Page 212 - Showsight April 2013

every four puppies produced. However,
by using the new DNA test, breeders can
test their breeding stock, and, based upon
this test, breed appropriately to prevent
affected puppies from being produced.
It is critical that all breeders use this new
DNA test to screen their breeding stock
for this mutation, since it is estimated
(late 2006) that upwards of 15% of the
Staffords in the U.S. are carriers.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is a condition in
which the patella, or kneecap, of the dog’s
stifle joint frequently luxates or “pops”
out of place. Depending upon the sever-
ity, symptoms can be intermittent and
mild throughout the dog’s life, with the
only evidence of the condition an occa-
sional funny “kick” of the dog’s hind leg,
or it may eventually lead to severe, per-
manent degenerative changes in the joint
including arthritis. Infrequently, onset
may appear to be sudden, leaving the dog
unable to stand on the affected hindleg(s).
Patellar luxation is believed to be heredi-
tary, as well, although the exact mode of
transmission is uncertain. According to
the latest OFA statistics (2012), with 72
Staffords having been evaluated radio-
graphically (using x-rays), 100% were
evaluated as “normal.” However, these
statistics are considered misleading, not
only because of the small sample size eval-
uated, but also because patellar luxation
is known for certain to occasionally be
found in this breed.
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary
Vitreous (PHPV)
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitre-
ous (PHPV) is an inherited eye condition
found in Staffords as well as other breeds.
In PHPV, embryonic blood vessels in the
eye persist abnormally after birth, usually on
the posterior lens capsule, interfering with
the dog’s vision. A posterior cortical cataract
may sometimes form, as well. PHPB is con-
genital, and not acquired nor progressive.
Therefore, it can be detected on any eye exam
performed at any age starting at six weeks or
later, and it will not worsen from that point.
While many cases are relatively mild, some
can be quite severe and interfere materially
with the dog’s vision. Mode of inheritance
is unknown at this time, although some
believe that it is autosomal dominant with
incomplete penetrance. Surgery is available
but it is not always entirely successful and
can be very expensive. It is advised to limit
the breeding of adult Staffords with this con-
dition, so that it does not become a serious
problem in the breed. However, if it is found
to have incomplete penetrance genetically, it
would still be possible for a dog to transmit
the PHPV mutation without itself showing
symptoms. The Animal Health Trust in
England is currently working to develop a
genetic test for this condition.
Posterior Polar Subcapsular
Cataracts (PPSC)
Posterior Polar Subcapsular Cata-
racts (PPSC) involves the formation of
a generally small cataract which does
not typically produce total blindness in
the dog. It occurs in Staffords, as well
as a number of other breeds. Onset may
be juvenile, or in adulthood. PPSC is
thought to be hereditary, although the
mode of transmission is still unknown.
It is not related to Hereditary Cataracts.
While PPSC can be readily detected on
a standard eye exam, unfortunately the
eye exam cannot determine whether or
not the “clear” dog will develop this con-
dition. Here also, surgery is a possibil-
ity but is not always successful, and can
be very expensive. It is advisable to limit
breeding of dogs known to have PPSC
to ensure that this condition will not
become a problem in the breed. Unfor-
tunately, if onset is not until adulthood,
it is possible that a breeder may still use
such a dog in their program before the
cataract develops and is observed. For
this reason, eye exams are recommended
annually for every Stafford in a breed-
ing program. There is no genetic testing
available for this condition at this time.
Staffords are, overall, much healthier
than many other breeds, and their joie
de vivre makes them a real pleasure to
own. Knowledge about the health con-
ditions occasionally found in the breed,
combined with your veterinarian’s skill
and knowledge, will help to ensure your
Stafford a long, happy, and active life in
your company.
“...EyE ExAmS ARE RECOmmEnDED AnnUALLy FOR EvERy
STAFFORD In A BREEDIng pROgRAm.”
“Staffords are, overall, much healthier than many other breeds,
AnD THEIR jOIE DE vIvRE mAkES THEm A REAL pLEASURE TO Own.”
212 • ShowSight Magazine, April 2013