Would it be worthwhile or helpful to request a letter from a breeder's veterinarian stating that in his/her opinion, there are no signs of chondrodysplasia in a dam or sire at the time of the vet visit (assuming that a veterinarian might even be willing to provide something like that)?
Is there a minimum age in a Havanese where chondrodysplasia can be detected? Is there a period of time/ age where chondrodysplasia typically becomes evident in a Havanese? Is there a maximum age, meaning that if a Hav hasn't developed chondrodysplasia by a certain age, that it would be unlikely that it will develop it at all after that age?
Are there any other precautions one could take other than an evaluation by a Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics?
Is PennHIP health testing, typically performed by a Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics or a regular veterinarian? If the PennHIP is completed by a Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics, would that provide an opportunity to request an examination chondrodysplasia at the same time?
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I have read the posts on this forum regarding Chondrodysplasia, including:
"…The most accurate and reliable method of diagnosing CD is by radiograph (x-ray) of the affected limb(s), or by bone biopsy of the growth plate. The x-ray should be reviewed by a by a qualified Orthopedic Veterinary Specialist.
A Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics is the only professional that is qualified to "certify" a dog as CD-free. At this time there is no specific diagnostic evaluation for CD. The OFA does not recognize a specific x-ray protocol to identify CD in Havanese dogs.
While "soaping", (the process of lathering up your dog to see what is under the coat), is a great tool used by many breeders to evaluate the front and rear legs and structure of their dogs, it is not a reliable tool for diagnosing CD! Soaping can be very subjective, since the results lie in "the eye of the beholder", and mild cases of CD can go unnoticed by even the most experienced breeder…."
http://www.havaneseforum.com/10-health-issues-questions/8047-cd-need-some-advice-2.html
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I found this website which seems to be thorough in explaining what to look for in soaped pictures:
Chondrodysplasia in Havanese
This is the first part (page one of the same post, but I put page two first since it provides an analysis of soaped pictures):
Chondrodysplasia in Havanese
Albeit, this is not an official, empirical resource and it is posted by a breeder, it does seem to provide detailed information.
I had requested soaped pictures from my breeder, but after reading this, I became more confused than when I started, and realized that I am in way over my head to even attempt decipher the soaped pictures.
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I read this study, and although this was a small sample size, it still seems as if it might provide an indicator that it is an issue for concern amongst Havanese:
"…The initial screen involved the collection of detailed phenotypic data on 122 Havanese…."
https://academic.oup.com/jhered/art...tion-of-Multiple-Developmental?searchresult=1
Abstract
The Havanese is a toy breed that presents with a wide range of developmental abnormalities. Skeletal defects, particularly osteochondrodysplasia (OCD), are the most frequently observed anomalies. Cataracts, liver shunts, heart murmurs, and missing incisors are also common in this breed. Estimates of heritability and complex segregation analyses were carried out to evaluate modes of transmission for these abnormalities. A moderate heritability was identified and evidence for a single major locus was found. Novel statistical analysis methods were used to identify four traits that co-segregate: cataracts, hepatic abnormalities, OCD, and cardiac abnormalities. A canine-specific microarray was used to identify changes in gene expression in the liver that accompany the aforementioned developmental problems. One hundred and thirteen genes were found to be differentially regulated in the Havanese.
"…Abnormalities of the forelegs occurred most frequently with 44% of the population having bowed, shortened, or asymmetric forelegs…."
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PetMD also had some helpful information:
Bone Deformity and Dwarfism in Dogs | petMD
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This indicates that a veterinarian can provide some type of role in diagnosing chondrodysplasia:
"…If your Hav appears to have a 'crooked' front, your veterinarian will need to examine him to make a diagnosis. X-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and to ensure there are no other abnormalities that require treatment…."
https://www.havanese.org/education/new-owners/78-havanese-health-issues
and so does this:
"…Your veterinarian will make this diagnosis based on your dog's physical appearance; x-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis, or to screen puppies less than 13 weeks of age for this condition…"
Osteochondrodysplasia - skeletal dwarfism | University of Prince Edward Island
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I also found some information on Facebook posted by a breeder stating that when a puppy is eight-weeks-old, that it is a period of time during puppyhood which is representative and most similar for forecasting adulthood for the purposes of detecting chondrodysplasia. Does anyone know if there is any validity to that? I can't find the link to that at this moment but will post it if I find it again.
Any information or insights would be most appreciated.
Is there a minimum age in a Havanese where chondrodysplasia can be detected? Is there a period of time/ age where chondrodysplasia typically becomes evident in a Havanese? Is there a maximum age, meaning that if a Hav hasn't developed chondrodysplasia by a certain age, that it would be unlikely that it will develop it at all after that age?
Are there any other precautions one could take other than an evaluation by a Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics?
Is PennHIP health testing, typically performed by a Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics or a regular veterinarian? If the PennHIP is completed by a Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics, would that provide an opportunity to request an examination chondrodysplasia at the same time?
- - -
I have read the posts on this forum regarding Chondrodysplasia, including:
"…The most accurate and reliable method of diagnosing CD is by radiograph (x-ray) of the affected limb(s), or by bone biopsy of the growth plate. The x-ray should be reviewed by a by a qualified Orthopedic Veterinary Specialist.
A Veterinary Specialist in Orthopedics is the only professional that is qualified to "certify" a dog as CD-free. At this time there is no specific diagnostic evaluation for CD. The OFA does not recognize a specific x-ray protocol to identify CD in Havanese dogs.
While "soaping", (the process of lathering up your dog to see what is under the coat), is a great tool used by many breeders to evaluate the front and rear legs and structure of their dogs, it is not a reliable tool for diagnosing CD! Soaping can be very subjective, since the results lie in "the eye of the beholder", and mild cases of CD can go unnoticed by even the most experienced breeder…."
http://www.havaneseforum.com/10-health-issues-questions/8047-cd-need-some-advice-2.html
- - -
I found this website which seems to be thorough in explaining what to look for in soaped pictures:
Chondrodysplasia in Havanese
This is the first part (page one of the same post, but I put page two first since it provides an analysis of soaped pictures):
Chondrodysplasia in Havanese
Albeit, this is not an official, empirical resource and it is posted by a breeder, it does seem to provide detailed information.
I had requested soaped pictures from my breeder, but after reading this, I became more confused than when I started, and realized that I am in way over my head to even attempt decipher the soaped pictures.
- - -
I read this study, and although this was a small sample size, it still seems as if it might provide an indicator that it is an issue for concern amongst Havanese:
"…The initial screen involved the collection of detailed phenotypic data on 122 Havanese…."
https://academic.oup.com/jhered/art...tion-of-Multiple-Developmental?searchresult=1
Abstract
The Havanese is a toy breed that presents with a wide range of developmental abnormalities. Skeletal defects, particularly osteochondrodysplasia (OCD), are the most frequently observed anomalies. Cataracts, liver shunts, heart murmurs, and missing incisors are also common in this breed. Estimates of heritability and complex segregation analyses were carried out to evaluate modes of transmission for these abnormalities. A moderate heritability was identified and evidence for a single major locus was found. Novel statistical analysis methods were used to identify four traits that co-segregate: cataracts, hepatic abnormalities, OCD, and cardiac abnormalities. A canine-specific microarray was used to identify changes in gene expression in the liver that accompany the aforementioned developmental problems. One hundred and thirteen genes were found to be differentially regulated in the Havanese.
"…Abnormalities of the forelegs occurred most frequently with 44% of the population having bowed, shortened, or asymmetric forelegs…."
- - -
PetMD also had some helpful information:
Bone Deformity and Dwarfism in Dogs | petMD
- - -
This indicates that a veterinarian can provide some type of role in diagnosing chondrodysplasia:
"…If your Hav appears to have a 'crooked' front, your veterinarian will need to examine him to make a diagnosis. X-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and to ensure there are no other abnormalities that require treatment…."
https://www.havanese.org/education/new-owners/78-havanese-health-issues
and so does this:
"…Your veterinarian will make this diagnosis based on your dog's physical appearance; x-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis, or to screen puppies less than 13 weeks of age for this condition…"
Osteochondrodysplasia - skeletal dwarfism | University of Prince Edward Island
- - -
I also found some information on Facebook posted by a breeder stating that when a puppy is eight-weeks-old, that it is a period of time during puppyhood which is representative and most similar for forecasting adulthood for the purposes of detecting chondrodysplasia. Does anyone know if there is any validity to that? I can't find the link to that at this moment but will post it if I find it again.
Any information or insights would be most appreciated.