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Even though the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog does not suffer from any “breed specific” conditions, there are a number of health concerns we need to familiarize ourselves with. At Swissica, our goal is to produce Swissies that will live a long and health life. We screen all our dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, OCD and eye diseases prior to using them for breeding. These health certificates are readily available for you to see. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that our puppies will never develop a hereditary health problem. There are many recessive genes that we are unaware of until the right combination is made and a problem arises. While we cannot realistically guarantee that a puppy will never develop a genetic problem, we do guarantee what we will do should a genetic problem surface.
Life Threatening Conditions
Please take your time to familiarize yourself with the following health concerns. It is best to be educated and prepared before an emergency happens. Epilepsy, Bloat & Torsion and Splenic Torsion are life threatening conditions and require immediate treatment.
Epilepsy
Bloat & Torsion
Splenic Torsion
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the term used by experts to describe seizure activity that is repeated over weeks, months or even years. There are two basic types of epilepsy: primary (idiopathic) and secondary (acquired). The only difference between the two is that the underlying cause of idiopathic epilepsy is never determined.
Genetic epilepsy is an inherited predisposition toward epilepsy and is seen in bloodlines of many breeds. Unfortunately, no method to identify carriers exists to date. It is only after a dog and bitch produce offspring with epilepsy that we can assume they are carriers. Conscientious breeders will not continue to breed lines affected with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is one of the most important diseases to affect the Swissy. The prevalence of epilepsy is much higher in this breed then the general canine population. It is estimated that about 6% of GSMD have epilepsy. This number may not be completely accurate and may even be higher today. Animals with idiopathic epilepsy typically begin to have seizures between the ages of 1 and 5 years.
This is a truly devastating disease and the key to reducing the prevalence is education. We need to recognize this as a problem and actively breed to reduce the prevalence.
Links for more information on Epilepsy:
Bloat & Torsion
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Symptoms
Distended Abdomen
Unproductive Attempts to Vomit
Painful Abdomen
Excessive Salivation
Panting
Restlessness
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Bloat and torsion is also known at Gastric Dilatation Volvulvus (GDV). This is one of the greatest causes of death in the GSMD but it is also commonly seen in other deep chested breeds.
When an abnormal amount of air, food or fluid is ingested, the ideal conditions for bloat are set up. Dogs can get bloat without torsion but they are commonly seen together. The absolute cause has not been determined but may include exercise followed by a meal, stress, eating large amounts of food once a day, etc. The common symptoms have been listed above.
When bloat occurs, pressure is placed on the internal organs. Once filled, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, pinching off blood supply. At this point, the stomach and other organs begin to die and the dog quickly deteriorates. A delay in treatment at this point can result in death. Even with prompt treatment, an estimated 35% of dogs with GDV die. It is vital to understand the symptoms, prevention and need for prompt treatment to help reduce the risk of death. Additional information on this condition is available at the following links.
Links for more information on Bloat & Torsion:
Splenic Torsion
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Symptoms
Painful Abdomen
Weakness or Depression
Yellow or Pale Gums
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Blood in Urine
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Splenic torsion occurs when the blood vessels supplying the spleen twist. This most commonly occurs in associations with GDV and isolated cases are rare. Splenic torsion can be acute and life-threatening, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. In other cases, the torsion is presumable intermittent and signs may be noted weeks before diagnosis. The cause of isolated splenic torsion is uncertain.
The signs noted above can have acute onset or be chronic. With acute torsion, the dog may become shocky. Signs of shock include heavy, fast breathing, pale gums and weakness or collapse.
The prognosis is generally good following surgical correction however the condition can be life threatening if diagnosis is delayed.
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