Finnish Lapphund Health
Lappies are a healthy breed with relatively few health concerns. Their vigour is most likely related to both their wild ancestory and centuries of life as a working breed, where the principle of 'survival of the fittest' no doubt played a major part.
Lappies have a life span of aproximately 12 to 14 years, but dogs of 16 - 17 are not uncommon in Finland.
However, there are a few conditions that are seen in the breed (listed below). It should be noted that these conditions are not unique to Finnish Lapphunds but can occur in a number of other breeds, and in cross breeds.
All registered, ethical Lapphund breeders in Australia screen for these conditions, and will only breed from Lappies that pass the necessary health checks and are free from genetic problems.
It is therefore very important that you only buy from a registered breeder, who can guarantee the health and genetic background of your new pup. For more information see our page on Breed Information.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (also known as PRA)
Put simply, PRA is an inherited disease that causes blindness in dogs. There are a few different types of PRA, which is essentially a progressive hereditary eye disease that affects a number of breeds - most commonly Labradors, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Australian Cattle Dogs. Most other breeds have been reported to have PRA and its important to understand that cross bred dogs can also be affected with PRA. Cats are also prone to PRA, and is seen most commonly seen in Siamese and Abyssinians.
Progressive Cone Rod Degeneration (prcd-PRA)
In Lappies, the most common version of PRA is Progressive Cone Rod Degeneration type (prcd-PRA), which is a late onset version of PRA, where the eyesight of affected animals starts to deteriorate around the age of five, although the age of onset can vary from one to eight years of age.
This type of PRA is often first noticed as a loss of night vision, then a loss of vision in all types of lighting. In the early stages there may be an unusual greenish reflection in the animal's eyes in low light conditions. The actual loss of sight will then occur over a relatively short period of time, usually culminating in total blindness.
The disease is inherited via a simple autosomal recessive gene. As such, the parents and offspring of any affected animal will be carriers, even if not affected themselves.
Thankfully, genetic testing can now determine if a dog is clear of prcd-PRA or a carrier. In Australia to date there have been no recorded cases of prcd-PRA in Finnish Lapphunds, and while breeding from a carrier to a clear dog is permitted, the breeding of a carrier to another carrier is not recommended under Victorian Code of Practice (under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 - see the section on Legislation below).
The Legislation also states that progeny that has come from a pairing that includes a parent who is a carrier of the PRA gene should be tested, as it is likely that a number of the offspring a carrier will also be carriers. However, progeny from two clear parents will also be clear.
When buying a Lappie puppy, you should always ask your breeder as to the PRA status of your puppy's parents; if one is a carrier your pup should also be screened. It is important to note that carrier status does not mean that the puppy will be affected by PRA; it is in the offspring of two carriers that the disease is likely to emerge.
If, for whatever reason, a Breeder refuses to screen puppies from a carrier litter, or tells you that it doesn't matter, we would NOT recommend that you purchase a puppy from them.
Hereditary Cataracts & Other Degenerative Eye Conditions
While prcd-PRA is the main concern in Finnish Lapphunds, there are a few other eye diseases that, while rare, can and do occur. ALWAYS ask your breeder if the sire and dam of the litter have been opthamologically tested by a vet qualified under the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) within the last 18 months, and for any instances of eye problems that they are aware of in their lines. Litters where either one of the adults has eye degenerative problem, or there are proven problems within that line, should be avoided.
Cataracts
There are many types of cataracts, which essentially is the lens or the lens capsule becoming opaque. Causes may be due to a congenital abnormality, an infection in utero, trauma or injury to the eye, a metabolic disorder, the result of nutritional disorders or as a result of the influence of certain drugs.
Cataracts may also be hereditary; while rare, there have been a number of instances of this occurring. Your breeder should ensure that both parents of the litter have been tested by an ACES vet and make this information available to you. As some cataract conditions can develop over time, breeding dogs should be tested at least 18 months prior to mating.
Retinal Dysplasia
Retinal dysplasia (RD) is abnormal development of the retina. It is seen in a number of breeds, and rarely, has occured in Finnish Lapphunds.
There are various causes for retinal dysplasia, the most common cause being inherited. RD may also result from viral infections, and exposure to toxins. In some cases retinal folds may be seen in young puppies around 6 to 8 weeks of age.
It is thought that this is a growth related problem, in that the sclera (coat of the eyeball) and the retina are growing at different rates. Within 4 to 6 weeks the retinal folds resolve as the retina and sclera (coat of the eyeball) are then growing at the same rate. This is not thought to be inherited. However dogs can have lots of retinal folds and this may be a sign of RD.
In breeds that are affected with RD, growth related retinal folds may confuse the diagnosis of inherited RD. These puppies can later be re-examined once they has finished growing to see if the retinal folds have disappeared. RD will not disappear.
There is no treatment for RD. The lesions of Retinal Dysplasia are not progressive once the retina has finished growing.
Multifocal retinal dysplasia (MRD)
Multifocal retinal dysplasia is diagnosed when the retina is afflicted with many small dark lesions. Each of these dark lesions is where the retina has not developed normally.
While most dogs with mild RD do not show any clinical signs (their vision is essentially normal, despite the RD causing small blind spots) dogs affected with multifocal retinal dysplasia (MRD) are at risk of retinal detachment resulting in vision loss. In severe cases, clinical blindness occurs.
Although rare, MRD has been found in Finnish Lapphunds and as such breeders should ensure that all their breeding dogs have an ACES examination prior to breeding.
It is strongly recommend by many vet eye specialists that dogs affected by MRD should not be bred from.
Canine Hips Dysplasia (CHD)
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) occurs in most breeds of dogs (including mixed breeds) and can result in debilitating orthopedic disease of the hip. A dog that has hip dysplasia is said to be dysplastic and has hip joints that are not formed perfectly (caused when the femoral head does not fit properly in the hip socket), which causes instability of the joint. Over time, this malformation can cause degenerative joint disease, resulting in increased pain and immobility.
CHD is a common canine inherited condition that is not apparent at birth, and any imperfection can be slight or severe. A dysplastic dog may experience no pain or problems from its condition or it may experience mild to severe discomfort when moving.
Although CHD is not common in Lappies, at Taigakoira Kennels we test for hips and elbows, and make this information freely available to those interested in our Lappies. We will only breed from healthy animals, and would certainly never breed with an animal that is dysplastic. We are of the view that breeders should test for hips prior to their dog being involved in any breeding program.
What are Hip Scores?
A hip score is a numerical score that is generated by scoring different physical aspects of the hip joint and adding these values together. Generally, the lower the score the better, although numbers vary in different countries as different assessment systems are used.
In Australia, the system used to grade hips scores is know as the BVA/KC (this system is also used in Britain, Ireland, and New Zealand). The process scores each hip joint based on the severity of changes of 9 specific features of the joint (known as morphological radiographic criteria). Each joint element (criterion) is scored from 0 (ideal) to 6 (worst). These different elements are added together and the final hip score is calculated as the sum between 0 and 53 for each hip joint, and then as an overall sum of both hips (0-106). To illustrate, a score of 2/3 (2 in one hip and 3 in the other) will be an overall score of 5. In Finnish Lapphunds, the breed average is 12 - 13.
The figures below give a visual representation of the different variations in hip-joint placement. The table below gives the international equivalents.
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Images by www.offa.org
International Comparison of Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD )Scoring
Ref: Mark Flückiger Prof. Dr Scoring radiographs for canine Hip Dysplasia -The big three organisations in the world EJCAP 17/2, page 135 – 140.
Is CHD Genetic?
It should be noted that CHD is not only an inherited condition and that other factors such as feeding, exercise and environment, including over exercise at an early age, may play a part in the development of the condition. We also do not recommend that Lappie puppies undertake rigourous physical activity (eg Agility) until they are over 12 months old.
More information on CHD
For more information on CHD and scores, see the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website - the OFA has been around for over 40 years and has excellent information on CHD.
Elbow Dysplasia
In addition to screening for canine hip dysplasia, lapphund breeders will also test for elbows (usually at the same time as hips) to ensure that there aren't any concerns. Like CHD, arthrosis occurs when the ball and socket joint do not meet tightly, resulting in pain and movement problems for the affected dog over time. While it is considered rare for a case of elbow dysplasia to arise in Lappies, there have been a few instances in the breed and as such most breeders will screen for elbows as part of their pre-breeding assessment.
In a process similar to the assement of hips, elbows are X-rayed and each elbow joint is given a score from 0 to 3; the lower the better. A score of 0 means there is no sign of arthrosis, while scores of 1 - 3 indicate minimal to severe arthrosis. In the majority of cases the score is 0/0, although there have been some instances where scores of 0/1, 1/0 or 1/1 scores have been seen. Only vary rarely have any higher scores been seen.
As with hip scores, you should also be able to view the elbow scores of your pup's parents. At Taigakoira, we make public our dog's scores and are happy to discuss these.
Legislation
There is now State Legislation in Victoria that requires breeders to consider the genetic health of their dogs when breeding.
Code of Practice for the Responsible Breeding of Animals
The introduction to the Code of Practice for the Responsible Breeding of Animals with Heritable Defect that Cause Disease (2009), the Department of Primary Industries (Vic) notes that:
"Breeding programs must consider the effects and ethics of high risk mating combinations that may, based on the principles of genetic inheritance, in theory produce animals with heritable disease. Where such heritable disease has potential to cause severe welfare issues for affected progeny such breeding programs must be justifiable. Affected progeny must be assessed and humanely destroyed if they suffer. Such animals must not be used for breeding.
The purpose of the Code is to set standards for the prevention and spread of heritable defects and the expression of disease caused by them. The Code aims to educate animal breeders how to best minimize or avoid the development of heritable disease in progeny caused by inappropriate selection and mating of animals with heritable (genetic) defects. It also outlines breeding practices that will assist the reduction of the prevalence of the heritable defect in the animal population.
The standards set by the Code should be practiced by owners and custodians of animals used for breeding that are affected by any heritable defect that causes disease and must be observed for breeding of animals with heritable (genetic) defects causing the diseases listed the Schedule of the Act.
It should be noted that the legislation noted below is Victorian State legislation, and as such only applies to Victorian breeders. Breeders in other states are subject to their own state legislation.
The Code lists certain diseases that affect a number of breeds. In Finnish Lapphunds, the Code notes PRA as a genetic disease that breeders need to be aware of in their breeding programs, and that breeding stock should be screened with a long term view to removing this problem from the gene pool.
PRA, Finnish Lapphunds and the Code
The Code lists the following diseases in relation to Finnish Lapphunds:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (where affected by the pcrd form, also rcd 1,2,3).
Hereditary Cataract (where a simple recessive mode has been scientifically established).
While there are no restrictions on clear to clear matings in terms of the Code, it strongly recommends that all progeny from carrier to clear matings should be tested, and that animals not to be used for breeding should be desexed.
It is important to note that while there is no genetic test as yet available to determine hereditary cataracts, the PRA stats can only be determined by genetic testing. It is also important to understand that while the table below gives clear/carrier/ affected percentages, these numbers are theoretical, and the actual numbers of carrier/clear progeny will vary greatly in reality.
Dogs
| Parent combination | Theoretical status of progeny** (see note below) | Heritable disease requirements |
| Clear x Clear | 100% Clear | No restriction. |
| Clear x Carrier | **50 % Clear, 50 % Carrier | 1. Progeny to be used for breeding purposes should be tested for the heritable defect**. 2. All progeny should be tested for the heritable defect 3. Carrier animals should be de-sexed if not to be used for breeding purposes. |
| Carrier x Carrier | ** 25% Clear, 50% Carrier, 25% Affected (may develop disease) | 1. Breeding is not recommended. Must only occur as part of an approved breeding program.# 2. All progeny must be tested for the heritable defect. 3. A diseased (Affected) animal must not be disposed of to another person without advice of the animal’s heritable defect status 4. Affected progeny (or any juvenile off spring confirmed as ‘Affected’ on test) should be de-sexed unless they are to be used in an approved breeding program, must not be permitted by their owner to suffer from their condition if it develops and should be under the supervision, advice and monitoring of a veterinary practitioner. |
| Affected x Clear | 100% Carrier | 1 Breeding not recommended. Should only occur as part of an approved breeding program and only with the purpose of establishing sufficient breeding stock for the breeding program to develop Clear animals. 2. Progeny must not be disposed of to another person without advice of the animal’s heritable defect status. 3. Carrier animals should be de-sexed unless to be used in an approved breeding program. |
| Affected x Carrier and Affected x Affected | **50% Carrier, 50% Affected (may develop the disease) **100% Affected (may develop the disease) | 1. Breeding prohibited. 2. Intentional or reckless use of these combinations is an offence under the Act. 3. Under exceptional circumstances the Affected x Carrier combination may occur as part of an approved breeding program but only with the purpose of establishing sufficient breeding stock for the breeding program to develop Clear animals. Progeny must not be disposed of to another person without advice of the animal’s heritable defect status. |
**Testing is required as in practice the unpredictable nature of the process of gene inheritance in these combinations may cause the actual % outcomes per generation to vary from the theoretical outcomes.
# An Approved Breeding Program is one that has been adopted and endorsed by the relevant VCA associated breed club. Currently, the Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria (FLCV) prohibits members from breeding carrier to carrier (see here for the FLCV Breeding Program policy) and requires that breeder members test their carrier litters.