CTCV Health Watch Committee Report 2018 28/01/2019
Confidentiality
All reports are treated as confidential unless the box, on the Report Form, has been ticked indicating that the owner agrees that identifying details may be shared
In 2018 we have received fewer Reports on Bile Acid Results than ever before. Also there have been no Medical Reports received at all. This means that no meaningful data is able to be collected and interpreted regarding the state of Cairn Terrier Health and Medical Conditions in Australia. This being the case despite the $10 per puppy rebate for eligible breeders. I know that we all lead busy lives, but it would be most helpful to receive information from pet owners, as well as breeders and Show people if their cairn becomes ill and has been diagnosed by a Vet. A quick email will suffice with just the basic diagnostic information.
Reported information can be recorded without any identifying details if requested.
Litter Reports
We received only 11 Litter Reports this year and among those there was a litter where 6 of the 8 pups needed to be re-tested. (Fortunately all was well.) There were no cases of Shunts reported and hopefully this is a true representation of the incidence of Portal Shunt within the breed.
Medical Reports
No Medical issues were reported.
Other News
A Report in the Media on 3/1/19 from the University of Liverpool reveals that overweight dogs may live shorter lives than those at ideal body weight. The study examined more than 50,000 dogs across 12 of the UK's most popular breeds and revealed that the lifespan of dogs who were overweight was up to two and a half years shorter when compared to ideal-weight dogs. Their quality of life was much poorer as well. Therefore ensure your Cairn is being fed the correct amount of food for his size. Skip the table scraps as not all human food is safe for dogs and ensure he gets enough exercise. Weighing your Cairn regularly is a good idea as even a slight increase in weight can impact on his health. If your dog will not stand on the scales, weigh yourself first and then again holding your cairn - subtract your weight and you'll know his weight - easy!
The University of Sydney (on 22/8/18) reported a Study which revealed that a dog's colour could impact on his longevity and increase health issues. Although this new research was conducted only on Labradors it is extremely interesting to read that life expectancy of Chocolate Labradors is significantly lower that their black or yellow counterparts. The prevalence of ear inflammation (otitis externa) was twice as high in Chocolate Labradors, who were four times more likely to have suffered from pyo-traumatic dermatitis (also known as hot-spot).
An article appeared in a Cairn Terrier Pet Forum from Illinois, U.S.A. about a cairn terrier who had been experiencing loose stools for some time and had undergone many tests to no avail until finally they received a diagnois of Canine Macrothrombocytopenia. On looking into this disease, I was started to find the following information.
"Canine Macrothrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by oversized platelets and a low platelet count. The name is derived from words macro (large) and thrombocyte (platelets). This blood disorder is affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Norfolk Terriers and Cairn Terriers. The causative mutation was originally identified in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and later a similar mutation was also discovered in affected Norfolk Terriers and Cairn Terriers. Macrothrombocytopenia in Norfolk Terriers and Cairn Terriers is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Although the condition is not life threatening, it is important to be aware whether your dog is affected. Affected dogs often receive inappropriate treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids, or other medication because of confusion or lack of awareness of this disorder."
In researching low platelets, the pet owner and her breeder found out about this condition and a DNA test that is available. She believes that this condition is just starting to get noticed by Cairn Terrier breeders and hopes that the information is helpful to owners or breeders having problems with low platelets and not getting anywhere with tests and results
In conclusion
Hopefully we will receive lots of reporting information this year and remember that eligible breeders can still claim a $10 rebate per puppy on litters reported to the Health Watch Committee. After you have submitted the Bile Acid Results, (to Lyn Barclay), send a copy of each pup's pedigree to Graeme Ferbrache to claim your rebate.
Lyn Barclay - 20 Outawood Rise, Gisborne, Victoria 3437
Email: lkbarclay@bigpond.com Tel: 03 5428 4739
Download Health Watch Committee Report Form
LITTER TESTING 2018 - BILE ACID TEST SCORES
LITTER NO. |
Number of Males |
Number of Females |
Males with High Bile Acid Scores |
Females with High Bile Acid Scores |
Re-testing results of abnormal Bile Acids |
218 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
219 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
219 2 6 2 4 First test 36,36,70,35,31,64. Retest 25,18,18,29,17,15 |
220 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
221 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
222 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
223 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
224 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
225 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
226 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
227 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
228 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Download Health Watch Committee Report Form
© Cairn Terrier Club Victoria, Australia 2006. Design by Tamara Whalley.