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Latest Health News re PHPV
From the Breed Health Co-Ordinator Gemma Row
Following a question raised, I have been in touch with ophthalmologist's and the KC Health Team with regard to PHPV testing.
Basically as most are aware, the BVA do not use grading, but it turns out that the ‘grade 1 affected’ used by the ECVO is not recognised as ‘affected’ by the BVA. This has led me to believe this potentially may be why some puppies have been tested as ‘affected’ and later had it overturned.
The below is about to be circulated online. I have had this factually agreed by the KC Health Team.
Under the BVA scheme there is no grading system for PHPV as is used with the ECVO. Primarily this is due to differing protocols for assessment, and in the UK it has been advised by the former Eye Panel Chief Panelist that the ECVO Grade 1 lesion cannot be differentiated from other non-inherited opacities of the posterior lens capsule. Further, significant peer-reviewed data are not currently available to support that grade 1 dogs have a higher risk of producing affected progeny. So, under the BVA scheme the equivalent of the ECVO grade 1 is deemed as unaffected. All other gradings used by the ECVO are treated as affected.
As we are aware of some cases of puppies being screened as affected, and a ‘grade 1’ being mentioned, we would therefore advise a further eye test is carried out under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme after 6 months to verify the result.
Therefore, if anybody hears of any ‘grade 1 PHPV affected’ Stafford's in the future, can you please let me know.
Gemma Rowe
So you are thinking about buying a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Ask yourself if a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the right breed for you and your family. Do you understand the true nature of the breed? Staffords are not the right breed for everyone, they can be strong willed. You need to know, warts and all, what you are letting yourself in for. Speak to experienced owners before you decide.
Breed Club secretaries will know of forth coming shows where you can meet Staffords and their owners. They may know planned litters from reputable breeders. They have first-hand experience with the breed so are a good source to answer questions about the breed’s health, temperament or anything Stafford related. Breed Clubs are found nationwide so there should be one fairly local. They should be the ‘first port of call’ for anyone looking for a Stafford puppy.
Buying a pedigree Stafford should not be done ‘on the cheap’ nor should it come from a bad breeder no matter how sorry you feel for the pups. By buying there you’re condemning more pups to the same fate. If the breeders can’t sell they’ll think twice before breeding again. By going to a responsible Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeder you stand the best chance of getting a dog that will enjoy a happy and healthy life.
Beware of ads selling pups in local papers and on various dog selling sites on the internet, there are no background checks so any dodgy dealer can advertise there. Think carefully is you see any of this advertising:
Remember if something doesn’t seem right don’t be fooled to rush in and buy! Always give yourself time to think about making the right decision – a reputable breeder will not push you into having one of their pups. They will want to find out if you and their puppy will be well suited.
When you have found a litter consider these questions to ask the breeder before going to see them
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Information
L-2-HGA (L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria) in Staffordshire Bull Terriers affects the central nervous system, with clinical signs usually apparent between 6-12 months (although they can appear later). Symptoms include epileptic seizures, unsteady gait, tremors, muscle stiffness as a result of exercise or excitement and altered behaviour
HC (Hereditary Cataract) in Staffordshire Bull Terriers has been recognised as an inherited condition since the late 1970’s. Affected dogs develop cataracts in both eyes at an early age
PHPV (Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous) It is a congenital condition (present at birth). This means that if a puppy is born with PHPV it can be detected by ophthalmic screening from 6 weeks of age
PPSC (Posterior Polar Subcapsular Cataract) This type of cataract usually remains as a small, punctuate cataract and doesn’t usually lead to sight problems. It has been placed on schedule 3 of the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme because a number of Staffords that have been through the Scheme have been found to have this type of cataract. It cannot be detected through litter screening. The mode of inheritance is unknown and has a variable age of onset.
Eye Screening Clinics
https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/find-an-eye-panellist
Litters should ALWAYS be clinically eye screened prior to leaving home and it is imperative for new puppy buyers to be aware and make sure ALL DNA and clinical health tests are in place for ALL of the above conditions.
You can go to the Kennel Club’s website and check any KC registered dog’s health status although litter eye screening is not recorded there.
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/mateselect/test/Default.aspx
SBT Breed Standard
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=3080