Friday, April 18, 2008

A Vizsla Health Issue

Since Radio's (Szinarany Apollo - click on this link to see 5 generation pedigree) death we had conversations with many people involved in the breed, and have found that there is still a lack of understanding as to what Radio died from.

Radio's case was not an isolated one. Jasper, Radio's close relative, (Vizslanya Lantos - click to see 5 generation pedigree) had the same illness, and Harvey (Oneandall Chough - click here to see 5 generation pedigree), another close relative, produced one litter only because 2 of his pups died of the same illness.

There are many more dogs affected, but sadly people fear to come forward. And understandably so, as some breeders in the UK still claim that this problem has nothing to do with breeding but is caused by flea or cat bites.....and just keep on breeding with shutters over their eyes.

We Vizsla pet owners took responsibility and said NO to breeding from these dogs, NO to breeding from any dog that has either produced progeny that died from what vets suspect may be a genetic illness, or carry the illness themselves - if one believes a disease has a genetic basis (may not be the whole cause, but a contributing factor), the most prudent thing to do until more information is known, is to not breed from affected dogs. The breed is healthy compared to many others, and in order to make sure that this will continue to be the case, we can only say YES to breeding from healthy dogs. How many more dogs will be born carrying this gene before breeders take responsibility?

It would be senseless to vilify anyone, or any lines per se (because of the history of the Vizsla lines are all mixed up with each other), and the intention is the opposite - to ask for more transparency and debate. Anyone who breeds pedigree dogs will have a problem at one point, that is unavoidable (and all respect to those who are open about these). Still, everyone who breeds must take responsibility as a dog is for life, not just for showing...

A website containing all the articles and research on this illness is http://www.vizslahealth.net/

Please see what this illness does to dogs on: http://vizslamyositis.blogspot.com/
and read more about it here: http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/cases/2007/Sept07.html
and in a few simple steps you can cross check any Vizsla's (and other breeds') pedigree lineage on: http://www.worldpedigrees.com/

9 comments:

Hamish said...

Well done Andrea, you are making a stand that will ensure Radio didn't die without making a difference.

I think you should post this on the discussion group and that way more breeders will see it and perhaps take more notice.

It's all too sad and shouldn't happen to any more dogs and their owners who shouldn't have to go through the pain and suffering and loss because of ignorance and irresponsible breeding.

Charlie said...

I'd hate to see anyone else go through what you and poor Radio had to - well done.

redgirls-in-scotland said...

Honesty about this illness is vital. I live in hope that others will follow your brave example.

Delilah and Rocket said...

Well written! Would it be ok if I take this post and post it into the Yahoo/Vizsla discussion group here in the U.S. which I read & post to? There's over 1,000+ members and it would certaily get the word out to many people and direct them to the link to read. Just didn't want to copy your work if it's not ok with you.

Sincerely,
Melissa/Rocket's Mom

Radio said...

of course you can Melissa. this is to bring awareness and to help people ask questions. this illness is not simply emerging from these few dogs, or even pedigrees - all the more need then to ask questions before breeding. the good thing is that increasingly UK breeders now include the myositis fact sheet alongside info on epilepsy into their puppy pack, and the V discussion group here in the UK has a link to it too - so awareness is slowly on the increase.

Andrea

Kyanite said...

I'm in shock & full of regret for not visiting more often.
I found Radio before DWB, then got side tracked with them, so only checked in ocassionally, very ocassionally it seems.
He was a wonderful boy.
I feel your loss, as belated as this word is.
SORRY!

Blue

Delilah and Rocket said...

Andrea -- Thanks for the permission. It's been posted with reference to your blog and the links you included. Hopefully this will help bring awareness to this issue.

God bless you for such dedication to dear Radio. You are incredible people.

Eurodog said...

I am so sorry. Words fail.

alfmcmalf said...

This is a very moving story, a very courageous stand and yet another heartbreaking disease. Well done for presenting it in such a balanced yet thought and action provoking way.

You are joining a growing band of dog heroes in my eyes.

Philippa aka phitzy4 aka Alfie and Ferdy's mum