​

 

Please remember when choosing a breeder the color of a dog should not be the focus. The overall health and longevity should be foremost. 

​

All French Bull Dogs parents should be examined for diseases.

​

​

​

Why genetic testing????  Understanding and paying attention to hereditary diseases can prevent problems in offspring.

Chondrodystrophy with Invertvertebal Disc: 

In some breeds, this variant is found in nearly all dogs.

IVDD there are other genetic and environmental factors (such as weight, mobility, and family history) that contribute to an individual dog’s risk of developing.  

Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) refers to the relative proportion between a dog’s legs and body, wherein the legs are shorter and the body longer. For CDDY, dogs with one copy of this variant may have mild proportional differences in their leg length. Dogs with two copies of this variant will often have visually longer bodies and shorter legs. 

I contacted genetic labs to ask about this. In french bulls  28% have one copy of IVDD, 68% have two copies of IVDD and they believe less than 3% in the world have no copies of IVDD. 

​

​

​

Progressive retinal atrophy - crd4/cord1, PRA-cord1, PRA-crd4, PRA-crd4/cord1: Recessive

Progressive retinal Atrophy, cone-Rod dystrophy 4 (PRA-crd4) is an inherited eye disease affecting dogs. PRA-crd4 occurs as a result of degeneration of both rod and cone type Photoreceptor Cells of the Retina, which are important for vision in dim and bright light, respectively. Affected dogs can show symptoms of vision loss or have signs of retinal disease on veterinary ophthalmologic exam by 3 years of age. However, age of onset varies significantly in PRA-crd4 affected dogs, and has been reported from 1 to 15 years of age. Mutations in the RPGRIP1 gene show Incomplete Penetrance, meaning that not all dogs inheriting two copies of the Mutation develop clinical disease. This suggests that other unknown genetic or environmental factors may play a role in modifying disease development and progression. Although progression tends to be relatively slow, most affected dogs (especially those with an early age of onset) will progress to complete blindness.

​

Canine multifocal retinopathy BEST1/VMD2: Recessive

Multifocal Retinopathy 1 is an inherited disorder of the Retina affecting several breeds of dog. Affected dogs typically present between 11 and 16 weeks of age with multiple discrete circular areas of retinal detachment with underlying fluid accumulation that are visible on an eye exam performed by a veterinarian. These blister-like lesions are typically found in both eyes and can appear gray, tan, orange or pink and vary in number, size and location. Progression of retinal changes is usually slow and new lesions are not noted after 6 to 12 months of age. Occasionally as affected dogs age, lesions appear to heal and are no longer visible on an eye exam. Generally the dog’s vision is not affected although vision loss has been described in some cases of multifocal retinopathy 1.

​

​

​

Eye:

There is some confusion about Cataracts.

​

On a ophthalmologist eye exam you may get an idea whether they suspect a cataract is genetic or not, however there is no genetic test to prove this per researchers. There is the belief that the inherited type is more common for both eyes to be affected and on the triangle of the back of the eye.  After speaking to several genetic labs they haven't determined the links to produce a genetic test.  Researchers haven't determined if cataracts are a recessive or dominant trait.  There are so many causes of cataracts that is why you will see many breeders still using a dog with a cataract for breeding. This is done in the USA and all over the world. The OFA has now formed a special committee to study cataracts.

Causes:

• They can be a inherited condition although as of yet researchers haven't found if cataracts are a recessive or dominant trait.  There is no genetic test to eliminate.

• Diabetes is a common and preventable cause.

• The aging process of any dog can cause.

• Drug toxicity and other underlying eye conditions.

• Sodium Selenite is normal for cell function but in high doses can causes due to toxicity.

• Trauma to the eye.

• Electric shock.

• Inflammation of the eye's uvea (uveitis).

• Abnormally low levels of calcium in blood (hypocalcemia) at some point in the dogs life or poor diet.

​

​The inherited cataract has been tested for and not carried by our dogs. 

​

Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs.

Brain and Spinal Cord (Neurologic) Recessive

Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited neurologic disorder caused by a Mutation of the SOD1 gene known to be carried by French bulldogs. 

​

The white matter tracts of the spinal cord contain fibers that transmit movement commands from the brain to the limbs and sensory information from the limbs to the brain. Bulldogs are known to develop degenerative myelopathy associated with this mutation. DM, on its own, is not a painful disease.  This is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord that can cause muscle wasting and gait abnormalities.  The first signs of neural degeneration appear in the nerves that innervate the hind limbs. However, compensatory movements for a weak hind end can cause the dog to develop pain in other areas of his body such as his neck, shoulders, and front limbs. SYMPTOMS DM typically comes on slowly, almost imperceptibly. Promise Land does bred to prevent this.

 

Symptoms generally occur as follows:

•   Initial

  • Loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs

  • Wobbling when walking and/or rear feet knuckling over or dragging

  • Mild hind end weakness such as difficulty in: walking up steps, squatting to defecate, getting into the

    car

  •  Can first occur in one hind limb and then the other

• Intermediate

  • Limbs become weak; dog begins to buckle and has difficulty standing

  • Weakness progresses until dog is unable to walk in the hind limbs

•  Advanced

  • Loss of urinary and fecal continence

  • Weakness in front limbs

  • In general the dog will become near-paralysis of all four legs and widespread muscle wasting. 

​

Hyperuricosuria and Hyperuricemia: Recessive

Hyperuricosuria is an inherited condition of the urinary system affecting several breeds of dog. The SLC2A9 gene codes for a protein that allows the kidneys to transport uric acid from the urine. Dogs with mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene are predisposed to have elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, hence the name hyperuricosuria. Uric acid can form crystals and/or stones (uroliths) in the urinary tract. Dogs with hyperuricosuria most commonly present with symptoms of recurrent urinary tract inflammation, which include frequent urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. They may also have loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, vomiting and pain. Urinary stones in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections or more seriously, blockage of the Urethra. Both male and female dogs can be affected, but obstruction of urine flow is more common in males due to differences in anatomy. Although an x-ray can be used to exclude other types of stones, urate stones cannot typically be seen using x-rays and must be evaluated by ultrasound. Not all dogs with mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene will have symptoms of disease, though they will have increased uric acid excretion in the urine.

​​​

​

Heart Problems: 

​

Congenital heart disease in dogs is a malformation of the heart or great vessels. The lesions characterizing congenital heart defects are present at birth and may develop more fully during perinatal and growth periods. Many congenital heart defects are thought to be genetically transmitted from parents to offspring; however, the exact modes of inheritance have not been precisely determined for all cardiovascular malformations. The most common congenital cardiovascular defects can be grouped into several anatomic categories. These anatomic diagnoses include:

• Malformation of the atrioventricular valves

• Malformation of the ventricular outflow leading to obstruction of blood flow

• Defects of the cardiac septa (shunts)

• Abnormal development of the great vessels or other vascular structures

• Complex, multiple, or other congenital disorders of the heart, pericardium, or blood vessels

​

​

 

Patella 

What is Patellar Luxation?The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place, either in a medial or lateral position.
Bilateral involvement is most common, but unilateral is not uncommon. Animals can be affected by the time they are eight weeks of age. The most notable finding is a knock-knee (genu valgum) stance. The patella is usually reducible, and laxity of the medial collateral ligament may be evident. The medial retinacular tissues of the stifle joint are often thickened, and the foot can be seen to twist laterally as weight is placed on the limb.
Patellar luxations fall into several categories:

1. Medial luxation (toy, miniature, and large breeds)

2. Lateral luxation (toy and miniature breeds)

3. Lateral luxation (large and giant breeds)

4. Luxation resulting from trauma (various breeds, of no importance to the certification process)

Patellar Luxation GradesThe OFA Patellar Luxation Database is for dogs 12 months and over. Examinations performed on dogs less than 12 months will be treated as consultations and no OFA numbers will be assigned.
A method of classifying the degree of luxation and bony deformity is useful for diagnosis and can be applied to either medial or lateral luxations by reversing the medial-lateral directional references. The position of the patella can easily be palpated starting at the tibial tubercle and working proximally along the patellar ligament to the patella.
Grade 1: Manually the patella luxates at full extension of the stifle joint, but returns to the trochlea when released. No crepitation is apparent. The medial, or very occasionally, lateral deviation of the tibial crest (with lateral luxation of the patella) is only minimal, and there is a very slight rotation of the tibia. Flexion and extension of the stifle are in a straight line with no abduction of the hock.

Having so many dogs patellas looked at this point I find this is very subjective. If a man has strong hands they can pop the patella out while a vet with a gentler approach and not as strong hands won't. One vet may call the dog Grade1 while another calls the dog normal. Due to this I find that a Grade 1 isn't reliable in finding. Having taken the same dog to three different vets and getting different reading.
Grade 2:  There is frequent patellar luxation, which, in some cases, becomes more or less permanent. The limb is sometimes carried, although weight bearing routinely occurs with the stifle remaining slightly flexed. Especially under anesthesia, it is often possible to reduce the luxation by manually turning the tibia laterally, but the patella reluxates with ease when manual tension of the joint is released. As much as 30 degrees of medial tibial torsion and a slight medial deviation of the tibial crest may exist. When the patella is resting medially the hock is slightly abducted. If the condition is bilateral, more weight is shifted onto the forelimbs. Many dogs with this grade live with the condition reasonably well for many years, but the constant luxation of the patella over the medial trochlear ridge of the trochlea causes erosion of the articulating surface of the patella and also the proximal area of the medial lip. This results in crepitation becoming apparent when the patella is luxated manually.
Grade 3:  The patella is permanently luxated with torsion of the tibia and deviation of the tibial crest of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from the cranial/caudal plane. Although the luxation is not intermittent, many animals use the limb with the stifle held in a semi-flexed position. The trochlea is very shallow or even flattened.
Grade 4:  The tibia is medially twisted and the tibial crest may show further deviation medially with the result that it lies 50 degrees to 90 degrees from the cranial/caudal plane. The patella is permanently luxated. The patella lies just above the medial condyle and space can be palpated between the patellar ligament and the distal end of the femur. The trochlea is absent or even convex. The limb is carried, or the animal moves in a crouched position, with the limb flexed.
Preliminary EvaluationsEvaluation of dogs under 12 months of age is encouraged if the owner desires to breed at this age. The most opportune time to gather breeding data is at 6-8 weeks of age prior to the puppy’s release to the new owner.

 

​Pennhip 

​

For those unfamiliar with the Pennhip Hip process we offer some background on their methodology. 

​​

• A PennHip evaluation not only reports as dysplastic those dogs with bone and cartilage abnormalities like OFA but takes it a step further and also points to the risk of the dog developing such radiographic signs later. 

• While PennHip does measure laxity, it also looks at the integrity of the joint for dysplasia.

• Veterinarians who wish to submit films to PennHip are required to be trained in the techniques and to be certified. This assures that standard protocols will be used in obtaining the films and helps insure accurate data.

• Pennhip can Evaluate as young as 16 weeks of age.   Every dog as they get older will develop some wear and tear of the joints. It has great potential to lower the frequency of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) when used as a selection criterion.

• The distraction index assigned to each hip joint is based on precise measurements and mathematical calculations.

• The distraction index assigned to each hip is a number which tells us how loose the ligament is holding femur into the acetabulum. This is to predict future problems. You can have a .60 in an Excellent, Good or Fair hip reading from the OFA. This number is future prediction. It is not saying the dog has dysplastic hips. If the dog actually has dysplastic hips it is also noted in the report. This is very important because if the ligament is to loose it will not matter what the hip is rated at ( Excellent , Good, Fair by OFA) the movement will cause Osteo Arthritis.

• Pennhip includes hip-extended position, compression and distraction radiographic views.  (Which is three views in comparison to one view used by OFA.)

​

Pennhip's downside is that the cost is higher, vet's must be certified to preform with special training and are not as assessable all over. 

​

The Distraction Index (DI), as determined by the PennHIP method, is the most reliable indicator of future hip osteoarthritis.  A study of large breed dogs showed that the distraction index stayed the same over time (within acceptable statistical limits) and was much more reliable over time than other methods such as the Norberg angle and the OFA scoring method. This is because no other company takes the ligament and movement into account. PennHip has taken it one step farther. 

 https://thehuntingdogpodcast.com/2017  . 

​

Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease which leads to Osteo Arthritis. There are many causes of degenerative joint disease, such as trauma, abnormal wear and tear on the joint and cartilage, excessive weight and improperly formed joint's. Pennhip vs OFA https://www.petmd.com. 

​

In layman's turn to help you understand  PennHIP looks at the Cup/Saucer however evaluates how much movement "in" (Compression) and "out" (Distraction) of the socket there is.  In other words - Does the ball (femoral head) STAY in the socket (acetabulum). This in turn causing less wear and tear reducing degenerative joint disease which leads to Osteo Arthritis. If the anchor (ligament) is to loose and the hip socket by OFA is deep (Let's say Excellent) it doesn't really matter, the ball (femoral head) will have abnormal wear and tear on the joint and cartilage, leading to Osteo Arthritis in the future.  The opposite, if the anchor (ligament) is very short and very tight and the ball (femoral head) is sitting inside more of a saucer instead of a cup. The dog will have less abnormal wear and tear on the joint and cartilage. This is because although a shallower cup the ligament keeps it seated and secure. Promise Land does consider the OFA score, obviously you need to see the depth of the cup/saucer and does take this into account, however shallow or deep we want to make sure the ligament will hold the head of the femur in place, reducing wear and tear on the joint's. In turn reducing the chances of  future Osteo Arthritis. With the ability to reduce the wear and tear on the joint's you can reduce hip problems in the Golden Retriever which could not be achieved previously.  

​

 

At this point PennHIP is known to be the most accurate test of future hip osteoarthritis. There is more information on the PennHip website. https://info.antechimagingservices.com.  After researching articles and looking at our clearances of dogs we have bred over the years from our 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation lines. We believe that PennHip vs. OFA for our program leaves PennHip winning hands down. Our goal has always been to continue to maintain and improve the health of the Golden Retriever with an emphasis on improving the hip scores of the adults in our breeding program in order to produce the healthiest puppies possible.