Health Conditions in Finnish Lapphunds
Lappies are generally a very healthy breed with a lifespan commonly between 12-15 years, although many live beyond this. Their history of living and working in a harsh climate has moulded them into a robust and hardy breed.
There are a few conditions that are seen in the breed. These conditions are not unique to Finnish Lapphunds however, but can occur in a number of other breeds, and in cross breeds. All registered, ethical Lapphund breeders in Australia screen for these conditions (where tests are available), and will only breed from Lappies that pass the necessary health checks and are free from genetic problems.
The Lapphund Club of Finland also has a set of breeding criteria in regards to health conditions which can be found here.
There are a few conditions that are seen in the breed. These conditions are not unique to Finnish Lapphunds however, but can occur in a number of other breeds, and in cross breeds. All registered, ethical Lapphund breeders in Australia screen for these conditions (where tests are available), and will only breed from Lappies that pass the necessary health checks and are free from genetic problems.
The Lapphund Club of Finland also has a set of breeding criteria in regards to health conditions which can be found here.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)
PRA is a heritable disease that causes blindness in dogs. There are a few different types of PRA that can affect a number of breeds - most commonly affected include Labradors, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Australian Cattle Dogs. Most other breeds have been reported to have instances of PRA and it is important to understand that cross bred dogs can also be affected with PRA.
Progressive Cone Rod Degeneration (prcd-PRA)
The most common version of PRA found in lappies 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 resulting in total blindness.
The disease is inherited via a simple autosomal recessive gene which means that an affected lappie will have two copies of the faulty gene in order to suffer from the disease. As the disease is recessive, the clear gene will override the faulty gene and they eyesight will remain normal. As such, the parents and offspring of any affected animal will be carriers even if not affected themselves. A carrier of prcd-PRA will have one normal gene, and one faulty gene.
Genetic testing can determine if a dog is clear of prcd-PRA, a carrier of the disease, or even affeted (if not showing symptoms yet). 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) as this will have a chance of producing puppies that will be affected by prcd-PRA.
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 will also be screened to find out if it is a carrier or clear of the faulty gene. 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.
The table below shows the inheritance of prcd-PRA for the different status.
Progressive Cone Rod Degeneration (prcd-PRA)
The most common version of PRA found in lappies 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 resulting in total blindness.
The disease is inherited via a simple autosomal recessive gene which means that an affected lappie will have two copies of the faulty gene in order to suffer from the disease. As the disease is recessive, the clear gene will override the faulty gene and they eyesight will remain normal. As such, the parents and offspring of any affected animal will be carriers even if not affected themselves. A carrier of prcd-PRA will have one normal gene, and one faulty gene.
Genetic testing can determine if a dog is clear of prcd-PRA, a carrier of the disease, or even affeted (if not showing symptoms yet). 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) as this will have a chance of producing puppies that will be affected by prcd-PRA.
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 will also be screened to find out if it is a carrier or clear of the faulty gene. 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.
The table below shows the inheritance of prcd-PRA for the different status.
Hereditary Cataracts & Other Degenerative Eye Conditions
While prcd-PRA is the main eye condition found in the Finnish Lapphund, there are a few other eye diseases that can occur within the breed.
Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) exams are performed on breeding dogs within 18-24 months of breeding to check for these conditions and ensure good eye health. These eye exams minimise the chance of passing on vision affecting and possibly painful eye conditions to the next generation.
Hereditary Cataracts (HC)
A cataract is when the lens or the lens capsule in the eye becoming opaque. There are many different types of cataracts that can form and the type generally depends on the cause. 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. In the Finnish Lapphund, there are two main types of cataracts deemed to be hereditary, the posterior polar cataract and the cortical cataract.
Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)
These two conditions are congenital eye anomalies which refer to the persistence of the embryonic vascular system of the eye lens. When the eye is developing a web of blood vessels grows to coat the lens, feeding the eye structure during development. These blood vessels should break down prior to birth, but in these conditions the blood vessels remain beyond birth and can cause vision impairment. The severity of the condition is graded from 1 to 6. Breeding recommendations from the Lapphund Club of Finland advises that only dogs with a Grade 1 or 2 should be bred from. The condition is known to be hereditary in other breeds, but no breed specific research has been done on the Finnish Lapphund.
Retinal Dysplasia
There are three forms of retinal dysplasia, which are all types of abnormal development of the eye's retina, present at birth. While these conditions may be hereditary, they can also be the result of a viral infection or some other event prior to birth. The three types of Retinal Dysplasia are listed below, along with the breeding recommendations from the Lapphund Club of Finland.
Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) exams are performed on breeding dogs within 18-24 months of breeding to check for these conditions and ensure good eye health. These eye exams minimise the chance of passing on vision affecting and possibly painful eye conditions to the next generation.
Hereditary Cataracts (HC)
A cataract is when the lens or the lens capsule in the eye becoming opaque. There are many different types of cataracts that can form and the type generally depends on the cause. 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. In the Finnish Lapphund, there are two main types of cataracts deemed to be hereditary, the posterior polar cataract and the cortical cataract.
Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)
These two conditions are congenital eye anomalies which refer to the persistence of the embryonic vascular system of the eye lens. When the eye is developing a web of blood vessels grows to coat the lens, feeding the eye structure during development. These blood vessels should break down prior to birth, but in these conditions the blood vessels remain beyond birth and can cause vision impairment. The severity of the condition is graded from 1 to 6. Breeding recommendations from the Lapphund Club of Finland advises that only dogs with a Grade 1 or 2 should be bred from. The condition is known to be hereditary in other breeds, but no breed specific research has been done on the Finnish Lapphund.
Retinal Dysplasia
There are three forms of retinal dysplasia, which are all types of abnormal development of the eye's retina, present at birth. While these conditions may be hereditary, they can also be the result of a viral infection or some other event prior to birth. The three types of Retinal Dysplasia are listed below, along with the breeding recommendations from the Lapphund Club of Finland.
Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM)
The pupillary membrane covers the puppy’s pupil during its foetal development. Normally, this membrane completely dissolves before the puppy is born, but sometimes small strands of the membrane can still remain, giving the diagnosis of Persistent Pupillary Membrane or PPMs. Sometimes these strands will spontaneously resolve in young puppies.
The location of these strands determines the seriousness of the condition. An iris to iris strand is typically insignificant for eye sight and breeding purposes. Iris to lens strands are more serious, and an iris to cornea strands more serious again. Dogs with either of these last two forms of PPMs are not recommended to be bred from.
There is no genetic DNA test for PPM in the Finnish Lapphund. The only way to control these conditions is through an eye test of breeding dogs.
The pupillary membrane covers the puppy’s pupil during its foetal development. Normally, this membrane completely dissolves before the puppy is born, but sometimes small strands of the membrane can still remain, giving the diagnosis of Persistent Pupillary Membrane or PPMs. Sometimes these strands will spontaneously resolve in young puppies.
The location of these strands determines the seriousness of the condition. An iris to iris strand is typically insignificant for eye sight and breeding purposes. Iris to lens strands are more serious, and an iris to cornea strands more serious again. Dogs with either of these last two forms of PPMs are not recommended to be bred from.
There is no genetic DNA test for PPM in the Finnish Lapphund. The only way to control these conditions is through an eye test of breeding dogs.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) occurs in most breeds of dogs (including mixed breeds) and can result in debilitating orthopaedic 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 it does contain an inheritable component and as such hip and elbow scoring is done before breeding in order to ensure that the hips and elbows are in good condition.
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.
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 rigorous physical activity until they are over 18 months old.
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 it does contain an inheritable component and as such hip and elbow scoring is done before breeding in order to ensure that the hips and elbows are in good condition.
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.
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 rigorous physical activity until they are over 18 months old.
Elbow Dysplasia
This term refers to a range of conditions which involve the malformation of the elbow joint which can occur alone or in combination. These include ununited anconeal process (UAP), fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP) and osteochondrosis of the medial condyle of the humerus (OCD). Degenerative joint disease of the elbow is likely to develop from these malformations. Like with hip dysplasia, both genetic and environmental factors play a part.
Scoring for elbow dysplasia provides a number for each elbow from 0 to 3. A 0 score is provided where there is no sign of arthrosis. A score of 1 indicates minimal arthrosis, 2 indicates moderate arthrosis and 3 severe arthrosis.
There is little evidence of an elbow dysplasia problem in the Finnish Lapphund breed, although the occasional case does arise. Traditionally there has not been much elbow scoring of Finnish Lapphunds, this is happening more and more, particularly in Australia, the USA and in Finland. In the majority of cases the score is 0/0. However some 0/1, 1/0 or 1/1 scores are seen, and only very rarely a worse result.
This term refers to a range of conditions which involve the malformation of the elbow joint which can occur alone or in combination. These include ununited anconeal process (UAP), fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP) and osteochondrosis of the medial condyle of the humerus (OCD). Degenerative joint disease of the elbow is likely to develop from these malformations. Like with hip dysplasia, both genetic and environmental factors play a part.
Scoring for elbow dysplasia provides a number for each elbow from 0 to 3. A 0 score is provided where there is no sign of arthrosis. A score of 1 indicates minimal arthrosis, 2 indicates moderate arthrosis and 3 severe arthrosis.
There is little evidence of an elbow dysplasia problem in the Finnish Lapphund breed, although the occasional case does arise. Traditionally there has not been much elbow scoring of Finnish Lapphunds, this is happening more and more, particularly in Australia, the USA and in Finland. In the majority of cases the score is 0/0. However some 0/1, 1/0 or 1/1 scores are seen, and only very rarely a worse result.
Pompes
Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompes)
Glycogen Storage Disease Type II, or “Pompes” Disease is a condition where there is a build up of a form of glucose, called glycogen, in the body. In most dogs there is an enzyme responsible for metabolising glycogen, but in dogs with Pompes this enzyme is absent, causing glycogen to accumulate in the muscle and nerve endings which impedes their normal functions and causing irreparable damage.
The symptoms of Pompes vary a great deal from dog to dog and unfortunately there is no cure. Often dogs will show signs of progressive muscle weakness, frequent vomiting and regurgitation (due to a dilated esophagus), nonstop panting and heart abnormalities. Dogs affected by Pompes are usually diagnosed at around 6 months of age and often don't live past their first birthday.
Like PRCD-PRA, Pompes is autosomal recessive and it's inheritance can be explained by the table below. A clear dog will have two normal copies of the gene, a carrier will have one normal and one faulty copy of the gene, and an affected dog will have two faulty copies of the genes.
This is an extremely rare condition in the Finnish Lapphund.
Glycogen Storage Disease Type II, or “Pompes” Disease is a condition where there is a build up of a form of glucose, called glycogen, in the body. In most dogs there is an enzyme responsible for metabolising glycogen, but in dogs with Pompes this enzyme is absent, causing glycogen to accumulate in the muscle and nerve endings which impedes their normal functions and causing irreparable damage.
The symptoms of Pompes vary a great deal from dog to dog and unfortunately there is no cure. Often dogs will show signs of progressive muscle weakness, frequent vomiting and regurgitation (due to a dilated esophagus), nonstop panting and heart abnormalities. Dogs affected by Pompes are usually diagnosed at around 6 months of age and often don't live past their first birthday.
Like PRCD-PRA, Pompes is autosomal recessive and it's inheritance can be explained by the table below. A clear dog will have two normal copies of the gene, a carrier will have one normal and one faulty copy of the gene, and an affected dog will have two faulty copies of the genes.
This is an extremely rare condition in the Finnish Lapphund.
Canine Degenerative Mylopathy (DM)
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy or DM is an adult-onset disease of the spinal cord that affects both purebred and mixed breed dogs. DM causes degeneration of the “white matter” of the spinal cord and the nerves around it. This white matter contains fibres that transmit movement commands from the brain to the rear extremities as well as sensory information from the limbs to the brain.
This loss of sensory information means that while it is not a painful disease in itself, over time it causes loss of sensation, loss of limb control, and in the advanced stages it results in paralysis. Because of the impairment of the dogs’ hind legs, compensatory movements can cause pain in the dog’s front end from stress, overuse and/or abnormal repetitive movements.
The typical age of onset of DM is between 8-14 years of age and both dogs and bitches are equally affected. Unfortunately there is no cure for DM, though physical therapies and certain medications can increase the dogs’ life expectancy from 6 months – 1 year up to two - three years.
The disease is a genetic disorder, and a mutation of the SOD1 gene has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of DM. A genetic test was developed in August 2009 to identify those dogs who are at major risk of developing the disease and several laboratories suggest the test for dogs of all breeds, as the faulty gene appears to have originated in ancient dogs before they were domesticated. As such, it is now recognised as being in over 50 breeds.
Unfortunately many cases of DM go undiagnosed because there is no test to specifically identify the disease. The diagnosis of DM is a process of elimination, meaning that your Veterinarian will look at other, more treatable and more easily identified diseases, injures and conditions before they will look at DM.
The only way it can be conclusively diagnosed is on necropsy (an autopsy performed after the dog has passed away), when a small amount of the spinal cord can be removed and examined under a microscope to check for the classic histopathologic lesions of DM. As many owners do not wish to have the necropsy performed on their beloved pet, there are many deaths caused by a condition that is suspected to be DM, but not diagnosed as such.
Given the age of onset, there are many dogs who have not lived through the diagnostic process or whose symptoms have been attributed to old age, rather than a specific disease.
This loss of sensory information means that while it is not a painful disease in itself, over time it causes loss of sensation, loss of limb control, and in the advanced stages it results in paralysis. Because of the impairment of the dogs’ hind legs, compensatory movements can cause pain in the dog’s front end from stress, overuse and/or abnormal repetitive movements.
The typical age of onset of DM is between 8-14 years of age and both dogs and bitches are equally affected. Unfortunately there is no cure for DM, though physical therapies and certain medications can increase the dogs’ life expectancy from 6 months – 1 year up to two - three years.
The disease is a genetic disorder, and a mutation of the SOD1 gene has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of DM. A genetic test was developed in August 2009 to identify those dogs who are at major risk of developing the disease and several laboratories suggest the test for dogs of all breeds, as the faulty gene appears to have originated in ancient dogs before they were domesticated. As such, it is now recognised as being in over 50 breeds.
Unfortunately many cases of DM go undiagnosed because there is no test to specifically identify the disease. The diagnosis of DM is a process of elimination, meaning that your Veterinarian will look at other, more treatable and more easily identified diseases, injures and conditions before they will look at DM.
The only way it can be conclusively diagnosed is on necropsy (an autopsy performed after the dog has passed away), when a small amount of the spinal cord can be removed and examined under a microscope to check for the classic histopathologic lesions of DM. As many owners do not wish to have the necropsy performed on their beloved pet, there are many deaths caused by a condition that is suspected to be DM, but not diagnosed as such.
Given the age of onset, there are many dogs who have not lived through the diagnostic process or whose symptoms have been attributed to old age, rather than a specific disease.