** GIPFEL - German Shepherd Dogs **

General Information

ABOVE IS MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

The daughter - A/CH: Gipfel Ice Velvet[A][Z] The mother - A/CH: Gipfel Golden Destiny[A][Z]

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INFORMATION ON SOME DISEASES THAT MAY AFFECT OUR CANINE FRIENDS - NOT SPECIFIC TO G.S.D.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS FROM MY OWN RESEARCH AND YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN.

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What is Degenerative Myelopathy?Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease
of older dogs resulting in weakness and paralysis.
Degeneration of the spinal cord in the middle of the back
interferes with the communication between the brain and hind limbs.

The breeds most commonly affected include German Shepherds, Welsh Corgis, Irish Setters, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. The disease has an insidious onset typically around 9 -11 years of age. It begins with ataxia ~ a loss of coordination in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag their feet, and may cross the feet. As the disease progresses, the limbs become weak and the dog begins to buckle at the knees and have difficulty standing. The weakness gets progressively worse until the dog is unable to walk. They may ultimately lose continence and function in the front limbs.
What causes DM? The exact cause of DM is unknown. Genetics probably plays an important role in the disease since it is common only in certain breeds of dogs and follows a set pattern. Various infectious, immune mediated, and nutritional theories have been investigated, but no definitive cause has been found.We do know that the disease begins with the spinal cord in the thoracic [chest] area. If we look under the microscope at that area of the spinal cord from a dog who has DM, we see degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. The white matter contains the fibres that transmit movement commands from the brain to the limbs and sensory information from the limbs to the brain. This degeneration consists of both stripping away the insulation of these fibres [demyelination] and loss of the fibres themselves [axonal loss.]
How is DM diagnosed?
DM is a diagnosis of elimination. That is, other causes are looked for, that cause the weakness, and when we have ruled them out, we end up with a provisional diagnosis of DM. The only way to confirm that suspicion, however, is to examine the spinal cord under the microscope when a post-mortem exam is performed. There are characteristic degenerative changes in the spinal cord, which tell us this is DM and not some other spinal cord disease.

What else can cause similar symptoms?
Any disease that affects the dog's spinal cord can cause similar signs, of loss of coordination and weakness. Since many of these diseases can be treated effectively, it is important to pursue the tests necessary to be sure that the dog doesn't have one of these diseases. The most common cause of hind limb weakness is herniated intervertebral disks [slipped disks].The disks are shock-absorbers between the bones of the back. When they herniate, they can cause pressure on the spinal cord and weakness or paralysis. All of the short-legged dogs (Welsh Corgi, Dachshund, Basset Hound, etc.) are prone to slipped disks. A slipped disk can usually be detected with special X-rays of the spine [myelogram], but sometimes more advanced studies such as a CT or MRI scan are necessary. Even dogs with severely slipped disks can often be helped with surgery if diagnosed early.Infections of the spinal cord can also cause weakness or paralysis. A spinal “tap”, usually taken at the time the myelogram is performed, can help detect inflammation of the spinal cord. Other diseases we consider include tumours, cysts, injuries and strokes. The combination of myelogram, spinal “tap”, and possibly CT or MRI allow us to diagnose most of these diseases.

How is DM treated?
There are no treatments that have been clearly shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease. There are a number of approaches that have been tried, and we continue to look for new treatments. However, the outlook for a dog with DM is still grave. Things that can improve the quality of life for the dog include good nursing care, physical therapy, pressure sore prevention, aggressive treatment of urinary infections, and sometimes carts or harnesses to improve mobility. "Hip dysplasia"

Simply stated means an "abnormal formation" of the hip joint.

Think of the condition first as a looseness in a joint that should be snug -

then most of the problems attendant to hip dysplasia are a result of this "looseness".

The normal anatomy of the hip joint is a classic Ball and Socket joint. The head of the femur (the "Ball") is supposed to match the acetabulum (the "Socket"). A good hip joint has a neat, snug fit between the ball and socket - that is, the head of the femur should not be slipping and slopping around somewhere in the neighbourhood of the acetabulum!

There are infinite variations of dysplasia - ranging from only very slight changes from normal to complete dislocation. Consequently, no two dogs will be affected by CHD exactly alike.

HOW IS THIS ACQUIRED?

This is one disorder that has been proven, positively, to have a genetic basis. How much of a genetic origin in each case can vary from 25% to 85%.

A condition that is completely determined by genetics, for example gender, has a Heritibility Factor of 1.

A condition totally unaffected by genetics, for example a broken leg, has a Heritibility Factor of 0.

Studies have shown that CHD's Heritibility factor ranges from .25 to .85; this is a significant genetic contribution. So the Heritibility Factor for a given dog is the result of a combination of the Heritibility Factors from each parent.

Simply ~ if the parents are carrying genetic material for hip dysplasia - so will the offspring. And the greater the genetic contribution for loose hips or malformed bone or abnormal muscle mass (Heritibility Factor) from the parents, the greater the chances for hip dysplasia in the offspring.

The expression of hip dysplasia in any dog has other determinants, though; genetics play only a varying role in the total picture. The effect of the developing dog's environment does play a role in the clinical (observable) signs of dysplasia, although just like the genetic component the effects of environment are variable and not completely understood.

To illustrate the complexity of the environmental issue.

It is possible for a dog with known genetic components for hip dysplasia (called genotype) to not show any clinical signs of trouble if the environmental factors are favourable. So the dog can be dysplastic and not show observable signs of it until middle or old age.

It is always an important issue with breeders who assume that their dog is normal, just because it hasn't shown any signs of hip trouble.

Why take pelvic x-rays for dysplasia when the dog has always acted perfectly fit, they reason.

There is no excuse for NOT taking pre-breeding x-rays.

Two dogs that have the same genotype (genetic makeup) are exposed to different environmental conditions, their expression of hip trouble can be quite dissimilar.

Little wonder that the topic has such a wide range of information and misinformation regarding it.

Some of the environmental aspects that can affect the observable expression of hip dysplasia are the following:

1. Nutrition - There are reports that in puppies a restricted calorie intake could restricted the growth rate, and in turn will lessen the potential for the dog to develop hip dysplasia. (I wouldn't suggest doing this to any pup... it makes as much sense as stealing money from your own checking account!) The problem is that some restricted diets restrict the fat and protein content and increase the carbohydrate content of the food. Bad! The real goal should be to keep growing pups from becoming OVERWEIGHT. Restricting fat and protein in a growing pup can be a disaster. A high quality, meat-based diet is absolutely necessary for growing pups, just don't feed so much of it that the pup becomes overweight.

2. Physical Activity - In a young, growing dog with a genotype (genetic makeup) for CHD who will eventually develop some trouble because of it, will develop more arthritis and have more eventual difficulty if it is highly active physically. Climbing stairs, jumping into and out of pick-up trucks, running with other normal dogs can all subject the growing hip structures to unwarranted stress and trauma and increase future discomfort for the dog. The effects of this excessive activity is worsened in an overweight pup. (In a normal, growing dog, all these activities will not cause hip dysplasia!)

3. Bedding - There is no scientific proof, but lots of observational conclusions, that pups reared especially during the nursing period on slippery surfaces such as newspapers will be prone to hip difficulties. That is not to say that smooth concrete, wood or newspaper surfaces cause dysplasia, just that they can make a bad situation worse. Better surfaces for newborn pups would be blankets or towels... something they can get a better grip on.

MUSCLE AND CHD:

Research has shown that dogs with CHD have significantly decreased sizes of total pelvic musculature surrounding and acting on the hip joint.

Whether this is a contributing factor or a result of hip dysplasia remains to be proven.
One muscle that can contribute to worsening of hip dysplasia is the Pectineus Muscle. In dogs with a strong genetic background for CHD, the microscopic makeup and contractibility of the Pectineus Muscle are strikingly different from the same muscle of normal dogs. The theory is that a tight or inelastic Pectineus Muscle causes tension in such a direction that the force tends to pull the head of the femur away from the acetabulum. So the tight muscle creates more looseness in the joint. I have had good results in about 50% of the cases I have surgically excised a portion of the Pectineus Muscle. The patients were more comfortable and mobile almost immediately. This Pectineal Myotomy surgery has no effect on the arthritic changes in the hip joints; it can make the dog more comfortable.

LIGAMENT OF THE HEAD OF THE FEMUR:

Attaching to the head of the femur from the centre of the hip socket is a tough fibrous ligament called the Ligament of the Head of the Femur. If this ligament is stretched or torn, the hip joint will be less stable . . . and this is exactly what happens to dogs with dysplasia. In fact, some of the first changes to take place in young dogs developing hip dysplasia occur in this ligament especially if the muscle mass of the pelvis is underdeveloped. The ligament swells, develops tiny tears and stretches. In advanced CHD this ligament can totally break down and cause more harm than good.

JOINT CAPSULE:

This tissue, which if you could hold it, would feel like the wall of a thick balloon It surrounds the joint and produces synovial fluid to nourish and lubricate the joint cartilage. In addition, the joint capsule provides some support to the joint.

In dysplastic joints the capsule becomes irritated, stretched, and scarred. In advanced cases the capsule will lose its elasticity and inhibit a full range of motion in the joint. A large percentage of the pain associated with hip dysplasia originates from inflamed nerve endings in the joint capsule so any pathology here will have a noticeable affect on the dog.

CARTILAGE:

The surfaces of the head of the femur and the acetabulum are covered with what is termed hyaline cartilage. In a dysplastic joint the points of pressure and the amount of pressure applied to areas of cartilage surfaces are abnormal. The cartilage is being asked to do things it physically cannot accomplish, so it changes or disintegrates as a response. The changes range from thickening in abnormal areas to thinning in others. Sometimes the pounding it gets erodes the cartilage down to the underlying bone! The outcome is more pain and discomfort, more inflammation, more calcium deposits from inadequate healing attempts and eventual breakdown of the joint as a unit.

Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine may be effective in aiding the repair and maintenance of this articular cartilage.

BONE CHANGES:

Since bone is alive it responds to stress and grows in a manner that tends to distribute weight loads evenly. As a result of posture changes brought on by discomfort, the dog's weight bearing forces stress the bone in unnatural ways. The bone does what it is supposed to do as a response and changes its shape. The bone doesn't know doesn't know that the shape it changes to is abnormal.

Ultimately, this abnormal shape to the thigh bone and acetabulum create more difficulty with stability and a vicious cycle ensues that spells trouble for the dog.

The final outcome of bony remodelling in unstable hip joints is Degenerative Joint Disease.

SIGNS OF CHD IN YOUNG DOGS:

What you will see first is a pup that runs with both back legs nearly together, almost like a rabbit would run. After exercise the pup will be reluctant to rise, will sit back as if unsteady and will have difficulty climbing stairs or inclines. The pup might look slightly underdeveloped in the rear quarters.   When it stands the rear legs may not be parallel, but rather too near each other at the hocks (ankles) called "cow hocked".

You might notice a boniness to the pelvic area from lack of good muscle development.   Another hint of trouble is an inability to extend the leg backward very far (decreased range of motion). Note: Many pups rest or sleep in a frog-like position with knees extended out to either side - this is a good sign and shouldn't alarm you.

In severe cases of dysplasia, the young dog will rock forward to support more weight on the front legs (which can create trouble in the shoulders and elbows). When dogs do this it seems as if they are tip-toeing or walking very lightly on their rear legs.   A dysplastic pup will be reluctant to jump or "stand up" on its hind legs. Signs usually being between five and eights months of age. But remember, as we learned above, some dogs do not show any signs at all of hip joint degeneration until mature adults

What Causes Dogs To Limp?

Hind limb lameness is a real pain and not something that should be ignored.

1: Immediate lameness

Immediate lameness is usually due to some form of traumatic injury. This can range from simple and usually obvious causes such as a cut, wound or foreign body (e.g. a splinter) occurring in the pad or pads of the foot or to more devious conditions such as ruptured ligaments, fractures or joint diseases or infections.

If a dog is licking its paws excessively and is lame, this could suggest a cut or foreign body affecting the pads or skin of the foot, but it can also suggest an infection called Interdigital Dermatitis that often occurs between the pads on a dog's paws. This dermatitis is, itself, sometimes caused by an injury or allergy that the dog has being licking excessively. The more it licks, the more it itches so the more it licks. This 'lick/itch' cycle establishes quickly and veterinary treatment is often necessary to resolve the problem though sometimes, bathing the wound in salt water and applying a soothing cream may help.

One common cause of immediate limping occurs when a dog ruptures its Cruciate Ligament in the knee joint. This is often seen in active, energetic dogs. The typical history is that the dog was racing around the garden playing with the owner, often chasing balls, when it suddenly slipped and was then lame.

The Cruciate ligaments cross through the middle of the knee joint and stabilise the joint. When ruptured, the tibia (the shank or shin bone) and the femur (the thigh bone) which meet at the knee joint, slip and slide over each other in a most unhappy fashion. The joint loses its strength and stability and the dog experiences pain and discomfort. The best cure for this condition is surgery to repair or replace the ligament.

Fractures are a common cause of lameness and usually follow some significant accident like being struck by a car. When fractures cause lameness, they can be almost anywhere in the leg or hip. They can range from mild (but painful) green stick fractures where the bone is only cracked to major compound fractures where the bone is shattered into pieces, sometimes with fragments of bone poking out through the skin.

Some owners report an unusual form of lameness in their dogs. Characteristically, they will say their dog was suddenly very lame in one back leg, dragging the leg behind them with the leg stiff and straight. They will then say with wonder that suddenly the dog became normal again. Often they ask if the dog had a fit.

While fitting does sometimes causes this problem, dislocating kneecaps (luxating patella’s) are a much more common reason. This can occur in any breed, but seems to be most common in small breeds such as Chihuahuas and Poodles. It is caused by the sideways movement of the kneecap. When the kneecap moves out of position, it acts like a wedge and tightens the ligaments around the knee so that the animal cannot bend its leg. Suddenly the kneecap slides back into position and the dog can walk normally again.

Another condition of small dogs, especially young ones, that will cause lameness is a condition known as Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease or Femoral Head Necrosis. This is often a condition these small dogs inherit from their parents. Due to a failure of the blood supply to the neck of the femur (the 'ball' part of the hip) the neck decays and a fracture occurs. Severe lameness then results.

Occasionally, lameness in the hind limbs has nothing to do with the legs at all. It is often caused by decay of the discs in the spine and the protrusion of those discs into the spinal cord (a slipped disc). This often occurs around the neck or in the spine in the middle of the back. By pressing on the spinal cord, the disc affects the transmission of signals down the nerves and if the nerve affected goes to the legs, lameness can occur.

When chatting about lameness, we should not forget ticks and their associated problems.

In a 'text book’ tick paralysis case, the dogs initially develop a weakness in the hind limbs that can look like lameness. Usually this quickly progresses to the stage that the dog cannot bear weight on its hind limbs and is unable to walk. At the same time, paralysis of the front legs is usually developing, as well as a moist cough that sounds as if the dog is trying to vomit or choke.

2: Gradual lameness

When lameness occurs gradually, it is usually due to some progressive condition. The commonest condition by far that causes lameness in the hindquarters is arthritis in all its forms.

Arthritis is often an 'old age' condition and is caused by a number of changes in the structure and function of the bones, joints and ligaments. It can occur in almost any joint but is common in the hips, along the spine, and in the knee joints. A very common cause of arthritis is the condition Hip Dysplasia where there is a deformity of the ball and socket joint of the hip. Instead of the joint being a silky smooth "ball and socket", it is more like a "square peg in a round hole" that grinds and grinds away as the dog walks.

Arthritis can cause its effect through the formation of bony bridges and spikes in and around joints or the bony protrusions can push against nerves along the spine. Typically, a dog with arthritis will have trouble rising after lying down for a while and when first walking will be very stiff, slow and sore. Usually, they get better as they 'warm up' and the joint fluid starts to mobilise.

There are many new anti-arthritic medications on the market that give arthritic dogs a zest for life again.

One of the more serious conditions causing a gradual onset of lameness is tumour development. Tumours in the central nervous system and in the bones often cause lameness. The nastiest are bone tumours or osteosarcomas for which chemotherapy and usually amputation of the effected limb is needed.

Lameness and limping can certainly be serious problems for dogs and cats. If your animal is showing any of the signs above, see your veterinarian as soon as you can to prevent your pet experiencing unnecessary pain.

Contact Details
Anthony[Tony] Scarcella
P.O. Box 11. MILAWA. 3678, VIC, Australia
Phone : 0418540466
Email : gipfel1952@bigpond.com

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