There are other health issues to be aware of:
- ECLE
Exfoliative Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (ECLE) is a very serious skin condition typified by erythema, scaling, follicular casts, alopecia and scarring. It has been observed in the Hungarian Vizsla and German Short Haired Pointer. Dogs with this disease have dramatically shortened life expectancies and are often humanely euthanized upon diagnosis.
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The disease is also known as Lupoid Dermatosis. It has a monogenic (controlled by one gene) and autosomal mode of inheritance, which means that the disease occurs when the puppy inherits two copies of the mutation, one from each parent.
A DNA SCREENING TEST is available from Laboklin cost £48
- CEREBELLAR ATAXIA
What is Cerebellar Ataxia?
Cerebellar Ataxia is a rare and inheritable neurological disease which has recently been reported in two young UK Vizslas which were investigated at the Royal Veterinary College in London. Clinical signs of the disease are progressive ataxia (gait incoordination) and this becomes apparent between 2-3 months of age. There is no treatment or cure and affected dogs are euthanased on welfare grounds.
In February 2016 The Animal Health Trust (now the Canine Genetics Centre) launched a new DNA test for Cerebellar Ataxia in our breed. The genetic mutation was found using a new investigation method which utilises whole genome sequencing technology and computer analysis tools to study all 2.4 billion letters of DNA from just one affected Vizsla. The test is available here and costs £48.
From Cathryn Mellersh – head of Genetics at the AHT