! 94 dogs are actively pursuing activities in hunting, field and/or tracking, while 76 dogs are receiving some sort of obedience training.  Fifteen (15) report activities in the conformation ring.  Eleven dogs are active Therapy dogs and five (5) are actively pursuing agility.  Twenty-three (23) have responded that they are actively training for NAVHDA tests and 16 are pursuing competitive Obedience training. 

With regard to the conformation of  the dogs, 3 - report sparse coats, 11 - soft/wooly coats and 7 - long coats.  Swayback was reported in 3 dogs, cow hocked - 3 dogs and loose lids- 15 dogs.

Below is a table of field desire ratings.  Approximately 135 participants responded to some portion of the ratings.  Along the top are the desire ratings range from 0 for no desire to the maximum desire rating of  5.  Along the left side of the table are the types of desire being rated.  Entries within the table represent the number that individuals scored their dog for that level of  desire.

Respectfully Submitted,

John C. Kerr
January, 2000

Reprinted from The Spinone Newsletter Vol. 11, No. 1, February 2000