Genetic Disorders Genetic Disorders PomeranianPomeranian

Introduction Introduction

When choosing any breed of dog you must be aware of When choosing any breed of dog you must be aware of potential health concerns potential health concerns

All dogs mixes and pure bred can have health concerns All dogs mixes and pure bred can have health concerns The more popular breeds and their mixes will have more The more popular breeds and their mixes will have more

genetic problems listed and more likely to have puppies genetic problems listed and more likely to have puppies with problems . with problems .

Although more serious in dogs under 6 lbs all sizes of Although more serious in dogs under 6 lbs all sizes of Pomeranians can have any of these health concerns. Pomeranians can have any of these health concerns.

Make sure your breeder offers a written health guarantee Make sure your breeder offers a written health guarantee good for one year.good for one year.

Have the puppy heath checked at your Veterinarian.Have the puppy heath checked at your Veterinarian.

Heart Disorders Heart Disorders Sick sinus syndromeSick sinus syndrome Sick sinus syndrome (also called sinus node Sick sinus syndrome (also called sinus node

dysfunction or bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome) is a disturbance of the dysfunction or bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome) is a disturbance of the normal rhythm of the heart in adult/older dogs. Normally, a dog's heart will normal rhythm of the heart in adult/older dogs. Normally, a dog's heart will beat at a rate as low as 40 beats/minute during sleep and as high as 280 beat at a rate as low as 40 beats/minute during sleep and as high as 280 beats/minute during intense exercise. In sick sinus syndrome, the heart's beats/minute during intense exercise. In sick sinus syndrome, the heart's natural ability to beat is compromised. Some dogs suddenly have a heart natural ability to beat is compromised. Some dogs suddenly have a heart rate as slow as 10 beats/minute, even during physical exercise; this causes rate as slow as 10 beats/minute, even during physical exercise; this causes a drastic drop in circulation, and then they recover for hours or days before a drastic drop in circulation, and then they recover for hours or days before having another sudden drop in heart rate. Other dogs have the opposite: a having another sudden drop in heart rate. Other dogs have the opposite: a heart rate that suddenly is very fast, causing a pounding heartbeat and also heart rate that suddenly is very fast, causing a pounding heartbeat and also compromising the circulation. Overall, then, sick sinus syndrome is a compromising the circulation. Overall, then, sick sinus syndrome is a disorder that causes an erratic change in the heartbeat, and that begins disorder that causes an erratic change in the heartbeat, and that begins mildly and then develops over time into a potentially life-threatening mildly and then develops over time into a potentially life-threatening problem. The hallmark symptom of sick sinus syndrome is sudden loss of problem. The hallmark symptom of sick sinus syndrome is sudden loss of consciousness (fainting), also called syncopeconsciousness (fainting), also called syncope

Heart Disorders Heart Disorders

Patent ductus arteriosusPatent ductus arteriosus Where the ductus arteriosus Where the ductus arteriosus does not close within 24-48 hours after birth, the dog is does not close within 24-48 hours after birth, the dog is left with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA causes left with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA causes unnecessary recirculation of blood through the heart, unnecessary recirculation of blood through the heart, greatly increasing the workload of the heart and greatly increasing the workload of the heart and potentially causing terminal heart failure in time if the potentially causing terminal heart failure in time if the PDA is not closed via surgeryPDA is not closed via surgery

Eye Disorders Eye Disorders

CataractsCataracts: : Can be congenital, juvenile or as a result of Can be congenital, juvenile or as a result of old age old age

EntropionEntropion : : Entropion is the inward rolling of the eyelid, Entropion is the inward rolling of the eyelid, most commonly the lower lid. This irritates the surface of most commonly the lower lid. This irritates the surface of the eye (the cornea) and may ultimately cause visual the eye (the cornea) and may ultimately cause visual impairmentimpairment

Eye Disorders Eye Disorders Progressive retinal atrophyProgressive retinal atrophy: : deterioration of the retinal cells causes deterioration of the retinal cells causes

blindness. blindness. Generalized PRA - early onset:Generalized PRA - early onset: The first sign is generally failing night The first sign is generally failing night

vision, as early as 6 weeks of age, and this progresses to complete loss of vision, as early as 6 weeks of age, and this progresses to complete loss of vision by about 1 - 2 years of age. Collies may retain some vision until the vision by about 1 - 2 years of age. Collies may retain some vision until the age of 2 - 3 years. In miniature schnauzers, poor night vision usually age of 2 - 3 years. In miniature schnauzers, poor night vision usually develops later (6 months to a year) and there is advanced loss of vision by 3 develops later (6 months to a year) and there is advanced loss of vision by 3 to 4 years. Affected Alaskan malamutes are day-blind (hemeralopia) at 8 to to 4 years. Affected Alaskan malamutes are day-blind (hemeralopia) at 8 to 10 weeks of age; night vision is never affected.10 weeks of age; night vision is never affected.

Generalized PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration) - late onset:Generalized PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration) - late onset: Generally night blindness is noticed between 2 and 5 years of age Generally night blindness is noticed between 2 and 5 years of age (depending on the breed) progressing to total blindness within a year or so. (depending on the breed) progressing to total blindness within a year or so. Peripheral vision is lost first.Peripheral vision is lost first.

Central PRA (CPRA) - retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy (RPED): Central PRA (CPRA) - retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy (RPED): Loss of vision occurs much more slowly than in generalized PRA, without Loss of vision occurs much more slowly than in generalized PRA, without initial night blindness. Affected dogs may not lose vision completely. initial night blindness. Affected dogs may not lose vision completely. Because the changes are in the centre of the retina, affected dogs initially Because the changes are in the centre of the retina, affected dogs initially have trouble locating still objects in bright light. have trouble locating still objects in bright light.

Endocrine DisordersEndocrine Disorders Growth hormone-responsive dermatosis; adrenal sex hormone responsive dermatosisGrowth hormone-responsive dermatosis; adrenal sex hormone responsive dermatosis

This condition is more common in male dogs between 1 and 5 years of age, with hair This condition is more common in male dogs between 1 and 5 years of age, with hair loss usually starting at puberty. Adrenal sex-hormone dermatosis is seen in males loss usually starting at puberty. Adrenal sex-hormone dermatosis is seen in males and females, either neutered or intact.and females, either neutered or intact.

Hair loss (called alopecia) is symmetrical over the trunk of the dog and the skin is Hair loss (called alopecia) is symmetrical over the trunk of the dog and the skin is markedly darker in color due to increased pigmentation. Without treatment, markedly darker in color due to increased pigmentation. Without treatment, hairlessness and hyperpigmentation will eventually spread over your dog's body hairlessness and hyperpigmentation will eventually spread over your dog's body except for head and feet. The condition does not affect the health of your dog, only except for head and feet. The condition does not affect the health of your dog, only his/her appearance.his/her appearance.

HypothyroidismHypothyroidism The changes due to gradually decreasing levels of circulating thyroid The changes due to gradually decreasing levels of circulating thyroid hormone are slow and insidious. Early signs (which are usually not recognized as hormone are slow and insidious. Early signs (which are usually not recognized as being related to hypothyroidism) include lower energy levels and increased being related to hypothyroidism) include lower energy levels and increased susceptibility to infections. As the disease progresses, you will likely notice changes susceptibility to infections. As the disease progresses, you will likely notice changes in your dog's hair coat - symmetrical hair loss with or without darkening of the skin, in your dog's hair coat - symmetrical hair loss with or without darkening of the skin, and dry or greasy hair. Other signs of hypothyroidism include a slow heart rate, and dry or greasy hair. Other signs of hypothyroidism include a slow heart rate, lethargy, mental dullness, intolerance to cold, infertility in males and females, lethargy, mental dullness, intolerance to cold, infertility in males and females, constipation, and weight gain. Less commonly, a dog with hypothyroidism may constipation, and weight gain. Less commonly, a dog with hypothyroidism may experience heart disease, a bleeding disorder, profound muscular weakness experience heart disease, a bleeding disorder, profound muscular weakness associated with abnormalities in the muscles or nerves, or another endocrine associated with abnormalities in the muscles or nerves, or another endocrine disorder such as diabetes mellitus.disorder such as diabetes mellitus.

Congenital hypothyroidismCongenital hypothyroidism Puppies with congenital hypothyroidism will have stunted growth as well as many Puppies with congenital hypothyroidism will have stunted growth as well as many other abnormalities. Severely affected puppies most likely die before weaningother abnormalities. Severely affected puppies most likely die before weaning

Nervous System Disorders Nervous System Disorders HydrocephalusHydrocephalus: : an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in

cavities in the brain (the ventricles). This results in increased pressure on cavities in the brain (the ventricles). This results in increased pressure on the brain. Puppies with severe hydrocephalus often die at a very early age the brain. Puppies with severe hydrocephalus often die at a very early age due to pressure from the increased fluid in the brain. In other less severely due to pressure from the increased fluid in the brain. In other less severely affected pups, the signs gradually become apparent over the first few affected pups, the signs gradually become apparent over the first few months of life, and in some mild cases the condition is only diagnosed later months of life, and in some mild cases the condition is only diagnosed later in life. in life. The types of signs seen with this condition include lack of thriftiness (smaller The types of signs seen with this condition include lack of thriftiness (smaller than littermates, slow to grow), a domed skull (which gradually becomes than littermates, slow to grow), a domed skull (which gradually becomes more pronounced), abnormal movement behaviour (e.g., restlessness, more pronounced), abnormal movement behaviour (e.g., restlessness, aimless walking), problems with vision, and seizures. These pups are very aimless walking), problems with vision, and seizures. These pups are very slow to learn - it may be extremely difficult to housetrain them for example, slow to learn - it may be extremely difficult to housetrain them for example, or they may lose their housetraining.or they may lose their housetraining.

Generally the signs gradually worsen, although by 2 years of age they may Generally the signs gradually worsen, although by 2 years of age they may stabilize. To minimize brain damage, the condition must be recognized and stabilize. To minimize brain damage, the condition must be recognized and appropriate treatment begun early. However, affected animals will likely appropriate treatment begun early. However, affected animals will likely always be slow and have a limited ability to learn.always be slow and have a limited ability to learn.

Immune System DisordersImmune System Disorders Cyclic hematopoiesisCyclic hematopoiesis Puppies are usually smaller and weaker than Puppies are usually smaller and weaker than

their littermates and by 8 to 12 weeks of age they develop clinical their littermates and by 8 to 12 weeks of age they develop clinical signs such as fever, diarrhea or joint pain, or other signs associated signs such as fever, diarrhea or joint pain, or other signs associated with eye, respiratory, or skin infections.with eye, respiratory, or skin infections.

The disorder is caused by an abnormality of the stem cells in the The disorder is caused by an abnormality of the stem cells in the bone marrow, from which all blood cells develop. The result is a bone marrow, from which all blood cells develop. The result is a cyclic fluctuation in blood cell numbers. Every 10 to 12 days, the cyclic fluctuation in blood cell numbers. Every 10 to 12 days, the number of neutrophils drops dramatically, and then rebounds. There number of neutrophils drops dramatically, and then rebounds. There is increased susceptibility to infection corresponding to the dip in is increased susceptibility to infection corresponding to the dip in neutrophil numbers. As well, the normal activity of the neutrophils is neutrophil numbers. As well, the normal activity of the neutrophils is impaired. These dogs are also prone to bleeding episodes due to the impaired. These dogs are also prone to bleeding episodes due to the drop in platelet numbers. This is a serious disorder. These dogs are drop in platelet numbers. This is a serious disorder. These dogs are subject to severe recurring bacterial infections, primarily of the subject to severe recurring bacterial infections, primarily of the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. Even with the best of care, respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. Even with the best of care, affected dogs rarely live beyond 2 or 3 years of age. Affected dogs affected dogs rarely live beyond 2 or 3 years of age. Affected dogs have a light silver gray, possibly mixed with light beige, hair coat have a light silver gray, possibly mixed with light beige, hair coat and a characteristic light colored nose. Pups usually experience and a characteristic light colored nose. Pups usually experience clinical illness by 8 to 12 weeks of age and are brought to the clinical illness by 8 to 12 weeks of age and are brought to the veterinarian at that time, if the breeder does not recognize the defect veterinarian at that time, if the breeder does not recognize the defect before then.before then.

Respiratory DisordersRespiratory Disorders

Tracheal collapseTracheal collapse: : Tracheal collapse is a narrowing of Tracheal collapse is a narrowing of the inner diameter of the trachea, that fluctuates with the the inner diameter of the trachea, that fluctuates with the stage of the respiratory cycle. The rings of the trachea stage of the respiratory cycle. The rings of the trachea (made of cartilage) lose their ability to maintain their (made of cartilage) lose their ability to maintain their shape, and collapse when the dog breathes, causing a shape, and collapse when the dog breathes, causing a harsh cough. Most often this disorder is seen in middle-harsh cough. Most often this disorder is seen in middle-aged toy and miniature breeds. Chronic respiratory aged toy and miniature breeds. Chronic respiratory infection, obesity, and heart disease can all contribute to infection, obesity, and heart disease can all contribute to the development of the condition, but it appears that the development of the condition, but it appears that there is also a congenital deficiency (ie. a dog is born there is also a congenital deficiency (ie. a dog is born with it) in the make-up of the trachea itself.with it) in the make-up of the trachea itself.

Skin Disorders Skin Disorders

sebaceous adenitissebaceous adenitis This is a perplexing condition in This is a perplexing condition in which the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed which the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed for unknown reasons, and are eventually destroyed. for unknown reasons, and are eventually destroyed. These glands normally produce sebum, a fatty secretion These glands normally produce sebum, a fatty secretion that helps prevent drying of the skin.that helps prevent drying of the skin.Clinical signs vary with the severity of the conditionClinical signs vary with the severity of the condition

Musculoskeletal DisordersMusculoskeletal Disorders Intervertebral disk diseaseIntervertebral disk disease Intervertebral disk disease Intervertebral disk disease

(IVDD) occurs when the jelly-like inner layer protrudes, (IVDD) occurs when the jelly-like inner layer protrudes, or herniates, into the vertebral canal and presses on the or herniates, into the vertebral canal and presses on the spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord may be spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord may be minimal (causing mild back or neck pain) to severe minimal (causing mild back or neck pain) to severe (causing paralysis, loss of sensation, and lack of bladder (causing paralysis, loss of sensation, and lack of bladder and bowel control) and may be irreversible.and bowel control) and may be irreversible.Problems are most commonly seen in the thoracolumbar Problems are most commonly seen in the thoracolumbar (lower back) region of the spine, and are also seen in the (lower back) region of the spine, and are also seen in the cervical (neck) region. IVDD is seldom a concern in the cervical (neck) region. IVDD is seldom a concern in the thoracic (upper back) region, because extra ligaments thoracic (upper back) region, because extra ligaments connect the ribs and help to reinforce the annulus connect the ribs and help to reinforce the annulus fibrosusfibrosus

Patellar luxationPatellar luxation: Slipping kneecap. Should be : Slipping kneecap. Should be noticeable puppy vet check prior to salenoticeable puppy vet check prior to sale

Reproductive Disorder Reproductive Disorder

CryptorchidismCryptorchidism: : Cryptorchidism means that one or both Cryptorchidism means that one or both of a dog's testicles have not descended into the of a dog's testicles have not descended into the scrotumscrotum

In ConclusionIn Conclusion Pomeranians have 14 health concerns Disorders relatively common in

this breed are : Patent duchtus arteriosus . PDA

Note above disorder(s) is very common in this breed. Do not take lightly the other disorders. Some are very serious .

Information for this presentation as a public service provided by: www.delayrekennel.com with information provided by :

A joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association..

Permission is granted to reprint pages from the database, provided that credit is given as follows: Crook A et al. 2011. Canine Inherited Disorders Database

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About the PresenterAbout the Presenter Member of the Canine Ambassador Program with Orange Empire Member of the Canine Ambassador Program with Orange Empire

Dog Club. Educating people in the joy canines bring into our lives Dog Club. Educating people in the joy canines bring into our lives through their relationship, interaction, and unconditional love. through their relationship, interaction, and unconditional love.

Pet Professional specializing in the training of puppies in Sun Valley Pet Professional specializing in the training of puppies in Sun Valley since 1974 . since 1974 .

Breeder of Silky Terriers and Wire Fox TerriersBreeder of Silky Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers My boarding, training and breeding kennel was awarded Small My boarding, training and breeding kennel was awarded Small

Business of the Year 2000 Business of the Year 2000 Better Business Bureau A+ rating Better Business Bureau A+ rating I have owned and/or bred 21 Conformation Champions including 6 I have owned and/or bred 21 Conformation Champions including 6

International Champions International Champions Member and former Vice President of the City of Angels Silky Member and former Vice President of the City of Angels Silky

Terrier ClubTerrier Club Past President of Sun Valley Chamber of CommercePast President of Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce Have also served on the boards of Associated Terrier Breeders, Have also served on the boards of Associated Terrier Breeders,

Animal Safe Haven Foundation, United Chambers of CommerceAnimal Safe Haven Foundation, United Chambers of Commerce