What are the health issues facing the Briard today?

Overall, the Briard is a healthy breed. Many of the problems seen are shared by all dogs, especially those of similar size. Briard specific diseases are very rare.

There are many resources to learn more about dog diseases in general. These links are just a sampling.

 

 

Cancer

There is no specific type of cancer that is most prevalent among Briards. As with all breeds, a significant portion of deaths are caused by cancer. It is the number one killer of all dogs. Although more common among older dogs, even young (4 - 5 year old) dogs can get cancer. Here's a link with more information about Cancer in dogs.

Bloat

Every Briard owner should read this page regarding bloat. It may save your dog's life.

Bloat (or gastric torsion) affects primarily large, deep chested breeds, such as the Bloodhound and Great Dane. The Briard can also be affected. For whatever reason, when a dog is bloating, gas collects in the stomach, and cannot escape. If the stomach twists with the gas buildup (torsions), the gas is trapped, and stomach / intestinal tissue starts to die from a lack of blood circulation. Surgery is required immediately if the dog is to have any chance to live. The causes of bloat are unknown, but it is felt that stress, hormones, a genetic predisposition, even exercise can play a role. Or, there can be no disernible reason at all. A good explanation of bloat can be found at Foster and Smith,  and Purdue University has information on the latest research. Bloat is painful, life-threatening, and can strike any dog, even those with no history of bloat in the pedigree. It often strikes relatively young dogs, at four to five years of age. It is difficult to determine the actual incidence of bloat, as many breeders do not admit it has happened to their dogs. Dogs that have bloated often have their stomachs "tacked" (attached to the wall of the stomach cavity) , which prevents a recurrence of the torsion. The dog can still bloat, but the life threatening torsion is prevented. Dogs which have bloated and recovered can live normal lives if tacked. Some breeders with a high incidence of bloat in their lines tack all their dogs, before they have a chance to bloat.

Hip Dysplasia

This is not a life threatening condition, but a dog with hip dysplasia can have a lower quality of life, especially as they age. It can cause degenerative changes in the hips, leading to arthritis and chronic pain. It can also have virtually no visible effect, even on a dog with severe dysplasis. Much depends on the degree and type of dysplasia, and the individual dog. It is a disease with both genetic and environmental factors, and responsible breeders have hips checked and evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and / or Penn-Hipp before breeding. However, even two dogs with OFA Excellent hips can produce dysplastic puppies. Dogs with severe dysplasia can produce puppies with normal hips.  The purpose of screening dogs is to increase the chances of producing a greater number of normal pups. It is not a guarantee that a puppy will be free of hip dysplasia. Over time, the regular screening of hips has reduced the incidence of hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders do not breed dysplastic dogs.

Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB)

Never a common condition, CSNB AFFECTED dogs can have varying degrees of night blindness. A night blind dog can have problems ranging from a slight difficulty in moving around in poor light, to temperament problems caused by the total loss of vision in a darkened room, to blindness even in light. Until recently, carriers could not be identified unless bred to other carriers. We now have a genetic test for the recessive gene which causes CSNB, so the incidence in the Briard population should rapidly decrease. Dogs that are CARRIERS of CSNB are not affected in any way. Carriers can now be bred safely, as long as it is not to another carrier. With genetic testing available, high quality Briards that carry the CSNB gene no longer have to be avoided as breeding animals. Read more about CSNB and the test for it. Any Briard owner who suspects their dog may have difficulty seeing in poor light should consider having the dog tested. As an item of interest, Briards were involved in developing gene replacement therapy for humans with a similar genetic defect. A Briard involved in the research actually had sight restored!

Hypothyroidism

Some Briards have lower levels of thyroid hormones, which can cause skin, coat, and other problems, such as low fertility. There are effective tests in use today to check levels before making the decision to breed a dog. The visual signs of hypothyroidism can be subtle, and mistaken for other conditions. Testing for hypothyroidism is not universally done, however. Many breeders believe that as the condition has visible effects, testing is only necessary if a problem is suspected. More about hypothyroidism.

Eye Conditions

There are several eye conditions which may appear in Briards on an occasional basis. Minor Cataracts, Corneal Dystrophy, and Retinal folds are among these. They have very little effect on the quality of life of the Briard, but reputable breeders will do annual CERF exams to check the condition of the eyes.

Other

Many other conditions that affect dogs in general can also occur in Briards, although they are not common. Hernias (umbilical and diaphragmatic), cardiac conditions, kidney problems, and luxating patells are just a few. An emerging problem in many breeds are the autoimmune diseases. These cover a wide range. There is much debate as to why these diseases are on the rise, but two suspected culprits are over vaccination, and the use of chemicals in kibble.

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