Tests available
DNA TESTS
DNA analysis or Genetic tests is non-invasive testing and can be done by buccal swabbing, blood tests or hair pulls. The most common method is buccal swab. There are many DNA tests available, but the following tests are considered most relevant to British Bulldogs. Buccal swabs are collected by a Veterinarian or authorised collector and can be mailed to Orivet in Australia or sent to InfogeneNZ (Massey University, New Zealand). Cystinuria Associated Marker Type 3 is only available at this point in time through PennGen, USA but is also a buccal swab collection submitted by mail.
Hyperuricosuria
Dogs with variations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene(variant) are predisposed to have elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, hence the name hyperuricosuria. Uric acid can form crystals and/or stones (uroliths) in the urinary tract. Dogs with hyperuricosuria most commonly present with symptoms of recurrent urinary tract inflammation, which include frequent urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. They may also have loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, vomiting and pain. Urinary stones in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections or more seriously, blockage of the Urethra. Both male and female dogs can be affected, but obstruction of urine flow is more common in males due to differences in anatomy.
SEVERITY
Low-Moderate. This disease can cause some discomfort and/or dysfunction in the affected animal. It does not generally affect life expectancy.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is most commonly seen in the German Shepherd Dog, although other breeds are also predisposed, including the boxer, Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Siberian husky and the Rhodesian ridgeback. This disease is normally seen around middle age, and in general diagnosis can only be confirmed at post mortem examination. Breed surveys of some predisposed breeds indicate a fairly low occurrence rate, but most experts think this rate is actually much higher, due to the lack of post mortem follow up of the majority of suspected cases. Signs are due to the immune-mediated destruction of a part of the nerves in the spinal cord, leading to loss of these nerve fibres. The first sign is knuckling of the hind feet, and hind limb ataxia. Once the spinal cord damage progresses past this initial stage (termed proprioceptive deficits), the effectiveness (if any) of treatment is much diminished. Hence early diagnosis is vital. Following this initial stage, hind limb reflexes are affected, then weakness in the hind limbs develops, progressing to total paralysis. Once a dog shows these signs it will almost always respond poorly to therapy. Eventually destruction progresses from the middle of the spinal cord to the upper cord and brain stem, leading to forelimb weakness and eventually interference with the muscles of breathing, causing death. Most dogs are euthanased for humane reasons before this happens. Treatment is with specific supplements and drugs aimed at interfering with the immune destruction in the spinal cord, to slow further nerve damage. The effectiveness of this treatment is variable, but is only of benefit if started as early as possible. Once nerves are lost, they will not be replaced. Degenerative myelopathy cannot be cured. A DNA test is available for predisposed pure breeds to carry out screening of breeding animals.
SEVERITY
Moderate. This disease can cause significant signs of discomfort and/or dysfunction in affected animals. It may involve relatively high treatment/management costs, and can sometimes reduce life expectancy.
Multifocal Retinopathy CMR1 (Mastiff/Bull Breeds Type)
Affected dogs typically present between 11 and 16 weeks of age with multiple discrete circular areas of retinal detachment with underlying fluid accumulation that are visible on an eye exam performed by a veterinarian. These blister-like lesions are typically found in both eyes and can appear gray, tan, orange or pink and vary in number, size and location. Progression of retinal changes is usually slow and new lesions are not noted after 6 to 12 months of age. Occasionally as affected dogs age, lesions appear to heal and are no longer visible on an eye exam. Generally the dog’s vision is not affected although vision loss has been described in some cases of multifocal retinopathy 1.
SEVERITY
Low-Moderate. This disease can cause some discomfort and/or dysfunction in the affected animal. It does not generally affect life expectancy.
Cystinuria-Associated Marker (Type 3)
Androgen Dependent Cystinuria
Aminoaciduria and stone formation only observed in intact male dogs. Age of onset of aminoaciduria ranges between 8 months and 2.5 years. First instances of clinical signs (due to stone formation) can range from 1 year to late in life (as late as 9 years observed to date).
Clinical Signs
Hematuria, stranguria, urinary obstruction, cystine crystalluria and urolithiasis in intact males only. Females are asymptomatic.
Life Expectancy
Some affected dogs have been observed to block repeatedly, but there are no studies to determine the effect on lifespan.
Hips
Grading of hips for degree of dysplasia is done by X-ray and is therefore a physical/invasive testing method.
Hip dysplasia is the abnormal formation of the hip socket. Regular hip movement causes the joints to grind against each other rather than slide into place. This results in pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Testing Procedures: Radiographs are obtained under sedation or anaesthesia. This reduces stress to the dog, permits precise positioning of the pelvis and hips and removes the need for the animal to be held, as x-rays are potentially hazardous for anyone doing so. X-rays may be taken by any certified veterinarian but to be scored by the panellists for submission to ORCHID must be Digital x-rays in DICOM format. Panellists will request incorrectly positioned dogs be x-rayed again and resubmitted.
Diagnostic Imaging Panellists
Dr Roger Lavelle VIC lavellesdiagnosticimaging@gmail.com
Dr Mariano Makara NSW www.vetscoring.com
Dr Jenny Richardson WA Jen.Richardson@iinet.net.au
Dr Ana Hayes VIC anahayes18@icloud.com
Elbows
Grading of Elbows is done by X-ray and is therefore a physical/invasive testing method.
Elbow joints in dogs, like hips, work as a ball and socket. If the joint does not develop correctly or is dysplastic then the bones will rub and grind causing pain, deterioration and even loss of function.
Testing Procedures: Radiographs are obtained under sedation or anaesthesia. This reduces stress to the dog, permits precise positioning of the joints and removes the need for the animal to be held, as x-rays are potentially hazardous for anyone doing so. X-rays may be taken by any certified veterinarian but to be scored by the panellists for submission to ORCHID must be Digital x-rays in DICOM format. Panellists will request incorrectly positioned dogs be x-rayed again and resubmitted.
Diagnostic Imaging Panellists
Dr Roger Lavelle VIC lavellesdiagnosticimaging@gmail.com
Dr Mariano Makara NSW www.vetscoring.com
Dr Jenny Richardson WA Jen.Richardson@iinet.net.au
Dr Ana Hayes VIC anahayes18@icloud.com
Patellas
Patella luxation grading is done by manual palpitation by a certified veterinarian and is therefore a physical/non-invasive testing method.
A luxating patella in dogs is a common condition in which the kneecap (patella) shifts sideways, or luxates, away from the normal position at the front of the knee. You may also refer to it as a dislocated kneecap.
During the examination, the vet will manipulate the patella to determine the degree of laxity and use the Putnam Patella Scoring system.
The grading system for patella luxation
Medial luxating patella is graded 1 – 4 based on severity.
- Grade 1. Patella can be manipulated out of position manually but doesn’t occur spontaneously and causes no clinical symptoms — usually an incidental finding.
- Grade 2. Patella can be manipulated in and out of position but remains within the trochlear groove for the majority of the time and will return to its normal position without manipulation. This can occur spontaneously with varying frequency.
- Grade 3. Patella is out of position most of the time, can be manipulated back into place but will luxate again quickly.
- Grade 4. Patella is permanently out of position and cannot be manipulated into the trochlear groove at all.
Trachea
Tracheal assessments are done by X-ray and are therefore a physical/invasive testing method.
Tracheal hypoplasia is a narrowing of the trachea that is present from birth. The trachea is made up of multiple cartilage rings, and in affected dogs the growth of these ring is inadequate. The trachea does not always grow at the same rate as a puppy and in some cases, it will require careful management until the puppy outgrows the condition. Tracheal hypoplasia is one component of brachycephalic airway obstruction complex. Affected animals may present. with strider (wheeze), dyspnoea (laboured breathing), reduced exercise tolerance and coughing. Excitement can make the condition worse.
X-rays are performed when dogs are 12months or older. Dogs may be sedated or awake but if sedated the endotracheal tube must not influence the tracheal diameter. Radiographs should also be assessed for other abnormalities i.e. pneumonia, oedema and mainstream bronchi and trachea for collapse. Measurement of the thoracic inlet and tracheal diameter are done to calculate the ratio.
Ratio is calculated by TD ÷ TI.
Scored by Dr Marino Makara NSW – www.vetscoring.com
Spine
Spine scoring is done by X-ray and is therefore a physical/invasive testing method.
Vertebral Malformation Back Problem in Bulldogs is a congenital (born with) spinal condition. Most congenital malformations related to the bulldog spine are due to abnormal development or fusion of the primary ossification centres of their vertebra.
These vertebrae mature into a wedge shape body instead of the normal elongated vertebral body. Occasionally, this malformed, wedged vertebra will compress the spinal cord. Depending on location and severity, the compressed spine could result in pain and a wide range of neurological problems.
Panellists will request incorrectly positioned dogs be x-rayed again and resubmitted.
Diagnostic Imaging Panellists
Dr Roger Lavelle VIC lavellesdiagnosticimaging@gmail.com
Dr Mariano Makara NSW www.vetscoring.com
Dr Jenny Richardson WA Jen.Richardson@iinet.net.au
Dr Ana Hayes VIC anahayes18@icloud.com
Eyes
Eye assessment is a physical/non-invasive testing method.
Testing should be performed by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist and should include
Cherry Eye
This is created by an enlarged and prolapsed tear gland on the inner surface of the third eyelid, generally caused by infection. It shows itself as a red, cherry-like growth protruding from the inner corner of the eye.
Ectropion
In the normal structure of the eye, the lid should be shaped like a globe. It should not be rolled in or out. Ectropion is a condition where it is rolled out, resulting in the third eyelid (or haw) being visible. This causes the lower eyelids to appear droopy.
Entropion
In the normal structure of the eye, the lid should be shaped like a globe. It should not be rolled in or out. Entropion is the condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation to the eye.
Dry Eye
This is a disease, usually of the older dog, which results from inadequate tear production. The eyes appear dull and listless, and the eye has a thick discharge. This can lead to infection or corneal ulcers if left untreated.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is a condition in which extra hairs grow out of the eyelash area. It happens when there are two or more hairs growing out of a Meibomian gland opening. (Meibomian glands are located along the margin of the eyelid.)
Testing for Hereditary Eye Conditions can be done and scores submitted to ACES (ORCHID)
However at this time there are no listed hereditary conditions on this site.
Heart
Cardiac certification is done in the first instance by auscultation (stethoscope) and is therefore is a physical/non-invasive testing method.
Examination should be done by a veterinary cardiologist or a skilled certified veterinarian.
Grading of heart murmurs is as follows
Grade 0 – no murmur present
Grade 1 – a very soft murmur only detected after very careful auscultation
Grade 2 – a soft murmur that is readily evident
Grade 3 – a moderately intense murmur not associated with a palpable precordial thrill (vibration)
Grade 4 – a loud murmur; a palpable precordial thrill is not present or is intermittent
Grade 5 – a loud cardiac murmur associated with a palpable precordial thrill and audible even when the stethoscope is lifted from the thoracic wall
Grade 6 – a loud cardiac murmur associated with a palpable precordial thrill and audible even when the stethoscope is lifted from the thoracic wall.
Any evidence of murmur should be further investigated by Cardiac ultrasound or Doppler/Echocardiography.