CTCV Health Watch Committee Report                                                      20/1/2012

Thanks to everyone who sent in their reports.

Confidentiality

All reports are treated as confidential unless the box has been ticked indicating that the information may be shared

Number of Reports Received

During 2011 we have received fourteen 14 Bile Acid Reports from members who have had their litters tested, and five Medical Condition Reports.

Litter Reports

The Litter Reports unfortunately revealed two puppies who scored higher than normal Bile Acid Scores and, after further testing were found to have Portal Shunt. Both of these pups had successful surgery and now lead normal lives.

Medical Reports

With regard to the five Medical Reports received, two of these relate to the pups mentioned above who had successful surgery for Portal Shunt. Another Portal Shunt case was reported of an older bitch, (5 years old) who was not tested as a baby. She has been unwell for some time and recently had a bile acid test (scores: 91-112). After further testing a shunt was diagnosed. She is not considered a good candidate for surgery and is being managed by diet but the outlook is not positive

Of the other two Reports received, one was to advise of a 12 year old bitch with Hypo-albuminernia/Inflamatory Bowel disease. She was initially managed with medication and diet but pathology revealed her liver was involved and after no improvement was sadly euthanized The last report was to advise of normality to Bile Acid Tests in a bitch who initially had high scores, but after the 7th test the scores became normal.

Portal Shunt Statistics

It is interesting looking back at the statistics we have been compiling since first recording Litter Reports of Bile Acids in 2006. Since 2006 there have been 471 puppies tested from 104 litters. There have been 14 official reports of Portal Shunt in that time and another half dozen unsubstantiated cases which unfortunately were not officially reported. Our statistics would be more meaningful if we could receive more reports from breeders. Most breeders now are testing, but only a few are sending in their reports. There is more incentive to do this now with the CTCV's rebate scheme of $10 for each pup tested for all eligible members. Check to see if you are eligible by phoning Mr. Graeme Ferbrache on 03 9735 4117.

Summary

Not many reports received again this year, but a big thank you to those members who continue to post them in. We strongly urge all others to consider sending us their reports so that we can build a more realistic picture to present in the yearly Report. Please post all Reports to : Lyn Barclay, 20 Outawood Rise, Gisborne, Vic 3437, or email to lkbarclay@bigpond.com. Inquiries regarding the Health Watch Committee or for support or help, please phone Lyn on 03 5428 4739 or 0488 086 153.

Scores

LITTER TESTING 2012 - BILE ACID TEST SCORES

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