Health

The most common abnormalities in the Spanish water dog are PRA and goniodysplasia (eye diseases), Hip dysplasia (HD), epilepsy, Neuroaxonal Dystrophia (and neurological disease) and thyroid abnormalities. It is possible to test for several mentioned deviations. In addition to specific eye and hip tests, it is advisable to also draw up a DNA profile so that hereditary diseases can be visualized. We recommend Embark, as this is an international organization, so they already have a lot of DNA data around the world. The average age expectancy is between 12 and 15 years. In addition, we think titration or in other words 'tailor-made vaccination' is very important. This prevents the perro from receiving unnecessary vaccinations and you are sure of the protective effect of the vaccination.

Prcd-PRA

Prcd-PRA stands for progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a hereditary eye defect that occurs in several dog breeds, including the Spanish Water Dog. In prcd-PRA there is a progressive degeneration of the retina, which can start at different ages. This means that there is a slow deterioration of the retina (the retina). Prcd-PRA causes degeneration of the retina cells in the eye; degeneration of the rods initially occurs, leading to progressive night blindness. Eventually the cones also slowly lose their function in full thinking light and complete blindness will occur. Most dogs affected by prcd-PRA (genetic PRA/PRA) will become completely blind. Only affected (PRA/PRA) Spanish water dogs will become blind due to prcd-PRA, carriers (N/PRA) and free dogs (N/N) will not become blind due to prcd-PRA. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for dogs that are blind due to prcd-PRA.

A genetic test is available, where Spanish water dogs can be tested through their DNA. It is possible to determine whether the dogs are free, carriers or sufferers (these dogs become blind) of prcd-PRA. It is important to test parent dogs for prcd-PRA before breeding the dogs. Our dogs have also been tested for this, see the overview of eye examination results. The meanings of the abbreviations used are as follows:

NN = normal = free NPRA = carrier = carrier, but will never get it PRAPRA = defective = sufferer, has it and passes it on

Because prcd-PRA is a genetic disorder that is inherited recessively, offspring can only become affected by prcd-PRA if they inherit the disease gene from their parents. Below is an overview of what kind of offspring can be born from different combinations of parent animals.

A combination of a clear (NN) dog with a clear dog (NN), gives 100% free offspring (NN)A combination of a clear (NN) dog with a carrier (NPRA), gives 50% free offspring (NN) and 50% carriers (NPRA) A combination of a carrier (NPRA) with a carrier (NPRA), gives 25% clear offspring (NN), 50% carriers (NPRA) and 25% affected (PRAPRA) A combination of a free dog ( NN) with a sufferer (PRAPRA), gives 100% carriers (NPRA) as offspringA combination of a carrier (NPRA) with a sufferer (PRAPRA), gives 50% carriers (NPRA) and 50% sufferers (PRAPRA) as offspringA combination of a sufferer (PRAPRA) with a sufferer (PRAPRA), gives 100% sufferers (PRAPRA) as offspring

Glaucoma (gonio)

The eye is filled with fluid that is supplied and drained. The amount of fluid determines the pressure in and the shape of the eye. Glaucoma is an increase in this pressure. In most cases, the drain pipe is blocked, but the supply continues. There will be a distortion of the eye. This is a very painful condition. Due to the increased pressure in the eye, the optic nerve is also compressed. The optic nerve sends information to the brain to form images. When too much pressure is put on the optic nerve, it will lose its function. Not only a hereditary defect can cause Glaucoma. Trauma, infection, eye tumor and lens luxation can also cause this. With a hereditary defect, both eyes will be affected.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a developmental disorder of the hips that can be unilateral or bilateral. HD is most common in medium to large dog breeds. It is based on both hereditary and environmental factors (including overweight, a high growth rate and the wrong load). A dog with hip dysplasia can suffer a lot from this, but this is not always the case. X-rays should be taken to assess whether your Spanish Water Dog has HD.

There are several possible results after taking an X-ray:

HD A (=negative): your dog is free of HD based on the x-ray; this does not mean that your dog cannot be a "carrier" of the abnormality.HD B (=transitional form): the photos show small changes that are the result of hip dysplasia.HD C (=slightly positive): your dog shows clear changes that fit the syndrome of HD.HD D (=positive): your dog shows clear changes that fit the syndrome of HD.HD E (=positive in optima forma): the hip joints are severely deformed.

Our dogs have been tested for hip dysplasia, see the overview of the results of the HD test. Some abbreviations are used in the overview. The meanings of the abbreviations are as follows:

NW = Norberg value OA = insufficient connection SA = bad connection OK = shallow bowl* foreign result** Penn-Hip

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition in which epileptic seizures occur repeatedly. When an epileptic seizure occurs, there is a derailment of electrical signal transmission in the brain. As a consequence of this disturbance, there is a sudden and violent discharge of groups of brain cells, which can be compared to a short circuit, causing an epileptic attack.

Symptoms:

Before the attack: The period before an attack is also called the 'aura'. This period can be short (a few seconds) or longer (hours to days). As an owner, you often notice that the dog starts behaving differently and is more restless than usual. This phase can sometimes be overlooked because the period can be very short or because the dog is sometimes asleep prior to a seizure. The actual seizure: An elliptical seizure is also called an ictus. The duration is often short, from a few seconds to minutes. Symptoms that you may see are: leg cramps, cramps all over the body, loss of consciousness, falling over, jaw chattering, foaming at the mouth, vocalization (squealing, whining, screaming) and loss of urine and/or stools. period after the attack is called the post-ictal phase. This period can vary in duration from a few seconds to a few days. The attack is over, but your dog's behavior is often still abnormal. Often there is agitation, squeaking, asking for food, sleeping extensively, etc. The owner sometimes does not recognize his own dog in the behavior.

Causes epilepsy:

Primary epilepsy: Epilepsy where no cause is found after a full examination is called primary epilepsy. Primary epilepsy usually occurs between 5 months and 6 years of age. Between seizures, your dog is healthy and exhibits normal behavior. Secondary epilepsy: this is a form of epilepsy in which a cause can be found. In some cases, the cause can be treated, making the epilepsy disappear or more treatable.

Genetic testing for epilepsy:

Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to test Spanish water dogs for epilepsy. However, worldwide research is being done into epilepsy in (pedigree) dogs. It is therefore advisable to send in blood samples for genetic testing for epilepsy if your Spanish Water Dog suffers from primary epilepsy. Hopefully this will allow us to develop a genetic test in the future that will enable us to prevent epilepsy in the Perro de Agua Español.