Sensitivity
To wormers & other drugs
Some breeds (esp.
collies) are known to display a sensitivity to a family
of anti-parasitic drugs known as ivermectin and it
appears that a similar reaction is seen in Finnish
Lapphunds.
Before worming your dogs it is
worth mentioning this fact to your vet and to read the information
available and
familiarise yourself with the drugs
involved, it is
possible to avoid this family of wormers altogether.
Progressive
Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This is an
inherited eye defect where the retina degenerates over
time. Reputable breeders test their animals regularly to
reduce the chances of passing on the condition. It
usually only becomes apparent in mature dogs of over 5. An
American research company called Optigen have
identified the gene responsible as the prcd-PRA
(progressive rod cone degeneration) already
known in several other breeds.
If you are interested
in getting your dog tested for this condition, there are
clinics available, ask us for details on how you can
participate.
For those who are
considering or waiting for an FL puppy, you should talk
to your breeder who will know the status of the parents
and can make you aware of the risk in advance.
To ensure the
integrity of the breed and to reduce the likelihood
increasing the incidences of PRA only the following
matings are permitted;
|
M |
F |
Resulting
offspring will be |
|
Clear |
Clear |
Clear |
|
Clear |
Carrier |
50%
chance of being clear or carriers |
|
Carrier |
Clear |
50%
chance of being clear or carriers |
|
Carrier |
Carrier |
Mating
not permitted |
Hip Dysplasia
A condition
common amongst many breeds, where the ball and socket
joint of the hip is not properly formed, leading to pain
and difficulty walking. The
Kennel Club/BVA operate
a scheme whereby
dogs are x-rayed and scored for the degree of dysplasia
of the joint, the lower the score the better. The breed
average for each breed of dog will vary, and at the time
of writing the breed average for the FL is 12. The
Kennel Club advises breeding from dogs with lower than
the breed average. However it should be noted that HD is
not a simple inherited condition, other factors such as
feeding, exercise and unknown damage may play a part in
the development of the condition.
Hereditary
Cataracts
Another problem
common among many breeds, cataracts affect the opacity
of the eye’s lens. Dogs are subject to many forms of
cataract, some of which are hereditary. Cataract appears
as a whiteness or greyness of the lens, visible through
the pupil, making it look cloudy. It appears that the
hereditary cataract, which is seen in the FL, occurs
after the dog is one year of age, and is not believed to
be progressive. The way the condition is inherited is
not proven, but reputable breeders will have their breeding
stock checked regularly.
The above information
has been taken from Kiva's breeder's website;
www.tabanyaruu.co.uk
|
