June 2004 - News from the
GSD Information Group
By Dorothy A. Cullum
EPILEPSY.
After publication of concern about the reappearance of Epilepsy in the GSD, the
following piece has been written. The writer Joyce Ixer worked for many years
with Dr Phyllis Croft and Isobel Donkin on researching lines which were called
into question relating to this subject. Epilepsy has always been with dogs and
became a serious problem in the GSD in the late 1960's. Research was started at
Cambridge and Glasgow in the early 70's taking us as far as it was possible to
go in those days. Evidence showed that there were many causes, of fits. Epilepsy
should be confirmed by EEG (Electroencephalogram).
With kennelled dogs fits can unfortunately be missed as they often occur when
waking from sleep. Dogs fit at a lower threshold than bitches, so it can take an
illness or severe shock before a bitch fits. If it is inherited, fits usually
start at around 18 months to 2 years (sometimes earlier) continuing at fairly
regular intervals. Suitable treatment can usually be found to control the fits,
which can be very disturbing in large dogs. The mode of inheritance is likely to
be very complicated. The problem became serious in the GSD because a Champion
Stud Dog was an Epileptic and in spite of this knowledge, was used widely, and
his lines are still with us. Unfortunately at the same time other dogs were
being used and known to be producing fitting offspring, to different bitches. It
takes two to tango! A list of suspects was produced by Dr Helen Hein in the mid
80's which are still used and these have been added to by Dr M. Willis in his
book Genetics of the GSD. ALL BREEDERS should be aware of these lines as Dr
Willis suggests "Avoid" producing a build-up of these names but not completely
avoid them. Unfortunately the list has not been completely updated, and names
are mostly off the 5 generation pedigree. Miss Donkin researched the problem
fully for many years and would if requested research pedigrees for suspects, but
when she died although she left records she had not published any information
nor left any instructions for this to be done. If we are to keep this problem
under control it must it must be encouraged to come out into the open and not
become a witch hunt.
Dr Phyllis Croft said in her article in 1989:
"That it must be realised that it is not a disgrace to find a dog with primary
epilepsy, for it can happen to owners who take the greatest care with their
breeding programme"
So please read all you can and if you find you have a PROVED fitter do announce
it by giving the SIRE and the DAM and D.O.B. so others can avoid making the same
mistakes.
The breeding should not be repeated and the pedigree studied. If you wish to
check a pedigree prior to mating etc please contact one of the names below. The
GSD Information Group is constantly being requested to check pedigrees for newly
and established epileptic lines. The list has been brought up to date by
concerned owners of such animals who have sent copies of the effected animals
pedigrees.
Anal Furunculosis
Further to the article in 2002 about the finding of a Marker for A/F in GSD's I
have some very exciting news. The Vet who did his PhD on another problem and
found the marker, went into private practise. He was so affected by the number
of animals he saw with this problem he has returned to Uni. to do more research
on the subject. HE NEEDS help re. financial backing as this is proving
expensive. He is trying not only to perfect a test to eliminate carriers but he
is also trying to help diagnose this and other bowel problems associated with
the GSD. This RESEARCH is PURELY for the GSD.
I am therefore asking anyone who would like to donate to Research for this
problem to please send donations, no matter how small, to me CQ's etc made out
to the GSD Information Group, so we can give a small token of assistance to this
Vet. One breeder has already donated money enabling the vet to purchase a
centrifuge for this research. I am told by the Prof. he is working with that his
project is being held up due to the expense of having to book a time to use this
machine, which is well worn and constantly needs repairs. This is a great step
forward in the right direction, so please be generous and help him to help you.
Please be aware, one may not have a line which suffers from this problem, but
one could have.
I can tell you that his research is questioning many reasons as to the problem
developing.
Stress being the front runner, especially if the weakness is present thus
starting the problem off.
Now that the problem is being followed up please do not be complacent on either
of the above problems, as they are not going to just disappear. So think of the
breed and make this a MARKER for us all to improve the GSD's health.
Information packs on both subjects and others are available, (plus pedigree
checking) at a small charge of £3. Please make cheques payable to the GSD
information Group.
For further Information please contact : Dorothy (01277 220933), Joyce
(01962 776 239) or Chris (01223 208 216)
