I found this while looking into a local kennel who breed am staffs, I really found this interesting and helpful and thought someone else may benefit from this as well. the site i got this from is AmStaff Health there source of this is listed at the bottom here. I know its am staffs But alot of the issues listed here are known in APBT and Bullys. Think it broke it all down really nice.
AmStaff Health
Ataxia
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Heart Disease
Thyroid Disease
Patella Luxation
Ataxia
As mentioned previously, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a relatively healthy breed, though it is affected by some unpleasant disorders. One of the most serious disorders from which this breed suffers is called Hereditary Ataxia or Cerebellar Ataxia. This is a neurological disorder of a serious nature and as of yet there is no cure; it seems as if the gene governing the disorder is quite widespread in the breed and often avoiding the breeding of affected dogs is difficult due to the late onset of symptoms. Research to find out the exact mode of inheritance and to find some kind of treatment is ongoing and owners of dogs with the disease are encouraged to allow their dogs to participate in trials and studies.
This condition involves the cerebellum, a very important part of the brain; it's located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and spinal cord. The most important function of the cerebellum is the coordination of movement. It takes information regarding the position of the body and its muscles and integrates it with pathways coming from higher structures of the brain that involve movement commands. Based on the body's position, the cerebellum is able to control movements with a high level of precision; the cerebellum is constantly working to maintain posture and muscle tone. If this area is damaged, the individual will have great difficulty moving and often swaggers and sways; there may even be cognitive damage as well.
Hereditary ataxia is a condition in which there is widespread degeneration of the cerebellum. While the signs resulting from hereditary ataxia could be indicative of a wide variety of diseases or problems that affect the cerebellum, this particular disease is characterized by a certain order and rate of appearance of signs. First, you'll see your dog behave somewhat clumsily and he could begin to sway occasionally. Clumsiness worsens over time with the progression of the disease and soon the dog will constantly fall over, losing his balance. You may also notice rapid eye and head movements and walking will become much more difficult; weight loss is often seen in dogs suffering from hereditary ataxia. These symptoms usually do not occur in dogs younger than two years of age.
Exactly how the disease develops is still poorly understood and it actually seems to be different in different dogs. Signs are slow to develop in some dogs, while they develop rapidly in other dogs. As of now, this is a fatal disease as there is no cure and a normal life is impossible; Amstaffs with hereditary ataxia are more often than not humanely euthanized by the time they are 7 or 8 years old. There are no diagnostic tests at the moment to specifically detect hereditary ataxia; confirmation of the presence of the disease comes only through an autopsy, after death. If you see your Amstaff exhibiting strange signs, you must immediately take the dog to a veterinary neurologist who will perform a wide variety of tests to rule out any other possible condition that could lead to the same signs.
Cerebellar Ataxia is inherited as a autosomal recessive trait, which means a dog must have two defective copies (one from each parent) to be affected. A dog once tested will be classified as one of the following three classifications:
Clear - 2 normal copies of the implicated gene - the dog does not have ataxia, is not a carrier for ataxia and cannot produce carrier or affected offspring. Carrier - 1 normal copy and one defective copy of the implicated gene - the dog is not affected by ataxia but is a carrier of the gene. He can pass the gene onto his offspring. Affected - 2 defective copies of the implicated gene - the dog has ataxia, and will pass the gene onto offspring.
The approximate breakdown rate of breeding a clear, carrier and affected dog is as follows:
•Clear to Clear - 100% Clear
•Clear to Carrier - 50% Clear, 50% Carrier
•Clear to Affected - 100% Carriers
•Carrier to Carrier - 25% Affected, 25% Clear, 50% Carriers
•Carrier to Affected - 50% Affected, 50% Carriers
•Affected to Affected - 100% Affected
It should be noted if 2 Clear dogs are bred together, the resulting pups are clear by parentage and do not require testing. If you are purchasing a Amstaff pup, please ask the status of the parents Ataxia test results.
A test for Cerebellar Ataxia was found in 2008, there is no reason for a breeder not to have their dogs tested.
top
Hip Dysplasia
What is happening?
•Loosely fitting hip joints cause stretching of the joint capsule and abnormal cartilage wear
•Inflammation and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
•Arthritis and reformation of the hip bones progress over time
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
•Stiffness of the hind legs upon rising, particularly after long periods of rest
•Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
•Tiring easily with play
•Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed
•"Clunking" noise when walking
•"Bunny hopping" to gain speed when trotting or running
Diagnosis
•Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
•Sedated examination to determine the degree of hip looseness and severity of cartilage damage (degenerative joint disease/arthritis)
•Precisely positioned x-rays are taken to document the degree of hip looseness and severity of bone reformation related to cartilage wear
Surgical treatment
•-Depending on patient age and diagnostic findings, recommended surgical options may include:-Rearrangement of the angle at which the components of the hip meet (triple pelvic osteotomy/TPO)-most commonly used for young dogs without significant cartilage wear (arthritis) or bony reformation
•Replacement of the components of the hip (total hip replacement)-most commonly used for older dogs or those with significant arthritis or bony reformation
•Alteration of the hip joint to prevent painful bone contact (femoral head and neck ostectomy/FHO)-most commonly used for smaller dogs Special postoperative care
If a triple pelvic osteotomy or total hip replacement was performed:
•Patient activity is strictly limited until adequate healing occurs, usually 6-12 weeks
•X-rays will be taken at specific intervals to evaluate healing at the surgery site
•If femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, physical therapy will be initiated within several days of surgery, and is usually continued 4-8 weeks Expected results after surgery
•If a triple pelvic osteotomy was performed, pain is generally relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and the patient does not develop significant hip arthritis
•If a total hip replacement was performed, pain is relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and arthritis is permanently relieved
•If a femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, a mild limp will likely remain, but pain and arthritis are relieved
top
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a general term used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow of dogs. Three specific etiologies make up this disease and they can occur independently or in conjunction with one another. These etiologies include:
1.Pathology involving the medial coronoid of the ulna (FCP)
2.Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint (OCD)
3.Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
Studies have shown the inherited polygenic traits causing these etiologies are independent of one another. Clinical signs involve lameness which may remain subtle for long periods of time. No one can predict at what age lameness will occur in a dog due to a large number of genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc. Subtle changes in gait may be characterized by excessive inward deviation of the paw which raises the outside of the paw so that it receives less weight and distributes more mechanical weight on the outside (lateral) aspect of the elbow joint away from the lesions located on the inside of the joint. Range of motion in the elbow is also decreased.
Fractured Coronoid Process (FCP)
Who is usually affected?
-Young dogs of large to giant breeds
-Most frequently affected breeds include Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, Rottweilers, and Bernese mountain dogs
What is happening?
-The 3 bones of the elbow joint fit poorly, causing abnormal pressure on the ulna
-A small piece of bone associated with the ulna in the front of the joint (coronoid process) breaks off
-Swelling and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis develops
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Limping on a front leg after rest or exercise
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed, "mellow" puppy
-Head bobbing during walking or running
-Sitting or standing crookedly with a front leg turned outward
Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of joint surfaces
-CT scanning may be useful in select cases to evaluate joint surfaces
Surgical treatment
-Removal of the bone fragment and any damaged cartilage (curettage)
-Surgery through small portals (arthroscopy) or a larger incision (arthrotomy) may be indicated
-Surgery on both elbows may be recommended, as the disease is frequently present on both sides
Special postoperative care
-Patient activity is generally limited for 4-6 weeks following surgery, allowing time for joint swelling to subside
Expected results after surgery
-Much initial improvement in the degree of pain and limping
-Ultimate outcome depends on the amount of joint damage present prior to surgery and the degree of elbow misfit ( incongruity )
-Moderate exercise, weight control and medication may be recommended for the long term management of optimal joint health.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Who is usually affected?
-Young dogs of large to giant breeds
What is happening?
-Abnormal maturation of the bone that supports cartilage within joints leads to cartilage thickening, cracking, and exposure of the underlying bone
-Swelling and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis develops
-Most commonly affected joints are the shoulder, elbow, knee (stifle), and ankle (hock)
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Limping after rest or exercise
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed, "mellow" puppy
-Head bobbing during walking or running
-Sitting crookedly with one leg held outward (though this can be normal for puppies)
Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of joint surfaces
-X-ray with a contrast liquid (arthrogram) may be needed to fully evaluate the shoulder joint
Surgical treatment
-Removal of the damaged cartilage (curettage)
-Surgery through small portals (arthroscopy) or a larger incision (arthrotomy) may be indicated
Special postoperative care
-Patient activity is generally limited for 4-6 weeks following surgery, allowing time for joint swelling to subside
Expected results after surgery
-Shoulder: Excellent results (pain relief and gradual return to a normal gait) are expected due to the relatively small area of cartilage usually involved and the loose fitting mechanical nature of the joint
-Elbow: Good results are expected unless the area of cartilage involved is very large
-Stifle: Good results are expected if the area of cartilage involved is in a non-weight bearing portion of the stifle; variable results are expected if the area of cartilage involved is in a weight bearing portion of the stifle (additional surgery may be indicated to decrease weight bearing on this site)
-Hock: Fair to poor results (incomplete pain relief and retention of some abnormal gait) are expected due to the relatively large area of cartilage usually involved and the tight fitting mechanical nature of the joint
-Moderate exercise, weight control and medication may be recommended for the long term management of optimal joint health.
Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP)
What is happening?
-The 3 bones of the elbow joint fit poorly, causing abnormal pressure on the ulna
-A small piece of bone associated with the ulna in the back of the joint (anconeal process) fails to attach to or breaks off of the ulna
-Swelling and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis develops
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Limping on a front leg after rest or exercise
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed, "mellow" puppy
-Head bobbing during walking or running
-Sitting or standing crookedly with a front leg turned outward
Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of joint surfaces
Surgical treatment
-Depending on the specifics of each case, recommended surgical options may include:
-Removing the loose piece of bone
-Relieving the pressure on the ulna by cutting the bone (osteotomy) below the elbow joint, encouraging the previously loose piece of bone (anconeal process) to attach to the ulna
Special postoperative care
-Patient activity is generally limited for 4-6 weeks following surgery, allowing time for joint swelling to subside
-Patient activity may be limited for a longer period of time (6-12 weeks) with ulnar osteotomy, allowing time for the anconeal process to fuse with the ulna
Expected results after surgery
-Much initial improvement in the degree of pain and limping
-Ultimate outcome depends on the amount of joint damage present, prior to surgery and the degree of elbow misfit (incongruity)
-Moderate exercise, weight control and medication may be recommended for the long term management of optimal joint health.
top
.
AmStaff Health
Ataxia
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Heart Disease
Thyroid Disease
Patella Luxation
Ataxia
As mentioned previously, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a relatively healthy breed, though it is affected by some unpleasant disorders. One of the most serious disorders from which this breed suffers is called Hereditary Ataxia or Cerebellar Ataxia. This is a neurological disorder of a serious nature and as of yet there is no cure; it seems as if the gene governing the disorder is quite widespread in the breed and often avoiding the breeding of affected dogs is difficult due to the late onset of symptoms. Research to find out the exact mode of inheritance and to find some kind of treatment is ongoing and owners of dogs with the disease are encouraged to allow their dogs to participate in trials and studies.
This condition involves the cerebellum, a very important part of the brain; it's located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and spinal cord. The most important function of the cerebellum is the coordination of movement. It takes information regarding the position of the body and its muscles and integrates it with pathways coming from higher structures of the brain that involve movement commands. Based on the body's position, the cerebellum is able to control movements with a high level of precision; the cerebellum is constantly working to maintain posture and muscle tone. If this area is damaged, the individual will have great difficulty moving and often swaggers and sways; there may even be cognitive damage as well.
Hereditary ataxia is a condition in which there is widespread degeneration of the cerebellum. While the signs resulting from hereditary ataxia could be indicative of a wide variety of diseases or problems that affect the cerebellum, this particular disease is characterized by a certain order and rate of appearance of signs. First, you'll see your dog behave somewhat clumsily and he could begin to sway occasionally. Clumsiness worsens over time with the progression of the disease and soon the dog will constantly fall over, losing his balance. You may also notice rapid eye and head movements and walking will become much more difficult; weight loss is often seen in dogs suffering from hereditary ataxia. These symptoms usually do not occur in dogs younger than two years of age.
Exactly how the disease develops is still poorly understood and it actually seems to be different in different dogs. Signs are slow to develop in some dogs, while they develop rapidly in other dogs. As of now, this is a fatal disease as there is no cure and a normal life is impossible; Amstaffs with hereditary ataxia are more often than not humanely euthanized by the time they are 7 or 8 years old. There are no diagnostic tests at the moment to specifically detect hereditary ataxia; confirmation of the presence of the disease comes only through an autopsy, after death. If you see your Amstaff exhibiting strange signs, you must immediately take the dog to a veterinary neurologist who will perform a wide variety of tests to rule out any other possible condition that could lead to the same signs.
Cerebellar Ataxia is inherited as a autosomal recessive trait, which means a dog must have two defective copies (one from each parent) to be affected. A dog once tested will be classified as one of the following three classifications:
Clear - 2 normal copies of the implicated gene - the dog does not have ataxia, is not a carrier for ataxia and cannot produce carrier or affected offspring. Carrier - 1 normal copy and one defective copy of the implicated gene - the dog is not affected by ataxia but is a carrier of the gene. He can pass the gene onto his offspring. Affected - 2 defective copies of the implicated gene - the dog has ataxia, and will pass the gene onto offspring.
The approximate breakdown rate of breeding a clear, carrier and affected dog is as follows:
•Clear to Clear - 100% Clear
•Clear to Carrier - 50% Clear, 50% Carrier
•Clear to Affected - 100% Carriers
•Carrier to Carrier - 25% Affected, 25% Clear, 50% Carriers
•Carrier to Affected - 50% Affected, 50% Carriers
•Affected to Affected - 100% Affected
It should be noted if 2 Clear dogs are bred together, the resulting pups are clear by parentage and do not require testing. If you are purchasing a Amstaff pup, please ask the status of the parents Ataxia test results.
A test for Cerebellar Ataxia was found in 2008, there is no reason for a breeder not to have their dogs tested.
top
Hip Dysplasia
What is happening?
•Loosely fitting hip joints cause stretching of the joint capsule and abnormal cartilage wear
•Inflammation and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
•Arthritis and reformation of the hip bones progress over time
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
•Stiffness of the hind legs upon rising, particularly after long periods of rest
•Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
•Tiring easily with play
•Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed
•"Clunking" noise when walking
•"Bunny hopping" to gain speed when trotting or running
Diagnosis
•Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
•Sedated examination to determine the degree of hip looseness and severity of cartilage damage (degenerative joint disease/arthritis)
•Precisely positioned x-rays are taken to document the degree of hip looseness and severity of bone reformation related to cartilage wear
Surgical treatment
•-Depending on patient age and diagnostic findings, recommended surgical options may include:-Rearrangement of the angle at which the components of the hip meet (triple pelvic osteotomy/TPO)-most commonly used for young dogs without significant cartilage wear (arthritis) or bony reformation
•Replacement of the components of the hip (total hip replacement)-most commonly used for older dogs or those with significant arthritis or bony reformation
•Alteration of the hip joint to prevent painful bone contact (femoral head and neck ostectomy/FHO)-most commonly used for smaller dogs Special postoperative care
If a triple pelvic osteotomy or total hip replacement was performed:
•Patient activity is strictly limited until adequate healing occurs, usually 6-12 weeks
•X-rays will be taken at specific intervals to evaluate healing at the surgery site
•If femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, physical therapy will be initiated within several days of surgery, and is usually continued 4-8 weeks Expected results after surgery
•If a triple pelvic osteotomy was performed, pain is generally relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and the patient does not develop significant hip arthritis
•If a total hip replacement was performed, pain is relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and arthritis is permanently relieved
•If a femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, a mild limp will likely remain, but pain and arthritis are relieved
top
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a general term used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow of dogs. Three specific etiologies make up this disease and they can occur independently or in conjunction with one another. These etiologies include:
1.Pathology involving the medial coronoid of the ulna (FCP)
2.Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint (OCD)
3.Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
Studies have shown the inherited polygenic traits causing these etiologies are independent of one another. Clinical signs involve lameness which may remain subtle for long periods of time. No one can predict at what age lameness will occur in a dog due to a large number of genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc. Subtle changes in gait may be characterized by excessive inward deviation of the paw which raises the outside of the paw so that it receives less weight and distributes more mechanical weight on the outside (lateral) aspect of the elbow joint away from the lesions located on the inside of the joint. Range of motion in the elbow is also decreased.
Fractured Coronoid Process (FCP)
Who is usually affected?
-Young dogs of large to giant breeds
-Most frequently affected breeds include Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, Rottweilers, and Bernese mountain dogs
What is happening?
-The 3 bones of the elbow joint fit poorly, causing abnormal pressure on the ulna
-A small piece of bone associated with the ulna in the front of the joint (coronoid process) breaks off
-Swelling and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis develops
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Limping on a front leg after rest or exercise
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed, "mellow" puppy
-Head bobbing during walking or running
-Sitting or standing crookedly with a front leg turned outward
Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of joint surfaces
-CT scanning may be useful in select cases to evaluate joint surfaces
Surgical treatment
-Removal of the bone fragment and any damaged cartilage (curettage)
-Surgery through small portals (arthroscopy) or a larger incision (arthrotomy) may be indicated
-Surgery on both elbows may be recommended, as the disease is frequently present on both sides
Special postoperative care
-Patient activity is generally limited for 4-6 weeks following surgery, allowing time for joint swelling to subside
Expected results after surgery
-Much initial improvement in the degree of pain and limping
-Ultimate outcome depends on the amount of joint damage present prior to surgery and the degree of elbow misfit ( incongruity )
-Moderate exercise, weight control and medication may be recommended for the long term management of optimal joint health.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Who is usually affected?
-Young dogs of large to giant breeds
What is happening?
-Abnormal maturation of the bone that supports cartilage within joints leads to cartilage thickening, cracking, and exposure of the underlying bone
-Swelling and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis develops
-Most commonly affected joints are the shoulder, elbow, knee (stifle), and ankle (hock)
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Limping after rest or exercise
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed, "mellow" puppy
-Head bobbing during walking or running
-Sitting crookedly with one leg held outward (though this can be normal for puppies)
Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of joint surfaces
-X-ray with a contrast liquid (arthrogram) may be needed to fully evaluate the shoulder joint
Surgical treatment
-Removal of the damaged cartilage (curettage)
-Surgery through small portals (arthroscopy) or a larger incision (arthrotomy) may be indicated
Special postoperative care
-Patient activity is generally limited for 4-6 weeks following surgery, allowing time for joint swelling to subside
Expected results after surgery
-Shoulder: Excellent results (pain relief and gradual return to a normal gait) are expected due to the relatively small area of cartilage usually involved and the loose fitting mechanical nature of the joint
-Elbow: Good results are expected unless the area of cartilage involved is very large
-Stifle: Good results are expected if the area of cartilage involved is in a non-weight bearing portion of the stifle; variable results are expected if the area of cartilage involved is in a weight bearing portion of the stifle (additional surgery may be indicated to decrease weight bearing on this site)
-Hock: Fair to poor results (incomplete pain relief and retention of some abnormal gait) are expected due to the relatively large area of cartilage usually involved and the tight fitting mechanical nature of the joint
-Moderate exercise, weight control and medication may be recommended for the long term management of optimal joint health.
Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP)
What is happening?
-The 3 bones of the elbow joint fit poorly, causing abnormal pressure on the ulna
-A small piece of bone associated with the ulna in the back of the joint (anconeal process) fails to attach to or breaks off of the ulna
-Swelling and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis develops
Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Limping on a front leg after rest or exercise
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed, "mellow" puppy
-Head bobbing during walking or running
-Sitting or standing crookedly with a front leg turned outward
Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of joint surfaces
Surgical treatment
-Depending on the specifics of each case, recommended surgical options may include:
-Removing the loose piece of bone
-Relieving the pressure on the ulna by cutting the bone (osteotomy) below the elbow joint, encouraging the previously loose piece of bone (anconeal process) to attach to the ulna
Special postoperative care
-Patient activity is generally limited for 4-6 weeks following surgery, allowing time for joint swelling to subside
-Patient activity may be limited for a longer period of time (6-12 weeks) with ulnar osteotomy, allowing time for the anconeal process to fuse with the ulna
Expected results after surgery
-Much initial improvement in the degree of pain and limping
-Ultimate outcome depends on the amount of joint damage present, prior to surgery and the degree of elbow misfit (incongruity)
-Moderate exercise, weight control and medication may be recommended for the long term management of optimal joint health.
top
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