Health of the Belgian Shepherd | Belbergere Belgians

Epilepsy

Hips

Elbows

Eyes

Gastric

Thyroid

Deafness

DNA

MDR1

SDCA

Behaviour

Cardio

Coat

Other

Spine

HEALTH

Health Results/Information of Nellie, Satine, please go to their individual pages.

For Arwen, Django, please go to their individual pages and/or litter page.

For Health Results/Information of TheAllFaxedUp Litter, please click here.

Belgian Shepherd Health Issues.

Epilepsy/Hips/Elbows/Eyes/Gastric Carcinoma/Thyroid/Deafness/DNA/MDR1/SDCA/Behaviour Propensity/Cardiomyopathy/DM/Spine/Coat Colour/Other.

Belgians are a generally healthy breed but breeders need to be vigilant. The main health problems within the breed are; hip dysplasia, gastric carcinoma and to a lesser extent, star (hereditary) cataract. There has also been a new genetic health disorder identified - SDCA , although mostly seen in the Malinois, it has cropped up in another variety. But what I feel to be our worst and most devastating health condition is epilepsy.

Breeders should endeavour to do all they can to breed away from these issues.

ANKC ORCHID Public Exam Results - click here. Current as at March 2024. Or click here to search the CHEDS public health results,

ANKC Registration Statistics - click here. 1986-2020

ANKC ACES eye statistics pdf - click here. Updated to June 2018 - no other stats available.

DogsQld Litter Registrations - click here. Sept 2000-Feb 2023

DogsQld Litter Registrations - click here. Jan 2023- Feb 2024
DogsQld Champ Titles - click here. Sept 2000-Feb 2024
DogsQld Other Titles - click here. Sept 2000-Feb 2024

DogsQld Export Report - click here. Sept 2000-Feb 2024

QLD Titles Awarded - Show and Other. Click here. July 2000- 2001 March 2008

QLD BIS/RUBIS/Group Placing. Click here. 2000-2010

BSDCQ Health Forum 2019 - Future Directions presentation.
- Future Directions Report.

- Outcome Summary of identified health concerns.

- Appendix 1.
- Appendix 2.

Official health examinations in Nordic countries 2019-2023 on Belgian Shepherds.

Independant World Wide Belgian Breed Archive..

Databases of Belgians: Pedigrees and/or Health : Source: Health and Genetic problems of Belgian Shepherd Dogs FB group. 22 Dec 2021

Epilepsy

While unfortunately there is currently no testing for Epilepsy and there is no way of knowing entirely if you have parents or even grand and great-grand parents and family are clear of epilepsy, breeders should do everything possible to help to reduce the risk of producing puppies with this disease.

The International Belgian Epilepsy Register.

*CURRENT CGAP Epilepsy Project. Breeds under study for this project: Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Sheepdog. To Participate Click HERE.
This study is looking for both affected and non affected dogs.

http://www.belgian-epilepsy.dk/
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/epilepsy.html

html http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/94/1/57

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9500179?dopt=Abstract
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/
http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/

The Genetics of Epilepsy in the Belgian Tervuren and Sheepdog. 2003.

Genome-wide linkage scan for loci associated with epilepsy in Belgian shepherd dogs. 2010

New Epilepsy Gene Located in Dogs. 2012

PlosOne -Identification of a Novel Idiopathic Epilepsy Locus in Belgian Shepherd Dogs. 2012

Genome-wide association analysis of idiopathic epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd. 2020.

CURRENT STUDY - 02936: Validating Genetic Variants Underlying Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Exploring Their Functional Roles in the Belgian Sheepdog and Tervuren 2021.

Major 2015 Epilepsy Consensus Report 9/1/2015 - click here.

The Effects of a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride Diet on the Feces in Dogs With Idiopathic Epilepsy

Estimation of the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy and structural epilepsy in a general population of 900 dogs undergoing MRI for epileptic seizures - ABSTRACT. 2020.

Studies on comparative efficacy of phenobarbitone sodium, phenytoin and potassium bromide in the treatment of epilepsy in dogs. 2021.

Idiopathic Epilepsy Risk Allele Trends in Belgian Tervuren: A Longitudinal Genetic Analysis 2024.

Hip Dysplasia

The AVA/ANKC Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme- Breed Avg Scores up until 2014 pdf

Evaluation of the Prevalence of Dysplasia of the Hip in Belgian Malinois Dogs Used in Security Units in Turkey. 2021.

The association of genetic polymorphisms of bone formation genes with canine hip dysplasia. 2019.

Genome-wide association studies for canine hip dysplasia in single and multiple populations – implications and potential novel risk loci.2021

The 10 most important things to know about canine hip dysplasia
http://www.pennhip.org

Understanding Hip Scores rating from various countries.

http://malinut.com/ref/library/hips/
http://www.online-vets.com/hipscore_3.html
Scoring radiographs for canine hip dysplasia. The big three organisations in the world.

International Hip Score Comparison Table by Romy Fields Zack's English La.

Elbow Dysplasia

https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/canine-elbow-dysplasia

Eye Diseases

In Australia, the ACES eye program is currently only noting Star Cataracts (PPSC) and under investigation are PPM's. Currently CISKS (Pannus) is currently strangely not listed for any breed. Note, You can get a clear certificate even if you have these issues. Breeders and puppy buyers need to be aware of Star Cataracts and PPM's but not be alarmed by them as we have a very low incidence in our breed. However two like diseases should never be bred together. Pannus, is considered likely to be hereditary and an autoimmune disorder, and is not recommended for breeding worldwide.

Each country has different criteria for eye diseases and testing.

AVA/ACES Scheme - http://www.ava.com.au/aces

ACES eye statistics pdf - click here. Updated to June 2018

Eye Disease Heritability Websites of Interest for Information

Hereditary Cataract Known http://www.animaleyecare.com.au/aec1/starcataract.html

PRA Unknown https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/progressive-retinal-atrophy-in-dogs

Pannus/Keratitus Poss Hereditary. Clinicians Brief CSK in Dogs article

PPM Unknown http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/ppm.htm

Subconjunctival Use of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Chronic Supercial Keratitis in German Shepherd Dogs: Pilot Study.

Clinical assessment of chronic superficial keratitis (überreiter’s syndrome) in dogs: A retrospective study (2012-2019). 2021.

CURRENT- Chronic Superficial Keratitus (Pannus) Study - Cornell Canine Genetics Research Laboratory.

Gastric Carcinoma

Compared to other breeds, Belgian Sheepdogs are 16 times more likely to develop gastric carcinoma. Belgian Tervurens weigh in at 12 times more likely. While Malinois and Laekenois do not appear on the radar for this genetic predisposition at this time, it is likely they will due to the genetic relations between the Belgian breeds.

CURRENT - Gastric Research Study - Drs. Elaine Ostrander and Jacquelyn Evans at NIH and Dr. Anita Oberbauer at UC Davis and Drs. Peter Leegwater and Paul Mandigers at Utrecht University, and Embark. Take part here.

Canine breeds associated with gastric carcinoma, metaplasia and dysplasia diagnosed by histopathology of endoscopic biopsy samples. 2018.

International Register of Belgian Shepherds with Stomach Cancer - click here.

Examiner.com article - Gastric Carcinoma Study to look at genetic predisposition in Belgians 2010.

Genealogy research of the Groenendael and the Tervueren Belgian Shepherd diagnosed with gastric carcinoma. 2014.

Risk and characteristics of gastric carcinoma in the chow chow dog. 2020.

Gastric mucosal pathology in Belgian Shepherd dogs with and without clinical signs of gastric disease. 2021.

Canine Gastric Carcinomas: A Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study and Similarities with the Human Counterpart. 2021.

The Histopathological Characteristic of Gastric Carcinoma in the Belgian Tervueren and Groenendael Dog: A Comparison of Two Classification Methods 2023

Breakthrough in Gastric Cancer Research in Belgian Shepherd Dogs. PDF 2024

Thyroid

Autoimmune Thyroiditis- Free T4 (FT4), cTSH, TgAA. <MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON>

Behavior in dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism during treatment with levothyroxine. 2018.

Deafness

There is not much information about deafness in Belgian shepherds, however below is a list helping to gather information.

Deafness in Belgians Database -click here.

Brain auditory evoked response test, the standard method for the diagnosis of the hereditary deafness in dogs. 2021

Spinal Issues

Unknown at this stage if hereditary and what pattern, how prevalent, or how much it affects the Belgian Shepherd. However some countries and breeders are now screening for these issues. Studies at this stage more relating to GSD's.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LTV). Dog Genetic Research - University of Helsinki.

Alternative classification and screening protocol for transitional lumbosacral vertebra in German shepherd dogs. 2012.

Etiology and Pathogenesis of Osteochondrosis. 2007.

DNA TESTS AVAILABLE

All breeders should be encouraged to DNA their breeding stock as well as their puppies to keep ahead of any diseases that may be able to be picked up by the DNA profiling process. The more DNA profiles in the system, the quicker the companies might be able to get tests.

It is also my opinion that breeders should be parentage testing their progeny to ensure correct pedigrees.

The current DNA tests available for Belgians are for; MDR1, Degenerative Myelopothy, SDCA, SDCA2, Behavior Propensity in the Belgian Malinois, Cardiomyopathy with juvenile Mortality, Mucopolysaccaridosis VII - Type II, Polydactyl/Dewclaws (Malinois) coat length/colour.

MDR1 - Multi Drug Resitance (Sensitivity) Gene.

Some dog breeds are more sensitive to certain drugs than other breeds. Collies and related breeds, for instance, can have adverse reactions to drugs such as Ivermectin. Drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1). This gene encodes a protein, P-glycoprotein that is responsible for pumping many drugs and other toxins out of the brain. Dogs with the mutant gene cannot pump some drugs out of the brain as a normal dog would, which may result in abnormal neurologic signs. The result may be an illness requiring an extended hospital stay - or even death. This test is most commonly used for Ivermectin sensitivity but many other drugs are included.

For more information go to...

MDR1 Drug List
Orivet Labs - https://orivet.com/store/canine-disease/ivermectin-sensitivity-mdr1-multi-drug-resistance-

Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA, SDCA2)

Orivet Spongy Degenerations With Cerebellar Ataxia Test.

A second genetic variant for cerebellar dysfunction in the Belgian Shepherd has been identified.

Cause of neurological disorder in Belgian Shepherds Discovered. 2017

A SINE Insertion in ATP1B2 in Belgian Shepherd Dogs Affected by Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA2)

Truncating SLC12A6 variants cause different clinical phenotypes in humans and dogs. 2019.

Deletion of the SELENOP gene leads to CNS atrophy with cerebellar ataxia in dogs. 2021.

RALGAPA1 Deletion in Belgian Shepherd Dogs with Cerebellar Ataxia 2023

Behavior Propensity (in the Belgian Malinios)

Differences in Behavior and Activity Associated with a Poly(A) Expansion in the Dopamine Transporter in Belgian Malinois.

Characterization of a dopamine transporter polymorphism and behavior in Belgian Malinois 2013.

UCDAVIS link - here.

Genetic variants in the TAC1 transcriptional regulatory region affect on trainability and excitability levels in Belgian Malinois dogs. 2024

Cardiomyopathy with Juvenile Mortality

YARS2 Missense Variant in Belgian Shepherd Dogs with Cardiomyopathy and Juvenile Mortality. 2020

Degenerative Myelopathy

Allele and genotype frequencies of the SOD1 gene polymorphism associated with canine degenerative myelopathy in Belgian Malinois dogs in Greece. 2021.

Coat/Colour

Groenendael - A, B, E, EM, D, I, K, Liver , Long Hair Gene, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl, Curly Coat Phenotype.
Laekenois - A, B. E, EM, D, I, K, Liver , Long Hair Gene, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl, Curly Coat Phenotype.
Malinois - A, B, EM, D, I, K, Liver, Long Hair, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl, Curly Coat Phenotype, Pied.
Tervueren - A, B, D, EM, I, K, Liver, Long Hair, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl.
- A is the Agouti – Stops E locus from making black pigment and leads to Fawn/Sable, Tri/Tan points.
- B is Brown (Lancashire Heeler Type)
- D - (Dilute) Locus - The protein melanophilin (MLPH gene) is responsible for the dilute coat colour. This variation causes black, brown and yellow hair (eumelanin or phaeomelanin pigments) to be diluted. Referred to as blue, charcoal, grey and in cobination with other colours lilac or champagne. A normal result is usually reported as DD (no copies of dilute), with carrier as Dd (one copy of the dilute) and a dilute colour dog affected is reported dd.
- E is the Extension – Cream/Red/Yellow
- EM (MC1R) is the Melanistic Mask – Black mask on fawn and brindle coloured dogs (present but not evident if dog is black
- I Locus - Colour Intensity
- K - Dominant Black - Interacts with A variants and overides any agouti modifications
- Long Hair Gene - Tests for coat type - length and density. The FGF5 variation is autosomal recessive so two copies will express the FGF5 gene and that dog will have a long coat.
- K Locus -Dominant Black.
- Liver - Lancashire Heeler Type associated with Liver and Tan coat.
- Pied - These alleles are associated with Piebald, Parti, Landseer or Random White Spotting among several breeds where these patterns are observed.