MAREMMA SHEEPDOG HEALTH INFORMATION
The Maremma Sheepdog Club of America, Inc is dedicated to the future protection and improvement of the Maremma Sheepdog breed. As part of this dedication, the MSCA recommends that breeders subscribe to and uphold the MSCA Code of Ethics for breeding practices, which requires that all breeding dogs be screened for hip dysplasia before breeding.
The MSCA Health Committee
Volunteers Welcome! Please Contact the Health and Genetics Committee for more information.
Potential puppy buyers want their new Maremma Sheepdog puppy to have the best possible chance for a long and healthy life. Routine veterinary care is important towards achieving that goal, additionally, the risks for heritable health diseases can be greatly reduced through careful breeding practices, beginning with screening examinations before breeding.
The MSCA Health Committee believes that it is important that all dogs be screened for heritable diseases, even those who may never be bred, and that results be released for public view, both normal or abnormal. By doing this breeders will have access to documented information which is invaluable to making educated breeding decisions.
Every breed, including mixed-breeds, is subject to hereditary diseases, and the Maremma Sheepdog is no exception. Failure to screen for heritable diseases before breeding could result in taking unnecessary risks for passing on genetic disease.
The MSCA Health Committee will be gathering health information to build a breed health database.
Potential puppy buyers want their new Maremma Sheepdog puppy to have the best possible chance for a long and healthy life. Routine veterinary care is important towards achieving that goal, additionally, the risks for heritable health diseases can be greatly reduced through careful breeding practices, beginning with screening examinations before breeding.
The MSCA Health Committee believes that it is important that all dogs be screened for heritable diseases, even those who may never be bred, and that results be released for public view, both normal or abnormal. By doing this breeders will have access to documented information which is invaluable to making educated breeding decisions.
Every breed, including mixed-breeds, is subject to hereditary diseases, and the Maremma Sheepdog is no exception. Failure to screen for heritable diseases before breeding could result in taking unnecessary risks for passing on genetic disease.
The MSCA Health Committee will be gathering health information to build a breed health database.
MAREMMA HIP TESTING INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Have your MSCA registered Maremma's hips certified through OFA or PennHip and receive a $25 rebate check from the MSCA!
Click "HERE" to learn more!
Have your MSCA registered Maremma's hips certified through OFA or PennHip and receive a $25 rebate check from the MSCA!
Click "HERE" to learn more!
MSCA BREEDER INCENTIVE!
The MSCA would like to recognize those Breeders who are instrumental in educating their puppy buyers about recognizing the importance of hip testing and certification of their dogs – For every owner who submits proof of the puppy’s OFA/PennHIP hip certification, the Breeder of the puppy will receive a $5.00 credit towards their annual MSCA membership dues, up to the full yearly fee.
Click "HERE" to download form!
The MSCA would like to recognize those Breeders who are instrumental in educating their puppy buyers about recognizing the importance of hip testing and certification of their dogs – For every owner who submits proof of the puppy’s OFA/PennHIP hip certification, the Breeder of the puppy will receive a $5.00 credit towards their annual MSCA membership dues, up to the full yearly fee.
Click "HERE" to download form!
MSCA $25 EMBARK GENETIC TEST REBATE
The MSCA BOD and the MSCA Health & Genetics Committee is pleased to offer a $25 rebate to the first 25 MSCA members who genetically health test their Maremma Sheepdog with Embark and submit the testing to the BOD.
The MSCA has partnered to establish a genetic database beginning with Embark.
After speaking with several leading geneticists in the veterinary field, and determining there have not been many Maremmas who have been genetically health tested, the MSCA Health and Genetics Committee and MSCA BOD will focus on encouraging DNA health testing among members.
This testing will help establish genetic pedigrees and find additional markers for potential genetic diseases that affect the breed.
The test must be the 'Embark for Breeders' kit.
Embark is offering $60 off your *first order when purchased with the links in this email and with the code: TRYEMBARK99
The Embark for Breeder kit is $159.
With the rebate from the Club and the savings from Embark, the out-of-pocket cost for the test is only $74! Shipping is free!
*Valid for genetic test results given by Embark after 9/15/22. It must be your first time ordering from Embark to receive the $60.00 discount from Embark.
The MSCA BOD and the MSCA Health & Genetics Committee is pleased to offer a $25 rebate to the first 25 MSCA members who genetically health test their Maremma Sheepdog with Embark and submit the testing to the BOD.
The MSCA has partnered to establish a genetic database beginning with Embark.
After speaking with several leading geneticists in the veterinary field, and determining there have not been many Maremmas who have been genetically health tested, the MSCA Health and Genetics Committee and MSCA BOD will focus on encouraging DNA health testing among members.
This testing will help establish genetic pedigrees and find additional markers for potential genetic diseases that affect the breed.
The test must be the 'Embark for Breeders' kit.
Embark is offering $60 off your *first order when purchased with the links in this email and with the code: TRYEMBARK99
The Embark for Breeder kit is $159.
With the rebate from the Club and the savings from Embark, the out-of-pocket cost for the test is only $74! Shipping is free!
*Valid for genetic test results given by Embark after 9/15/22. It must be your first time ordering from Embark to receive the $60.00 discount from Embark.
The Maremma Sheepdog Club of America proudly supports Embark DNA testing for the Maremma Sheepdog.
- The Maremma Sheepdog Club of America is proud to announce a new partnership with Embark, the world's leading canine genetics company. Embark for Breeder DNA tests are >99% accurate on mutation tests and are the only genetic COI% test available for breeders. MSCA has chosen to work with Embark because of our shared values of responsible breeding and commitment to canine health. Embark offers a comprehensive product for breeders that includes all the relevant genetic information you need to better manage breeding programs: genetic health risks, physical traits, genetic COI, and breed ancestry.
- As part of this partnership, our club will earn a 10% commission on all breeder kits purchased through this affiliate link. In addition, Embark will offer our members up to $35 off the Embark for Breeders DNA kit using the club's affiliate link and promo code MSCA2022.
- Commissions earned by the club can help fund important initiatives, a win-win for the club, our members, and our beloved breed. Your first Embark for Breeders DNA kit is just $99 with code TRYEMBARK99!
- This partnership also provides our club with expert educational content, access to Embark experts such as veterinary geneticists, the opportunity to offer input on future research, and event support.
- Embark for Breeders DNA kits offer breed-specific health conditions affecting the Maremma Sheepdog, as well as results for 215+ genetic health conditions, 35 physical traits, and genetic COI% all with one swab.
Certifications
The MCSA Code of Ethics requires that all dogs to be used for breeding have received their certification for hip dysplasia. The MSCA Health Committee suggests certifications be placed in the public record on searchable databases, both the database provided by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the future MSCA Health database.
Breeders often describe their dogs as “hip, elbow, and eye certified” or as having “all their clearances” and these statements usually can be verified on the OFA website. Records can be accessed by searching using the dog’s full registered name (with exact spelling) or registration number, and breeders should not hesitate to provide you with this information.
Be warned! Accept no substitute for documented proof of health testing that has been submitted to the databases. It is far too easy to falsify documents.
One of the MSCA Health Committee's goals is to encourage breeders to use only dogs who have received their health clearances, so that future breeding lines will have health clearances that extend back to multiple generations of ancestors. Health clearances that include grandparents, great-grandparents, and even beyond, offer decreased incidence of hereditary disease in puppies. Risk can never be zero – and in some cases environmental influences also play a role – but health testing of several generations of ancestors offers the best possible chance that the puppy will not develop these genetic diseases.
There are additional conditions such as hypothyroidism, heart disease, epilepsy, skin disease, cancer, etc, for which routine screening of Maremma Sheepdogs is not performed. Potential buyers should feel free to ask the breeder about these or any subjects of concern to them, and the exchange of such information is an expected and customary practice.
Breeders often describe their dogs as “hip, elbow, and eye certified” or as having “all their clearances” and these statements usually can be verified on the OFA website. Records can be accessed by searching using the dog’s full registered name (with exact spelling) or registration number, and breeders should not hesitate to provide you with this information.
Be warned! Accept no substitute for documented proof of health testing that has been submitted to the databases. It is far too easy to falsify documents.
One of the MSCA Health Committee's goals is to encourage breeders to use only dogs who have received their health clearances, so that future breeding lines will have health clearances that extend back to multiple generations of ancestors. Health clearances that include grandparents, great-grandparents, and even beyond, offer decreased incidence of hereditary disease in puppies. Risk can never be zero – and in some cases environmental influences also play a role – but health testing of several generations of ancestors offers the best possible chance that the puppy will not develop these genetic diseases.
There are additional conditions such as hypothyroidism, heart disease, epilepsy, skin disease, cancer, etc, for which routine screening of Maremma Sheepdogs is not performed. Potential buyers should feel free to ask the breeder about these or any subjects of concern to them, and the exchange of such information is an expected and customary practice.
Hip Dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia is the abnormal formation of the “ball-and-socket” hip joint and occurs in many breeds, especially in larger dogs. It is primarily inherited, and development is believed to be influenced by multiple genes. The risk and severity of hip dysplasia may also be increased by environmental factors such as overfeeding that leads to rapid growth during early puppyhood, neutering prior to maturity, and possibly certain other factors, like exercise.
Indication of hip dysplasia cannot be detected in young puppies, but will often appear between four and twelve months of age. Symptoms can vary greatly from mild stiffness after exercise to severe lameness. Improvement, or even absence of symptoms, can occur as the dog matures and muscles stabilize the joint; however, dysplastic dogs usually develop some degree of arthritis and discomfort as they age.
Dogs must be 24 months of age or older to receive final hip certification, with the hip x-rays sent to either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or to PennHIP for diagnostic evaluation. The two evaluation procedures differ somewhat but both are acceptable. The MSCA encourages all Maremma Sheepdog breeders to have dogs screened for hip dysplasia before breeding.
Dysplastic dogs should not used for breeding, but may lead long, happy lives. The radiographic appearance of the hips does not always correlate with clinical symptoms, and many dysplastic dogs show no outward signs until middle or older age when secondary arthritis may cause increasing discomfort. Regular, moderate exercise and weight control are important to managing dogs with hip dysplasia, even those without symptoms. Depending on severity, dogs with symptomatic disease may be treated with dietary supplements, medication, and/or surgery.
Indication of hip dysplasia cannot be detected in young puppies, but will often appear between four and twelve months of age. Symptoms can vary greatly from mild stiffness after exercise to severe lameness. Improvement, or even absence of symptoms, can occur as the dog matures and muscles stabilize the joint; however, dysplastic dogs usually develop some degree of arthritis and discomfort as they age.
Dogs must be 24 months of age or older to receive final hip certification, with the hip x-rays sent to either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or to PennHIP for diagnostic evaluation. The two evaluation procedures differ somewhat but both are acceptable. The MSCA encourages all Maremma Sheepdog breeders to have dogs screened for hip dysplasia before breeding.
Dysplastic dogs should not used for breeding, but may lead long, happy lives. The radiographic appearance of the hips does not always correlate with clinical symptoms, and many dysplastic dogs show no outward signs until middle or older age when secondary arthritis may cause increasing discomfort. Regular, moderate exercise and weight control are important to managing dogs with hip dysplasia, even those without symptoms. Depending on severity, dogs with symptomatic disease may be treated with dietary supplements, medication, and/or surgery.
Elbow Dysplasia (ED)
Elbow dysplasia often first appears as front leg lameness in young dogs, although symptoms can appear at any age. While not as common as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is estimated to affect approximately 10% of dogs. Like hip dysplasia, many affected dogs have no symptoms, yet can pass more serious disease to their offspring. For other affected dogs, symptoms range from mild stiffness to severe lameness.
Elbow dysplasia is primarily inherited and development is believed to be influenced by multiple genes. However, severity of elbow dysplasia may also be increased by rapid growth during early puppyhood as a result of over-feeding.
Dogs must be 24 months of age to receive final elbow certification, and screening elbow x-rays should be submitted to the OFA for diagnostic evaluation. Elbow dysplasia can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages or in very mildly affected dogs, and even non-breeding dogs and dogs under 24 months with unexplained front lameness can use OFA’s diagnostic services when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Although dogs with elbow dysplasia generally are not bred, many lead normal, happy lives. Depending on severity, dogs with symptomatic disease may be managed by weight control, dietary supplements, medication, and/or surgery.
Elbow dysplasia is primarily inherited and development is believed to be influenced by multiple genes. However, severity of elbow dysplasia may also be increased by rapid growth during early puppyhood as a result of over-feeding.
Dogs must be 24 months of age to receive final elbow certification, and screening elbow x-rays should be submitted to the OFA for diagnostic evaluation. Elbow dysplasia can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages or in very mildly affected dogs, and even non-breeding dogs and dogs under 24 months with unexplained front lameness can use OFA’s diagnostic services when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Although dogs with elbow dysplasia generally are not bred, many lead normal, happy lives. Depending on severity, dogs with symptomatic disease may be managed by weight control, dietary supplements, medication, and/or surgery.
Eye Disease
All breeds of dogs are subject to genetic eye disease in which there is evidence of a genetic or heritable cause, such as cataracts and retinal disease.
Eyelid and eyelash disorders also may occur, and are generally believed to have a hereditary basis. Entropion and ectropion are conditions that cause the eyelids to roll inward or outward, respectively; and distichiasis is a condition in which misdirected hairs touch and irritate the surface of the eye. Depending on severity, surgery may be advised to correct these problems. Although dogs with these conditions can receive eye certifications, these diagnoses will be noted on the forms and these dogs should not be bred.
Annual examination by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended for the lifetime of any dog that has been bred, because hereditary eye problems can develop at varying ages. Eye exams should be certified through the OFA, and are valid for only 12 months from the date of examination.
Eyelid and eyelash disorders also may occur, and are generally believed to have a hereditary basis. Entropion and ectropion are conditions that cause the eyelids to roll inward or outward, respectively; and distichiasis is a condition in which misdirected hairs touch and irritate the surface of the eye. Depending on severity, surgery may be advised to correct these problems. Although dogs with these conditions can receive eye certifications, these diagnoses will be noted on the forms and these dogs should not be bred.
Annual examination by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended for the lifetime of any dog that has been bred, because hereditary eye problems can develop at varying ages. Eye exams should be certified through the OFA, and are valid for only 12 months from the date of examination.
MSCA
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CHIC, the “Canine Health Information Center”, is a database of consolidated health screening results. Sponsored by the OFA, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the OFA Online Database are issued CHIC numbers. CHIC is meant to encourage health testing and sharing of all results, normal and abnormal, so that more informed breeding decisions can be made in an overall effort to reduce the incidence of genetic disease and improve canine health. Participation in CHIC is entirely voluntary.
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To Volunteer as a Chair or Committee member for the Health Committee, please contact the MSCA.
For More Information Please Visit:
1. Orthopedic foundation for Animals (OFA)
2. PennHip
3. Canine Inherited Disorders Database
1. Orthopedic foundation for Animals (OFA)
2. PennHip
3. Canine Inherited Disorders Database
