Health testing for breeding purposes
The Leonberger have few known genetic problems, however most large and giant breed dogs may have potential transmitted genetic problems with Hips and Elbows. Therefore these two areas must be tested. Some dogs can also have problems with their eyes - this is the third test which a responsible breeder will undertake.
We decided to use the Penn Hip method for testing Hips laxity. This is a non subjective method of testing developed in the USA at the University of Pennsylvania. For more information please visit their website.
Dogs as young as 4 months can be tested using the PennHip method, we have decided to wait until each dog reaches 12 months of age, so that we may also do the elbow testing at the same time.
| Tests | Odinn | Freya | Octavia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Hip (L/R) DI | .25/.27 |
.34/.31 | .34/ |
| Penn Hip Cavitation | None |
None | Yes on R |
Penn Hip DJD |
None |
None | None |
| NZVA Elbow(L/R) | 0/B |
1a/1a |
0/0 |
| NZVA Elbow Accreditation | Accredited |
No |
Accredited |
| Eyes | Clear |
Clear |
See Below |
What does it all mean -
Penn Hip - DI is the distraction index, this measures the laxity profile of hips within the Leonberger breed. At the date of testing for Odinn on 4 September 2006, 181 Leonbergers had been tested using the Penn Hip method. The median DI for this group was 0.48. Odinn's score meant that his hips were tighter than 100% of the group and that his hip laxity is in the tighter half of the laxity profile. He also showed no sign of Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) or cavitation.
Freya's score means that her hips are tighter than approximately 90% of this group of Leonberger, and that her hip laxity is in the tighter half of the laxity profile. The median for the group at the date of testing wa 0.48 and was based on a cross-section of 181 Leonbergers. Her test was done on 4.12.2006.
Octavia's score means that her hips are tighter than approximately 90% of this group of Leonberger, and that her hip laxity is in the tighter half of the laxity profile. The median for the group at the date of testing was 0.47 and there were 202 Leonbergers tested to date. Octavia had cavitation in her right hip. Cavitation is the temporary development of nitrogen bubbles in a joint. This is what allows humans to crack their knuckles. This phenomenon has no adverse effect on the joint other than we were not able to obtain a laxity score for this hip. Octavia was tested on 9 June 2008.
NZVA - elbow testing the result means that Grade 0- no evidence of elbow dysplasia. This is the optimum grade. Grade B (Borderline) - subtle changes are seen on the elbow radiographs which are suggestive of elbow dysplasia but are of insufficient severity to be conclusive. A Borderline grade is a good score. To obtain accreditation under this scheme a dog must be 12 months of age and have scored either 0-0, 0-B or B-B in both elbows.
A score of Grade 1 means that obvious osteophytes indicating arthrosis of the joint are seen on the radigraphs. In high risk breeds this score currently represents a better than average score. As many dogs fall in this category the grade was split into 1a and 1b, with 1a being the more desirable grade.
Eye testing - Octavia has a mild case of distichiasis, this means that hair growing on the eyelids of the dogs grow on the inside and as such can irritate the eyes. Octavia appears to have grown into her eyes and is now ever seldom bothered by this. This condition is not transmitted genetically, but please ask any questions you may have on this.
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