German Shepherd Dogs (german + shepherd_dog)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Estimation of heritability for hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs in Finland

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 2 2000
M. Leppaänen
The heritability of hip dysplasia in the German Shepherd Dog was estimated by applying the animal model and the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method to a data-set which consisted of the hip scores of 10 335 dogs. Fixed effects of the model were the month and the year of birth, screening age, the panelist responsible for screening and the origin of the animal's sire. The litter and the breeder had only minor effects on hip joints. Heritability estimates were moderate (0.31,0.35). The moderate heritability, which was found in this study, enables a much better genetic gain in the breeding programme, if proper evaluation methods, such as BLUP animal model, and effective selection is used instead of phenotypic selection. Zusammenfassung Schätzung der Heritabilität der Hüftgelenksdysplasie beim Deutschen Schäferhund in Finnland. Die Heritabilität der Hüftgelenksdysplasie beim Deutschen Schäferhund wurde mit Hilfe des Tiermodells und der Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) Methode anhand von Hüftgelenksgutachten von 10 335 Hunden geschätzt. Als fixe Effekte wurden im Modell ,Geburtsmonat' und ,-jahr', ,Röntgenalter', Einfluß des ,Gutachters' und ,Herkunft des Vaters' berücksichtigt. Die Effekte ,Wurf' und ,Züchter' hatten nur einen geringen Einfluß auf die Hüftgelenke. Die Heritabilitätsschätzungen betrugen 0.31 bis 0.35. Die in dieser Studie geschätzten Heritabilitäten ermöglichen es, zusammen mit geeigneten Methoden, wie beispielsweise dem BLUP-Tiermodell und einer effektiven Selektion, einen schnelleren Zuchtfortschritt zu erreichen, als nur phänotypisch zu selektieren. [source]


Breed Associations for Canine Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2007
Daniel J. Batchelor
Background:Knowledge of breed associations is valuable to clinicians and researchers investigating diseases with a genetic basis. Hypothesis:Among symptomatic dogs tested for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) by canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) assay, EPI is common in certain breeds and rare in others. Some breeds may be overrepresented or underrepresented in the population of dogs with EPI. Pathogenesis of EPI may be different among breeds. Animals:Client-owned dogs with clinical signs, tested for EPI by radioimmunoassay of serum cTLI, were used. Methods:In this retrospective study, results of 13,069 cTLI assays were reviewed. Results:An association with EPI was found in Chows, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), Rough-Coated Collies (RCC), and German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) (all P < .001). Chows (median, 16 months) were younger at diagnosis than CKCS (median, 72 months, P < .001), but not significantly different from GSD (median, 36 months, P= .10) or RCC (median, 36 months, P= .16). GSD (P < .001) and RCC (P= .015) were younger at diagnosis than CKCS. Boxers (P < .001), Golden Retrievers (P < .001), Labrador Retrievers (P < .001), Rottweilers (P= .022), and Weimaraners (P= .002) were underrepresented in the population with EPI. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: An association with EPI in Chows has not previously been reported. In breeds with early-onset EPI, immune-mediated mechanisms are possible or the disease may be congenital. When EPI manifests later, as in CKCS, pathogenesis is likely different (eg, secondary to chronic pancreatitis). Underrepresentation of certain breeds among dogs with EPI has not previously been recognized and may imply the existence of breed-specific mechanisms that protect pancreatic tissue from injury. [source]


Comparison of Selected Endocrine Parameters During Luteal Phase and Pregnancy in German Shepherd Dogs and Beagles

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2009
AR Günzel-Apel
Contents Concentrations of progesterone, prolactin and relaxin in serum at predetermined intervals after ovulation (day 0) in non-pregnant and pregnant normocyclic Beagles were assayed and results compared with those observed in German Shepherd dogs (GSD) in a previous study. The goal was to determine possible reproductive hormone specificities related to the GSD breed. Furthermore, the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)-treatment in non-pregnant Beagles and of progesterone supplementation in pregnant Beagles on the hormone concentrations were examined. Mean concentrations of progesterone and prolactin were not different in the non-pregnant Beagles compared with those seen in non-pregnant GSD, except at days 50,60, when progesterone concentrations were found to be higher in Beagles (p < 0.05). Mean progesterone concentrations in pregnant Beagles at days 50,60 after ovulation (day 0) were higher (p < 0.05) than in GSD at that time, but not at earlier time periods. Prolactin concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in Beagles throughout pregnancy compared with those in the GSD. Mean relaxin concentrations were numerically but not significantly lower in GSD than in Beagles throughout pregnancy. A 10-day oral MPA treatment did not affect progesterone or prolactin secretion in normocyclic non-pregnant Beagles. Medroxyprogesterone acetate serum concentrations were approximately 3.9 ng/ml during treatment and decreased to 0.42 and 0.021 ng/ml within 5 and 15 days after end of treatment, respectively. Intramuscular progesterone supplementation from days 30 to 40 in pregnant Beagles resulted in higher concentrations of progesterone in the 36- to 45-day time periods; prolactin and relaxin concentrations were not significantly affected during or after treatment compared with administration of placebo. The results suggest a tendency towards deficient luteal function in the short-cycle GSD bitches previously studied, which in pregnancy may reflect the observed decreased prolactin concentrations; the possibility that GSD relaxin secretion is deficiency required needs further study. As oral treatment with MPA did not affect progesterone and prolactin release, it may be useful for studying luteal function in pregnant bitches with suspected hypoluteoidism. [source]


Antibiotic responsive ulcerative dermatoses in German Shepherd Dogs with mucocutaneous pyoderma

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 8 2004
RJ BASSETT
Mucocutaneous pyoderma is a disease of unknown aetiology affecting mucocutaneous skin and is responsive to antibacterial therapy. It is reported to affect the lips, nasal planum, nares, perioral skin and less commonly, the eyelids, vulva, prepuce and anus. Three cases of mucocutaneous pyoderma are presented. Two of the cases showed ulcerative lesions in the inguinal and axillary regions in addition to more typically reported lesions. Two of the dogs had concurrent atopic dermatitis and the third had clinical signs suggestive of hypersensitivity disease. The clinical and histopathological features, differentiation of mucocutaneous pyoderma from discoid lupus erythematosus, and long-term management of mucocutaneous pyoderma are discussed. [source]


Hemorrhagic bile pleuritis and peritonitis secondary to traumatic common bile duct rupture, diaphragmatic tear, and rupture of the spleen in a dog

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 6 2008
Gordon D. Peddle VMD
Abstract Objective, To describe the diagnosis and successful treatment of bile pleuritis and peritonitis secondary to traumatic rupture of the common bile duct and a diaphragmatic tear in a young dog. Case Summary, A 1-year-old German Shepherd dog was referred for evaluation of vomiting and icterus 4 days after being hit by a car. Thoracic radiographs, thoracic and abdominal ultrasonographic examinations, thoraco- and abdominocentesis, and positive contrast celiogram indicated hemorrhagic pleuritis and peritonitis, left dorsal diaphragmatic tear, and rupture and infarct of the spleen. Surgical exploration of the abdomen confirmed these findings in addition to a circumferential tear of the common bile duct, leading to a diagnosis of hemorrhagic bile pleuritis and peritonitis. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture of the abdominal fluid yielded no growth. Surgical correction of the traumatic injuries was achieved via common bile duct anastomosis, cholecystojejunostomy, repair of the diaphragm, and splenectomy. The dog developed postoperative signs consistent with aspiration pneumonia but was successfully treated and discharged from the hospital. Clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities resolved and the dog was alive and healthy 8 months after discharge. New or Unique Information Provided, Bile pleuritis is rare in dogs and cats and is usually associated with penetrating, not blunt, abdominal trauma. Multiple organ injury in cases of traumatic bile duct rupture is uncommon; in this dog, rupture of the common bile duct was accompanied by rupture of the diaphragm and spleen. [source]


Blood dripping from the penis of a German Shepherd dog

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2010
BH Sontas
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


A canine linkage map: 39 linkage groups

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 1 2001
F. Lingaas
A low resolution canine marker map is an important tool in the further advancements in genetic analysis of dog breeds and the control and reduction of the frequency of inherited diseases. This study presents a genetic linkage analysis with 39 linkage groups using 222 polymorphic canine markers based on typing in the International DogMap reference families, consisting of 129 Beagle and German Shepherd dogs. Of these 39 linkage groups, 14 have been assigned to canine chromosomes by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). These results are a further refinement on the first linkage groups from the International DogMap collaboration and represent a continuing collaboration. Eine Markerkarte des Hundes mit 39 Kopplungsgruppen Schwach auflösende Markerkarten des Genoms stellen wichtige Hilfsmittel für die genetische Charakterisierung von Hunderassen dar. Sie können für die Kontrolle und Eindämmung von Erbkrankheiten verwendet werden. Die Resultate der vorgestellten Studie basieren auf der genetischen Typisierung von Hundefamilien des Internationalen DogMap Konsortiums. Die Familien bestehen aus 129 Beagle und Deutschen Schäferhunden. Die Studie stellt eine Kopplungsanalyse mit 39 Kopplungsgruppen vor, die insgesamt 1216 cM des Hundegenoms abdecken. Die Markerkarte enthält 222 polymorphe Hundemarker von denen 18 Gene sind. Fünfundachtzig Marker sind in keiner anderen Markerkarte publiziert. Vierzehn Kopplungsgruppen konnten mittels FISH chromosomal zugewiesen werden. Unsere Resultate stellen eine weitere Verfeinerung der ersten Markerkarte des DogMap Projektes dar und sind Ausdruck einer kontinuierlichen internationalen Zusammenarbeit. [source]


The Effect of Feeding Enrichment upon Reported Working Ability and Behavior of Kenneled Working Dogs

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 6 2008
Samantha A. Gaines Ph.D.
Abstract:, It is widely recommended that kenneled dogs are provided with environmental enrichment such as toys or feeding devices. However, the adoption of enrichment for military working dogs is impeded by a widespread belief that it reduces their motivation to work. Handlers of 22 working German Shepherd dogs were asked to rate their dogs on 11 attributes pertaining to working ability, related behavioral traits, and health. Eight of the dogs were then provided with daily feeding enrichment for 4 months, while the remainder were given equivalent human attention. The same 11 traits were scored again following the enrichment period: 10 changed little over the period while handlers' reports of their dogs'Ability to learn from being rewarded increased significantly. Changes for all attributes were virtually identical in enriched and control dogs. We conclude that if correctly managed, feeding enrichment can be introduced to kenneled working dogs without any reported detrimental effects upon working ability, health, or behavior. [source]


CLOSTRIDIUM TETANUS INFECTION IN 13 DOGS AND ONE CAT

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue S1 2004
C Bandt
Clostridium tetani infection is uncommon in dogs and cats. Up to this point in time just single case reports have been published in veterinary medicine. The goal of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical features and outcome of 13 dogs and one cat affected with Clostridium tetani. The medical records of the last ten year were reviewed. Dogs and cats that were identified as being infected with Clostridium tetani on the basis of characteristic clinical signs and/or bacterial culture from infected wounds were eligible for study inclusion. Thirteen dogs and one cat met the criteria for study inclusion. Six different breeds and mix-breed dogs were affected, German Shepherd dogs (n=4, 29%) and Labrador retriever (n=3, 21%) were the most frequently affected breeds. Observed clinical complications were ventricular aspiration pneumonia (n=7), laryngeal spasm (n=6), hypersalivation (n=4), ventricular tachycardia (n=3), and third degree AV block (n=1). Median days from onset of clinical signs until first signs of improvement were 10 days (range: 9,12 days). Median hospitalisation time was 18 days (range: 14,22 days). Six animals showed full recovery and 8 animals died or were euthanized. Death was associated with acute onset of ventricular tachycardia in 2 dogs, 1 dog died with non-responsive third degree AV-block, 3 dogs died after developing aspiration pneumonia, and 1 dog died of unknown causes. [source]


Comparison of Selected Endocrine Parameters During Luteal Phase and Pregnancy in German Shepherd Dogs and Beagles

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2009
AR Günzel-Apel
Contents Concentrations of progesterone, prolactin and relaxin in serum at predetermined intervals after ovulation (day 0) in non-pregnant and pregnant normocyclic Beagles were assayed and results compared with those observed in German Shepherd dogs (GSD) in a previous study. The goal was to determine possible reproductive hormone specificities related to the GSD breed. Furthermore, the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)-treatment in non-pregnant Beagles and of progesterone supplementation in pregnant Beagles on the hormone concentrations were examined. Mean concentrations of progesterone and prolactin were not different in the non-pregnant Beagles compared with those seen in non-pregnant GSD, except at days 50,60, when progesterone concentrations were found to be higher in Beagles (p < 0.05). Mean progesterone concentrations in pregnant Beagles at days 50,60 after ovulation (day 0) were higher (p < 0.05) than in GSD at that time, but not at earlier time periods. Prolactin concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in Beagles throughout pregnancy compared with those in the GSD. Mean relaxin concentrations were numerically but not significantly lower in GSD than in Beagles throughout pregnancy. A 10-day oral MPA treatment did not affect progesterone or prolactin secretion in normocyclic non-pregnant Beagles. Medroxyprogesterone acetate serum concentrations were approximately 3.9 ng/ml during treatment and decreased to 0.42 and 0.021 ng/ml within 5 and 15 days after end of treatment, respectively. Intramuscular progesterone supplementation from days 30 to 40 in pregnant Beagles resulted in higher concentrations of progesterone in the 36- to 45-day time periods; prolactin and relaxin concentrations were not significantly affected during or after treatment compared with administration of placebo. The results suggest a tendency towards deficient luteal function in the short-cycle GSD bitches previously studied, which in pregnancy may reflect the observed decreased prolactin concentrations; the possibility that GSD relaxin secretion is deficiency required needs further study. As oral treatment with MPA did not affect progesterone and prolactin release, it may be useful for studying luteal function in pregnant bitches with suspected hypoluteoidism. [source]


Canine diabetes mellitus: from phenotype to genotype

JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2008
B. Catchpole
Breed differences in susceptibility to diabetes mellitus in dogs suggest an underlying genetic component to the pathogenesis of the disease. There is little evidence for an equivalent of human type 2 diabetes in dogs, and it has been proposed that canine diabetes is more comparable to the type 1 form of the disease. Certain immune response genes, particularly those encoding major histocompatibility complex molecules involved in antigen presentation, are important in determining susceptibility to human type 1 diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that canine major histocompatibility complex genes (known as the dog leucocyte antigen) are associated with diabetes in dogs. A total of 530 diabetic dogs and more than 1000 controls were typed for dog leucocyte antigen, and associations were found with three specific haplotypes. The DLA-DRB1*009/DQA1*001/DQB1*008 haplotype shows the strongest association with diabetes in the UK dog population. This haplotype is common in diabetes-prone breeds (Samoyed, cairn terrier and Tibetan terrier) but rare in diabetes-resistant breeds (boxer, German shepherd dog and golden retriever), which could explain differences in the prevalence of diabetes in these different breeds. There is evidence that the DLA-DQA1*001 allele is also associated with hypothyroidism, suggesting that this could represent a common susceptibility allele for canine immune-mediated endocrinopathies. [source]


Co-existence of ununited anconeal process and fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna in the dog

JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2006
A. Meyer-Lindenberg
Objectives: To determine the incidence of fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna in dogs with ununited anconeal process. The efficacy of presurgical radiography to diagnose the co-existence of these diseases was also investigated. Methods: One hundred and fifty-five joints from 137 dogs with ununited anconeal process were included in the study. For the radiographic examinations, an extended mediolateral projection and a craniolateral-caudomedial oblique projection of each elbow joint were taken before surgery. Inspection of the medial part of the joint was carried out either by arthrotomy or arthroscopy. Results: Seventy-two per cent of the dogs were German shepherd dogs. In 25 joints (16 per cent) a fragmented medial coronoid process was diagnosed and removed via arthrotomy or arthroscopy. The co-existence of a fragmented medial coronoid process was diagnosed correctly in only 13 cases (52 per cent) by radiography. In five of these cases with advanced osteoarthritis, the fragment was directly visible because of its dislocation. Compared with published information, the occurrence of ununited anconeal process with fragmented medial coronoid process is noted more frequently in the present study. Clinical Significance: It can be summarised that if ununited anconeal process is present, it is not usually possible to clearly identify fragmented medial coronoid process by radiography. Therefore, it is important to be able to inspect the medial aspect of the joint concerned during surgery. [source]


Canine elbow dysplasia and primary lesions in German shepherd dogs in France

JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 5 2004
D. Remy
Five hundred and twenty German shepherd dogs were screened for elbow dysplasia. The following primary lesions were analysed: joint incongruity (JI), fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP), osteochondrosis or osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle and ununited anconeal process (UAP). Three radiographic views were used for each joint to achieve a definitive diagnosis. The prevalence of elbow dysplasia was 19·4 per cent. The most frequent lesion was JI (16.3 per cent), followed by FCP (11.3 per cent). UAP was diagnosed rarely (1.1 per cent). Combinations of lesions were very frequent (42.2 per cent of the dysplastic elbows). Although these results may be biased due to prescreening of dogs with UAP, it should be highlighted that JI and FCP occur frequently in German shepherd dogs and are probably the most common primary lesions of elbow dysplasia, although they have been under-reported until now. [source]


Lumbosacral osteochondrosis: radiological features and surgical management in 34 dogs

JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 6 2001
F. Y. Hanna
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis has been diagnosed with increasing frequency over the past few years. Nevertheless, poor recognition of the condition continues to lead to frequent misdiagnosis. A study was therefore undertaken over a 12-year period (1986 to 1998) to describe the use of a variety of radiological studies to define the syndrome and the use of different surgical techniques for optimal treatment of the condition. Dogs with clinical signs of cauda equina neuropathy and radiological signs of lumbosacral osteochondrosis were older than 14 months (mean age 6-3 years). German shepherd dogs, boxers and rottweilers were heavily represented. Of the 34 dogs with osteochondrosis in this study, the lesion appeared to be related to the sacrum in 31 dogs (91 per cent) and the seventh lumbar vertebra in the remaining three dogs (9 per cent). Twenty-seven male and seven female dogs were affected (4:1). Out of the 34 dogs, six (18 per cent) were treated conservatively and the remaining 28 (82 per cent) were treated surgically. The outcome of surgical treatment was considered to be satisfactory in 24 (86 per cent) of these latter dogs. [source]


Disseminated aspergillosis in two dogs in Israel

MYCOSES, Issue 2 2006
Y. Bruchim
Summary Aspergillus terreus, normally a soil or plant saprophyte, causes disseminated systemic infection, involving primarily the skeletal and the cardiopulmonary system in humans and dogs.1, 2 We describe two cases of German shepherd dogs that were referred to Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital with a history of anorexia and weakness. Case 1 suffered from neurological deficits, paraparesis and lumbar pain whereas case 2 suffered from unilateral uveitis and exophthalmus. Both dogs were treated symptomatically, but deteriorated progressively despite therapy and were therefore euthanised. Necropsy revealed disseminated aspergillosis, and numerous organs had multiple, miliary, white-yellow foci. Microscopically, these were identified as granulomas, containing fungal hyphae. Affected tissue included brain, heart, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes and bones (case 2). Aspergillus terreus was isolated from different organs and from urine culture. We suggest that disseminated aspergillosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in German shepherd dogs presenting with ocular disease, neurological deficits, spinal column pain, urinary system disorders, and radiographic evidence of skeletal and/or respiratory pathology. [source]


Structural and Ultrastructural Study of the Intracranial Portion of the Oculomotor, Trochlear and Abducent Nerves in Dog

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2006
J. Vivo
Summary The right intracranial portion of the oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves were removed from six adult German shepherd dogs and analysed by light and electron microscopy. In all cases the nerve sectional area was calculated. Unmyelinated and myelinated fibres were analysed and number, diameter and cross-sectional area were calculated. In myelinated fibres, also calculated were the corresponding axon area and diameter, and myelin sheath thickness. The mean number of myelinated fibres was 8543.50 ± 1231.85 being the unmyelinated 1402 ± 241.58 in the oculomotor nerve; 1509 ± 223.17 and 287.67 ± 72.28 in the trochlear nerve and 2473.00 ± 211.41 and 231.25 ± 92.67 respectively in the abducent. The mean diameter was 10.23 ± 0.68 ,m in myelinated and 0.43 ± 0.21 for unmyelinated in oculomotor nerve, 10.53 ± 0.55 ,m and 0.33 ± 0.04 for the trochlear, and 10.45 ± 1.27 ,m and 0.47 ± 0.09 in the abducent nerve respectively. This study reveals that oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves of the dog show structural and ultra-structural features similar to the same nerves in other species. [source]