Vizla Club of America

Health

For more information, contact: vcawf2000@gmail.com
Krista Schroeder, VCA Public Health Coordinator
Cathy Gallagher, Chair, VCA Breed Sustainability Committee

See also the VCA Welfare Foundation

Epilepsy Research —PHASE 3

In the fall of 2014, with funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), Dr. Ned Patterson and his team at the University of Minnesota launched Phase 3 of the Epilepsy Research Initiative to identify multiple markers for the disease, concentrating on both the Vizsla and the Australian Shepherd.  To insure the success of this research, Dr. Patterson’s team needs as many affected samples from seizing dogs as possible, including related family members. They also need samples from unaffecteds (or controls) who are 8 years or older. FMI about sample submission and participation in the Epilepsy Research Initiative, please contact Katie Minor at minork@umn.edu. All submission information will be kept confidential.

For more information about Research sponsored by the VCA WF

Health Resources

• AKC Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
• CHIC Vizsla fact sheet  
• CHIC Health Survey  
• Orthopedic Foundation of Animals
• Information about PennHIP
• Recording PennHip scores in the OFA database 
• Facts about PennHIP and the Vizsla 
• Find a Health Clinic -- CERF, Cardiac, DNA, Thyroid, Microchip
• DNA Testing

Health Information and Research

• Information about CIRD (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease)  
• Information about Brucellosis (B. Canis):  
• What is Brucellosis? Q & A for Dog Owners  
• Best Practices for B. Canis prevention (USDA)  
• Important Muscle Diseases In The Vizsla Dog: What My Veterinarian Should Know To Reach A Correct Diagnosis   G. Diane Shelton DVM, PhD, DACVIM
• Health Implications in Early Spay and Neuter in Dogs
• Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas -- M.Christine Zink DVM PhD et. al.
• Fight Diseases: Participate in Canine Research
• Broad Institute is collecting DNA samples from all pure-bred dogs
• 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
• Dr Jean Dodds 2016 Vaccination Protocol
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccination Guidelines 2015  
• Information about CIV (Canine Influenza)
• States with Medical Exemptions in Lieu of Rabies Vaccination

Vizsla Breed Health Survey, sponsored in 2008 by the VCA WF

The 2008 Vizsla Health Survey was sponsored and funded by the Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation, Inc. The purpose of this health survey was to inform scientific research that to help us identify and better understand the health issues present in the Vizsla breed today. This was an anonymous survey, and all data collected was kept confidential.

• Health Survey Results  
• Additional analysis of survey results -- M.Christine Zink DVM PhD et. al. in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA, Vol 244, No.3, February 1, 2014)

VCA Health Resolutions (as of August 2018)

Resolution

The Vizsla Club of America (VCA) calls for ALL breeding stock to be radiographed and specifies that no dog or bitch with the slightest evidence of hip dysplasia be used for breeding purposes.  In keeping with this resolution, and in full support of the VCA Code of Ethics (which states that only those Vizslas that are over two years of age, x-rayed and OFA-certified as free of hip dysplasia get bred), the VCA agrees to accept the removal of OFA listing requirements in advertisements in all official VCA publications, with the exception of Stud Dog listings and litter announcements.

Instructions for OFA diagnosis may be obtained for a fee from the:
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
www.offa.org
2300 E. Nifong Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65201-3856
(573) 442-0418

PennHip Testing (Optional)
Fast facts about PennHip research
For more information about PennHip testing and expenses:
ANTECH Imaging Services
17672-B Cowan Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614 USA
Voice: 877.727.6800
Fax: 877.870.4890
http://info.antechimagingservices.com/

Resolution

The officers and board of directors of The Vizsla Club of America, Inc., in cognizance of their respective responsibilities to protect the breed and foster its development, do hereby condemn the breeding of dogs with serious genetic defects including: epilepsy, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). Von Willebrand's Disease, entropian and cranial muscular atrophy.  (Please note: tests for PRA and Von Willebrand's Disease are available.  Please discuss this with your veterinarian.)

Resolution

The officers and board of directors of The Vizsla Club of America, Inc., in cognizance of their respective responsibilities to protect the breed and foster its development, do hereby condemn crossbreeding of purebred Vizslas and falsification of registration documents.  All person's following the Vizsla fancy are enjoined to subscribe to this ethic in the best interest of the breed.