Since many people seem not to have read this previously, we are reinstating the page. (This is very much in note format)
Breed Health Survey Report
WE ARE INDEBTED TO MR GORDON PENMAN ( MRCVS) FOR HIS HELP AND DILIGENT WORK IN COLLATING THE HEALTH SURVEY .
His depth of knowledge of our breed helped tremendously in the following report.
Mr G Penman MRCVS states in his report:
"Whereas it is a simple matter to identify the more common conditions, the survey has shown it is more difficult to assess their incidence.
It was very obvious from the returns that many answers were not limited to the number of dogs kept over the last five years , but were based on those bred/kept over the period that the breeders/owners had been associated with the breed.
Over a 32 yr period with an average lifespan of 13 yrs, this would allow for at least two dog life cycles.
Due consideration should be given to this when calculating the incidence of any of the conditions in our survey."
BACK / SPINAL
Although there was evidence of spinal problems within our breed , there was not enough information from breeders to form a thorough opinion.
The numbers stated, gave an indication that the breed does in fact suffer from two forms of trouble, in the neck area and the lower spinal area.
Inter Vertebral Disc Disease
Pekingese are in the category of Chondrodystrophic breeds in which the disc degeneration process begins at an early age .
This can result in calcification of the damaged discs with or without prolapse of the discs.
These problems will show at an early age .
Having said this, it was agreed that most problems where caused by injuries, for example falling , twisting , fighting, falling down staircases, jumping off owners beds, jumping on / off furniture.
The majority being in the pet owning section ,
It is therefore suggested that breeders make new owners FULLY aware of this problem .
Mention has been made in the press and by shall we say the more “strident young buck vets “ of a condition called SYRINGOMYELIA , this condition is listed as supposedly affecting 7 pekingese in the
After the national meeting held this year and then covered by the dog press it seems that the condition affects mainly breeds with small backskulls, leaving not enough room for the back section of the brain, it slips through the opening at the junction where the spine feeds into the skull thus causing a great deal of pain .
We have had some further information on this subject, namely that this terrible affliction affects Bernese Mountain dogs ( in the USA), it is therefore not unreasonable to say that information here in the Uk as to one of the main causes is a constricted/small backskull is possibly flawed, it may be pertinent to question this statement in the light of this new evidence form the USA.
IF any vet diagnoses this condition, may we suggest that you ask for other opinions before allowing any further intervention ( this is a very costly process £1000 plus). One misdiagnoses of which we are aware was in fact a slipped disc in the neck.
EYES
It was very obvious from the outset that although there was an incidence of eye problems, mainly due to injuries, that most occurred within the pet owning population,
Therefore we recommend that breeders must stress the importance of eye care and discuss the signs of problems/injuries with the new owner and courses of action to be taken.
With the eye problems listed there was also a recommendation that the wrinkle be kept clear of the front of the eye globe at all times as the action of the tiny hairs constantly touching/ rubbing on the front of the eye caused a condition that made the eye itself produce a thickening and pigmented area that did affect the eye sight.
Again we recommend that breeders try and reduce the more exaggerated heavy over nose wrinkle.Consideration must be given to this when planning breedings.
BREATHING PROBLEMS
These were also shown to be a problem - approx 41 cases (a small number resulting in death)
It was also shown that a combination of pinched nostrils and deep set (embedded) noses sometimes combined with heavy over nose wrinkles
contributed to the problem.
Breeders are strongly reminded that when contemplating any matings the above points be considered first and foremost.
Always go for the norm not the exaggerated,....................... so wide open faces, large open nostrils and NO heavy, over nose wrinkles!
Breathing problems also lead to heart problems and tracheal collapse.
We have various veterinary opinions which concur that this could, in some measure be alleviated by breeding for a medium length of neck rather than the extreme shortness some strive for.
The tissues and structures in the throat would be less compressed/constricted.
Laboured breathing will over the years cause enlargement, and infection of the saccules in the throat which will inevitably in turn affect the efficiency of the heart and associated structures.
The survey also showed a high incidence of Degenerative Heart Valve Disease.
This may be congenital (born with it) or acquired as a result of the laboured breathing stated above.
This problem can also be aggravated by poor dental hygiene ( the rotten teeth and gums producing muck and infection that then sits around the heart valves and damages them ). Another likely cause can be the high salt content in complete feeds, as many websites (run by Companies such as Merke , Waltham and the Royal College of veterinary surgeons,) suggest that Dental hygiene and low salt content in feeds can help alleviate the situation .
So we have a two fold attack on the problem.
Simple testing of the heart should be carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons authorised by the
On the advice taken it is recommended that these tests are commenced at the 12months old stage and on a regular basis for Stud dogs and Bitches that may be used for breeding.
If breeders stick with this testing and ONLY use dogs that have been tested and scored (?) this should go a long way to removing the risk of further intervention / interference from The EU or the Government or any other body intent on meddling in our breed.
It is recommended that the supporting club hold testing sessions at their OPEN shows thus hopefully boosting entries at such shows and that these sessions be held in appropriate areas of the country, for example, North,
(Since writing these notes it has been suggested that it might well suit breeders better if some testing sessions could be held other than at shows. Mrs Everitt has offered her home as a venue, as has Mr Debenham. If anyone else can do this we would be most grateful, and would endeavour to find a qualfied vet in the locality who would agree to conduct the sessions.)
We have a list of recognised vets who are supported by the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society to perform such testing sessions. These vets have the required certification for dogs that are tested. Mr Simon Swift - the head of the Cardiovascular Society, says that these tests should NOT be carried out by GP vets. The test is different and highly specialised.
RECOMMENDATIONS
With the above mentioned it is recommended that the breed in general AND BREED CLUBS (for we have no breed council) ask the kennel club to incorporate into the breed standard, the neck length e.g.: It is recommended that the neck be of medium length, thick and muscular, not too short, Thus helping in the alleviation of any breathing difficulties.
The eyes be of Medium size Dark and Lustrous neither Too Large or Too Small, never Bolting or Bulging or prominent.
Any divergence to ANY extremes to be strongly discouraged.