by the SDCA Health & Genetics Committee (John Dillberger, DVM, PhD, principal author; Debbie Cutter, PhD; Miranda Levin; Mary Ann Rose, MD; Betty Stephenson, DVM)
These Guidelines for Health Testing (the Guidelines) are based on recommendations by the Health & Genetics Committee. The Guidelines are intended to help an SDCA member live up to the SDCA Code of Ethics, which says that a member shall:
- “Breed only dogs and bitches that are in good health” and “test for health and genetic defects according to guidelines set forth by the SDCA Health and Genetics Committee.” (Principle #3)
- “Always engage in forthright dissemination of accurate health information with potential owners, current owners, breeders and exhibitors of Scottish Deerhounds.” (Principle #5)
- “Provide a written document to new owners/buyers with details of health testing.” (Principle #6)
These Health Testing Guidelines contain two sorts of information: 1) Guidelines for which tests to conduct, and 2) Guidelines for how to use the test results.
1. Recommended health tests
For all Deerhounds, the SDCA recommends two genetic tests and two non-genetic health screening tests. The genetic tests screen for the gene variants responsible for two inherited blood disorders, Factor VII Deficiency and Delayed Post-operative Hemorrhage (DEPOH). The non-genetic health tests screen for heart disease/defect and liver shunt.
For breeding stock, the SDCA also recommends a general wellness examination by a veterinarian before a dog is used for breeding to comply with the principle of breeding “only dogs and bitches that are in good health.”
2. Recommendations for genetic tests for Factor VII Deficiency and DEPOH
2.1. Genetic testing strategy
Every Deerhound owner should know the Factor VII and DEPOH genetic status of each of his/her dogs, either because the dog’s DNA has been tested or because the dog’s genetic status can be determined based on each parent’s genetic status.
For DEPOH, a breeder should know the genetic status of any Deerhound produced. If a breeding cannot produce a Deerhound affected by DEPOH because both parents are free of the DEPOH genetic variant, which is dominant, then there is no need to test offspring for the DEPOH genetic variant. If a breeding might produce a Deerhound with DEPOH because at least one parent carries the DEPOH genetic variant, then the breeder should test offspring before they go to their new homes.
For Factor VII Deficiency, a breeder should know the genetic status of any Deerhound produced. If a breeding cannot produce a Deerhound affected by Factor VII Deficiency because one parent is free of the Factor VII genetic variant, which is recessive, then there is no need to test offspring for the Factor VII genetic variant. If a breeding might produce a Deerhound with Factor VII deficiency because both parents carry the Factor VII genetic variant, then the breeder should test offspring before they are transferred to their new homes.
2.2. Using Factor VII genetic test results
Deerhounds with one or two copies of the Factor VII genetic variant may be used as breeding stock. However, the breeder should strive to choose a mate that does NOT carry the Factor VII genetic variant, so as to avoid producing a Deerhound affected by Factor VII Deficiency.
If a pregnant bitch is Factor VII-deficient – that is, she has two copies of the Factor VII genetic variant – and if a Cesarean section becomes necessary, then the breeder should make sure the surgeon knows and is prepared for excessive bleeding.
When transferring a Deerhound to its new home, a breeder should inform the new owner in writing of the dog’s genetic status in terms of Factor VII Deficiency. The breeder should direct the new owner to consult a veterinarian and the SDCA Health Website for information about what the dog’s genetic status means for its health.
2.3. Using DEPOH genetic test results
Deerhounds with one or two copies of the DEPOH genetic variant may be used as breeding stock. However, the breeder should strive to choose a mate that does NOT carry the DEPOH genetic variant, so as to reduce the chance of producing a Deerhound affected by DEPOH.
If a pregnant bitch is at risk for DEPOH – that is, she has one or two copies of the DEPOH genetic variant – and if a Cesarean section becomes necessary, then the breeder should make sure the surgeon knows and that aminocaproic acid (Amicar) or tranexamic acid is available.
When transferring a Deerhound to its new home, a breeder should inform the new owner in writing of the dog’s genetic status in terms of DEPOH. The breeder should direct the new owner to consult a veterinarian and the SDCA Health Website for information about what the dog’s genetic status means for its health.
3. Recommendations for heart health testing
3.1. Heart health testing strategy
Every Deerhound owner should have his/her dog evaluated for heart health (absence of heart disease/defect).
For breeders, the SDCA recommends that:
- Breeding stock be evaluated for heart health by a cardiac ultrasound examination by a veterinary cardiologist.
- Offspring be evaluated for heart health by cardiac auscultation by a licensed veterinarian (general practitioner is fine) to listen for a heart murmur or other abnormality that might indicate a heart disease/defect.
3.2. Using heart health test results
A Deerhound with a heart disease/defect should not be used as breeding stock because it is, by definition, not in good health.
If a breeding produces Deerhound with a heart disease/defect, then that breeding should not be repeated.
When transferring a Deerhound to its new home, a breeder should inform the new owner in writing of the dog’s heart health status. If a Deerhound with a heart disease/defect or an abnormal finding on auscultation will be transferred to a new owner, then the breeder should inform the new owner before the transfer and direct the new owner to consult a veterinarian for information about what this means for the dog’s health.
4. Recommendations for liver shunt testing
4.1. Liver shunt testing strategy
For breeders, the SDCA recommends that offspring be evaluated for liver shunt by bile acid testing by a licensed veterinarian (general practitioner is fine).
4.2. Using liver shunt test results
A Deerhound with a liver shunt should not be used as breeding stock.
If a breeding produces a Deerhound with a liver shunt, then that breeding should not be repeated.
When transferring a Deerhound to its new home, a breeder should inform the new owner in writing of the dog’s liver shunt status. If a dog with a liver shunt will be transferred to a new owner, then the breeder should inform the new owner before the transfer and direct the new owner to consult a veterinarian for information about what this means for the dog’s health.