Veterinarians use a wide variety of tests to certify good health or indicate the presence of infection or disease. A Complete Blood Count or Full Blood Count shows the number and type of cells in the dog's blood. This standard test can identify conditions like anaemia and leukaemia, as well as diagnosing many infections. A Serum Chemistry Profile includes a variety of … [Read more...] about Understanding Laboratory Tests
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease of the eye that causes blindness. The retina is the tissue lining the back wall of the inside of the eye and is composed of two classes of photoreceptor cells called rods and cones; the rods function in dim light, and the cones in bright light. A dog affected with PRA begins to have difficulty seeing in dim light, … [Read more...] about Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Patella Luxation is not common in Canaan Dogs, but there have been a few dogs who have been diagnosed with it. It is therefore advisable that breeders have their dogs and puppies tested by a vet. What is it? Luxating means out of place, or dislocated. The patella is the equivalent to the human kneecap and part of the stifle structure, and therefore a luxating patella is a … [Read more...] about Patella Luxation
Addison's disease is essentially the opposite of Cushing's disease, that is hypoadrenocorticism as opposed to hyperadrenocorticism. Primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) results from a deficient production of glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid or both due to bilateral destruction of all of the layers of the adrenal cortex. Most cases of Addison's disease are … [Read more...] about Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's Disease)
In general, the Canaan Dog is one of the healthiest breeds around with no known hereditary problems. As guardians of the breed, breeders have a responsibility to ensure that the breed remains so, not just for today but for future generations. To help breeders achieve this there are various scientific tools available today, including testing dogs for hereditary problems … [Read more...] about Are Canaan Dogs a healthy breed?