* Hip Dysplasia
* Interdigital Cysts
* Entropion
* Ectropion
* Kennel Cough /Parainfluenza
* Heart Disease
* Heat Stroke

 

* Bloat/ Stomach torsion
* Diarrhoea
* Constipation
* Payometra
* Canine Parvovirus (CatFlu)
* Epilepsy
* Hot Spots

 

  
 

Hip Dysplasia:

Considered to be partly hereditary, and partly environmentally and feeding. This is a condition where the hip joint, does not fit properly into the pelvis. This condition unfortunately occurs to a certain degree in the majority of St.Bernards, and can cause varying degrees of lameness. Dogs that suffer from severe hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. Though, this should not be the only consideration when buying a Saint. Rather consider the package as a whole, with temperament being on top of the list.

 
 


Interdigital Cysts:
Caused by seeds, or other foreign bodies that got stuck between the toes. If not removed in time this can become infected and cause an abscess. Prevent by regular bathing and trimming of the feet.

  
 

 

Entropion:
More likely to occur among the heavy-wrinkled type Saints, and dogs with very small eyes. (Non FCI-Saints)
Entropion is a rolling-in of the eyelid. This causes the hair on the surface of the eyelid to rub on the eyeball, which is both painful and often causes corneal ulcers or erosions. The corneal damage can also result in corneal scarring, which can interfere with vision. Usually the dog will squint and tear excessively. If not treated surgically, the cornea will rupture, and the dog can go blind. However, Saints with medial entropion (involving the inside corner of the eyes) show no obvious signs of discomfort. Dogs with inherited entropion should not be bred, as they can pass the trait on to their offspring. If you suspect that entropion is present in your pet, please consult with your family veterinarian. Your doctor may elect to have your pet referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further evaluation and possible surgical treatment. Eyelashes turn in and rub on the cornea, causing ulceration. If not treated surgically, the cornea will rupture, and the dog can go blind.


  
  Ectropion:
Also more likely to occur in the more wrinkled type Saints (Non-FCI). This usually affects droopy eyes. In this case the eyelids turn outwards, but this does not cause as much damage as entropion. Because of increased exposure of the eye, dogs with ectropion are prone to develop allergic or bacterial conjunctivitis - inflammation of the thin membrane which covers the periphery of the surface of the eye and lines the eyelids. Affected dogs may develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca because of reduced efficiency at wetting and cleaning the cornea.Dogs that have had surgical correction for a defect such as ectropion are prohibited from exhibition in the show ring.

Kennel Cough /Parainfluenza:

  
  Most cases of kennel cough occur in dogs that are in close contact with many other dogs Thus the common name: KENNEL COUGH. Several different viruses and airborne bacteria cause kennel cough. The most common are parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and mycoplasma. It is possible that canine adenovirus, reovirus, and canine herpes virus may also contribute. In most cases of kennel cough, the disease is multifaceted and will include a combination of bacterial and viral agents.

The most common viral pathogen in kennel cough cases is parainfluenza. Most "DHLPP" 5-way vaccines, which dogs should receive annually, will offer some protection against this virus.
Normally, symptoms of kennel cough will develop within a week after a dog has been exposed. The most common symptoms are a dry, hacking cough followed by retching, and coughing up a white foamy discharge. The cough is brought on by an inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (the air passages to the lungs). Some dogs also develop conjunctivitis ("pink eye"), rhinitis (inflamed nasal mucous membrane), and a nasal discharge.


  
 

In mild cases, dogs will be alert and continue to eat normally. In more severe cases, a dog can become feverish, depressed, lethargic, expel a thick yellow or green nasal discharge, and possibly even develop pneumonia. Some very severe cases are fatal.

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, isolate the affected animal from all other dogs, and contact your veterinarian immediately! Kennel cough spreads easily and quickly from dog-to-dog through the air. Keep all food and water bowls, and toys separated. Additionally, some pathogens that cause kennel cough can be transmitted from dog to dog via humans (clothes, shoes, etc.). If you think one of your dogs has kennel cough, wash yourself and your clothes, and disinfect your shoes before you come into contact with your healthy dogs.
If your dog has contracted an uncomplicated case of kennel cough, your veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics.

The uncomplicated form of the disease usually lasts for approximately ten days. Complicated kennel cough, usually a combination of virus and bacteria, should always be treated with antibiotics and may last14-20 days. Your veterinarian may also recommend the use of an over-the-counter cough suppressant or a bronchodilator

 
 
  The best prevention is not to expose your dogs to other dogs, especially if they are puppies or have other illnesses. However, dog socialization is frequently necessary and can also be beneficial for your dog. The intranasal kennel cough vaccine is recommended twice a year for all dogs that attend shows, or are boarded. The vaccine provides immunization within 72 hours. If you know your dog will be in contact with several other dogs, it is best to have the dog vaccinated a week prior to their exposure.

Vaccination alone cannot protect your animal from contracting this disease. There is always some risk if you show or board your dog, or if your dog comes into contact with strays. Your best weapon against kennel cough may be your own knowledge of the disease!

 
  Heart Disease:
Also very common in the St.Bernard world.
The signs of heart failure include the following:

* Lack of energy.
* Irregular and rapid breathing.
* Lack of appetite and weight loss.
* Coughing.
* Weakness.
* Fainting.
* Abdominal Swelling

 

    
 

Although the signs of heart disease may appear mild at first, and may be mistaken for signs of aging, heart failure is a serious, progressive problem and can be life-threatening. Not all signs may be present at the same time. Some signs may also be cause by other serious conditions. There are two types of heart disease: congenital and acquired. Congenital heart disease is present at birth and is rare. Acquired heart disease develops over time, usually beginning during middle-age and affective many older dogs

 
 
  The most prevalent type of acquired heart disease, Chronic Valvular Disease (CVD), is also known as mitral regurgitation, mitral valve disease and valvular insufficiency, among other names. In CVD, the heart valves gradually lose the ability to close effectively, which causes abnormalities in blood flow.

The second most common kind of acquired canine heart disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). It's an accquired disease in which the heart muscle becomes dysfunctional over time. Defective transport of calcium ions within the heart muscle diminishes the cells' ability to contract. The heart muscle becomes thin and flabby. Quietly, over a period of several months, the thinning worsens, the heart chambers become dilated (enlarged), and the electrical timing of the heart malfunctions and affected dogs begin to have visible trouble. Before long, the problems cascade into full-blown congestive heart failure and then death.


  
  Over the usual one- to two-year course of the disease, the heart deteriorates from a muscular, automated, fine-tuned pump to a bag of overstretched elastic with misfiring electronics. Both CVD and DCM result in the same serious condition which is called heart failure

Regular examinations by your veterinarian are very important for early detection of hear disease and management of heart failure. Treatment consists of medications aimed at improving cardiac function, decreasing the heart's

 

workload and controlling arrhythmias, if present. Prognosis depends on severity, rate of progression and response to treatment.

 

  
  Heart failure often can be controlled by medication (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, digoxin). The use of diuretics aims to reduce retained fluids, thereby easing the load the heart must pump, digoxin helps the heart muscles contract more vigorously and ACE inhibitors reduce the resistance in peripheral blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily.

If the disease is very severe, however, an affected dog may not survive the initial hospitalization. Even if the illness is initially controlled, the long term prognosis is poor; for example, most affected dogs will die within six months to a year. It can be somewhat better in some cases, but the disease is ultimately fatal.

 

  
 

Heat Stroke:
Big possibility in our hot South African conditions, if no provision is made to cool a dog down. E.g. shady spot in garden, water sprayer, swimming pool, and lots of cool drinking water available all day.
You'll know when a dog is over heating when the breathing becomes laboured and very noisy and rasping. The tongue can even turn blue. If any of these conditions does occur, the dog's temperature should be brought down immediately! Using ice packs, hosing the dog down wit cool water etc.


 
  Bloat/ Stomach torsion:
Very likely in a big breed like the Saint.. This condition is a BIG EMERGENCY, and immediate veterinary assistance is needed!. When torsion occurs, the esophagus is closed off, limiting the dog's ability to relieve distention by vomiting or belching. Often the spleen becomes entrapped as well, and its blood supply is cut off.
Now a complex chain of physiologic events begins.

The blood return to the heart decreases, cardiac output decreases, and cardiac arrhythmias may follow. Toxins build up in the dying stomach lining. The liver, pancreas, and upper small bowel may also be compromised. Shock from low blood pressure and endotoxin rapidly develops. Sometimes the stomach ruptures, leading to peritonitis.

Abdominal distention, salivating, and retching are the hallmark signs of stomach torsion. Other signs may include restlessness, depression, lethargy,

 
  anorexia, weakness, or a rapid heart rate.The dog will need an operation to put the stomach back in its rightful position. If not treated in time this it will be fatal. Unfortunately this condition will more then likely re-occurs. To prevent, Clearly, prevention of stomach torsion is preferable to treatment. In susceptible breeds, feed two or three meals daily and discourage rapid eating. Do not allow exercise for two hours after a meal. While the genetics of stomach torsion are not completely worked out, most breeders and veterinarians feel there is some degree of heritability.

Therefore, while prophylactic gastroplexy will probably help an individual dog, it makes sense not to breed dogs who are affected or who are close relatives of those suffering from this disease.

 

  
  Diarrhoea:
Caused by infection or a change of food, or digesting some foreign object/food. Dangerous in very young puppies, especially if accompanied by sickness. Puppies dehydrate very quickly. If problem persist longer then a day, seek veterinary treatment.

Constipation:
Caused by eating to much bones or bone flour. Liquid paraffin proof to be a good laxative as treatment. If this doesn't work, there might be an obstruction, and it's advisable to seek veterinary attention.


 
 

Payometra:
The word pyometra can be divided into two root words :Pyo means pus, and Metra refers to the uterus
Pyometra starts after a dog goes through a heat cycle, usually within about 3 to 5 weeks. Stimulation of the uterus with abnormal levels of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) cause the lining of the uterus to become thickened and fluid accumulates inside the uterus. Infection develops in the uterus. As the infection progresses, the uterus fills with pus.

 
 
  The infection is life-threatening; closed pyometra (cervix is not open and pus cannot drain to the outside )may cause a pet to become more ill than open pyometra (the pus can drain through the cervix).

Clinical signs include: Pus may or may not drain from the vagina, increased thirst/increased urination, enlargement of the abdomen as the uterus fills with pus, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, enlargement of the abdomen, fever and dehydration.

Pyometra is a life-threatening condition, if the cervix is closed. Animals should be hospitalized and supportive care with the administration of fluids and antibiotics begun immediately. The preferred treatment for pyometra is a hysterectomy (spay), as this is a condition that will re-occur every time the bitch goes through her heat cycle, unless she fell pregnant!

In some females valued for breeding, prostaglandin and antibiotic therapy may be tried instead of surgery. The prostaglandin is given for 5-7 days and causes the uterus to contract and expel the fluid. In mild cases, when the cervix is still open and the fluid is draining, the success rate is excellent. This therapy should only be used in dogs 6 years of age or younger, who are in stable condition, and have an open cervix. Prostaglandins can have side effects, especially after the first dose, including restlessness, panting, vomiting, increased heart rate, fever, and defecation.

The best prevention for this condition, is to have all female animals spayed while still young. If the animal is used for breeding, then spaying the animal after she is past her breeding years is highly recommended. Pyometra is a fairly common and serious problem and is just one of many compelling reasons to have your female pet spayed at an early age.


  
  Canine Parvovirus (Cat Flu):
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young and unborn puppies.

Thanks to inoculations, and boosters that puppies get from 6 weeks, this doesn't occur so much as in the early 70's and 80's.Unfortunately puppies don't have a strong immunity, or the mother wasn't inoculated before she was bred from, making puppies less immune.Puppies are very susceptible between the time they are weaned, and the time they get the inoculations. (This is referred to as the 'window of opportunity')

Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest virus that is passed in the stool of an infected dog. Canine parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the

 
  hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. Thus adult dogs (or humans) visiting the park, or vets offices might spread the virus to puppies at home. The adult dogs themselves are already immune.

Canine parvovirus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly. Veterinarians diagnose canine parvovirus on the basis of clinical appearance only, as it's untraceable in the blood, because of being a viral disease and not parasitic. No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs.

Treatment should be started immediately and consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from other dogs. Proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated kennels and other areas where infected dogs are housed is essential to control the spread of parvovirus.

The only substance known to kill this virus is Chlorine. So either a product like HTH or normal household JIK will work. Mix it 3 parts Chlorine (Jik) to 7 parts water, and spray the whole area. Also make sure you spray car tires, (incoming and outgoing) and shoes to prevent further spread!

 

  
  Epilepsy:
Canine Epilepsy is a growing problem amongst many breeds of dogs, including St. Bernards.Canine Epilepsy does not have to mean a death sentence. Many dogs with epilepsy go on to live relatively normal lives.

Epilepsy is a symptom of an underlying neurologic dysfunction occurring within the brain. Toxic substances, metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities or imbalances cause an uncoordinated firing of the neurons located within the section of the brain known as the cerebrum. These episodes of uncoordinated firing manifest themselves in the form of convulsions or seizures in which the dog may experience mild tremors to severe thrashing movements.

Epilepsy may occur secondary to many diseases such as distemper, brain tumors, liver or heart failure, diabetes, or as a result of exposure to toxic substances or trauma. However, "true" epilepsy as that which occurs in hereditary syndromes within certain breeds. As such, from a clinical standpoint, in cases of true epilepsy, only the symptoms can be treated. Furthermore, true epilepsy does not usually present itself, until the dog is around 2 years or older.

Epilepsy has been found to occur in related individuals. Therefore the assumption is made that it is a genetically inherited disease!. Currently, there is no method for screening potential carriers of the disorder, however, breeders seeking to produce physically sound puppies should not breed dogs known to be afflicted with true epilepsy.

Hot Spots:
Also known as Summer Sores or Moist Eczema. It can appear spontaneously anywhere on a dog's body and the area involved can rapidly spread. This moist, raw skin disorder has a variety of causes but the most consistent factor is bacteria. There are a number of kinds of bacteria that can be cultured from a "hot spot" and fortunately most respond to oral and topical antibiotics. Anything that irritates or breaks the skin can create the environment for bacterial contamination if the skin surface has just a bit of moisture on it. That moisture can be present from a recently given bath, from swimming or being out in the rain, from rolling in wet grass or even from a slightly oozing sore that provides nutrients for bacteria. The most common locations for hot spots are the legs and feet, flanks, and rump - areas that can be reached by licking or biting - but these localized infections can also appear on ears, neck, and chest if the dog is continually scratching.

Two approaches are neccessary for dealing with hot spots: treat the sore and remove the underlying cause to prevent recurrences. Treatment includes clipping the hair from the area to allow it to dry. Not all hot spots have to be shaved, but the larger infected ones heal faster if clipped. The area of dermatitis is then cleaned with an antiseptic. The next step in the treatment plan, involves keeping the dog from continuing to scratch or chew the hot spot and to treat the infection. Most dogs are given a short course of corticosteroids to relieve the itchiness and decrease the inflammation of the area. Antibiotics are recommended also to treat the infection present in the skin.