Health Issues That
Can Affect IG's
Hypothyroidism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), seizure disorders, luxating
patellas, and Legg-Perthes disease. A few bloodlines have a predisposition for leg fractures due to lack of bone
density.
At this time the IGCA
is working with Dr. Acland of Cornell University to try to develop a blood test that would show up carriers of PRA. Meanwhile,
responsible breeders have their dogs eyes checked yearly and, if diagnosed as clear, the dogs are registered with a CERF number.
This is no guarantee, but it's the best we have at this time.
Responsible breeders
also have their dogs checked for Legg-Perthes, luxated patellas, heart irregularities and, hypo-thyroidism. Some veterinary
orthopedic specialists feel that bone density can be checked by x-rays, but there is some disagreement as to the effectiveness
of this method. The IGCA's health committee has been working on a study of patterns of heredity in excessive leg breaks but
thus far there is no positive method of identifying the problem.
In Rescue, we often don't
know the background or breeding of a particular dog. Therefore, adopters must always be aware that the possibilities of these
health issues may exist in a dog adopted through rescue.
Much of this information
is provided courtesy of the IGCA. Please visit their site to learn more about these health risks known to IG's.
