Medical, Genetic and Behavioral Risk Factors of the Terrier Breeds

By Ross D. Clark DVM

This book (Terrier Group) provides you with the thorough descriptions and positive attributes of these breeds, including origin, purpose, history, normal heights and weights, acceptable colors, and behavioral traits. Our books differ from most books on dog breeds because this book also provides you with a comprehensive and authoritative source of all the known, predisposed hereditary health syndromes for these breeds. You will find extensive references for each problem described. We also provide the breed club address for these breeds and a list of laboratories and organizations that can provide professional help and information.

As a small-animal veterinarian, I have always been intrigued by the way dogs have been bred to fill a purpose in life, and I am further impressed that they also tend to love performing that service. Greyhounds and other sight hounds are built for speed, with aerodynamic bodies consisting of a small head, deep chest, narrow waist, and large leg muscles. On the other hand, dachshunds take their name from German words meaning badger dog, and they use their long nose, long body, and short legs to both track, enter, and dig into badger dens.

After developing a practice that catered to clients with show dogs, my interest in each breed continued to grow as I studied and observed more and more about the unique predisposition and incidence of health problems in each breed. Breeders of purebred dogs for show were a challenge and inspiration for me to research and help them with their unique health problems. Historically, references to hereditary problems are scattered throughout various veterinary medical texts and journals, such as ophthalmology, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular, and dermatology. This book, as well as the other books and articles I have written, has been researched and compiled with the intention to provide both veterinarians and dog owners with comprehensive and authoritative predisposed information under the breed name.

At the date of this publication, The American Kennel Club, Canine Health Foundation, and the Kennel Club of England report over 400 known hereditary health syndromes throughout the dog kingdom. During the writing of my first book in 1983, less than fifty hereditary issues were able to be predicted or diagnosed. Sequencing of the canine genome; DNA tests; metabolic testing, including blood tests and urine testing; and phenotypic examinations, such as radiographs, ultrasound, and CERF or OFA eye registry exams by a Board Certified veterinary ophthalmologist have advanced the science of breed-related health and behavioral problems.

This book will provide veterinarians, researchers, pet owners, and breeders with a comprehensive guide to all the known problems veterinarians and dog owners should consider during pet selection and throughout each life stage of our canine friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524584689

Ross D. Clark DVM

Ross D. Clark, DVM is the founder of Woodland PetCare Centers and a cofounder of National PetCare Centers. He received his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1963 from Kansas State University. He is practice management editor for Veterinary Economics Magazine and served as president of the Tulsa County Veterinary Medical Association, the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association, and also as president of the Western Veterinary Conference—the world’s largest continuing education conference for veterinarians. American Animal Hospital Association named him Outstanding Practitioner for the Western Region in 1987 and National Merit Award Winner in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1991. Veterinary Partners Incorporated, an organization of veterinarians, lawyers, and accountants that do practice management consulting, recognized Dr. Clark with their prestigious Pioneer Award at the Western Veterinary Conference in 2004. He served two terms as president of Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Alumni Association from 1990 to 1992, and Kansas State University named him an alumni fellow in February of 2003. Over the past forty-five years, Dr. Clark and his partners have cared for show dogs from most states in the United States of America, plus show dogs from Canada, Mexico, and Spain. He is the author of eight books, including Medical, Genetic, and Behavioral Aspects of Purebred Cats and the coauthor of the first and second edition of Medical and Genetic Aspects of Purebred Dogs. He is also author of four management books: first, a practice management manual; second, The Best of Ross Clark; third, Mastering the Marketplace—Taking Your Practice to the Top; and his latest book, Open Book Management for Veterinary Hospital Teams. He has toured throughout the world as a practice management lecturer and consultant. In addition, Dr. Clark has been a Veterinary Economics “Hospital of the Year” judge for over twenty-eight years. Dr. Clark is currently owner and managing partner of four small animal practices and three pet resorts in Oklahoma. Dr. Clark and his team have been doing veterinary practice management consultation, seminars, and appraisals since 1981. Ross is married to Linda Clark, and they have two children, twins Kent and Kimberly Clark.

Book preview

MEDICAL, GENETIC & BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTORS OF THE TERRIER BREEDS

BY: ROSS D. CLARK, DVM

H. DAVID HAYNES, DVM – LEAD RESEARCH

AND EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

ART J. QUINN, DVM, DACVO – PROFESSOR EMERITUS,

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY CENTER

FOR VETERINARY HEALTH SCIENCES

BRAD HOWARD, DVM – RESEARCH ASSISTANT

PAUL SCHMITZ, DVM – TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

JAN COODY, MBA – TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

NITA RITSCHEL – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

GERI HIBBLEN JACKSON – PHOTO ACQUISITIONS

LINDA A. CLARK, RVT, AKC JUDGE – PHOTO ACQUISITIONS

Copyright © 2017 by ROSS D. CLARK, DVM. 743865

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 06/06/2017

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AIREDALE TERRIER

AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIERS

AUSTRALIAN TERRIER

BEDLINGTON TERRIER

BORDER TERRIER

BULL TERRIERS (WHITE AND COLORED)

CAIRN TERRIER

DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER

GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER

CESKY TERRIER

IRISH TERRIER

KERRY BLUE TERRIER

LAKELAND TERRIER

MANCHESTER TERRIER

MINIATURE BULL TERRIER

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

NORFOLK AND NORWICH TERRIERS

PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER (JACK RUSSELL TERRIER)

RAT TERRIER

RUSSELL TERRIER

SCOTTISH TERRIER

SEALYHAM TERRIER

SKYE TERRIER

FOX TERRIER – SMOOTH AND WIRE

SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

WELSH TERRIER

WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER

MEDICAL, GENETIC & BEHAVIORAL

RISK FACTORS OF THE TERRIER BREEDS

CHAPTER CONTENT

I. ORIGIN, HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION

II. SHOW RING REQUIREMENTS

III. BREEDING AND WHELPING

IV. GROWTH

V. RECOGNIZED RISK FACTORS OF THE TERRIER BREEDS

CARDIOVASCULAR-

HEMATOLOGICAL-

RESPIRATORY

DERMATOLOGICAL

ENDOCRINE-EXOCRINE-ENZYMATIC

GASTROINTESTINAL

DENTITION

MUSCULOSKELETAL

NEUROLOGIC

OPHTHALMIC

UROGENITAL

VI. MISCELLANEOUS

BEHAVIOR

OLD AGE

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS AND RESOURCES

GENETIC TESTS AVAILABLE FOR THE TERRIER BREEDS

CHIC REQUIREMENTS FOR OF THE TERRIER BREEDS

NATIONAL BREED CLUB

BY: ROSS D. CLARK, DVM

PREFACE

This book provides you with a through description and positive attributes of these breeds including origin, purpose, history, normal heights and weights, acceptable colors and behavioral traits. Our books differ from most books on dog breeds because this book also provides you with a comprehensive and authoritative source of all the known predisposed hereditary health syndromes for the breed. You will find extensive references for each problem described. We also provide the breed club address for this breed and a list of laboratories and organizations that can provide professional help and information.

As a small animal veterinarian, I have always been intrigued by the way dogs have been bred to fill a purpose in life and further impressed that they also tend to love performing that service. Greyhounds and other sight hounds are built for speed with aerodynamic bodies consisting of small head, deep chest, narrow waist and large leg muscles. On the other hand Dachshunds take their name from German words meaning badger dog and they use their long nose, long body and short legs to both track, enter and dig into badger dens.

After developing a practice that catered to clients with show dogs, my interest in each breed continued to grow as I studied and observed more and more about the unique predisposition and incidence of health problems in each breed. Breeders of purebred dogs for show were a challenge and inspirational for me to research and help them with their unique health problems. Historically references to hereditary problems are scattered throughout various Veterinary medical texts and journals such as ophthalmology, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular and dermatology. This book, as well as the other books and articles I have written, is researched and compiled with the intention to provide both veterinarians and dog owners with comprehensive and authoritative predisposition information under the breed name.

At the date of this publication, The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation and the The Kennel Club of England reports over 400 known hereditary health syndromes throughout the dog kingdom. At the writing of my first book in 1983, less than 50 hereditary issues are able to be predicted and or diagnosed. Sequencing of the canine genome, DNA tests, metabolic testing including blood tests and urine testing; plus, phenotypic examinations such as radiographs, ultrasound, and CERF or OFA eye registry exams by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist have advanced the science of breed related health and behavioral problems.

This book will provide veterinarians, researchers, pet owners and breeders with a comprehensive guide to all the known problems veterinarians and dog owners should consider during pet selection and throughout each life stage of our canine friends.

NOTE

The fact that a breed shows many disorders may be more an indication of the extensive research done on that breed than on its comparative soundness of the breed.

Many genetic disorders are common to several breeds. We do not intend to convey severity of incidence by the length of text within a particular breed chapter. One breed may have forty percent incidence and another breed only four percent. If a thorough study has been done to indicate the percentage of incidence, we make note of it; however, please keep in mind the incidence is only an indicator of the dogs tested. A breed for instance may show eighteen percent incidence of hip dysplasia as indicated by OFA, although breeders and veterinarians may not elect to submit radiographs of hips so severely dysplastic that the owners and their veterinarians know that there is zero chance to be rated as OFA normal.

Please be aware that we have included and identified anecdotal information, defined by Merriam Webster’s dictionary as unscientific observation; however, the observations of breeders and veterinarians with a special interest in the breed will hopefully be converted to scientific research, often underwritten by breed clubs, to confirm or rule out predisposition to breed problems.

You will note that each chapter is thoroughly referenced to help with the reader’s research as well as to credit and appreciate the researchers, writers, and breeders that have helped the animal world and mankind by their work with these genetic disorders.

Ross D. Clark, D.V.M.

AIREDALE TERRIER

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Airedale Terrier

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Airedale Terriers originated in the valley of the Aire River in the Yorkshire district of England. They are believed to have descended Old English Terrier. In earlier times the breed was known as the Working, Waterside and Bingley Terrier. The breed is known for its love of children, its protectiveness of home and family and its companionship. Rarely do Airedales become self-willed because they are sensitive to their owners’ wishes. They are generally even tempered and respond better to kindness than to domination.

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Airedale Terrier exiting an agility tunnel

DESCRIPTION

At birth, Airedale puppies look almost entirely black. Puppies likely to become show dogs should have tan markings above each eye, on the muzzle and the legs and on the underside. A white blaze on the chest is permissible. The mark may be more prominent in a puppy than in the mature dog. White toes or a half-white foot on a puppy will disappear with maturity, but more extensive white markings on the feet are likely to remain.

Airedales have a wiry outer coat and a softer undercoat. The best way to groom a wire-coated breed is to strip (pluck) the coat by hand or with a stripping tool, removing dead hair and making room for the new coat. If an Airedale is to be shown, the coat must be stripped.

Otherwise, it can be clipped. Clipping shortens the coat, allows the dead hair to remain and dulls the coat’s color. Neither the whiskers nor the furnishings on an Airedale’s legs or thighs should be removed. Airedales should be groomed because their coats can become shaggy and unkempt. Their coats do not shed, and a dog with a good coat may need little more than brushing and combing.

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Airedale Terrier carrying a dumbbell

THE SHOW RING

Dogs should measure 23 inches at the shoulders, bitches slightly less. A soft woolly coat is severely penalized in the show ring. Also penalized are yellow eyes, hound ears, white feet, over- or undersize, over- or undershot bite and poor movement.

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8 week old Airedale Terrier puppy

BREEDING AND WHELPING

Onset of estrus may be as late as 13 to 15 months in the Airedale bitch. When estrus cycles begin, they are usually regular, occurring every six months.

A large, first litter is likely to be whelped early. The average size of a litter is eight to 12 puppies. Small litters sometimes cause problems in whelping, due to the lack of fetal bulk to respond to uterine contractions.

Puppy weight at birth averages 12 to 15 ounces. At 6 weeks, puppies weigh approximately 6 pounds and at 8 weeks, approximately 12 pounds. They grow at an even pace, achieving a weight of 50 to 60 pounds at maturity and 45 to 55 pounds for females.

GROWTH

Dewclaws on the rear legs are rare and should be removed when they occur. The dewclaws on the front legs may be removed to prevent injury, but their removal is not required for the show ring. An Airedale’s tail should be docked. Generally this means cutting off about a third of a puppy’s tail. On a grown dog the tip of the docked tail should be in line with the top of the head when the dog is on its toes with its neck extended.

A puppy’s ears tend to fly when it is teething. Sometimes a dog’s ears are too heavy and remain hound like. This problem can often be alleviated by setting the ears.

To set the ears, attach them to the top front of the skull with liquid adhesive of the type used for applying false eyelashes or mending clothing. By this means the weight is taken off the ear and the muscle at the rear can work. The adhesive is applied to the tip of the ear, the ear is flipped over one finger, and the tip affixed to the top front of the skull. The space left by the finger provides room for the ear to work. Some ears must be set for a long time, but others correct immediately, especially ears that tend to break toward the rear while the puppy is teething.

RECOGNIZED RISK FACTORS IN AIREDALE TERRIERS

CARDIOVASCULAR-HEMATOLOGICAL-RESPIRATORY

Factor IX deficiency (Hemophilia B) is a coagulopathy that has been reported in the Airedale Terrier. ¹⁵(263) This condition is inherited as an X-linked recessive trait but the gene mutation responsible varies from breed to breed. The severity of the condition depends on the level of Factor IX activity present.

There may be subclinical cases, but most affected dogs have lameness from hemorrhage into the joints and muscles and there may be profound bleeding. A large deletion mutation extending to exon 6 is responsible. VetGen and HealthGene offer a direct DNA test for Hemophilia B in the Airedale.

Factor VII deficiency is a rare coagulation disorder recently reported in Airedales. Affected dogs tend to bruise easily and have postsurgical bleeding. It is inherited as a recessive trait and is caused by a missense mutation of exon 5 on the cVII gene. ³⁰ The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab and Laboklin, UK offers a DNA test for this condition in Airedales. ²⁷

Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) ¹⁵(485), ¹⁷ refers to a decreased level of vonWillebrand’s factor (VWF), a glycoprotein that when combined with Factor VIII, is responsible for platelet adhesion. VWF exists in the circulation in the form of several multimers. The Airedale Terrier has type 1 VWD, in which there are low levels of VWF but all multimers are detectable. Symptoms include prolonged bleeding after trauma or surgery. In the Airedale, vonWillebrands disease is suspected to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been reported in Airedale Terriers. ¹⁵(1036) A health survey conducted by the Airedale Terrier Club of America (ATCA), indicated that this condition occurred in 1.4% of the dogs included in the survey. ¹⁶

The following cardiac abnormalities have been reported anecdotally but not documented in the Airedale Terrier: ¹⁵ Atrial septal defect; pulmonic stenosis; subaortic stenosis; tricuspid valve dysplasia and ventricular septal defects. The ATCA survey reports that heart murmurs occurred in 13.3% of the dogs in the survey. ¹⁶

Selective IgA deficiency has been reported in the breed, but not well documented. ²⁰ Affected dogs are predisposed for skin infections as well as respiratory and urinary tract infections and a predisposition for allergies.

Laryngeal paralysis has been reported anecdotally in the breed. ¹⁵

DERMATOLOGICAL

The Airedale Terrier is predisposed for Follicular dysplasia.¹⁸ Hair loss and hyperpigmentation develop in the flank or saddle region beginning at 2 to 4 years of age. Hair loss may persist, but often takes the form of seasonal flank alopecia, ¹⁵ (⁶⁸⁹) ¹⁸ a condition characterized by a cyclic loss and regrowth of hair in the affected regions. Melatonin has been used to treat these conditions with some success.¹⁸

The ATCA survey states that 22.9% of the dogs included have some sort of allergic dermatitis (Atopy). ¹⁶

The Airedale Terrier is predisposed for both juvenile and adult onset demodicosis. (mange) ¹⁸

Sebaceous adenitis has been identified in Airedales.¹⁹a The disease is caused by a keratinization defect resulting in the destruction of sebaceous glands. Symptoms include hair loss, erythema and a thick greasy scale. A secondary folliculitis may be present. Treatment consists of keratolytic shampoos and oil based rinses. Retinoids have been used with some success. ¹⁸

3.1% of the Airedales listed in the ATCA survey are listed as having seborrhea and 13.3% are reported to have sebaceous cysts. ¹⁶

Nevi are a circumscribed developmental defect in the skin. In the Airedale Terrier, nevi composed of vascular tissue appear most often on the scrotum. ¹⁸ Therapeutic options include observation or surgical excision.

The Airedale Terrier is at an increased risk for melanocytic tumors. ¹⁷, ¹⁸ In the ATCA health survey, Melanoma was reported in 4% of the dogs surveyed and 3.3% were reported to have been affected with adenocarcinoma. ¹⁶ The breed is also considered to be at increased risk for cutaneous hemangiosarcoma and plasmacytoma as well as pilomatrixoma. ²⁸

ENDOCRINE-EXOCRINE-ENZYMATIC

The Airedale Terrier is predisposed for hypothyroidism. ¹², ¹⁵(704), ¹⁸. 3.4% of the dogs included in the ATCA survey are listed as being affected. ¹⁶.

Hyperadrenocorticism ¹⁰ and hypoadrenocorticism ¹⁵ have been reported in the breed. However, less than 2% of the breed appears to be affected. ¹⁶

GASTROINTESTINAL

The Airedale Terrier has been reported anecdotally to be at an increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus. ¹⁵ Bloat was reported in 1% of the dogs in the ATCA survey.

The breed is also at an increased risk for acute pancreatitis. ¹⁵(192) The Airedale has also been reported to have a predilection for hyperlipoproteinemia, ¹⁵ a condition that may predispose it for pancreatitis. 3.7% of the 516 dogs included in the ATCA survey were reported to have been diagnosed with pancreatitis ¹⁶.

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas appears to occur in greater frequency in the Airedale than in the general population. ¹⁷, 19b

Pancreatic insufficiency has been reported in the Airedale, but at a low rate of occurrence. ¹⁵, ¹⁶ Affected dogs have chronic diarrhea and weight loss.

In one study over a two-year period, 56 dogs with signs of colonic disease were studied. Airedale Terriers appeared to be at increased risk of developing colonic disease. The presence of watery stools, tenesmus, frank blood and mucus were the most common clinical signs. ⁸ The ATCA survey listed that 6.4% of the dogs included had been diagnosed with either chronic diarrhea or colitis. ¹⁶

MUSCULOSKELETAL

The Airedale Terrier has been reported anecdotally to be a breed at increased risk for panosteitis, ¹⁵ an inflammatory disease that affects the appendicular skeleton of growing dogs.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia have been reported in the breed. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) reports that 11.3% of the hip radiographs submitted for evaluation are abnormal and that 10.0% of the elbow radiographs are considered abnormal. ²¹

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Normal Hips in an Airedale Terrier                Moderate Hip Dysplasia Source: OFA

Myasthenia gravis has been reported anecdotally in the Airedale Terrier. ¹⁵

Umbilical hernias occur more frequently than any other hernia in the Airedale. ¹, ¹⁶

NEUROLOGIC

Narcolepsy has been recognized in the Airedale Terrier. ¹⁵(842) Stress, excitement or eating can cause the affected dog to suddenly fall asleep.

Epilepsy has been reported anecdotally in the breed. ¹⁵ The ATCA survey indicates that 2.9% of the 516 dogs in the survey reported having a seizure disorder of some kind. ¹⁶

Cerebellar hypoplasia and abiotrophy have been documented in the Airedale. ³, ⁴, ²². Purkinje neuron degeneration has been noted in multiple litters less than six months of age resulting in progressive cerebellar ataxia, dysmetria and tremors. ¹⁹b, ²². It was reported in only 0.2% of the dogs in the ATCA survey. ¹⁶

Airedale Terriers are believed to be predisposed for spondylosis deformans, ¹⁷ a degenerative condition of the vertebral column characterized by the formation of bony spurs and bridges at the intervertebral spaces that occurs in older dogs.

Intervertebral disc disease has been reported anecdotally in the breed. ¹⁵ The ATCA survey reports that spondylitis occurred in 3.1% of the dogs in the survey and degenerative disc disease occurred in 2.5%. ¹⁶

A study in which over 14,000 radiographs were examined for abnormal vertebral fusion in the lumbosacral area, 1.6% of 448 Airedale radiographs showed this lesion. ²

Diskospondylitis is an infection of the vertebral column affecting the cartilaginous vertebral endplates with secondary involvement of the disks. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently reported infectious agent. It is spread via the blood from other locations such as abscesses and oral infections. Clinical signs are non-specific early on and include a malaise, anorexia and vertebral pain. Vertebral instability, luxation and neurologic deficits may occur later. A recent study indicated that the Airedale was at 16.8 time’s greater risk for diskospondylitis than the general population. ²⁴

OPHTHALMIC

Glaucoma has been reported in 1% of the dogs in the ATCA survey. Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure due to the inability of the fluid to leave through the iridocorneal angle. If sustained, the increased pressure will result in blindness.¹⁶

The Airedale is reported to have lower lid entropion (in rolling of the eyelid). ¹⁵(903) and distichiasis (abnormally located lashes along the lid margin) has been reported in the breed. Both conditions can cause ocular irritation.¹⁵, ²³

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Entropion           Distichiasis, Note the presence of eyelashes directed toward the cornea

Corneal dystrophy is a condition seen in young Airedales. ¹⁵(363), ²³ A dense accumulation of lipids begins to appear in the corneal layers of dogs 9-11 months of age. The accumulation continues until vision impairment is noted by 3-4 years of age. It is believed to be inherited as a sex-linked recessive trait.

Pannus (Chronic superficial keratitis) characterized by the infiltration of a grayish haze across the cornea, has been reported in the Airedale. ¹⁵(903) the haze is followed by dark pigmentation and vascularization that impairs vision.

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Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) are vascular remnants that exist in the anterior chamber of the eye and fail to regress during the neonatal period. These remnants bridge from iris to iris, iris to the lens or iris to cornea or form sheets in the anterior chamber. Based on location and number, they may cause vision impairment. ²³

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Persistent Pupillary Membranes-PPM

The Airedale is at an increased risk for cataracts, a complete or partial opacity of the lens and/or its capsule. ²³ All types of cataract have been reported in CERF examinations. Cataracts were reported in 8.3% of the dogs in the ATCA survey. ¹⁶.

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Cataract

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) ¹⁵(903) with an age of onset of 2 years has been reported in the Airedale. PRA is a degenerative disease of the visual cells of the retina leading to blindness.

The Airedale is at risk for retinal dysplasia (Detached) ¹⁵(1108). There is severe retinal disorganization associated with detachment and blindness and is present at birth.

All the ocular conditions listed occurred in dogs in the ATCA survey. However, with the exception of glaucoma and cataracts, each condition occurred in less than 1% of the dogs in the survey. ¹⁶

UROGENITAL

Cryptorchidism has been reported in male Airedales but in low numbers. ¹⁵, ¹⁶

The Airedale Terrier is listed as being predisposed for vaginal hyperplasia. ¹⁷

A XXX genotype has been reported in Airedale Terriers. ¹⁵(461) These bitches, known as super females, may experience difficulty in training but otherwise are phenotypically normal.

Polycystic kidney disease has been reported anecdotally in the breed. ¹⁵. Renal failure can occur if the cysts enlarge enough to compress the kidney tissue.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Airedale is at an increased risk for hemangiosarcoma ¹¹, ¹⁸ (2.7% ATCA survey) ¹⁶ and lymphosarcoma. ⁵, ⁶, ⁷, ¹⁷ (2.5% ATCA survey) ¹⁶

A study in Germany demonstrated that feeding milk replacer to Airedale puppies resulted in poor development and condition, impaired moving capacity, retarded change of teeth and pathological changes in the kidney (renal calcification and sclerosis, fibrosis of glomeruli, dilatation of the tubuli). Vitamin D3 concentration in the milk replacer was 3.45 million IU/kg fed. This concentration of Vitamin D3 was determined to result in intoxication in the Airedale puppies. ⁹

NOTE: The statistics used in this section were derived mainly form a survey developed by the Airedale Terrier Club of America and Dr. Larry Glickman of Perdue University and sent to Airedale owners from 1995 to 2001. The owners were requested to complete a survey for each Airedale alive in 1995. 519 surveys were returned to the ATCA, 278 for females and 241 for males. The data came from Table 36; Prevalence of Veterinary Health Disorders by Type and System and Table 37; Prevalence of Veterinary-Confirmed Autoimmune Disorders.

BEHAVIOR

It is important to note that Airedales accept pain and distress without complaining. Thus, an Airedale may be much sicker or in greater pain than outward appearance indicates. A dominant dog can be deliberately disobedient toward people he considers submissive. Airedales easily become restless and bored. As a breed they are very playful, courageous and faithful. ¹³

Surveys conducted in the United States and Germany varies somewhat on rating the Airedale on certain behavior traits. Two surveys rate the breed high in all forms of aggression (toward strangers, owners and dogs) ¹⁴, ³¹ while another owner generated survey ranks them average in the level of aggression.³² Two surveys agree that the breed is above average in activity and medium to low in trainability.

OLD AGE

Older bitches are subject to metritis and mammary tumors. Older dogs remain playful and active, often despite muscular stiffness and arthritis. They should be guarded against overexertion. The life span of the Airedale is from 11 to 14 years. A survey of the causes of death listed in the Veterinary Medical Database indicated that Airedales most often died of urogenital causes and cancer. ²⁹

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS AND RESOURCES

This is a list of Genetic tests available for Airedale Terriers to identify inherited medical problems that may be recommended by your Veterinarian.

GENETIC TESTS AVAILABLE FOR THE AIREDALE

For information about the laboratories performing these tests and sample submission contact:

www.offa.org/dna_labs.html

Additional health screening tests recommended for the Airedale Terrier by the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)

Here is how CHIC works to help dog fanciers improve their breeds CHIC works with national breed clubs, the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to create a list of health screening procedures designed to eliminate inherited health problems from dogs used for breeding. The procedures vary from breed to breed and may change if new problems are identified or new tests become available. A dog must have completed all the required health screening procedures in order to receive a CHIC number. For more information contact: www.caninehealthinfo.org

CHIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AIREDALE TERRIER

Hip Dysplasia: OFA or PennHip evaluation

Congenital Cardiac Database: OFA evaluation-Auscultation- a follow-up is recommended for any abnormalities

Renal Disease: OFA evaluation

Eye Exam by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist (Optional): Results registered with CERF or OFA

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional): OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory yearly

Elbow Dysplasia (Optional): OFA evaluation ²⁶

NATIONAL BREED CLUB

The National Breed Club is a good place to discover all the things you can do with your Airedale Terrier and to contact other Airedale owners.

AIREDALE TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA

www.Airedale.org

REFERENCES

1. Hayes, H.M. Congenital Umbilical and inguinal Hernias in Cattle, Horses, Swine, Dogs, and Cats: Risk by Breed and Sex among Hospital Patients, Am. J. Vet. Res.; 35: 839-842.

2. Winkler, W. Transitional Lumbosacral Vertebrae in the Dog, Dissertation, Fachbereich Veterinarmedizin der Freien Universitat Berlin. 1985: 143, 50 ref.

3. Erickson, F., Saperstein, G. Liepold, H.W. and McKinley, J. Congenital Defects in Dogs. Canine Practice; August 17, 1977: 58.

4. Cordy, D.R. and Snelbaker, H.A. Cerebellar Hypoplasia and Degeneration in a Family of Airedale Dogs, J. Neuropath. Exp. Neural (11); 1952: 324-328.

5. Madewell, Bruce R. Canine Lymphoma, Veterinarian Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice; Vol 15, No. 4, July, 1985.

6. McGraw, Dudley Canine Lymphosarcoma, AAHA’s 56th Annual Meeting Proceedings; 1989.

7. Rosenthal, Robert C. "The Treatment of Multicentric Canine