War Notes

Yes, it's still "War Notes" and, unfortunately, looks like it will remain that way for some time to come.

Consider the following statistics from OFA and AKC showing where we are relative to testing for hip dysplasia.

January, 1974 to July, 1991

NUMBER  NUMBER
TESTED  CLEAR   % CLEAR   % E     % G      % F  
1291     967      74.9%     4.5%    43.8%    26.6%

For this same period of time, the total number of Mastiffs registered was 25,301, making the number of Mastiffs tested only 5% and the total number clear only 4%. Although the 1,291 animals being tested may be our current core breeding stock, this does not address the great number of untested dogs that are related to the core stock. It is just as important for these to be tested as the ones actually used for breeding, so we know exactly what is being produced, not just what is being bred.

The same pitiful results can be seen in all categories of genetic screening -- eyes, el- bows, VWD and thyroid. If we truly want to improve the health of this breed, then the percentage of tested dogs must increase. No one can say they don't have problems in their lines unless they have tested all progeny and ancestors. As of this writing, between Debbie Jones' and my database, we have only EIGHT fully tested CLEARED dogs (hips/elbows/eyes/VWD/thyroid). How can we expect to produce sound dogs if we don't have information on the dogs we are using for breeding? Even if you find that you have to use a dog that is not completely clear (all eye disorders, elbow dysplasia, lower than ideal thyroid), you have to have the information to know what you are dealing with and avoid compounding problems.

It is a simple thing (and not that expensive) to require that all puppy buyers have the genetic screening tests done, whether or not they are going to show/breed the dogs. All pups should be able to have at least their first CERF exam and the VWD test before they leave the breeder. Requiring annual CERF exams for the first three years and semi-annually thereafter; baseline thyroid at 8-10 months and semi-annually thereafter; hip/elbow x-ray and submission to OFA at two years would be an excellent source of data for anyone's breeding program and the breed as a whole. A future article will address contracts and guarantees that would include this type of requirement.

Costs are not that high spread over the years and depending on the area you live in. Southern California costs would probably be in the high-end of the range -- CERF exam (by an ACVO ophthalmologist - $18; Hips/Elbows - $65+$35 (add $30-35 for tranquilizer if needed); VWD - $20; Thyroid - $50. Therefore, your initial outlay per puppy would be approximately $38 for the VWD and CERF. Owners would have $50 during the first year for Thyroid; $18 during the second year for CERF; the third year being the most expensive with $203 maximum for hips, elbows, thyroid, and CERF; then alternating years after that of $68 for thyroid and CERF checks. Total outlay for ten years would be $475 which most people would easily spend on vet bills over ten years.

The breed needs YOUR help and dedication in order to produce a healthy gene pool from which we can draw for future generations. Let's not hide our problems, but test for them and bring them into the open so that they can be eliminated!

Sharon