Genetic Health Info
There are a number of health issues which can occur within the Dobermann breed.
They include the following (listed in no particular order):
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) - a blood clotting disorder
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects many breeds, including Dobermanns. Dogs clinically affected by this disease have a reduced ability to produce von Willebrand's Factor in their blood - a substance needed to achieve blood clotting.
There is now a definitive DNA test for Dobermanns to determine their vWD status. This test is a simple swab of the cells from inside the dog's mouth (cheek) which is then sent to a lab for analysis (commonly used testing centres are in Australia and the US). This test can be done by either yourself or a vet after obtaining a testing kit from a DNA testing company (see links further below).
Dobermann vWD DNA results can only be one of the following:
Clear Does not carry the vWD gene
At no risk of clotting problems due to vWD
Can not pass the vWD gene on to offspring
Carrier Carries one copy of the vWD gene
At no risk of clotting problems due to vWD
Can pass the vWD gene on to offspring
Affected Carries two copies of the vWD gene
Potentially at risk of clotting problems due to vWD
(however, the majority of Affected Dobes have no clotting problems at all,
including during minor surgeries, and live a long and active life)
Will pass the vWD gene on to all offspring
If your dog is genetically vWD Affected and requires surgery, your vet can help to minimise any risks by having extra clotting factor on hand, and also by doing a blood clotting test (usually a small cut in the dog's gum or cheek and timing how long it takes to clot) prior to surgery.
Today, Breeders use the results of the vWD DNA test to assist them in their breeding programs. Breeding results for vWD are:
Parents Offspring vWD Results
Clear x Clear 100% Clear
Clear x Carrier 50% Clear, 50% Carrier (these are averages only)
Clear x Affected 100% Carrier
Carrier x Carrier 25% Clear, 50% Carrier, 25% Affected (these are averages only)
Carrier x Affected 50% Carrier, 50% Affected (these are averages only)
Affected x Affected 100% Affected
For more information, or if you would like to test your Dobermann for vWD, contact your Breeder or visit the following websites:
Genetic Science Services (Australian based DNA testing service)
GenTest (affiliated with the US Vetgen testing service)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle which causes the heart to enlarge and not function properly. The occurrence of DCM usually increases with age and typically has an age of onset between 4 and 10 years. The cause is still unknown although many factors strongly suggest a genetic cause.
It usually affects both the left and right sides of the heart with either side being more severely affected. Typically both the lower chamber and the upper chamber enlarge and lose their ability to contract and pump blood out to the body or the lungs. The consequence of this can be compared to a simple mechanical pump, which, if it fails, water backs up into the basement. Therefore, if the left heart fails, fluid backs up into the lungs and if the right heart fails, fluid backs up in the abdomen or in the space surrounding the lungs.
Long term prognosis varies considerably. Most dogs survive from weeks up to 24 months after diagnosis of DCM.
Treatment is aimed at improving the heart's function and controlling the signs of congestive heart failure. Drugs are used to help the heart contract better, diuretics can help control and prevent accumulation of fluid in or around the lungs. Drugs that control cardiac arrhythmias (electrical disturbances in the heart) are used as well.
It is important for you to monitor your dog's overall attitude and outward signs, so that if you notice any heavy/labored breathing, coughing, fainting spells, restlessness or profound lethargy, arrangements can be made to see your regular veterinarian quickly. Your observations and the administration by you of the prescribed medications is what will help your dog the most. You know your pet the best.
For more information, visit the sites below or contact your Breeder.
Canine Inherited Disorders Database (US site)
General Information About Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dobermanns (US Site)
Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI), commonly known as "Wobblers" is the compression on the spinal cord between the 5th, 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae located in the neck. It usually develops gradually and is seen in the affected canine typically between 7 and 8 years of age.
The early visual signs that the dog may have Wobblers is the dragging of hind feet causing abnormal wear to the dog's toenails. The hind legs will often be awkward and sway, making the animal walk like he is drunk - thus the name "Wobblers". The disease will progress from this point, eventually affecting all four limbs.
Occasionally, in more serious cases, there is a rapid decline in the dog's condition. This is associated with extreme pain, arching of the neck, and the dog is unable to raise his head higher than shoulder level. All four legs are extremely rigid and walking is impossible.
The inheritance factors for this problem unfortunately are not fully understood - often the onset of this disease occurs late in a dog's life after they have already produced offspring, so removing afflicted animals from the breeding pool is difficult.
Treatment for this disease can include pain medication and rest, surgery (though not always successful), through to alternative treatments of neck wraps (to immobilise the neck) and gold bead implants (currently being used with some success in the US).
Note: Not all Dobermanns will be affected by "Wobblers", and the extreme cases are rare.
For more information, visit the sites below or contact your Breeder.
Wobblers - is there an alternative to surgery? (US site)
Wobblers Syndrome - CVI (US site)
This is not a widespread problem within the Dobermann breed, however like any medium to large breed dog, there can be instances where Hip and Elbow Dysplasia occur.
Hip Dysplasia (HD) is the malformation in the development of one or both ball and socket joints in the hip. The hip joint is composed of the socket which is formed by the bones of the pelvis and the "ball" (head) of the thigh bone (femur). Normally, this joint is very tight fitting, however if suffering from dysplasia there will be too much movement in the joint leading to pain and lameness.
Hip (HD) and Elbow Dysplasia (ED) is a multifactoral, genetically based disease which is greatly influenced by environmental factors. The mode of inheritance of HD and ED is complex and the degenerative changes occur with growth if the genetic and environmental factors are present. Due to this complexity, normal hipped/elbowed dogs can produce offspring with all degrees of dysplasia and dysplastic dogs can produce normal offspring.
Some Breeders are now starting to x-ray their breeding stock and having these x-rays "scored" by professional veterinary graders.
Hip scores can range from 0 to 53 for each hip - the lower score per hip the better. By adding the scores for both hips together it will give you a total hipscore ranging from 0 to 106.
As at January 2007 the Australian Dobermann Breed Mean Score (BMS) for hips is a total score of 7.89
Elbow scores range from grade 0 to 3 for each elbow with 0 being ideal.
Treatment of HD is directed at alleviation of pain, and in severe cases major (and expensive) surgery to replace the joint.
For more information, contact your Breeder or visit the site below:
The AVA/ANKC Hip Dysplasia Scoring Scheme
Hypothyroidism (Thyroid Insufficiency)
Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone insufficiency) is fairly common in Dobermanns. Symptoms include lack of energy, weight gain, inability to keep warm, hair loss (especially in areas such as the dog's back and sides), and temperament changes.
Diagnosis is by blood test analysis by a veterinarian. If the thyroid hormone is below normal levels, then thyroid hormone supplementation is usually recommended.
Thyroid supplementation is via daily medication for the life of the dog.
For more information, contact your Breeder or visit the link below:
Some of our Dobermanns will get cancer during their lives. We don't have a genetic test nor do we know the mode of inheritance for cancer.
This is a cause of grief for many owners and causes the early deaths of far too many of our beloved animals. If you find your Dobermann is limping, has a growth, a wound that won't heal or any unusual sign, the sooner you get to the vet's office to be examined the better.
Some owners choose to pursue aggressive chemotherapy for their Dobermann. Others pursue herbal treatments. Early detection will, of course, help your odds as you and your veterinarian decide which course to choose.
Many Veterinary teaching hospitals have cancer treatment programs. The outcome can be more positive as it may have been in years past.
More info on cancer in your pet can be found at the following links:
Cancer and Tumors in Dogs (US Site)
More general information on cancer in dogs (US Site)
Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH)
Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH) is suspected in the presence of persistently elevated ALT values, definitively diagnosed by liver biopsy.
The incidence of occurence tends to be high in Dobermanns, but it is also found in other breeds, most notably, Bedlington Terriers, and Golden Retrievers.
It is viewed as being a progressive inflammatory state that causes the liver to degenerate to the point of liver failure and death. We do not have a standard treatment, nor do we know the definitive cause. There are no studies that prove CAH is heritable. Low fat, low protein diets can help, and some have used steroids with a degree of success. The steroids were originally given when researchers thought this was an autoimmue disease, because humans do have a form of autoimmune CAH, with similar histology results on biopsy. However, leading researchers in the field no longer view CAH as an autoimmune disease in the canine.
According to current research, there is usually a elevated level of copper found early on in the liver, but this seems to be a result of the disease, and not the cause. Removal of the copper does not cure CAH, but in the early stages copper chelation therapy may slow the progress of CAH.
During CAH, as the liver cells die they release a protein that causes the elevated ALT values. Scar tissue then replaces the dead liver cells. This effects the blood vessels that exit the liver. This is important because the liver is a major filtering organ for the body.
Symptoms usually show when at least half of the liver has been destroyed. The dog is usually sick by that point in time, and demonstrating the following clinical signs of CAH: vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellow tinge to skin and whites of eyes), weight loss, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).
For more info on Chronic Active Hepatitis and liver disease in Dobermans, go to:
The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation"). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermanns are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of Bloat are that the dog may have an obviously distended stomach especially near the ribs but this is not always evident depending on the dog's body configuration.
The biggest clue is the vomiting: the pet appears highly nauseated and is retching but little is coming up.
If this is seen, rush your dog to the veterinarian IMMEDIATELY for stomach decompression and shock management.
All bloated dogs, once stable, should have surgery. Without surgery, the damage done inside cannot be assessed or repaired plus bloat may recur at any point, even within the next few hours. Surgery, called gastropexy, allows the stomach to be tacked into normal position so that it may never again twist. Without gastropexy, the recurrence rate of bloat may be as high as 75%!
For more information, visit the following links:
Bloat - The Mother of All Emergencies
Bloat (US Site)
Purdue Bloat Studies (US Veterinary University Site)
Thanks to DCNSW for information.