Articles about Health & Welfare
Don’t forget we now have a DNA test for Cerebellar Ataxia.
The AHT’s epilepsy study has now moved to the Genetics Phase. We have contacted the owners of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy that we know are still…
The data collection for the study on Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Italian Spinone in the UK has been completed. The numerous variables are undergoing analysis and will be presented at an international conference in September.
The interim results suggest that the prevalence of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Italian Spinonein the UK is greater than the 0.6% prevalence estimated in epileptic dogs of numerous breeds in first opinion practice in UK. Seizures are commonly generalised tonic-clonic and frequently occur in clusters. More than 50% of Spinoni required more than one antiepileptic medication and seizure control was often challenging. Epilepsy related mortality rate was higher than previously reported in other canine breeds.
March Update from the AHT Research Study into Idopathic Epilepsy. Please help the Animal Heath Trust tackle Epilepsy in the Italian Spinone. As you know, the collaborative research project between…
We’ve been asked by a researcher at the Clinical Investigations Centre at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to help recruit for a food trial looking into the treatment of epilepsy. A new diet has been developed with the aim of improving the management of epileptic dogs, not only by reducing seizure frequency, but also by decreasing the level of side-effects seen with standard antiepileptic drugs.
Information regarding your dogs health is welcomed from any spinone owner. You do not have to be a Club member to report a health matter.
With the AHT currently researching epilepsy, we would particularly appreciate details from any owner, both from the UK and abroad, who has experienced this.
If your Spinone has suffered from a health problem, it would be very helpful if you could complete our ‘Report Health’ google form which can be found by clicking on the link.
Osteochondritis (OCD), based on the veterinary information we have been given, is a condition that affects the smooth cartilage surface within the joints and most commonly the shoulder.We have a Spinone bitch who was diagnosed with this condition at the age of 4 months.We were sent by our vets, who had x-rayed both her shoulders, to an orthopaedic referral unit that operated initially on her left shoulder, suggesting the other would need surgery at a later date if it presented the same symptoms.There are some questions as to the cause of OCD, with no definitive answers reached, it seems, even within the veterinary world, and there are many opinions as to the best way to effect a cure.The following gives the history of Lottie, her symptoms and recovery, as well as some observations made along the way. If you have had a similar experience we would be interested to hear from you.
When there is an accumulation of gas in the stomach this is referred to as BLOAT, unfortunately the dilated stomach can then sometimes twist upon itself which prevents the escape of gas and this is TORSION.
Even though there are many theories about the reason this condition occurs there is at the moment no definite cause known.
Vet’s Corner – Beware the deadly raisin!
Information has come to light recently regarding the toxic effects of raisins, sultanas and grapes on dogs. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the agency who provides information and advice to Veterinary Surgeons in cases of toxicity, has provided the following information. The agency first became aware of this problem a few years ago after a spate of cases in close succession. A check through their database revealed many serious cases in the past.