Diseases of Dobermann
It is very importation to know that some diseases are more specific Dobermann pinchers. Recognising these dieases in the early stage and proper verterniary therapy are necessary for a complete cure. Most of the time we may have to loose our dog if it is recognised in advanced stage. This article explain briefly about some of the common probelms faced by the breeders of Dobermann Pinschers.
Dialated cardio Myopathy (DCM): Prevalance of this disease is high in Dobermann Pinschers and the prevalance increases with age the causes of DCM are still unknown. Some of the propersed etiologies are viral infection, microvascular , hyuperactivity, nutritional deficiency immune mediated disease, myocardial toxins and a variety of genetic disorders.
Clinical signs in right herat failure are abdominal distention, off feed, weight loss and fatique. In left heart failure, Syncope and exerciise intolerance are noticed. Left heart failure signs are the commenst signs observed in Dobermann and boxers in DM. Dogs with more lieusrely life style are often presented wth rapidly progfressing clinical signs of which the owner haas been aware only for few days of weeks. Recognition of DCM without evidence of heart failure is becoming increasingly common. Asymptomatic Dobermann Pinschers exhibit ventricular arrythmias inassociation with significantly impaired myocardial unction.
ECG is very useful in diagnosing the disease in dobermann with congestive heart failure manifest ventricular arrhythmias expecially ventricular premature depolarization. Asymptomatic dobermann Pinschers with DCM will have complex ventricular arrhythmias and to lesseer extend sustained or non-sustained ventricular tachcardia.
Chronic Hepatitits: Chronic Hepatitis is one of the comon probelm in Dobermann Pinschers. The underlying etipathological mechanisms are unknown, but a genetic basis is suggested byt he high frequency in the breed, Hepatic copper concentrations are increased in most of the affeted dogs. Copper accumulation in the liver can be assocatied with servere liver injury resulting in chronic hepatitis. Hepatic damage does not occur until the copper concentration exceeds 2000ug/gm dry weight. The significance of increased hepatic concentration in this breed remain controversial. Female dogs of any age are predominently affected. Most dogs are diagnosed in advaned stages of hepatic failure. signs of chronick hepatitis inclurde off feed, weight loss, lethargy, drinking more water and passing more urine, vomiting, diarrhera, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, jaundice, gigvial , belleding, bleeding from bnose, blood mixed blace feces. There will not be any clicnical signs in the early stage of the disease. Sio it is difficulat to diagnose in the early stage. Symptamatic and supportive therapy o complications of heptic failure include correction of fluid, electrolyte, acid base imbalance,s hepatoprotective agents for hepatic regeneration. treatent should be given for correcting fluid accumulation the abdomen, brain involvement because of liver disease and bleeding.
Glomerular basement membrance disorder(Familiar renal disease) Familianl renal disease occur in Dobermann Pinschers as a provressive chronic renal failure in immature of young adult dogs (lessthan 1 to 6years) due to glomerular basement membrance disorder with unknown nheritance. The most common findings are off feed, lethargy, stunded growth or wight loss, drink more water and pass ore urine, dehydrated and vomiting. Less common signs are poor hair coat, diarrehea, foul breath and more urination int he night.
Dancing Dobermann Disease It is a chronic slowly progressive za sensory of moto r myoneuropathy of pelvic lmbs noticed only in Dobermann, Pinschers, It was originally descrbed as a distal poly neuropath. Both dogs and bitches can be affected , It can occur from 6months to 7 years of age. In the beginning, flexion noticed in one of the pelevic limb when the dog is tanding several months lateer, flexion may be noticed in opposite pelvicc limb and the affected Dobermann begin to alternately flex and extend eac pelvic limb in a dancing motion. Picks up one or both hind legs intrun while standing still, Dogs prefers to sit rather than stand. The condition may progress over several years. Pelvic limb weakness, proprioceptive deficits and gastroccnemius muscle atrophya re ther comonly seen clinical signs. Affected dog do not appear to be in pan.They can usually sit and more normally and does not lick of mutilate in the limbs.The activity may suggest a hyperactive syndrome to some observers.At present there is no treatment.The long term prognosis for a pain free,acceptable pet is good.
Dobermann Behavioural Traits:
Flank sucking ,Head-bobbing ,head weaving and jaw champing are common Dobermann behavioural traits,aggravated by stress . .They may be responsive to anxilytics,antidepressants,antoobessive agents or sedatives.Behavioural modification may help to correct these probems .
