Latest Health News and Information
Latest Updates
The Health Committee is working with OFA to have PennHIP results accepted as an approved method for meeting the Hip Dysplasia evaluation requirement.
Donations
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Donations to the Keeshond Club of America Health Committee may be included with a member’s dues.
On-Going Research Requesting Samples
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Copper Toxicosis:
Principal Investigator: Daniel Langlois, DVM, DACVIM – Internal Medicine, Michigan State University
Contact for information and sample submission: langlo21@msu.edu
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Epilepsy:
Principal Investigator: Go Togawa, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVIM – Neurology, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine
Contact for information and sample submission: Dr. Roseanne Vorce, vorcer@msu.edu
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Gastric (Stomach) cancer:
Principal Investigator: Jacquelyn Evans, PhD, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
For more information: https://caninegeneticslab.vet.cornell.edu/stomach-cancer/
Contact for information and sample submission: caninegenetics.evanslab@gmail.com
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PRA:
Principal Investigator: Kathryn Diehl, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Ophthalmology
Contact for information and sample submission: kadiehl@uga.edu
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) & Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Keeshond Health Survey: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?survey=KE
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CHIC Number Requirements
Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements will be issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For CHIC certification, all results do not need to be normal, but they must all be in the public domain so that responsible breeders can make more informed breeding decisions. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.
Keeshond CHIC requirements are as follows:
Elbow Dysplasia – PFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
ACVO Eye Exam
Hip Dysplasia – OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation*
Patellar Luxation – Veterinary Evaluation
* The Health Committee is working adding PennHip for Hip Dysplasia screening
Additional tests that can be listed on OFA
Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
Thyroid
Cardiac
Other tests – see OFA page for list
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List of CHIC Keeshond
PDF document (includes Registered Name, Registration, Sex, DOB, CHIC Number)
Health Concerns
Copper Toxicosis
Copper toxicosis is a liver disease in which copper builds up to toxic levels, causing inflammation, chronic hepatitis, and potentially fatal cirrhosis if untreated. Symptoms usually appear only after major liver damage, and diagnosis requires a full histological liver biopsy, followed by treatment with chelation, lowcopper diet, and ongoing monitoring.
Copper Toxicosis One Page Handout.pdf
Copper Toxicosis Genetics Article.pdf
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PHPT
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in Keeshonden is an inherited endocrine disorder where one or more parathyroid glands become overactive, producing excess parathyroid hormone and causing chronically high blood calcium. Because this condition is hereditary in the breed, a genetic test is available that can identify affected or atrisk dogs long before clinical signs appear.
Canine Genetics Center at the University of Cambridge, Canine Genetic Testing (CAGT): https://www.cagt.co.uk/product/primary-hyperparathyroidism-phpt/
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC): https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/testing-laboratories/molecular-diagnostics/keeshonden-phptq-genetic-test
Genetics
Breed Wheel Of Life Article.pdf
Keeshond Health Committee Information
Link to our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590726391628
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List of members
Chairperson: Tawn Sinclair
Kris Arnds
Beth Blankenship
Cathy Bosnic
Leslie Meyn
Denise Sharp
Ruth Thompson
Link to Keeshond Health Today FB page https://www.facebook.com/groups/KeesHealthToday
Health Foundations
AKC Canine Health Foundation https://www.akcchf.org/