Information about health in our two breeds
is published at regular intervals in the magazine of R.A.L.I.E.
in order to inform the owners and breeders about the main
pathologies.
At the 2003 Breed Show, R.A.L.I.E. organised
an investigation – free of charge, anonymous and optional
– of the heart diseases, especially the dilated cardiomyopathy
(DCM) of the Irish Wolfhound. The day before, a very explanatory
lecture with slides had been given (Magazine n° 110).
The prevalence of this disease in the Irish Wolfhound breed
is proven. It already forms the subject of studies in several
countries and we could no longer ignore this problem since
health is the first criterion of selection.
Since then, we have put up a protocol of
investigation – with the assistance of specialists in
the matter – which entered into force on the 25th of
Feb. 2006, when the majority of the Board of RALIE had accepted
it. Previously, it had been validated and accepted by the
Scientific Commission of the French Kennel Club (SCC) and
by the National Superior Council of the Order of Veterinaries.
The goal of this investigation is to lower
the incidence of DCM in our population. Being and evolutive
pathology, we ask for a testing every 18 months. The echographical
examination will be practised according to a specific protocol
and the results transmitted for interpretation to an official
Expounder, chosen by the club, who will be the only one entitled
to classify the dogs.
Furthermore, the testing will be included
in the Quotation
System: the examination will be compulsory for acceding
to the distinctions Recommendated (4 points), Elite B (5 points)
and Elite A (6 points) with the result “free from DCM”
dating from less than 18 months. For the other hounds (not
recommendated), even if it will not be obligatory, it remains
strongly advised and the mention “free from DCM”
will be added in the list of litters born. This will doubtlessly
set up a criterion of selection for the future puppy buyers.
France is an important breeding country and
it is therefore essential to join the circle of those who
are already selecting, in order to give more weight to this
venture which must pass beyond the boundaries of the frontiers
with the only aim to improve the breeds.
N.B. The details of the
protocol and the forms to use for testing and screening may
be consulted and downloaded in their French version. Because
of their relevance for Wolfhound breeders and owners living
in France only, they have not been translated into English.
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