The mastiff breed is in a constant state of evolution,
and what it evolves into will be the direct of result of responsible
(or irresponsible) breeding programs.
At Windsong Mastiffs, we believe that Mastiff health
has many facets. Part of the breed's health will be derived from sound
genetic breeding principles and genetic screening, that are taken
into consideration at every breeding. Part of the breed's health will
be derived from the education that we give each of our new puppy owners,
so that they are equipped with the knowledge to raise their Mastiff
properly. This page seeks to outline some of our beliefs about Mastiff
health: what mastiff breeders have done well and what we can improve
on. For further information about any of these tests, please visit
our Resources Page.
Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia & OFA Screening
The evidence in favor of continued OFA screening for hip dysplasia
is irrefutable. A combination of consistent OFA screening and breeding
decisions that take the OFA results into account is the key to continued
improvement in the breed. Mastiff breeders have made vast improvements
in the prevalence of hip dysplasia by using OFA screens. A similar
effort and focus must now be placed on elbow dysplasia. There is a
higher incidence of elbow dysplasia, than hip dysplasia, at this time.
This genetic screening is an important part of the factors to be considered
when planning a breeding. With education and attention to this difficult
condition, it too can be diminished as a problem in our breed.
PRA
Premature retinal atrophy is an affliction that affects many breeds,
and mastiffs are no exception. This disease is a fairly new "wrinkle"
in mastiff health, and the MCOA has done a phenomenal job of supporting
research to help find a genetic screen for this disease. Until that
research can be completed, all mastiffs should be screened for PRA
by having a CERF exam (Canine Eye Registry Foundation). One of our
dogs is afflicted with this disease, and she is magnificent. Please
take a minute to go meet Casey! However, due
to the possibility of passing PRA to get offspring, we will not use
her in our breeding program.
Cystinurea
Again, this is a disease that is found in many breeds, but that mastiffs
seem to be particularly vulnerable to. The importance of this screening
lies in the fact that this disease is treatable! The symptoms presented
in a dog that has it, can easily be misdiagnosed. If your mastiff
has not been Cystinurea tested, your vet may inadvertently treat your
dog incorrectly - causing further damage! Get your mastiff tested
right away.
A mastiff is a wonderful creature...gentle and strong. Please do not
neglect the very simple steps that you can take to ensure that your
mastiff stays healthy, and that the breed continues to improve - generation
by generation. This can only be accomplished by supporting responsible
breeding practices and responsible ownership. We all share the responsibility
for this. Do your part to make it happen!
