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In order to reduce the incidence of these and other health problems, each Swissy used for breeding purposes is carefullly screened prior to breeding, and though there can be no guarantees against development of genetic problems, it is hoped that this process will aid in diminishing these occurrences.
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Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus (GDV):
The most feared heath concern among owners of deep chested dogs, particularly large breeds, is Bloat/Torsion (Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus). It is a condition, simply put, whereby the stomach fills with air, the ligaments stretch and the stomach rotates over itself in the abdomen. This torsing cuts off the blood and oxygen supply to vital organs, and unless immediate treatment is given, death will occur. It is absolutely necessary for owners of Swissys to learn about bloat prevention and to be failiar with the symptoms so that immediate veterinary attention can be sought should this occur in your dog. These symptoms include panting, pacing, whining, distended and tender abdomen, unsuccessful attempts to vomit (dry heaves), excessive drooling and pale gums.
There is a surgical procedure known as a prophylactic gastropexy wherein the stomach is tacked to the abdominal wall. This is done to help prevent the twisting that occurs during a bloat attack and might be something that you would like to discuss with your veterinarian to see if it is a procedure that would be right for you at the time you spay or neuter your puppy.
Further important information with regard to prevention and treatment can be found at the following links:
 Recent Purdue Studies: Bloat Notes
Great Dane Bloat Book: First Aid For Bloat (Adapted from "Bloat In Large Dogs")
Dog Owners Guide: Bloat
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Splenic Torsion:
Splenic Torsion is a twisting of the spleen, similar to the twisting of the stomach that occurs with GDV/Bloat. It occurs when the spleen rotates on its axis and consequently fills with blood and is also a life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary attention. Many vets are uaware that GSMD's can be prone to splenic torsion and other spleen abnormalities, so be sure to discuss this with yours. Some symptoms include low grade fever, listlessness, vomiting and/or diarrhea or constipation, slight abdominal swelling and tenderness, a tucked abdomen and roached back.
Case Report
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Osteochondritis Dissecans/OCD:
OCD is literally a loose flap of cartilage in a joint and occurs only during the growth period of the bone when certain areas of joint cartilage don't properly transform from the original puppy cartilage to the smoother, thinner cartilage found in adults. It is quite painful and can cause arthritis in the affected joint. Though the shoulder is most commonly affectd in Swissys, other joints that are susceptible are the elbow, knee and hock. Though the cause is unknwon, it seems that genetics, nutrition and activity play a large part in the onset of this condition. Verifying that both parents have OFA #'s (you will need the registered names of the dogs), monitoring play to make sure your puppy isn't playing too rough, and not feeding a diet higher than 28% protein are some ways to reduce your puppy's risk of this painful condition. The symptom to watch for is lameness. This generally occurs between 5 and 10 months. If you see your puppy limping, crate him/her to insure proper rest, as it will only worsen if you allow him/her to continue exercising, and surgery to correct OCD is very costly. See link below for more information...
Osteochondrosis In Dogs
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Canine Hip Dysplasia/CHD and Elbow Dysplasia/ED:
CHD is a condition that occurs when the coxofemoral hip joints are malformed due to the speed of skeletal growth. If the muscles don't grow at the same rate, they are unable to hold the joint in place, causing the thigh bone to loosely fit in the hip socket, which in turn can cause atypical degeneration of the hip joint and arthritis. This defect can be genetic or it can be caused by nutrition levels, a rapid weight gain or over-exercising leading to injury.
The term ED covers a wide variety of elbow conditions, including DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease) and OC (Osteochondrosis -See link above)
There are, of course, no guarantees that healthy parents won't produce a dysplastic puppy, but once again, certifying with OFA that the parents are clear of these defects will go a long way in reducing the risk of your puppy suffering later on.
OFA
pennHIP
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
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Distichiasis:
The non-clinical type of Distichiasis, which is described as small or extra eyelashes growing abnormaly on the inner surface or very edge of the eyelids, does not generally cause any problems. However, if symptoms such as red or inflamed eyes, discharge or continual blinking or squinting occurs, treatment is necessary or the cornea could be damaged. In severe cases, blindness can also occur if infection sets in. This condition can be corrected with the use of surgery or electroepilation.
Distichiasis
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Epilepsy:
Epileptic seizures are caused by an abnormal firing of neurons in the brain. There are many things that can cause them, including congenital defects, diabetes, hypoglycemia, tumors, heart, kidney or liver disorders and toxins, such as lead, antifreeze or chocolate. There are two types of epilepsy: Idiopathic or Primary and Acquired or Secondary, and there are two types of seizures: Grand Mal and Petit Mal.
Epilepsy generally starts in dogs 6 months to 5 years of age but usually at 2 - 3 years. Since there is no test per se to diagnose epilepsy, and since most Swissy lines appear to have presented primary epilepsy at one time or other, be certain that you are dealing with an ethical breeder, who will not breed an animal who has had, or who has produced an animal who has had, a seizure. The links below can provide more information ...
Canine Epilepsy And Seizures
Canine Epilepsy
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