TervurenHealth

The Tervuren is a relatively healthy, long lived breed. But like every other breed, they do have some health issues worth discussing.

EPILEPSY- Probably the most important health issue affecting Tervuren is ideopathic epilepsy. Estimates range from a 14 to 20% rate of incidence. Epilepsy, or seizures can manifest in many ways, the severity of which directly affects the dog(and owners!) quality of life. A dog might experience small seizures, hardly noticeable such as "staring" or "absence" episodes. Or the dog could suffer from grand mal seizures which are frightening to everyone involved. Or the seizures could fall somewhere between these two extremes.

At this time we have no DNA test to prove our breeding stock clear of epilepsy. There is no pedigree that is clear of the potential to produce epilepsy, and any breeder who assures you that you could not get epilepsy in "their lines" is either an uninformed breeder, or they are deliberately misleading.

There is currently a study underway at UCDavis where a team is working hard to find the genes responsible for causing epilepsy. Breeders everywhere are excited that some day soon, they really can produce puppies who will never suffer from this disorder!

HIP DYSPLASIA- Though not a huge problem in Tervuren hip dysplasia does exist. Most Tervuren breeders are extremely conscientious about having their breeding stock checked by radiograph to assure that they aren't breeding animals affected with this problem. Though this is no guarantee that all the offspring will be dysplasia free, it is the best tool we have to date to combat this problem. Elbow dysplasia has also occurred and today many breeders are checking elbows as well before breeding.
For more info on dysplasia, here is a link to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

EYE PROBLEMS- There are a couple of eye disorders that have appeared in Tervuren over the years. Juvenile cataracts, Retinal Dysplasi, and Retinal Folds, micropthalmia, PPM (persistant pupillary membranes) and PRA, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Breeders should have their breeding stock checked yearly by a veterinary opthalmologist to make sure the dogs are free from any eye disorders that may be passed on to their pups. Why a yearly check-up? Because cataracts can appear at any age, and PRA does not usually manifest itself until the dog is somewhat older ( around 8 years of age on average) The breeder may either provide you with a CERF certificate, or perhaps just a copy of the opthalmologists report. Either way, make sure that the eye check has been done at some point in the previous 12 months. For more information on canine eye disorders, the Canine Eye Registry Foundation has a very informative site on canine eye diseases.

AUTOIMMUNE- Autoimmune thyroiditis does occur in Tervuren. Though usually controllable with medication, dogs with this disorder should not be used in a breeding program. Hypothyroidism has been linked with seizure activity in some dogs. Many breeders use a blood test from Michigan State University to make sure their breeding stock is free from hypothyroidism. Often this will be noted as "MSU thyroid normal" in any advertising. Some breeders do have the dogs thyroid status registered with the OFA, this would be noted with an OFA thyroid registry number.

The good news is that it is not unusual for Tervuren to live into their middle teens and even beyond! Most enjoy good health and stay physically and mentally active well into their golden years. With good care, good food, and lots of love, it is realistic to expect your Tervuren to age gracefully and remain an active companion for many, many years!