DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY - DM.
Degenerative Myelopathy is a debilitating disease that causes gradual paralysis in many dog breeds. It is caused by a degeneration of the spinal cord that onsets typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It presents first with the loss of coordination of the hind legs. It will typically worsen over six months to a year, resulting in paralysis of the hind legs. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually, weakness will develop in the front limbs. Testing for the genetic mutation that causes this disease is recommended for all borzoi who maybe used in breeding programmes. A dog may be Clear N/N (no copies of the gene), Carrier A/N (1 copy of the gene), or Affected A/A (2 copies of the gene). Thank you to owners who have submitted the DM test results for inclusion in the DM DATABASE.
***. ANIMAL GENETICS EU is recommended for Borzoi DM testing. https://animalgenetics.com
The BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
The BVA/KC Eye Scheme offers breeders the opportunity of screening for inherited eye disease by examination of the eye. Examination under the eye scheme is not restricted to the identification of inherited eye disease, but also includes general assessment of the health of the eye and adnexa (eyelids, tear ducts and other parts around the eye ball).
BVA EYE TESTING is available at most General Championship shows - information in schedules. Also the KC Journal every month has a section showing eye testing clinics throughout the UK organised by breed clubs and show societies.
BRITISH VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY SOCIETY HEART TESTING (KC RECOGNISED)
Borzoi have noted heart conditions, some congenital, some possibly genetic. There are ongoing studies in the USA and Europe. It is recommended to at the very least heart screen with a BVA Cardiologist and at many Championship shows auscultation is available for a nominal cost, in addition there are clinical days and breed club heart testing days around the UK where all breeds are accepted, this may also include Echo which is recommended for borzoi in addition to auscultation. Early detection of any cardiac abnormality can be further investigated, appropriate treatment given and with intervention further deterioration such as advanced DCM can be prevented and in some cases reverted to normal levels. The KC Journal lists monthly heart testing sessions around the UK organised by breed clubs and show societies many of which are open to all breeds.
THYROID TESTING
Borzoi as a sighthound have have total serum thyroxine (TT4) levels that are lower than those of other breeds of dog.
Therefore the standard Thyroid test done in house by your veterinarian or laboratory is not accurate for borzoi. A specialist laboratory will do a Sensitive total T4, total T3, TSH And TGAA panel. NationWide Specialist Laboratories are one such lab.
BORZOI RESCUE
Karen Arden tzigan2112@gmail.com. OR. Linda Thomas linda@shimani.org.uk
ADOPTION QUESTIONNAIRE