| This web page is devoted to
Bull Terriers and the genetic diseases that can afflict our
beloved breed.
Perusing the listings in the internet for Bull
Terrier pups for sale, I noticed that many unethical breeders
list that they have their Sire & Dam DNA'd. PLEASE DO NOT BE
FOOLED BY THIS. THIS IS NOT A HEALTH TEST! It is a requirement
of the AKC to have the Sire DNA'd. AKC DNA Certification is
required for: Frequently Used Sires; dogs whose semen is
collected for Fresh-Extended or Frozen use; and for the sires,
dam and puppies for Multiple-Sired Litter Registration. To learn
more about it go to :
http://www.akc.org/dna/index.cfm
There are currently two studies that
are ongoing and they need your help, if you own a Bull
Terrier!!!
PLEASE PARTICIPATE!!!! READ DOWN TO THE LAD STUDY
AND THE SPINNING STUDY!!!
It is our belief that a responsible breeder
will test for health issues in their breeding stock and provide
written proof to prospective owners of their pups. Breeding
stock should be tested at least yearly. With that being said,
BAD things happen to even those who are most careful and
selective, but at least the possibility is definitely lowered
for those who strive to improve the breed.
BAER Test: Puppies should be tested at the age of 6 weeks
for Deafness.
To find a Bear Test Site in the USA,
please click here.
Here are some tests that should be
performed on breeding stock. Prospective owners should ask to
see & get a copy of the results of these tests on the Sire and
the Dam:
UPC: Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio- This
test should be performed between 6-12 months and up to 4 years.
This test will diagnose hereditary nephritis, polycystic kidney
disease, and age related kidney failure. UPC should be .3 or
below. Dogs should be tested every 6 months.
Heart Doppler: This test will confirm if
there is a presence of Heart Disease such as :Aortic
Stenosis (AS) ,
Mitral Valve Dysplasia.
Ventricular Septal Defect,
CANINE DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY AND HEART FAILURE.
Lethal Acrodermatitis
aka LAD: This is a rare condition in which two
both Sire and Dam are carriers of this gene, which produce pups
that can not metabolize zinc. Unfortunately, these pups die a
slow death because there is no known cure. There are studies
being done. With enough Bull Terriers submitting blood samples,
hopefully the gene can be identified! If you have a sibling,
Sire, Dam, cousin, aunt, uncle, ancestors in your dog's pedigree
who is a known carrier of LAD and would like to contribute by
submitting your Bull Terriers Blood please
download this form and
this form submit them today!
Luxating Patella's: This can be diagnosed by your
veterinarian.
Compulsive behaviors, including spinning,
tail biting, and flank sucking are being studied by Dr. Alice
Moon-Fanelli at Tufts University. Please go to
Bull Terrier
Neurological Disorders Web Site and learn about these behaviors and
how they affect the breed. Please be a participant if you own a
Bull Terrier, the more people we have for the study the closer
we get to identifying the gene that causes these heartbreaking
disorders!
Allergies are all
too common. The Sire and Dam should be free of rashes, pimples,
pustules, hair loss, gunky eyes, scabs & generally feeling &
looking ill. If any of these conditions are present, please
think twice, ask questions and research!
Please read this about
VACCINES !!!!
http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/vKCtestimony.html |