Asa Mays, DVM; Director, AKC Canine Health Foundation and
American Kennel Club and Past President, Borzoi Club of America;
Panel:
Charles Garvin, MD; Director, AKC; Past President,
Dalmation Club of America;
Larry Sorenson; Director, Club Educational Services, AKC; Past President,
Dachshund Club of America; Susan LaCroix Hamil; Director, AKC Canine Health Foundation and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals;
Past President, American Bloodhound Club
Breeding dogs carries with it an enormous responsibility. Not just for the health of the sire and/or dam or for the litter, but a lifetime of
commitment for each resulting generation, dependent upon your good choices today.
Inherited diseases can be devastating. There is more at risk than simply the health of the animal. The
breeder’s reputation is also at stake, not to mention the financial and legal risks.
And let’s not forget about the years of planning a pedigree to improve the breed and attain that ever-distant
goal, the breed standard.
So what can you do?
Recognize the health issues that tend to affect your breed. Keep an eye
out for affected animals in the pedigree; perform all possible tests to determine that your animal is as healthy as possible. Of course, the first step to fixing the problem is admitting you have a problem in
the first place! There is no shame in admitting there is a health problem in
your breed, or even in your line! Though this may be the toughest step, it is
by far the most important, and the only way to begin to combat genetic disease.
The final step is to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Remove affected animals from the breeding pool, but take care not to throw the baby
out with the bathwater! Proven carriers can be carefully integrated into the
breeding program. And last, but not least, be sure to share your information
with others.
It is recommended to utilize testing, if available,
and support research projects to attempt to eradicate health issues from breeding programs.
It is the responsibility of the people involved in the breeds to actively pursue progress in these areas. The following RAD approach is taken into consideration when evaluating a grant for research in a
breed.
RAD: Recognize (by visual problem or test results)
Admit a problem exists (the toughest step,
but necessary)
Do something about
it (inform others; remove affecteds from gene pool;
carefully integrate carriers; utilize testing; pursue research projects)
The CHF has invested the following dollar amounts
in grants for studies:
$288,000 Gene
mapping
109,000 Cancer
56,000 Heart
46,000 Skin
43,000 Eye
This is just a partial listing; more information
on funded grants can be found on the AKC CHF website: http://www.akcchf.org/research/grants/disease.htm
It was suggested that parent clubs:
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Utilize research, education, and surveys.
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Encourage and promote filling out survey.
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Investigate and validate survey information.
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Encourage diagnostic testing and provide incentives
to participate.
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Collaborate with researchers.
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Begin and support a Donor Advised Fund.
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Transmit and disseminate information.
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Establish a body of knowledge (primer on problems
to owners).
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Develop an informational pamphlet for vets
to include in puppy packets.
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Provide guidance in appropriate management
of dogs affected by diseases.
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Provide breeding guidelines.
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Begin shared Pedigree programs. An open database
is required in which an accurate and updated data base is developed to share.
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Support research.
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Hold a “CHIC” class at specialty
(only dogs with a CHIC number may enter). This provides encouragement and recognition
for testing.
These strategies have proven very successful
in a number of breeds that have chosen to be proactive in improving health matters.
Several genetic tests are currently available to assist in making better breeding decisions, and more are in the process
of being developed. An example of a successful outcome in testing is with Dalmatian
deafness, which has now decreased from 12% to 8%.
AWS Partners’
recommended resources:
Canine Health Foundation
http://www.akcchf.org
