Bernese Mountain Dog with Gene Defect: Common Health Issues and Prevention

Bernese Mountain Dogs with a gene defect can be prone to several health issues.

Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Bernese Mountain Dogs due to their large size and rapid growth rate.

A genetic defect that affects the production of a protein called von Willebrand factor can lead to bleeding disorders in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage hip dysplasia.

Bernese Mountain Dogs with a gene defect can be more susceptible to certain cancers, such as osteosarcoma and mast cell tumors.

Consider reading: Hip Dysplasia in Rottweilers

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to various health issues that can affect their quality of life and longevity. Among the most common problems are cancer, autoimmune disorders, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, thyroid disorders, bowel disorders, torsion and bloat, eye disorders including PRA, cataracts, and entropion.

Some Bernese Mountain Dogs may develop degenerative myelopathy, a condition caused by a mutation of the SOD1 gene, which affects the White Matter tissue of the spinal cord. This disease is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) found in humans.

For your interest: Von Willebrand Disease in Doberman Pinschers

The average age of onset for dogs with degenerative myelopathy is approximately nine years of age. Affected dogs usually present in adulthood with gradual muscle atrophy and loss of coordination, typically beginning in the hind limbs due to degeneration of the nerves.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential to monitor your Bernese Mountain Dog's health and catch any potential issues early on. If you're concerned about your dog's health, don't hesitate to speak with a vet.

Here are some common health problems to watch out for in Bernese Mountain Dogs:

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who conducts health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs to minimize the occurrence of health problems. If you're planning to purchase a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, ask the breeder about their health testing protocols and the health registries and databases they use.

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a slowly progressive neurological condition caused by the deterioration of nerve fibers and their myelin sheath within the spinal cord.

The average age of onset for dogs with DM is approximately nine years of age, although it can start later in life in some cases.

Affected dogs usually present in adulthood with gradual muscle atrophy and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs due to degeneration of the nerves.

The condition is not typically painful for the dog, but will progress until the dog is no longer able to walk.

Degenerative myelopathy is associated with several breeds, including the Bernese mountain dog, German Shepherd, and others.

The gait of dogs affected with DM can be difficult to distinguish from those with hip dysplasia, arthritis of other joints of the hind limbs, or intervertebral disc disease.

In some severe cases, the forelimbs also become affected and affected dogs can become unable to walk and may develop incontinence.

Dogs with significant hind limb impairment can be greatly aided by the use of a harness or cart.

Affected dogs may fully lose the ability to walk within 2 years after the onset of symptoms.

Degenerative myelopathy is caused by a mutation of the SOD1 gene, currently only identified in the Bernese mountain dog.

Carrier dogs do not have features of the disease but when bred with another carrier of the same mutation, there is a risk of having affected pups.

Each pup that is born to this pairing has a 25% chance of inheriting the disease and a 50% chance of inheriting one copy and being a carrier of the SOD1 gene mutation.

Genetic testing for Bernese Mountain Dogs is a crucial step in determining the risk of degenerative myelopathy (DM), a genetic disorder that affects the breed.

Two direct DNA tests are available for the SOD1 gene, which is responsible for DM in Bernese Mountain Dogs. These tests use DNA from a cheek swab and can determine if a dog is at risk for DM.

The SOD1 gene can have either the A or B mutation, not both, and testing for one mutation does not require testing for the other if the dog is at risk for only one mutation.

Related reading: Yorkshire Terrier Not Eating

Genetic testing is reliable for determining whether a dog is a genetic carrier of the degenerative myelopathy SOD1B (Bernese mountain dog type) Mutation.

Inheritance of DM is an autosomal recessive trait, meaning that both copies of the gene must contain a mutation for the dog to be at risk.

Over half of the dogs that have been tested carry at least one copy of a mutated SOD1 gene, and the allele frequency is as high as 37% in the breed.

Here is a list of laboratories that can perform the SOD1 gene test:

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a registry for keeping records of genetic testing, including the SOD1 gene test, and issues certifications to dogs that are not affected by heritable diseases or genetic defects.

VETGEN provides Type I von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Testing, which is also available through the OFA.

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is prone to various health issues, and it's essential to be aware of them to provide the best care for your furry friend. The average age of a BMD at death is about 7 years, but with proper care, many Bernese can live to 10 to 14 years of age.

For more insights, see: Bernese Mountain Dog Care

Genetics play a significant role in many health issues affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs, and breeders should conduct health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs to minimize the occurrence of health problems. If a breeder doesn't know about health registries and databases or doesn't mention health and genetic testing, it may be a red flag.

Some common health issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs include cancer, eye disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation and volvulus ("bloat"), Von Willebrand disease, and vascular disease. It's crucial to be aware of these possibilities and take your dog to the vet for regular check-ups.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on, and PangoVet is an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get personalized advice for your pet.

Here are some of the common health issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs: