Research into the health of Utonagan in general has been ongoing by members of our Committee for approximately 5years now. Far from original claims that no health issues exist within the breed, it is becoming increasingly obvious that there are in fact several health issues that are repeated through several generations of several lines.
We believe a large amount of this is due to some degree, to the inbreeding that has occurred frequently within the lines, due to having such a small gene pool. Genetically, diseases are carried and passed on as either dominant genes or recessive genes, so a lot depends on the combination of genes which each dog has or is carrying, as well as which mix of genes each pup in a litter inherits. When inbreeding occurs, with each generation, certain recessive genes are “doubled up” when two dogs carrying the same gene are mated, this then produces more incidence of the actual disease and of course more “carriers” of the disease also.
This is the main reason we are actively seeking new blood for our lines and though this approach will take time to produce results, we feel we have little or no option but to try.
The most predominant health issues to date within the breed are noted as :-
1) Unilateral Cryptorchidism (where only one testicle drops into the scrotum).
2) Hip Dysplasia.
3) Epilepsy.
4) Addison’s Disease.
The following have also been noted to a lesser degree :-
1) Cataracts.
2) Cerebellar Hypoplasia.
3) Von Willebrand’s Disease.
4) Elbow Dysplasia.
5) Possible MRD – Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia.(which is often associated with various forms of Elbow Dysplasia).
6) Anal Furunculosis.
Some of the above are still being researched and measures have been put into place to attempt to at least reduce if not eradicate the incidence of these diseases within our breed. Therefore we would very much like to hear from ANY Utonagan owners whose dogs are suffering from any of these conditions so that we can further our research.
For further confidential advice and information contact
health@the-utonagan-association.co.uk
