Dobermann Health | Visgard Kennels

Dobermann Health Problems

The Dobermann can be prone to some significant health issues, including Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Von Willebrands Disease, and Thyroid Disorders. As ethical breeders, we aim to breed away from health problems, however DCM especially complex and no single line is 'free' from DCM at this time.

It is important to understand the health commitment you make to your future puppy when purchasing a Dobermann - yearly blood and organ function tests, and yearly holters/echos to ensure your Dobermann is healthy or to pick up on health problems early in the unfortunate case that they are not.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Explanation courtesy of My Dog Dna: DCM in Dobermanns – MyDogDNA (Link)

DCM is a severe condition in which the walls of the heart become thin and weak, leading to heart enlargement and eventual heart failure due to a decreased ability to pump blood. It is the second most common heart disease in dogs and prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the Dobermann breed is estimated at 58%. The condition typically presents in middle to older aged dogs, often past the time of breeding, which makes the ability to genetically screen for risk of this condition crucial for the health of future generations.

DCM is a complex disorder that is influenced by hereditary and non-hereditary factors, and signs of the disease vary between individuals. Affected dogs may show exercise intolerance, persistent coughing, weakness, weight loss, breathing difficulties, fainting, or swelling of the abdomen due to fluid build up (known as ascites). Although males and females have equal rates of DCM, male Dobermanns are more likely to show earlier clinical signs and congestive heart failure than females. Some may only experience heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) which can cause sudden death in up to 30% of Dobermanns without any other signs.

Though our understanding of DCM and treatment options continues to progress, dilated cardiomyopathy remains a serious disorder. Because it is an incurable and progressive condition, the focus of treatment is on managing disorder progression and optimising quality of life.

While there is no cure, dogs who develop DCM can receive therapy to control arrhythmias, improve the heart’s function and manage congestive heart failure. In addition, working with a veterinarian on appropriate diet and exercise plans can help improve quality of life. And, because stress can worsen clinical signs, keeping dogs as calm and stress-free as possible can be beneficial.

Explanation Courtesy of the Doberman Pinscher Club of Canada (DPCC): Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) | DPCC (Link)

DCM is an acquired disease that is characterized by a markedly enlarged and weakened heart muscle. In the Doberman it affects mainly the left ventricle and left atrium. It results in irregular, abnormal or premature heartbeats. These abnormalities may result in sudden death as the very first clue of a problem in your dog.

Males are more affected than females. Work at Guelph University suggests that about 60% of symptom free males and 40% of symptom free females will develop DCM.

Dobermans may manifest one of two common symptoms related to DCM. Respiratory distress, usually noted as a cough, wheeze, or labored breathing, is the most common symptom. The next common symptom is called sudden death. In sudden death owners usually observe that their dog was running in the yard then fell over and died. One third of all Dobermans destined to develop DCM will experience sudden death as the first symptom of their disease. A few dogs are noted to demonstrate a loss of stamina as the main sign of DCM.

Testing for Cardiomyopathy
Unfortunately, there is no definitive test for DCM. Responsible breeders will use either a holter monitor or ECG to test for irregular heart beats. These tests are usually done annually can be an excellent way for early detection of the disease. Sadly, a dog can test clear one day and be affected a week later. These tests help researchers learn more about cardio in the Doberman, and are an important part of finding a DNA marker for the disease. You can contact the University of Guelph for information on holtering your Doberman. An ECG can be performed by a board certified cardiologist.

Recent DCM News / Research

The VCGL laboratory released a test for the genetic mutation associated with the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman pinscher dogs in October 2010 based on research from Dr. Kate Meurs at Washington State University. Dilated Cardiomyopathy Mutation (DCM) is a form of heart disease in the Doberman Pinscher dog. It is inherited and Dr. Meurs and her team has identified a mutation responsible for the gene in some Doberman Pinscher. However, it should be noted that in human beings with the same disease, there are many different genetic mutations which can cause this disease. VCGL does not yet know if this is the only mutation in the Doberman Pinscher or if there will be many different mutations.

VCGL Laboratory ask the public to: “Please keep in mind that we are continually learning about this disease and recommendations will be altered as we obtain more information.” To this end, As of January 2011 VCGL laboratory has tested 1280 samples. Approximately 15% of all proven DCM cases DO NOT have the mutation. VCGL is eager to continue to work on these 15% of the cases and is collecting samples from affected dogs that are negative for the mutation in order for our research to progress.

Currently the lab’s interpretation of the test is:

Negative results: The absence of the mutation in this dog, DOES NOT mean that it will never develop the disease. It means that it does not have the only known mutation that can cause the disease in the dog at this time.

Positive Results:: Dogs that are positive for the test will not necessarily develop significant heart disease and die from the disease. Some dogs will develop a very mild form of the disease and will live quite comfortably, some may need treatment. Importantly, breeding decisions should be made carefully.

At this time we have do not yet know what percentage of Doberman Pinscher will be positive for the mutation. However, removal of a significant number of dogs from the breeding population could be very bad for the Doberman Pinscher breed. Remember that dogs that carry this mutation also carry other important good genes that we do not want to lose from the breed.

Positive Heterozygous: (1 copy of the mutated gene and 1 copy of a normal gene) Dogs that are positive heterozygous should be carefully evaluated for signs of disease (Holter monitor and an echocardiogram). If abnormalities are detected, possible treatment options should be discussed with your veterinarian. Adult dogs that do not show signs of disease and that have other positive attributes could be bred to mutation negative dogs. Puppies may be screened for the mutation and over a few generations, mutation negative puppies may be selected to replace the mutation positive parent and gradually decrease the number of mutation positive dogs in the population.

Positive Homozygous: (2 copies of the mutated gene). We recommend not breeding the homozygous dogs. Dogs that are homozygous for the mutation appear to have more significant disease and will certainly pass on the mutation

Von Willebrands Disease (VWD)

Written by Dr. Alice Crook and taken from the Canine Inherited Disorders Database with permission (DPCA) Von Willebrand's Disease - (Link)

What is von Willebrand’s disease?

Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is a common, usually mild, inherited bleeding disorder in people and in dogs. It is caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor (vWF), which plays an essential role in the blood clotting process.

Normally the body responds to an injury causing bleeding through a complex defense system. This consists of local changes in the damaged blood vessels, activation of blood cells called platelets, and the coagulation process. A reduction in von Willebrand factor leads to abnormal platelet function and prolonged bleeding times. Affected dogs are prone to bleeding episodes such as nose bleeds, and generally experience increased bleeding with trauma or a surgical procedure.

Three forms of the disease are distinguished based on vWF concentration and function. Dogs with Type I vWD (by far the most common) have mild to moderate bleeding abnormalities, depending on the level of vWF. The much rarer types II and III vWD cause severe bleeding disorders.

How is von Willebrand’s disease inherited?

The most common form (Type I vWD) is thought to be an autosomal trait with incomplete dominance. This means offspring may inherit the disorder if either parent carries the gene, but not all offspring will be affected to the same extent. Dogs with type I disease have reduced but measurable levels of Von Willebrand factor (1 to 60 per cent). Animals that inherit the gene for type I vWD from both parents (homozygotes) die before birth or shortly thereafter.

Type III vWD is relatively rare. This form is autosomal recessive. Animals are only affected if they inherit the abnormal gene from both parents, who are clinically unaffected carriers. Affected dogs have zero levels of vWF, while carrier parents have 15 to 60 per cent of normal levels.

Type II vWD is very rare. It is an autosomal recessive trait.

Bleeding abnormalities are severe in dogs with Types II and III von Willebrand’s disease.

What breeds are affected by von Willebrand’s disease?

Type I vWD: This is by far the most common form. The gene for the condition is widespread in the Doberman Pinscher population.

Type III vWD: rare, occurs in the Scottish terrier, Shetland sheepdog, and very sporadically, in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Type II: extremely rare, German Short-haired Pointer

What does von Willebrand’s disease mean to your dog & you?

Although many dogs are affected by vWD, only a small proportion have severe problems. Dogs with vWD are prone to nose bleeds, bleeding from the gums, and prolonged bleeding during heat or after whelping. There may be prolonged bleeding from the umbilical cord at birth or when your pup sheds its baby teeth. Excessive bleeding after surgery or trauma is common, and may be the first sign of this condition in your dog. You may see blood in your dog’s urine or stool.

Most dogs with vWD can lead normal lives, with occasional bleeding episodes that may go unnoticed or can be treated appropriately. Other illnesses, or physical or emotional stress may worsen bleeding episodes. In affected dogs, it is best to consult your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter medications. Drugs such as aspirin for example, alter the function of platelets, and should be avoided in dogs with bleeding disorders.

How is von Willebrand’s disease diagnosed?

Because the severity of bleeding with von Willebrand’s disease is quite variable, often the disease is not diagnosed until the dog is 3 to 5 years old. Your veterinarian may suspect vWD because of a history of abnormal bleeding in your dog, such as unexplained nosebleeds, or there may be heavy bleeding during surgery. Stillbirths or pups that die shortly after birth (“fading puppies”) may be a result of both parents being carriers of the gene for von Willebrand’s disease.

There are specialized tests available to make the diagnosis of von Willebrand’s disease. One is a genetic test and the other measures blood levels of von Willebrand factor.

Specific diagnosis of vWD requires either genetic testing in those breeds in which it is available, or vWF measurement.

How is von Willebrand’s disease treated?

This condition cannot be cured but it can be managed. Your veterinarian will discuss this with you when the diagnosis is made.

You will likely be able to control mild bleeding yourself by applying prolonged pressure. In other circumstances, veterinary care such as cautery or sutures may be required. Severe bleeding episodes are treated by administering a source of von Willebrand factor through a transfusion. If your dog requires surgery, your veterinarian may recommend a transfusion pre-operatively as a precaution, depending on the severity of the bleeding disorder, and the type of surgery.

Thyroid supplements may help to control bleeding, if your veterinarian determines that your dog is hypothyroid.

Thyroid Disorders

Written by DPCA - Hypothyroidism - (Link)

In Dobermans, hypothyroidism is usually always an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. The mode of transmission and heritability is unknown.

Diagnosis is by a blood test administered by a veterinarian. Michigan State University Veterinary School’s thyroid panel is generally regarded as the industry’s standard. Medication is given by prescription, and the amount is regulated by additional blood work. Usually T4 is given, and in some dogs T3 is also needed.

Some Dobermans who register in low- normal range will benefit from thyroid supplementation. Hypothyroidism is one of the more easily treated disorders.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

droopy eyes
“tragic” expression
muscle wasting (of head and/or body)
lethargy
fatigue
hyperactivity
weight gain (or loss)
thinning of hair along back – razor back hog look
reproductive seasons disrupted
bitches fail to impregnate, and/or carry to term
aggression
temperament changes
frequent link to to adrenal insufficiency
allergies
hives
dry skin
vomiting
intolerance to cold or heat
frequent infections