Poodle Health

The United Poodle Association strongly urges all breeders to do the following tests on their breeding poodles:

Health Issues and Health Testing

As part of our code of ethics, the United Poodle Association supports the use of health testing when deciding on dogs being used in a breeding program.  Each size of poodle, toys, minis and standards have their own health issues and a few span all the poodle sizes, as in many other dog breeds.  Please be aware that even cross breeding into poodle lines (doodles) can cause these issues, and that the theory of hybrid vigor is just that, a theory.  As in life there is no guarantee with health, but purchasing a dog from health tested lineage can help increase your possibility of your poodle living a long and healthy life.  Please discuss with any potential breeder their feelings on proper health testing and what health issues you should be concerned with before purchasing a puppy.  Time spent on research will never be wasted and finding a breeder who agrees with your perspective is worth every minute.

Health testing is a regiment normally performed by a licensed veterinarian to check for certain health issues a dog may have.  For some of these syndromes the test may be to see if the breeding prospect exhibits the specific health problem, as there is not a DNA test to see if the dog is a carrier.   Again, knowing that the parent of your dog does not exhibit this problem can increase your odds of good health.

There are also DNA health tests for poodles that actually check the genetic make-up of the dog being tested.  Test results can show if the specific dog is affected, a carrier or clear/normal and their ability to pass on the genetic gene.  DNA test are considered the most accurate and have the ability to help breeders remove a problem from their breeding program.   

Below are the health issues affecting poodles.

• Von Willibrands (vWD)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Neonatal Encephalopathy w/Seizures (NEwS)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• RCD4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-rcd4)
• Dayblindness
• Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)
• Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)
• Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD Risk)

• Addisons
• Bloat
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation
• Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP)
• Eye Diseases (various)
• Cardiac Clearance
• Thyroid
• Sebaceous Adenitis
• Von Willibrands (vWD)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Neonatal Encephalopathy w/Seizures (NEwS)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• RCD4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-rcd4)
• Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)
• Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)
• Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD Risk)

Evaluation Tests are essentially just that, an evaluation of the phenotype (what the dog outwardly looks like) and does not guarantee that a dog will not produce affected offspring or develop that issue later in it’s life.   It is however important for the breeder to utilize these tests as breeding tools and when combined with pedigree research should produce puppies with a lower likelihood of developing one of these disorders.

Hip Dysplasia is an inherited malformation where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly.  An affected dog may not show outward signs so having a veterinarian perform x-rays on the specific animal and then evaluated by radiologists from OFA or Penn Hip is required.  OFA will give passing dogs a grade of “Excellent”, “Good” or “Fair”, while affected dogs will receive a “Mild”, “Moderate” or “Severe”.  Penn Hip will give a numerical score that will grade the laxity of the joint.  For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia​ or http://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/.

Elbow Dysplasia is a defect in the elbow joint that can cause a dog pain and discomfort.  Like hip dysplasia, it is not always noticeable on an affected dog so x-rays are required to be sent into OFFA for a board certified veterinary radiologist to evaluate the film.  Unaffected dogs are given a “Normal” clearance while affected dogs can have “Grade I Elbow Dysplasia”, “Grade II Elbow Dysplasia” or “Grade III Elbow Dysplasia”. For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/elbow-dysplasia.

Patellar Luxation is where the kneecap pops out of place, causing pain and gait issues.  It is most common in toys and minis, but even standards can be tested by a skilled veterinarian using manipulation to check the elasticity of the knee joints. An official report should then be sent to OFA to receive a certificate of passing.  For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/patellar-luxation.

Eye Clearance is obtained by having a licensed veterinary ophthalmologist use specialized tools to be able to see into the eyes for defects and health issues. Some issues are considered more at risk for genetic components then others, so a passing exam can still include “Breeder Options”.  This would be something like an ingrown eye lash that wouldn’t affect the vision of the dog.  Certification paperwork can be sent into OFFA or CERF and the results posted on the site.  Eyes should be evaluated every year for breeding dogs as issues can arise at any time, but with screenings on all breeding stock, responsible breeders should be able to reduce the likelihood of producing affected puppies.  For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/eye-certification.

Cardiac Clearance can be done on a dog that is 12 months or older, using a few different methods.  The most proficient style is to have an echo cardiogram, but evaluations can also be done by a cardiologist or a practicing veterinarian. The heart will be listened to for certain heart murmurs or other defects listed for that breed. Official paperwork can be filled out and signed by the veterinarian who performed the test and can then be sent into OFA for a certificate and posted on the OFA website.  For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/cardiac-disease.

Thyroid issues can affect poodles of all varieties.  In order to receive an OFFA certificate blood is drawn and sent to an approved lab for a full panel.  This test should be done on all breeding poodles every year until the dog is 4 years old and every other year after that.  Unfortunately a thyroid issue can pop up at any time, however testing prior to breeding and researching pedigrees can reduce the risk of affected offspring being produced.  For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/hypothyroidism.

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is considered a serious skin disorder, within the standard variety, where the sebaceous glands are ineffective causing loss of coat and secondary skin infections. Testing for this syndrome has been controversial because it may only include one part of a dog’s body and is sometimes inconclusive. Poodles that test negative at one point in time could test positive later. The test requires two skin punches taken from between the top of the head to the withers. The biopsy is sent into an approved lab for evaluation, and reports can then be sent in to OFA for a certificate and posting on the OFA website.  For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/sebaceous-adenitis.

Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) is a genetic disorder of the hip joint that differs from Hip dysplasia, but can still cause stiffness and pain.  It is generally found in the Toy and Mini varieties, but can be present in some Standard lines.  The same x-ray used for hip evaluations can be used to evaluate the joints for LCP and is sent to OFFA for a radiologist to review.  Dogs who are clear of this disorder will be assigned an OFA LCP number and listed on their website. For more information please visit https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/legg-calve-perthes.

DNA tests:

Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited neurologic disease, typically manifesting in Standard Poodles around the age of nine. DM causes gradual muscle atrophy and loss of coordination, eventually resulting in the inability to walk, as well as urinary and fecal incontinence. DNA testing identifies which dogs are affected, clear, or carriers.  For more information: https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/87/?breed=21

Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures is an inherited neurologic disease, caused by a mutation of the ATF2 gene. Carriers can be identified on DNA testing. Affected puppies are smaller and weaker at birth than their littermates. If they survive their first week of life, severe neurological symptoms start by three weeks of age. Affected puppies have difficulty, or an inability to walk, due to ataxia, which quickly progress to severe seizures. Sadly, affected puppies die or must be euthanized before seven weeks of age because the disease does not respond to anti-seizure medications. For more information visit https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/86/?breed=21 and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18074159/

Von Willebrand Disease 1 (VWD1) is an inherited blood clotting disorder, where affected dogs may have less than half of the normal levels of vWf, an essential protein which affects blood coagulation. There are variations in the severity of the disease; some dogs have mild to moderate signs of a bleeding disorder while some will have a severe clotting disorder which may result in death. Without DNA testing, dogs are not typically diagnosed until they have surgery or an accident which causes bleeding, although some may bleed profusely even from loss of their juvenile teeth or other minor incidents. If the disease is identified at an early age and the dog’s veterinarian has access to blood banked for transfusions, the majority of dogs with this condition may have a normal lifespan. For more information visit https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/157/?breed=21

PRA-prcd (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, progressive Rod-cone degeneration) is a retinal disease that typically does not cause loss of vision until the dog is between three and five years old; however, a canine ophthalmologist can see evidence of the disease around 18 months old. Owners usually first notice that the dog has night blindness or cannot see well in dim light, and may notice behavioral changes due to loss of peripheral vision. Eventually the disease usually causes complete blindness.  For more information visit https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/89/?breed=21

PRA-RCD4 (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-cone dysplasia 4  is an inherited eye disease that is considered late-onset, because the progressive retinal atrophy does not cause degeneration of the retina until the dog is between seven and twelve years old. As the disease progresses, there is loss of blood flow to the retina, and just like PRA-prcd, the dog will first have a loss of vision in dim light, and loss of peripheral vision but eventually the majority of affected dogs will become completely blind. For more information, please visit https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/213/?breed=21

Osteochondrodysplasia is a musculoskeletal disease identified in Standard Poodles, associated with a mutation of the SLC13A1 gene. Stunted growth will be noticed in affected puppies by the age of three weeks—there is difficulty in movement compared to unaffected puppies, due to shorter legs, front legs which turn outward and rear legs which are typically splayed. These puppies will have clubbed feet, enlarged joints and flattened rib cages. Most have undershot bites severe enough to make nursing difficult and cause breathing difficulties. On the Pawprints Genetics website, it states “While affected dogs can survive for many years with supportive care, they will develop arthritis and will likely have breathing difficulty due to their deformed ribcages.”  For more information, see https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/141/?breed=21.

Bloat and Addisons Disease are frequent health issues in standard poodles and are not something we currently have predictive DNA tests for.  There is a genetic component and an environmental component to both. It is important to know the signs of each and act quickly to save the life of your standard poodle. 

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition. Gastric Dilatation is commonly known as “Bloat”; gas builds in the stomach and pushes against the posterior rib cage making the dog appear swollen or “bloated”. This condition may progress to Volvulus which is where the stomach flips and traps the gas and food/water in the stomach. Circulation in the abdomen may then be compromised and veterinary intervention is required. (3)

Dogs who are tall and narrowly built have increased susceptibility to bloat. Additionally, dogs who eat or drink quickly or excessively are more susceptible. While there is no scientifically proven reason for bloat, veterinarians agree that certain precautions can reduce the likelihood of bloat: 1) feed 2-3 small meals a day rather than a single meal 2) control the rate of consumption if the dog is a fast eater (use slow feeder bowls and reduce anxiety by feeding away from other dogs) 3) require a resting period of at least an hour after eating 4) preventative gastropexy (tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall. (1)

Signs of bloat: swollen abdomen, restlessness, pacing, retching, vomiting, excessive drooling, panting, abdominal pain, pale gums, collapse (2)
Treatment for GD: reduce gas, treat shock symptoms, administer fluids (2)(3)
Treatment for GDV: confirmation by x-ray/scan, treat shock symptoms, surgery to deflate the stomach and turn it back into position. Remove damaged stomach wall as required. If elected, tack the stomach to the abdominal wall. (2)(3)
Post-Surgery Care: pain medication, limit movement/exercise

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/
2. https://www.vmccny.com/gastric-dilatationvolvulus-bloat
3. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs 

Addisons (hypoadrenocorticism) is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the adrenal glands. “This leads to a deficiency in key hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate responses to stress and water/electrolyte balance.” (1) The cause of Addison’s is unknown, even though many past and ongoing studies exist.

There is no genetic screening test for this disease today; no way to know if a dog inherited it prior to becoming symptomatic. However, there is a clear genetic link, and a 2003 study found a “heritability of 0.75, which means that 75% of the factors that influence whether or not a dog develops hypoadrenocorticism are genetic.” (2) Unfortunately, “the genes responsible have not been identified.” (2)  A 2008 Study suggests that in poodles a recessive gene may not be in play, and “the condition is likely polygenetic—due to multiple genes.” (2)

Consequently, Addison’s is present within our breed and our pedigrees, and we currently do not have the applicable science to breed away, or remove what would be considered carriers, from our lines. Addison’s also does not present across the board; just because one dog within a familial line presented and tested positive for Addison’s does not mean any other dog within that generation or the next will have the disease. With that knowledge, we must not point fingers or place blame when the disease rears its head; rather, we should accept that it comes down to a matter of when, more so than a matter of if, when it comes to this disease.

Symptoms of Addison’s vary greatly and are often intermittent in the earlier stages of this disease, making diagnosis more difficult. Symptoms include “lethargy, depression, inappetence, vomiting, weakness, weight loss, dehydration, diarrhea, hypothermia, shaking, increased drinking and urination, weak pulse, low heart rate, abdominal pain and intestinal bleeding.” (2) Affected dogs can also show general signs of pain and nausea. “Many other diseases can cause signs like this and sometimes neither the owner nor a veterinary surgeon may realize that hypoadrenocorticism is a possibility.” (2)

“The course of this disease tends to be prolonged, especially when diagnosis and treatment are delayed or not possible.” (2)  This disease can have severe consequences if left unchecked. Affected dogs cannot function properly and can experience significant pain and may experience an Addisonian crisis. To diagnose this disease, a veterinarian can confirm suspicions of Addison’s by an ACTH stimulation blood test, “which measures the capacity of the adrenal glands to produce hormones in response to stimulation.” (2)

Addison’s cannot be cured, but it can be treated, and dogs can live full and fulfilling lives on treatment. Treatment for Addison’s is an injectable medication and/or oral medications. The injectable is “known as DOCP (brand names: Percorten-V or Zycortal),” and depending on the dog, it may be administered every 3-4 weeks and may be supplemented with oral medications. Not all dogs do well on the injectable medication. (3) An alternative is oral medication such as fludrocortisone (brand name: Florinef) “that replaces both the mineralocorticoid and the glucocorticoid.” (3) Other than medication, other changes to the dog’s diet or lifestyle are not normally required. The prognosis is generally good to excellent once a dog is on treatment. (3)

The truth is that Addison’s exists in all of our pedigrees to varying amounts. It is in our gene pool and we can only use caution and common sense when dealing with this disease. Pedigree research, longevity research, age, general health and transparency shared by breeders are our greatest weapons when navigating this untestable disease. This information can assist breeding programs in using dogs from lines “that have a lower incidence of the disease” to reduce “the number of affected dogs.” (2)  As studies continue and papers are published, there will be more knowledge to gain. Right now, we are our breed’s greatest assets. There should be no shame or hiding when faced with Addison’s; it is not something we can control or deny. It is within our breed and a hurdle we must face with transparency for future generations.

References:

1. University of Minnesota College of Veterinary – https://vetmed.umn.edu/research/labs/canine-genetics-lab/canine-genetic-research/addisons-disease-mhc-study#:~:text=Addison’s%20disease%20(also%20referred%20to,stress%20and%20water%2Felectrolyte%20balance
2. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare – https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/standard-poodle-hypoadrenocorticism
3. VCA Animal Hospitals – https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/addisons-disease-in-dogs-overview