Health & Genetics | north-ridge-beagles

Beagle Health & Genetics

There are a variety of ever occurring health issues this lovely breed is facing nowadays. The health issues and genetic dispositions are ranging in variety yet the most noted issues are from MLS, NCCD, FVII, LAFORA EPILEPSY & IGS. These health issues within the breed are better controlled and monitored via HEALTH TESTING which is becoming a very important tool and aspect in the world of ethical responsible breeding this due to the fact that such health tests better control the outcome of breeding healthy well tempered dogs whilst also reducing the number of dogs which are either effected or carrier of these health issues by removing them from breeding programs. Health testing is something BOTH the BREEDER and BUYER should consider being through such efforts the promotion of healthier breeds of dogs will continue to increase whilst also reducing the number of unethical breeding habits. When buying a puppy from a breeder one should always make sure the breeder is both knowledgeable and responsible with he's breeding program whilst also promoting and implementing the THREE KEY aspects in breeding; HEALTH, TEMPERAMENT & FUNCTION. A reputable and responsible breeder will answer all of your questions and make sure he's litters are going in safe hands whilst also keeping contact with future owners and making sure both he's dogs and puppies are in the best environment while also exhibiting the best temperament and breed representation with proper function and health. The owners then have the responsibility of making sure they research and plan accordingly about the breed before committing and making sure of getting a dog from a experienced, ethical and responsible breeder.

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS)

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS) is a genetic disease of the Beagle that affects the development and structure of connective tissue. It is multi-systemic, with involvement of multiple organs, including bone, heart, skin, and muscle. MLS is inherited as a recessive trait. Current evidence suggests that dogs that have two copies of the mutant gene are affected with MLS, though the severity of clinical signs can be variable. Dogs inheriting only one copy of the mutant gene can show subtle signs but do not appear to have health-related defects. To the best available knowledge, carriers cannot be identified based on their appearance.

The disorder stems from a single mutation that has been inherited through common descent, such that all affected Beagles share the gene from a common ancestor, perhaps dating back to the foundation stock of the breed. This mutation has been identified by Dr. Mark Neff at the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis.

Research is ongoing and there are still aspects of this disease that are continuing to be investigated such as the geographic distribution of the mutation among purebred Beagle bloodlines, and the variable nature of the disease.

This test determines whether dogs are normal (clear of the mutation), carrier (have one mutant copy), and affected (have two mutant copies).Dogs that carry two copies of the mutation are susceptible to several health-related consequences. The DNA test can provide a definitive diagnosis for these dogs, but there currently is no established therapeutic intervention.

Results reported as:

N/N Normal, the dog does not have the MLS gene

N/MLS Carrier, the dog carries one copy of the MLS gene.

MLS/MLS Affected, the dog has two copies of the MLS gene.

If a carrier dog (with a single mutant copy of the gene) is used in a mating, an offspring from the cross has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation from this parent. If two carriers are mated, 25% of the offspring in the litter are expected to have MLS and another 50% of the puppies are expected to be carriers. Mating two clear dogs will only produce clear puppies, which need not be tested by DNA.

Genetic Knowledge of Beagle MLS

The DNA test for Musladin-Lueke Syndrome status is meant to equip owners, breeders, and clinicians with useful information that can be applied in several ways to improve the health of their dogs. It allows owners to establish the MLS-status of their pet and veterinarians to positively diagnose the disease in patients that show MLS-like signs. Test results can be used by breeders to assess potential breeding stock and make fully informed decisions in the choice of mating pairs.The genetic knowledge gained from the test holds promise for eliminating the production of affected dogs in the near-term, and for eliminating the gene defect from the gene pool over time. Submitting a sample for DNA testing is simple. Cheek swabs can be non-invasively collected from a dog in just a few minutes. Samples can be submitted by regular mail.

Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (NCCD)

Inherited neurological degenerative diseases are found in several mammalian species including humans, horses and dogs. Cerebellar cortical degeneration, also called cerebellar abiotrophy, is a disease characterized by ataxia (lack of coordination), broad based stance, loss of balance and intentional tremors. In different breeds of dogs, the onset is variable from neonatal to adult. In Beagles the condition is neonatal and onset is noticed at about 3 weeks of age as puppies begin to walk. The severity of the condition is variable among individuals but progression of clinical signs is minimal.NCCD is inherited as a recessive disease, thus both parents must carry the mutation in order to produce an affected puppy.

Lafora Epilespy

Lafora disease is a recessive genetic trait inherited late onset progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Myoclonus (jerking) is a feature of the disease which characteristically can be induced by bright sunlight, flashing lights, sudden sounds and movement especially that is close to the dog's head. Generally, the clinical signs of this brain disorder appears at 5-6 years of age or later. It progresses, gradually causing neurological changes over many years. These neurological changes include mainly myoclonus/jerking (sudden involuntary muscle jerking or twitching typical for epilepsy) The frequency of seizures increases over time and the uncontrolled jerking and twitching is followed by other neurological symptoms such as ataxia, twinkling, blindness or dementia. During seizures, the convulsions are commonly accompanied by muscle rigidity, vocal utterance, salivation, urination or loss of consciousness. The epileptic seizures can arise in spontaneous unpredictable fashion or can be induced by light flashes, sudden sounds or movements, particularly movements close to the dog's head.

Factor 7 (Factor VII)

Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting beagles. Factor VII is an essential protein needed for normal blood clotting. Deficiency of this factor most commonly results in a mild bleeding disorder. An affected dog may bruise easily, have frequent nosebleeds, and exhibit prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma. In rare cases, the bleeding may be severe. Due to the mild nature of this disorder, affected dogs may not be identified until a surgery is performed or trauma occurs at which time excessive bleeding is noted. Veterinarians performing surgery on dogs that are known to have coagulation factor VII deficiency should have ready access to blood banked for transfusions. Most dogs with this condition will have a normal lifespan despite increased blood clotting times.

Intestinal cobalamin malabsorption Beagle Type (IGS)

Intestinal cobalamin malabsorption Beagle Type (IGS) is a hereditiray disorder affecting Beagles. Cobalamin, known as vitamin B12, plays an important role in many metabolic and synthesis pathways. Animals, as well as other higher organisms, are unable to synthesize cobalamin and need to obtain it by dietary intake. The uptake of dietary cobalamin requires several endogenous proteins. In Beagles a mutation in a gene coding for cubilin occurs, a protein that together with amnionless protein constitutes a receptor for cobalamin-GIF complex. Mutation leads to cobalamin malabsorption which results in low levels of serum cobalamin, hyperhomocysteinemia and methylmalonic aciduria. Clinical signs include lethargy, inappetence, failure to gain weight and failure to grow, macrocytosis and neutropenia. In cobalamin-deficient Beagles a degenerative liver disease develops. Clinical recovery can be achieved with regular parenteral cobalamin supplementation. The carrier frequency is 9%.