Health Issues
Like most purebred dogs, Dobermans are not free of health problems. Listed below are the most common health conditions that can affect Dobermans and the available health tests for these diseases.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most serious disease that affects Dobermans and cuts across all lines. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle in which the heart becomes fatty and enlarged requiring the heart to work harder to pump blood to the body. The loss of contractility eventually leads to to congestive heart failure. Irregular heart beats may be also be experienced which may cause sudden death without any overt symptoms.
The only tests available today are an echocardiogram and holter monitor done by a board certified cardiologist. Although limited in their nature and not able to identify carriers, dogs in a breeding program should have both an echocardiogram and a holter moniter done on a yearly basis.
For more info on DCM:
Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) - also known as Wobbler's Syndrome is caused by a malformation of the vertebrae within the neck causing pressure on the spinal cord. It is usually seen in middle aged to older Dobermans. CVI is termed wobbler's syndrome due to the dog's uncoordinated or wobbly gate which progessively worsens over time. The only definitive diagnosis of Wobblers Syndrome is a mylogram or MRI. There is no breeding test available for CVI.
For more info on CVI:
Hypothyroidism is the reduction of thyroid hormone production which affects the dog's metabolism. It is the most common endocrine disease in dogs but may be overdiagnosed. Dobermans have a genetic susceptibility to this disease meaning it should be considered in breeding decisions. Although, hypothyroid ism is easily treated and dogs who receive proper treatment have a normal life span it still needs to be considered in breeding decisions.
For more info on hypothyroidism:
CAH is a genetic disease of the liver. It's most commonly seen in middle aged females. But can occur in males. CAH causes persistent increases in ALT, alkaline phosphatase levels and usually rises in serum bile acid levels, as well. Increased levels of copper may also been seen but not always. A definitive diagnosis is made by liver biopsy. Once symptoms are seen, the dog is usually in liver failure. The cause is unknown and there is no known cure only management of the disease. Management is usually through a low fat, low protein diet and the use of corticosteroids.
An annual liver screening is recommended for all Dobermans. Breeding stock should have a liver screening done before breeding takes place.
For more info on CAH:
A genetic bleeding disorder for which there is a DNA test.
Genetically affected vWD Dobermans may never show any clinical signs, although some will bleed during trauma or surgery. von Willebrands in Dobermans is a mild form of the disease. However, the disease can be very serious for the small number of Dobermans that are clinically affected.
All breeding stock should be tested for vWD through the DNA test. It's a an easy one time test that could eliminate this disease in the Doberman.
For more info on vWD:
Although the incidence of hip/elbow dysplasia in Dobermans is not high, all Dobermans should have their hips and elbows x-rayed for hip dysplasia. Hip dyplasia is a disease in which there is abnormal development of the femoral head ( the knob on the top of the thigh bone) and the socket region of the hip bone into which it should fit. Dysplastic dogs are usually born with hip joints that appear normal, but which subsequently undergo structural changes. This is why it is recommended to x-ray hips after 2 yrs. of age for an OFA rating however preliminary x-rays can be done.
For more info on Hip/Elbow Dysplasia:
All breeding Dobermans should have their eyes checked by a board certified opthamologist for heriditary eye disease. CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) registration shows a breeder supports the goal of eliminating heritable eye disease and provides proof of integrity and commitment in eliminating these problems. The dog is examined by a canine opthamologist in an effort to remove dogs with eye disease from breeding programs so they will not pass on these diseases to future generations.
For more info on Canine Eye Disease:
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