Re: [PyrNet-L] Health discussion

[Charlotte & Jack Perry <pyreau@erols.com>]

Jan,
The Great Pyrenees Club of America set up a data base to collect
information about dwarfism in the breed a number of years ago.  The aim
of the study is hopefully to collect enough information and blood
samples of dwarves and their relatives to some day identify a genetic
marker.  All indications are that dwarfism is a simple recessive and
both parents must be carriers to produce a dwarf.  Unfortunately, 50% of
all offspring of a carrier will also be carriers.

There are certain characteristics of the bone formation of the front
legs of dwarf pups that can be identified by a qualified Vet (one
connected with the Health Committee study) from x-rays of the front legs
when the pup is between 6-8 weeks of age.

Apparently dwarfism has been in the breed in the U.S. for a very long
time, but only recently have breeders been willing to share information
and to work towards a solution to the problem.  If you see a dwarf or
know of someone who has one, please encourage them to contact the GPCA
Health Committee. So far, I have not heard of dwarf Pyrs in other
countries. 
Charlotte

ARIEGE wrote:
> 
> Went in to visit one of the sites mentioned last week and for the first time
> saw 2 dwarf Pyr puppies. This was a subject I think Joe had mentioned the
> other week when we were listing some of the problems we have come across
> over the years in the Breed.  I know nothing about dwarfs other than having
> read the odd article and have not to date seen the wee guys here.  Is this a
> recessive gene that becomes dominant? What is their life span? Would they
> suffer severe health problems? Is there any sort of testing available to
> detect why some puppies are dwarves?  I have to tell you that after seeing
> them it kept me awake thinking about them. Can a dwarf puppy be detected
> very early on in a litter say around 2 weeks? Lots of questions.
> Thankyou. PS PMDC Website has a Health Section added and I noticed Bloat was
> mentioned but haven't had ime to read it yet.
> Jan Chaplin Ariege-Roussillon Pyreneans
> visit PMDC Site at http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Zoo/6339/
> 
> To unsubscribe, send a message to esquire@pyrnet.org with
>         unsubscribe pyrnet-l
> as the BODY of the message.  The SUBJECT is ignored.