health

Health & Genetics

All dogs, mixed breed or pure, have a predisposition to certain health abnormalities due to their genetics they inherited from their canine ancestors. Although Boykin Spaniels have a diverse genetic makeup from the open studbook practices before their pedigrees were recorded only a few decades ago, they are still no exception to this rule.

They inherited many good traits from their mix of Spaniels, pointers, retrievers and even some reported "non-hunting" breeds. However, the Boykin Spaniel has also carried on some some of the genetic health problems from these same breeds and a few that have spontaneously appeared from unknown backgrounds.

The Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Assoc. of America is working with the foremost organizations in the world to help identify, record and ultimately eliminate these diseases from the breed. As an AKC club we are improving the health of Boykin Spaniels and all breeds through the AKC Canine Health Foundation as well as hosting and funding club health clinics. Below are a few of the current programs that the BSCBAA has opened up for the breed's well-being as well as the health problems that we have identified and targeted in research.

Common Health Problems

The Boykin Spaniel is a relatively healthy breed. However, there are several known problems seen throughout the breed or in certain bloodlines. With conscientious breeding, the incidence of these problems occurring in offspring can be greatly reduced. The BSCBAA established CHIC database is a valuable tool in determining whether the breeder has checked the prospective parents for all of the available health screening tests.

To obtain a CHIC number, Boykin Spaniels must have a yearly CERF test for eye problems. They must have a test for patellar luxation filed with the OFA. They must have one of 3 available tests for hip dysplasia, the most common being an x-ray filed with the OFA. Optional for CHIC are a heart test filed with the OFA for congenital cardiac diseases and an elbow dysplasia x-ray test filed with OFA.

The 2006 statistics for Boykin Spaniels in the OFA database show that 1968 hip evaluations for Boykin Spaniels have been done to date. 37.5% are abnormal (positive for hip dysplasia) and 60.5% are normal. This makes the Boykin Spaniel ranked 11th worst breed for hip dysplasia out of the hundreds of common and rare breeds that OFA has tracked in their database.

A variety of eye problems are also known throughout the breed. Corneal dystrophy, cataracts, retinal dysplasia and eyelid distichiasis are known problems. It is imperative that breeders check for these diseases before they decide to breed the prospective parents since these problems can cause pain and vision loss is dogs. Since these diseases can develop as the dogs ages, the breeders should have an veterinary eye specialist CERF (the Canine Eye Registry Foundation) the dogs on a yearly basis

Patella luxation is also seen in the breed to some degree. The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). Whenthe patella pops out of place, either in a medially or laterally, it is said to luxate. Patella luxation will cause lameness to the point of the dog being unable to put weight on the affected legs. The 2006 statistics for Boykin Spaniels in the OFA database show that 36 patella evaluations for Boykin Spaniels have been done to date. 27.8% are abnormal (positive for patella luxation) and 72.2% are normal.

Heart/cardiac problems have been found in a few individuals. While it is wise to check breeding stock for these problems, the number of Boykin Spaniels who have been found to have these diseases is very small; as of 2006 none have been recorded in the OFA database. Elbow Dysplasia have been found in several Boykins 2006 statistics for elbow are 10.0% abnormal (positive for elbow dysplasia) and 90.0% normal. Poor coats along with skin diseases, related allergies and hypothyroidism have all been reported as localized to only a few bloodlines or individual dogs. The Boykin Spaniel Club & Breeders Association of America urges all breeders and dog owners to submit their test results for all available databases to the OFA to best realize the extent (or lack) of any disease in the Boykin Spaniel breed.

DNA & the Boykin Spaniel

Genome Study

The Boykin Spaniel Club is participating in a Genome & Dog DNA study to trace the Boykin Spaniel's genetic tree. Who are the true ancestors of the Boykin Spaniel? Hopefully the 6 submitted DNA samples from different Boykin Spaniels around the country will give us a window into their foundation stock. Results will be posted when available. For more information about the Genome Study click on this link : www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/2004/05/20/dog.php

AKC Registry Integrity

The AKC offers a comprehensive set of voluntary and mandatory programs to ensure the integrity of the AKC registry. As the Official AKC Parent Club, the BSCBAA urges all Boykin Spaniel breeders to voluntarily use DNA identification in their breeding program.

For those interested in participating or need more information go to the AKC DNA link at: www.akc.org/dna/index.cfm

CHIC DNA Repository

In early 2006, the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Repository opened to all participating CHIC breeds. As the parent club for CHIC Boykin Spaniels, the BSCBAA applauds this joint venture aimed at improving the health of our breed.

The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic, phenotypic, and lifetime health history information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs. This repository will facilitate more rapid research by expediting the sample collection process and allowing investigators access to a bank of DNA information. Breeders will be able to take advantage of future DNA-based disease tests as they become available. As a result, the repository will foster collaboration between breeder/owners and the research community improving the likelihood of genetic discovery.

The bank accepts either blood samples or buccal (cheek) swabs. The CHIC DNA Repository has partnered with the Veterinary Genetics Lab at the University of California, Davis and the Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at the University of Missouri, Columbia. UC Davis will receive and store all swab samples, and Missouri will receive and store all blood samples.

For more information about how to submit samples to the DNA Repository, please visit the CHIC website at www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnabank.html

Canine Health Information Center

The Canine Health Information Center, also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Boykin Spaniel Club is proud to have opened up this health resource available to all Boykin Spaniels. This program is to help identify our breed's health issues. Use this site as a source for accurate information regarding the health history of a perspective dog or puppy. If the dog is registered in this site, the owner's are doing their part to help insure the future health of Boykin Spaniels.

The CHIC goals are:

To work with parent clubs in the identification of health issues for which a central information system should be established.

To establish and maintain a central health information system in a manner that will support research into canine disease and provide health information to owners and breeders.

To establish scientifically valid diagnostic criteria for the acceptance of information into the database.

To base the availability of information on individually identified dogs at the consent of the owner.

Boykin Spaniel CHIC Requirements

Eye Clearance

CERF evaluation

Patellar Luxation

OFA evaluation

Hip Dysplasia

OFA evaluation

OVC evaluation

PennHip evaluation

Congenital Cardiac Database (Optional)

OFA evaluation

Elbow Dysplasia (Optional)

OFA evaluation

Purina Parent Club Partnership Program

Canine health is important to all of us. Specifically, helping our beloved Boykin Spaniels live longer and healthier lives is a key priority. That's why the BSCBAA is participating in the Purina Parent Club Partnership (PPCP) program.

Purina is the first pet food manufacturer to step forward to financially support National Parent Breed Clubs' efforts to raise money to fund canine health studies and more. Joining Purina Pro Club and participating in the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program or PPCP is your chance to help your breed.

When you choose to participate the PPCP Program credits 10% of the value of all valid weight circle points submitted by BSCBAA Pro Club members to our breed club account. For example, for every $100 worth of qualifying weight circle points earned by a Pro Club member, Purina will donate $10 to the BSCBAA. The points can add up quickly, and so can the cash!

There is no cost to you.The PPCP Program works through Purina's loyalty program, the Purina Pro Club & Members who specify the BSCBAA as their Parent Breed Club and actively participate in the Pro Club program will automatically earn funds to be used by BSCBAA for health studies, rescue and/or educational efforts.

Canine Health Foundation Matching Funds

The AKC's Canine Health Foundation has agreed that PPCP-generated funds that are placed by the club in the breeds' Donor Advised Fund pool are eligible to be matched up to 100% based on the Foundation's guidelines. That means that more money can be applied toward research on health issues that are specific to Boykins or diseases like hip dysplasia, which impact all breeds.

Enrollment Information

For those of you who are already Pro Club members, please make sure you have designated the Boykin Spaniel Club & Breeders Assoc. of America as your parent club to ensure that BSCBAA benefits from your participation in the program. If you are not sure you designated BSCBAA, please call 1-877-PRO-CLUB (1-877-776-2582) for assistance. Our club number
is UKC24

Thank you for supporting the PPCP Program & Members; Together we can help Boykin Spaniels live longer, healthier and happier lives.

What is the Purina Pro Club?

If you feed Purina brand dog foods and aren't already participating, do yourself a favor and check into the benefits of being a Pro Club member. By simply saving weight circles from specified Purina brand bags of dog food, you earn valuable Purina Points for every pound of food purchased. Purina Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including:

Rebate checks

Purina logo apparel and merchandise

Checks for veterinary service

Gift certificates for retail, restaurants and travel

Additionally, members of Purina Pro Club may order free Puppy Starter Kits to send home with new puppy owners. These kits contain a comprehensive puppy care guide, health record, Purina brand puppy food coupon, puppy food sample bags, and space for breed-specific information, photos and pedigree.

For those of you who feed Purina products, but are not current members of Pro Club, we encourage you to consider joining. Pro Club is dedicated to supporting breeders and enthusiasts with exceptional nutrition, great savings and valuable services.

For more information please visit the Purina Pro Club website to enroll at www.purinaproclub.com There you will also find full information on Pro Club benefits as well as a list of brands included in the program.

Health Resource Links

The AKC Canine Health Foundation
www.akcchf.org

Purina Pro Club

www.purinaproclub.com

The Canine Health Information Center Database

www.caninehealthinfo.org

OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

www.offa.org

PennHIP University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program

www.pennhip.org

Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) (refer to Howard Dobson, DVM for diagnostic imaging)

www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/

CERF - Canine Eye Registration Foundation

www.vmdb.org/cerf.html

Patellar Luxation Information from the OFA

www.offa.org/patluxgeninfo.html

The Boykin Spaniel Club
& Breeders Association of America, Inc.

Post Office Box 6265
Gastonia, NC 28056

Acceptance and use of the information contained on this web site constitutes an acknowledgement that the user hereby releases and indemnifies the BSCBAA, and its officers, directors, members, and agents from any and all liability and damages sustained by the user as a result of any information obtained from this web site.